Customer Reviews

Sex-O Olympic-O (Dig)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There isn't anything about this album that even remotely resembles Revolting Cocks...Right down to the album art which seems to be heavily influenced by Rob Zombie.

OK, here's the scoop. Founder Jorgensen handed over the band with good intentions, but I feel that this reinvented band would better serve under it's own banner. It doesn't sound terrible, but if you're expecting the big sexy sounds of Revco of old then you're out of luck.

This band sounds like a pop rock band that tries to be edgy. It'll appeal to emo kids I'm sure. Will it appeal to Revco fans? Doubtful...

If you've never heard the music of the Revolting Cocks (REVCO) before, this is the release to buy (Although I love Cocked and Loaded and Beers, Steers, and Queers, etc.). Despite what other fans/critics of the music have stated in their reviews about the band not sounding the same in this new, updated 2009 configuration, I found the musicianship and compositions to be outstanding. Every track on this release is ultra-strong.

This is a side-project of Illinois' (and now Texas') Ministry, but REVCO seems to be grounded in a spirit of humor (some dark, some sophomoric) and musical experimentation - with pounding drum beats (programmed and live), nasty distorted guitar riffs, and lots of excellent "noise" (samples and such) thrown in for good measure.

There are techno aspects and some industrial-metal aspects to the band's sound, but it's difficult to categorize their music under the aegis of one sound, or genre. There are those who will probably vehemently disagree with what I am about to say: if you are a fan of Steve Albini and Big Black (Chicago band), then you'll truly appreciate REVCO (2009),there's a similar philosophy of music, here, but not necessarily a similar style of music that the two bands share. One requires the same mind-set in order to truly appreciate these groups.

The CD art on Sex-O Olympic-O is outstanding, a throwback to pulp art, old movie posters and soft cover detective (private dick) novels. Stand out tracks (although, as stated above, one will not be skipping tracks on this disk) are as follows: Hookerbot 3000; Red Parrot; Robo Bandidos; Cousins; Lude Ferigno; and, the spectacular I'M NOT GAY!

It's listed as a 2009 release for 13th Planet Music, and I got it at a second-hand shop for next to nothing. I'm just happy that the person that traded this disk in didn't have what it takes to appreciate this band, because quite literally, this is one of the best music purchases I've made this year.

In fact, I traded an o-so-lame Black Label Society CD for it.

Viva La Cocks . . .

The Good
"HookerBot3000" is out future according to the band, and it's set to a seductive beat. Al Jourgensen's signature vocal effect portray a futuristic feel and time. "Red Parrot" delivers some commanding guitars to the hypnotic beats that the group have been putting forth thus far. Clearly the Revolting Cocks has an affliction for a robotic future as they delve into the future of cowboys with "Robo Banditos." No subject is too taboo for the REVCO with "Cousins." Despite its cringe inducting implications, the track is rather catchy. "Abundant Redundancy" is an all out aural assault with guitars and electronic effect fighting it out for your attention.

The Bad
Do you like your Al Jourgensen hard rock or techno/industrial?

The Verdict
It's good to hear that Jourgensen hasn't walked away from the music scene, only Ministry (for now I'm sure). If you've never heard the Revolting Cocks before (like me) than you'll be surprised to hear a strong 70s dance feel mixed with some 90s techno/industrial. Think early Ministry or KMFDM with less guitars. Sex-O Olympic-O is just as hot and powerful as any Ministry album, just with fewer guitars and angry rants. The album is highly sexual and taboo at times, and is set to some of the most come-hither beats you'll ever hear.

as a huge fan of Jourgensen music, and rather disappointed to some degree with the metal-focused turn from the aggro-dance of the late 80's and early 90's, I felt that this was a satisfying and exciting return to form (as close as we'll ever get from the aging industrial maestro at any rate). This album isn't just great because it isn't as bad as "Cocked and Loaded," it's a great album with songs driven by great beats and humor - the thing I always loved about the 'Cocks. This isn't solely an album for RevCo fans, it's an album for music fans.

I like music you can listen to anywhere: at home, in your vehicle, at work, at church, at weddings and family reunions, etc. This is one of those albums! It's a good mix of gritty sound and peppy beats. If songs like Red Parrot don't you got pumped and ready to go you may want to check your pulse.

the best cd of revco. Josh Bradford brought fresh air to the team. fun guaranteed. keep up guys.

This album is somewhat disappointing. Al Jourgensen said that this was a 'frat party' requiring one brain cell, so be warned!

Chris Connelley has long gone and Jello Biafra is not there to liven things up. I liked most of "Cocked and Loaded" but this is lacks many really good tracks. "I'm Not Gay" is good as is "Keys to the City" (also available by Ministry)and "Lewd Ferrigno" interesting. The overall sound is good and the whole album is well produced but lacks originality. I suppose that Al Jourgensen has handed over control of RevCo to Luc Van Acker and company and I wish them luck but this incarnation of RevCo is not for me.

2009 release from the Industrial maniacs. Revolting Cocks (RevCo) founding member Alien Jourgensen has cleared up, once and for all, the rumors surrounding RevCo's future. Much like Menudo or the Blue Man Group, Al has handed the band over to a younger generation of RevCo's, Sin [Quirin/guitars], Josh [Bradford/vocals] and Clayton [Worbeck/keyboards], franchising it out, believing these three knuckleheads capture the true essence and spirit of being a Revolting Cock. However, the album turned out so damned good, he stuck around so he could keep involved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

So bandleader Al Jourgenson considers this record to be one of the best he's ever made, to the point where he's thinking about postponing his retirement from music as a result? I'm sure he's not taking my opinion into account, but if he really considers this album to be that great, I think his judgment might be impaired enough where retirement could be a good idea. Sex-O Olympic-O isn't the worst album ever made, but it's surprisingly tired-sounding and not nearly as funny or outrageous as the group seems to think it is.

This latest version of the band, with new vocalist Josh Bradford and rhythm section Sin Quinn and Clayton Worbeck, do a pretty faithful recreation of the group's Wax Trax Records-derived industrial rock, with loping post-punk bass lines and rigid drums pounding away behind the heavy guitars and monotone keyboards. Although the production is loud and punchy, the music itself sounds curiously dated, like these are remastered tracks from 1988 or so. The percussion occasionally bursts into a more modern glammy stomp, but other than that, this is nothing we haven't heard before. Industrial clichés abound, like the clubby opening to "I'm Not Gay", and likewise Bradford's distorted snarl seems to be trying hard to replicate Chris Connelly's classic vocals, but he lacks the former Cocks contributor's sense of dignity. Of course, the material he's got to work with is way inferior. Obviously this isn't supposed to be a serious band, but they used to be enjoyably funny. Songs like "Hookerbot 3000" and "Lude Ferrigno" are just stupid, even by the group's sophomoric standards.

Al Jourgenson has a signature production style, and nothing he makes is ever completely worthless, and some of the music here does work despite the corny lyrics, like "Robo Bandidos" and "Abundant Redundancy", and in particular "Red Parrot" is about the most successful song on the album at capturing the sleazy sense of fun that falls so flat on the other songs. But overall, this record misses way more often than it hits, so unless you're an Al Jourgenson creepy superfan, I'd steer clear of it.

Now there are some classic Cox moments on this dont get me wrong " I am not Gay" "Abundant Redundancy" "Lewd Ferrigno" and the "Hookerbot" mix are all songs youd expect from Classic Ministry/Cox. The rest are a very varied mix of 80's/90's sound ranging from Bauhaus, Jesus, and the Marychain, and Sisters of Mercy, and a little White Zombie.

Just hearing Al sing over something less than Metal is a huge breath of fresh air compared to the last half dozen Ministry debacles since Filth Pig. Be warned though the Younger vocalist is very 80's and new wave sounding. If your one of those close minded Industrial fans who doesnt like anything that doesnt sound like Mind is a Terrible Thing To Taste from Ministry, or Angst from KMFDM this may not suit your tastes.