Although best known as a cult comic book artist (Monkey Vs Robot, Sketchbook Diaries), James Kochalka Superstar is also a musician, having released many hard-to-find albums through limited distribution. His eccentric and s... more »ingular work is translated to irresistibly catchy songs, ranging from the full-on power rock of "Talk To The Wookie" (an ode to cunnilingus) to sensitive ballads like "Twinkle Twinkle Ringo Star". Our Most Beloved compiles the cream of James? recorded output (and adds a few new recordings) in one deluxe package with a bonus DVD containing five music videos (including the legendary Monkey Vs Robot and two animated songs that appeared on Nickelodeon) and some surprises! ? Produced by Peter Katis (Interpol) ? Bonus DVD with hilarious content ? Monkey Vs Robot was a #1 Download at RollingStone.com ? This compilation of his earlier work is the 1st Kochalka album to be widely available ? booklet includes new, previously unpublished Kochalka comic« less
Although best known as a cult comic book artist (Monkey Vs Robot, Sketchbook Diaries), James Kochalka Superstar is also a musician, having released many hard-to-find albums through limited distribution. His eccentric and singular work is translated to irresistibly catchy songs, ranging from the full-on power rock of "Talk To The Wookie" (an ode to cunnilingus) to sensitive ballads like "Twinkle Twinkle Ringo Star". Our Most Beloved compiles the cream of James? recorded output (and adds a few new recordings) in one deluxe package with a bonus DVD containing five music videos (including the legendary Monkey Vs Robot and two animated songs that appeared on Nickelodeon) and some surprises! ? Produced by Peter Katis (Interpol) ? Bonus DVD with hilarious content ? Monkey Vs Robot was a #1 Download at RollingStone.com ? This compilation of his earlier work is the 1st Kochalka album to be widely available ? booklet includes new, previously unpublished Kochalka comic
"I have been sceptical of the popular notion that James Kochalka is the reincarnation of Leonardo da Vinci. It's true they are both artists who favor full frontal nudity and If da Vinci was around today he MIGHT want to live in Vermont, but what other proof is there? Then I listened to Kochalka's compilation album plus music video Our Most Beloved. I mean, I'm from the Woodstock generation and although I mourned John Lennon I never really felt the loss of Curt Cobain. But now, after listening to "Put Down the Gun" for the 20th time I find I have been infected by Kochalka's passion for post-punk rock and roll. Or at least Kochalka's version of it. Wait, you say, that's all well and good but da Vinci designed war machines. What does Kochalka have to match that? Hey, his work is chock full of robots and spaceships that Leonardo WISHES he had thought of. And the album's longest cut "Sleighride to Heck" is the best evocation of a cheerfully nihilistic armageddon since Tom Lehr's "We'll all Go Together When We Go". (Sorry, wrong era again). Anyway, Leonardo and Kochalka - maybe not such a crazy idea after all.
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The best superstar no one else has ever heard of!
Some Dude | Western Mass | 08/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not only is this a fine album to introduce the unenlightened to the music of James Kochalka, but even if you've already collected his entire discography and played them more times than is probably healthy- this collection will still sound fresh. All the songs included have been remastered, including an entirely new recording of 'P*ssy Gangster' and a breif, poignant introduction to the classic 'Hockey Monkey'. Most of these songs are way too catchy for your own good, chances are you'll learn all the words and have them stuck in your head for weeks.
A DVD is also included with several videos all worth checking out- 'Monkey vs. Robot' has been a hit at festivals and both 'Pizza Rocket' and 'Hockey Monkey' have appeared on Nickelodeon. Keep an eye out for James behind the goalie mask- his mere image was deemed unsuitable for children.
However, it's been about 4 years since any new material from the band was released. A new album 'Spread Your Evil Wings and Fly' was recorded ages ago and apparently Rycodisc is just sitting on it. Let's hope they come to their senses soon..."
What's not to Love?
Anders Johnson | San Jose, CA United States | 03/29/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This guy's whole repertoire is insipid, sloppy three-chord garage-band tripe, with juvenile, offensive, smart-alecky jibberish for lyrics. It almost sounds as though he makes this stuff up as he goes along. In other words, it's everything that rock 'n' roll should be!"
His Name is Mr. Rock `n Roll
Michael Mihalik | Seattle, WA USA | 01/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Recently, when I was driving a group of us out for pizza, "Twinkle Twinkle Ringo Starr" kicked off on my stereo and one of my friends said, "What the hell are you listening to"?
Without missing a beat, I replied, "James Koh-chook-klas Superstar".
In an era of pretentious, derivative and over-produced rock, I'd given up hope of ever hearing anything fresh and interesting. And then, purely by accident, I discovered James Kochalka Superstar, which is definitely not pretentious, over-produced, or spoiled by some corporate rock marketing department.
Eschewing the current trend of self-important musicians trying to change the world, JKS gives us songs about drinking beer, dirty-minded astronauts, and a monkey who plays hockey. How true to the spirit of indie rock is that?
Like another reviewer said, it almost sounds like JKS is making this stuff up as he goes along but, hey, some of it is really good and the rest is as fun as a barrel of hockey monkeys. It makes you want to go to a keg party, grab some corn on the cob, and listen to your heart because a kiss tastes good in the cold night air.
Good stuff. Pure, sincere songwriting. Highly recommended.
P.S. Thank God for the song "Ozzy & I", otherwise I'd have never been able to figure out how to pronounce "Kochalka". Mmm...word.
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Michael Mihalik is the author of Debt is Slavery: and 9 Other Things I Wish My Dad Had Taught Me About Money. Learn how to gain control of your finances, pay off your debt, and create financial security!"