Customer Reviews

Voodoo Shoppe

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an awesome cd with some excellent music on the disk.

Track by track:

1. Joe Strummer: Song title bears the name of the deceased front man of the "Only band that mattered." It is a fast-aced song with a theme that resonates in many of the songs written by Fred LeBlanc, a failed relationship. A real toe-taper and get you moving song. It is nice to see the band pay tribute (sort of) to one of the people that they cite as an inspiration to the band (The Clash). Sung by Fred (5/5)

2. Misty Falls: Upbeat song, fast-paced. The guitar sounds are very upbeat in the song as well. I did not care totally for the mix and what the producers did to Fred's voice. His voice sounds stronger that this...(4.5/5)

3. Winds Me Up: JTG sighting... Another fast-paced song...Not my favorite song, but much better than the drivel released by most of today's bands.(4/5)

4. Hole in My Heart: Not to be confused with "Hole Hearted" by Extreme. I can't believe I am typing this but as I am thinking about it... I could see David Lee Roth singing this song -it is in that same vein... Very flamboyant, like on stage in Vegas, complete with dancing monkeys and girls with fire torches...(4/5)

5. Voodoo Shoppe: Title track of the cd. Blusey song... Sung by Fred...(5/5)

6. Slow Down: Paul Sanchez Sighting... Paul's music makes your heart smile. He is an insufferable romantic and it shows in his music.(5/5)

7. This Much Fun: Excellent, upbeat song. Gets your feet moving. The kind of song that makes you realize that you need to get out on the dance floor and not care what anyone else thinks. (5/5)

8. Supersonic: JTG Sighting... Fast-paced song... I did not like some of the arrangement of the song. The mix was okay on it. I usually like everything JTG does, this was only okay for him...(4/5)

9. I Told Ya: Not quite as fast-paced as some of the others, but not slow...I did not feel a connection to this song, so I am not as keen on it. But, as I said on a previous track, much better than the drivel of today's bands... (4/5)

10. Home: Paul Sanchez Sighting...Symbolic of what everyone from New Orleans and the New Orleans area went through with Hurricane Katrina. It sums up our feelings as the time away from the city grew from days to weeks. It makes me mad at how inadequately this government was prepared for a natural disaster and how the government seems to be able to help those abroad better than citizens on our own homeland... (5/5)

11. Glad to Be Alive: This song would be the best one on the disk if it weren't for Joe Strummer or the tracks it is sandwiched between. This is an upbeat, fast-paced song that gets your heart humming along with it. This is the type of song that if you are feeling blue, press play and listen to it and you will be feeling much better about yourself and life in general. This is especially important to those who survived Katrina. Although it is not specifically about Katrina, when I hear it, I think of everything that we have been through in New Orleans and how it is great to be alive. Yes, I am glad to be alive...(5/5)

12. The Avenue: The other major song inspired by the events of Hurricane Katrina. The Avenue is a little different than the other songs. This song is a ballad not fast-paced at all. It tells the story of people in New Orleans as Katrina went through the area. The Avenue tells of the sadness in the hearts of those of us here, specifically the protagonist in the song. (5/5)

Overall, this is a smokin' cd. Take it with you for your last summer party, slip it in the stereo. Import it and listen to it on your iPod. People may look at you, but who cares?? It's the Mouth!!!!!!

I wish I could give this album more than 5 stars! Been a fan of the Mouth for quite a while now, and this album is definitely one of their best. It has a solid sound, a great balance of contributions from all band members, and a song to please everyone.

If you ever get the chance to see them live, don't miss it! The band's energy is contagious, and every show is a cathartic experience. Other great albums to check out - Are You With Me? and All You Need is Live if you want to check out the concert experience.

Such a great albulm from a great band. I don't think I have ever heard a more upbeat and uplifting song than 'Glad to be Alive.' If that can't cheer you up, nothing can. The rest of the albulm is excellent as well. Joe Strummer is an instant hit. Listening to this albulm gives me the energy and smiles that are ususally reserved for seeing this band live in concert. Don't miss this band in concert if you ever have the chance. There may not be a better live performance out there than cowboy mouth. I have never seen anyone come close to matching their energy and love of performace. You will be an instant fan.

I made the mistake of ordering through Best Buy, and thanks to the pony express, it took 10 days to arrive. BUT IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT! This is best studio album yet, filled with energetic songs that will awesome in concert (Joe Strummer, Glad to be Alive, This Much Fun). I highly recommend this to anyone who loves strong lyrics and even stronger musicians. Cowboy Mouth will save your soul!

The first listen is good, though it definitely has a different sound than other CM albums. After seeing them in concert doing the new stuff, I can't seem to take it out of my car stereo. Best cuts, Joe Strummer, I Want To Go Home and the title track. It's not as good as Are You With Me, but nothing is.

I've been a Mouth fan for over 10 years now, and I didn't buy Voodoo Shoppe when it first came out because I suspected that it was a "typical" new release with 1-3 new songs, and 8-10 previously recorded songs. (How many different ways can they record "How Do You Tell Someone?") But this new CD is FANTASTIC!!! Not only are the songs all originals, but the lyrics are incredible! I'll even admit that I got misty-eyed listening to The Avenue (tribute to the Hurricane victims and the Spirit of NOLA). I don't know what the source of the inspiration was, but thank you Fred, JTG and Paul!!! I've missed you!!!

Don't question buying this CD, people - DO IT and buy copies for your friends. They'll thank you forever! (And don't miss seeing them on tour - they're better than ever!)

I discovered this band in 2000, and I've seen them in concert three times. Their shows are very high-energy, rock-oriented experiences. As great as their other CD's are, this new CD is the one which is most consistent with their live sound and energy. Cowboy Mouth's catalog of music is quite eclectic, but they are first and foremost a rock'n'roll band, and this CD is their most rock-oriented yet. Also, the songs are full of melody and catchy infectiousness. I love being able to hear, release after release, great music from a band who is happy to thrive off of selling their music to, and playing their live shows for, a cult following, and eschew the notion of giving up due to "lack of massive mainstream success." This is GREAT rock music on an independent, non-RIAA record label, and is proof that the "mainstream of the music industry"(i.e. the RIAA and the so-called "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame") are NOT the ultimate authorities on what is great rock'n'roll. Here's hoping that bands like Cowboy Mouth, and independent record labels, and the spirit of independent recording, and solid cult followings, continue to lead to the eventual marginalization and INSIGNIFICANCE of the RIAA and the so-called "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." Did I mention?...THIS CD ROCKS!!!!! :-)

I have only discovered Cowboy Mouth since early last year. I've seen them play 3 times and each time was better than the last. Fred Leblanc is the heart and soul of the group. Coupled with Paul Sanchez Sonia Tetlow and John Thomas Griffith, they put their collective talents to work in each song they do. I was eagerly anticipating this release, after hearing several of the songs live over the past 4-5 months. I can honestly say that I am totally blown away by this CD!!!!!!!!!! All the songs rock, or touch you, or both. Fred's lyrics portraying his less than stellar love life, and yet maintaining his incredible love for life are truly inspiring. He obviously has fun every day, even with his beloved New Orleans drowning and choking on mud and debris. I HIGHLY recommend this CD to anyone that loves plain old Rock Music. And if you don't, well you should check it out anyhow, I think you'll find yourself bouncing, dancing, and rocking with the group.

The album is awesome. The songs are well written, lyrics are classic Cowboy Mouth, and there is a great variety. Strummer is an instant classic and very addictive, Paul's songs are great, this whole album rocks. I can't wait to see the guys in concert again. Trust me, if you haven't already, see them live - you'll be an instant fan!

This has got to be one of my all time favorite cd's of ANY band now. Plus my favorite cd to listen to driving. It kicks A$$! I've been a fan of Cowboy Mouth for awhile now and they never disapoint. They always rock out. They always you laugh. This time they had a subject close to home.

One of the things that makes this one so special is it was written before and after Hurricane Katrina. Of course, being a band from New Orleans it hit them hard. One band member lost everything. "Home" and "Avenue" just break your heart for the Gulf Coast and all the victims of Katrina.

This one is one of the best! If you like Cowboy Mouth a must have for your collection!