Project 1950

Misfits | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 29, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B0000AB13N
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (107 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,954 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Patriotism may be the last refuge of scoundrels, but nostalgia traditionally puts bread on the table for succeeding generations of rock musicians long after the hits stop coming. If 25th anniversary celebrations--the excuse for this Misfits "roots" covers collection--seem the very antithesis of punk, they're but another golden marketing opportunity for Jerry Only, the sole original band member still standing and arguably the Energizer Bunny of ghoul-punk. Teamed here with Marky Ramone and ex-Black Flag guitarist Dez Cadena, Only turns his band's beloved PG-13 thrash-horror shtick loose on an oddball collection of his '50s and '60s musical inspirations. And just when you thought irony was passé, Only croon-howls it undead with fervent renditions of "This Magic Moment" by Jay & the Americans, Paul Anka's frothy "Diana," and Conway Twitty's "Only Make Believe." Still it's hard to like an album with this much DYI missionary zeal: Only includes a written tribute to each song--as well as a six-page illustrated musical tutorial--that bolsters his claim that this album is nothing less than "Rock and Roll 101." Also includes a bonus DVD featuring a generous slate of live performances and videos (including five of the songs here, as well as another handful featuring Japanese ghoul-rockers/label mates Balzac). --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

The Misfits "Project 1950" CD comes with a Limited Edition Bonus DVD with 10 songs, Live footage and more.

"It started as a twisted dream...25 years ago in a small townin New Jersey called Lodi. It was there in April of 1977, at the dawn of the punk movement that the Misfits were born. Taking the title of Marilyn Monroe's last movie as their name in a move to immortalize her image - singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Jerry Only set out to make an impression. They wound up making history and creating a legacy that's power has not only stood the test of time, but transcended into an entirley new generation. Lienup changes followed and by early 1980, the band had coalesced around co-founders Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only along with guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankinstein (Jerry's youngest brother). Throughout the span of their career, the Misfits audience has developed into an army of "fiends" (the term for diehard Misfits fans) generating more interest today than ever before.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hey, it's rock n roll. Why so serious?, May 16, 2006

By 

Johny Bottom "Insane and lonely guitarist" (Jacksonville, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Project 1950 (Audio CD)

I'm really amazed at how many people don't like this album. Now I'll admit that it's not my favorite Misfits album, but c'mon, take it for what it is. This is just a fun little album to throw on every now and then.

Jerry Only can pass as a Misfits singer in my opinion. He's got the attitude and the pipes. He can croon as well as any other punker. Some say this shouldn't be called a Misfits album. I will not debate that here. The title of the band playing the music on this disc are called the Misfits. If you want to argue, go ahead, but facts are facts. This is a Misfits album. If you don't like it or don;t agree, go listen to 138 for the millionth time. I would rather have one member of the Misfits carrying on and releasing music than have nothing.

That being said, the music is decent. It's all punk cover's of songs from the 1950's. I like Donna, Diana, Monster Mash, and This Magic Moment the best. It puts a twist on songs almost a half a century old and pays tribute to them.

The DVD bonus is hilarious. Only, Dez, and Marky perform at a ski resort. They are on a stage surrounded by snowboarders who are in need of a Misfit fix. Check out the cute little blond with the red goggles on her forehead. She's a cutie. It's hilarious to see the Misfits in the middle of a snowball fight as they perform. Marky Ramone can still pound the skins as well as he did 30 years ago. Dude was beating the drums hard.

It's funny, but watching this is like seeing a supergroup. You got a Misfit, a Ramone, and a Black Flagger up there. Maybe if the could have gotton Johny Rotton from the Sex Pistols to front with vocals, it really would have been something.

Anyway, love Jerry or hate him, he's not going away. I say rock on Jerry, keep it coming.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars paying homage to a 3-chord past..., July 29, 2003

By 

"theatrefool78" (indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Project 1950 (Audio CD)

The 3-chord, lighting fast, growling rock of the 50's did a lot to inspire many punk acts. Paying homage to that 3-chord past, the Misfits have created a good-but-unusual CD with "Project 1950." The Misfits, fronted by bassist/co-founder Jerry Only backed up by Black Flag's Dez Cadena on guitar and Marky Ramone of "the World Famous Ramones" on drums, scream, slam, and "whoa-a-o" through 10 old school classics in the usual Misfits style.

Jerry Only, marking his second Misfits CD as lead vocalist, provides a great voice, if only for the passion in it for the music he's creating. He's not as much of a demonic crooner as Danzig, or vocally explosive as Michale Graves, but Only rocks pretty damn hard, and it's great to hear him on here.

The songs are pretty good all around, especially Jay & The Americans' "This Magic Moment" (featuring Ronnie Spector), Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire", and Bobby "Boris" Pickett's "The Monster Mash." This is the 3rd recording of "The Monster Mash" by the Misfits -- the first being a live version posted on their website, the second being on "Cuts From The Crypt."

The real highlight of the CD, however, is the enclosed DVD. Marking the first official video release of the Misfits (besides the American Psycho & Scream videos availible through the Misfits merch booths), this DVD shows live footage of songs from Project 1950, and live footage of the Misfits and Balzac performing songs.

All in all, as a Misfits fan (new & old schools) and as a fan of 50's rock, I really dug this release. It's a breath of fresh air into a few of the songs, renewing them without straying too much from their original style. The DVD (and the fact this is the first release from the Misfits brand new label, Misfits Records) makes "Project 1950" an excellent purchase.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Danzig, No Graves, No Problem, August 23, 2005

By 

Misfits Fan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Project 1950 (Audio CD)

I really enjoyed this album and still do. I don't care if there is no Glen Danzig or Michale Graves, this was very well done. The song choice is great and it is nice to hear 'This Magic Moment'with some speed, I always thought it was to slow. The guitar-keyboard duet in 'Runaway' is really cool although not as good on the DVD(the keyboard player plays it differently but it is still good). The other songs are great too. Monster Mash is perfect for the Misfits. I look forward to an upcoming Misfits concert in my area. I would rather see Jerry Only do classic Misfits songs than Danzig. For whatever reason watching an over weight balding guy who worships Satan just does not appeal to me.