Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yet another triumph..., May 4, 2005
Ever since my accidental purchase of Jon Crosby's phenomenal debut 'Visual Audio Sensory Theater' back in '98, mistakenly thinking it was a different group I'd heard on the radio, I've fallen head over heels in love with Vast - now one of my all-time favorite musicians (funny how things work like that, huh?). At the time my ears had never indulged in anything, let alone rock music, quite as profound or as beautiful before and I was absolutely stunned, to say the very least, at the intense emotions coming through in soundwaves. I'm always seeking artists that aren't afraid to push the boundaries by experimenting and Vast has done that time and time again. He continues to further impress me with each new release and I doubt he'll ever disappoint me with his awe-inspired, trademark fusion of Delerium meets...classic rock refurbished? (It's hard to describe his sound). I consider his albums to mostly be rock oriented but his songs never cease to innovate with unique sensibility. He was dropped from Elektra because his last piece of work didn't sell enough by mainstream standards, but did he change his sound to fulfill the requirements needed to possibly become a commercial success? Heck no! He found another, less recognized label and stayed true to himself and to his fans who already appreciate the wonderful music he composes. Vast is definitely rock n' roll but he infuses a lush orchestra with the occasional world influence. The melodies are harmonious yet rough around the edges with many different guitar layers, and Jon Crosby's singing can be describes in much the same way. He's got a gorgeous voice but the man can also write! The lyrics are extremely thought-provoking, adding to the well execution of his third release, 'Nude'. But, just to warn you, if you want the words than go to his official website to buy a slightly more expensive version because you won't find them in the flimsy booklet provided here.
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Return Album, February 24, 2004
I have been a large fan of VAST since I heard 'Free' back in 2000. I bought VAST's (Jon Crosby) first album 'Visual Audio Sensory Theatre', and the second 'Music for People', and I love them both.Back in August VAST decided to release there new tracks to download for a very, very reasonable $3 an album. They were called Crimson and Turquoise. The 20 tracks were split between the 2 downloadable albums. I liked and loved every track. The best songs from these 2 albums make up the New Studio Released Album - Nude. (Although it is a shame that `I woke up LA' wasn't included, because that is a good song!!) I got the album through the VAST website in mid January (by the time it arrived in England), and I haven't stopped listening to it (ok I've also listened to Razorlight, The Delays, and Franz Ferdinand a little)!! The songs have been modified from the downloads, and are generally an improvement, `Lost' in particular. I loved Candle from the download but it has been changed and is missing the last verse which was quite a shock when I first heard it!! The song is still great though! VAST fuse guitars and drums, with electronic and orchestral arrangements. This for me makes great music! With a great voice and some really beautiful songs (Check out Candle, Lost and Desert Garden in particular). This is an album I believe that anyone who is into music should listen to. I don't think for one second that they would regret it.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Nude" and vulnerable, June 5, 2004
Rejoice, fans of gothic electro-rock band VAST: Jon Crosby is back. After the epic "Visual Audio Sensory Theater" and the somewhat disappointing "Music For People," Crosby returns with third album "Nude." It's a slew of polished symphonic rock, ranging from ethereal laments to gloomy power rock.Roiling chords open the album in the thunderstorm rocker "Turquoise" and gritty, soaring "Thrown Away." VAST then dips into richer turf with ballads like the gentle string-led "Lost," the Middle-Eastern-influenced "Be With Me," the chilly "Winter In My Heart," the surreal "Japanese Fantasy," and the percussive "Ecstacy." Crosby closes on a quiet note with the stripped-down acoustic -- and very off-key -- "Desert Garden." VAST's angst-rock isn't quite at its peak here; "Nude" doesn't have quite the raw quality of the debut. And it's not nearly as epic, with a distinct lack of choirs and chants. But he's definitely in good form as Crosby sings heartfelt songs about love, loneliness, disillusionment, burning forests, sex, and being far from home. Crosby's songwriting isn't at its best here, but has dropped some of the angry-young-man edge. But he sounds more mature and poised in "Nude," as if he's pondering his life. And the instrumentation is outstandingly good -- shattering percussion and roaring bass, all backed up by Crosby's dark electronics. It's hard not to get swept away by this stuff. Crosby's voice uses emotion to make up for lack of quality. It's not a bad voice, but the more unpolished songs like "Desert Garden" have him wobbling all over the place. But he sounds in top form as he wails, "Thrown away, have I been thrown away?" or says wistfully "Saw you lying on the soft bed I had made for you/Words unspoken are the only words I know are true." While these songs lack the scope of VAST's early work, this is still a powerful and vibrant album. After three long years and a label shift, VAST is still going strong in "Nude."
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