Fronted by Jack Black (the well know comic, obviously), and with Kyle Gass playing lead guitar, Tenacious D released their first album "Tenacious D" back in 2001. The little-known Tenacious D hit the UK charts only at #38, but their popularity has grown hugely from there. Their best known song, 'Tribute' is perpetually being shown on practically every respectable music channel (which is a good thing!).
In case you haven't heard Tribute (why?), the idea behind the song is that they must play "the greatest and best song in the world" or the demon (played in the video by the legendary Dave Grohl) will "eat their souls". However, they have forgotten the greatest song in the world, so their song is just a tribute to it! This is the kind of crazy (in a good way) stuff that finds their way into their music.
Their songs are of course not just about the hilarious lyrics: they form only half of their act. The music is not only incredibly catchy, but audibly and technically impressive. It is incredible how 'The D' manage to create impressive and complex music without making it too obscure and difficult to listen to.
The combination of traditional, upbeat, rock-folk-comedy-metal styles, and vulgar and hilariously inappropriate lyrics (Parental Advisory...) caters for all tastes - except for the sensitive/easily offended types.
Scattered between the songs, are a few dialogues, which are again funny, but do lack the magic ingredient that is music. I would say that they are the weakest point of the album, but do not be afraid: they are by no means 'weak'. In their own way, they lead into each of the songs, and they also create a feeling of familiarity. By the end you almost feel as if you know Jack and Kyle.
For some of the songs, Tenacious D enlisted the help of some other legends from the music industry : Dave Grohl and PageMcConnell, to name but a few. The album is a blend of subtle acoustic, and powerful electric guitar.
In my view, I think that there are no bands that can even compare with 'The D'. I think that their originality, consistency, and humour has earned them their nickname of "The Greatest Band the World". Everyone who has heard of them loves them: if you don't have this album, get up and buy it (or just use iTunes, of course)! You wont regret it!
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Yeah, some people just can't stand Jack Black, and thus dislike them. Others find them immature, but I guess there is humour there on different levels.
rocksthatkill 15.10.2006 15:17
I like this album. and a good review, Nick
Cammers 15.10.2006 15:05
For some reason I don't like them, but I know alot of people who do, Cam
Biting, sometimes-base satire and humour populate this 21-track comedy-rock debut from ... more
actor-musician Jack Black and his band, Tenacious D. Sort of like a trashier, more casual and less musical Beck, vocalist-guitarist Black and guitarist-vocalist Kyle...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Biting, sometimes-base satire and humour populate this 21-track comedy-rock debut from ... more
actor-musician Jack Black and his band, Tenacious D. Sort of like a trashier, more casual and less musical Beck, vocalist-guitarist Black and guitarist-vocalist Kyle...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Great debut album, fresh and original, will have you laughing from start to finish Disadvantages: Can be quite embarrassing subconciously mumbling 'Fuck Her Gently' whilst in the presence of ladies or Her Royal Heiness
Advantages: Great debut album, fresh and original, will have you laughing from start to finish Disadvantages: Can be quite embarrassing subconciously mumbling 'Fuck Her Gently' whilst in the presence of ladies or Her Royal Heiness