Customer Reviews

That Handsome Devil

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

 

 

Imagine the perfect variety show. They may not make them anymore, but you can try to be creative: fill it with comics, a great mix of eclectic guest bands, and a gregarious host that makes his scintillating guests feel at home, while with a wink at the audience, he gently shreds them to bits. That in a musical nutshell describes That Handsome Devil, as well as their eponymous EP. The quintet of musicians have obviously had professional training, and a wealth of experiences in a variety of other settings, for they bring to this set sounds from across the musical spectrum. Big-band swing, blues, surf, jazz -- both traditional and modern -- funk, R&B, hard rock, even a touch of reggae, not even Parliament Funkadelic were this far-ranging, but THD meld it all into a sound even more distinctive than Grandmaster Flash's. Even better, the arrangements are so creative and deft that the music never sounds eclectic just for the sake of it, it's not even showy, so subtle is the stitching linking the genres, so flawless the musicianship. That's reason enough to champion THD, but wait, you haven't met frontman Godforbid yet -- a consummate performer, one of the best white blues singers around, and one heck of a lyricist. Whether languorously consigning listeners to hell on "Standing Room in Heaven," helpfully and hilariously offering up "Dating Tips," recommending that angels carry guns while celebrating the end of the world on "Elephant Bones," showing life through the eyes of a derelict drunk on "Sleep It Off," or bemoaning inequality in "James Dean," Godforbid demands attention, and who could refuse? Like nothing you've ever heard before, THD is an entire musical revue in one small package, a fabulous night out's entertainment; you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll gasp in amazement at all they have to offer.

THD is one of the best bands I have ever come across. Dark, funky, exciting. I find myself quoting their lyrics and humming their songs all day long. If you haven't heard them, you're missing out.

This is a great listen. I first played Elephant Bones on Guitar Hero II at recommendation of my sister and one thing led to another. This whole cd is catchy, oddball fun. A little rap, rock n' roll, and cartoon mashed together into a delightful swirl of some other crazy planet that you'll have to listen to the album to experience.

I just bought it for my sister as a Christmas present. I know she'll love it and I'll enjoy listening to it with her...so I guess it's kind of a present for me, too. *laugh*

The track, "Elephant Bones" on, "Guitar Hero 2" was the first i'd ever heard of, "That Handsome Devil". From the very first, I loved the song. It was a smooth blend of what I would say was funk and pop. As I sat on the couch, watching my husband play the song on, "Guitar Hero 2", I felt a response to the song that I hadn't felt in a long while from music. It filled me with energy and made me twitch my hips. Curious, I searched the album out on Itunes, and I found what I consider a Holy Grail of music. Each track is different, but equally as entertaining as, "Elephant Bones". Each song pulls the essence out of different musical genres (Jazz, Funk, Big Band, Pop, Disco, Rock). Each song blends at least two different genres together seamlessly. The lyrics contain thoughtful depth, cheek and will most certainly bring a quirk to your lips. The lead singers voice has guttural grit that draws you into the cheeky world of, "That Handsome Devil". If you've been looking for something different, or really just purely enjoy brillant music, buy this CD.

I wish this was longer. This is music that immediately grabs you -- it's almost too catchy -- but unlike pop music and most of what gets stuck in your head, this is music that rewards repeated listening. Lead singer Godforbid has a lot to offer and a lot to say, and the lyrics have rare depth. Every track is perfect -- the band is spooky good, and they seem to cover every genre there is in the space of seven song EP.

Simply Amazing- I can't wait until their next album is released
This is a MUST for all those "alternative music" lovers out there!

This album's been in regular rotation at my house for months now. Impress your friends with your eclectic taste. Track one, Godforbid, philosopher and That Handsome Devil's frontman, takes you by the hand and leads you down some stairs into a dimly lit dive bar trimmed in red velvet. You probably shouldn't follow him, but if you turn back now, honey, you'll always wonder, so don't fight it. Things start to get a little crazy after that...the shots of Jack are just coming at you so fast. Once you're loosened up, though, he gets you dancing and it's real pleasant. But now your head's feeling a little funny. Just relax, everything's gonna be o.k., you can handle this surreal scene. Godforbid talks you down. Just put one foot...in front...of the other...
Seriously, this album's too good! That Handsome Devil fills a chilled shaker with jiggers of Lounge, Funk, Rock, and Hip Hop, then adds dashes of Surf and Brit Pop for a cocktail that'll knock you over. Don't worry, it's all shaken together with expert care you're gonna like. Trust me. It's Gnarls Barkley meets the Tindersticks to watch a James Bond flick and hit on Go-Go dancers in an opium den.

I first heard of this artist when I purchased Guitar Hero II, the track "Elephant Bones" is a song you can "buy" with your money in the game. I loved the song so much that I bought the entire album. There are a few good tracks but I usually just skip through the rest to get the 2 or 3 good ones.