Customer Reviews

Forest for the Trees

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

 

 

Like many people I had heard the catchy `Dream' single when it got a lot of play on MTV, back in 97. But unlike most, I have been privileged to hear all of his other wonderful and mind expanding songs on the album. This album has been one of my true loves throughout all of my musical experiences, and I can safely say it always will be. As stated above, this is one of the only true philosophical albums I have ever come across. The theories and ideas expressed throughout the entire CD will not only challenge you to focus on the intricate melding between the lyrics and the amazing sampling, but also to think of greater possibilities about life and the universe as a whole. This album did not receive the recognition it truly deserves, but then again, I think it works on a higher level then what most of us are used to.

I was really surprised to see the negative reviews of this album. Sure not all the songs are not as accessible as Dream might be, but overall I really enjoy listening to the creative ramblings that this album goes through. As for people not liking the lyrics it's sad to see so many people judge them so harshly. Radiohead and Nirvana and even the Doors have lyrics that don't make "sense", but they're still cool to listen to. It's a shame that more people don't have a more open mind for these kinds of things. It's a great album if you're into fun experimental music.

I picked up this CD because I loved "Dream" and my local DJ was getting tired of my constant pestering for him to play it. I was greatly impressed. Every song on this CD is incredibly complex, with samples, processed vocals, and neato instruments like sitar and bagpipes weaving in and out. Perhaps the greatest is the sample of a "Speak and Spell" on "Infinite Cow." Every time I listen to this album--and it begs you to listen closely--I hear something new spliced in there. This album is probably not for the average modern-rock fan, but is a welcome sign that heavily electronicized music can really be creative and interesting.

A creative odyssey that breaks all the rules but somehow still works if you are open to something totally different. I can see how some could say that it is incoherent at times but if you really listen, everything fits beautifully and is actually quite mesmerizing.

The concept behind this album is incredibly cool, but not so easy to pull off. One one hand, the results can be something like "Dream," which really flows well and has a nice sound to it. On the other hand you could get ambiguous weirdness like "Infinite Cow," which, I'll admit, I still sort of liked. Overall, I really enjoyed the quirkiness of this album.

As with all great genius, it is seldom recognized within its own time. "FFTT" is without question one of the most lavishly produced albums yet, and has the potential to actually transform the consiousness of the listner, if listened to with an open mind. Although it is not for everyone, this album will be held in high regard by discriminating listeners for a very long time.

I purchased this for one song, Dreams, that appeared on a Las Vegas commercial many years back. I finally have it.

I have an uncle who was at University Of Conneticut from 1968-72, doing all those things people did on college property in those days.

But he is no foggie and knows about new music, and he hipped his psychadelic little nephew to Forest For The Tress.

You will never mistake this album for a 1960s college dorm party disc. It is full of modern hip hop beats. But it also has screaming, Vernon Ried guitar, chants, sitars, and all kinds of updated cosmis wizzard play.


It is like a Bombay dance rave, and you should set your third eye on this.

I found this album in the 3-for-a-dollar bin at a used CD shop years ago, and I knew as soon as I listened to it that I'd hit gold. I have to suspect that the original amazon reviewer above either didn't comprehend or simply didn't appreciate Carl Stephenson's very well-articulated renditions of these mind-blowing acid-trip-universe experiences through a whirl of sound and lyrics. In a nutshell, one might rightly call it "silly," but my first impressions were of awe, affinity, and total envelopment. Roughly 10 years down the road, my awareness has surely expanded, but that only enables me to enjoy this album from a new perspective. This certainly isn't easy-listening; it's a rare synthesis of sense and thought and a rhythm that seems to resound deep back into the corners of our consciousness. It's one incredible "natural" trip.

Admittedly, you probably have to be into the entheogen experience or relate to a Zen-like spirituality in order to appreciate this work of art. If you do get it, though, it's truly mind-boggling.

If you love Beck, you will love this album...It is killer!! Most of the songs are indie great! With Beck's original co-producer who produced "Loser"; Karl Stephenson plays and produces this album with BECK! The sounds are so amazing....
Why did I not find this album sooner? I knew nothing about the album until just the other day. These songs are reminiscent of Loser to some degree. The sounds are excellent! Just to hear Beck playing Harmonica and background vocals makes buying this album worth it alone...But it doesnt stop there...
Best & Peace