Search - Renaldo & Loaf :: Songs for Swinging Larvae

Completely Unique and Wonderfully Strange

pzmolek | Cape Girardeau, MO United States | 01/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am amazed that this album has been re-issued as a CD. I guess there must be a few other folks besides me who understand the brilliance at work here. Very witty stuff here that relies on the musicians' creativity rather than their access to a big production budget. Their other albums got slicker and more produced so they lost that wonderful sick sound. This is a must listen for anyone who is interested in pop music on the edge - fans of Capt. Beefheart, Zappa, Zorn, Mr. Bungle, etc. might be open-minded enough to understand the inspired weirdness of Songs for Swinging Larvae. I think this album is more extreme and, at the same time , much more listenable than any of the Residents' stuff."

Brilliant!

J. Gustavson | Travelling | 04/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think it is to miss the mark to call RATL "unique" as for ideas. They were admittingly inspired by the early Residents. This is easily heard. And nothing wrong with that. That does not hold back the fact that they had their very own signature on their works, as well as some very own ideas.



After repeated listenings to RATL over the years, as well as frequent watchings of their Ralph videos, I have come to lift this british duo to great heights. One might wonder what could have become of them if they had kept bringing recordings out. It is so SAD they disbanded!



If you're new to RATL , start anyplace, all they did is 5 stars, and so great. And then get all you can. Do not miss out their co-work with the Residents: Title in Limbo.



Hat's off gentlemen!"

A sweet, sad record

J. Gustavson | 07/08/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Most people would describe this record as absolutely unlistenable, but it has a genuine, innocent spirit. They made their music in a home studio using everyday objects and tape manipulation, and the results are incredibly bizarre. Nevertheless, I think these guys are ripe for rediscovery. This is music that does not yet have a category; it could be the foundation of a new genre."