Search - Hanrahan, Kip :: Exotica

Oops! They did it again!

doctor_wu | Angryland, USA | 09/19/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This is a special record. If you're like me, you flipped out over the stellar cast of musicians and just had to hear their collective brainchild. Nocentelli, Bruce, Ameen... it rarely gets much better than this. This appears to be a truly collaborative effort from all involved. Unfortunately for the listener.The apparent premise here is nothing short of sadistic. Take a bunch of great, great players, sit back and roll tape while they groove.., and then PLASTER each cut with campy spoken-word and bad, overbearing vocals. This record makes me want to cry. The instrumental performances are brilliant and inspired. They're everything you would expect from players of this caliber (ex-Meters, ex-Cream, etc.) and more. However, the pretentious, babbling vocals just ruin it. This would have KILLED as an instrumental record. There has got to be a version of this album, pre-vocal ruination, sitting in some production library somewhere. It's unfortunate that most of us will never get to hear it.I've really tried to listen to this album. I really want to love it. And I do. But it's a bit disenchanting when effectively all you get is a cd full of really good intros. In short, regarding those who carry the torch for the tasteless production values in music today, "Oops! You've [ruined a great record] again!""

Brain Tripping

Terence Dollard | Hauppauge, NY United States | 12/06/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The lyrics tell the tales of a class struggle, a revolution or communist manefesto, but they are woven into the funkiest tracks I've ever heard. Fat bass, expressive drumming and enough Hanrahan weirdness make this album a headphone treat. Don't expect to love it the first time you hear it. By the 3 time, you're hooked. The song titles alone are reason enough to love this album. Jack Bruce of Cream has gained a fullness to his voice and a smoothness to his playing and has rarely sounded better. "Exotica" lives up to it's name."

Not to be confused with Exotica the movie

Terence Dollard | 07/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"hey! ignore that review above! This is not the soundtrack to the film. It's a great album!"