Pavlov's Dog vs Strawbs - Progressive Rock Music Forum

I like both bands (though Strawbs much more so), but wouldn't put either of those songs as top or significant by those bands. Glad though to see these lesser-mentioned groups celebrated.

Pavlov's Dog

Down By the Sea. I like both though, but the Strawbs did a fine job here.

One of the most overrated bands ever to me, Pavlov's Dog

Listening to Pavlov's Dog again brings to mind obvious comparisons with Budgie and Rush. Smile

That PD track is from their 2nd album, which is the weakest (and poppiest) of the first three.

Their first album is by far their strongest, and proggiest too.

Their third album "Has Anyone Seen Siegfried?" was officially remastered and released in recent years, and is stronger also than the 2nd album.

I've always thought prog fans to be very open-minded, but have been surprised for decades how people have problems with David Surkamp's singing. It shouldn't be that hard to listen to, unless you want to make it a huge problem (I certainly don't). I find it compliments and suits the music, giving it a unique touch and sound on par with any distinguishing instrument (like a distinctive guitarist or keyboard player). Hey, you never have any doubt it's them, and I think that's a good thing.

The tendency of his voice to quiver a bit is most prominent on the first album, and is tamped down on the second, and even more so on the third and fourth. If it's such life-threatening matter, just stick with the third and fourth albums. Or better, overcome your limitations and fully embrace the earlier material, including their awesome debut "Pampered Menial". BTW, on "Has Anyone Seen Siegfried" (3rd), guitarist Scorfina sings lead on one song, so you get an alternative.

It should also be pointed out that the first album has violin on it, and most of the others don't. They really lost a big element of their original sound when Siegfried left.

Edited by Boojieboy - February 09 2022 at 14:03

I think I initially preferred the second because it does sound like he toned down the shrill and falsetto a bit there. I still think the second as the more prog sounding tracks but over all the first one is more squarely in the art rock/ symph genre because of the prominent use of mellotron (which doesn't appear as much on ATSOTB). They are both very good imo.

As a sidenote I actually spoke to someone on the phone once (an ex of my cousin who was from St. Louis) who knew David Surkamp personally and he told me he didn't sing falsetto and that was his natural voice. I don't personally believe that but I don't think there's anything wrong with falsetto anyway. At the time I believed what this guy told me though but after hearing him speak on youtube in interviews it seems extremely unlikely that is not falsetto. His speaking voice is lower than Jon Anderson's for crying out loud. LOL

Edited by AFlowerKingCrimson - February 09 2022 at 13:59

I would pick Strawbs, even if it was one of their lesser tracks.

Edited by SteveG - July 11 2022 at 11:38

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Strawbs , an all time fav'

Poll Question: Which song do you prefer?
Poll Choice	Votes	Poll Statistics
Pavlov's Dog - Did You See Him Cry?	5	[17.86%]
Strawbs - Down By The Sea	20	[71.43%]
Both Equally	2	[7.14%]
Neither	1	[3.57%]
You can not vote in this poll

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