Customer Reviews

Live From Camp X Ray

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My only complaint is that it is only 26 minutes in length. But what you get in the same span as a ... sitcom is the amazing strength of a band just blasting into perfection. From the electricity evident by Speedo and company with the onset of "I'm not invisible" through the wreckage of "Too Many Balls" you have a capsule of high octane pleasure. Rocket has found new life on Vagrant and the horns have never sounded better.

don't expect group sounds. don't expect scream dracula scream. don't expect hot charity. don't expect. just crank it.

this album is a full-tilt rock n roll masterpiece. whereas group sounds took a few breathers, live from camp x-ray never really lets up. its 26 minutes and 24 seconds of pure, dumb, angry, loud, and fast rock n roll. and if there's anything right at all about our popular music scene, i'm not invisible will hit the airwaves and put the garage rock trendsetters to shame.

Dont listen to the negative reviews on this one. This is stripped down angry rock from beginning to end. No filler here.

The most prominent thing about Camp X- Ray is the fact that there is no filler-none whatsoever. Almost every other Rocket album has that one or more songs that are simply skipped, but not here. One thing people have to realize is that no one band can release album after album that sound exactly the same (to those so fond of saying 'oh its no State of Art, but...') RFTC have outdone themselves yet again.

If you have never heard RFTC it might take a few listens to get into their sound, but this is an excellent place to start.

RFTC comes through with their best release on Vagrant to date. The songs are tight in that RFTC "punk rock meets old R&B bluesy" formula. "I'm Not Invisible" is a personal favorite in the usual RFTC style, featuring rumbling bass lines, a sing along chorus and a really nice ending. Other highlights include the more poppy "Too Many Balls", the rocking "I Wanna Know", and the angry groove of "Bucket of Piss."

That said, RFTC is not for the faint of heart. It is a band that can be an acquired taste. This album edges over group sounds and stands up there with "Scream Dracula, Scream". A good introduction for first time listeners.

The only complaint is using the word "Live" as part of their album's name. It confuses those overly sensative woodbe rock critics.
This album rips from beginning to end, which is probably why there are complaints about the album length. Anyway, RFTC definitely keeps you wanting more. If you want a pure rockin' album minus al the fluff of todays music PICK this one up.

First of all, for those of you taking the liner notes so seriously. Did you ever think that maybe they were written "tounge in Cheek".
Every RFTC record has been different so it is very tough to compare one to another. I feel that this record is good, but I do agree with some of the other reviews that it seems short and maybe a bit rushed. I also can see an influence from the Sultans. I happen to think that is a good thing. I like the way the record flows and sounds. I think that Speedos voice sound excellent on this recording as well as the horn section.
I hope this record does well.

Musically, this is a pretty rockin' album that I'd rate a 4 out of 5 on those merits alone. But the lyrics here are what really make "Live From Camp X-Ray" stand out. RFTC sets its twisted sights on the state of the world post-Sept. 11 on much of the album, and thank goodness -- it's about time a real throw-down rock band talked about how insane our world has become since then.

Of course, I never thought "Group Sounds" was as earth-shattering as everyone else did, so take this for what it's worth.

Oh, and if anyone stumbled across this page because RFTC was recommended as a band similar to the Hives or the Strokes or the Vines, pay close attention: Those bands are well and good, but Rocket From The Crypt is so superior, once you listen to RFTC you'll really find it ridiculous that they haven't enjoyed the same success as those other bands.

Some are born to sweet delight, some are born to endless night.
Both will find something here. Yes, it may take 100 listenings, but, eventually it will dawn on you. 'Too Many Balls' can be played 50 times in a row and it will never lose its power.
No Group Sounds, but good enough.

Rocket from the Crypt rocks! There is just no other way to describe this band. I can't believe these guys never made it big like many of these [other] punk bands out there. Maybe it's the horns that scares people away, but all the horns do is beef up the sound, and give it the band's signature. This album rocks, and is a must buy. Also check out Hot Charity, now on cd for the first time. Buy them all!