Fungus Amongus [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED]

Incubus

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 7, 2000)
• Original Release Date: November 1, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000050HU9
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (122 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,585 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #25 in	Music > Rock > Funk Rock
  #26 in	Music > R&B > Funk > Metal
  #43 in	Music > Rock > Rap Rock

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
As Incubus themselves note about Epic's 2000 rerelease of 1996's Fungus Amongus: "The recording's are basically a snapshot of our band, circa 1993-1995. As even the most discriminating ear could deduce, [we were] still struggling to find our feet." It's a caveat not really necessary for Incubus fans, of which there are now many, thanks to their diverse, unique, and thoughtful brand of funky, sometimes-acoustic rock, exemplified on 1999's impressive Make Yourself. This early effort, written and recorded when band members were in their teens, smacks heavily of Primus and Faith No More fanaticism, influences which, on later discs, are blended into an evolving signature sound. Songs such as "Speak Free," "Trouble in 421," and the aggressive, linear "The Answer" are decent, but not as heavy, well-written, or thoughtful as the material on Make Yourself. Ultimately, Fungus Amongus is a lightweight, casual, fun, and funky morsel for hardcore fans. --Katherine Turman

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Incubus, December 3, 2000

By	Mr. Censored (Maine) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

The first thing I liked about this CD, right off the bat, is that the record company didn't remaster any of the recordings. You have to turn up the dial a couple extra notches just to hear it properly. It's almost as if we are actually listening to Incubus playing in their basement, which is what makes this interesting. One thing you have to keep in mind is when this CD was made, Incubus were about my age (16) and were just starting out, and if you ask me, this is pretty damn good for a band THAT young.

The influences are very obvious on here--Primus, Faith No More and early Red Hot Chili Peppers (Mostly displayed on "Speak Free"). For fans of S.C.I.E.N.C.E., you will find yourself listening to "Take Me To Your Leader" the most, as I do. "Shaft" is another "stellar" song, and is one of Incubus' most energetic works out there. "Psychopsilocybin" is another standout, and yes, another song with that signature energetic vibe that Incubus possess, which most of the songs on here seem to have.

You must listen to this for what it is--a very very early recording of a young band. The problem with most of these reviewers is they are all stuck on "Make Yourself" and fail to realize that this is not a new recording, therefore cannot be expected to be as good as their newer stuff. If you like bands like Mr. Bungle or early (hed)p.e., you should really consider adding this gem to your collection.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 4 Stars...No, No, Gotta Give It Five, April 16, 2002

By	Nicholas Alla Koholick "anonymousnick2001" - See all my reviews

Ah, yes. Funk-metal. A dying genre of music. It started with legendary albums like Blood Sugar..., and The Real Thing, and Sailing The Seas Of Cheese. Fungus Amongus does nothing but uphold those albums, and in many areas, surpasses them in superb musicianship, blistering assault, and complete and total all-out wackyness. Incubus recorded this when they were around 19 years old, but it doesn't really show in the music. Lyrics maybe. Some of the songs, like "The Answer," or the incredible "Take Me To Your Leader" are great foreshadowings of the rap-funk-metal to be seen on S.C.I.E.N.C.E, and other songs fully portray every bit of talent the band has, notably "Speak Free." Fans of Morning View, well, this album might go right over your head, because it is very different from the Incubus we know today. Brandon's voice is still in top form. To prepare for him here, listen to the song "Deep Inside." Fungus Amongus's songs are basically(or is it bassically?) rawer versions of that. The lyrics, although immature, are thought-provoking and downright hilarious at times, although laced with oodles of profanity. It's a bit of a wild card to buy this album, and it might take 6 months to a year for it to grow on you, but relax. A true Incubus fan NEEDS this one in their collection. It's worth it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best..., September 28, 2003

By	CJ Henley (Gainesville, FL) - See all my reviews

I read a few of the reviews before I started to write my own. It seems as if there is no middle ground on this record. It's either love or hate.

If you made me guess I would think that the band hates this CD. It's those old songs that you wrote years ago and so much has changed since then. But as a fan and one who enjoys something different, Fungus Amongus is a great CD to help fight off the mundane MTV malaise.

I have to tell you all that I found Incubus just like every other kid out there, on the radio, I don't have a story like, "I knew bob who went to high school with the lead singer and I have there first demo on tape." But I do genuinely like their music and their musical diversity.

One review said that you have to be too in love with Incubus to say that you like this CD, well I would say that you would have to be too in love with MTV to not like this CD.

If you like what you here out there on the radio and you also have Justin Timberlake in your CD collection DON'T BUY IT! If you like some flavor to your music and are willing to try something different then you may just love it