heres my two pence,

The first day i got 'Ki', me and my girlfriend both set up huge speakers near our bed, lied down, drank a bottle of wine and listened to the whole album (cheesy know) We are both HUGE dev fans, ok, so after the first listen, we found ourselves, really, really, disliking the album. Words that we used to sum it up where something like: boring, mundane, simple, UN-dev, hmmm you get the idea.

Give it a few weeks, and many many many more listens, 'Ki' is one of the most beautiful records i've ever heard, especially recently i've found it hard to listen to some songs due to the fact they are so heavy emotionally (this time especially being emotional as my partners mother just past away). Once again Dev has come out on top for me on this record, it truly is a masterpiece of beauty and emotion, the sound of the record is fantastic, the whole non-compression works great, the drums are fckin incredible, amazing drummer! I dont really know what else to say apart from this album now belongs with the other 9, meaning, you cant own and listen to just one of them, they are like little brothers and sisters who cannot live apart.

I wish i knew what devs backing vocals are saying over the ki arpeggio part? is there already a thread about that?!

8 more days untill i have it in my hands cant wait dev you are the man.

Just got my (unsigned I don't really mind, I know Dev's a really busy man) copy of Ki. God, I LOVE this album, so much... There's some truly beautiful stuff in there and just owning it made my day. May sound lame, but it made me extremely happy But I need a pair of 3D glasses

If mine arrives unsigned I'll kill myself...

I ordered it on April and it's still somewhere over america (the continent)... I am patient though... I've waited longer for less important things...

I had a totally zen moment listening to the mellow tracks from Ki on the bus ride/walk home from work today. Totally burned out, gorgeous sunset above me, feet accidentally and perfectly in sync with Lady Helen... felt like I could walk forever despite feeling every bit of my exhaustion. Crazy and wonderful experience. Thanks for this album Devin, it's truly beautiful even if I enjoy some moments less than others. It is a gift to the senses.

~Josiah

heres my two pence,

The first day i got 'Ki', me and my girlfriend both set up huge speakers near our bed, lied down, drank a bottle of wine and listened to the whole album (cheesy know) We are both HUGE dev fans, ok, so after the first listen, we found ourselves, really, really, disliking the album. Words that we used to sum it up where something like: boring, mundane, simple, UN-dev, hmmm you get the idea.

Give it a few weeks, and many many many more listens, 'Ki' is one of the most beautiful records i've ever heard, especially recently i've found it hard to listen to some songs due to the fact they are so heavy emotionally (this time especially being emotional as my partners mother just past away). Once again Dev has come out on top for me on this record, it truly is a masterpiece of beauty and emotion, the sound of the record is fantastic, the whole non-compression works great, the drums are fckin incredible, amazing drummer! I dont really know what else to say apart from this album now belongs with the other 9, meaning, you cant own and listen to just one of them, they are like little brothers and sisters who cannot live apart.

I wish i knew what devs backing vocals are saying over the ki arpeggio part? is there already a thread about that?!

Check the "Ki Lyrics" thread.....its in one of his earlier posts I think.

Oh I definitely give a fuck...it stings like a bitch when you put your heart into something and people dislike it based on relatively small factors.

I just feel like an artist looks like a total jackass jumping into a conversation to defend him or herself. It's a forum, bash it if you want...I have my own opinions, but you know, they're mine and I don't want to influence discussion.

I'm not going to stop doing it (music) , the goal is that folks enjoy it.

Honestly Dev, there are a lot of people who are going to hate you for stupid shit. It really shouldn't bother you because they are hating you a> to look cool and or sound like they know what they are talking about (I still don't understand that bit, I know why people do it, I just don't understand why), b> because your Devin Townsend or c> because it's not what they expected or what the wanted.

But really, it's a gift. The album is a gift from you to other people. I think I heard you say earlier that this album was mainly written for yourself. You said something like it was the soundtrack in your head while driving up a dark road to get home every night. So in that aspect, a lot of people should realize they are lucky to even be able to get inside that state of mind you have. In fact, I have written music that I will never, EVER release. It's for me, and only me. I'll play it, I'll let people listen to it when I feel like it, but if I release it, it's because I want to share it. No ego or anything, I just put a lot of hard work and effort into it, but mainly emotion and energy. It's my own inspiration to myself so to say. One of the only things besides your music that keeps my life sane and upbeat.

So, where was I. Ah yes, the gift thing. If you have a shitty uncle that you don't like that lives in another state, you don't give him your address so he can send you a present and then bitch when he sends you one. People who hate you for you should really just shut up about you. So don't worry about those people. They have no lives. They're the paparazzi of the internet (and the non-real life)! Then you have the "no one else likes this album so I hate it too" people. Those people think it's cool to talk shit on an album because it makes them appear more knowledgeable about music. You know as well as I do, it doesn't. And then of course the people who bitch that the album isn't what they wanted. Again, Christmas gift. you don't ask for one and then complain about what you get. It's not that big a deal right?

So anyways what I'm saying is, all these critics should be taken with a grain of salt, because there are a fuck ton of people who really enjoy this album, and thats all that matters. Even if you reached one person with this album, that is still pretty cool. Your music is great because you're a true musician, a true composer. We're all friends here so you can defend yourself all you want. Explain whatever you want.

You seem to have been doing good with not getting upset about what people have to say, but why not. If someone says "man, that last song was a half second too long." Well fuck that guy. Who is he. Art isn't a complete science. My favorite was someone bitching about too much guitar jamming. I mean come the fuck on. Who listens to a Devin album for the fucking drums. We wanna hear you play guitar, and god fucking damn it you do a god job at it. Your guitar playing is just a beautiful as your singing.

Well anyways I've rambled enough. Most of this won't make any sense but I really don't care. What others think of me is their own business. But you all should keep it your own business. I have seen a few people kinda attack dev a bit on this board. If you don't like him get the fuck out, why be here.

Wow I really should stop typing. It's 5 am and I'm about to go to Disney world in Florida. So yea. See you all in a week I hope I didn't offend anyone, and I hope dev understands what I'm trying to say, although halfway through this post I was kinda trying to figure out what I was trying to say myself. Whatever.

Someone make me some cliff notes.

Ki is everything and nothing for me at the moment. (I shall fail to explain this well )

As far as production goes from a listeners perspective it's one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. So pleaseurable to hear as well as listen to. If you know what I mean. But the point of the album in itself is that it's the intro to the bigger album. That which the boxset will make up. As a result the album leaves me anxious for the rest. Apart from 2 or 3 points on her, Ki is completely restrained and held back from the edge unlike some of Devs earlier stuff. Being the poorly disguised Nerd I truly am, because that's the point of the whole thing, instead of turning me off the album or tainting it for me, it's enhanced it.

I seriously can't wait 'till all is said and done and I can sit back with all 4 albums lined up in sequence and listen straight through from beginning to end. You just know there's going to be riffs and sequences on all 4 records that have appeared on one or all of the others. That self referential style is one of Devs fortés and one of the many reasons I love all of his music.

As a stand alone album then I think Ki while being absolutely tremendous is in fact more than the sum of her parts. Which I understand some may confuse for a disappointing notion. But us weird folk know that it's a small part of something much bigger. Which, considering the quality of Ki, gives us all something really special to look forward to indeed.

Ahem!

INDEED!!!!

[The Dev]

Hey Torbjorn, thanks a lot. That was a nice thing to wake up to.

The truth of the matter is I'm a terrified person and totally insecure, so if I seem like I'm not confident with Ki, it's not from an artistic point of view, it's from a personal one.

I don't know, I guess lots of it has had to do with my whole reality scheme being based on my 'art', and I get wrapped up in it. I've had folks in my world get hung up on shit and make assumptions about me as a result...either way, I'm just doing what I do, so it makes me pretty wary.

I've had a hell of an emotional weekend. Something (good) was in the air, but man...the life lessons have come fast and furious over the past few days.

A realization I had though, was that maybe the reason we are here as humans is to truly figure out what it means to be human, not to deny it, but to live it, experience it and share it.

More to come, thanks all...really.

dev

Hey Torbjorn, thanks a lot. That was a nice thing to wake up to.

The truth of the matter is I'm a terrified person and totally insecure, so if I seem like I'm not confident with Ki, it's not from an artistic point of view, it's from a personal one.

I don't know, I guess lots of it has had to do with my whole reality scheme being based on my 'art', and I get wrapped up in it. I've had folks in my world get hung up on shit and make assumptions about me as a result...either way, I'm just doing what I do, so it makes me pretty wary.

I've had a hell of an emotional weekend. Something (good) was in the air, but man...the life lessons have come fast and furious over the past few days.

A realization I had though, was that maybe the reason we are here as humans is to truly figure out what it means to be human, not to deny it, but to live it, experience it and share it.

More to come, thanks all...really.

dev

I am with you here....about the whole emotional weekend thing. I have no money to buy a back up hard drive to start dumping shit into, and my computer is full. My audio data is too big too bundle and put on disc, so my main drive is totally full. I am recording vocals for a friend's project and BAM!! blank screen....featuring a really loud noise. My life flashed before my eyes. I felt like dying immediately, and like a good addict I instantly hyperventilated and jumped to all the worst conclusions. What would I have to live for if I lost all the music I have been working on for the last year?
Luckily my musical partner walked me through it, and it turns out I had a bad ram chip. Thats all. BUT....what if?
I can see what you mean about identifying yourself by your music. It is sad to think that I wouldn't know what or who I would be if I lost it all. A while back when I was in therapy, my therapist asked who I thought I was when I strip away what I DO versus what I AM. I had no idea.....and I still don't. LIVE AND LEARN......

Dan

Yeah man, yeah...

Hey Torbjorn, thanks a lot. That was a nice thing to wake up to.

The truth of the matter is I'm a terrified person and totally insecure, so if I seem like I'm not confident with Ki, it's not from an artistic point of view, it's from a personal one.

I don't know, I guess lots of it has had to do with my whole reality scheme being based on my 'art', and I get wrapped up in it. I've had folks in my world get hung up on shit and make assumptions about me as a result...either way, I'm just doing what I do, so it makes me pretty wary.

I've had a hell of an emotional weekend. Something (good) was in the air, but man...the life lessons have come fast and furious over the past few days.

A realization I had though, was that maybe the reason we are here as humans is to truly figure out what it means to be human, not to deny it, but to live it, experience it and share it.

More to come, thanks all...really.

dev

So I have had Ki for about 2 weeks now and I can honestly say that it is my favorite piece of music in the entire Devin Townsend catalogue. Every song is my favorite song on the album. The fact that an album like Ki can be released in such a stale musical climate is so refreshing. That is exatly what Ki is, a breath of fresh air, a rejuvenating album of reflection and rebirth. The entire album feels like it has a nervous system of its own. I believe there is something for everyone in Ki, but one of the reasons why the album is so fucking good is because that was never the idea in the first place. I personally do not have a single negative thing to say about the album, and I was able to accept it upon the first listen. I really cannot understand any negative feedback that blatantly puts down the construction of Ki. But I understand that tastes are different, and stubbornness and expectations can get in the way of appreciating art. I believe Ki is much more than just an introduction, and is significant enough by itself without the support of the other three. Any artist can learn not only from the beauty and depth of sound in Ki, but the creative process behind it. Captain Beefheart said it best when describing his art, "I'm just trying to turn myself inside out onto the canvas." Dev, you've done this seemlessly and powerfully with Ki. It is a triumph, and I hope it gets the appreciation it deserves. If not, fuck em, "don't let it bring you down, it's only castles burning, find someone who's turning and you will come around." Yeah I'm going quote crazy, but that line is always appropriate, a little quote from Neil never hurt anyone.

Dev, you've made something truly special, and it deserves to be celebrated and remembered. I love Ki, and I will continue to share it with whoever is willing to listen.

One more thing, you've noted that Zappa is an influence in your music, and I always wondered if you were familiar with Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart). He was an old friend and musical partner of Zappa's that nobody seems to know about. He was responsible for making some of the most far out music ever conceived and crafted a style that was truly his own. Just wondering...

-Kyle

Devin, having listened to Ki for some days now, I found this thread. The album is great and it grows every single listen. I am really addicted to "Heaven send" and "Coast" right now, but all other tracks are favs, too. It's great to hear your voice in such a clean and emotional manner, with less overdubs and effects, it's really touching. I like the great sound, the way its mastered with not so much compression. Everything is transparent, you can lurk behind every single note. The band is great, I really like the drum sound, great dynamcis!

I listened to "terminal" yesterday at the train station, walking through the crowdy hall and it was like everyone besides me was blurred and not real. Funny
Then I fell asleep sitting in the train and listening, your layered sounds takes me away... Happens while listening to SYL, too

Thanks for sharing your music with the world and for reading this. It's good to know, there are still real artists out there. Of course there are some more, but anyway
I hope you'll be able to express your visions with all the other albums to come, looking forward to it!

Hey Torbjorn, thanks a lot. That was a nice thing to wake up to.

The truth of the matter is I'm a terrified person and totally insecure, so if I seem like I'm not confident with Ki, it's not from an artistic point of view, it's from a personal one.

I don't know, I guess lots of it has had to do with my whole reality scheme being based on my 'art', and I get wrapped up in it. I've had folks in my world get hung up on shit and make assumptions about me as a result...either way, I'm just doing what I do, so it makes me pretty wary.

I've had a hell of an emotional weekend. Something (good) was in the air, but man...the life lessons have come fast and furious over the past few days.

A realization I had though, was that maybe the reason we are here as humans is to truly figure out what it means to be human, not to deny it, but to live it, experience it and share it.


dev

I agree with Mr Torbjorn,

There are a lot of people out there who seem to hate out of spite because they didnt get the toy car they wanted for christmas or whatever.
the thing that excites me about your music is that you cant really have an expectation on what you will do, because your always taking new routes in music.
sadly, many people cant appreciate that because they dont understand what you have been through or are going through in order to bring this music into physical form for us to enjoy.

Its completely understandable that you would feel hurt by the negative comments about Ki, because for you, its much more than just a cd (which these people are only percieving it as) its a moment in your life which you opened up and let other people experience. its kinda like standing in front of an art class posing for a nude sketch, its like letting everyone see part of you that is personal.

fuck the negative shit that people feel they need to express. the sad fact is that they cant appreciate the beauty of this album like a lot of us do. im personally so happy that you made this record. for me, its a life changing experience. i feel like it helps me learn a bit more about myself because your words seem to beg me to ask questions about myself and my own choices in life. keep doing what you are doing. your music is refreshingly honest, in a time when a band or artist will happily do a musical 180 for the sake of popularity. you have always given us quality material which we can enjoy all the time, regardless of what the masses think.

I think life is all about experience and learning. experiencing the dizzying highs and the shitty lows, it all makes for an interesting journey and for some people like yourself, you manage to somehow take those life experiences and turn it into art

and thats just awesome, in my books

Wow, shit is getting deep in here.

Gave Ki to my bro to listen when he went in for an MRI scan, unfortunately he couldn't hear it too well over the powering of the magnets, and they kept repeating Ki and Quiet Riot! But still, its even reached the hospitals, score!

[swervedriver]

Wow, shit is getting deep in here.

Gave Ki to my bro to listen when he went in for an MRI scan, unfortunately he couldn't hear it too well over the powering of the magnets, and they kept repeating Ki and Quiet Riot! But still, its even reached the hospitals, score!

Wait, you can request music during such examinations? I'll have to remember that for next time...