John Henry another audio triumph for the Johns
 Jun 25th, 2001
(Sep 5th, 2001)
Advantages:
A sublime album of high points and even higher points
Disadvantages:
The cassette version needs to be turned over in some players
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money
more
  Raybid
About me:
I like to look out the window instead of working.
Member since:22.06.2001
Reviews:81
Members who trust:12
Review rated by 9 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
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.
Compare Prices
sorted by Price
Read more on this product
Products you might be interested in
![101 [SACD] - Depeche Mode](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/598/101_SACD_Depeche_Mode__43598.jpg) |
101 [SACD] - Depeche Mode
Synth Pop - Studio, LiveRecording - 2, 1 CD(s) - Label: Mute, Mute Film - Distributor: EMI Operations/CEVA Logistics - Released: 02/02/2004, 01/1989, 05/12/2005 - 724359470726, 5016025611010, 94634465861, 0724349087392
4 reviews
Buy now for only £ 6.97
|
 |
Live Concert At The Forum - Barbra Streisand
Classic Pop Vocals - LiveRecording - 1, 2 CD(s) - Label: Columbia - Distributor: Sony Music/Arvato Services - Released: 07/1997, 27/09/2004, 10/1994, 18/09/2000 - 5099748794321, 5099748048820, 5099747759925, 4250079731497, 5099720234494, 5099749743526
1 review
Buy Now
|
 |
(What's The Story) Morning Glory - Oasis
Brit Pop - StudioRecording - 1 CD(s) - Label: Big Brother, Creation - Distributor: PIAS UK/Sony DADC, Sony Music/Arvato Services, Vital/TEN - Released: 06/03/2000, 11/1996, 02/10/1995 - 5055019600722, 5017556100011, 5017556601891, 5099748102027
87 reviews
Buy now for only £ 5.18
|
|
|
by (67%):
by (33%):
13.11.2004 15:31
Exactly TMBG are cool - although I don't think they are metal or hip/hop???!!!!
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
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