Customer Reviews

Dead Man's Bones [Vinyl]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When you first hear about this band you think, "uhh..what?" People have brought up these things to describe Dead Man's Bones: gospel, horror movies, Doo-wop & children's choir. Do these really seem to fit together? Well, apparently, they really, really do. I've been waiting for this album for awhile, having heard snippets of live stuff for the past 2 or so years. It sounded so unusual, I had to have more.

I'm a big fan of scary movies, old scooby doo episodes, Halloween etc. Which are all things that come to mind listening to Dead Man's Bones. Plus I love all different types of music. Old, new, pop, obscure and in-between. I wondered if this album would only entertain me during the spooky time of year(October) because it's so fitting. But no, I find myself going for it again and again because it's so catchy. I wasn't sure about the whole children's choir aspect, but I actually found the songs they're in to be some of my favorites, because they add such a haunting innocence. The vocals are unlike anything you've heard, and there's a smattering of weird instruments you'd never expect.

I read that this album wasn't about perfection. It was more about experimentation and authenticity. They didn't go at a song for days and days, only a few takes of each. I for one, am amazed and in love. Genuinely unique album that brings to mind southern gothic & swamps(yes, swamps. the murky, wet, looming trees kind). Listen to it and see what it conjures up for you. I've been telling friends to check it out, and the majority are saying "you're right, there's something about it that's so intriguing". When is the last time you found an album intriguing? I can say for me, it's been a really long time. This is one of my favorite albums, EVER.

I still feel absolutely crushed every time I remember I missed their first show ever....on my birthday. yea, thats pretty bad isn't it? But the fact that it still bothers me months later is a testament to the fact that this album is awesome, year round.

I'd heard whispers of Dead Man's Bones being pretty good -- obviously they're slightly higher-profile than your average new band due to one of the members being a well-know (and great) actor, but I was intrigued to learn the music was possibly... good! I purchased the album last night (download version) and the songs themselves have lots of personality -- haunting/spooky undertones, yet beautiful and melodic as well. And did I mention catchy? I know -- unexpected. It might be the pseudo-doo-wop vibe that sometimes surfaces; it really makes for some fantastic music, and kudos to Ryan and Zach for being bold/creative enough to listen to their intuition and make the album they wanted to make.

I listened to the album all the way through right after purchasing and thought it was fantastic, in its own spooky, beautiful, subtle way -- it's not in-your-face. It's probably not everyone's cup of tea, but then, what musical group is? I can say that as someone who loves good songwriting, beautiful lyrics, and amazing melodies, I really enjoy listening to Dead Man's Bones. Not one song was an "ehhh..." song. Also, Ryan Gosling's vocals are impressive; I read in an interview that they went pretty bare-bones (no pun intended) production-wise, shunning lots of electronic editing, etc., and stuck with a more natural sound. I think that was wise, because really, the vocals are haunting in a beautiful and slightly spooky way. Children's choir was right-on; really interesting/neat/different addition that alters the balance of the songs (in a positive way).

Really great first album -- I was honored to be at their first "real" live show (which was last night), and think they did an amazing job. Hope they keep up the good work, and stay on their own creative paths to put out more great music.

Everything about this album reminds me of the sounds of my childhood. An old upright, the omnichord, clapping chorus line and echos of a choir. The haunting sounds make it spooky and sweet. The flaws make it all completely flawless. I'm pleasantly surprised with this debut and hope it's not the last we hear from these guys.

Debut from Los Angeles duo that includes actor Ryan Gosling + the Silverlake Conservatory Of

Music Children's Choir. The album has a dark-but-gentle overtone of choral terror (it's mostly

about zombies, death & undead romance). It's eerie, haunting & subtly disturbing with its

combination of children's voices & macabre subject matter. Reminiscent of Edward Sharpe &

the Magnetic Zeros, Polyphonic Spree.

Amazing, melodic, dark and innocent. Finally something new and different, this album has proven to be a muse.

My daughters and I love this cd. Dead Man's Bones are amazing and the childrens choir is awesome. They have a unique sound. A mixture of Doo Wop and Disney's Haunted Mansion. It is brilliant.

Highlights of the cd for us are "In The Room Where You Sleep, My Bodies A Zombie For You, Pa Pa Power, Young and Tragic, Paper Ships, Lose your Soul, Dead Man's Bones and Flowers Grow Out of My Grave. It is a must have item.

I'm going to echo a lot of what's been said before me. This album reminds me of my childhood with the children's choir and the lighthearted spooky lyrics. The songs are beautiful with a lot of personality and the sound is unlike much of what's current these days. There's a real authentic doowop-1950s-graveyard bonfire party sound to the tracks.

Ryan's voice is surprisingly beautiful and pleasant to listen to. He reminds me of something like an Elvis/Johnny Cash/ Roy Orbison hybrid vocally. Again, he sings in a way not too many other current singers do.

Given their theme Dead Man's Bones seem like a one-time only band which is very unfortunate. I'd love to hear more from them as well as see them in concert, although they don't seem to be touring past October. POO!

Anyway, all of the songs are pretty good. None of them I hate or am particularly underwhelmed by. My favorite tracks ..

Buried in Water

My Body's a Zombie for You

Lose Your Soul

Dead Man's Bones (my most favorite. Very upbeat and banging!)

Dead Man's Bones is fantastic. They put on a great live show (just saw last night) and had the whole place up in arms. The combination of Gosling's old school, Johnny Cash-like vocals with the creepy children's choir, and the crazy instruments and sound effects, balanced out by Shields' more contemporary acoustic vocals makes for a great album. It's different, it gets you out of that nasty radio background music rut, and it'd also be wicked for a Halloween party (or for anytime, if you're like me).

More, please!

I love this CD. Great music! You learn something new everyday. My young daughter was listening to "Lose your Soul" and I fell in love with Ryan Gosling's voice. I didn't even know he was in a band. Item came quickly by mail and was well packaged.

This album has quality music, no doubt.

If you like good music and Ryan Gosling, this is the perfect album to purchase.

It's also a good choice in case you are just a fan o good music, the Gosling thing is just a plus ;)