Tenacious D [PA] - Tenacious D

...Kyle Gass who make up Tenacious D, you shouldn't give a crap about much, especially bad language etc. If you are this person, like me then this CD is for you.

I have no edited the lyrics so there will be some swear words there. Just a warning.

===The Album===

A brilliant album, which isn't for everyone, this is why:

===Track 1- Keilbasa ===

Even the first lines of the song ...
...this song got me into Tenacious D, such a brilliant song. Jack starts off just talking, with Kyle playing a great riff, there's some singing but it's mainly a spoken song. This song was their first UK release and this is what got them their success, and rightly so. The lyrics are amazing, and the fact that they managed to get the likes of Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters (and Nivarna), shows their success. This song is just tongue in cheek throughout ... more

Most enjoyable review written, as I spent 90% of the time trying to write it and laughing at the lyrics. Hopefully you enjoy it.

This review will probably be the most serious edited review I have ever done and by that I mean you will be seeing a hell of a lot of ****, as this album is not for the feint hearted, you need to have 4 things to love this album, a great sense of humour, a love of rock, you shouldn't really care about swear words and finally you should be like Jack Black & Kyle Gass who make up Tenacious D, you shouldn't give a crap about much, especially bad language etc. If you are this person, like me then this CD is for you.

I have no edited the lyrics so there will be some swear words there. Just a warning.

The Album

A brilliant album, which isn't for everyone, this is why:

Track 1- Keilbasa

Even the first lines of the song show you that they don't care, it's showing them coming up with a song, trying to find the right chord and then Kyle goes into a little riff, and then Jack Black's voice joins in a shows you that he's not just an comedy actor whose attempting to sing, I'm pretty sure that if he wanted he would be a very good rock song. The lyrics are full of innuendo and yes some of the words are not what you would really expect but it is a parent advisory album and never has a parent advisory sticker meant more than it does on this track. A great start to the album, but not one of the best on the album but a great start for what's to come.

Memorable Lyrics: "I check my dipstick, you need lubrication honey, my kielbasa sausage has just got to perform"

Rating: 7/10 (Great song, good start)

Track 2- One Note Song (SKIT)

This is not really a song, it's a skit. It's Jack Black coming up with a song which only has one note with a bend, and then saying that he comes up with another song. This just is a little addition to the last song and a great start for what is to come.

Rating: 5/10 (A nice little skit, very funny)

Track 3- Tribute

This song tells a story of when Kyle and Jack are hitchhiking and they come across a demon (played by Dave Grohl) who tells them they have to play the best song in the world, or he'll eat their souls. So of course they play the first thing that came into their heads and while they'll telling this story, they can't remember the song, but this is just a tribute. The best song on the album by far, this song got me into Tenacious D, such a brilliant song. Jack starts off just talking, with Kyle playing a great riff, there's some singing but it's mainly a spoken song. This song was their first UK release and this is what got them their success, and rightly so. The lyrics are amazing, and the fact that they managed to get the likes of Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters (and Nivarna), shows their success. This song is just tongue in cheek throughout but you'll be singing it for days, a very memorable song which shows of Kyle's guitar playing skills and Jack's vocal talent. Some good skatting in it as well. Brilliance, just pure comedy.

Memorable Lyrics: "Be you angels? And we say nay, we are but men! Rock"

Rating: 10/10 (A comic song, which has no real relevance to anything, but you'll still love it, doesn't have as many swear words as other tracks)

Track 4- Wonderboy

Another story song, like Tribute. The lyrics made be weird, however the music is tremendous. One of the most powerful tunes in it, however the lyrics are quite weird. I love the chorus, it really shows off Jack's voice so well. A brilliant performance by Kyle & Jack. The story talks about a battle between Wonderboy and Young Nasty Man, Kyle is supposed to be Young NastyMan I assume and Jack is supposed to be Wonderboy. This track really shows that this band may be a comedy band, who don't really care about themselves however it's so good musically that you forget that it's Jack Black who we all know from films like Shallow Hal, School Of Rock and The Pick Of Destiny singing, but you think, damn this guy is a great singer. Probably one of the cleanest songs on the album.

Memorable Lyrics: "Now it's time for me to tell you about Young Nastyman, archrival and nemesis of Wonderboy, with powers comparable to Wonderboy, What powers you ask? I dunno how 'bout the power of flight?, That do anything for ya? That's levitation, holmes, How 'bout the power to kill a yak from 200 yards away... with mind bullets! That's telekinesis, Kyle, How 'bout the power to move you?"

Rating: 9/10 (Weird lyrics, but some great music, the tune is great and Jack's voice is awesome)

Track 5- Hard F***ng (SKIT)

This is another skit, which talks about the men talking about hard f***ng, it's a bit of a weak one, not really need it, but it's great for the next track coming up.

Rating: 3/10 (Not worth listening to, quite offensive, not to me though)

Track 6- F**k Her Gently

Forget all of the crooners talking about making love to a woman, this is the 21st century version of them all. The song could have been very offensive, because it is talking about making love to a woman gently. It could be called offensive, or it could be called a love song, I just say it's hilarious. It's typical Jack Black, the tune is amazing, so is his voice, but then you listen to the lyrics, which just make you laugh and be amazed that this was actually allowed. Make sure you don't decide to leave this in the car, and have your little sister press play, on this track. Not funny considering what they are talking about, Jack Black's voice is amazing and this track despite the use of swear words in every sentence.

Memorable Lyrics: "This is a song for the ladies, But fellas listen closely, You don't always have to fuck her hard, In fact sometimes that's not right to do, Sometimes you've got to make some love, And fuckin give her some smoochies too, Sometimes ya got to squeeze, Sometimes you've got to say please, Sometime you've got to say hey"

Rating: 8/10 (Not to be taken seriously, a good track)

Track 7- Explosivo

A great track, but I have no idea what the hell it's about and I don't think the band do either as they say in the lyrics. It's another stupid little skit which doesn't really have any meaning, but it shows what a good band they are. Jack Black's range is amazing and Kyle Gass's ability on guitar is outstanding. A great duo which really don't care about what they are performing. It's got a great bass track and well worth listening to.

Memorable Lyrics: "Climb upon my faithful steed, Then we gonna ride, gonna smoke some weed. Climb upon my big-ass steed, And ride, ride, ride."

Rating: 8/10 (I don't think either Jack or Kyle know what this song is about, but it's a nice track)

Track 8- Dio

A track about Ronnie James Dio from Black Sabbath and saying that they'll be taking over from Dio and that he'll pass the torch to them. A good track, another clean one, as there's not much in the way of swear words, however it's a nice track which shows again that Tenacious D doesn't really care about themselves and what they say as long as they are rocking.

Memorable Lyrics: "Dio has rocked for a long, long time, Now it's time for him to pass the torch. He has songs of wildebeests and angels, He has soared on the wings of a demon."

Rating: 6/10 (One of the weaker tracks but still brilliant)

Track 9- Inward Singing (SKIT)

Jack Black comes up with another great invention and signs about it. It's quite painful to listen to, but it's hilarious that he comes up with these things. He keeps doing it, to show that he's great and that it's great. It's a good track, but skip it. Not that great, its Jack having a go at Kyle as well with lots of swear words. However, it's a great little skit for the next track as at the end of the song Kyle quits the band.

Rating: 5/10 (A stupid song, but you can really imagine that Jack Black came up with it)

Track 10- Kyle Quit The Band

A more of a filler song than anything, nothing amazing, it follows on from the previous skit where Kyle quit the band but now they are back together. Quite a weak track, nothing special. The lyrics are mediocre and it's not their usual style where they make you role on the floor laughing, Musically quite weak, disappointing track.

Memorable Lyrics: "Couldn't split up Kato and Nash. (that's true), Couldn't split up Tango and Cash. That's also true!, This is our song of exultant joy because, We only came to kick some ass. Rock the fuckin' house and kick some ass."

Rating: 4/10 (Weak song, not really brilliant at all)

Track 11- The Road

This song is an ode to the road, and has a country feel to it, some great vocals from Jack Black and musically it's brilliant again. The drums are amazing and really work well with Jack's voice. Amazing. The track is about how hard the road can be for a band, and the fact that they meet girls but they're always on the road, so can't settle. A nice country track, with some amazing vocals.

Memorable Lyrics: "The road is a be-a-itch my friend, But it's the only fuckin' road I know, When I'm snackin' on a tasty boosh. Right after the show."

Rating: 9/10 (One of the best on the album, this track shows why these boys are so good)

Track 12- C**k Pushups (SKIT)

Another little skit, where the boys are talking about whether the album will make it more attractive to the ladies. If you've seen the film you'll understand this a bit more, they are talking about doing pushups with their um, well penis. Not needed but still quite funny.

Rating: 7/10 (More funnier when you have watched The Pick Of Destiny, you understand this better)

Track 13- Lee

The boys are just trying to come up with names that rhyme with Lee including KG. It's not a funny song and you're quite glad it's over, however it's a shame because musically it was brilliant, the idea and the lyrics weren't.

Memorable Lyrics: "I had a friend named Lee, He cast a spell a spell on me. If me and Lee and KG could be three, Flyin' free Tenaciously, Skinny-dippin' in a sea of Lee, I'd propose on bended knee"

Rating: 3/10 (A disappointing track, with weak lyrics)

Track 14- Friendship Test (SKIT)

Another little skit where Jack Black is telling Kyle that he loves him, but Kyle realises it's only a test at the end. A nice little skit, not really needed but it's a great little link to the next song.

Track 15- Friendship

A very nice song that says that friendships are rare. Musically this track is very good, and Black's voice is brilliant like usual. The lyrics are a bit weird, but what's new here. It's not as funny as you would expect from Tenacious D which is a shame, but a good addition to the album.

Memorable Lyrics: "As long as there's a record deal, we'll always be friends"

Rating: 6/10 (A nice deal where the boys talk about friendship and joke that they're friendship is only based on the record deal)

Track 16- Karate Schnitzel (SKIT)

Another little skit. One of the funniest ones. Kyle takes Jack's schnitzel and Jack is angry and then starts practising karate on him. And then he begins singing saying that Kyle betrayed him. Another stupid song but a great link to the next song.

Rating: 5/10 (A funny little skit)

Track 17- Karate

A small little song following the previous track where Jack is still angry about his schnitzel, it's just a bit of a filler and not that brilliant. I think the skit is better than this. The harmony is brilliant though when Kyle joins in, a great rocky track but not brilliant.

Memorable Lyrics: "Kyle betrayed me, And then he lied tried to hide, And I died deep inside . And you know the reason why."

Rating: 5/10 (An alright track, nothing special)

Track 18- Rock Your Socks

Another cameo from Dave Grohl, this is what Tenacious D are all about. Pure musical talent and stupid lyrics. The band is talking about the fact that they can rock your socks, the base in this track is great, and the lyrics are just so funny. They also play some Bach in this track, this track is hilarious and is just proves how talented these guys are. This song is brilliant, really makes up for the weak links before. Brilliant.

Memorable Lyrics: "It doesn't matter if it is good, It only matters if it rocks. The main thing that we do is to rock your socks off. There's no such thing as a rock prodigy, 'Cause rock 'n roll is bogus, right KG? (right!)Only thing that really matters is a classical sauce. And that's why me and KG are classically trained, To rock your fuckin' socks off! Give 'em a taste KG."

Rating: 9/10 (One of the best on the album, pure brilliance)

Track 19- Drive-Thru (SKIT)

The best skit on the CD, Jack orders a meal at a drive through kiosk. Jack completely abuses the order guy. Jack even asks the guy to put half coke and half diet coke as he's watching his figure. He spends hours being the diva he is, and looking through the menu and then Kyle orders something, which takes 10 seconds and Jack flips at him, and then they release they have no money and Jack cancels Kyle's order. Absolutely hilarious, pointless but hilarious.

Rating: 10/10 (One of the best skits on the album)

Track 20- Double Team

It starts off quite slow, but it's another song about sex and Jack is trying to go out with a woman and is having a conversation with Kyle about it. It's a very funky song, and Jack's voice is amazing in this. Musically this track is brilliant, one of the best. Make sure your not offended easily as this is quite a offensive track, but still hilariously funny. A very good penultimate track.

Memorable Lyrics: "That's the first thin' I say to you. How's it goin'? Are you flowin'? Listen honey, Thinkin' 'bout a couple things to say to you, Showin', growin', Man I'd like to place my hand, upon your fuckin' sexy ass and squeeze. And squeeze!"

Rating: 7/10 (A great little track despite the offensive lyrics)

Track 21- City Hall

The longest track on the album and considering there's 21 songs I was amazed this was over 6 minutes long, however on your media player it'll say nine as there is one more track which is not on the list. This track is genius, the boys are rioting in the city, and they decide they must rebuild the city and they will become kings. I think it's just a filler track and considering it's the last one technically, it's not that good. The boys want to overthrow City Hall, not my favourite track as it's not funny and it's not musically brilliant like other tracks.

Memorable Lyrics: "We did it Rage-Kage, we beat the bastards of City Hall! [laughs] But now what will we do? We must rebuild. But who will lead us in the rebuilding process? Man, it's got to be someone with the know-how, and the elbow grease to lead us to a new land. No, not me and KG, we don't have the cognitive capacity to lead... Alright, we'll do it!"

Rating: 6/10 (A good track, but not brilliant)

Track 22- Malibu Nights

A little extra, not much really, and very pointless but it's another extra to a fantastic album.

Rating: 4/10 (Pointless)

My Opinion

I remember when I first heard Tenacious D, during middle school I used to sit in the mornings watching MTV before I went to school and Tribute was playing and I fell in love. I only recently brought their two albums and I love them both.

They can be very offensive if you take them that way, I wouldn't play them in front of your 4 year olds or 89 year old grandmothers, however if your looking for a good rock track to listen to which isn't serious and makes you laugh, then this album is for you.

The album is full of some of the best guitar riffs and tunes ever, which is are filled with some very clever and hilarious lyrics sung amazingly by the wonderful Jack Black. It's not a predictable album, you have no idea what the hell are they going to come up with next, the only thing that you know for sure from the first two tracks is that you're going to be laughing from start to finish.

Black is seriously a talented man. He can act and now he proves he can rock, this album was released before School Of Rock, and is one of the best albums in my collection. I'm not one that's against swear words, I think if they are used for a reason, then go ahead and use them, no problem there. Jack Black and Kyle Gass seem to follow the same philosophy, this album is filled with swear words, but they just add to the humour.

For some the comedy will be very vulgar and tactless however for the rest of us, who don't really care, this album should be saluted as it's just one of a kind. Tenacious D seriously rock, they have everything, as soon as you hear Tribute, you will understand. It's not my favourite anymore, as I love Wonderboy, but still a brilliant track. The album I have been told by a male friend is very educational as well, he can now inwardly sing, karate and do pushups with his thingy.

Jack Black and Kyle Gass are seriously talented, they have a lot of cameo's from the wonderful GOD that is Dave Grohl on guitar and drums and even vocals. The addition of Grohl back in 2002 when this album came back just shows how talented this band are as he's pretty famous. They are not your average rock and roll band, they are crass, they say what they want but still have some brilliant lyrics that make you listen or just make you laugh out loud.

Hidden behind all of the humour is their amazing musical talents, Kyle is amazing on the guitar, but Jack Black, wow this guy is amazing. Who knew that the chubby guy from Shallow Hal had such an amazing voice, he could sign anything, he'd probably try and make a joke out of it, but just his voice is just so powerful, a lot more powerful than a lot of rock bands out there.

The skits may seem pointless to some, but they had me in stitches, some of the best moments in the song.

A shockingly amazing good album which not everyone will enjoy but most will.

The Voice = Jack Black

Jack Black's voice is brilliant and really makes this album what it is. He's got an amazing range, which a lot of rock stars dream of. Such an amazing singer, listen to Wonderboy and you'll hear what I hear.

The Guitar = Kyle Gass

A great addition, he manages to make Jack's voice shine even more.

The Addition = Dave Grohl

I love this guy, as you can tell. He's such a good singer himself as well as a guitarist and drummer. He started off as a drummer for Nivarna and adds his skills to this album. A great artist.

Should You Buy The Album?

The Pick of Destiny their second album is probably more famous however this one is better in my opinion. It's so crass, so lewd but so brilliant. A great album and yes well worth buying.

Hope this helps.

This review was all my own work, the lyrics are Tenacious D's please do not complain about the swearing as it's the lyrics.

© Kirsty. x 

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