Search - Pig :: Genuine American Monster

Pig Meets Pig

Jesse Lauer | NYC | 11/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As I see it, there are two "Pigs". The first Pig (pre-Sinsation) experimented with different musical genres. It flirted with the sounds of Cuban, Jazz, Big Band, and Doo-wop music while heavily laden with synths and drum machines to give it an industrial-rock edge. Whereas, the genius of the other pig (post-Sinsation) shone brilliantly in the studio. It's music was geared almost solely toward industrial and created vast, breathtaking landscapes which often left me speechless. Finally, the two unite. "Genuine American Monster" combines the experimental musicianship of Pig "A" with the masterful Production of Pig "B", to make one of the most original albums I've ever heard. The first track, "Prayer, Praise, and Profit" is plenty pissed off yet almost anthemic and startlingly begins in a major key. "Riot, Religion, and Righteousness", probably the most dance-friendly track on the album, has a vocal effect that has to be heard to be believed. "Salambo" introduces industrial music to an upbeat salsa feel. "Whore" creates a beautiful atmosphere for one of the most sorrowful and personal songs Raymond Watts has ever written. "Flesh Fest", the down-tempo Doo-wop influenced track, leaves you confused as to whether you should grind to it or swing dance. "Black Brothel", the first instrumental on the CD, displays the ever-present beauty in sadness. "Disrupt, Degrade, and Devastate", in a similar vein to Pig's "Wrecked" album, reminds us that it's sometimes fun to be pissed off. "F.O.M.", which I feel to be the weak point of the album, seems like Raymond forgot that he was writing music for Pig instead of KMFDM. "A Fate Worse Than Death", contrarily, is what I feel to be the albums high point. The rhythmic work is astounding, the guitar work is exceptionally unconventional, and the accompanying female vocals during the chorus still give me chills. "Cry Baby" is another flawless collaboration between Pig and Sow. And "Inside", the 13-minute reluctant epic (whose variations have appeared on several different Pig albums) has never been so poignant. Raymond, congratulations are in order. Instead of butting heads with your other musical voice you've collaborated with it to produce a brilliant work of art. May you two continue to work together."

Ray Strikes Gold Yet Agian...

Megalomaniac | Vancouver, Canada | 04/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently decided to splurge and buy this CD which Ive been wanting for about a year now. Im Canadian so with the exchange rate this was a very expensive CD, nearly double what it costs in USA. But it was worth every penny. While I still think The Swining is Ray's best work this is a strong second. Black Brothel is one of the most beautiful songs Ive ever heard (As well as Transceration on Sinsation, which is a very similair song) and something Trent often tries but cant pull off the way Watts does. Then there is Salambo. I feel this is the best of Pig's "experimental" songs, such as iToxico! and Black mambo. it sounds like a cross between The Beuna Vista Social Club and KMFDM. Pure genius. Cry baby is another off beat song. With Anna Wildsmith (SOW) doing the vocals in Japanese and Ray's FANTASTIC music, it is something that has to be heard to be believed.The Final song is Inside. This finishes what "Watts" and "Murder Car" started. It is the more amazing 14 Mins you could spend listening to a song. It is simply one of the most plesent sounding instrumentals Ive ever had the pleasure of hearing. Genuine American Monster has a very strong feeling of being the final PIG CD. It has a clusure type feel to it. Im fairly sure it wont be but that doesnt hurt the CD from being the most mature and serious release PIG has ever had. Dont wait to buy the heavily altered US version with new art work. In fact the art work on this CD is by far the best PIG has ever had. One of the best of all time too. This is a CD EVERY PIG fan should have. If youve never heard Pig before, buy Wrecked as it is a tad more accessable nad cheaper. But if you like that , which you will, come back and buy this. You WONT be dissapointed"

PIGS BEST! ORDER RIGHT AWAY!

Keegan MOnti-Kewley | New York, NY United States | 02/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is THE single greatest industrial album ever released, quite possibly the greatest album ever released of ANY genre!"