A Murder of Crows

A Murder of Crows

Track Listings

1. Feed, Pt. 1: Stone by Stone

2. Feed, Pt. 2: The Awakening

3. Messenger

4. In a Garden Made of Stones

5. Some Things You Can't Return

6. Angels in Vertigo

7. Regret

8. Crows on the Wire

9. I'm Not Waving

10. Flies

11. Black Smoke and Mirrors

12. Time [*]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
German edition of the progressive/power metal band's 2003 album features 12 tracks including one bonus track, 'Time'. Slipcase. Inside Out/SPV.

A Murder of Crows,Dead Soul Tribe,Inside Out U.S.,Heavy Metal,Pop,Progressive Metal,Rock

Average customer rating:

Excellent musicianship...poor lyrics/vocals

This Band Needs To Be Heard

A more streamlined effort than Devon's first release.

The cover art is better than the music

Dead Soul Tribe

A Murder of Crows
Dead Soul Tribe
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
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Dead Soul Tribe

Out of Myself

ASIN: B00009AHPQ
Release Date: 2004-09-13

Tracks:

Feed, Pt. 1: Stone by Stone
Feed, Pt. 2: The Awakening
Messenger
In a Garden Made of Stones
Some Things You Can't Return
Angels in Vertigo
Regret
Crows on the Wire
I'm Not Waving
Flies
Black Smoke and Mirrors
Time [*]

Album Description

German edition of the progressive/power metal band's 2003 album features 12 tracks including one bonus track, 'Time'. Slipcase. Inside Out/SPV.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent musicianship...poor lyrics/vocals.......2006-09-15

Being a music junkie, I am always looking for the next amazing, mind blowing thing. Reading reviews that a band sounds like one of the best bands on this planet, it is hard NOT to want to check them out. So, obviously I instantly desired to hear this band upon hearing that they sound somewhat like Tool/Jethro Tull. Call me silly, stupid or whatever...
On first listen, one might make a slight comparison to a certain amazing band that is blazing their own trail under the progressive metal moniker with tribal beats and the best lyricist and vocalist in the biz. But further listens into "A Murder of Crows" reveals a band that stands on their own and really does not sound like any other band. Sure, you can tell that Dead Soul Tribe probably listen to Tool a lot, but thats about the extent of it.
"A Murder of Crows" isn't one of the best albums of all time, or even of the year it was released, but it sure is one that you need to check out.
Overall, the drumming is excellent. Technical and Tribal beats with modern rock drumming, its a nice touch. The bass lines are average, not really in the lime light, but decent, thundering and heard. Guitar riffs range from NU-Metal-ish to progressive metal, with the occasional solo here and there. There is a heavy amount of effects and pedals used for the guitars which is a nice touch.
These are the great qualities.

The vocals and the lyrics absolutely suck. I am sorry to say it but, this singer just doesn't have the emotion or the range of vocal power to pull off what he is trying to accomplish. But hey, at least he is trying. The Maynard James Keenan comparisons are not true and confounded at best. It's not fair to compare any singer to one of the greatest of all time, your just making this singer seem even worse.
The lyrics seem amateur and childish at best, and kind of forced, as does his singing style. I would say that the vocals/lyrics are the worst aspect of this decent band.
I give them four stars for their musicianship, they do have a unique sound. But I dock them one star for their horible lyrics/vocals, which are somewhat annoying and grating and poorly mixed most of the time.
Seriously though, Dead Soul Tribe have their own sound, and it is worth checking out. Just don't believe the hype about them sounding like Tool, because you will be severely disappointed.
Dead Soul Tribe have a unique blend of tribal essence/rock/progressive rock/metal that holds its own.

As far as making comparisons to other bands, its a really bad thing to do. I always read reviews for bands that state "they sound like Opeth" blah blah blah...and then when I check out the band, they sound NOTHING like them. Its the same case here, these guys hold nothing to Tool. Sure, they may have an influence by them, but that is it.
Truth is, we always want to find other bands that sound like our favorite artists because our favorite artists do it so well that it makes us hunger for more of the like and similar. I have been on a massive quest to find similar bands to Opeth, Tool and the Deftones and I have failed miserably, because they are second to none, and any band that tries to sound like them is going to pale in comparison.
If you really want to check out a copycat band that is trying to be Tool, check out Counterfist. Their music is really nice though they try to sound like Tool too much. But they're singer sucks worse than this singer.

This Band Needs To Be Heard.......2005-10-31

This was my first introduction to the world of Devon Graves, I'd heard all the comparisons to Tool, one of my favourite bands, and being a prog metal fan, it seemed a logical choice. The music is powerful, full of some great riffs, but its Graves' vocals and lyrics (poetic theme of crows carrying the souls of the dead) that complete the picture, and what a picture it is.

The album starts wonderfully with the two parts `Feed' piece, one of DST's finest songs to date. Everything is on display here, some simple but well executed guitar playing, highly technical drumming from the skilled Adel Moustafa, and of course haunting melodies sung to perfection by Graves' piercing vocals. `Messenger' is one of my favourites on the album, it has a rather monotonous riff played throughout, but the vocal melodies and lyrics are just stunning, surprisingly `feel good' for such a sinister album. `Some Things You Can't Return' is the defining moment to the album, following the themes of the lost souls concept, but its Graves' vocal delivery that simply floored me, beautiful yet penetrating. Songs such as `Garden Made Of Stones' `Angels In Vertigo' and `I'm Not Waving' hold the album together perfectly. The last touch of greatness comes in the raucous `Crows On The Wire' with its tension building intro, huge riff and catchy melodies, a certain high point.

Overall this is one fine album that doesn't get nearly enough recognition. For fans of prog rock/metal who enjoy the likes of Tool, Pain Of Salvation, Nevermore...

Also see Graves' former legendary band 'Psychotic Waltz'.

A more streamlined effort than Devon's first release........2005-07-07

A Murder of Crows, the second album from Dead Soul Tribe (basically Devon Graves), sees Devon recruiting an amazing drummer to complement his amazing voice. Alread with that addition, AMoC has an advantage over his first album. It is also much more structured, while the S/T album sounded like an odd mishmash of Ministry, Tool, and Jethro Tull, A Murder of Crows gives Dead Soul Tribe a more refined sound. Comparison's to Tool can be drawn instantly - Devon, like Maynard, has an amazing voice; both bands play dark music; the drumming is similar and both bands can orchestrate amazing build ups that are spine chilling.

That being said, Dead Soul Tribe and Tool have one key difference - the main emotion being used. While Tool are mostly angry, Dead Soul Tribe are either hopeful or bleak. Devon's few attempts at anger on this album come off rather weak, but the way he changes his voice to suit every other emotion works perfectly.

Overall a good album that fans of Tool, rock, or prog should check out... or just check it out to listen to Devon's amazing voice.

The cover art is better than the music.......2005-06-24

When I saw the cover art to this album I nearly wet myself. I also made the classic mistake of judging an album by it's artwork instead of letting the music carry it's own merit. I must say that many people here have invited comparisons of Dead Soul Tribe to Tool, and that's an unfair comparison, not to mention a silly reason to check out a band. If you scramble for a band because somebody you don't know says it sounds kinda like something else you love, you ought to wonder "why don't they come up with their own sound instead of trying to be such-and-such". Most of the time Dead Soul Tribe doesn't sound anything like Tool, and if you're here because you've been told they do, then be warned. On this album, everything is mid-tempo, harmonized, and drenched in drama and atmosphere. The singer does not emote quite as good as you've been led to believe by some other reviews on Amazon. In fact, much of the vocal dynamics, (or lack thereof), seem derivative and forced. He's in terrible control of his tremolo, for one thing, and while I like harmonized backing vocals, they are used here almost randomly and therefore excessively.

That said, I do recognize potential here, and perhaps they get better on future recordings. I just wish the cover art was matched up with a better album... seems like a waste here.

Dead Soul Tribe.......2005-06-21

I have owned this album for nearly two years, and I still love every minute of it. This is not a band that you hear a great deal about, but they are terrific none theless. They bring to mind equal parts Tool and Jethro Tull. Go pick up the album, it won't disappoint!

A Rhumba of Rattlesnakes, A Murder of Crows

Average customer rating:

A Rhumba of Rattlesnakes, A Murder of Crows
The Slanderin
Manufacturer: Split Seven
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000DI4UT
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Serf Creep [Instrumental]
Cycle of the Werewolf
My Girlfriend Is a Monster
Cobwebs and Flies
Dead Man's Waltz
Throwin a Fit
Planet of Death
Get out of My Way
Lost in Eternal Night
Demolition Derby Doll
Black Angel
Sweet 16
Cemetery Gates

Average customer rating:

Compelled.
Disappointing
Joe has come a long way since then!

Murder of Crows
Joe Henry
Manufacturer: Mammoth / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000004AWM
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Step Across The Mountain
Right About Linden
Here And Gone
Lose Me
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Customer Reviews:

Compelled........2004-09-19

I stumbled across this and felt compelled to defend this man's work. I saw him in Hoboken with the Jayhawks and this was the first music of his I ever heard. I'm almost 50 now and have never been quite struck by an artist as I was by this cd...I own thousands of LP, cassettes and CDs and at one time 8 tracks. I agree that his growth has rivaled any artist that I have been acquainted with...there is no genre that can hold this man. Be that as it may these songs seem to bubble up from the subconscious and will intrigue me for the rest of my life much like difficult poetry would if I let it and had the time...sorry James Joyce etc. I cannot imagine how Drummond, Taylor, Leavell,Bromberg, Fisch, Parks etc. coalesced to present these songs in the incandescent manner that they did. Just another gig I guess to them....mind numbing. Well I am no Rhodes scholar but this fellow occupies the vast no man's land between Ronnie Lane and Miles Davis in my listening experience and has no equal. There I wrote it! Dave Perry.

Disappointing.......2001-02-23

This is the only disc by Joe Henry that I don't like. I'm a huge fan of this guy, but this; his second release, is a dud. While being overproduced, the material is bland and just doesn't have anything that grab's you. He's changed styles a few times over the years, and I've liked the variety, but this one has no personality, so to speak.

Joe has come a long way since then!.......1999-12-18

It's impossible for me to judge this CD without applying the very high standars that Joe has set himself on his best efforts. When I listen to Murder of Crows, I mostly end up thinking what a shame the production is. There are some fine songs here, but as someone who admires and enjoys the warm, organic (dare I use that adjective?) HUMAN sound of his other great works (Shuffletown, Short Man's Room & Kindness of the World) I find it difficult to get past the vaguely 80's slickness here. I think that if you are a dedicated Henry fan you will still find things to enjoy. I hesitate to recommend it beyond that. Joe took a huge leap forward when T-Bone Wolk produced the splendid Shuffletown and then later with Brian Paulson assisting (presumably, although he's never listed as producer.) Beyond my complaints regarding Anton Fier's heavy-handed polish job, I must say that Joe's song-writing muscles seem to have developed quite rapidly following these recordings as well. Again, just reference any of the above mentioned titles. All of them are superior to this in every way.

Average customer rating:

Murder of Crows
Chuck Lee Bramlet
Manufacturer: Cretaceous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0006FR9Y4
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Intro
Justified
Midnight Sun
Dark Train
Not My Brother
Little Light
Pathologic
You Were Gone
Only One
My Possession
Denial
Overloaded
Prisoner

Average customer rating:

Murder of Crows

Manufacturer: Urban Cheese
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2002-04-02

Average customer rating:

Genesis

Manufacturer: Vehicle City
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000CAANOQ
Release Date: 2004-03-30

Tracks:

Great White Balls Of Fire
Assassinations And Conversations
I'm An Expert In Nameology
Consequences Of Trying To Have A Relationship With A Crackhead
Jack Bauer
The Path Of Rust

Average customer rating:

Murder of Crows
Ala Zingara
Manufacturer: Zingara Zoo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000FTB9QU
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

Little Kings
Simple
For the Sake of the Ride
Hold it In
Chambered Dreams
Indigo
Give Yourself Away
Murder of Crows
Seu Ser
Summer Tree
The Start and the End
Plea
Aloof Alabaster

Product Description

Murder of Crows is the third CD released by the Seattle group, Ala Zingara. This CD is a collection of songs that journey from Brazilian Bossa to World Progressive Rock and everything in between. Come take a journey inside the Zingara Zoo.

Average customer rating:

Passion, Pathos, and Psychosis

Under the Flesh
Murder of Crows
Manufacturer: Blood & Bone Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004YA04
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

Strange Rain
Little Bloodmaker
Confession
Hypocrite
Saint of Killers
Crucified
Black Sugar Tongue
Sentimental Killer
Closure

Amazon.com

While the image, and to an extent the music, might be cloaked in Goth, Murder of Crows can't be easily pigeonholed. Under the Flesh is an intriguing mix of craft and spontaneity, with the Deuce's guitar work consistently fleshing out well-considered songs over the power of a muscular yet restrained rhythm section. With tracks like "Confession," "Hypocrite," and "Saint of Killers," there's a darker edge to their sound, but it's not all swathed in black--plenty of instrumental light comes through the cracks to shine on the bleakness. It's a difficult balance but one that the group pulls off well. Murder of Crows might not change the face of music as we know it, but they certainly add to it in a very positive way. --Chris Nickson

Album Description

It's assertive, it's angry, it's dark. It's goth music without the whining or the keyboards. It's beautiful music for an ugly world. You'll like it.

Customer Reviews:

Passion, Pathos, and Psychosis.......2000-11-21

'Under the Flesh' hits exactly where the title implies. The Album is a vicious ride that flays away pretense leaving only raw emotions fueling a hyperkinetic flight though the storms of the Psyche. Some listeners may say they have issues, others would argue subscriptions. It may be easier to say that with this Recording MoC has proven they OWN the newsstand and have no qualms laying open the wounds so many others conveniently forget exist.

Average customer rating:

early Joe Henry - different but very effective

Murder of Crows
Joe Henry
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008ENVA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

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Step Across the Mountain
Right About Linden
Here and Gone
Lose Me
Hidden Man
Falling Soon
She Is Sleeping
Vigilante
Siren
Six Feet into the Country
Map of Belgium

Customer Reviews:

early Joe Henry - different but very effective.......2007-01-29

I *loved* this CD, got it when it came out in '88 because former Rolling
Stones guitarist Mick Taylor appears on it (read a nice review of it in
"Rolling Stone" at the time).

Joe's releases got jazzier over time, he does not do material from this
era live anymore (as I understand it), and I read an article where he
did not reflect fondly on these sessions (disagreed w/ the approach to
production, perhaps?). The songs have intriguing & obscure lyrics, and
a crack band delivering the accompaniment (Mick Taylor, Tim Drummond,
Chuck Leavell, producer Anton Fier on drums and guest spots from David
Bromberg and Van Dyke Parks). Again, it lacks the jazziness that some
long time JH listeners may prefer, but this was the guy's 2nd CD and it
was 1988 - the record company was no doubt looking for a hit. Producer
Anton Fier seems to be of the mind that this record would be going
head-to-head for airtime w/ the audiences of Neil Young and Don Henley,
which I think worked out fine for this group of songs.

Joe's strength of musical character is evident, making this one of my
favorite CD's of the late 80's (when compared to what else was coming
out at the time). It's a gem for me...if I had to describe it to someone,
I might say...imagine a well-produced, young Bob Dylan.

Average customer rating:

Murder Of Crows
Dead Soul Tribe
Manufacturer: Inside Out
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000LWZ2MI

Music Track: