Last Fair Deal Gone Down [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

Last Fair Deal Gone Down [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

Track Listings

1. Dispossession

2. Chrome

3. We Must Bury You

4. Tonight's Music

5. Teargas

6. Transpire

7. Clean Today

8. Future of Speech

9. Passing Bird

10. Sweet Nurse

11. Don't Tell a Soul

12. Sulfur [*]

13. March 4 [*]

14. Help Me Disappear [*]

Tracks:

Dispossession
Chrome
We Must Bury You
Tonight's Music
Teargas
Transpire
Clean Today
Future of Speech
Passing Bird
Sweet Nurse
Don't Tell a Soul
Sulfur [*]
March 4 [*]
Help Me Disappear [*]

Customer Reviews:

Katatonia will never let you down.......2007-03-15

Many things have change since I was introduced to Katatonia through Brave Murder Day. One thingis for sure, these guys know how to write good music. Even though there are no doomy guitars and blackish vocals they still create amazing atmospheres through simple arrangements of well written atmospheric rock songs. The album starts with "Disspossesion" which has a very catchy guitar melody and continues into more heavier passages with "Chrome". "We Must Bury You" is the most experimental on the album as it features various electronic elements while on the other hand "Teargas" is the most radio friendly and the album's hit. My favorite song though would have to be "Tonight's Music" as it features some amazingly emotional parts in it. The band has experimented a loton this album which strongly shows on songs like "Clean Today" and "Passing Bird", not your usual rock songs. Nonetheless, Last Fair Deal.. is a brilliant album, highly recommended to all fans of good music.

Thick with atmosphere and melancholy.......2006-07-19

It is highly likely that the title for this album may have been inspired by a song of blues god Robert Johnson who provided endless inspiration to early rock icons, including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton. Though musically Last Fair Deal Gone Down bears little to no resemblance to Johnson, the Katatonia guys have always been interested in blues, particularly during their stoner rock period. A prime example of the genre, Last Fair Deal Gone Down not only marks the breakthrough of Katatonia, but it is also arguably their most important release post-Brave Murder Day. Blending the band's melancholic roots with their new-found interest in modern darkness, the album is also the first disc the band produced by themselves.

Upon its release, Last Fair Deal Gone Down was Katatonia's thickest and most layered work to date. It would be safe to say this is the album where Katatonia found their true self. Vocalist Jonas Renkse provides his finest vocal performance, delivering the depressing lyrics convincingly and making the listener believe. Guitarist Nystrom opts for a wider scope of songwriting, unafraid to delve into all kinds of genres, from rock to pop to progressive. Gone are the band's earlier doom metal leanings; this disc sees the band turning their face to other inspirations, including the Cure, Tool, and even Porcupine Tree. The album was originally intended for a Steven Wilson signature production; however, Renkse and Nystrom later decided to handle the work on their own with stunning results. That said, there are still some subtle Porcupine Tree-like moments on the album, such as "Chrome" and the epic "The Future of Speech", both featuring processed vocals alternating between Renkse's more direct and clean delivery. The songs are filled with airy Mellotron sounds floating above the central instruments, most of which are a combination of delicate acoustic guitars, prominent bass, and contrasts between slow and heavy choruses.

From a melody point of view, again Last Fair Deal Gone Down boasts excellent harmonies, both produced through Nystrom and Norrman's guitar work and Renkse's awe-inspiring harmonies. This is always carefully supplemented by a rhythm-conscious drum and bass hybrid. Never before was the bass employed as such a main instrument in Katatonia songs; "We Must Bury You" and "Clean Today" are defined by such bass and drum contribution that help thicken the moody soundscape. The vocals on "Clean Today" are particularly striking, brimming with confidence, whilst the echoic dual guitar harmonies constantly push the piece in unexpected directions.

The diverse nature of the album is most effective during the minor hit "Teargas", a perfect representative of the new Katatonia sound, complete with varied vocal styles (again some Porcupine Tree vibe here), a cool acoustic build-up, terrific drum fills, excellent harmonies, and engaging waves of guitar sounds. It seems like a dangerous experiment, but Katatonia makes it work. On the more straightforward yet catchier front, "I Transpire" is basically Katatonia-style pop music, accentuated by quiet verse and really heavy chorus contrasts, with the vocals being amazing once again. On the effect-laden "Sweet Nurse", however, distinctive traces of the Cure can be heard with a memorable, easy-to-follow melodic pattern.

The first song "Dispossession" is actually the embodiment of all things Katatonia, blending their acoustics with ever-present drum beats, shimmering Mellotron effects, and a heavy guitar runout. The last track, on the other hand, "Don't Tell a Soul", not only closes the album on a depressing note, but it also signals similarities to Katatonia's earlier, bleak material, highlighting Renkse's lyrical standouts: ("When you have no one, no one can hurt you"). Renkse sounds a lot like Opeth's Mikael Akerfeldt here, which should be no surprise considering Akerfeldt produced his vocals on the previous two albums. It's a grey song with Nystrom's melodies peeking through foggy guitar themes.

The reissue version of the album contains three bonus tracks, two of which were released as a single before the full album came out. Of these two, "Sulfur" ranks among the most powerful statements Katatonia have made, with mournful vocals, doubled acoustic guitars, and a slightly Scandinavian folk feel that would normally be attributed to bands like Opeth and Ulver. "March 4", the other track on the single, isn't quite in the same league, but would have made a better cut on the initial pressing than the somewhat mediocre "Passing Bird" whose lyrics fall rather short given Renkse's talents.

This is a digipack release with cardboard sleeve with fantastic artwork. As a matter of fact, Travis Smith, who is among the most popular cover artists in metal, has said more than once that this is his favourite work (along with Terria). Essential to all fans who are curious about the current Katatonia sound.

For those depressed.......2004-08-10

This is one of those albums that has always been at the top of my list since it came out two or three years ago. Katatonia appeals to fans of Opeth, though I find them totally different. They're both really good in the melody department, but Katatonia is quite a bit simpler, and doesn't lean toward extreme metal like Opeth does.

Katatonia's album previous to this, Tonight's Decision (another great one), was more stripped down. It's sound was heavy, and you can tell they were using simple power chords for the most part. Here, though, the sound is big and airy. If you didn't know they were a metal band, you might not pick up that it's a metal album. Don't get me wrong, it is still doomy and heavy, but again, in a kind of weird, airy way.

The heaviness is most evident in the lyrics and the overall mood of the album. Goes well with Amorphis, Anathema, Tool, and Opeth's Damnation album. If this "heavy in mood" music appeals to you, I recommend you check out Dead Can Dance's "Spleen and Ideal" and "Within the Realm of a Dying Sun," along with the first couple Cocteau Twins albums.

Last Fair Deal Gone Down
Average customer rating:

Katatonia continue to evolve and release their most mature album to date.

You should own this album

Marvelously Tragic

Best. Album. Ever.

everyone needs this album

Last Fair Deal Gone Down
Katatonia
Manufacturer: Peaceville UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005B53F
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

Dispossession
Chrome
We Must Bury You
Tonight's Music
Tear Gas
I Transpire
Clean Today
The Future Of Speech
Passing Bird
Sweet Nurse
Don't Tell A Soul

Customer Reviews:

Katatonia continue to evolve and release their most mature album to date........2006-10-26

Over the years, this Swedish band has simply refused to rest on their laurels. Sure, there are certain ingredients that have remained built into their output since day one, with the desolate sadness and despair mixed with exquisite melodies prevailing throughout their existence. Yet they continue to evolve with every release and "Last Fair Deal Gone Down" is no exception. Just as "Discouraged Ones" witnessed Katatonia shedding their skin and branching out from the wondrously hypnotic doom /death of "Brave Murder Day" into a more dreary suicidal rock outfit, "Last Fair Deal Gone Down" evolves further still with a level of professionalism and maturity not prevalent on prior albums.

Almost every aspect of the band improved for this recording and I consider it to be one of their very best albums. It may not be immediately obvious what the differences are that I speak of, but it comes down to the basics. The percussion for starters is far more varied and interesting than ever before, which transforms the somewhat repetitive nature of the more hypnotic sections into a totally different beast. Jonas' vocals are without doubt far superior to prior releases, leaving the awkward uncertainness behind for a much more confident and convincing performance and without losing the vulnerabilities that define his style. The guitars are heavier, have a much better sound and contain some truly breathtaking melodies ("I Transpire" for example). There is much more variation in this new Katatonia, no longer relying on similar moods for each of their tracks. The assumingly tongue in cheek "We Will Bury You" and "Sweet Nurse" for example break up the more typically Katatonia "The Future of Speech" and the magnificent "Tonight's Music".

As you can probably tell by now, I love "Last Fair Deal Gone Down" and while I will always miss their old "Brave Murder Day" sound, I simply cannot complain when every album they record is so consistently good. They continue to evolve while staying true to what made them so unique and emotionally affecting in the first place. Which is certainly a lot more than can be said about so many other bands that either remain stagnant or isolate their fan-base entirely over the years.

You should own this album.......2002-03-09

By and far, the best Katatonia album. Do you like your music dark, depressing, gloomy and angst-filled? Then you should have this album in your collection. LFDGD is leaps and bounds beyond anything the band has recorded thus far. Songs about alienation, depression, loneliness . . . it's all here. Entwining evocative, moody vocals and superb muscianship, Katatonia have raised the bar, not only for themselves, but for everyone else. In these days of rap/metal's chugging riffs, it's almost a joy to hear an actual ... guitar solo (gasp!). You owe it to your music collection to get this album. Katatonia have bared their souls on this excellent album.

Some of the standout tracks include Dispossession, Tonight's Music, The Future of Speech, Passing Bird and my personal favorite, My Sweet Nurse.

Marvelously Tragic.......2002-02-09

Katatonia is another band who has transcended from one genre of music into an entirely different one, and as with many other bands who go through this maturing process, it's been for the better. If you listened to Brave Murder Day and then this album, you wouldn't believe it was the same band. Whereas Brave Murder Day was pretty much straight up death metal, and not all that intense or talented at that, Last Fair Deal Gone Down is moody, melodic, tragic, and most of all, mellow rock/metal with strictly clean vocals. Considering that many lovers of extreme metal in any of its forms are very closed minded, some people might not like this, but if you can appreciate well, written music that just plain sounds good, this is a great investment for you. Sweet Nurse, Passing Bird, and the opening track, Dispossession are my favorites on this cd, but unlike many albums, there arent any bad songs on this one. You can play it straight through and enjoy every minute of it. Buy this now.

Best. Album. Ever........2001-11-18

I've listened to this album to the point where the 'catchiness' has completely worn off and I'm left with nothing but a total fascination that any handful of people could create something so deeply emotive with such stunning musicianship. I've listened to this album all the way through more than eighty times so far. I can't say I've listened to ANY CD in my collection for anywhere close to that. This is what music is all about.

Every song is excellent. Not only that, but the flow of the album is perfect. You can't help but go from one song to the next. You just can't skip any song. Few bands know how to create a perfect flow on an album and fewer still have the humility enough to throw out perfectly good material just because those songs couldn't keep the right flow to the album - and if you've heard the two songs on the Teargas EP, you'll know that they threw out some excellent songs.

I have tried, but cannot categorize this album. It seems to draw on traditional rock music while adding the best elements of newer rock. Their songs seem totally familiar and catchy, while still seeming totally ground breaking and fresh. The melodies are beautiful, but left-of-center with their off key touches at just the right places to create very vivid emotions. You almost won't notice it, but you will feel it. They are as heavy and oppressive as many metal bands, but strangely, they don't seem at all metal. I could swear they're on the verge of inventing a new style of music.

This should be in every music lover's collection. Peaceville placed a sticker on the front of the digipack that proclaimed it "the best Peaceville album ever" and I don't think it says enough. It is simply the best album I've ever heard.

everyone needs this album.......2001-07-14

moody rock/metal band katatonia have released a masterpiece. there is simply no reason why such quality music should go unnoticed in the united states. last fair deal gone down will appeal to fans of bush and soundgarden to fans of moonspell and samael.

if this is your first experience with katatonia, buy this album! then move on to tonight's decision and discouraged ones. their first two albums: Dance of December Souls and Brave Murder Day are pretty much irrelevant for katatonia in 2001.

Last Fair Deal Gone Down
Average customer rating:

Katatonia continue to evolve and release their most mature album to date.

Dark, Urban, and Haunting

Katatonia = yes.

Solid Release from a solid band

Ahhhh...they nailed it with this album

Last Fair Deal Gone Down
Katatonia
Manufacturer: Peaceville UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Great Cold Distance

ASIN: B000059ZF6
Release Date: 2001-03-15

Tracks:

Dispossession
Chrome
We Must Bury You
Teargas
Transpire
Tonight's Music
Clean Today
Future of Speech
Passing Bird
Sweet Nurse
Don't Tell a Soul

Album Description

2001 release for Swedish death/doom-metal act. For fans of Paridise Lost's gothic sound. 11 tracks including, 'Dispossession', 'Chrome' & 'We Must Bury You'. Deluxe digipack.

Customer Reviews:

Katatonia continue to evolve and release their most mature album to date........2006-10-26

Dark, Urban, and Haunting.......2004-03-06

This record by Katatonia strikes me as very emotional and urban. I picture a dark, chilly, overcast, February day in an industrial area of a city like Chicago, Cleveland or Pittsburgh. It isn't glamourous. They have the trademark effect of the "deep weeping" (as I like to put it) lead guitar which makes them soooo unique. Standout songs are Dispossession, Chrome, The Future of Speech, and especially Tonight's Music. If you like dark style rock or metal like Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Lacuna Coil, or Anathema, I would highly recommend Katatonia if you've never listened to them. This record is the best of thier latest three. Tonight's Music and Viva Emptiness have some great songs too so I would recommend them as well. Viva Emptiness has a much more "alternative" sound to it, but its very similar.

Katatonia = yes........2003-12-10

Well, let me start off by saying that this is Katatonia's best effort to date. If you're any kind of a Katatonia fan, or emotional rock fan, get this album. And listen to it. Religiously. Depending on where you come from, yes, this album may be a little inaccessible at first. If you're a seasoned fan of emotional rock or heavy metal, or if you're just an avid music fan and dive headlong into anything that you listen to, then you should have no problem getting into this album from the first listen. It's not as heavy and the mix isn't as dense as their previous work, or their latest offering, Viva Emptiness. Which I guess makes it prog rock. But it builds up more to the climaxes, and more intelligently, with breath-taking emotional guitar work. Erm... everything on this album is full of hopelessness and despair. It just envelopes and embodies this entire album... the atmosphere is unbelievable. Katatonia became a much more professional, polished act with this album. The vocals on their previous 2 efforts, Tonight's Decision and Discouraged Ones, seemed a bit more forced... he, er - wailed a bit more, if you will... almost whined. And the vocals throughout this entire album seem effortless, but are more hollow and thoroughly depressing than anything else I've heard previously or since. Perhaps reflecting changes in their lives as well. :\ But he truly sounds like a man who's on his last stand. Though I'll let you listen to the album and find out for yourself.

Solid Release from a solid band.......2003-08-09

I am glad that Katatonia is keeping away from their death vocals, although I didn't mind them much. But this new album, as pretty much every Katatonia album, is made of depressing subject matter, and Renske's clean vocals are hauntingly perfect for this mood.

Quick rundown of some songs...Dispossession is a wonderful song, with the vocals and lyrics blending perfectly together. We Must Bury You is haunting and will send a chill down your spine. The Future of Speech is an awesome song that deals with the devaluement of words due to the internet. Passing Bird is lovely, and Sweet Nurse is full of sorrow.

What is good about this CD? I love the lyrics. They are full of feelings of hopelessness and despair, and the music compliments them so very well. This album has it's heavier moments (1,4,5,6) and it's softer tunes (9,10) it blends them nicely and is a good effort by Katatonia. I definitely recommend this album for old fans, and believe this would be a good starting point for new fans.

Ahhhh...they nailed it with this album.......2001-09-21

Katatonia started taking a new direction of sound with the release of
Discouraged Ones. In my review of that album, I had a hard time
pinpointing what I liked about it and where it failed, but there were
definately some things going on in that recording that I really liked. With
this album, Katatonia really capitalized on the strengths of their newest
style of sound. Once again, though, I find it hard to pin down exactly
why, but I listen to them frequently, and though their music is relatively
simple and even repetitive, I never tire of it. Heavy, droning guitar riffs
overlaid with ghostly guitar solos and dreary yet melodic clean vocal
melodies somehow stick in my head all day after I listen to them. Even
though it's a riduculously easy musical formula, Katatonia have really
made this sound their own. The vocals are much improved over
"Discouraged.."; man, this guy sounds so freakin' depressed! Every note
sounds like he's singing at his mom's funeral or something; lonely,
anxious, sad, painful. But all this gloom and doom is wrapped up in
songs that I could dare to call "catchy". A couple songs, like "Teargas"
and especially "Sweet Nurse" (my personal fav) sound almost radio
worthy. I am reluctant to give this 5 stars only because it isn't terribly
original or complex, and a couple songs are pretty bland. But don't let
that stop form scoring this. It's worth it for all those other good songs.

Average customer rating:

Last Fair Deal Gone Down
Katatonia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005QX64
Release Date: 2001-10-26

Tracks:

Dispossession
Chrome
We Must Bury You
Teargas
Transpire
Tonight's Music
Clean Today
Future of Speech
Passing Bird
Sweet Nurse
Don't Tell a Soul

Album Description

Special edition of their latest album with a free limited bonus 3 track single featuring 'Tonight's Music' and 2 previously unreleased tracks 'Help Me Disappear' & 'Oh How I Enjoy The Light'. 2001.