John Henry - those two words send a rush of pleasure down my spinal chord (sic) just by existing.
This was their first album with a full band supporting them, hence the name John Henry, its an American fable about a railroad worker that fought to stop machines taking over the man-powered work (they used to use a drum machine, you see?) Aaaaanyway, the album is a delight from end to end (and back again). I bought the album, saw the live tour, got the t-shirt and still I crave more.
To try and catagorise TMBG would be wrong, but this is primarally a rock/folk/indie/ragga/funk/metal/hip-hop/ska/synth album with a few other influences thrown in.
The new bass player is the mighty Tony Menomi (apologies for the spelling Tony) who used to play with Pere Ubu and was very nice to us after the show. His influence also shows, but the John and John wierd lyrics and totally rocking vibe shines through all of this like a beacon of purest joy.
Examples of John Henry stand out (they all do) songs -
"Snailshell" first single from the album and a track that I cannot listen to without freak dancing like a maniac around the room, can be difficult when I play it in the car. The guitar on this speaks directly to my inner soul and does things to my spleen.
"Do not forsake me" - Gregorian chant (honest, it is!) that will transport you to another place and then give you a blindfoild guided tour while slapping your ankles with a bikechain. This is a good thing.
"Extra Savoir-Faire" a bit Noel Coward this one, if you imagine Noel Coward grew up in Brooklyn, had eight heads and a homicidal dislike of steel drums.
"Meet James Ensor" - a rock crazy tribute to Belgiums famous painter that encourages listeners to "dig him up and shake his hand, appreciate the man".
I love this album, it has changed my life for the better, let it into your life , sit back, and take in the audio thrilljoypleasurelove all for yourself. The Brooklyn Ambassadors of Love do it again.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Exactly TMBG are cool - although I don't think they are metal or hip/hop???!!!!
Morgenhund 05.09.2001 13:19
This is a good op, but a little bit more detail would have made it VH - although it is typical TMBG. Mike
kwhyte 25.06.2001 17:17
I've been reading your opinions and wondering why they've not been read by more members as they're really high quality and I've com to the conclusion that it's because you've only rated 3. (not meaning any of this in a bad way!) keep up the good writing! :@) Kirsty
Jun 25th, 2001
(Sep 5th, 2001)
very helpful by (67%):
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