▼Syracuse ( NY ) - United States
Admin of artists : The Art Punk Band
Website : http://www.myspace.com/artpunkband
Joined : August 24, 2008
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Most of the time I feel it is unfortunate that, unlike most of you creative commoners from around the world,I only speak and understand one language--English. All the things I cannot read, listen to, or understand!!
But sometimes music reaches out to where all languages converge--and you understand, even if you don't know what the words are. Great music does this, sometimes.
This is a transcendent album that reaches the soul and spirit to draw the listener in.
Wonderful music,playing and singing. Highly recommended. Check it out.
Dr. T of the Art Punk Band
I really enjoy the songs and playing on this album. Al has created some unique compositions with an innovative well-crafted mix of adventure and restraint, structure and improvisation, and harmony and dissonance, really bringing these instrumentals to life. I am outside of my usual sphere here, but I find this album to be a great listen.
I am not sure whether these should be called “jazz”, contemporary classical, avant-garde, or something else.
But who needs to classify this? There are parts here that echo the improvisational side of the Grateful Dead, remind me of the Paul Winter Consort concert, or Herb Alpert (and the Tijuana Brass), and point to some great jazz artists.
But I don’t know enough to classify or categorize—I will just listen and enjoy. Great music Al!!
Dr. T of the ART PUNK BAND
Very fine first album by Gazabo.
This is rock-and-roll that is honest and unpretentious, without frills and whistles, and sounding like an inner voice of wisdom connected to the heart, the mind, and the soul. The playing is balanced and efficient with songs-- rock'n blues to electric folk delivered through alternating traditional and experimental structures -- not a single unnecessary note is played.
Bass, lead guitar, drumming, and keyboards are all tight and on time. The vocals are haunting and intense, reminding me of the singing styles of Leanard Cohen, Marc Knofler, and Donovan (the British folkie from the 60s who is still making music) in different parts.
The album requires a careful listen to fully appreciate; this music is dynamic, alive and interesting. The bass and lead guitar are appropriately steady and restrained but not afraid to leap into more adventurous territory.
Musically, the songs seem somewhere in between the space of avant-guard experimental rockers (Bowi, Roxy Music, Lou Reed), and the rootsy territory occupied by electric bluesmen and eccentric folkies.
But the music is unique, and the artist has developed a distinctive voice.
Overall, highly recommended.
"Remembering", "Take me Back", and "Doubtful Estimations" are my favorites, along with the closing instrumental "The Plank".
Very fine music. Look forward to more.
DR. T of the Art Punk Band.
I enjoy this album immensely. I shouldn’t. It is way over the edge and beyond any line of what is tasteful in music and art. At least, that is what I used to think. Now all these images of “debauchery, drugs, and profanity”, pumpkin fetishes, “Rock and Roll Blimps”, and sexy robot girls are repeating in my mind. The music, singing, and production are basic primitive folk with early Dylan-like haunting melodies. The lyrics are racy, dirty, scatological, almost pornographic, tasteless, and zany. Reluctantly I must admit, this album is also incredibly funny. Years ago I listened to the Fugs, the Holy Model Rounders, and Wild Man Fisher; they also had me laughing on the floor. What does Fangbaby sound like? Remember Superman comics and the alternative coexisting universe “Bizarro World”. This is like a Bizzaro World folk duo of Bob Dylan and Captain Beefheart—low gravel vocals, amusing lyrics, and catchy songs. But here societal values are upside down, inside out, or backwards—lo-fi productions, warped sensibilities, and deranged lyrics are most valued on this world. This album is unique and not for the weak-hearted or delicate sensibilities. It should not be played for Kay Bailey, Tipper, or First Lady Laura when she moves back to Texas—laws might get passed. But listeners, if you think you can take it, listen to this album. It is a classic of it’s kind.
(Dr. T of The Art Punk Band).
This album is solid, from the cover art (are those windmills in the Pennsylvania country and a giant passing), to the playing, and to the production. Best of all, these are excellent songs. I think my favorites are "Dirt Nap" and "Starlight". The singing and harmonies are impressive, and the unique sounds in the production really bring these songs to life. I am reluctant to draw comparisons to other artists when I hear new and innovative sounds. But if I had to I would point to several of my personal favorites over the years--Procal Harum, David Bowi, Brian Eno, John Cale, Dave Davies,Roxy Music, to name a few. But this is unique, and I find Manifest Destiny to be a high quality cohesive recording. Look forward to more.
--And by the way, I have a similar view (as in your album cover) from my country home that is nearby in upstate New York, just north of the PA border. Dr. T of The Art Punk Band.
