Search - Babylon Zoo :: Boy With the X-Ray Eyes

There and back again

Don Karnage | Denver CO USA | 05/26/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Jas Mann appeared out of nowhere, took over Britian, then vanished. Quite a feat, actually. But now that it's all over, we're left with this...thing. He can play, and string hooks together, and if his singing voice leaves something to be desired, he's no different from many other artists of the day. But the truly strange things here are the lyrics. "Electronic information/television takes control/there's a fire between us/but where is your god"? What? The lyrics sort of hint at some threatening...something, but never paint a very vivid picture. It ends up being fifth-grade poetry to (rather) cool music. The less attention I pay to it, the better it sounds. If that sounds interesting, by all means, pick up one of the $1 used copies..."

Creates a unique mental atmosphere

I. L. Williamson | Dallas, TX | 11/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I listen to this CD, it takes me to a place of its own. I guess that place would be Babylon Zoo. The playlist of the album is tight and solid, and the songs are darkly spacey. When I first came upon this CD years ago, I knew nothing of Babylon Zoo (which is basically just a "pen name" for Jas Mann). I heard the album at a listening station at a music store, and was quickly captivated. It sounded brilliant and I thought it would become more popular than it turned out to be. Jas may be pretentious, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. Some other reviewers have made critical remarks about his voice. I find that his voice is similar to Billy Corgan's (of Smashing Pumpkins) in that they both sound very nasal. But I like Jas's voice better. I think it's more pleasing, and has more power. He's got a good range, and he doesn't sound like he's straining on the high notes like the vastly more popular Corgan sometimes does.His second album, King Kong Groover, was released a couple years later (not in the US) and went largely unnoticed. One reason is probably because EMI didn't promote it well at all. And another may be because from what I've heard, he made some very egotistical remarks in the media which badly damaged and stunted his growing reputation. I don't have the second album, but I've had the pleasure of listening to the first track, which is a bit more melodious and glam than the songs on this album. I hope he eventually gets some good mainstream recognition (providing he's matured diplomatically). I read recently that he's in Los Angeles now, writing more music."

Overlooked

Dara Sy | Albany, NY | 09/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember when I was a teenager just walking by this album because I was unsure what the rest of the album would've sounded. I had prefered other bands that were out and breaking at the time such as Gravity Kills, Fear Factory, and such but I always avoided this album. I had "Spaceman" on my Mortal Kombat Soundtrack and that was as far as I went. Now fast forward 10 years, I decided to buy the album and I am pleased with the purchased after listening. Such a shame that Jas Mann and Co decided to fall off the face of the earth after this. Although I hear the Zoo might be putting out another album sometime soon."