Customer Reviews

Alcatraz

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although the Mr. T Experience had been known for years as the seminal pop-punk band, with Alcatraz singer/song-writer Dr. Frank dropped the "punk" and the results are nothing short of amazing. The result is a beautiful indie-pop album, which certainly recalls Elvis Costello at his best. This new sound cost MTX a few old fans, but really ought to win them some new fans (those who are into emo and indie rock should find much to enjoy in Alcatraz). This album is most noteworthy for the song-writing, however. Dr. Frank sings about the joys and disbelief of (finally!) being in a loving relationship. The songs have almost a "you and me against the world" vibe to them, but those who have been through a string of bad relationship experiences before finally finding the right person should really be able to relate to. Frank's trademark sense of humor is still here as always, but it's toned down, the plays on words are wittier than ever, but they're also more subtle (which has lead to the comments that this is a more mature album). The vocals on the album are truely unique; Frank struggles (occasionally succeeding) to hit high notes. His voice isn't perfect, but it's sincere and (perhaps most surprisingly) legitimately soulful and moving. On songs like "Our days are Numbered" and "Perhaps" he sings with a gentle passion about the odds against his relationship succeeding, as his voice implies even more than his lyrics. All of this is perfectly complemented by wonderful pop guitar and piano arrangements. This is a damn fine album.

I think this is great... anyone who couldn't handle the introduction of a little 'Sixties-ed out organ into the already fab MTX mix really owes it to themselves to listen to this album again... and again and again and again. Dr. Frank is a brilliant songwriter, operating miles ahead of most other rock bands. Anyone who can pen a pop-culture homage to author Naomi Wolfe, or who skewers pretentious music critics as ably as Frank does in "I Wrote A Book About Rock And Roll" deserves our full attention. Besides, I think he should get extra points for being willing to go out on a limb and try to mature as an artist and develop his craft beyond his "song about a girl" roots. This is intelligent pop for pop-punky people.

This album is a step off the beaten path for MTX. If you are a fan of MTX, you'll have to get over the initial shock of the more (or dare I say over-)produced sound. But the songs are still there. It grew on me. When I saw them live on this most recent tour, I was up front, so I couldn't hear the keyboard being pumped through the mains, and it sounded like the raw(my preference) MTX. Franks lyrics shine on this one.

He really needs to pay attention to nailing his vocals. Honestly, its hard to listen to a vocal that missing most of the passing notes. Sorry but the vocals are more important than that.

The Mr T Experience was always a dark horse in the running of being my favorite band. They had a great upbeat sound and Dr. Frank's voice was perfect for singing his astoundingly clever lyrics. I don't know what they were thinking on this album, but all that is gone. The songwriting, while trying to sound more mature or sophisticated, has lost all its charm. Worst of all, Dr. Frank's singing is so bad that even the halfway decent songs on the album are unlistenable. This album is a major disappointment since all their albums before this were becoming consistently better.

This album is definately off the beaten track for MTX, but not in a bad way. I would not reccommend this album to die hard pop punk fans due to it's more mature slowed down feel, for that I would suggest Dr. Franks killer solo album, but true MTX fans will still love this. Gotta point out the huge Elvis Costello influenece I hear on this album. Remember you can't stay young forever.

"Alcatraz" has a different sound from previous MTX albums. It will take hardcore MTX fans a few listenings to get used to "Alcatraz," but it will soon win them over. That jolly, happy sound is absent and replaced with a little darker and sadder, but meaningful songs. The lyrics are great and all the songs have a different feel. Dr. Frank has come through again and "Alcatraz" will soon be MTX fans' favorite and will appeal to people who are not MTX followers. Overall, a great album that you'll be singing along to and thinking about throught the day!!!! GET IT!!!

"Alcatraz" is an experimental album. Dr. Frank uses his knowledge of music combined with his virtuoso guitar playing to produce an album that is as beautiful musically as his lyrics have always been. While not better than their albums "Love is Dead," or even "Our Bodies Ourselves" this is by far their most mature work.

Well, MTX has always been great, until Alcatraz. The Sound is just so much different, it's almost painful to listen to. Dr. Frank has to work on his vocals.

This group is wham a bam wham wow wham a bam wow wham la bam la wow! I'd go to an island jail and take it up the kazoo from Dr. Frank 'cause he's a very generous artist and I'd be his bored prisoner by CHOICE! HE's got a wonderful artistry. You guys are great I could hug you all day! (i'm straight too). Better than Metallica's S & M, I friggin swear!