Customer Reviews

Twisted By Design

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album is a real and honestly beautiful work of art. The tracks take you on an the emotional trip through thoughts and feelings that are so real that they strike a nerve. The first song is almost an invocation to the muse of being twenty-something and confused. It then then travails through an analysis of one's mental state and interpersonal relationships, climactically ending with a break up ballad. This is truely one of the best punk rock concept albums since Husker Du's Zen Arcade.

I have heard a lot of punk records from this period and i must say that this band is for real. I haven't heard any other of their releases, but this one is seriously one of the best punk records I have ever heard (I have an extensive backround in the roots of punk rock). This came out right before punk became "pop" which I have a feeling will never change in my lifetime, which is a shame because most of the kids who listen to "punk" these days don't have any clue what real punk rock is. This is the end of a dying generation, so get it while it is still available. For those of you who look for singles, in my opinion the first three tracks are worth the price of the cd alone and the last two tracks make this album unforgettable.

Owning all of Strung Out's albums (all of which are good bordering on excellent) i can honestly say that TBD is the most complete and best of them all. It is in fact the finest example of fast/well consructed and brilliantly played punk music that is out there (with the drum work of Jordan just simply beyond compare or description--the man is the ultimate drummer EVER).As soon as the opening bars of Too Close To See burst from the speakers it is a real white knuckle adrenaline ride through all that makes Punk the greatest form of music out there---drumming that is totally phenomenal, searing dual guitar work, solid bass from the late great Jim Cherry, all topped off by the crisp/spot-on vocals of big Jason Cruz (a recipe that is without compare--with only prime-time Joey Cape inspired Lagwagon coming even close). Tracks; well every one has it's own merits but i would say that the opening three tracks are ballistic (Too close To See, Exhumation Of V.Madison & Deville), following up with the speedy/tightly melodic Crossroads and with the final two tracks(Just Like Me & Match Book) being the fitting finale to this absolute masterpiece of music. I have had this record for 3/4 years and it never stays off my stereo / car CD player for longer than about 2 weeks ( and i have a collection of 350/400 punk/metal albums to select from). If you havent got a Strung Out album i have 2 recommendations; 1) GET ONE NOW (they are the best band EVER); 2) Start with this one (ultimate punk CD) and follow up swiftly with Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues--which is almost as superb as TBD.
Just buy this record ASAP and pay homage to the gods of fast punk
(and then catch them live for the finest show you will see)-i can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Strung Out aren't a typical punk band. Sure, people can come up with a whole bunch of words to describe them -- "metal pop-punk" comes to mind -- but really they're such a wide variety that they can't be classed that easily. This album simply reinforces their cult-like status within the punk scene, as they have improved musically, and lyrically, on this album. There are, like most CD's, stand out tunes such as Mind Of My Own and Exhumation Of Virginia Madison, but there are also no "bad" tracks, which is why this CD is great. It offers a high variety of sound within the general punk genre, and the metal guitar riffs are what really make Strung Out stand all on their own. Overall, I'd recommend this CD to anyone who likes their punk to be hard, fast, yet melodic and unique.

Strung Out has always been my favorite punk band and this album is the perfect example of their brilliance. Speedy drums, leads, rythyms topped off with fairly unique sounding punk vocals shape this disc. Outstanding musicianship and meaning exist in every song on "Twisted By Design." I picked up this CD in 1998 and it still gets steady rotation in my player. I would recommend "Twisted By Design" to anyone. It is certainly a must have for any punk fan.

If you were only going to buy one Strung Out cd (but why stop at just one) this is the one you MUST get. Great lyrics, fast-paced, excellent guitars = strung out at their best.

This strung out cd is nothing more than the best. Put together with fast music and great lyrics, I don't believe you could find a better punk album orband. I also think this album has improved on their last, which I thought would be impossible to do. If you're in to punk and you have not heard this album, don't think twice.... JUST BUY THE THING!..OK!

I can only say a couple of words. This album was the dopest punk album I've heard in a long time. There are a good variety of songs. The slow songs (mind of my own) to the fast paced song, Deville. I skateboard to this CD all the time, and its songs make me skate better. Strung Out, You rule

From Jason Screams to Jim perfect bass and Jordan fast drumming. From Jake'sheavy riff to Rob great solos.
From the first to the last track, this album is perfect!
Go buy this album you won't regret it!

There is a reason Twisted By Design has such positive reviews, and that is because it is a great record.
Strung Out is punk at its finest, and this album is no different.
It is easily one of their best album, though I cannot place it above Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues, which I believe is their best album.