CD Reviews

The Claypool Lennon Delirium – The Monolith of Phobos (review)

Published

9 years ago

June 24, 2016

JJ Ulizio

The Monolith of Phobos by The Claypool Lennon Delirium

By JJ Ulizio:

June 3^rd saw the release of the debut album from The Claypool Lennon Delirium The Monolith of Phobos. I was excited upon learning of its existence. The paring of Primus’ main-man and bass player extraordinaire Les Claypool with Sean Lennon, offspring of the legendary Beatles guitarist and Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger mastermind should be interesting if nothing else.

It was definitely interesting that’s for sure. Knowing the various projects that both have been involved in and have appeared on over the years I didn’t know what to expect. However once I heard the first few bars, it clicked into my brain. Yes! I understood where they were at and this is what I expected. That might not make sense to some of you, but if you are familiar with either musician, especially Les Claypool, then you will understand.

After the two artists toured together recently, they jammed with each other a few times and discussed that both of their bands would be taking 2016 off. At that point they decided that they should work on something together. Les was quoted as saying “Next thing I know, he’s staying in my guesthouse, drinking my vino, and banging on my drums.” Judging by the music on the album itself, it sounds to me like much more than just vino was consumed during the writing and recording of the album that became The Monolith of Phobos.

This is an extremely psychedelic album from start to finish, complete with vocal harmonies that are at times reminiscent of Seans heritage, and yet at other times haunting. In the song “OxyContin Girl” it is very reminiscent of pop rock and psychedelic rock of the 1960’s. However there are some dark undertones in the lyrical content as they sing the lines “She was an OxyContin Girl in an heroin world, She didn’t know what to do, when she ran out of pills she scored on the street, but now her lips are turning blue”. The harmony and melody of the 60’s psychedelia it will get the songs stuck in your head and have you singing to yourself. As an added bonus it will have your coworkers looking strangely at you. Ok. Ok. Maybe that’s just me but my point still stands.

The album flows seamlessly and takes you on a trip (tee-hee), as the music weaves up and down through heavy distortion and synths while Les Claypool skillfully reminds the listener of why he has such a legendary reputation as a bass. The multi-instrumentalist Sean Lennon lays the percussion down like a spice on top of some great guitar playing that seems to make you float through the upper atmosphere and into outer space, or is it inner space? What was I doing? Oh right. Floating through songs like the title track, “Cricket and the Genie”, “Ohmerica”, and the instrumental album closer “There’s No Underwear in Space” you might wonder if you will ever circle back for atmospheric reentry.

As I stated before this album is an extremely psychedelic record and psychedelic rock is like a curry bowl, a fine whiskey, or LSD itself. An acquired taste and not for everyone, but that being said I think it’s a great album that showcases some amazing musicianship between two legendary musicians. If you’ve already acquired the taste, or wish to try, I say go for it.

They’ll be on tour for the summer and it will carry them through to October, hopefully I will be able to make it to a date on the tour.

For more info and tour dates go to http://theclaypoollennondelirium.com

About Author

JJ Ulizio

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

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Related Topics:Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger Les Claypool Monolith of Phobos Primus Sean Lennon The Claypool Lennon Delirium

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CD Reviews

Marilyn Manson is Back

Published

2 months ago

November 25, 2024

Ron

Marilyn Manson just released his 12th album “One Assassination Under God-Chapter 1” on November 22nd 2024.

This album in my opinion is the best album Manson has put out since Holy Wood. It has a feeling of albums old and new with little hints of Antichrist Superstar, Mechanical Animals and Holy Wood.

The album opens up with “One Assassination Under God” which just gets you ready for what’s to come. With Manson Just finishing his tour, This is the Manson we have been needing for years now. He looks good and sounds great.

Putting out a few singles from the album , the overall feeling of this album is great. It’s been a while since I’ve like a full album of Manson, while this album isn’t perfect it’s as close as perfection of those early albums were. Of course I love the singles “As Sick as the Secrets we Keep” and “Raise the Red Flag” but I also really enjoyed songs like “Death is not a costume”, “Nod if you understand” and “Sacrilegious”

I think this new chapter of Mansons life and music is exciting , I hope we get more tours in 2025 and maybe some over the top stage shows like we did in the late 90s early 2000s. I feel the younger generation hasn’t experience a real “Full” on Manson show yet and it’s time for the King to take back his throne at the top of the Shock Rock mountain.

ALL HAIL MARILYN MANSON

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

2 months ago

November 20, 2024

Ron

I remember when this album came out in 1994 . I was 15 and really discovering all types of music. As being a typical teenage boy I seen the band name “Bush” and thought hmm I love bush, let’s check it out. It was such an amazing album from beginning to end.

The new released vinyl that just came out on November 17th is such a testament to this album being as great then as it is now. Listening to the vinyl just brought back so many memories of being an angst teenager that just wanted to heard. The vinyl package is amazing with lots of photos of the band throughout the years and the sound of the vinyl is so pristine.

I got my hands on the opaque red vinyl and just looks awesome spinning on the player. It’s crazy to think that this album has so many hits and no filler songs, even the songs that didn’t become hits are just as good as the hits.

With the hits being “Glycerine”, “Everything Zen” , “Comedown” “Little Things” and “Machinehead” but some of my favorite songs are not the hits songs like “Swim”, “Bomb” and “Alien” which is probably my favorite song on the album. If you’re a fan of Bush or this album or just want to dive into the mid 90s Grunge/Post Grunge era this is a key album to have in your collection.

About Author

Ron

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CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Published

4 months ago

October 3, 2024

Ron

Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.

I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.

The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.

Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue