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Rating: Maybe it's not cool enough to talk about a band that, even in 2005, just sticks to simply writing songs; but I felt the need to do it, and for various reasons. The first reason is that the Brian Jonestown Massacre are known by almost no one, underrated and forgotten more than someone of their caliber should be. The second reason is that out of a dozen albums they've made, not even one was reviewed here. The third reason is why I decided to review this album, simply because it's the one I'm listening to
Yes, as you may have guessed, I mean that all their albums are amazing, all of them. There are some slightly lower moments and others a bit higher, but in general, it's been 10 years that Mr. Newcombe and company have been producing great albums that no one notices. Yet they continue. Anton Newcombe is the founder of this band, and the only member remaining constant since the beginning, and he is at least an unusual character: a drug addict and quarrelsome like many others but with something extra, this man still lives in the 60s! He wasn't even around in the 60s, to be honest, but he seems convinced that the only real music is from that decade. The Brian Jonestown Massacre was born with the (undeclared) intent to convince us all that the 60s haven't ended (musically speaking), and as far as I'm concerned, they succeed, at least for the duration of their albums. Roots rock then, blues, psychedelia, lots of drugs and mysticism, engaging pieces and painful ballads written by a man always at war with the world.
Magnificent. The album in question was released in '96, their most fertile year since they released 3 beautiful albums in one year, and among the three from that year, this is their most representative. Some of their most beautiful tracks are present like "(David Bowie I Love You) Since I Was Six", "Cabin Fever", "Monster", and above all "Straight Up And Down", a track available in a 4 and a half minute version and, in the end, in a fantastic version lasting over ten minutes. This journey into the world of bjm is one of the most energetic and positive pieces I've ever heard, seriously, I'm not here to describe it because I COUNT on you listening to it. It's not over, if that wasn't enough, bjm recently decided to make all their albums available for free download from their site. Yes, for free damn it, so do YOURSELF a favor and download at least one or two and comment on them, spread them, love them. The most recommended are this one, then "Their Satanic Majesties Second Request" (their most psychedelic album) and "Strung Out In Heaven" (the most pop, somehow).
PS: I realize how this review might be the least democratic ever, or almost, but the game is worth it.
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
01 Vacuum Boots (02:56)
you're beautiful
girl i wish that
you could see
so stay the same
as you have
always been
cause you're wonderful
or live in a lie
if it makes you happy
do what you like
if you want
you can ask me....
what i know
is i never knew
nothing
so i know that
i need to learn
where to go?
oh woe, woe, woe, woe
floating, flying
hoping you could see
an awful thing
that you wish that
you was me
cause you're wonderful
laugh all your life if it makes you happy
you do what you like
if you want you can ask me...
what i know
is
i never knew nothing
so i know that
i need to learn
where to go?
woe, woe, woe, woe, woe
03 Oh Lord (03:20)
Oh Lord you know it ain't right,
To live my life this way
I gotta stay up every night and feel this feeling till it goes away
You know I had my crime
And I paid my dues
I've seen the best of times
I had the best of friends
I'm pretty all to do
But now I've seen the light
I'm gonna show it to you
You gotta lay right down
You gotta close your eyes
You'll never flow right though you
'Cause I, I believe in my soul
And I always wanna feel this way so honey let the good times roll
Oh baby all night long I've been sitting beer drinking
How come it took so long
For me to change my mind
Don't know what I was thinking
But now I've seen the light
I'm wanna keep it to you
You gotta lay right down
You gotta close your eyes
You gotta let me heal you
'Cause I, I believe in my soul
And I always wanna feel this way so honey let the good times roll
10 Mary, Please (04:10)
I know it seems insane
I'll never feel ashamed of you
I'm tired of silly games
I cannot waste away the truth
I lay in bed all the day
There's nothing more to say to you
If I look for change
I know it takes a day or two
Away from you
Cause I remain in love with you
All my tears and fears I gained from you
I will not waste away,
For even have a day or two
And if you run away
There's no lookin after you
And that's the truth
Cause I remain in love with you
I'll do anything you ask to do
Stay true
__________________
12 Fucker (02:12)
i've been sitting in my room so long
i think about the ways you've done me wrong
again
fucking bitch she tried to break my heart
the way she loves me i just fall apart there's
no end
oh,
once you half start.
oh,
once you half start.
and the people walk around this town
fucking asshole try to drag you down they're your
friends
with their daggars sharp inside your heart
they can't love you they just play the part there's
no end
oh,
once you half start.
oh,
once you half start.
oh,
la la la la
13 Dawn (02:04)
i stayed up all night
til the morning's first light
what did i see?
i know it wasn't me there
i waited for you
for my dreams to come true
what will they be?
i hope i can see you hardly
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