Customer Reviews

Suicide Medicine

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Thank God for Rocky Votolato.

In this era of Chris Carrabba, it seems that every man under the age of 30 who can play acoustic guitar has suddenly decided that they have suffered years of emotional oppression and that, damn it, they are ready to tell the world about it. Behind a nearly tangible wall of tears and embarrassing emotional out bursts naturally. This degree of "emo" lyrical content and cliché tracks about the girl who broke your heart has absolutely saturated the world of solo man with guitar music.

Enter Rocky Votolato who thankfully brings a completely mature attitude to the plate. Maturity however, doesn't mean he sacrifices any emotional power. He simply delivers this power intelligently without embarrassing himself or anyone else. His voice is powerful and bleeding emotion, but it does so without whining or breaking. He sings with such conviction that he is demanding your attention, and you are grateful to give it. What's even more welcome is that he is singing about more than relationships. There are more than one kind of heartbreak in this world and Rocky understands that. Topics such as death, politics, abuse, addiction and many other degrees of heartache and suffering are all covered with compassion and overwhelming insight. He also understands that from every dark period in life there is hope on the other side. He fills his songs both with the sense of loss and pain associated with such hurtful topics, but he also instills hope and optimism.

Ultimately this is one of the best albums in recent memory and anyone who enjoys simple but powerful music owes it to themselves to give this a look.

this new album by rocky is great. it's different than all his other ones, it has a much more political, vibe which is good considering the times. ALL of his prior releases are amazing as well. you should check out his self titled album and "burning my travels clean." most of his early albums are just him with his guitar, like his self titled, amazingly beautiful and "burning" is his first cd with a band. I am from seattle and have seen him live about a 100 times. he is great live and on cd. BUY IT.

If you listen to music you will love this record! Rocky has a voice like no other, yet he reminds you of virtually ever good rock/folk superstar you've ever heard..and how often is that a good thing? Dylan and Schwarzenbach may be some of his influances (for a reason) but with this album they don't hold a candle to Rocky. If this album isn't in your collection then it isn't complete. This has to be one of the best records of 2003 - My mom even loves this record.

years ago, i was blessed to play a show with rocky in lawrence kansas. he sings of truth, beauty, pain, life & love, and so so much more. he's definitely ahead of his time, melodies and a voice that make you cry while you smile, like he's talking just to you. don't hesitate to buy all of his records, they are all wonderful. if you have to start somewhere, i would recommend suicide medicine first, the light & sound ep is absolutely terrific as well. take a day or night to let it all sink in, you will be hooked.

I went to see Rocky Votolato at the Rocket Bar in St. Louis in August, and let me tell you what happened. I got there for the very LAST song of his set, and I paid 12 dollars when I really didn't have that much of interest in seeing the rest of the bands (they were pretty good though, mind you). But the funny thing is this: It was all worth the money for that one song. He played "Mixtapes/Cellmates", and it was just absolutely stunning. Well, I picked up the album and a t-shirt, and after explaining my troubles to the merch guy he actually gave me a free "Light and Sound" EP (which has three FANTASTIC songs on it. Worth purchasing). The album itself is a wonderful product: Dynamite production by Chris Walla, dynamic songwriting (the country-ish burner "Montana", Dashboardesque plea of "Suicide Medicine", or the punk angst of "Every Red Cent", political frustrations on "Automatic Rifle" and "Prison is Private Property"), and some fantastic harmonica work on "Albaster" and "Mixtapes/Cellmates". Funny, "Albaster" reminded me of early Dylan after a couple of listens (unlike Mojave 3 who remind me of Dylan EVERY song, which isn't a bad thing).

I got it about exactly a month early because I went to the show, but it came out today so go pick it up. If you want something a little more drab go pick up the EP.

from his first album to the present, rocky has always written music that is truly affective and infectious. don't just buy this album, support him by purchasing all of his (and waxwing's) albums... you won't regret it. and try to make it to one of his live show if you have the opportunity. they're really good.

i saw him live at the backside records in burbank,california..and i think he kicked ass so buy it

His lyricks are so raw and real matched with fun and catchy guitar sound and beats. Beautiful voice that can change moods suddenly but not harshly. Awesome range.

Just a fabulous record. Every track is unbeliably strong, not a weak song. Reminds me of Conor Oberst at his best. Buy it now!

I've just started listening to him recently, and so far I've enjoyed everything I've heard from him. Hes a great vocalist who just seems to capture you in his music. I've also enjoyed listening to waxwings music as well. But I think I prefer him solo with just him and his guitar. But the song Montana with David Huffman is still one of my favorites. So I would highly recommend buying his cds! you wont regret it! I just hope I'll be able to go to one of his concerts... everyone says hes amazing live.