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Surprise! Surprise!

Christian Zimmerman | 01/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The reason To My Surprise has such an unusual name is clear: any description of their self-titled debut will inevitably overuse the word "surprise." Observe:SURPRISE! The scary clown from Slipknot (M. Shawn Crahan) has a side project, and it isn't metal, nu- or otherwise. In fact, To My Surprise is a power pop band that sounds like a combination of the Beatles, AC/DC, and Soul Coughing. Why, it's a SURPRISE that Roadrunner Records, the most "metal" of all mainstream labels, even released this album at all. Even more of a SURPRISE is the mood of this record. Those looking for the angsty nihilism of Slipknot will be quite dissappointed; even the most aggressive track ("In the Mood") is centered around an insanely catchy pop hook. The biggest SURPRISE, however, is that, despite being incredibly weird, this album is also really good. The group has an excellent pair of vocalists in Crahan and Brandon Darner; Crahan's unusual twang complements Darner's more traditional delivery well, and the production is top-notch, if a bit experimental.Basically, if you can accept that this side project doesn't sound a thing like Slipknot (and that IS the purpose of side projects, right?), TO MY SURPRISE will probably end up getting regular playing time in your stereo. SURPRISED?"

Deserves a better rating from narrow minds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John D Henson | Brandon, MS United States | 01/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is upsetting to see people giving this CD two and three stars out of five, you are all out of your minds and insane to expect a side project from a member of Slipknot to be anything like the sound of Slipknot. Do you think the members of Slipknot just listen to speed metal and only speed metal???? No, I think not, just because Slipknot is their primary focus, it doesn't mean they are not musically inspired by all different kinds of music under the sun, which you should all take a stab at yourself and try listening to something a bit more inspiring than Korn, Mudvayne and Metallica, which by the way there is nothing wrong with speed metal, it is my favorite type of music too, but it is not all that is out there worth giving a listen to. This CD is one of the best CDs I have come across in a long time, it is beautiful, upbeat, melodic and nothing short of mind broadening. If you like emotional rock at all, this is for you. I am extremely proud of the clown for illustrating that he is capable of such musicianship and songwriting and I can't wait for his second outing. Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Eclecticism" at it's best...

John D Henson | 10/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a music climate of cookie-cutter rap-metal bands and cheesy bubblegum pop, "To My Surprise" really stands out as something totally different and fresh.I didn't know what to expect from this side project from Slipknot's "Clown". I've been a casual fan of theirs, not considering myself a "Maggot" by any stretch. After listening, I must say that it is "surprisingly" good, and very different. The members of "To My Surprise" cover a wide range of style and influence with rich, deep sounds and catchy melodies. One minute you're listening to what sounds like modern age "Beatles-esque" harmonies with smooth vocals, next moving on to the quirky off-beat riffs of Beck, then switching to an almost punk, hard driving rock with raw guitar and driving drums.Overall it's definitely an eclectic listen, and very interesting if nothing else. Die-hard Slipknot fans expecting the usual may be disappointed, but I think many other fans of diverse music will be pleasantly surprised."