Customer Reviews

Rotten Soul

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

 

 

I have been a big Jazz Butcher fan for several years and awaited this album expectantly--I would love to like it as much as the other reviewers, and probably will continue to pop it in my CD player in the hopes that I will eventually say "ahh, now I get it"--but...I doubt that will happen. The songs are so well-written, as always, but the drums almost sound like they were programmed on a Casio keyboard...they were, right? I think Pat and Max had a bit too much to drink. If you are a hardcore fan like me, buy it--otherwise, check out Waiting for the Love Bus or some of the early records.

The Jazz Butcher has been doing great music without a lot of big name recognition for many years. His fans, however, know he's one of the best songwriters and performers around today. The biggest surprise even for some fans is that this is the best stuff he has done in years. The Pat Fish songs "Big Cats," "Come On, Marie," "Tough Priest," and "Niagara" are all almost hypnotically catchy, some of the best he's ever done, and the Max Eider contributions are welcome, melodic change-ups. Highly recommended!

The return of Max Eider and Owen Jones to the folds of the Conspiracy results in the most solid album Mr. Fish has produced in years. This is an older, wiser Jazz Butcher, and while the usual wit and whimsy is still there, a certain amount of, dare I say it, maturity is in evidenced. A stripped-down, underproduced record, "Rotten Soul" nevertheless boasts top-notch songs (standouts being "C'mon Marie," "Niagara," and "Diamorphene.") These guys have been underrated their entire career; it's heartening that they still put in such an amazing amount of effort. Buy this!

When I read things like under produced and then listen, thinking I will be disappointed, it never happens. In fact whenever I read this, after listening for myself, I find the CD to be a favorite. This is first class material and sounds great. There are a couple misses, but "Big Cats", "Come On Marie", "Mr. Siberia", "Tough Priest", "Sleepwalking". "Niagra", "The Ballad Of Tiny And Clyde", "I Hate Love", "Call Me", and "Diamorphine" are all classics. I love everything the Butcher has recorded except Illumination and this is no exception. It may not reach the heights of classics like Cult Of The Basement, Sex And Travel, Big Planet Scary Planet, and Fishcoteque, but is close to other awesome releases like Condition Blue, Waiting For The Love Bus, Scandal In Bohemia, Distressed Gentlefolk, and Bath In Bacon. Another release I am better for owning from one of the best catalogs available from a truly great and unique artist.

The above reviewer had it right with the terrible production-this is more like live in studio or demo recordings than a finished recording, and the drum machine is really awful. As a big fan of JB--especially the early stuff--I hoped for some of the same clever wordplay and funny concepts of the early work (like A Scandal in Bohemia or the great stuff collected on Draining the Glass). Aside from a couple high points this really doesn't live up to that standard. Also, as the earlier reviewer mentioned, JB sounds liquored up on a few of the tracks to the detriment of the vocals--this used to be a good joke, now it's kind of sad. Good for them for getting together again and best of luck to them in putting out another record together, but I'd recommend passing on this and getting some of the classics or waiting for a full-fledged effort complete with professional prodcution.

I just bought 'Rotten Soul'......have played it now about 3-4 times. It didn't hit me over the head upon first listen, but now I'm growing to really like this. It's become clear this is classic Jazz Butcher material. Very melodic and nice throughout, with many creative touches and journeys off the beaten path. Max Eider's jazzy guitar flourishes are wonderful, Pat Fish's singing is once again typical and spot-on. These guys NEVER forget the melody in their tunes. Basically, if you're a Jazz Butcher fan, this is something you'll love.

I'll never figure out how the Butcher sequences his songs. "Big Cats" is typical Butcher, but that it doesn't make it the world's strongest opener. Oh, well and not to worry! The album is sweet and melancholy (must be Max's influence) and sounds completely unlike any other JBC effort. The snide, very effective send-up of trip-hop, "Mr. Siberia," is a highlight to share with friends everywhere and anywhere. Who needs Eminem? Pat Fish: the Great White Hope of rap. And if that isn't tempting enough, "The Ballad of Tiny and Clyde" takes organ riffs that sound like what Happy Mondays was shooting for (and failing to achieve) for years, and then adds quintessential JBC lyrics over top. What fun!

The Butcher and Co. probably won't win any new fans with this outing, but this is still a fine album. Long-time afficionados of the band, especially those who enjoyed such lo-fi releases as "Bath of Bacon" and "The Conspiracy EP" are in for a big nostalgic treat. This album was recorded very cheaply, but the candid wit of Pat Fish (a.k.a the Butcher) and returning prodigal guitarist Max Eider is just as sharp as ever. They don't sing with such intensity or exuberent silliness anymore, some songs (such as Mr. Siberia) are as dark and sinister as anything they've done.