Our Most Beloved

James Superstar Kochalka, James Kochalka Superstar | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 10, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B00096S46W
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #311,224 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Although best known as a cult comic book artist (Monkey Vs Robot, Sketchbook Diaries), James Kochalka Superstar is also a musician, having released many hard-to-find albums through limited distribution. His eccentric and singular work is translated to irresistibly catchy songs, ranging from the full-on power rock of "Talk To The Wookie" (an ode to cunnilingus) to sensitive ballads like "Twinkle Twinkle Ringo Star". Our Most Beloved compiles the cream of James’ recorded output (and adds a few new recordings) in one deluxe package with a bonus DVD containing five music videos (including the legendary Monkey Vs Robot and two animated songs that appeared on Nickelodeon) and some surprises!

• Produced by Peter Katis (Interpol) • Bonus DVD with hilarious content • Monkey Vs Robot was a #1 Download at RollingStone.com • This compilation of his earlier work is the 1st Kochalka album to be widely available • booklet includes new, previously unpublished Kochalka comic

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Duh Vinci Code, October 8, 2005

By 

Bumpkin Boy - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Our Most Beloved (Audio CD)

I have been sceptical of the popular notion that James Kochalka is the reincarnation of Leonardo da Vinci. It's true they are both artists who favor full frontal nudity and If da Vinci was around today he MIGHT want to live in Vermont, but what other proof is there? Then I listened to Kochalka's compilation album plus music video Our Most Beloved. I mean, I'm from the Woodstock generation and although I mourned John Lennon I never really felt the loss of Curt Cobain. But now, after listening to "Put Down the Gun" for the 20th time I find I have been infected by Kochalka's passion for post-punk rock and roll. Or at least Kochalka's version of it. Wait, you say, that's all well and good but da Vinci designed war machines. What does Kochalka have to match that? Hey, his work is chock full of robots and spaceships that Leonardo WISHES he had thought of. And the album's longest cut "Sleighride to Heck" is the best evocation of a cheerfully nihilistic armageddon since Tom Lehr's "We'll all Go Together When We Go". (Sorry, wrong era again). Anyway, Leonardo and Kochalka - maybe not such a crazy idea after all.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best superstar no one else has ever heard of!, August 14, 2005

By 

Some Dude (Western Mass) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Our Most Beloved (Audio CD)

Not only is this a fine album to introduce the unenlightened to the music of James Kochalka, but even if you've already collected his entire discography and played them more times than is probably healthy- this collection will still sound fresh. All the songs included have been remastered, including an entirely new recording of 'P*ssy Gangster' and a breif, poignant introduction to the classic 'Hockey Monkey'. Most of these songs are way too catchy for your own good, chances are you'll learn all the words and have them stuck in your head for weeks.
A DVD is also included with several videos all worth checking out- 'Monkey vs. Robot' has been a hit at festivals and both 'Pizza Rocket' and 'Hockey Monkey' have appeared on Nickelodeon. Keep an eye out for James behind the goalie mask- his mere image was deemed unsuitable for children.

However, it's been about 4 years since any new material from the band was released. A new album 'Spread Your Evil Wings and Fly' was recorded ages ago and apparently Rycodisc is just sitting on it. Let's hope they come to their senses soon...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What's not to Love?, March 29, 2006

By 

Anders Johnson (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Our Most Beloved (Audio CD)

This guy's whole repertoire is insipid, sloppy three-chord garage-band tripe, with juvenile, offensive, smart-alecky jibberish for lyrics. It almost sounds as though he makes this stuff up as he goes along. In other words, it's everything that rock 'n' roll should be!