Customer Reviews

Free Mars

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

 

 

Hmm. You know those certain CDs that you get, and don't really have any interest for at the beginning? Y'know how after listening to them a couple times, they shoot up into the top 5 favourite CDs you've ever heard list?! Well 'Free Mars' by Lusk is definitely one of those. I've never heard a more melodic, more beautiful, more unpredictable blend of pop and psychedelic music. I'm sending out a word of warning, however, to all you Tool fans out there who want to hear them just because Paul D'Amour is the co-founder. They don't sound ANYTHING like Tool...But it's odd, really, for Tool IS my favourite band, and I still adore this CD. So, yes, I highly suggest that you go and pick up this recording at a music store near you.

There is something about this album that completely defies explanation. I've been listening to this CD quite frequently for the last three years, and I am still noticing more subtleties throughout the dense beauty that is Free Mars. Easily my favourite album of all time, it's difficult to not believe in magic while experiencing this spectacular collection of supreme music. I highly recommend this album. You won't be disappointed. It is truly awe-inspiring.

Listening to "Free Mars" by Lusk takes a bit of work and, but the payoff is worth the investment for those willing to make more than a casual effort. The sound is a sonic sundae, infused with psychedelic elements, layers of swirling sounds, and processed vocals that conjure up memories of early Brian Eno ("Here Come the Warm Jets," "Taking Tiger Mountain") but that sound modern, crisp, and well-thought out.

Harps, cellos, odd percussion, and horns round out the core sound built around guitars, keyboards, and electronic treatments. It's clear that there was quite a bit of studio time involved in getting these tracks in present form, and one can only wonder at what was edited in the process. (It would not have been a great loss if some of the studio banter had been also been chopped out.)

It's hard to pick a favorite track---I keep changing my mind---and the hidden bonus track called Blair's Spiders is hilarious (though not something that merits repeated listening, which makes it the perfect bonus track).

On another note, the packaging and design of "Free Mars" merit close inspection and reflect some inspired thinking.

What an incredible listening experience! This album, while not what one might first expect from Paul D'Amour given his track-record with TOOL, is still absolutely brilliant! Progressive rock at its BEST!

Don't expect TOOL when you buy this album. In fact, don't expect metal or a hard and heavy sound. If we can say that TOOL relates to Black Sabbath in some particular way, then LUSK must relate to David Bowie or The Cure in a similar fashion.

Brilliant, wonderful, astounding, defying belief, the members of LUSK have made a breath-taking album. Of course, the final track (Blair's Spiders) makes the album with the appearance of the legendary Blair Blake as himself. ;-)

It escapes me why artists like Lusk are not better known. This is music like no other. The lyrics are beautifully baffling, and inflict emotions of resentment one moment, to those of a triumphant revolution, all in one song ("Kill the King"). Very few artists can do this. I hope that for the sake of these guys that some day this album will be bigger. I've recommended it to all my friends and family, and I would do the same to yours!

Years ago I was at the record store in Denver, Twist and Shout, which is supposed to be the biggest and best independent record store in the US. They always have very knowledgeable people working there. I was in the height of my Beach Boys obsession, collecting anything that had any connection to Brian Wilson and his band. There was a young man working at the store who turned me onto several interesting records, the Apples in Stereo, The Lilys, Lusk... I really had never heard anything quite like it and have probably listened to it more than any record I've ever had. In fact, that's why I'm on this website is to replace my CD which got abused terribly in my car. I was really sad when the group couldn't stay together. I guess the record company didn't back them and they couldn't continue. I never get tired of listening to this album, and I really crank it up loud. It almost seems to be perfect. I'm not a music critic and don't any words that haven't already been used to describe this album in the previous reviews here. Like the Beach Boys Pet Sounds album, the movie Blade Runner, La Alhambra in Granada, flying a glider in the Rockies,... All these years later I'm writing this review for those who are already here with obvious interest in this album, to say that Lusk--Free Mars is one of those perfect moments in time. I envy those who get to experience it for the first time.

This is one of those recordings that defies easy categorization. It's well worth the effort to let this gem reveal itself. It does that, over time, and goes on infinite repeat on the sound system of the lucky cogniscente.

This album is great to listen to. It never gets boring and its a prime example of experimental rock done right...

I miss Meral! Where is she! Oh yeah love the cd (meral gave it to me). Tell her I love her if you ever see this!

Lusk takes on many song genres and does well. I have had this CD for a few months as of febuary 1999. I personally believe that this is a CD to add to anyone's collection.