Customer Reviews

Paparazzi Lightning (Dig)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ghostland Observatory brings a mix of electronic indie rock, influenced by bands like Daft Punk, for one. After their exciting and promising debut album "Delete. Delete. I. Eat. Meat.", singer Aaron Behrens and producer/drummer Thomas Turner came back in 2007 with this second album.

"Paparazzi Lightning" (10 tracks, 39 min.) builds on the sound of the first album, but with better results. The album consists mostly of shorter tracks, including the excellent radio track "Sad Sad City", and the album buzzes by in no time, but the "piece the resistance" is the last track of the album, the 9+ min. "Midnight Voyage", which brings it all home, an excellent stomp between the drum machines, synthesizers and guitar solos, you just never want the track to end!

In early 2008, the band released a third album "Robotique Majestique", which was a little bit of a disappointment for me, as it is not quite on the same level as "Paparazzi Lightning". That said, if you haven't seen Ghostland Observatory in concert, you haven't experienced the band at its best. Live they are absolutely killer. I've seen them in concert several times, most recently last week at the Langerado Festival, and they again were absolutely fabulous, with "Mighnight Voyage" as the absolute highlight. Not to be missed if you have a chance to see them!

This CD is creative and different. It has unique beats with an electronic /punk feel. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

Aaron Behrens and Thomas Turner make for one helluva sound that becomes the ritual performance of Ghostland Observatory. I say ritual, as there is something about their music that feels sacred. The first time I watched this show on PBS I was mesmerized (being a big fan of The Doors). Fans are comparing Ghostland Observatory to "Freddie Mercury meets David Bowie and Velvet Underground". Yet Ghostland Observatory has their OWN, a unique feel with Behrens on vocals and guitar, and Turner on the keyboards and drums. Beats are a combination of electric glam-rock and hip-hop; sometimes reminding me of The Cure, but not depressing in ANY way! Once you start to get into their music, it feels as if the earth is turning beneath your feet! Behrens is especially charismatic as a front man and performer, one who raises energy and spirit. Turner is grounded, at the same time ethereal. Visually they are both fun to watch. And you don't ever want to stop the dance... Lyrics are erotic, romantic; performance is powerful and humble at the same time. I love the self-effacing humility of these two guys; they are going to need it! Crowds will soon start throwing themselves in one direction - at their stage! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM IN CONCERT IN SEATTLE!!

What would happen if Prince, Daft Punk, Queen and Aphex Twin had a baby? It would be named Ghostland Observatory, and it would be awesome.

1989 meets 21st century MIDI and synth recording technology. Strangely addictive. You've heard all the elements before, but probably not together in this way. Although I haven't seen them live, I've heard they have been taking over festivals. I'm sure their energy and attitude has a lot to do with that.

I stumbled upon these guys (2 friends) on new years eve, a televised live concert series on PBS. I found myself mesmerized and delighted with the non-mainstream sound we heard on a state of the art home theater. Present in our mini-audience were a varied age group from 24 to 55, all diversified in our genere preference yet all agreed upon our liking the sounds and sight of Ghostland Observatory. Keep up the awesome music guys!

try this newest mixture of exciting beats crazy vocal electronics but musical and unforgetable addictive yes.... upbeat yes....... dance at 2 am i got up to follow the dance unforgetable

Ghostland Observatory is not a band, but an agreement between two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven hearts, but pleases their rock `n roll souls. Taking the working man's approach, Ghostland Observatory spend countless hours in their south Austin studio. They have released two albums in less than a year, and have moved audiences from coast to coast with their live performances and unique style.
Ghostland Observatory is the duo of front man Aaron Behrens and producer/drummer Thomas Turner. Behrens' vocal style and stage performances are unique and uncompromising, and he has drawn early comparisons to Freddie Mercury and Prince. Turner is heavily influenced by electronic artists such as Daft Punk, Laurent Garnier and Green Velvet, as well as rockers such as The Animals, David Bowie, and The Clash. With their spectral blend of electronics, drums, guitar and vocals, they have emerged with a sound that is the culmination of past influence and present inspiration, and can only be described as BALLSY.
Taken from Trashy Moped Recordings's site "[...]"

ghostland rocks my socks. It's like nothing I've ever heard before, and they have one hell of a stage presence. If I had three thumbs, I'd put them all up for this band.

Ghostland Observatory is the best band that I have heard this year. The band is best described in their own words - "Ghostland Observatory is not a band, but an agreement between two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven hearts, but pleases their rock `n roll souls." Their music is hard to classify, but easy to enjoy. The energy and beats make this great music to groove to, and Ghostland is making their name because of their live shows. They just performed at Austin City Limits, the Treasure Island Music festival in S.F. Ca, and they will be playing Voodoo Music in New Orleans and Vegoose in L.V. at the end of October 2007. If you can't catch them live, check their videos out on YouTube!