Venice Underground

Peter DiStefano | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 23, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Immergent
• ASIN: B000056T7L
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #865,575 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Peter DiStefano, founding member of and songwriter for the groundbreaking alternative-rock band Porno for Pyros, reveals himself as more than an accomplished axeman on his debut album Venice Underground. Peter’s fans, old and new, are in for an exceptional audio and visual experience! It has it all: technical mastery, electronic grooves, intelligently mixed with the classic sounds and styles of rock recording.

Produced by DiStefano, the album was influenced by the native Southern Californian’s immersion in the underground music scene of Venice, CA. Peter enlisted the area’s electronic programming wizard, Big Green Boy, who also co-produced many tracks, and haunting vocalist Little Green Girl. There are inspired guest appearances by Eric Avery (Jane’s Addiction), who played and co-produced a track, and Kevin Haskins (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets) showing off a bit of his programming skills. You can also find David Baerwald (Sheryl Crow, David and David), Joseph Turner and Christopher Fudurich lending their studio expertise on select tracks. Rounding out this eclectic mix of artists are singers Kacy Crowly, “Take Me Down”, and Beca Starr “Venice By The Sea”.

In some instances, Peter went vintage with the amplifiers, guitars and drums, even resurrecting the Moog synthesizer, but the entire album was recorded using state of the art computer software and a Macintosh G3. The album kicks in with DiStefano’s guitar front and center on the fast-paced, “Back Seat” and “Hard Young Thing”. It then takes you on a journey with the more trance-like “Deflower” and “North Side”. Peter wanted to craft an album that gave modern production techniques a human touch, and bring classic rock styles into the present tense.

Venice Underground is the first electronic recording available in DVD audio, which makes for an eclectic listening experience. DiStefano also uses technology to bring a heightened experience for the eyes. Says DiStefano, "We have a virtual lead singer on screen, mixed in with the DVD and live images. We're trying to create an innovative show that will appeal to your eyes and ears, not just throw something together and hit the road."

Venice Underground is a unique adventure into uncharted territory. Not so unexpected, though, from a musician who’s wide-ranging resume includes collaborations with such artists as Daniel Lanois, Brad Mendall, Stone Temple Pilot’s Scott Weiland, Tricky, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Navarro, Mike Watt, Peter Murphy and many others.

In addition, DiStefano has successfully ventured into the movie world with musical performances on recent features such as Light it Up, Hunger Sanctuary (David Bowie and Giovanni Rabisi), Howard Stern’s Private Parts, Coyote Ugly, Spy Kids and numerous others. Some of Peter’s television credits include a commercial production by Tony Scott, USA network’s Good vs. Evil, Late Night with David Letterman and HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show. Listen for Peter on the soundtrack for the upcoming animated Spielberg production Shrek, as well as collaborative efforts with pop-songwriter, Ellen Shipley.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars an interesting project that just didn't work, April 6, 2007

By 

The Delite Rancher (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Venice Underground (Audio CD)

I really wanted to enjoy this CD. I love P*rno for Pyros (PFP) as I thought it was Perry Farrell's best musical venture. A significant part of the PFP's sound was Peter DiStefano's amazing guitar work. So I came to Venice Underground as part of a hunt for all of DiStefano's projects. Like-minded listeners will be disappointed by "Venice Underground." That written, the rock infused techno approach had much promise. What went wrong? The songs have no resonance or staying power. The melodies are dull while the female voices add nothing. Beyond these issues, DiStefano's signature PFP's sound is entirely absent -with the exception of 'Punk Rock Guitar.' Not coincidentally, this is the release's strongest track. For those disillusioned by this project, know that "Gratitude" (2004) is a good DiStefano solo project. The release of "Venice Underground" in DVD-Audio format indicates that the producer had great hopes for the recording. Such faith was not enough as "Venice Underground" is currently out-of-print and for good reason.

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good Techno, September 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Venice Underground (Audio CD)

With the beginning of "Back Seat" (the fast, sexually compromising first track on Venice Underground's self-titled debut CD), the listener is promised to expect similar rapid tracks, such as in the following one, "Hard Young Thing". The beginning of this latter tune has an exotic Middle Eastern/Indian feel to it, which is seen again in track #6, "Take Me Down", another good song.

My two favorites on "Venice Underground" would have to be the back-to-back mute tracks: #4 ("Insane Toy Symphony"), a medium, short song (barely reaching 2 minutes) with no vocals except for the indecipherable male voice samples and the conclusive groan; and #5 ("Punk Rock Guitar"), a fast song (nearing 7 minutes) reminiscent of the late 70's era, but with a trendy electronic twist--just synths and a punk guitar solo.

The majority of songs (with vocals anyway) on "Venice Underground" are sung by females, namely Little Green Girl, who sings her five songs in a sweet, girlish voice. The other two guest singers on "Venice Underground" are Kacy Crowley and Beca Starr, each singing one song a piece ("Take Me Down" and "Venice By the Sea"), both of which are really good tracks.

I can't say I loved all the songs on "Venice Underground" (some of the vocals and lyrics were at times irritating and immature, thus my 4-star rating), but if you like pop/dance/techno music featuring female singers, then this CD is worth a listen.

4.0 out of 5 stars Venice Underground is a fun ride., April 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Venice Underground (Audio CD)

I have had the Venice Underground DVD since it came out. I really do enjoy this album. It is great music to play for a small gathering of friends. The fact that it is on DVD can make the listening experience a little more limited as to where you can play it. But if you have a good sound system, it is worth it.