Customer Reviews

Endangered Species

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

 

 

Klaatu's fourth (of five studio and two 'hits' packages) album got away from them . . . . literally. Capitol records offered them a chance to "redeem" themselves by allowing them to do it Capitol's way. With their unappreciated genius steadily tanking their career, the band this time sent demos to their producer in L.A., who recorded the basic backing tracks without the band, then later overdubbed or replaced much of the band's contributions with session players. Indeed, it appears that drummer Terry Draper doesn't actually play drums on the album.

What emerged from the sessions was 1981's "endangered species," a generic-sounding 80's pop that neither engaged, tantalized, nor salvaged their career. (It could have been a sad finish for perhaps the greatest "prog-pop" group ever, were it not for a lucky Canadian break.) New Producer Chris Bond deep-sixed their multi-layered, laborious, meticulous, clever M.O., and replaced it with "American"-sounding songs designed for that all-important "airplay."

There are two geniune gems here: "Sell Out Sell Out" is a tongue-in-cheek faux-autobiographical paean to their real-lilfe situation (and touches an amusing and melancholy chord). It's well-written, well-sung, and well-placed. Sadly, as the second-to the-last song, it is also too little, too late to save the album. Also, sadly, this song is NOT on either of Klaatu's hit's packages - this is the only place you'll find it. The last song "All Good Things (Must Pass)" is tender and sappy enough to actually bring a tear to your eye. John Woloschuck's vocals are lovely and the guitar (also Woloschuck's) is crisp and crystalline.

The rest of the songs aren't bad; they simply aren't great, and certainly don't reach the bar set by most of their previous material. This one's for the Klaatu completist only. You're better off buying the first two albums "3:47 EST" and "Hope" (which are also available as a 2-albums-on one-CD special) if you want to know what everyone was excited about in the late 70's.

I remember buying this album in anticipation that they would continue where "Sir Army Suite" left off. Unfortunately my hopes were dashed and found myself with a new frisbee. I tried listening to it a couple days later hoping that what I heard was a bad dream and that it would be something I could salvage...only "all good things" was the only track that had an ounce of playability attached to that word.

There so-called come back album or final epitah "Magentalane" would only confirm the bloom was off the rose and that Klaatu had nothing more in the tank or anything to offer.

Let me ask everyone a question. Do you like the Cars song "Let's Go?" Because about half of Endangered Species closely resembles that particular Cars track.

This, of course, presents an immediately noticeable problem that simply can't be ignored- what happened? What happened to Klaatu's ability to write a *diverse* set of songs? What happened to the obvious Beatles influence? The borderline genius pop songwriting abilities? A good portion of the album has been replaced with... a very typical and horribly dated collection of danceable 80's pop/rock that's only somewhat interesting and creative. A good bouncy pop/rock album perhaps, but nothing REALLY great.

Well, many of us know the story with their record company, but it just so happened it turned out to be a VERY bad and costly decision for us, the mighty dedicated listeners. This album is *easily* much much worse than the previous three.

The stand out tracks to me are "Howl at the Moon" for sounding identical to Al Stewart and his "Year of the Cat" classic. Also "Dog Star" actually contains a really exciting new wave verse melody and chorus. This song is definitely pretty good. Oh, and "Paranoia" is another great one. It actually feels somewhat creatively written, and I like the lyrics.

Alright you got me- I enjoy "Knee Deep In Love" because it's a catchy, heartfelt ballad similar to "Dear Christine". "I Can't Help It" is a very good early 80's Alan Parsons Project imitation if you ask me. It sounds remarkably similar to their popular hit "Eye In the Sky".

The rest of the songs are definitely severely dated early 80's new wave pop/rock that's relatively catchy, I admit, but also leaving me completely empty and unsatisfied as far as diversity and creativity goes. DO however, buy the first three Klaatu albums which represent the band in a much better light. However, if you must buy a Klaatu album from the 80's, this isn't a bad choice by any means. In fact the songs that aren't memorable are growing on me a little bit. It's just a disappointment in comparison to the total brilliance you experience from the first three albums Klaatu made.

Side One
1. I Can't Help It - Klaatu, Long, Dee
2. Knee Deep in Love - Klaatu, Tome, Dino
3. Paranoia - Klaatu, Woloschuk, John
4. Howl at the Moon - Klaatu, Tome, Dino
Side Two
5. Set the World on Fire - Klaatu, Woloschuk, John
6. Hot Box City - Klaatu, Long, Dee
7. Dog Star - Klaatu, Long, Dee
8. Sell Out, Sell Out - Klaatu, Woloschuk, John
9. All Good Things - Klaatu, Woloschuk, John

Klaatu had some real magic. At their best they were every bit as good and original as any group that has ever existed. Name any supergroup...and that group will not have more innate talent. However, this album is like going to the generic aisle in a supermarket and picking up a box called "Competently Played Pop Music (Soul Free.)" It's like eating tasteless food, or drinking flat soda, or making love with someone you really don't love. Whoever brought this travesty about is evil - and it was NOT Klaatu. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. You have four other albums of genuine wonder and magic, and that's more than most bands ever create. Do whatever you can to get Magentalane - If you love Klaatu, you will listen to it many times.

With the exception of the first track, I Can't Help It, there is absolutely nothing worthwhile on here. It sounds like they phoned it in on this one. It must have been a contractual obligation record and is actually a painful listen. All you need to play is the track Sell Out, Sell Out and you'll catch on. Sell out, Sell Out ... says it all.