Customer Reviews

Mad Brilliant

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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I was introduced to Ghost of the Robot the way everyone else was: through James Marsters. James Marsters is a popular (and quite talented) actor with a huge fan base, most of which he gained from his recurring role on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and ANGEL as Spike, the badass vampire with a thing for destruction - and Buffy. He's also made appearances on SMALLVILLE, MILLENNIUM, ANDROMEDA, and NORTHERN EXPOSURE, to name a few. In 2002, Marsters met guitarist Charlie DeMars. Shortly thereafter, they formed Ghost of the Robot.

Ghost of the Robot consists of five members. James Marsters performed the lead vocals and played acoustic guitar; Charlie DeMars played guitar and, on a few songs, performed the lead vocals; Aaron Anderson was the drummer; Steve Sellers played the keyboard; and, last but not least, Kevin McPherson played the bass. From its beginning in 2002 to its disbandment in 2004, Ghost of the Robot released one album (MAD BRILLIANT), one EP (titled IT'S NOTHING), and three singles - VALERIE, DAVID LETTERMAN, and NEW MAN. The band's live performances were always sold-out nearly immediately. During it's two year life, Ghost of the Robot was a cult hit.

Now that you know about the band, let's check out this CD. The track listing is as follows:

1. Liar
2. Vehicles Shock Me
3. Dangerous
4. David Letterman
5. Angel
6. Valerie
7. Mad Brilliant
8. Call 911
9. Blocking Brainwaves
10. German. Jewish
11. Good Night Sweet Girl

The band has a very distinct sound. It can't really be compared to anything else, and that makes it very hard to describe to someone who's never heard anything by the band. Every song on the album is excellent. Among the best are "Blocking Brainwaves", "Call 911", "Vehicles Shock Me", "Liar", "Dangerous", and "Good Night Sweet Girl". Throughout the CD there's high-powered guitar, perfect drums, and very nice vocals by Marsters. The lyrics are top-notch (most of the songs were written by DeMars).

Unfortunately, as this CD never hit the mass market, it's become quite rare and a major collectable, selling for up to $200 on eBay. But if you do find it, purchase it. It's worth it. I bought it to hear Marsters sing (I'd previously heard him perform on the critically-acclaimed musical episode of BUFFY), but in the end, I think of it as what it is - a Ghost of the Robot album, not a James Marsters album. (F.Y.I., Marsters released a solo album last year, titled CIVILIZED MAN. In my opinion, it's a fine album, but nowhere near as good as MAD BRILLIANT.)

MAD BRILLIANT is an absolutely awesome album. I don't know how to describe it. I suppose you'll just have to hunt it down, or download the songs from somewhere else (clips were at one time available on-line). It's one of my favorite CDs ever - a joy to listen to, and it never gets old. By all means, give it a shot.

I originally bought this album as an investment, but soon warmed up to it. It is far from musically perfect, many notes were off key and melodies were predictable. However, I found it grew on me. It brought back memories of bands in garages performing for the kids in the neighborhood (yes, I grew up in the 60's).

The lyrics are not sophisticated, but charming.

If you can afford this CD, buy it. Let it take you over.

I just recently discovered this album and cannot stop listening to it. The genre is difficult to define and each individual song is distinct. I would describe it as an interesting blend of Lou Reed, Everclear, Weezer, and Wilco. I think that while folks may come to the band primarily as fans of Marsters, they will stay because the music is worth listening to. Also, the songs are consistently high quality throughout - it isn't one of those CDs that I get and listen to two or three songs - each is worth hearing over and over. It is unfortunate that the CD is not in wide production, and that this music is not yet available on ITunes or apparantly anywhere else for less than one or two hundred dollars.

Ghost of the Robot is a very unique group.
They have a great sound and can sing things that will break your heart or amuse you.
Most of you will only find out about them because of James, no worries.... stay and become a GOTR Fan :)
Catch them live if you can.