Tomcats Screaming Outside

Amazon.com
Although Tomcats Screaming Outside is technically his debut album, Roland Orzabal has been a solo artist in all but name for the best part of a decade. The dominant half of Tears for Fears, Orzabal turned the 1980s pop duo into a one-man band after the departure of Curt Smith in the early 1990s, releasing two albums, Elemental and Raoul and the Kings of Spain. Although "Ticket to the World," "Bullet for Brains," and "For the Love of Cain"--big chorus, guitar-led pop/rock anthems--could happily fit into either of his post-Curt Smith albums, Tomcats is very much a return to the experimental ways of Tears for Fears' heyday. The dark production and menacing rhythm tracks of "Under Either" and "Hypnoculture," the ambient sway of "Day by Day," the grunge-esque "Dandelion," and the drum & bass of "Kill Love" and "Hey Andy" are all coupled with contagious melodies and Orzabal's twisted vocals, leaving little doubt that the imagination that separated his former band from their peers and made their songs so enduring is still incredibly fertile. Solo album or not, Tomcats Screaming Outside is the best Tears for Fears album in a decade. --Dan Gennoe

Product Description
Roland Orzabal is best known as a founding and continuing member of Tears For Fears. Musically, Tomcats Screaming Outside is full of the mini-symphonies and catchy hooks that made Tears for Fears a household name. Buth with tracks such as the first single, 'Low Life,' the drum 'n' bass 'Kill Love' and 'Hey Andy', as well as the trip-hop flavored 'Snowdrop,' Tomcats Screaming Outside leads fans to new paths and down fresh musical territory. A Gold Circle Records release.

Tomcats Screaming Outside,Roland Orzabal,Gold Circle Records,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

---

Tomcats Screaming Outside

Average customer rating: Only for Die Hard Tears/Roland fans The best Tears for Fears album since... Will stir emotions you didn't know you had TCSO Review Tears for Fears frontman ROCKS!

Tomcats Screaming Outside Roland Orzabal Manufacturer: Eagle UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Raoul and the Kings of Spain Saturnine Martial & Lunatic Elemental Secret World Everybody Loves a Happy Ending ASIN: B000058ANS Release Date: 2001-04-02

Tracks:

1. Ticket To The World
2. Low Life
3. Hypnoculture
4. Bullets For Brains
5. For The Love Of Cain
6. Under Ether
7. Day By Day By Day By Day By Day
8. Dandelion
9. Hey Andy!
10. Kill Love
11. Snowdrop
12. Maybe Our Days Are Numbered

Album Description

2001 album from the ex-Tears For Fears frontman. Inspired by his recent experience producing Emiliani Torinni & artists such as Roni Size & Photek. Described by the artist as, 'the first record I've made in 20 years that's not obsessed with the past'. Includes the first single 'Lowlife'.

Album Details

Best Known as a 'tears for Fears' Front Man, this is his Debut Solo Album Crafted at his Home Studio. Said to Be 'a Successful Departure from the Electronic Pop Sound of Tff and Altogether More Organic in Composition'.

Customer Reviews:

Only for Die Hard Tears/Roland fans.......2007-05-07

There are a few real gems on this but a fair amount of junk too.
Worth getting if you already have the rest of the Tears stuff.

The best Tears for Fears album since..........2007-04-10

This is an excellent album. For once, Orzabal doesn't try to tie every song together as in the dreaded "concept album" that he is all too familiar with. It is all over the place and this fact maybe not only "Tomcats Screaming Outside" modus operandi, but also it's foremost strength. There are weaker tracks, such as "For the Love of Cain", to pander to his established fanbase (see prior comments), but in truth, it is not the best song. In fact, it's so cliche and representitive of the last ten years of TFF that one can only pray not to guffaw or gag at its lack of inspiration. When the tempo drops on songs "Maybe Our Days are Numbered' (yes, erudite titles still abound) or "Kill Love" (Buffalo standing scat aside) one gets the sense of depth not seen since "The Hurting" both are neither pretencious, nor preachy as Orzabal is want to do. Instead they are more primal, more natural. Upbeat songs like "Low Life" & "Bullets for Brains" mix a nice combination of fun and thoughtfulness to lyrics (and perhaps a little preaching). They feel neither forced nor an attempt to appropriate what was in style at the time, but instead an homage and extension to it. Most everything works well on this disc, but there are two major omissions. Truth be known, I got a copy of this in 1999 or 2000 (I don't recall) long before its release in Sept. of 2001. Not all the tracks listed here were included or in their final state. Among these tracks were two unreleased songs, "Cold Planet" and "Deep Seated Blindness". I have heard that Orzabal himself has stated these two songs do not exist. Why? I don't know. I have them and the source that I got these demos from would not risk their reputation. It is most certainly Orzabal, and frankly, the album could have lived without "For the..." and "Hypoculture". Had these tracks been included in their stead they would have enboldened it considerably, as they are both powerful statements, which I fear most of you shall never hear. Although rare, it is possible to find them but you must search hard. You will be rewarded greatly if you can locate these two gems. My final thought, I know the pervasive point of view that this album did not succeed due to its release date (09/11/01), but lets be honest, plenty of other artists acheived success during that time. The underlying issue here is that it was promoted poorly, released on a small label (Eagle/Gold Circle) and was meant as a love letter to TFF/Roland fans. That is precisely what it is. If you have enjoyed their work over the last twenty years, you will surely like this. If you are looking for some great samples, this is your disc too. If you're looking for an album to please everyone, you haven't found it. If you are reading up to this point buy it and find the lost tracks. Good luck!

Will stir emotions you didn't know you had.......2006-09-19

This album is brilliant. Roland is a musical God and he proves it once again on this release. There are songs for every mood on this album...very eclectic, yet very cohesive at the same time...a great feat. "Bullets For Brains," "Ticket To the World," and "Hey Andy!" are some more energetic, upbeat tracks that really get the blood flowing. "Day By Day By Day By Day By Day" is a very contemplative track, as is "Maybe Our Days are Numbered." I could listed to both for hours on end just chilling out in a relaxing atmosphere. The latter is so intensely beautiful; such a maginficent closer to the album. "Kill Love" and "Snowdrop" are also standouts in my opinion. It's just such a powerful, emotional album. Passion and edge abound, and the production is top-notch. As the review title states, it will stir emotions you didn't know you had...guaranteed.

TCSO Review.......2006-02-27

In a digital world where you can download whatever, whenever; consider buying this disc - it's a keeper. Best known as frontman for Tears for Fears, Roland Orzabal is hands down one of the most talented musicians of our time. He consistently delivers brilliant music as well as lyrical food for thought. This disc is no exception. More up-tempo, this is a departure from the TFF style, but in a good way. The opening track "Ticket To the World" sets the standard of the caliber of music you can expect from Mr. Orzabal. All the way through to "Maybe Our Days Are Numbered", each track powerful and unique. Quoting Mark's previous review..."Orzabal weaves a magnetic magic which tugs at the soul and the heartstrings". Spot on Mark...his voice is simply superb and he draws you in.

In the end, TCSO passes the litmus test for solo work. This latest disc validates his decision to venture out on his own. Only it leaves me longing for new material! This one will be in your collection for years to come.

Tears for Fears frontman ROCKS!.......2005-09-08

If you are a fan of Tears for Fears, you will enjoy Roland Orzabal's solo CDs, as well. We own all of Orzabal's solo CDs and each of them are unique in their own way. He has an amazing voice and the lyrics are thought-provoking.

Average customer rating: A Gem Love it! Love it -- great album Whether its Solo Orzabal or Tears For Fears, Innovation and Quality are Here Roland Orzabal

Tomcats Screaming Outside Roland Orzabal Manufacturer: Gold Circle Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Raoul and the Kings of Spain Elemental Everybody Loves a Happy Ending Saturnine Martial & Lunatic Mayfield ASIN: B00005O6CH Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

1. Ticket To The World
2. Low Life
3. Hypnoculture
4. Bullets For Brains
5. For The Love Of Cain
6. Under Ether
7. Day By Day By Day By Day By Day
8. Dandelion
9. Hey Andy!
10. Kill Love
11. Snowdrop
12. Maybe Our Days Are Numbered

Amazon.com

Although Tomcats Screaming Outside is technically his debut album, Roland Orzabal has been a solo artist in all but name for the best part of a decade. The dominant half of Tears for Fears, Orzabal turned the 1980s pop duo into a one-man band after the departure of Curt Smith in the early 1990s, releasing two albums, Elemental and Raoul and the Kings of Spain. Although "Ticket to the World," "Bullet for Brains," and "For the Love of Cain"--big chorus, guitar-led pop/rock anthems--could happily fit into either of his post-Curt Smith albums, Tomcats is very much a return to the experimental ways of Tears for Fears' heyday. The dark production and menacing rhythm tracks of "Under Either" and "Hypnoculture," the ambient sway of "Day by Day," the grunge-esque "Dandelion," and the drum & bass of "Kill Love" and "Hey Andy" are all coupled with contagious melodies and Orzabal's twisted vocals, leaving little doubt that the imagination that separated his former band from their peers and made their songs so enduring is still incredibly fertile. Solo album or not, Tomcats Screaming Outside is the best Tears for Fears album in a decade. --Dan Gennoe

Album Description

Roland Orzabal is best known as a founding and continuing member of Tears For Fears. Musically, Tomcats Screaming Outside is full of the mini-symphonies and catchy hooks that made Tears for Fears a household name. Buth with tracks such as the first single, 'Low Life,' the drum 'n' bass 'Kill Love' and 'Hey Andy', as well as the trip-hop flavored 'Snowdrop,' Tomcats Screaming Outside leads fans to new paths and down fresh musical territory. A Gold Circle Records release.

Customer Reviews:

A Gem.......2006-12-29

I have been a big fan of TFF, most especially Master Roland, since I was a teenager ('85?) working at a salad bar & my coworker put a new copy of Songs From The Big Chair in the restaurant sound system after business hours. I was hooked from the very beginning, but I think I've managed to hold on to some objectivity. :-)

When the band split and Roland went off to do his own thing, I wasn't worried a bit. Elemental was as satisfying as it was EXCITING. Who knew he could sound so great? When Raoul & the Kings of Spain came out, I thought surely Orzabal could not keep this electrifying sound going. Wrong - he could. And when I got my hands on Tomcats Screaming Outside, I was just absolutely blown away by the sheer power of this one man's voice. I think he really has to be all on his own before he is willing (able?) to unload so much feeling into a song. Otherwise, anyone else attempting to share vocals with him will be steamrolled flat into oblivion.

I had SO looked forward to the release of Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, but it was anything but happy. Aside from the fact that it simply didn't seem to be the stuff of VH1 and modern radio (let's face it, they can make or break a CD in most cases), it sounded disappointingly like a Sowing The Seeds Of Love festival. The Beatle-esque sound that they achieved on that album, in my observation, wasn't quite what fans had been hoping for.

I wish that Roland & Curt could've come back together a less mellow album. If a real comeback is possible for them, it'll be with a ROCKIN'-IT-IN-YOUR-FACE album that uses Tomcats as a starting point. This is BY FAR the best album he has ever worked on.

Love it!.......2006-12-27

Here I was thinking, Roland, not my favorite TFF member. AMAZED ME! I really like this cd! I have been a fan since the release of The Hurting. I do like this better than some of the things he tried to do as a TFF without Curt. TFF is Roland and Curt. Together they make TFF. Not alone! This though, I must say is great stuff!

Love it -- great album.......2006-09-08

It's sad to see that Amazon isn't selling this album anymore. You can only buy it through 3rd parties. I got this album around the time it first came out and I love it. There is only one song on the whole album that I skip over -- For the Love of Cain. All the other songs are great.

On my first listen, I remember thinking that it was a lot more electronic than I would have imagined. It is nothing like the more recently released Tears for Fears album. Still, it grew on me very quickly and as always, Roland's voice is absolutely superb. I also like his lyrics. And although it's more electronic and has some poppy tunes, I think the overall 'mood' to the cd is pretty mellow. It's definitely a favorite of mine.

Whether its Solo Orzabal or Tears For Fears, Innovation and Quality are Here.......2006-08-20

When Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal had their acrimonious split as Tears For Fears, each would go in their separate directions. Smith would first attempt a solo effort by recording 1993's "Soul On Board" before eventually joining forces with Charlton Pettus to form "Mayfield". Orzabal would retain the Tears For Fears name and begin a collaboration with Alan Griffiths. While Orzabal kept the Tears For Fears name, he continued to operate Tears For Fears as he always had - as a "project". As a "project", when Curt and Roland were Tears For Fears, they made up the band's nucleus and they would bring in surrounding musicians to help them complete the picture. Despite Griffiths' deep involvement, he never was named as a replacement for Smith. While the post Curt Smith work wasn't nearly as commercially successful as the Smith-Orzabal era, Tears For Fears continued to produce high quality music. In 1995, Orzabal and Tears For Fears would move to Sony music. Despite creating one of the most unique albums in recent memory - the Spanish-infused "Raoul and the Kings of Spain", the album was the least commercially successful of any album sold under the Tears For Fears umbrella. Many felt that Sony did not adequately promote Tears For Fears - thus leading to the poor sales. Eventually Sony would drop Orzabal. It would be five+ years before Orzabal and Griffiths would create anything new. For 2001's "Tomcats Screaming Outside", the decision was made to release the album under "Roland Orzabal" instead of Tears For Fears. Alan Griffiths remained on-board for this effort as well as the inclusion of drummer Nick D'Virgilio from Spock's Beard. In this case, it didn't matter because once again despite poor album sales - Orzabal and company once again deliver a unique and incredible collection of music.

Following the release of "Songs From the Big Chair", Orzabal and Tears For Fears moved away from a synth-pop sound to a more guitar-laden "natural" sound. As mentioned, for "Raoul and the Kings of Spain" Orzabal really thought out of the box and brought Spanish influence into his music - including the use of a Spanish classical guitar. Things change drastically for "Tomcats Screaming Outside" as Orzabal employs a Modern Rock sound. Instead of classical guitar, Orzabal returns to using a heavy use of synthesizers, keyboards, as well as making use of computers. It is probably the most use of synthesizers by Orzabal since "Songs From the Big Chair". Instead of an 80s sounding synth-pop, Orzabal once again creates a very unique sound - and a refreshing change of pace from much of the cookie cutter sounding music of the early 2000s.

I'm still surprised that this collection didn't get radio airplay. Despite the fact that many may consider this collection "experimental", there are several singles that I could have easily found to be radio-friendly - such as: "Ticket to the World", "Low Life", and "For the Love of Cain". The opening track is "Ticket to the World". On this track, we are immediately treated to some of the terrific synthesizers and keyboards that are going to be a footprint on this album. And while it will be the melody that will shine on this song, Orzabal demonstrates different vocal styles on the verse and the chorus. "Low Life" will also have the synthesizers, but will also add an infusion of guitar work. Orzabal shows his trademark sounding vocals when he starts singing "You can have it all...." "Low Life" also has a nice "build-up" as the track progresses. "For the Love of Cain" is one of two songs on the collection (the other being "Dandelions") that have the strongest guitar influence. This song showcases Orzabal "digging deep down" on the vocals - as he did on "Woman in Chains". In this song, Orzabal draws analogies to Cain and Abel as someone who schemes, yet wants to love.

As mentioned, the other track with a heavy guitar influence is "Dandelions". This song has some heavy guitar work that reminds me of Lenny Kravitz's guitar. Orzabal's vocals are right on the money as well. In this song, Orzabal uses a metaphor of a man being "blown apart like a dandelion" by a strong woman.

Perhaps the most interesting and innovative track on the collection is "Hypnoculture". The song has an urban feel to start with. The bass work is incredible on this track - this is going to give the song its appeal. You can even hear something resembling a sample of Murray Head's "One Night in Bangkok". I also enjoyed the two minute musical intro. There are horn-like sounds (I believe these were programmed) and they fit perfectly on this song. Orzabal's vocals aren't as deep here, but that is what this song needed. I'd also put "Under Ether" in the experimental category. As the title indicates, this pretty much is a haunting song as Orzabal builds a metaphor with Ether being a poison in many different ways. The synthesizer/guitar combo creates this haunting feel. This song also has a nice gradual build-up. Another haunting song is "Day by Day by Day by Day by Day". This song has a slower and simpler melody than many of the others, but Orzabal gets a great opportunity to highlight his power vocals. It is on this track that Orzabal demonstrates some of his strongest vocals on the collection.

Two other tracks worth mentioning are "Hey Andy" and "Kill Love". I'd also categorize them in the experimental category. "Hey Andy" is highlighted by some great synthesizer work. "Hey Andy" has a gentle segue into "Kill Love". "Kill Love" is another song where Orzabal builds up the vocals as the song progresses.

The other songs "Bullets For Brains", "Snowdrop", and "Maybe Our Days Are Numbered" are solid tracks as well. In fact there isn't a bad track on this album. I wish the lyrics were in the liner notes, but that's the only shortcoming. This is a top-notch collection. Highly recommended.

Roland Orzabal.......2005-06-19

This man is a musical genius. I doubt he receives the recognizition he deserves. I can't imagine a world without his music. I recently purchased this album (I have all Tears For Fears albums)because it was so difficult to find, I have not stopped listening to it. Bullets For Brains has to be my favorite followed by For The Love of Cain and Low Life. It's all wonderful and it will blow your mind just like a Dandelion!

Average customer rating: It's all about patience A new beginning Roland Orzabal has done it again. A great new CD.

Tomcats Screaming Outside Roland Orzabal Manufacturer: Toy's Factory Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005J4O8 Release Date: 2001-08-21

Tracks:

1. Ticket to the World
2. Low Life
3. Hypnoculture
4. Bullets for Brains
5. For the Love of Cain
6. Under Ether
7. Day by Day by Day by Day by Day
8. Dandelion
9. Hey Andy!
10. Kill Love
11. Snowdrop
12. Maybe Our Days Are Numbered
13. Low Life [Super Mix]
14. Low Life [President Who? Mix]

Album Details

Japanese version featuring two bonus tracks: 'Low Life' (Supersub Mix) & 'Low Life' (President Who? Mix). Also includes a booklet full of lyrics.

Customer Reviews:

It's all about patience.......2002-03-09

Subtle. Moody. Rich.
All this and some of the best vocals anywhere.
It's great to see a previously top 40 artist have patience in composition. Check out "Kill Love" and "Hey Andy".

A new beginning.......2001-07-27

If you're a Tears for Fears fan then you'll throughly enjoy "tomcats screaming outside". Roland has updated his sound -- there's no Beatles homages -- which he describes as 'a successful departure from the electronic pop sound of Tears for Fears and altogether more organic in composition'. Unlike many electronica releases the song writing is top notch. Standout tracks include the trancey "under ether" and the elegant "maybe our days are numbered". "tomcats screaming outside" is deserving of a wider audience. Hopefully, it will find one.

Roland Orzabal has done it again. A great new CD........2001-07-26

Having been a fan of Tears for Fears from the early years it is always exciting to hear that a new cd is coming out. This cd is published under the singer/songwriters own name, Roland Orzabal, which is a first. So you can even speak of a debut album! It is a stunning mix of the old TFF sound and a new mix of sounds like grunge, trip hop and other new discovered teritories. At first it takes some time getting used to, but it is a fantastic cd. The one thing which always fascinates me are the many layers Roland Orzabal makes in his music, you just keep on discovering new sounds! The other thing I like about the TFF music are the thematic roots of his lyrics, namely the works of Arthur Janov, author of The Primal Scream (a.o.). The CD Tomcats Screaming Outside is a very, very good buy and I can also strongly recomment TFF/RO's earlier work,

Rap Music:

1. Treat Her Groovy
2. Ultimate Collection
3. United We Stand: Songs for America
4. Walking Into Clarksdale
5. War Crime Blues
6. Weasels Ripped My Flesh [Original recording remastered]
7. Welcome to the Dance
8. Witness [Original recording remastered] [Import]
9. Zooma
10. 117° [Import]

Rap Music

rap music

Recommended Music:

Breakthrough, Vol. 2

Greek Moods

Le Sur Le Toit De Paris [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Music: Gotteskrieger

Junkies Pt.1 [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

Hempin' Ain't Easy [Explicit Lyrics]

Heart in Motion

In Memory of Mr. Douglas Forrest

Energie [Import]

Ferdinand Ries: Cello Sonatas

Freddies Boogie Blues [Import]

Journey

F**k It (You're Better Off Dead) [CD-single] [Explicit Lyrics]

Impressions for Saxophone & Orchestra

Double Rainbow: The Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim