Search - Mike Keneally :: Scambot 1

A Masterpiece

Alexander Hallenbeck | Ithaca, NY | 12/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before buying this album, I had never listened to Mike Keneally before. I knew he was Zappa's stunt guitarist in '88, and I own almost all of FZ's records. I am also a big Beefheart, Vai, DZ fan as well. I (like the liner notes say to do) listened to this album all the way through with headphones on, as loud as I could. I can not possibly put into words they beauty I find in this album. There are many, many different genres, including Jazz, heavier-rock, pop-ish like songs, and then just straight up jams and experimental-electronic music. Yet, it all blends together perfectly and coherently. Mike Keneally is without a doubt a genius, whether it be on guitar, piano, and vocals. Many of the songs do contain vocals, which are densely layered. IMO, this is one of the best albums I have ever listened to. If people want a true comparison, I would say it is like a modern-day "Trout Mask Replica", although I think it is a bit more accessible. Don't be fooled by the song "Hallmark" as found on youtube and elsewhere, most of the album is certainly not this 'pop' sounding, which I thought it might be after hearing that song. Highlights include "Tomorrow", "Saturate", "Behind The Door", and "Cat Bran Sammich". There is no weak song on this album. My friends don't understand why I like it, but from a musician's standpoint, this is as good as it gets. AND Joe Travers (from Zappa Plays Zappa) plays drums on a couple tracks which is an added bonus. BUY IT"

Some of Mike's best work, and easily in the top ten of the l

Derek J. Hunt | Middletown, CT | 05/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Keneally's latest album is truly a gift to those who love music. The listener is rewarded with his usual eclectic and varied compositions, however, something that Mike says in the liner notes rings particularly true for this disc: [this album is] "Dedicated to anyone who still listens to entire albums with their headphones on."



How rare is it these days that a composer considers the entire album format a palette to work with. So often we are assaulted with bite sized, auto-tuned chunks of music without heart. The songs on this disc range from indie-esque pop "Hallmark" to furious fusion/jazz pieces like "Chee" (definite Mahavishnu or Dixie Dregs feel on this track) to hard-rock songs like "Tommorow". Although many of these songs could fit nicely within a genre, the music is entirely Keneally. Keneally literally covers the entire musical spectrum with ease. Each piece feels good on it's own, however, the tracks flow effortlessly with one another.



Zappa fans will equally love this disc as many parts feel like some of the Grandmaster's more esoteric work.



This disc is quintessential Keneally, and deserves a place in every music library. The only thing I wish Mike would consider for the next Scambot is a 5.1 mix on DVD.



Do yourself a favor, buy this, listen to it on headphones and read the awesome story in the CD jacket. I guarantee you will remember that feeling you had as a kid intensely combing over the lyrics and artwork of an album, while losing yourself in the music."