Customer Reviews

Boo Hoo

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I initially grabbed this disc based on Projekt's reputation and to hear Voltaire's covers of Tori Amos' "Caught A Lite Sneeze" and Bjork's "Bachelorette." I was pleased to see that with Boo Hoo, Projekt's reputation has nothing to worry about as Voltaire mixes his witty and sarcastic lyrics with a campy blend of lounge-pop and quasi-goth musical stylings. Much of Boo Hoo was written following the end of a twelve-year relationship and surprisingly Voltaire doesn't seem bitter at his loss but uses the material for comedic fodder (as if the Keanu Reeves reference wasn't humorous enough) on "Future Ex Girlfriend." The goth scene is not out of his critical eye also as "The Vampire Club" tells the story of what happens when one calls a goth by their real name: "Fangs were flying, capes were torn / Hell hath no fury like a vampire scorned." Also included on the disc is his dark hep-cat tune "BRAINS!" from Cartoon Network's Grim and Evil. Vocally reminiscent of David Gahan (Depeche Mode) filtered through a Reno lounge, Voltaire's string-heavy aforementioned covers would make their originators proud, while his irony stays fresh with "See You In Hell" as the album's brightest track. Although Boo-Hoo's weakest aspect is the lack of variation between tracks, Voltaire more than makes up for it with his vivid lyrical wit and imagination.

I have been anxiously anticipating the release of "Boo Hoo" for some time now. I never thought that it would ever see the light of day. I fell in love with crooning of Voltaire with his second album "Almost Human", an album I can never tire listening to. When I saw on the back of the cd case that Voltaire covered Bjork's "Bachelorette", I was almost afraid that Voltaire would ruin the song for me but he didn't. His cover of one of my favorite Bjork songs remains faithful to the melodies yet makes it sound fresh and new with his brand of goth music and sarcastic wit. I have already heard his version of Tori Amos' "Caught a Lite Sneeze" from a Tori Amos tribute album. It took me a few times to adjust to listening to his vocals on a classic Tori Amos song, nevertheless I think he does a swell job on "Caught a Lite Sneeze". As far as original material goes, I absolutely adore "Irresponsible", "Future Ex- Girlfriend", and "See You In Hell". In the past couple of years since "Almost Human", Voltaire hasn't lost any of his sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humor. "Boo Hoo" definitely was well worth the wait. Voltaire just proved to me that he gets better and better with each album. He is definitely not your typical goth artist.

In a world full of gloom and doom it's nice to emit a laugh every once in a while, though one's corset doesn't allow much room for an extra breath...

Every Voltaire song is crafted carefully; a violin and that dreamy voice interwoven with perfection... his songs aren't accompanied with harsh instruments and disorienting vocals, rather the songs are a lush mixture that can turn the corners of even the blackest smile.

And there is truth in what he sings. He can make you understand the hurt of heartbreak and betrayal while singing along merrily, oblivious to the pain.

Most goths these days take themselves too seriously, and forget that a sense of humour is *vital*. Voltaire reminds us, with only little melodies that will get stuck in your head for *days*.

When asked, shyly smile and bat your lashes. Being pretentious is never without it's luxeries.

Well, what can be said of Voltaire? Surely your looking at this because you've already heard some of his music. If you are someone who is obsessed with Slipknot, or KoRn, Then i suggest you to pass on this one. This is not the goth that most people would think of. He's got a great since of humor. Actually i was introduced to his music thanks to the Unquiet Grave vol. 3 compilation album. Then i downloaded some of his other songs, i will not lie, it took time to grow on me. It was definatly not something i liked from the beginning, I didn't hate it nor did i like it. Anyway, this music is calming and for the most part quiet and soothing. If you can handle a few beheadings and brain sucking comets that is.

"Boo Hoo" couldn't be more aptly named. The equation for Voltaire's music is simple but wonderful: Kirsty MacColl lyrics + They Might Be Giants melodies divided by Wayne Hussey crooning.

As always, Gregor Kitzis' world-class violin serves as lead guitar. The songs all sound pretty much the same - mid-tempo jazz-pop with strings and well-sung lyrics about the pain of lost love and jealousy. (At this point, out of sheer laziness I leave you to enjoy the track samples rather than list highlights. The songs do share a similar sound, in keeping with a theme album.) Voltaire doesn't deny that heartache sucks; he just treats it with bone-dry wit and humor.

The interplay of violin and brush-snare percussion gives "Boo Hoo" that NYC jazz flavor that every film school student craves like menthols. The beats don't rock quite as hard as on the prior "Almost Human," but Voltaire's other traits remain strong. (Curse those women folk / Goth kids need to lighten up / laughter is good medicine, but hemlock is better) As on all his albums, the violin has a 19th-century Kurt Weill appeal.

"Boo Hoo" is similar enough to Voltaire's earlier works that if you like this one, get 'em all. The world needs humorous tales of dark behavior with gypsy violin and Vegas-smooth vocals. This band should have been on Conan O'Brien twice by now.

That being said, the worst of Voltaire's work easily makes a mockery of what passes for the best of today's music - processed talentless, thoughtless, crap. He's pure genius. Definitely check out his older work as well; it's the cream of his career, and you'll be addicted.

I had recently been reminded of Voltaire's existence when my friend played me a couple tracks from his most recent attempt Boo Hoo. His wit and words were inspiring and the music lush. I swore I would posess it. I was finally able to do so after several of my friends departed not to be seen for another year at least and I turned to Voltaire's music for entertaining comfort.
I was not disappointed.The two cover songs (Bachelor-ette and Caught a Lite Sneeze) were wonderfuly interpreted ( this coming from a fairly hardcore tori and bjork fan).I will say that i think my favorite track is "I'm Sorry" the melodic strains that are present in Voltaire's voice so perfectly expresses the emotions conveyed in the oh so poignant lyrics.Heart rending to be sure. After hearing "Vampire Club", I could not get the phrase "gay captain morgan" out of my head. The strings are to die for. Gregor Kitzis(violin) and Matthew Goeke(cello) animate the strings bringing to the songs such life and beauty.
I must say that my enthusiasm for Voltaire has only increased with a recent encounter at Dragon-Con. I was able to purchase two more of his albums which I have listened to non stop for the past two days. I also got to see him perform. He was great live & solo. i loved the little stories in between. I can't wait to see his next artistic endeavors.

whooo hooo..... this album from Voltaire is veerryyyy goood. It has unique sound, an the most important is it's lyrics. ranging from Vampire to a necrophilia. Ewwww.... so sick. But the music itself is.... mmmmm what can I say? quite unusual?. A Gypsy style folk? So if you want to hear something new, buy this CD!!

Fancy, funny, dark...gothy folk music. Get with it!!!! Another good album by a great multi-talented artist that seldom gets any media attention for his music.

the album is great and got here pretty quickly. it was wicked and i am very pleased with the overall transaction