Black Music [Import]

Chocolate Genius | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 4, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: PID
• ASIN: B0000246JZ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #345,322 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Life

2. Half a Man

3. Don't Look Down

4. Clinic

5. My Mom

6. Safe and Sound

7. A Cheap Excuse

8. Hangover Five

9. Hangover Nine

10. Stupid Again

11. It's All Good

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Marc Anthony Thompson is an insightful singer/songwriter who put out a couple of exceptional solo albums during the 1980s. In his Chocolate Genius alter ego, Thompson's dark, stark confessionals are embellished by a crew of talented Manhattan musicians that includes guitarist Marc Ribot, multi-instrumentalist Melvin Gibbs, percussionist Dougie Bowne, and keyboard whiz John Medeski. With a wonderfully expressive voice reminiscent of Bobby Womack, Sly Stone, and even Barry White, Thompson lyrically explores hangovers, his mother's Alzheimer's disease, and, of course, broken hearts. While he reveals a particularly personal perspective, his songs are filled with wisdom, humor, and redemption. Songs such as "Stupid Again" and "Half a Man" beg for compassion while retaining dignity. Tasteful, tormented, and exquisitely tender, Black Music is a bona fide gem. --Mitch Myers

Product Description

Any musician with big enough malt balls to call himself Chocolate Genius is worth checking out. Marc Anthony Thompson (a.k.a. Chocolate Genius) admits that he's a sucker for a pun. Which brings us to his release, Black Music. Black Music refers to the dark, desolate nature of his songs (dark chocolate if you must). "If the songs were all fast, I'd probably call it Race Music," he jokes. And Chocolate Genius? To my dismay it's neither a porn nom de plume nor nineties blaxploitation. Thompson calls Chocolate Genius a groove rather than a group. It's a name shared by whomever is in the room while the music is being made. I suppose the guy who delivers pizza to the studio and the fly on the wall share in the Chocolate G. Popular New York City acidic jazz musicians John Medeski and Chris Wood dipped their talents into the chocolate as well. Thompson's songs, evoking the wry despair of Mark Eitzel, are hymns of urban grime. The pains of alcoholism, love and aging ring out like a confessional as his gruff voice looks for hope in hopelessness, for a savior in empty bottles. Songs like 'Hangover Five' and 'Hangover Nine' fill a record that reeks of liquor and addiction. 'Hangover Nine' is one of my favorites a creepy groove thing that takes you into the mind of an alcoholic by way of Thompson's disoriented spoken word. It's loaded with broken promises, self-loathing and cool guitar effects. I am emptier than yesterday's raincoat. V2. 2005.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DARK,BROODING,BEAUTIFUL, July 25, 2002

By 

J. Johnson "capricornrising1" (CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Music (Audio CD)

Marc Anthony Thompson released two little-known about albums in the eighties.'84s "Marc Anthony Thompson" and '89s "Watts And Paris",an experiemental Black musician who didn't fit the confines of R&B or rap,Marc's music was severly overlooked
(Both of those albums are out of print as well).

Thompson returned to recording under the moniker Chocolate Genius with this album "Black Music".Dark,brooding,and moody,
the chances that you will win the lottery and get by lighting on
the same day are higher than any of these songs getting played on the radio.

"My Mom" will get even the most roughest soul teared up as Thompson's voice is so rough yet emotional."Stupid Again" reminds me of his unknown classic "Recover Gracefully" in it's
hopeful yet slighty bitter feel."Half A Man","Safe and Sound",
and "Life" also make an impression.

"Black Music" is a distinguished album that actually makes Chocolate Genius his namesake.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy it now, December 4, 2003

By 

Darrin M. Harvey "uncledarrin" (Lakeville, N.S. Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Music (Audio CD)

For the love of god, if you are a music fan BUY THIS RECORD. Am I the only person who "gets this"? This record isn't just good. It's IMPORTANT. I know it's been said about other (less important) artists, but I've seen the future of music and the future is Chocolate Genius.
Go to his web site and listen to some of the songs. If your are a fan of GREAT music with GREAT lyrics you will buy this AND God Music.
Just give it a try.
Please

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you don't buy, own, or see live, it's your loss., December 24, 2001

By 

Michael LaForte (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Music (Audio CD)

Simple. CG is virtually unparalled today. MAT is a poetic lyricist, story teller, provokateur, and elegant song writer wise enough to collaborate with some of the best musicians around today to weave a sophisticated musical tapestry. This isn't bubblegum pop. MAT is without question focused on music with complex meanings and interpretive narratives. Music with longevity over temporality. He's an artist, a melting pot, a synthesis of vast and complex references. There's another review somewhere in here that says to see his live show; without question, follow. I've seen CG live 7 times and been listening to Black Music at least several times a week since it's release 3-1/2 years ago and it never grows old, just deeper and sweeter. God Music released just a few months ago continues to grow deeper with every listen as well. Lastly, he's too intelligent to get away with taking his music, lyrics, or album titles at face value; this is a thinking-persons music. Think about it all, don't jump to the obvious. CG, It's All Good. 'nuff said.