Customer Reviews

In Bocca Al Lupo

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First things first: Johnny Cash. With Cash-like lyrics, Cash-like singing, and a song called "Sometimes the Line Walks You," there's just no way to write a review of this album without mentioning his name. So this album is kind of like their loving homage to Johnny Cash, methinks, and the very folky country style music and singing throughout it constantly brings that thought back to mind. Unfortunately for Murder by Death, it makes me want to stop the album and go listen to an actual Cash album. Not a good thing.

Otherwise though, it's a very strong and well-made album. I want to say that it's not as good as their others, but I've listened to it twice already and both times I heard completely different things in the songs, so while the other albums made me literally crave for more over and over again, this one still asks me sensibly to keep returning to it and listen to it again. As an album, I'm not as keen about listening to the whole thing... things start off pretty slowly until about the fourth song, and then all the songs after that just keep increasing in quality.

I would love to say that I love it completely or that I like it but it's not their best and thus I only like it, not love it, but neither are really true. It certainly is different... so far all three of Murder by Death's albums sound pretty much different, even though the latter two have a distinct feel of the desert in them. It's just that Who Will Survive and What Will be Left of Them? runs a constant war narration while In Bocca al Lupo is earthy spice-of-life vignettes... though both analyze themes of sin and punishment.

One thing can be said definitely: whichever of the band members or whoever actually writes the lyrics to these songs is a very strong poet, and that makes me happy.

--PolarisDiB

but it seems Murder by Death have made a career of them. Two of their three LPs have been just that. We're talking about the devil here, and that's how MbD deals, ya hear? Good.
Murder by Death have abandoned those crazy, five to seven word song titles (that didn't really have much to do with the actual song) in favor of simpler, more fitting titles for their new album, In Bocca al Lupo.

Sarah Balliet does the work of two men (or women), playing the keyboard and cello, sometimes simultaneously on the record. The first track that really stuck me was "Dead Men and Sinners." This is an amazing song, with clanking sounds of chains an anchor (possibly) with an additional vocalist in the background.
The first half of the album continues to rock and move along swiftly. The first half (or first seven songs) are extremely abrupt and end that way as well. The second half seems to take a quieter approach, much slower with less instrumentation that allows more time for the instruments to unwind to an end instead of just stopping suddenly. I might mention that these latter tracks carry a sort of "Three Men Hangin'" approach if you want to compare.

The album appears to be broken apart in this way, separating the loud from the quiet, emphasizing variety. There's more acoustic guitar throughout on tracks like "The Organ Grinder," "Shiola," "Steam Rising," etc. etc. In fact, that's the primary instrument besides cello. Sarah plays some keyboards throughout, but you mainly hear the humming, echoing sounds of an organ.
The band was even bold enough to utilize a trumpet on "The Organ Grinder," "Sometimes The Line Walks You," "The Big Sleep," to throw some ska-like sounds in the mix in addition to all of the folk rock. "The Big Sleep" is actually a redone, shorter version of "The End of the Road," which you might remember from The Masters of Horror soundtrack.

Adam sounds like himself throughout (a bit gruff but competent); I was really surprised how loud he got on "Sometimes The Line Walks You." He even throws some spoken word monologue in there. It made for an interesting listen.

I was waiting for the song that blew me away at Villanova University last year, and it came at track eight. "Raw Deal" may be the best track on here, building slowly and then releasing a little over the halfway point. Bassist Matt Armstrong adds some neat effects that really enhance the flow and sound. It's brilliant and even better live.

The weakest song here is probably "Shiola," but that's not saying much in terms of the negative, because it's still a nice addition to the record. The concluding track, "The Devil Drives," is kind of jazzy, dance-folk with a long drawn out finale. It could have been spiced up a bit more, but I still think it's quite nice. Alex Schrodt adds some light, interesting touches with his drums and percussion throughout.

In Bocca al Lupo is not perfect, but it's damn close. It's an album to enjoy immediately and also savor over a period of time. It has just about everything. It is definitely the best of the year so far. Pick it up.

Before I bought this CD, I was wondering whether or not it could stand up to Murder By Death's previous releases, which have found a permanent place on my favorites list. Almost right away I took to this album, with a newfound respect for the band. "In Bocca al Lupo" is completely atmospheric, combining a sort of indie rock feel with a folk music theme, creating something brilliantly unique. Straying slightly from the structure of "Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left of Them", it touches on the tale of different people on every song, rather than telling one story throughout the entire record. Their sound has progressed into a country/folk style, or at least moreso than on the last album, with the addition of a small horns section. The songwriting is stronger than ever, with beautiful lyrics that read like stories, desplaying a high level of craftmanship. Listening to the album is an experience in its own, and is completely worth the price. I can really tell they put their heart into this one, and this is exactly the album I was hoping to hear.

Murder by Death's third release is quite possibly their best.

Although it is a change from their past two albums, the most noticeable difference is the cleaner sound. I was a huge fan of both previous albums, especially "Who will survive", so when I first heard this album I was a bit weary. I was ready for something darker and and dirtier, but what I got was their best music to date. i feel like the loss of Vincent Edwards on keyboards, however it may hurt them live, actually helped them sound a little better on this album.

Each song has a different theme of sin or redemption, and Adam's voice sounds better than ever with an eerie similarity to that of Johnny Cash. The Cello again sounds amazing on this cd, and I've listened to this album so many times(which is very rare for me) and I'm still not tired of it.

As good as this Cd is, it's nothing like seeing them play live. Grab yourself a copy, learn the words, and go rock out.

Murder By Death take a new direction with their latest release, "In Bocca al Lupo". Unlike thier prior CD, 2003's "Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left of Them", MBD kept away from the boundaries and resistrictions of a full concept album. Instead, this collection of songs channels far more mature and cohesive sound, more akin to their debut album ("Like the Exorcist But More Breakdancing"). In gerneral, songs are pretty clear cut and direct influences like Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, and Tom Waits are immediately spotted. That being said, the true strength of this album comes towards the end of the CD. With less aggressive songs, like the haunting "Shinola", MBD take on more folk sound that greatly helps in the portayal of their graphic lyrics.

I'll admit at first listen I wasn't crazy about it but I gave it another try and now i can't stop istening to it. This band is so unique and different that you really have to taken notice in them. If you like their older albums then deffinitley get this. Songs such as Brother, Shiloah, tHE BIG Sleep, and rawdeal are some stand out tracks. The only song I didn't like all that much was the closer because I felt "Theres still time to start again" went on a bit too long, buut it still is a great song. BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!!

I preordered this album and got the free shirt. The shirt was kind of disappointing, but the album is very far from it. Here, Murder by Death continue on the same trajectory they turned towards with "Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left Of Them" - a heavy Western Gothic theme with songs that tell a story. In this case, however, the entire album does not tell one story but many; it serves as a collection of short stories with the common theme of sin, repentance, and punishment. Theirs is a style that is truely unique - the storytelling qualities of the Decemberists, vocals that at times are reminiscent of Johnny Cash, innovative use of cello and piano - all thrown together with Murder By Death's unique brand of storytelling set to music. The songs go from country/folk pieces (Shinola) to weary ballads (the Big Sleep) to straight-up rockers (Brother) to an over-the-top pirate chanty sung by gruff voices in rollicking 3/4 time (Dead Men and Sinners). Other songs combine these elements in the way that only MBD can.

I highly recommend In Bocca Al Lupo. It's one of the first albums I've purchased in a good while that has really struck me and caused me to fall in love right away. It was great at first listen and I expect it will continue to please for a long time. Well worth the money.

Until I read about them recently in an English music magazine to which I subscribe, I was blissfully unaware of Murder By Death. That magazine's recommendation of In Bocca Al Lupo was so strong and its description of the music so vivid, I decided to give it a shot and immediately ordered it here after reading about it. When I played it through the first time, I was instantly converted to being a Murder By Death evangelist.
The industry reviewer comes fairly close to getting it right. There are so many influences to be heard that this album should be attractive to a fairly wide audience. My first thoughts after listening before I even read that review were of Nick Cave, Jim Morrison, the Willard Grant Conspiracy and even Johnny Cash!
Being a fan of all of those makes it easy to like this. In Bocca Al Lupo is almost frightening in its Old Testament thunder. Timeless themes of crime, redemption, and condign punishment make this a tasty package indeed. The songwriting is noirish, the music even darker, and it just keeps getting better with each subsequent listen! From the opening bars of Boy Decide, you will be mesmerized by this CD's raw power and strange beauty. My favorites are the roaring Boy Decide; the raucous Dead Men and Sinners; the unabashed nihilistic spirit of Sometimes the Line Walks You; Raw Deal, which evokes both Cave and Morrison; the reflective Shiola, which if you close your eyes you can imagine Johnny Cash singing; and the evilly droning Steam Rising. Too bad that the second half of the otherwise enjoyable The Devil Drives is so repetitious, that's the only part of the album that doesn't click for me.
There is so much good music out there that reaches only a small number of listeners, I count myself lucky to have discovered this. If your taste in songwriting leans to the darker side and your taste in music to the adventurously eclectic, then I strongly recommend that you hear In Bocca Al Lupo.

Even though I am a Johnny come lately to the sounds of Murder by Death, I have to admit that I am now hooked. I fell instantly in love with thier haunting story telling lyrics, beautiful instrumentation and vocals. I love this band. I put this in my player and am instantly transported to a different time and can almost feel the hot desert sand as I sit around a camp fire with a bottle of whiskey in my hand. Not twangy country here but the good stuff reminicent of Johnny Cash, Nick cave and Tom Waits. I hate to compare bands for Murder by Death certainly have earned their spot on thier own, but if you like those sounds then chances are you will love this album.

At first I thought I wasn't gonna like this album because the first 3 songs aren't that great, but after that it really picks up and by the end, I put it right back on to listen to again. The absolute best song on the album is "Shiola" followed by "Brother" and "Sometimes The Line Walks You." I also really enjoyed "The Big Sleep", great song.

I liked "Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left Of Them?" a little more at first, but this one grew on me, and now I think it's my favorite. All in all, this is definitely an album worth having.