Bizarro

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Out of print for many years, Manifesto re-issued this 1990 classic in 1996 in its 'American' version, with the four extra tracks from the 'Brassneck' single. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Censorshit
The Job That Ate My Brain
Poisin Heart
Anxiety
Strength To Endure
It's Gonna Be Alright
Take It As It Comes
Main Man
Tomorrow She Goes Away
I Won't Let It Happen
Cabbies On Crack
Heidi Is A Headcase
Touring

Customer Reviews:

I just want to walk right out of this world........2005-04-15

This was the first Ramones album released after they left Sire Records, and also the first studio album recorded after Dee Dee quit the band. It's not a classic Ramones album by any means, but it does have it's moments. Even without Dee Dee in the band, he still contributed the best songs on the album; "Poison Heart", "Strength to Endure" and "Main Man". Joey wrote seven songs for the album, most of which are decent, but none of them are all that memorable. Marky Ramone also contributed his first two songs to this album, which are okay. There is one cover song on the album, which is the Doors' "Take It As It Comes", and it's actually one of the better songs on the album. While this isn't one of the Ramones' best albums, Ramones fans should enjoy it.

Still plenty of life in them..........2004-05-30

Louder guitars than any other Ramones record (almost like arena-rock.) This is another prime example of how production was right on and not hollow with too many of the band's other releases. Angrier sound here... I think that's why I like this one so much.

A very great, but over looked Album.......2004-04-13

By the late 80s the Ramones where starting to burn out. While they still made good rock music, relations in the band were dwendling and they were constantly changing thier sound in hope for that lucky break.

I have to say that Dee Dee being replaced by CJ did wonders for the band. The new young bassist brought back alot of the energy for the band and this album is a return to the classic Ramones formula.

And it shows. Joey hasnt sounded this desperate/energized/pissed off since Road to Ruin. The Ramones sound so full of life and ready to take on the world. It's a shame that more people havent heard about this album.

It kicks off to a perfect start with Censorsh*t, an anti- censorship rant; one of the Ramones most well written tunes.
The Job that Ate my Brian and Anxiety are punk classics written by Marky.

Dee Dee contributes Poison Heart, Strength to Endure and Main Man, all great songs with very honest lyrics.

It's Gonna be Alright is a dedication to the Ramones fans for sticking with them for so long.
-"Got good feelings about this year,
-All is very well CJ is here
-92 spells more fun lets get into gear"

Tommorow she Goes Away and Hiedi is a Headcase are both warped love songs. I won't let it Happen is an acustic ballad good enough to compete with I want you Around.
The album closes with Touring, a rip off of thier own "Rock n Roll High School" dedicating another song to the love of playing music and being on the road.

This isnt just one of the best Ramones albums, its an underated classic that all punkers need to listen to.

Best of the later albums..........2004-01-11

After the amount of albums the Ramones released, some of the later albums are obviously going to sound a little recycled. This is a really good, and under-rated album though. It's defifitely better then some albums that preceded it. 'Touring' and 'Poison Heart' are 2 of my favourite Ramones songs. This whole album is very strong though.

good stuff.......2003-05-28

I love the Ramones and this is the best album of their later stuff. Poison Heart and Strengh to Endure are the best songs here. Strong hard edged tunes. I higly recommend this cd. This music blows away the boy band crapola that everyone is listening to these days. LONG LIVE ROCK!!!!

Average customer rating:

Different, but in a good way
Something New...
Great Piece of Post Modern Music
Daugherty : Music :: Lichtenstein : Art
World of Imagination for Man of Tommorrow

Daugherty: Metropolis Symphony/Bizarro

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Michael Daugherty: Philadelphia Stories; UFO
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Rorem: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello; After Reading Shakespeare
Jackie O - The Opera
Sojourns

ASIN: B000004CWL
Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

Metropolis Symphony: Lex
Metropolis Symphony: Krypton
Metropolis Symphony: Mxyzptlk
Metropolis Symphony: Oh Lois!
Metropolis Symphony: Red Cape Tango
Metropolis Symphony: Bizarro

Amazon.com

Michael Daugherty is one of a talented and eclectic group of American composers who have successfully worked in both rock and classical music styles. His compositions celebrate American popular culture--his latest opera, Jackie O, is based on the life of you know who. His largest and most ambitious work to date is this suite of pieces based on characters and events from the Superman comic strip. Rumor has it that the original title was supposed to be "Superman" Symphony, but Marvel Comics wouldn't give permission to use the name. In any case, the music is jazzy, snazzy, faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to ... you get the picture. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Different, but in a good way.......2007-05-23

Michael Daugherty's music seems to spark primarily extreme reactions: it's either detested or adored. I'm in the latter category.

"Metropolis Symphony" is one of the most complex and rigorously structured orchestral scores of the last twenty years. I performed the fifth movement last spring; at every rehearsal I was amazed at how well it was put together, and how thoroughly the material was developed. Hardly characteristics you'd expect from a "trite" composition!

I highly recommend "Metropolis Symphony". The zaniness, the relentless energy, and the strong elements of popular music make this an excellent first choice for fans of classical music trying to inch their way into the music of 20th- and 21st-century composers, or for fans of popular music trying to inch their way into classical music, or for anybody willing to try something new.

(I might add that it's a refreshing break for those of us who are tired of hearing and performing nothing but 19th-century Romantic music on orchestra concerts..)

Don't be afraid!

Something New..........2005-04-03

I just bought this recording, as my high school marching band will be playing selections from the Metropolis Symphony in our show this year. At first, I was surprised at HOW contemporary it was. I was expecting something a bit more majestic and hero-like than what I was hearing. However, I was not disappointed. The more I listened, the more I understood and liked. You simply have to let it paint and create images in your mind. That is when it becomes a successful work. -Let it take you away.

Great Piece of Post Modern Music.......2004-09-14

I bought this to find out what the orchestra I play in was getting into for a concert last spring. What a great piece of music! Fun to play, fun to listen to. I was a little discouraged to discover that his "Dead Elvis" (from another CD) was VERY close to "Red Cape Tango," but all-in-all, it's still full of interesting ostinati and fun little hooks.

I'd love to see Bizarro done on a marching band field, but I know it'll never happen. There's a great interplay in the piece between the horns and percussion that I just scan back and play, scan back and play, scan back and play...

Daugherty : Music :: Lichtenstein : Art.......2003-04-16

The music of Michael Daugherty is deeply rooted in the American psyche because of his focus on pop culture. In an analogous way to the pop art style of some modern visual arts, Daugherty uses familiar motifs and patterns to create soundscapes that are quite evocative.

Some of his critics claim that portions of his music are 'trite' or 'cliches', but this is precisely the point with pop art. Daugherty is able to create beauty from new use of the mundane.

While not everyone will enjoy Metropolis, it is an emminent work in the sense of connections between movements in visual art and music. Just as Schoenburg reflects Kandinsky, Cage reflects Pollak, and Stravinsky reflects Picasso, so does Daugherty reflect Lichtenstein.

World of Imagination for Man of Tommorrow.......2003-01-17

Michael Daughtery's METROPOLIS SYMPHONY is a fitting tribute to the American mythology of the Superman story. He creates an environment of imagination and even suspense starting with the oddly spinning "Lex" which pulls us along with it, trying to keep up with the orchestra trying to keep up with its violin virtuoso. Other movments include "Krypton", a dirge-like piece complete with funeral bells, "Mxyzptlk", a somewhat mystical and confused musical metaphor for the imp from the 5th dimension, "Oh Lois", which is a little campy and gives the feeling of the damsel in constant distress relying on her hero.
The symphony itself ends in the dramatic fight to the death of Superman and Doomsday in "Red Cape Tango". There is also another piece Daughtery composed with the Superman folklore legend in mind called "Bizarro". It is strange, awkward, amusing, and potentially dangerous, just like it's supposed to be, forging off with superpower going...well,somewhere. All music makes full use of a fully structured orchestra tightly conducted by David Zinman. A great ride.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic album

Bizarro
The Wedding Present
Manufacturer: Bmg/Camden
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Seamonsters
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Watusi

ASIN: B00005NOSV
Release Date: 2004-03-22

Tracks:

Brassneck
Crushed
No
Thanks
Kennedy
What Have I Said Now?
Granadaland
Bewitched
Take Me!
Be Honest
Unfaithful [*]
One Day This Will All Be Yours [*]
It's Not Unusual [*]
Brassneck [Single Version][*]
Don't Talk, Just Kiss [*]
Gone [*]
Box Elder [*]

Album Description

Originally released in 1989 now includes 7 bonus tracks all the B-sides from the hit singles Kennedy and Brassneck. Standard jewel case in a slipcase.

Album Details

Remastered with Improved Artwork and Sleevenotes. Reissue of their 1989 Album, Now with Seven Bonus Tracks Including all the B-sides.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic album.......2005-08-26

I bought this album months ago on cassette in amoeba records on a whim one weekday afternoon and I was blown away. the trouble with a lot of recordings from the eighties is that otherwise fantastic albums can be bogged down with cheesy, dated production quality. however, this album (production included) sounds just as fresh and vibrant today as it did when it first came out almost twenty years ago. the songs are excellent. two chords never sounded this good. some of the songs go on forever using the same basic chord structure. yet, somehow, it never gets dull. i have the feeling that if this band were to come out today instead of twenty years ago, they would be instatly popular with today's music scene. this is very original, timeless music.the wedding present were definitely one of the best bands to come outta england in the late eighties.

Average customer rating:

Lost your love of life, too much apple pie...
music fan from Seattle
Furious
Energy Unleashed
Energy Unleashed

Bizarro
The Wedding Present
Manufacturer: Manifesto Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Seamonsters
Take Fountain

ASIN: B000002NVI
Release Date: 1996-08-06

Tracks:

Brassneck
Crushed
No
Thanks
Kennedy
What Have I Said Now?
Granadaland
Bewitched
Take Me!
Brassneck
Box Elder Mo
Don't Talk, Just Kiss
Gone
Be Honest

Album Description

Out of print for many years, Manifesto re-issued this 1990 classic in 1996 in its 'American' version, with the four extra tracks from the 'Brassneck' single.

Customer Reviews:

Lost your love of life, too much apple pie..........2005-02-02

Buy this NOW. That's about all I can say. This is a phenomenal, criminally underrated album, easily in my top 5 of all time, strong from start to finish. The more you listen to it, the more you'll want to listen to it, again and again, which is, after all, the mark of a true classic.

music fan from Seattle.......2004-01-02

I first bought this album after seeing The Wedding Present play in Paris in 1995. I was so blown away by their great performance that they soon became my favorite band. Bizarro is one of my desert island disks for sure. Very unique guitar stylings, meaningful lyrics, and great musicianship. Great place to start on TWP but shouldn't be your final destination. Check it out.

Furious.......2002-12-17

As a previous reviewer mentioned, this player is fast!! First caught the wedding present in early 90's having heard dalliance (from 'Seamonsters') and decided to purchase this player. My vinyl copy is now a little frayed and have since upgraded to cd. I usually find frenetic guitar bands to be hollow and tuneless but this one stands out. Melody appears in all the tunes and it certianly is powerful. As with most of his work, Gedge writes about love lost. His lyrics are jealous and maudlin. He doesnt really paint a picture lyrically, hes no poet, but its honesty grabs you. The music is mostly full on natural guitar butchering, doesnt appear to be put through too many effects (how many strings must these guys have gone through), but the songs really keep the tune. And what with his angry little writings the power really shines through. You cant help but feel his emotions. Comparisons to the Smiths dont ring true for me. The Smiths never made anything this hard and rough, and lyrically this is playground material to Morrisey. I highly recommend 'what have I said now?', 'bewitched', 'take me' and 'granadaland'. Other reviewers have noted about 'kennedy', which for me is the weakest track, but it has been played to death as an indie anthem over here. That really is the only track i skip. For me, this is the best wedding present player. All in all a very pleasing collection and one that you will come back to, i promise.

Energy Unleashed.......2001-12-30

David Gedge & co at their vey best. With a mixture of fast and slow this is an album of great intensity and power. Be prepared for `KENNEDY', this song was meant to be heard.

Energy Unleashed.......2001-12-30

David Gedge & co at their vey best. With a mixture of fast and slow this is an album of great intensity and power. Be prepared for `KENNEDY', this song was meant to be heard.

Average customer rating:

Mars does need women
Tonio K. is a true musical hero for our twisted times.
Doggytime, hampsers?

Rodent Weekend 1976-1996
Tonio K.
Manufacturer: Gadfly
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000009Q08
Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

The Funky Western Civilization, Phase II
Hey John
You Make It Way Too Hard
Too Cool To Be A Christian
Baby Don't Do It
I'll Wait Here
Don't Talk To Me
Doggytown
Storytime
Fools Talk
New Dark Ages
Los Gringos
Mars Needs Women
Party On The B Ring
You're Never Too Smart
The Hunter
Everything, Including You, Disgusts Me
I'm Supposed To Have Sex With You
Harness the Hamster/Rodent weekend '76

Customer Reviews:

Mars does need women.......2004-06-08

Much like the career of new wave/punk Steve Krikorian (aka Tonio K.), this compliation is an uneven collection of unreleased material. Can't blame Krikorian with this though, as he clearly warns you in the liner notes that this was material that was never good enough to make an actual album.

With that in mind, however, there are some superb songs that definitely make the album worth owning. The opening track, "Funky Western Civilization II" is a nice take on the original. "Too Cool To Be a Christian" rocks, but seems almost ironic now, considering Krikorian softened over the years after embracing Christianity. "Everything, Including You, Disgusts Me" (angry to the supreme) and "I'm Supposed to Have Sex With You" (his lone, unreleased 'hit' and most 80s-sounding) are groovy as well.

But for me, the two best tracks on this album are "Mars Needs Women" and "You Make it Way Too Hard." The version of "Mars" that appears here is an alternate take, complete with funky cow bell and bass line. His song writing here -- always terribly underrated -- is great: "Mars needs women/You should apply/Don't worry 'bout me baby/Have a good time."

Overall, this album loses a star because of simply too many throwaway songs. But if you want an album that fills in the blanks between Steve's other 'must-have' albums, "Life in the Foodchain" and "Amerika," then this will do nicely.

Tonio K. is a true musical hero for our twisted times........1999-06-15

I haven't heard this cd in its entirety, yet there is previously released material that I own on vinyl that is just the coolest stuff out there. "I'm Supposed to Have Sex with You" from the "Summer School" movie soundtrack is amazing! This stuff is truly intelligent rock and pop.

Doggytime, hampsers?.......1999-03-20

And "everything, including you, disgusts me"? I'm buying this CD for the titles alone.

Average customer rating: