Search - Rich Shapero :: The Ram to Wild Animus: The Ram

Disturbingly bad

J.R. | Kansas, USA | 06/11/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I normally keep an open mind to the music I encounter. I received this CD for free at a music festival, so I gave it a try. That is what prompted my first-ever Amazon review.



The music portion doesn't sound so bad, but it is really just a backdrop for the words. This isn't something you can dance or even tap your foot to. The singing is poor, to say the least. The lyrics are carefully-chosen, adjective-laden, and pretty much sheer nonsense for a musical setting.



For more info on the lyrics, read some of the 100+ reviews of his book by the same name (Wild Animus: A Novel). He must have a lot of money to get the book published and to cover all the production and marketing for the CDs. I'm not sure any publishing company would have ever accepted this.



I suppose some may say that you can't judge art, or that it will grow on you. I understand what they mean, but I feel this isn't even up to that level.



What about my copy? I just tossed it in the trash. First time I ever did that. Its pungent scent did sting my nostrils and lurid sounds pierced my very eardrums.



Please don't consider paying money for this unless you've listened to samples of it first and read some of the book reviews. Your ears will quite possibly thank me."

I only rated it one star because negative stars weren't avai

Aaron Upsal | 04/26/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"My friend and I found this album in the lounge. It's god awul. Rich Shapero cannot sing. Seriously. His music isn't all that different. The music most closely resembles something in the vein of Tom Waits or Leonord Coen...If they lacked any talent. Boring synth is mixed with mediocre guitar tracks. The singing is unbearable, and honestly, laughable. When I began listening I had no idea what it was going to be, it was bearable...until the vocals kicked in, the words were mostly incomprehensable (which isn't ALWAYS bad, but in this case...) when lyrics could be heard it was honestly laughable. Shapero has minimal musical talent. On top of that his singing is pretty bad and at times he sounds totally tone deaf. Seriously some of the worst music I have ever heard. I say this with all sincerity, I'm not just exaggerating at all."

Not So Good

Benjamin T. Goodman | Chicago, IL | 08/08/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This CD was getting handed out on the street after Lollapalooza. I figure anyone willing to give away their CD deserves at least one listen.



So I gave "The Ram" one good listen. It is definitely something special, but only if you're using that term in the same sense that you would when describing "Jerry's Kids". I gave it a second listen with my girlfriend to make sure I wasn't just being over critical.



Another reviewer described Rich Shapero's vocals as "haunting". His singing is something that should be haunting karaoke bars... not my stereo! The lyrics are laughable. The music is performed by (what sounds like) uninspired studio musicians. The only decent thing about the album was the artwork for the cover and included booklet.



I understand that this is the first of three musical abominations Rich is releasing. They are supposed to accompany his novel, "Wild Animus". If they're handing out the next one on the street then do yourself a favor and skip it.



Sorry Rich. Stick to the venture capital thing.

"