Customer Reviews

Martyr Mantras

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After the collapse of Culture Club and the ultimate failure of his solo career, Boy George quietly decamped, got sober and came back with a new group of musicians he called Jesus Loves You. In the UK, they had a few minor hits, and raised a bit of fuss with the anti-Thatcher "No Clause 28", but as usual, American radio left it alone, and audiences never got a chance to hear it. Virgin US released this compilation of remixes under the Boy George name, hoping that his past fame might give it the push it needed, but outside of a few of the hipper dance clubs ( I remember hearing "Generations of Love" and "No Clause 28" in the Armory in Atlanta back around 1990 ) it too was all but ignored. While a few of these songs haven't aged well, there are some solid grooves ( "After the Love" a song George wrote and produced with Culture Club drummer Jon Moss, the two before mentioned singles, and "Love's Gonna Let U Down") , and one terrific ballad ( "I Specialize in Lonliness"). The one song that stands out most is the most atypical of the bunch. A rather bizarre tune called "Bow Down Mister", an obvious influence of George's experience in India with the Krishnas, begins with some Indian chanting, has a section of folkish acoustic guitar, and finally blooms into a sing-along replete with Indian chorus.
A great album, save for the few dated tracks. And another great album cover. Thanks, George. We owe you one.

This is one of the best things he has done in his solo career. After finding this album on cassette many years ago in a cut-out bin, I needed to track it down on CD and so happy I did. It is so amazing after all these years. It is so underrated. He shines like he hasn't since CC days. Buy this album, you won't regret it!

The first time I heard "Generations of Love" was in a gay dance club while I was in college. I immediately had to have it, if only because of the bassline (which sounds like it was lifted right out of the Temptations "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and the piano riff). The whole CD is a great listen, and well worth buying. Of Boy George's solo efforts, this is defnitely the strongest, and stands up to listening years later. (Only "Clause 28" sounds a bit dated.) Besides "Generations of Love," the best tracks are "Too Much Love" and "Bow Down Mister".

I've been a Boy George fan for years. When this CD originally came out, I remember that the reviews made this album out to be the worst album of all time, so, when I bought a cassette copy of it and listened to it back in '93, I was shocked at how good it was. That cassette copy finally broke after several plays and about a year and a half ago, I finally found a copy on CD.

After listening to it now, I have to admit that this CD was actually ahead of it's time with the use of remixes and cross-cultural sounds here. No one knew even what "deep house" music was back when this was released, but here it is on this CD in all it's glory.

I Specialize In Loneliness alone is worth checking this CD out.

Boy George: punchline, reformed addict, publicity whore, lawsuit target, androgynous clown. Set aside the outre persona, however, and you'll hear a voice as smooth and rich as any aging pub diva. And what a voice! The raspy falsetto on "Love's Gonna Let You Down"; the playful verve of "Siempre Te Amare"; the soulful "Too Much Love": our Boy has been through hell and has come back with a story to tell.

Like his work in Culture Club, Boy wisely avoids over the top production -- the emphasis is on lyrics and vocals. The only misstep: "No Clause 28", Boy's diatribe against Thatcher's attempt to squelch English council's "promotion of homosexuality" (part of the backlash against so-called "political correctness"). The song was perfect for gay pride rallies in 1991, but today it sounds a bit dated.

The highlight: "I Specialize In Lonliness", the only ballad. I assumed this was a cover of a classic soul number when I heard it -- but there's no other song writer's credit on the sleeve. It must be all Boy. Beautiful.

For an album that's almost 10 years old, The Martyr Mantras still sounds fresh -- thanks to Boy's sweet, earnest vocals and his selection of the timeless themes of hurt, loss, and love.

By far the best solo-album by Boy George since his fall from grace (and culture club). Originally released under the "Jesus loves you" name in Europe this album reveals how talented Boy George really is.

Songs like "Generations of love", "Bow down mister", "I specialize in loneliness" and "Too much love" stands the test of time beautifully and even in 2005/2006 they set the standards for what a good pop-song should be. In general "The martyr mantras" is a very coherent album and thus it has not the flaws of some of his other solo-albums (where the quality often fluctuates to much - with the exeption of rock album "cheapness and beauty").

Vocals are other culture club / Boy George albums superior and production is intense. If you are into Culture Club but have moved on in your life since then this album is a must-have. Listen to it a few times and you will not be dissapointed. The Martyr Mantras is an album that shows just how underrated Boy George often is - this is George at his best!

In my opinion this album is the most sophisticated, superb album Boy George has ever made - and that includes all his music before and since. It's melodic, beautifully produced and reveals a souful voice. Here George's abundant talent really is on show.

I was surprised at a couple of poor reviews this received when it came out. It was one of the best deep-house albums to emerge in the early nineties, and when I play it today when guests are around, it often invokes the comment "This is good, who is it?" "Love Hurts" still sends shivers up my spine with it's seventies strings, breezy vocals and soft house beat. I was not the most ardent Boy George fan previously, but this was really outstanding.

Ah ... the memories that this album brings to me. One of Boy George's best singles ever, "Bow Down Mister", still has the power to make me smile and sing along whenever I hear it being played. Part pop song and part hymn to Krishna, it's enough to make one long to hop onto a plane and fly off to India. "Hare Krishna, hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, hare, hare! Hare Ram, hare Ram, Ram, Ram, hare, hare!" [Note: I'm not Hindu by any means, but gosh, the song just makes you wanna jump up and dance through the streets to the glory of Krishna!]

This album is very good. "Generations of Love"--available in many remixed formats-(including one on the album)--starts off this interesting journey.

The music really becomes intoxicating and and Boy's vocals are your guide thru this little ride while you get to listen to a refreshing arrangement and production. Another song that I'm drawn to is "After The Love"--track 4. You'll like the beat and like its predecceser has an interesting production.

"Love Hurts"-track #7 is one of my favorites. It starts off with violins and the beat just rolls in all of the sudden..like a cool wave breaking over your shoulder. Production is beautiful and this version is not to missed! There is a different mix of this song on "at Worst the Best of...." but the mix on Martyr Mantras is much better. Its just plain toe tapping fun...George's voice is the perfect companion to this arrangement...great music..and backing vocals throughout especially towards the end...and just when your enjoying the ride the violins start again and take you back to shore ending the song on the same low note as when the fun all started.

I've seen Boy perform "Bow Down Mister" on his Cheapness and Beauty tour in Atlanta..a little hire krishna ditty influenced by no doubt his brush with buddism...fun...guitar to sweeten the pot and a cant help but to tap your foot and start singing along.

These are a few of my favorites on this album...ones I would consider make the cost of the album far worth it..if you don't have this yet get it. It's different musically and very enjoyable. I highly recomend it.