Search - Members Of Mars & Dna :: John Gavanti

"Going down to St. Mark's Place! One of my favorite spots...

J. R. | 07/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""John Gavanti", an artsy take-off on "Don Giovanni", is usually billed as unlistenable - which is not at all accurate. In fact, this album is playful and consistently enjoyable, mostly due to the music's off-hand style and Sumner Crane's vocals.



There's not much of a plot to this "no-wave operetta", performed by members of Mars and DNA. Our hero sails to Argentina, then New York, then Venice - accompanied by a somewhat dissonant (but never annoying) backdrop of guitar, piano, tuba and percussion.



The role of Gavanti is played by Sumner Crane, who here assumes one of the most unique vocal styles I've ever heard. To be honest, he sounds like Cookie Monster, barking lines and phrases over the music in the background. His descriptions of the sights and sounds around him are hilarious and even touching at times, like the rhapsody of a wondrous child.



It's a half-hour of music, one of the more amusing albums I've heard in a long time. And it's underrated, right behind "No New York" as one of the great no-wave albums."

Not the most unlistenable cd ever...

Mark Bychowski | houston tx | 06/20/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"but certainly not the most listenable either. this cd's reputation as "the most unlistenable" comes from a review in trouser press record guide. dont get me wrong, theres no doubt that given the wrong sensiblities, the music on this cd can cause irritation, bad humour, & gnashing of the teeth. that said, compared to the mars' cuts on no new york, this is top 40 stuff. in another galaxy. it is relatively coherent, the vocals-a growled approximation of pig-italian- are at least entertaining, & the music is pleasant enough in a grating way. the delectable china burg does a delightful cameo on mirror mirror, her unique vocal stylings apparently consisting of singing without moving her mouth or tongue in anyway (try it & you too can be a no wave superstar!) anywho, john gavanti is the most casual dare i say UNpretensious music to come out of no wave & is definitely worth a listen."

A great no wave document!

Adam. | Belleville, PA United States | 07/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This disc is a reworking of Don Giovanni by Sumner Crane (ex-Mars), along with other members of Mars, DNA, and other no wave groups. The music is haunting, chaotic, and funny all at the same time, and Crane's garbled vocals are hilarious. This is probably one of the most unique releases I've heard in a long time, and now that it's been reissued on cd, any no wave fan should probably own it... It's not for a casual fan of the scene, but hardcore no wavers should be able to look past the goofiness of this disc and really appreciate it."