I've just checked out this album on the listening post at my local record store...and what a letdown it is.

I'm a huge fan of the first two albums (and a long-time follower of Keenan's work in general), but I must say that this latest effort simply lacks the hard-hitting spirit of the previous releases. It seems that the band's arrogant/aggressive nihilism (that I found so appealing) has been replaced with an impotent, whining, crooning "forgive them father for they know not what they do"-ism. Yuck!

I realise it's a covers album, so the lyrics are not Keenan's own. But even so, the choice of songs just doesn't gel well with me. John Lennon's 'Imagine' is very well done, but it's not good enough to hold up the entire album. In all honesty this album drips with anti-Bush political campaign vitriol, making it more of a 'period' piece that will date incredibly quickly in comparison to the more universally-angsty Mer de Noms and Thirteenth Step.

I won't be purchasing this album.

Any other thoughts?

[ 11-03-2004, 10:47 PM: Message edited by: The Hierophant ]

Haven't heard it yet, but coincidentally I was just listening to both previous APC albums in succession! Sorry to hear the new one isn't up to expectations... Will probably check it out anyway, but thanks for the review.

And off-topic, you still doin great? [img]smile.gif[/img] I'm still doin busy :S Take care, talk soon!

I have it, it is in my about to listen to list, I just had a catch up with the other two APC albums also, so I will let you know what I think of it tonight.

You betcha. If you want more details you're just gonna have to take it to pm ;)
Good to hear you're keeping busy. Always beats being bored [img]smile.gif[/img]

Well I listened to the album, didn't think too much of it. I think it was a bit boring really, I just didn't get into it.

OK, in direct contradiction to my original whiny, pouty declaration I bought a second-hand copy of this album yesterday and have been giving it a more in-depth saturation-listening. And..... I've changed my mind somewhat. I don't consider it amazing, but it's good: good enough to pass artistic muster. It's certainly different to their previous releases, so I suppose if one isn't expecting a Mer De Noms experience then one shall find a fair amount to enjoy in this album. I guess I was just being a closed-minded fool earlier. Give it a listen if modernised, pseudo-goth industrial is one of your particular cups of tea.

The wife picked it up yesterday and I have not had time to listen to it yet, But whenI done work tonight I have some time off and I will be checking it out. I need to reno the bathroom and I just may have it playing in the background. I will get back to later for a review.

You ever see them play live. Seen them a few years back and dam it was a great show. :D

They came to New Zealand earlier this year but I missed them! I was so gutted. I was absolutely broke and they were charging $75 a ticket (well, more accurately, the booking company was charging $75 a ticket). Ah well, hopefully they will return to NZ when I've got a slightly less desolate bank account.

So when did you see them? After they released their first album?

Haven't heard this one either yet. I've got Mer de Noms, but for some reason, I hardly ever listen to it (same goes for the Tool albums I've got, for that matter). I'll give MdN another spin, and perhaps it'll inspire me to listen to the cover album as well, then.

I love Mer de Noms, great album. I don't actually listen to my Tool enough either considering I have all of their albums and videos etc. Emotive is actually quite good once you analyze it. I have listened to it about 5 times now and I think it grows on you after the initial listening which I wasn't too fond of.