The Dissociatives

Rolling Stone (Australia)
"A pop/rock record for the ages, to be placed up alongside your Beatles and Beach Boys discs."

Product Description
The Dissociatives are Daniel Johns (of Silverchair fame) and Paul Mac. Together they have crafted their critically acclaimed debut album, a unique collision of classic songwriting smarts and adventurous electronic production.

The Dissociatives,The Dissociatives,Astralwerks,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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The Dissociatives

Average customer rating: Split down the middle The Dissociatives Not-Quite-Perfect Transitional Record, and Not Just For Young Moderns Refreshing and original A breath of fresh air! Amazing!

The Dissociatives The Dissociatives Manufacturer: Astralwerks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Young Modern Diorama Rarities Young Modern [CD + DVD] Freak Show ASIN: B0001VWPHE Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

1. Were Much Preferred Customers
2. Somewhere Down The Barrel
3. Horror With Eyeballs
4. Lifting The Veil From The Braille
5. Forever And A Day
6. Thinking In Reverse
7. Paris Circa 2007 Slash 08
8. Young Man, Old Man (You Ain't Better Than The Rest)
9. Aaangry Megaphone Man
10. Sleep Well Tonight

Album Description

The Dissociatives are Daniel Johns (of Silverchair fame) and Paul Mac. Together they have crafted their critically acclaimed debut album, a unique collision of classic songwriting smarts and adventurous electronic production.

Customer Reviews:

Split down the middle.......2007-05-15

Though not a bad album, it just really doesn't do alot for me. I Fricking love Diorama & Young Modern. (I know, ...it's not a silverchair album) I just don't know what they were going for on this album. Don't get me wrong, like I said their are some decent grooves on these tracks, and Track 4 is indescribably calming and just puts your mind in total ease. But all in all, the album is overproduced, to much tecno beats, and just not memorable. If you can pick it up dirt cheap, take a chance, if it's over 6-7 bucks pass until it becomes dirt cheap.

2.5 stars

The Dissociatives Not-Quite-Perfect Transitional Record, and Not Just For Young Moderns.......2007-02-04

With a reunited, confident and revitalized Silverchair having unleashed yesterday the fevered, strident yet bright force of nature that is "Straight Lines" (merely the fifth of five stellar singles - the others, "Across The Night", "Luv Your Life","Somewhere Down The Barrel" and "Young Man, Old Man....." - from the distinctive pen of Daniel Johns, in fact five of this young century's finest) and its accompanying video to chairpage - the band's website, it's instructive to revisit The Dissociatives, Johns' project with friend Paul Mac, Danger Mouse to Daniel's Cee-Lo in a sense. "Straight Lines" is an audacious further step in Silverchair's evolution, seen largely through the eyes and epiphanic experiences of Johns that are ably supported by bassist Chris Joannou and drummer Ben Gillies, but his collaboration with Mac was an important proving ground for the new (somewhat streamlined?) model, preparing more receptive 'Chair fans for the forthcoming effort Young Modern and what will likely be a considerable change in musical direction.

The duo's eponymous debut and only studio release to date mostly eschews the carbon-steel, occasionally atonal rhythm guitar slabs that have been for so long Silverchair's stock-in-trade but the band itself really began to move away from on Diorama, its justly-lauded last album, to arrive at something both graceful and grand, less bombastic. Like the late virtuoso Jeff Buckley, Johns isn't given to indulging in intricate solos - changes in texture and instrumental focus are merely used as dynamic accents to powerfully punctuate songs - and has become far better at his songcraft as a result, nominally mentored by arranger extraordinaire Van Dyke Parks of Smile fame. Their favored source for inspiration is late Seventies and early Eighties progressive pop from artists such as the Electric Light Orchestra (evidenced most thoroughly in leadoff single "Somewhere Down The Barrel") Supertramp (second single "Young Man, Old Man....." is heavily evocative of Breakfast In America and The Wall) as well as Split Enz, Tears For Fears (a shiver-inducing but gently strummed, intermittent single note not so immediately calls to mind "Pale Shelter") and Drama-era Yes.

But Dissociatives production values are still very much associated with the present; generous sprinkles, patinas and washes of clearly modern electronic tones color their soundscapes throughout. This approach makes the truly haunting Beach Boys and Radiohead echoes of first track "We're Much Preferred Customers" seem entirely logical, a more fully realized blend (similarly used to outstanding effect on "Straight Lines") than the tenuous suspension one might expect with such an attempt, and it's primarily the 26-year-old Johns that makes it work so effortlessly, with an at-once ethereal and soulful, even bluesy, voice, not unlike Buckley's lower register, Sting at his most forceful (again, most noticeably on Young Modern's infectious lead single) and, believe it or not, Terence Trent D'Arby in places. As Daniel says in a Dissociatives promotional interview, the prevailing mood is refreshingly whimsical - and with a touch of melancholy, as Mac is quick to add - especially felt in "Forever And A Day", a lonesome rhumba, and closer "Sleep Well Tonight".

While it would be slightly premature to judge Young Modern solely upon "Straight Lines", it couldn't be a more effective clarion call to inform the world that Australia's apparent favorite sons are back and they are continuing to evolve - dramatically so. It's also worth remembering that, five years ago, Daniel Johns was so crippled by degenerative arthritis he could barely be out of bed, let alone play guitar or tour, for extended periods of time. "Straight Lines" is assuredly a multi-format Top Ten smash if a savvier Stateside label can make amends for truly egregious lapses in Diorama-related marketing decisions. I haven't been able to stop playing the kinetic clip for this song (and cautionary tale, perhaps) of resurrection, and oh how I want to sing it along with the band soon. Daniel, Ben, Chris - that world may be yours if you want it. WE ARE READY.

Refreshing and original.......2006-02-28

Purchased the c.d. after seeing them perform live on "On Demand". I was really impressed with their live performance. The disc doesn't have quite the punch as the live renditions but it's equally great. I will definitely be buying their live d.v.d. Hopefully we'll see a second album from them.

A breath of fresh air!.......2006-01-24

This album is a breath of fresh air! Daniel Johns does an incredible job with both singing and song writing. SilverChair fans who love Johns' somewhat spontaneous/deep lyrics will love this album. It is vitally important that you remember that this is NOT SilverChair though! While SilverChair has morphed over the past 7-10 years, they are NOTHING like this. This is a happy and inventive mix of techno, rock and pop. If you are looking for an upbeat album to listen to when you aren't in the mood for blazing guitars, screaming vocals, double base drums, or Tool clones (they are everywhere today) this is one to check out.

Amazing!.......2005-11-13

This is my first review for Amazon.com, and what not a better way than to begin than with a review of The Dissociatives?

Simply put, this album blew me away. I love Daniel's songwriting and uncanny knack for catchy melodies, and Paul has contributed so much to just make this album (and the band, really) what it is. I just bought this record today, but I know that I will most definitely be keeping this one close at hand for a looong time to come. I love all the songs, though "Somewhere Down the Barrel," "Lifting the Veil from the Braille," and "Thinking in Reverse" are my favorite tracks.

As has been stated, this does not sound like Silverchair (especially not like Frogstomp-to-Neon Ballroom-era Silverchair, though it is different from Diorama as well), so if you're looking for that, you're not going to find it here. What you are going to find is an amazing band with a lot of potential, even if they just started as a side project.

The record is a great combination of Johns' lyrics and rock sensibilities with Mac's expertise in electronic beats and whatnot. Definitely worth the money!

Average customer rating:

Somewhere Down The Barrel Dissociatives Manufacturer: Phantom Sound & Vision ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000BRIECI Release Date: 2004-01-01

Average customer rating:

Young Man Old Man, Pt. 2 Dissociatives Manufacturer: EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Somewhere Down the Barrel ASIN: B0007VCZC8 Release Date: 2005-04-25

Tracks:

1. Young Man, Old Man (You Ain't Better Than The Rest
2. Much Preferred Customers (The Presets Remix)
3. Lifting The Veil From The Braille (Ubin Remix)
4. Paris Circa 2007slash08 (Hermitude Remix)

Average customer rating: Skip the single, buy the entire album I can't believe it's not rock! Great fusion of rock and house

Somewhere Down the Barrel Dissociatives Manufacturer: EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Young Man Old Man, Pt. 2 ASIN: B0001I1K2I Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

1. Somewhere Down The Barrel
2. Thinking In Reverse (Stereogamous Extension)
3. Goodnight (Prop Sleepyheads Mix)

Album Description

The Dissociatives are Daniel Johns of Silverchair & Paul Mac. The title track taken from their 2004 self-titled debut is backed with two non-LP tracks, 'Thinking In Reverse' (Stereogamous Extension) & 'Goodnight' (Prop Sleepyheadz Mix). Eleven/EMI.

Album Details

The Dissociatives is a Project from Silverchair's Daniel Johns and Aussie Dance Guru Paul Mac.

Customer Reviews:

Skip the single, buy the entire album.......2004-04-23

I received my "The Dissociatives" album from Australia about 2 weeks ago and let me tell you, I am addicted. I listen to it every day. If you're a silverchair fan and you love John's voice, this is a must-buy. But for those of you who preferred their early work, be prepared - its pretty poppy. I think even Mac had toned down his electronica tendencies for this album; these two worked together a few years ago on a project called "I Can't Believe its Not Rock" which was very, very experimental, and this album is just plain more poppy. Beautiful stuff though, and I do not really listen to any pop music. Unlike anything you've ever heard before, the same way that Diorama was a surprise to all of us. Less orchestrated than Diorama though, more piano, and the lyrics have gotten even more abstract.

I believe that once a Silverchair fan, always a Silverchair fan. We listen to Daniel Johns because there is something about the clarity and range of his voice that provokes and makes us feel at home, all at once. If you feel this way, you will not be disappointed by this album. But don't say I didn't tell you it was poppy!

I can't believe it's not rock!.......2004-04-06

Johns and Mac have managed to come up with something that is different, yet oddly familiar to anybody who's followed their careers. It's been a real treat seeing Johns' songwriting progress from the anger of Silverchair's first two albums, through depression and despair, culminating in the hope of 2002's Diorama. The Dissociatives pick up where Diorama left off; the hope songs like "After all these years" displayed has matured into sheer buoyant "whimsy," as Johns has described it.

The music is very much the same thing, too. "Somewhere Down the Barrel" is the epitome of this direction; infectious, melodic, and irresistably happy. Johns' vocals and guitars blend seamlessly with Mac's electronics, culminating in the jubilant chorus. It's two b-sides highlight how mixable the music is; the new mixes of "Thinking in Reverse" and "Goodnight" are incredibly different from the album versions, but still retain cohesiveness with the rest of the band's music.

As a preview to the album, this single works splendidly. I know it's erased the last bit of doubt from my mind as to buying the LP.

Great fusion of rock and house.......2004-03-15

Paul mac is one of the greatest aussie techno/housesque songwriters and Daniel Johns is one of the greatest aussie rock songwriters. I can't believe it's not rock does even come close to the quality of this single. The title track, like Silverchair's "Greatest View", has raw, fun, and exciting energy with catchy melodies. "Thinking In Reverse" starts with a very experimental techno feel and goes into a simple rock beat, in a very appealing way. "Goodnight" has an incredible jazz feel to it. It has the brushed snare, glocks, rhodes, bass, and with Paul's effects, makes a unusually pleasent effect on the listener. I am excitedly awaiting the CD to come out!

Average customer rating: Maybe a little bit TOO experimental

The Dissociatives Daniel Johns , and Paul Mac Manufacturer: EMI/Virgin ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000803FHW Release Date: 2005-05-30

Tracks:

1. Were Much Preferred Customers
2. Somewhere Down The Barrel
3. Horror With Eyeballs
4. Lifting The Veil From The Braille
5. Forever And A Day
6. Trinking In Reverse
7. Paris Circa 2007 Slash 08
8. Young Man, Old Man
9. Aaangry Megaphone Man
10. Sleep Well Tonight
11. Paris Circa 2007 Slash 08 * Hermitude Remix
12. Young Man, Old Man *Video

Customer Reviews:

Maybe a little bit TOO experimental.......2006-01-20

Frogstomp was classic, neon ballroom was a vast eveolution, and freak show was another metamorphasis. The Dissociatives, to me came off as more of daniel being new happier more evolved (in a new age sort fashion). Lyrical stylings in this peice was interesting, and poetic as much as before (although the word pop comes to mind more often than not for this endevour). But on tracks such as pasir circa 2007slash08, or we're much prefered customers, they feel almost club riddin, and deep in bassey goodness (rob dougen sound alike music), somthin silverchair wasnt known infamously for. So I enjoyed a lotta tracks, but it left me wanting another silverchair album. This one just seems a lil TOO different from even the likes of diorahma, to be considered a true Silver album, which the name dissociatives seems almost apptly provided.

Average customer rating: Daniel Johns!!!!!!!!

Young Man, Old Man Dissociatives Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00022M50E Release Date: 2004-07-06

Tracks:

1. Young Man, Old Man (You Ain't Better Than The Rest)
2. Much Preferred Customers (The Presets Mix)
3. Lifting The Veil From The Braille (Ubin Remix)
4. Paris Circa 2007slash08 (Hermitude Remix)

Customer Reviews:

Daniel Johns!!!!!!!!.......2005-04-06

I have loved silverchair for years and now hearing daniel show off his talents in totally new ways is mindblowing. He is one of the best vocalists and songwriters of the 90's and now. I hope to see many many more cds from this man wether he is in silverchair, the dissociatives... WHATEVER! You will NOT regret buying this album if you have any true passion for good, true music, by a a true artist. DANIEL IS MY BUDDY!!!

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