Customer Reviews

Howl U.S.A.

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

 

 

This extra-ordinary album was a real delight for me to get my hands on! Indeed, it's a one-of-a-kind CD, unlike anything I've ever listened to before.

It's well known that the Kronos Quartet has a predilection for bizarre music, but of all the recordings by KQ I have acquired knowledge of so far (at present I own eleven), this one is without a doubt the most openly ironic and cleverly entertaining. The scratchy wit this album directs against the U.S.A. tickles me with pleasure, for I often have the impression that self-criticism isn't a typical American quality. I'm happy the Kronos Quartet proved to be better than that.

The words of J. Edgar Hoover, those inscribed on a highway railing in California, those of I. F. Stone and - last but not least - those from Allen Ginsberg's poem "Howl, U.S.A.," are accompanied by KQ's performance, which comments on those very words, either reinforcing their meaning or ridiculing them mercilessly. Although from a strictly aesthetic point of view the compositions on this album may not appeal to all classical music lovers, the openly descriptive nature of these string quartets certainly gives KQ members a great opportunity to exhibit their matchless virtuosity. Once again, their ability to reproduce natural sounds, to give body to the unprecedented ideas of inspired composers and to express an amazing range of feelings comes to light with incredible force.

Before I bring this to a close, I want to stress the beauty of this CD's package. Not surprisingly, "Howl, U.S.A." won the 1997 Certificate of Excellence from The American Association of Graphic Arts. The liner notes are also very complete.

i am a big fan of the late poet allen ginsberg, and i originally got this recording from my local public library just to hear allen's voice. but allen is only half of this c-d and yet it is the whole c-d that has become enduring to me. this music is challenging, exciting and well as entertaining. their music as well as the music of philip glass has sent my musical interests into a totally new directions.in fact i eventually bought my own copy of this recording after seeing the two of them in concert a the northrup auditorium in minneapolis. if you love classical or avante garde check the kronos quartet out. also if you love ginsberg check out hydrogen jukebox with philip glass another great recording.

This is an excellent album by the Kronos Quartet. The Cd consists of spoken-word compositions: Harry Partch's "Barstow," IF Stone's readings on government, J Edger Hoover's statement on Sing Sing, and Allen Ginsberg's powerful "Howl" poem. The quartet did a great job with sampling and it's combination of their strings, and with consistency; yes, a perfectly tight sound. I especially loved the reworking of Partch's intonation poem depicting a hobo's cross-country trip. In addition, the Ginsberg poem fits well with Kronos's violent chamber music. Contrarily, I thought the other pieces were executed with the same energy, but not as interesting as the Partch and Ginsberg compositions. Nevertheless, the album is one of Kronos's masterpiece and is a good starting point for KQ novices.