Band revivals/reunions

I'm not even sure if this will even get any replies but as I always said, why the hell not. Oh god, I feel like such a newbie right now.

On topic: what do you all think of bands getting back together, and maybe even releasing new albums and material? If so, what are your favourite reunion albums (and how do they compare to earlier material?)

I picked up Carcass' Surgical Steel, their first album since...1995? They reformed recently and released Surgical Steel and I'm enjoying it so far, even if not as much as their first three albums. It seems to be one of the most polarising albums I've seen this year. Black Sabbath released one months back too. (And At the Gates are working on their first new album since...hah, also 1995, so there's that.)

I hate how people go around saying "Some bands whose glory days are behind them are trying to rebuild their success" and some other nonsense. If bands want to go out and perform again at a certain time, just let them be.

Nevertheless, I think bands should try to release a new album if they are going to tour. A good album that is! Or just some new material. I think it's dull for a band to perform the same old songs as they used to. I want some brand new tunes to go with it. Of course, when recording their "comeback" albums, most of the bands just jump on the bandwagon and emulate the success of newer bands, thus the bands' unique sounds are not found in the albums.

I don't think reunions are inherently bad in and of themselves. For example, Dinosaur Jr. put out a couple fairly unremarkable albums in a row. But after quitting for 8 years, reuniting with the classic lineup in 2005 (who hadn't played together for 16 years by that point), they pulled themselves out of their slump.

On the other hand, the new Pixies EPs have been a bit of a letdown to me. I've also avoided the latest Black Flag album, What The... (titled after what you say when you hear "there's a new Black Flag album"), because I've heard almost nothing but bad things about it. Although I'll probably give it a listen on Spotify or something just to satisfy my curiosity as to why everyone seems to hate it.

I think reunions should be judged on an individual basis; sometimes they pay off, other times, not so much.

edited 8th Feb '14 11:42:56 PM by FingerPuppet

It's a risky move, one that can often ruin an otherwise respectable legacy, but if the band members were musically involved elsewhere and showed they can still carry their weight, I'd be behind it.

Afghan Whigs are back together and releasing a new album in April. The singer's Twilight Singers project shows that he, at least, still has it.