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A Sloan
B The Tragically Hip
Thornley’s Tiny Pictures Reeks Of Nickelback
12/12/08 3:35pm
by Mandy Savoie (CHARTattack)
Frontman Ian Thornley recorded all the vocal, guitar and bass parts himself. Nickelback drummer Daniel Adair played on 11 of the album's 12 tracks, while The Black Crowes' Steve Gorman drummed on a power ballad titled "Changes."
Adair's bandmate, Chad Kroeger, was also involved with the album. Aside from 604 being his label, Kroeger co-wrote "Your Song" with Thornley. That's funny; I thought Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote that song. No, not "That Song." That was a hit for Thornley's previous band, Big Wreck.
This is Thornley's first album since 2004's gold-certified Come Again. Thornley acknowledges that there was a long gap between records, but says it was worth the wait to work with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Foo Fighters).
"I got a great new friend out of it and I got a kickass record, made by a world class producer and engineer."
The cover art was created by Storm Thorgerson, whose work has previously graced the covers of albums by Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC.
Thornley formed the band after Big Wreck broke up in 2002. Guitarist Tavis Stanley, drummer Eric Paul and bassist Cale Gontier compose the live lineup.
Tiny Pictures lead single "Make Believe" was co-written by Thornley and Dave Genn (54-40, Matthew Good Band). It hits radio today and can be downloaded from iTunes on Dec. 16.
Thornley has played select one-off gigs and also opened for Lenny Kravitz on his recent Canadian dates. A cross-Canada tour is planned for early in the new year.
Here are the songs on Tiny Pictures:
"Underneath The Radar"
"Changes"
"Man Overboard"
"Your Song"
"Make Believe"
"This Is Where My Heart Is"
"Better Side Of Me"
"Might Be The End"
"Conscience & Consequence"
"All Fall Down"
"Be There For Me"
"Another Memory"
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- luckyoaf
- Fri, 12/12/2008 - 5:42pm
Wow, Nickelback bashing... that's really original. Has thewriter of this article even heard the album? Does everyone on 604 Records soundlike Nickelback? No, of course not. And just because Nickelback’s drummer is onthe album and Kroeger co-wrote one song does not mean the album"reeks" of Nickelback. That's just plain unfair. I think Ian Thornleyhas demonstrated that he's a much more gifted songwriter and musician than mostrock musicians in
- BUK
- Fri, 12/12/2008 - 5:56pm
AB,
It's the "reeks" part that is unwarranted editorial. The limited creative market that Chad has carved out for himself is a proven powerhouse. Not mu cup of tea, but that does not negate the talent of Adair or Chad's ability to shape a hit in another genre.
Ian Thornley is a force all his own and should be compared on the merits of his work not his associations. Lets HEAR the record before you skewer it.
- Kevin
- Fri, 12/12/2008 - 7:57pm
LMFAO !
Unlike you ... I have actually heard these songs both in a live setting and studio versions young Savoie ! .
I can unequivocally report that the only thing that "reeks" around here is what you are trying to pass off as qualified journalistic and editorial skills.
- Sarah Kurchak
- Fri, 12/12/2008 - 8:00pm
- johnpapa
- Sat, 12/13/2008 - 3:25am
Kevin, you bring up a valid point when you say "I have actually heard these songs" and "young Savoie" has not.
You should pass this info onto Thornley's PR company or label. And Since you seem to hint that you're some kind of authority, having access to these songs and all, I hope you can.Don't send out a press release hyping an album if you don't send an advance copy or a digital press kit with files for a journalist to listen to.
INo journalist is going to put their byline on a canned story, so without the opportunity to formulate their own conclusion about a record, or without an opportunity for an interview, they're forced to add something to make it stand out for the other 100 media outlets the release was sent to. When you point out a Nickelback connection to a magazine that is consistently unfavourable towards Nickelback, what are you expecting?
If you don't know your audience or present your key messages properly, you're not going to get the outcome you wanted.
Do it right, or don't complain.
- Kevin
- Sat, 12/13/2008 - 10:47am
You make a valid point too John ... however.
The assumption that I am some sort of "authority" is a perfect example of another wrongly drawn conclusion from The Chart Attack camp !
I am simply a fan and supporter of great Canadian music, something that Chart Attack might want to endeavor to be too.
It recognizes that Canadians want to know about their home-grown bands and covers the Canadian scene with an edgy attitude and pushing the envelope with its editorial.
^ from your site
When you resort to this type of journalism it speaks volumes about you as a "source" for Canadian music editorials.
I might add that creating a prepubescent headline hardly quantifies one as a journalist.
I place your on-line rag no higher than a supermarket tabloid in your reporting of the Canadian music scene.
- Ninja Star
- Sat, 12/13/2008 - 10:35am
Only taste is completely subjective and a journalist needs to write in his or her own voice not your's. "Reeks" is apt, as opposed to "Smells like Nickleback", it simply makes for a solid headline. Besides the immediate fact that Nickleback's contribution is obvious and thus listening to the album one might notice their heavy influence.
Chart does appreciate great Canadian music, if you find mention to some in this article let me know. Also; endeavor.
- jana m
- Sun, 12/14/2008 - 2:10am
Just another example of the bias of Chart Attack towards any act that actually sells records. This is the reason that Neil Young and so many other succesful artists leave and/or disown Canada. Because the music media largely consists of a bunch of bitter failed musicians who can only lash out like 5 year olds when a Canadian succeeds internationally.
As for the "argument" that the word "reeks" is somehow apt or neutral and is simply a "solid headline". Give me a break, and give your head a shake. "Reek" is defined as "a strong, unpleasant smell." There is nothing neutral about it. For example, the headline of this article reeks of a bitter never-was-trying-to-be-a-has-been, of a loser who hates the fact that he is sitting on the sidelines writing for a crappy online zine whilst poeple like Ian Thornley and Chad Kroeger are actually doing things in the real world.
And it makes me wonder...has the author heard the record? Is this supposed to suggest that he has heard the record and feels it sounds like Nickelback? No, the author has not heard the record. Rather, as usual he is just looking for an excuse to hide behind his computer and slag a couple of artists that he is jealous of. And what is the supposed evidence of how this album reeks of Nickelback?
1) Nickelback members perform on the album.
Really? More than one member? I thought it was just Daniel Adair. The drummer. Who does a ton of session work for other artists. But if this was real journalism involving things like research and a grip on common knowledge, you would know that. So....are you seriously suggesting that because the drummer from a certain band does some session work for another artist, that the resulting work is going to sound like the drummer's band? Utterly ridiculous.
2) Nickelback members co-write songs on the album.
The use of the plural again...guess when you got nothing, you have to try and embellish any way you can. You are a journalist. Get your facts straight. Who from Nickelback, in addition to Chad Kroeger, co wrote songs? How many of the songs did he co write? I understand 2 of the songs have small co writing contributions from Chad Kroeger.2 songs out of 11 or 12 songs. Talk about a misleading statement.
3) The album's coming out on a label co-owned by a member of Nickelback
So did the Organ. And Marianas Trench. And country artist Jessie Farrell? So......do they reek of Nickelback?
Why don't you stick to the facts and keep your bitter, envious outbursts confined to your therapy sessions? No wonder the print edition of this rag went under. It is not journalism...it is just a bunch of aging losers unable to accept their own failures. You have done a disservice to Thornley. 90% of the album was NOT produced by CHad Kroeger. He produced one song, for fuck's sake. You should be ashamed of yourself.
- Kevin
- Sun, 12/14/2008 - 7:15pm
Thanx for the heads up on the "hard copy " of Chart Attack going under Jana M. I will be sure to share that in my circle of friends.
And Sarah, I am not familiar with Nicklebacks "Beer O'Clock" but of all the songs on Chad's new album I am more than certain that one of the lines on it was written just for you So much cuter with something in your mouth.
To Ninja Star - you state that Chart Attack does appreciate Canadian Music. I suggest to you and your fellow Chart Attack staff members, once you have actually listened to "Tiny Pictures" in its entirety you can still report with your edgy attitude and pushing the envelope style. I would also suggest that you may find influences that are more akin to Led Zeppelin, and early Supertramp. Howz that for pushing the envelope ?
Ian has in turn co-written with "many" artists too. ie (Jully Black). To suggest that our lovely Jully now sounds like THORNLEY is just as ridiculous as your earlier assumptions.
You truly will have an opportunity to redeem yourselves in front of Canadian music fans and artists when you actually review the album. I sincerely look forward to that review as I know you can do better than what you have shown us thus far.
PROUD TO BE CANADIAN !
- Sarah Kurchak
- Sun, 12/14/2008 - 7:51pm
Disagree with me if you want, Kevin. But please do resort to attacking me with that sort of comeback. You know how angry you feel because some writers you don't know insulted a band you like on the internet? Multiply that by a lifetime of being a woman in a sexist society, having men who don't even know you treat you like an object or like prey, having to deal with the kind of mysogynistic lyrics that bands like Nickelback produce and, to top it all off, having angry little man like you throw those same lyrics around because the uppity female dared to have an opinion that didn't agree with yours.
By the way, Beer O'Clock was a stunt Nickelback used to do at lives shows. I know this because I actually saw them do it live when I was taking the time to listen to them and experience what they were about. I then came to the conclusion that they fucking reeked.
- Kevin
- Sun, 12/14/2008 - 8:08pm
as for what's in your mouth ... Chad makes reference to a "thumb" .
I found that rather fitting for you as your immature statements are more fitting of a thumb sucker .
So don't worry Sarah ... there was nothing sexist intended.
- solaris24
- Sun, 12/14/2008 - 9:03pm
- jana m
- Sun, 12/14/2008 - 9:17pm
I love it. It took you all of 24 minutes to respond to the original post. On a Saturday night. Get a fucking life. Plus, we all know you probably waited 20 minutes to try and give the impression that you do more than sit around on your computer waiting for people to respond to your so called journalism. Gee.....you might want to wait 30 minutes this time so that everyone does not figure out what a total loser you are (if they have not already done so by reading the article or your lame comments).
You don't like Nickelback? Wow.....what a revelation. What cutting edge journalism. Talk about taking risks in your writing! Slagging Nickelback...boy, that is gutsy stuff! You are a like Bernstein and Woodward rolled into one. Your writing reeks of a pullitzer prize.
So you don't like Nickelback......Kevin asked the best question.....what does that have to do with Thornley? And Solaris, that is the whole point. You are right...the story itself is not too bad..then you have to destroy any sense of objectivity or reporting the facts with a totally biased headline that destroys any credibility the story might have. The headline is misleading and insulting. And defending it that much more so.
- Sarah Kurchak
- Sun, 12/14/2008 - 10:24pm
- jana m
- Mon, 12/15/2008 - 3:43am
"Oh, i so don't care what you Thornley fans think. I so don't care that i am going to post this ironic and detached email to show that this kind of petty crap is so below me. In fact, i am going to post 8 ironic and detached comments within 24 hours to show just how much i don't care what you thornley fans think. Isn't it obvious how much i just don't care what you Thornley fans say?"
yawn
- Kate Harper
- Mon, 12/15/2008 - 2:08pm
- Ninja Star
- Tue, 12/16/2008 - 11:45am
- Xaedelus
- Fri, 04/24/2009 - 11:42pm
It really is mind blowing just how much lack of understanding there is from a business perspective regarding decision made in making an album. Do any of you crap talkers know how much it costs to produce an album? Not likely... If I was Chad, I would happily co-write anything with Thornley not only to be paid royalties on publishing rights to the song which would definitely offset any production costs initially incurred by the label ( Chad's obviously ) and to save even more expenses, I would ask one of my current band mates to lay down his skills for a nominal fee to help out a fellow artist on his modest but incredibly successful label. Sounds like Nickelback? WTF??? Thornley has one of the most unique musical signatures I have ever heard! Possibly surpassing that of Nickelback's and even Rush's for that matter. Undeniably Ian Thornley. The producer is responsible for bringing out the sound that is proprietary to the artist he's working with. If other VERY successful artists want to lend a riff or lyric, only to make it that much more memorable to us, then so be it. That only means more production value for all of us buying the album. For those of us still buying albums and keeping our ever fading music industry alive.
if you really feel the way you do, don't bother catching Thornley in concert in hopes to hear the likes of Nickelback, he's a Canadian Rock Legend and will forever be revered by fans like myself. keep it coming Ian, we're dying to hear the next prolific lyric and godly guitar melody you have locked inside your heart.
Regards,
Fan forever
- darrinnewdoor
- Fri, 06/12/2009 - 11:35pm
So did the Organ. And Marianas Trench. And country artist Jessie Farrell? So......do they reek of Nickelback?
and they reek too.nice plug for the other garbage coming out on that fruitstand of a label. most would ask "who?"
after seeing ol' thornley bumble his way around toronto for ten years in a stupour, it's sad that the only deal he could get is a welfare cheque from ol' chad kroger and the boys at 604. nice to see his team of interns spending his money by getting on here to tell the world how great the new Drunkley album is, not mentioning his tour is largely made of venues like Fruitstand Thunder Bay opening for ChinWaddle and the Calgary Stampede opening for the Jugglers. (not a band, they are guys who juggle...)
FESTIVAL SHOWS WHERE BANDS GO TO DIE
he is also referred to jokingly as "the Chris Cornell of Kensignton Market".
a comment made about his originality was quite funny.original maybe if you only ever heard three records in your life, none of them being soundgarden,led zeppelin or if you like guitar school solos such as his, eddie van halen. Dunkley is about as original as the piltdown man.
and btw, CANADIAN ROCK LEGEND is an insult in the industry .that means DIDN'T MAKE IT IN THE STATES BUT PLAYING THE STATE FAIR WITH TROOPER AND LOVERBOY AND 5440! thats pretty legendary alright.
from wiki;
Make Believe" with Dave Genn (54-40, Matthew Good Band), "Your Song" with Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, and "Another Memory" with Alain Johannes and Natasha Shneider (Eleven, Queens of the Stone Age).
wow. isn't that the guy who got kicked out of the Matthew Good band because of his drug problem? maybe that was the bass player. thats the story goin around anyway. more 604 welfare for people who were in bands in the 90's that need to crutch each other up because no one else hires them for anything. again, "WHO?"
outside of chad, these not even niche rent-a-goofs still can't help him puncture a hole in the american market. except for maybe some placement on some cancelled shows and buried between the songs people really want to hear on a disk where they are , again a welfare drop in at track 13.
the fact that anyone would get their pants in a knot over a headline for someone who at best is opening at county fairs and beer gardens in the middle of nowhere is pretty hilarious.
well, lets wait and see how it recoups shall we? then we will know how good this over the hill washed up canadian "rocker" really is when he breaks top 10 in american radio. until then, stfu intern.
- darrinnewdoor
- Fri, 06/12/2009 - 11:47pm
Year Title Chart positions Album
2008 "Make Believe" - - - 48 Tiny Pictures
the dashes indicate how well his record has done.
the 48 means thats how good the goin got before it got dropped like a sack of hot rocks.
AHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH
bWAAAAAA BWAAHAHAHAHAH!!!
Drunkley = FAIL
maybe his next duet with that Jessie Farrel guy will be good.
i see a country/country album.
Ian and the Thorndogs, thunder bay. wall mart parking lot, sunday after church with
the 604 slumdogs. free admission with every fill up.
AHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHA
AHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA
i hate barrie ontario
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- BUK
- Fri, 12/12/2008 - 4:51pm
Keep your ignorant editorial headline to yourself. Just paraphrase the press release like a good little reporter.