Search - Various Artists :: Around the Universe in 80 Minutes: Tribute to Klaatu

Klaatu Songs Performed By Others?

Todd and In Charge | Miami, FL | 08/31/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Talk about niche marketing -- a cd about a relatively obscure band, whose songs are performed here by relatively obscure, mostly Canadian artists -- and it works!



If you are a fan of Klaatu, you will enjoy these mostly inoffensive, sometimes excellent versions of songs you know and love -- Calling Occupants, by The Oohs(??) is a standout, as are most of the picks off of Sir Army Suit. I especially enjoyed So Said the Lighthouse Keeper, crunchified and spaced out for drama and effect by Feet of Clay, perhaps the best known of the tribute artists represented here. By the end of the cd, it does start to drag a bit, but it's a worthwhile and enjoyable listen.



Let's face it: If you are reading this, you are a Klaatu fan. That means that once this record is cut out and unavailable you will probably regret not picking it up, so you might as well pull and buy this curio before it goes away forever......"

Terrific tribute album. Warning: spoilers!

A. Cao | Marietta, GA United States | 10/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The fist 2 cuts are outstanding. This version of "Calling Occupants" far surpasses the Carpenters lame attempt from a couple of decades ago. "So Said the Lighthouse Keeper", one my all-time faves, is inexplicably upbeat, missing much of the gloom-n-doom that this songs requires. But then the song segues into a medley of "Hope" and "Occupants". Wonderful transition that could only be pulled off by musicians that really care about the original classics.



The Sub Rosa Subway Remix would be right at home on Sgt. Pepper's or Abbey Road. "Sir Bodsworth Rugglesby" is done mostly a cappella and totally tongue-in-cheek, as it should be.



The Sir Army Suite of the 7 best songs from that album are "tears of happiness" fantastic. Curiosity Shop gives "Routine Day" a Penny Lane-sound that just feels right. The soft and misleading intro to Older was a nice surprise, right before the song gets harder and nastier than anything Klaatu recorded. The version of "Mister Mason" is another hard-rocking cover that sneaks in a "True Life Hero" chorus in the middle. I have always loved "Tokeymor Fields" and I thought this was the most disappointing cut on the CD since it did not capture the original's mood of a young man completely, head-over-heels in love. You cannot help but smile when you hear the last song from Klaatu's best release, "Silly Boys".



Then we have some "newer" songs which have never been as good as the stuff from the first three albums. Having a woman sing "Knee Deep in Love" sure puts a new lesbian-chic spin on that heart-breaking song. I just don't care for the Mariah Carey-type production, which might have been put to more ironic use in the next song. "Sell Out, Sell Out" is the only Klaatu song where wife actually cranks up the volume but this version bothers her because it's too hip-hoppish.



The CD ends with a mostly instrumental version of "Little Neutrino" (sing the lyrics to yourself in your head) and "Hope". I believe in desert streams because I found this gem of a tribute CD.

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