Customer Reviews

When

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Vincent Gallo has been called a narcissist, a prick, and even at one point a fa*got.
One thing you rarely hear Vincent Gallo called in a genius. The man has directed and written two films, acted in several, he's edited movies, he's produced movies, he's been the director of photography, he's composed music for films, he's even been an underwear model. This album marks his first album (not counting the great "Recordings of Music for Film") and it's really terrific. Vincent Gallo has created something rare on this album, something you're likely to not hear on any CD that's came out between 2000 and now. His music is surreal, hypnotic, and even beautiful. If you've read a Vincent Gallo interview than you know how into "beautiful" he is. Gallo plays everything on this CD; All the music and all the vocals. He wrote everything on the album, he produced the album. He treats the music like he did his movies, with tender care. The music is really trippy, if you've seen "Buffalo 66" then you've heard some of it. His voice is extremely feminine, to a point where if you heard it on the radio (although, trust me, you never will) you'd think it was a woman. His voice fits the music perfectly though. I don't care what Gallo's personality is like, this man is immensely talented. Here are the tracks:

1. I Wrote This Song for the Girl Paris Hilton-5/5-This opening instrumental track is different from anything you'll hear in this modern day. It's weird and Paris Hilton will never hear it, but it's really good.
2. When-5/5-My favorite song on here. While it was a shock the first time I listened to this song to hear Vincent Gallo's singing voice, it fits the music perfectly.
3. My Beautiful White Dog-5/5-It's kind of weird to hear a song written about a dog, this song is great too.
4. Was-5/5-This sounds like most of the music you'll hear in "Buffalo 66" and it's got this really surreal sound to it. It's one of the best on here.
5. Honey Bunny-5/5-I didn't like the beginning where he sings Honey Bunny, but the lyrics to this song are strange which in this odd way makes this song great.
6. Laura-5/5-This song is beautiful, but leaves me to wonder. Who is Laura?
7. Cracks-4/5-This is probably my least favorite song, but it's not terrible.
8. Apple Girl-5/5-I question who he's singing this to, but it's a pretty damned good song.
9. Yes I'm Lonely-5/5-While it sounds like there are times he screws up on the drums, it's still good.
10. A Picture of Her-5/5-Another great track, lyrics would work good for this though.

If you like Vincent Gallo's movies (of even if you didn't, but respect the guy) you should check out this CD.
GRADE: A+

Warp. They're sick. The music they release is so experimental and anti-social, yet so infuriatingly addictive. There is now no need to listen to anything other then Autechre, Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada and now, Vincent Gallo. But honestly, this kind of music most people find too 'out there', 'weird' or just plain 'the worst music I've ever heard'. In short, this album 'When' is not going to win you any friends.

Vincent Gallo is not a household name. He has gained a small amount of fame amongst fashionable trend-setters and trend-watchers for being on the cutting edge of everything. Painter, photographer, race car driver, writer, director, actor, Calvin Klein model, musician. If he's not a Renaissance man, I don't know who is.

He's also gained notoriety from not being the slightest bit shy about his extreme right wing political views or about mercilessly trashing just about everyone in Hollywood. I suggest reading some of his interviews online, they're funny. He's a pretty witty, thought-provoking guy.

Anyway, this album 'When' is underrated. It got publicity when released because it was just so odd that this album of almost comically plaintive and emotional soft rock would be released on Warp. But that's a shame because it's a very good album. It's very minimal, soft-sounding guitar ballads, and normally I'd think that would sound very ..., but it somehow sounds wonderful. Mostly due to Vincent's production. It sounds great, he recorded it on rare, vintage equipment that makes it sound shockingly warm, dreamy and just different. 'I Wrote this Song for the Girl Paris Hilton' has a saxophone loop. Very beautiful and relaxing. BTW, Paris Hilton is a person, she's a sexy, blonde heir to the Hilton Hotels franchise. 'When' is an intensely personal, sad, sad song. 'My Beautiful White Dog' is one of my favourite pieces of music ever. 'Honey Bunny' has a video of women in their underwear on a rotating platform. Some parts are rather provocative (T'n'A galore from some extremely attractive women), while the music is almost psychotically tender. 'Was' is just one instrument, I have no idea what, sweet and simple. Most of the songs on here sound kind of similar, but different in arrangements only. It ends on a happier note with 'Yes I'm Lonely' with the line "It could be so nice/ So nice" A kind of optimistic confirmation of the possibilities of the future. I don't have the time to keep writing about every track on here. I kind of even doubt anyone is even reading this. I mean, Vincent Gallo? Who the hell has heard of Vincent Gallo other then some NYC art snobs, film geeks and Warp fanatics? So if you've made it to this review, you must be interested in him and are wondering if his music is good. It is. Or else you've already bought it and are experiencing some cognitive dissonance and want some self-confirming opinions from other people who already like it.

A good album to sulk to and feel sorry for yourself.

Oh, man. This is a moody, quite lovely and cohesive album. The same resigned gloom carries through each track, though each is composed of different elements. There are some dark ballads, full of sorrow, but in a very understated way. These feature an incredible female tenor whose low notes just resonate in your gut, evoking images of sultry lounge singers draped across pianos. Other tracks are sexy mock-downtempo instrumentals, with looping bassline, looping saxophone, and other samples. Throughout all songs you hear this beautiful wavering electric guitar, and sort of a warbled vinyl record hiss that gives a cozy feel, like an old favorite book with cracked edges.

Vincent Gallo may be an arrogant and cynical person, but his first solo album (not counting his "Buffalo 66" soundtrack) is anything but provocative ! The ex-Calvin Klein model, actor ("Arizona Dream", "Nenette et Boni" et.al.), part-time musician ("Gray") and writer-director ("Buffalo 66") wrote, produced and performed on an album, that is nothing short than the most surprising record so far this year !

It's a real task describing the mood or sound of the album accurately. For example, the track "Honey Bunny" reminds me for some strange reason of bands like Gastr Del Sol, but there are also a few dub elements there as well ("I wrote this song for the girl Paris Hilton", "My beautiful white dog"), while Vincent Gallo's high and sensitive voice often seems to recall the spirit of the late Chet Baker ("When").

Nothing really spectacular happens during the 43 minutes of playtime. The music comes very soft and mellow, which is somewhat odd, when you consider what a publicity-addicted guy Vincent Gallo is ! I wonder if Warp Records really knew what they did, when they signed him.

Despite all the fuzz, "When" is an album that is both inspired and convincing in its own way, and though it IS a little self indulgent (why not ?), I would lie if I wouldn't admit that most of these wonderful songs were among the best I've recently heard. Although not for everyone's taste, I recommend this album without getting red.

Basically i stumbled upon Vincent Gallo's music about a year ago, somewhere on the internet, and i was instantly taken by it. I have never seen a single one of his movies so this review isnt based on how good looking or how good of an actor he is. It is a really amazing album, that hypnotizes you. My favorite tracks are the ones that He actually sings on because i just love his voice. "Laura" is such a good song it is worth alot. Please take a listen, although the samples dont really do justice to the songs. This album is really intended for certain people, and if you are here reading this, than that might be you! Pick It Up.

most of todays music is made with pixels, vincent gallo uses paint. His pictures are very honest and organic. after listening to this cd, i am guessing that he uses only the first take to keep it as genuine as possible. If you like pretty songs that border sappy buy this cd. It is the nicest thing i have ever heard and have not listened to any other album since i bought it over a year ago. Theres really no need to. Everything else sounds over done and insincere. They are very beautiful songs and ends with a great big oggling smile. i like it a whole lot and all truly beautiful girls should like it more than they like their own fathers. I also noticed that people who bought when also bought geogaddi which struck me funny as geogaddi is very pixelly music. ha.

...then I would have no problem recommending Vincent Gallo as a worth-while artist. As you might gather, it's hard to believe that a deep-fried-ego stunch republican could produce a wonderful album, and I believe that half it's charm is because of that. The other half is because the music is really captivating.

"When" has so many moments that prove it's delicate structure is not pure DIY art wankage, especially with compositions like "Was" which is close to Folk Implosion's "Raise The Bells" piece off "Kids" in terms of heartache. I suppose it's pretty damn lame to suggest that it's like a soundtrack to an imaginary film, but it's like that all the same.

On the other hand, I couldn't offer this work up to everyone as I could see how some would deem it as full blown noodling trash.

But if you can dig minimal song structure and saddness, this record could wear the crown in your collection for a while.

Amateurish mopey audio muck for the most part. Gallo does demonstrate a small amount of recording insight when not obsessing over his own self-absorbed melancholy, but this unfortunately comes through more in tiny shades of instrumental flux rather then the concentrated efforts on vocal and lyrical pretentiousness of the highest order. With many a horrible composition guiding the arrogant actor's air-bloated voice, his disc will be relegated to a far off, cult appreciation weirdness, if that compliment can even be achieved by perhaps his few fans.

If I were going to be stuck on a deserted island, I probably wouldn't take that trip that led me to being stuck on that deserted island. I would stay home. If I were to stay home, however, this is the CD to which I would be listening. I am not kidding you. Gallo has given a lot of thought to his craft. I paraphrase: "To be different one has to be grounded in normalcy." Sid Vicious was not normal in any way shape or form, and in the end he really didn't have much to offer. Cobain couldn't stand being normal, so he didn't have enough in him to maintain. Gallo appears to be a lot more comfortable with himself, and what he has to offer artistically. This is awesome background music. It reminds me of small dash of music caught in a movie scene for which you're dying to hear more. It's not over the top, beat you on the head music. Rather, it tantalizes you and always leaves you wanting more. It's also very raw and emotional music and upon the tenth listen you begin to realize it's pretty powerful stuff. As I said, it leaves you wanting more, and I for one can't wait for the next project from this vital, controversial figure.

if you can actually find this album id have to advise you to pick it up. i own it on cd and vinyl and im glad i do. gallo gets amazing sounds with im guessing his older instruments and recording equipment. he's into the hi-fi stuff last time i checked. the sound he produces here is that of older times it seems. it has an older classical sound and feel to it. his voice is quite good in my opinion. he presses stereo sound pretty well with this album. i listened to it on my headphones and its damn near mind blowing. id go as far as to say its the 2nd best album of the year following behind tool's lateralus. it just keeps gettin better every time i listen.