Search - Boy George :: Martyr Mantras

George Goes Down the Disco

J. Brady | PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC United States | 08/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After the collapse of Culture Club and the ultimate failure of his solo career, Boy George quietly decamped, got sober and came back with a new group of musicians he called Jesus Loves You. In the UK, they had a few minor hits, and raised a bit of fuss with the anti-Thatcher "No Clause 28", but as usual, American radio left it alone, and audiences never got a chance to hear it. Virgin US released this compilation of remixes under the Boy George name, hoping that his past fame might give it the push it needed, but outside of a few of the hipper dance clubs ( I remember hearing "Generations of Love" and "No Clause 28" in the Armory in Atlanta back around 1990 ) it too was all but ignored. While a few of these songs haven't aged well, there are some solid grooves ( "After the Love" a song George wrote and produced with Culture Club drummer Jon Moss, the two before mentioned singles, and "Love's Gonna Let U Down") , and one terrific ballad ( "I Specialize in Lonliness"). The one song that stands out most is the most atypical of the bunch. A rather bizarre tune called "Bow Down Mister", an obvious influence of George's experience in India with the Krishnas, begins with some Indian chanting, has a section of folkish acoustic guitar, and finally blooms into a sing-along replete with Indian chorus.

A great album, save for the few dated tracks. And another great album cover. Thanks, George. We owe you one."

Classic

A. T. Storm | ecstasydney Australia | 05/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i remember this Album totally awesome



even today in 2005 generations of love is still played in clubs

and has been remixed so many times ive lost count !!!



more protein is a truely wicked label



Mr O'Dowd i love you"

George at his best

Carsten Elmose Madsen | Denmark | 12/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By far the best solo-album by Boy George since his fall from grace (and culture club). Originally released under the "Jesus loves you" name in Europe this album reveals how talented Boy George really is.



Songs like "Generations of love", "Bow down mister", "I specialize in loneliness" and "Too much love" stands the test of time beautifully and even in 2005/2006 they set the standards for what a good pop-song should be. In general "The martyr mantras" is a very coherent album and thus it has not the flaws of some of his other solo-albums (where the quality often fluctuates to much - with the exeption of rock album "cheapness and beauty").



Vocals are other culture club / Boy George albums superior and production is intense. If you are into Culture Club but have moved on in your life since then this album is a must-have. Listen to it a few times and you will not be dissapointed. The Martyr Mantras is an album that shows just how underrated Boy George often is - this is George at his best!"