The Harem Scarem issue has long been a source of debate. Personally I love them and think Mood Swings is the best followed by Rubber. Yes Rubber. Ok so it is not the riff driven stadium rock of yesteryear but it is packed with great songs.
As for Emerald Rain I like them too but I have to say I also believe they are to Harem Scarem what Dirty Looks were to AC/DC and Kingdom Come were to
Led Zeppelin.
They are great at what they do and it's enjoyable for what it is but it just ain't
Scarem.
As for saying Emerald Rain are playing melodic rock and Rubber are not, that
is shite.
Melodic rock can cover a whole range of styles and there is melody everywhere.
A few examples Journey, Zeppelin, Purple, Metallica, Queensryche, Tsar,
Marvelous 3, Cheap Trick, Stencil Forest.
These bands all rock and they all write melodic songs. Open your ears you
people who think there is only one style allowed to be mentioned on this board
and maybe you'll find something more than Emerald Rain.