Customer Reviews

The Horse That Bud Bought

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're a GC fan, this album at its first glance might take you off guard with its more artsy flavor and introspective approach. But this is a truely GREAT release from the premiere rock band of our time. The spiritual overtones may skim the top of the heads of those only seeking to "bang", but if you like to enjoy more in music than just a good beat and whistling backgrounds, this is a must have. - Brad Farha

This album isn't bad, but it's just such a tremendous step down from Space in your Face and the debut album that it can earn no more than 3 stars from me.

The Galactic Cowboys are an original, talented, and entertaining band, but they've proven that they can write far better material than this. Get Space in your Face first and foremost, and wait on this one unless you're convinced that the Cowboys are for you. They can do better.

First off, let me say that (like most of you) I'm writing this review after the unfortunate demise of the Galactic Cowboys. If I had to pick out 1 band in the history of music that should have gotten more attention, they are the big winners for sure! Their extremely melodic 4-part vocals harmonies mixed with their creative song structures & heavy sound caused them to have something that 99% of most bands today don't have: ORIGINALITY. I miss these guys terribly!!

This review is for their mid- to later-period recording entitled, "The Horse That Bud Bought" (I'll refer to it as THTBB). Out of all of their recordings, I would say that THTBB is probably their most "pop-py" and straight forward. But, ironically, it stands as one of my favorite recordings by the band, regardless of the genre classification. The production is strong and the songs are well formed for the attempt to reach into the semi-pop world. Keep in mind that any band never really hides its true identity, so where the reach toward a pop-ish angle is there, the band's creative edge is still present throughout this recording. Strong songs are the incredibly melodic "Evil Twin," "Trip On Love" (one of my fav.Galactic Cowboy songs), "My Life," and "Ribbon." And for more edgy, classic, early-ish Galactic Cowboy diddies, try out "Tomorrow" or the progressive-edged "Media Slant." Most of all, I found that this particular CD really grows on you over time with the great strength of the song writing throughout the recording. I do, feel, however that certain characteristic features of the band are a little LESS prominent on this CD (as with most of their later period recordings), such as their immense vocal harmonies (which are primarily knocked down to 2 and 3 part, rather than 4 part) and their longer, more epic forms of song writing. Hence, the comparison to a more "pop-ish" type sound.

There's 1 single reason why I gave it only 4 stars though... Just because their first 2 recordings ('Galactic Cowboys' and 'Space In Your Face') are so incredibly strong that it is almost impossible to top the quality of those classic progressive/metal CDs. I feel that they had a touch of magic on those 2 that was never reached again on later recordings. However, THTBB was the closest to achieving greatness again for this highly gifted band. Enjoy!

The Cowboys are one of rock's most underrated bands. They definitely have that Houston sound (heavy guitars with nice vocal harmonies). The opening track is just great. Other notable songs include, Oregon, Evil Twin, Tomorrow. I've seen these guys three times live, and their stage presence and energy is unparalleled. Too bad they're no longer around.

GC seem to never get the press they deserve. There are very few bands that mix hard rock with soaring vocals to create the effect that this band does. This disc is one of my favorites of the six I have by them. It took me a while to get into some of the songs, but in retrospect this is one of their most solid releases. "Evil Twin" is very typical of the GC sound post 1993. Heavy, singable, very catchy. For me, "Ribbon" and "My Life" stand above the rest as powerful songs, the latter for some reason reminding me a bit of the last track on the King's X cd "Ear Candy". Very introspective and powerful. "Oregon", "Tomorrow", and "Mona Lisa" are also exceptional. Highly recommended.

galactic cowboys is not some fly-attracting alternaivetive horse manure, but a good melodic, if not speedy, heavy metal band and i am glad they made the move to a superior record label.

Although i love the entire record, i just have one comment. If you don't start jumping up and down during"Tilt-a-Whirl", you need to be revived.

Another great Galactic Cowboys record. I still can't believe this band is not huge by now. This record is not as heavy as their others. More emphasis on songs and melodies than headbanging.

Some great songs on this one. Good solid rock band in the style of King's X. Love the song Oregon- awesome.