Abducting the Unicorn

Pineapple Thief | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B00007GXRG
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #764,338 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievably great first cd from Pineapple Thief, April 24, 2002

By 

"stebro" (Longview, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abducting the Unicorn (Audio CD)

I had never heard of Pineapple Thief (you probably haven't either) when I first heard Abducting the Unicorn. I really liked the first track, the second one I liked even more and when the cd was done I couldn't believe that I liked every track. I can't put this solely into the progressive rock catagory, or alternative either. They are likened to Radiohead, Porcupine Tree or Smashing Pumpkins. To me they have a sound of their own, great vocals, brilliant guitars, melodic yet complex but totally accessible. I would put my highest recommendation on this cd.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Abducted by this album, October 24, 2003

By 

Guylaine Le Ber (St-Hubert, Qc) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abducting the Unicorn (Audio CD)

These days, marketing seems to be the only way for success. We just wait for the music to come. We get blast over and over with the same songs on the radio and often I get fed up of songs that I liked at the beginning. I have decided to go to the music instead of waiting for it. Internet is my great tool. Pineapple thief as much more musical talent than marketing talent. Nobody knows them and trying to find their album is a tower of strenght. "Variation on a dream" WAS the hardiest one.

Their style is more a hybrid between Porcupine tree, Smashing pumpkins, New order and Radiohead. What a great blend hein!

I like every tracks on this album. Even the strange "Everyone must perish" a kind of Tebetian prayer. My favorites are "Private paradise", "Parted forever" and electronic "No one leaves this earth".

Don't hesitate to buy

5.0 out of 5 stars A great debut, December 7, 2006

By 

Paul Watson (Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Abducting the Unicorn (Audio CD)

I have noticed that all five CDs of Pineapple Thief featured on Amazon do not have music samples which is a shame, as I am sure many curious music lovers will be intrigued and delighted on their first listen. The music has been compared to Smashing Pumpkins. I agree with that opinion myself but only really in the vocal department where Bruce Soord does sound similar to Billy Corgan on certain songs. Other comparisons are Porcupine Tree and Radiohead, and my opinion on this one too, is due to the sombre and depressing (at times) tunes these bands write. At the same time Porcupine Tree has Steve Wilson; Radiohead has Thom Yorke and Smashing Pumpkins have Billy Corgan. In all honesty, these solo people are the sole reason that their bands are where they are. The same can be said of Bruce Soord and Pineapple Thief. The Track listing, as shown above, only lists 8 songs but Bruce always manages to surprise us in some way with Bonus material such as mp3s,bonus discs etc, and in this case there is a hidden track at the end. I will give you a brief rundown of the Tracks.

1. Private Paradise - At just under 12 min. this will appeal to many Prog fans. It starts off in a mellow mood and gradually lets rip. Private Paradise is the name of Bruces aptly titled newsgroup on the web.

2. Drain - A great intense heavyish rocker that features some powerful lead guitar and even up to this current day, the best keyboards performance I have heard from the band

3. Whatever you do, do nothing - A mid tempo tune that features great harmonies. If there was to be a single from the album, this is the one.

4. No-one leaves this earth - One of my favourites. An instrumental with a great build-up by way of synthesiser (I think) and a really catchy funky beat.The keyboards are very reminiscent from what you will hear from Vulgar Unicorn. Sampled female voice then takes us into some dynamic guitar work from Bruce.

5. Punish yourself - A beautiful and mellow build up with Acoustic guitar and soothing vocals that climaxes on the chorus.

6. Everyone must perish - Another instrumental with a heavenly start that sounds like a Harp or Xylophone and accompanied by tight acoustical guitar with bass and drum coming to the fore later on and ending with what sounds like an Indian chant.

7. Judge the Girl - Starts with some of Bruce's trademark Wah Wah guitar and eerie vocals again featuring some intense guitar and heavy rhythms.

8. Parted forever - At over 18 minutes, this is the creme de la creme. Starts off with some beautiful dual acoustic guitar pluckings and drifts into some dreamy electric guitar before Bruces emotional vocals take over. Builds up intensely and the use of atmospherics here are wonderful. Does the song title immense justice.

9. Hidden track - At just over 4 minutes, I have looked on other websites to try and shed some light on the title of this song, but all I get is "Mysterious hidden song" OR "??? Song". Anyway, It is what seems to be a low key sombre song that sounds like it is done on an open-tuned acoustic guitar. I do email Bruce and participate in his newsgroup, so I must check out the story behind this song.

The Sleeve-work only credits Pineapple Thief as Bruce Soord/Nick Lang and The dead Romeos. I have read that the musicians credited on the album and their instruments as follows, whether it is true or not. i.e.

Bruce Soord - Vocals and guitar (I know Bruce plays keyboards as well)

Nick Lang - Keyboards/Drums and programming

Mark Harris - Bass.

I have ordered Pineapple Thiefs brand new Album "Little Man", and am hoping it arrives today. I have been told by another Thief fan that it took him a couple of spins to get into it, but uttered that in the end it is Bruce's best work to date. That doesnt surprise me at all. Should you want to hear music samples of this album (And other Thief CDs) go to their homepage.