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Of Montreal (Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destoyer?)
Released: January 23, 2007 - 12 Tracks - 51:12 - Polyvinyl Record Co6.3 out of 10
Standout Tracks: "The Past is a Grotesque Animal," "Cato as a Pun," "Gronlandic Edit"
Without a doubt, Of Montreal’s Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? is unlike anything you’ve ever heard, unless, of course, you’ve encountered any other of their material, which dates back as far as the mid-90s. Driving creative force/band taproot Kevin Barnes has undoubtdedly evolved since then, but the big question is, is there anything of substance behind layers and layers of synths and effects? Or, better yet, is it even possible to get past the odd sounds of Of Montreal?
~ Joe Pinsker
Joe: 6.5Hissing Fauna is so offbeat at first listen that it brings on confusion. But embedded (admittedly, deeply) in this band’s synth-funk and intricate titles for their work are melodies and stories even more relevant than any mainstream pop outfit’s. In the middle of “A Sentence Of Sorts In Kongsvinger,” there’s a memorable chorus melody – a very good one. And though tracks like “Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse” are somewhere between Nintendo-land and pop music, each song has a worthwhile story to tell. In “Heimdalsgate,” experienced songwriter Barnes articulately explains the chemical imbalances in his own brain, which perhaps makes that song the happiest-sounding song ever written about depression.
Throughout the album, you can scarcely pick out Of Montreal’s influences, but they’re still there. The opening to “Gronlandic Edit” could just as easily be an intro to a Queen superhit with its funky beat and bassline, and it goes without saying that Barnes’ voice does echo Freddie Mercury. Plus, the opening to “She’s a Rejector” wouldn’t be out of place in a spy movie. Barnes has compiled a variety of stuff into less than an hour of near-mayhem. For those scared off by the iTunes previews of this album, at least get “The Past is a Grotesque Animal,” which offers a good sampling of Of Montreal. But because its melodies and hooks tend to grow on you, give this album a few tries if you’re a patient listener. Otherwise, turn back and run away to a Killers album.
Justin: 6
SAMPLE TRACKS
"The Past is a Grotesque Animal"
Latest page update: made by joe_pinsker
, Jul 17 2007, 5:07 PM EDT
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Keyword tags:
Of Montreal
More Info: links to this page
| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | |
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| Anonymous | Joe | 7 | Jul 14 2007, 1:45 AM EDT by Anonymous | |
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Thread started: Jul 12 2007, 2:45 PM EDT
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is there any way that we can get the full songs instead of 15 second previews of them from imeem?
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| joe_pinsker | Album Info | 0 | Jul 11 2007, 9:54 PM EDT by joe_pinsker | |
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Thread started: Jul 11 2007, 9:54 PM EDT
Watch
Justin, I think that all we need for the track info is month and year of release and Record label. other than that, people know where to find other information. agree?
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