Free Mars

Lusk

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 15, 1997)
• Original Release Date: April 15, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Volcano
• ASIN: B0000009B5
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #171,640 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Ex-Tool bassist Paul D'Amour masterminded the Replicants album of rock covers in '95. Here he and his new band opt for intriguing psychedelic whimsy that follows the path of Sub Pop maestro Eric Matthews. Expect college airplay for giddy charmers like "Savvy Kangaroos" and "Mindray." --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easily one of my new favourite bands., July 12, 1998

By A Customer

Hmm. You know those certain CDs that you get, and don't really have any interest for at the beginning? Y'know how after listening to them a couple times, they shoot up into the top 5 favourite CDs you've ever heard list?! Well 'Free Mars' by Lusk is definitely one of those. I've never heard a more melodic, more beautiful, more unpredictable blend of pop and psychedelic music. I'm sending out a word of warning, however, to all you Tool fans out there who want to hear them just because Paul D'Amour is the co-founder. They don't sound ANYTHING like Tool...But it's odd, really, for Tool IS my favourite band, and I still adore this CD. So, yes, I highly suggest that you go and pick up this recording at a music store near you.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Special., May 26, 2000

By	Grib Tibby (Ontario, CAN) - See all my reviews

There is something about this album that completely defies explanation. I've been listening to this CD quite frequently for the last three years, and I am still noticing more subtleties throughout the dense beauty that is Free Mars. Easily my favourite album of all time, it's difficult to not believe in magic while experiencing this spectacular collection of supreme music. I highly recommend this album. You won't be disappointed. It is truly awe-inspiring.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sonic Sundae, July 15, 2004

By	loce_the_wizard "loce_the_wizard" (Lilburn, GA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Listening to "Free Mars" by Lusk takes a bit of work and, but the payoff is worth the investment for those willing to make more than a casual effort. The sound is a sonic sundae, infused with psychedelic elements, layers of swirling sounds, and processed vocals that conjure up memories of early Brian Eno ("Here Come the Warm Jets," "Taking Tiger Mountain") but that sound modern, crisp, and well-thought out.

Harps, cellos, odd percussion, and horns round out the core sound built around guitars, keyboards, and electronic treatments. It's clear that there was quite a bit of studio time involved in getting these tracks in present form, and one can only wonder at what was edited in the process. (It would not have been a great loss if some of the studio banter had been also been chopped out.)

It's hard to pick a favorite track---I keep changing my mind---and the hidden bonus track called Blair's Spiders is hilarious (though not something that merits repeated listening, which makes it the perfect bonus track).

On another note, the packaging and design of "Free Mars" merit close inspection and reflect some inspired thinking.