Automatic Writing

Ataxia, Ataxia | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 10, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Record Collection
• ASIN: B0002IQM98
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,473 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Ataxia is the brainchild of John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Josh Klinghoffer of Bicycle Thief, and Joe Lally of Fugazi. This record is part of the Frusciante solo record series that'll continue to be released each month on vinyl and CD.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Experimental Guitar Greatness, August 22, 2004

By 

bart-q "dbq" (St. Louis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Automatic Writing (Audio CD)

A collaboration between Joe Lally, the bassist for Fugazi, and John Frusciante of the Chili Peppers, along with his friend Josh Klinghoffer --- this album is sort of a "supergroup" type of project, though, only for the open-minded. The album has five tracks, each averaging just over 9 minutes - which makes for some lasting impressions.

As with all of Frusciante's previous work, these songs bring the listener to a new place by the end of each song. Those who are impatient, or into 3 minute pop tunes - stay away. For those who are seeking some interesting experimental music, climb aboard!

Lally and Klinghoffer lay down a canvas that is fortified with solid and repetative bass lines and evolving drumming. These guys aren't Flea and Chad Smith - that's for sure. But, they aren't supposed to be either. They are both talented in their own right. The real treat, however, is the experimental guitar work from Frusciante. He seems to use his vintage synth setup to affect the sounds of his electric guitars, and even vocals at times. Wow - this is some cool music.

Feel safe buying this album if you're open-minded and seeking some cutting edge music. This record is great!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A venture into space... time... and other dimensions, September 5, 2004

By 

Brent Wettlaufer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Automatic Writing (Audio CD)

Ataxia's a collaboration of three artists: John Frusciante from Red Hot Chili Peppers, his good friend Josh Klinghoffer from Bicycle Thief, and Fugazi's Joe Lally. The sound is unlike any three of them, they venture forth into new and delighting realms. Automatic Writing begins with a rather simplistic bass riff, coupled with a haunting, echoing electric guitar. From even the beginning, you know you're in for a ride. Percussion is minimalist, allowing the bass line to define itself easily, and Frusciante wretches his soul for all meaning in every single word he growls out. Synthesizers are a-plenty, adding many complex angles and rhythms to every song, while the percussion and bass is used completely for rhythmic purpose. This is Space Rock re-kindled, only 35 years after artists such as Pink Floyd meddled with the effects of spacing out. This is not an album for everyone, and it will take more than one listen to grasp all of the layers involved, but it is an experience that the reviewer has never experienced before, and would be more than grateful to happen again. This is the best I've heard Frusciante play, he really lets loose and leaves out all of the pop harmonies he's studied with RHCP and recently in his solo work. Music is a form of art, and this is the most artistic album I've heard this year, a welcome break from the manufactured "Garage Rock" being released by the truck load. An essential listen for the music enthusiast.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the most artistic music this year, September 9, 2004

By 

Nathan Elliott (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Automatic Writing (Audio CD)

Ataxia is a great band. Automatic writing is a full length album where each track sends you into your own personal realm of joy. Listening to this cd is a journey in exploration of emotion. Buy this for experimental open-minded music...not your normal pop album or "traditional" JF album.