Customer Reviews

Freak Show

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The Residents have released several different versions of "Freak Show" over the years. Most recently was the CD+DVD release from Ralph America (the site that officially handles their releases for North America). A few years ago there was also a 2-disc special edition set. There was even a comic book. But the "enhanced" version listed here refers to the multi-media CD. For those who don't know, that means it's an audio CD that additionally works as a CD-ROM for your computer, complete with interactive programs you can play.

If you're reading this review, then chances are you're already familiar with the music of The Residents. So I won't go into much detail of the Freak Show album itself. It's a concept album that looks at the human side and thoughts of several side-show attractions.

While most musicians are on the technophobic side, The Residents have always happily indulged in new technology and incorporated it into their work. In fact, the enhanced "Freak Show" CD was one of the very first multi-media CDs. Included in the multi-media part are the videos for "Harry the Head" and "Jelly Jack" (both released in high-quality on the "Icky Flix" DVD), plus a fun interactive part that lets you walk around and explore the different trailers of all the Freak Show stars. At this time, this walk feature has NOT been released on any other version, not even the DVD.

In this age of high-speed internet, DVDs, Flash video, and video sharing sites like YouTube, it seems that the multi-media CD has become a bit of a dated "90s" thing. And of course, graphics are always getting better and better. But to put this in the proper perspective, the enhanced version of "Freak Show" was incredibly creative and years ahead of its time.