Dead Man's Bones

Dead Man's Bones | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 6, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Anti
• ASIN: B002LEZ5RQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,186 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

[The album] has an undeniable dark charm. At its best, the duo's debut shambles along like a Tom Waits-led, Tim Burton-produced Halloween recital. --Spin

Product Description

Dead Man s Bones began recording, and quickly decided that the songs needed the special creepiness and longing of massed children s voices to complete the sound L.A. s Silverlake Conservatory Childrens Choir was brought in to the studio, and Dead Man s Bones, the album, was born. Some of their songs reflect the music they listened to a little bit of doo-wop, and artists such as the Shangri-Las, The Shags, Company Flow, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Bobby Vinton, Joy Division, The Andrew Sisters and Daniel Johnston, to name a few. In addition, the artistic aesthetic of old Universal horror films, vaudeville music-hall numbers, and silent-screen melodramas infest the music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Body's a Zombie For You!, November 3, 2009

By 

A. Boston (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dead Man's Bones (MP3 Download)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting, beautiful, melodic, catchy -- makes for great music!, October 15, 2009

By 

Anonymous (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dead Man's Bones (MP3 Download)

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.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pa Pa Powerful!!, October 7, 2009

By 

Tracy Murray - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dead Man's Bones (MP3 Download)

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.