Customer Reviews

Symphony for a Misanthrope

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

 

 

Got this for Christmas, and am enjoying it immensely. Sure, it's bombastic; sure it's over the top and can be frankly silly at times. But hey, it's Magellan. I mean, these guys are practically the reigning godfathers of bombast (second only to The Darkness). If you're expecting something different from their other albums, you're going to be sorely disappointed. On the other hand, if you like your Magellan over the top, sit back and enjoy the ride.

What can I say about Magellan that I haven't already? I firmly believe that some people can never be happy and can only feel good about themselves by tearing others down (did some one say Derek?).
The scoop here is that no one prog album will satisfy all listeners, Magellan included. Just research your favorite releases and you'll be sure to find those that don't like them. The same will be true of any genre of music. I'm sure there's more than a few Bach, Mozart, and Wagner haters out there! Heck, pick any style of music, think of the best in that catagory and you'll still find people that think they suck.
Check out, "SFAM", and at least give it a few spins. If you're like me you'll dig it alot. If you're like Derek you won't. At least take the time to understand what's going on and don't sweat the fact it might not be what you expected. Enjoy it for what it is...excellent, original prog. My fav being the 18 minute track, "Cranium Reef". The ending which reminds me of a track ("Magna Carta") from their first disc, "Hour of Restoration".
Love it!

Magellan are a band I have stumbled upon only recently.
The bring back memories of my younger days of listening to Yes,Genesis,Kansas of progressive bands of the 70's. If you enjoy complex arrangements with lots of interesting key changes then you will enjoy Magellan.
This album seems to just miss it somewhere.I think the vocals are a little disappointing,but on the whole I still enjoy their style.
Maybe it just lacks a bit of emotion.
If you enjoy progressive rock giver this a listen and check out their other stuff.They seem very involved with lots of different artists producing.
I am looking forward to hearing more of their material. I am waiting for their latest album as I write this.

Three good songs on this CD: Why Water Weeds?, Wisdom and Cranium Reef Suite. I own this CD and also Impossible Figures. This one is WAY better but only because of these three songs. Impossible Figures is lame by comparison.

I've never heard such well thought out lyrics in my life.

"at the end of the world the big man came,
you promised last time you wouldn't make it rain,
so he picked up the earth like a basketball,
and threw it in the air just to watch it fall"

Oh yeah. They're great.

Oh yes, classic album, the title alone fits the bill - "Symphony for a Misanthrope". Last time I checked, Websters dictionary describes a misanthrope as one who hates humanity. Isn't that lovely!? So nice to listen to a band with such heartwarming platitudes! Why not change the album title to "Symphony of Hatred" since it's equally descriptive? This sinks to a new low. I strongly suggest these guys spend their money on top notch psycho-analysis instead of recording. I've never heard of a band so self-possessed. I'll bet they have spent their lives playing music at home, probably never went out to play with other kids in the neighborhood, very little social interplay. This CD (and all the others) reflects it well - sounds like they have virtually no stage experience, no connection with listeners, no stories to tell, are wrapped in the only reality they know which is sociopathic neurotica - first-class prog rock wanna-be's . When I listened to it I could easily compare it to Jack Kerouac trying to write "On The Road" without ever leaving his house. Blank, empty; bombastic drivel with all the scope and depth of a comic book. If you like the idea of shooting yourself in the foot for something to sing about then this CD is for you.