Vulgar [Import]

1. Audience Killer Loop

2. Iiid Empire

3. Increase Blue

4. Syokubeni

5. Sajou No Uta

6. Red...

7. Asunaki Koufuku, Koenaki Asu

8. Marmalade Chainsaw

9. Kasumi

10. R to the Core

11. Drain Away

12. New Age Culture

13. Obscure

14. Child Prey

15. Amber

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
2003 album from Japanese act compared to Nine Inch Nails. 15 tracks including 'Child Prey' & 'Drain Away'. Sony Japan.

Tracks:

Mouth For War
A New Level
Walk
Fucking Hostile
This Love
Rise
No Good (Attack The Radical)
Live In A Hole
Regular People (Conceit)
By Demons Be Driven
Hollow

Amazon.com

Probably the heaviest album ever to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart, Pantera's Vulgar Display of Power proved that, even in an era of alternative rock supremacy, heavy metal fans were still a force to contend with. Blending eerie, surging grooves influenced by Black Sabbath with thrashy speed metal riffs, Pantera created a bleak, oppressive disc that captured both ends of the speed spectrum without resorting to cliché, abrupt tempo shifts. Guitarist Diamond Darrell plays with as much crunch as the best Metallica, while vocalist Phil Anselmo screams loud enough to satisfy any GBH fan. Coupled with Vinnie Paul's insistent, double bass-drum onslaught, you're left with a record that's a dentist's wet dream--an album that'll shake the fillings out of even the strongest teeth. --Jon Wiederhorn

Customer Reviews:

just like every other supposedly "classic" band, utterly useless, unoriginal and unworthy of their praise.......2007-07-29

Nirvana were just a mix of Jesus Lizard, Dinosaur, Jr., the Melvins and the Pixies; Pantera are just a moron's version of Exhorder.

Now Slaughter in the Vatican and the Law don't exactly have the greatest, most profound lyrics ever written, but they're Whitman compared to Phil Anselmo's lyrics.

MY MOM GOT JUMPED, THEY RAN

Ha, nobody cares, you attention hungry halfwit.

And Dimebag, please, if this guy was still alive and Damageplan had continued on everyone would be so over him it would hurt. But he got blasted in his face, boo hoo, a legend is born; no.

Fripp he is not.

Pantera, just like Nirvana, and In Flames now, are severely watered down for mass marketing to all the braindead cavemen who deserve nothing more than this tripe.

Here's to hoping someone unearths Dimebag's corpse & lets their bowels loose.

you know the band, but do you know the music?.......2007-07-27

Pantera's Vulgar Display of Power was considered a highly influential album back upon its release in 1992. I'm not really into this kind of heavy metal (obviously combined with some grunge aspects) but some of these songs are okay. I can't deny the influence this band had on the popular music scene (for better or worse) and this is the album responsible for the future generation of heavy metal bands.

"Mouth for War" starts things off. The guitar riff that opens the song is pretty good, and the drumming adequate. Decent guitar solo in the middle that you soon realize is pretty melodic. The chorus is alright, though nothing exciting. Unfortunately, when the verse melody finally kicks in, I'm immediately reminded that the heavy metal music scene hasn't changed at *all* over the last 15 years. I'm writing this review in the middle of July in the year 2007. The metal scene hasn't changed much, and that's disappointing (and frightening). I bet 10 years from now we'll *still* be hearing bands with nearly-identical ideas deliberately copied from this Pantera album. The days of creative acts such as Metallica and Queensryche dominating the scene are offically over.

"Walk" rules. The guitar riff that repeats throughout the song is quite memorable, along with the vocal melody. Catchy song overall. F***ing Hostile" is a REALLY energetic track. Not really what I'd call a classic because the speed and the guitar riffs wear me down after a while. It's only a couple minutes long, and it's really too heavy for me to handle. The lead singer tends to be overbearing on several occasions, and it's hard for me to understand the appeal.

"This Love", just like "Mouth of War", immediately grabbed my attention because of the many *many* artists who copied the way this song was created and sounds. I can't tell you how many songs I've heard that sound just like this one. The mellow section that begins the song is supposed to be creepy and grunge-y, but it just sounds like an unmemorable melody that's basically a ballad. The song is actually a switch between a ballad and a rocker. The rocking parts come into the picture quite unexpectedly and sounds clunky and out of place compared to the mellow section. In other words, I'm going back and forth between bored and annoyed. Not really that good of a song, but at least these guys were one of the originators. They deserve credit for that. Not acknowledging how significant this band was on the heavy metal scene would be total ignorance.

Many times I think Pantera just took what Metallica did and simplified their style and sound. Pantera sounds quite similar to the commercial period of Metallica's career (the Black Album). It's also funny how people mention Pantera as being the band to finally end the hair metal movement of the 80's, and yet, their guitar solos are almost identical to bands like Twisted Sister and Quiet Riot. They just increased the anger and the volume of the vocal melodies while still putting songs together more or less the same way as any hair metal band. It would be impossible to deny Pantera's influence, despite what I think about them personally, so for that the album gets a fair rating from me.

A New Level...of confidence and power!!.......2007-07-24

Vulgar Display Of Power (1992.), Pantera's second recognised studio album (their sixth if you count their four album releases during the 1980's which the band now totally disregards)

Every so often with any genre of music, a band comes along and shocks listeners and critics alike with a new trademark style of playing. Pantera are one such band. After tossing aside their glam metal roots from the 1980's, the band began to play their music heavier and much more mercilessly than before. The band's major label debut, 1990's `Cowboys From Hell' was a godlike display of powerful, intense riffing and brutal rhythms. It was a debut masterpiece that took the thrash style of 80's giants such as Metallica and Megadeth and blended it with a much more hardcore style. Indeed, Pantera were one of the heaviest bands around at the time. The question was where would Pantera next go with their pioneering groove metal style?

Pantera's second trip to the studio was one which produced phenominal results. With `Vulgar Display Of Power', the band get heavier and much more brutal than before. For me and many other fans, it is this album which truly defines the groove metal style that Pantera were all about. The songs on the album are generally slower than those on `Cowboys From Hell' however there is much more focus on heaviness and groove. Dime's often downtuned, insane riffage is pure power throughout the album (it is less high pitched than on Cowboys). He further establishes himself as a guitar god with some more amazing, varied solos and with some excellent changes of style and rhythm. Furthermore the signature sound that Pantera fully developed on this album includes some blistering rhythm section work. Vinnie Pauls drumming is aggressive, intense but highly creative and his impressive double bass work throughout the album adds a great backdrop to the Pantera sound. Rex, on bass, again is fantastic, providing some great undercurrent rhythms to Dime's riffing. Also, his basswork below the solos is able to keep the heaviness to the music, without the aid of a rhythm guitar! Phil Anselmo's vocals are much more hardcore on this album. His style on `Cowboys From Hell' was very akin to the vocals of James Hetfield of Metallica (he does a great job on that album IMHO); however on this album, his vocals are much more aggressive, distorted, screamy, deep and powerful. Phil may not go down as one of the all time great vocalists however he adds a massive amount of power, vitriol and intensity that works perfectly with the musicians in the band. All in all, `Vulgar Display Of Power' shows a band keeping their foot on the accelerator - man this is f*cking hostile stuff!!

`Mouth For War' sets the perfect tone for the style of the album. An endless barrage of strong Dime riffs and barked vocals from Phil make this an intimidating opener full of strength and groove. The exit riffs and chords are especially earth shattering. `A New Level' speaks for itself as a song - Phil Anselmo screams `A new level of confidence and power' in the chorus; it says everything about the band's music on this album. This is anothern really intense and impressive song. Next is perhaps Pantera's most famous song, `Walk'. A slow sludgy riff powers its way through a song full of anger and aggression. Dime's solo on this one is brilliant. `F*cking Hostile' is a short, thrashier follow up with express riffs and cutting rhythms. `This Love' shows Pantera expanding their style. The intro and verses are acoustic in style and with Phil singing some excellent, clean, baritone vocals creating an expectation that the song is about to explode. Indeed it does for the choruses, with heavy riffs and yells alike providing a great contrast. `Rise' is a continuation of the intense groove style on the album, with a whirling chorus pounding out the mix.

`No Good (Attack The Radical)' has some excellent melodies from Dime coupled with plenty of punching chords. His solo on here is a rapid display full of ingenuity. `Live In A Hole' has a great mix of wah-wah riffs and a strong `Fear, Grips!' chorus. Dime's trade off solos are excellent, as is Rex's bass work underneath. `Regular People (Conceit)' is a slow, intense gallop with more battery-like drumming from Vinnie Paul. A mellow verse line adds a great contrast to the song. `By Demons Be Driven' is my personal favourite track on the album. This is a beast of a song which fades in which machine-like riffs. A dark, foreboding song full of atmosphere. `Hollow' is a excellent finisher. The first half of the song is very melodic with Dime's guitar work and Phil's vocals both being done in clean style - it is very much in the vein of `Cemetery Gates'. That is until the song melds into darker tones coupled with acoustic lines. The song races to an blistering finish with all of the band showing off their musical skills.

`Vulgar Display Of Power' is a milestone both for Pantera and metal in general. With this album, the band step up the ante and add new levels of heaviness and intensity to their music previously unexpected at the time. Eventhough this is not my personal favourite Pantera album (that for me is `Cowboys From Hell'), there is no doubt in my mind that this is the album that defines Pantera and all that they stood for. A template for many bands in the last 10-15 years, this album is a timeless classic, full of strong songwriting and style. Pantera would further develop on this style but it was this juggernaut of an album which immortalised them! Highly Recommended!

R.I.P. Dimebag Darrel

MY RATING: 9.5/10

NOTE TO AMAZON: The editiorial review for this product contains an error. `Vulgar Display Of Power' didn't actually go to number 1 in the Billboard Album Chart, it was the follow-up `Far Beyond Driven' which did. `Vulgar Display Of Power' actually only reached number 44 however it has gone on to become Pantera's biggest selling album, shifting 2 million copies in the USA alone.

Metal in your face.......2007-06-08

This CD is metal in your face. By Demons be Driven is something you just HAVE to listen to. This CD is full of music that'll make you think and tear stuff up.

Metal at its best.......2007-04-03

Pantera has released a few albums before Vulgar, but this one is when they first started to take off. "Walk" and "F**king Hostile" are my favorites, and love each other song almost equally.

The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboy's Vulgar Hits

Average customer rating:

I Have To Say, I'm Disappointed, RIP DIME
Love these cowboys from hell
If you don't like it, then don't buy it!
Buy it for the bonus DVD
If you've never heard Pantera before...

The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboy's Vulgar Hits
Pantera
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Far Beyond Driven
Cowboys From Hell
Official Live: 101 Proof
Vulgar Display of Power
Reinventing the Steel

ASIN: B0000C3I4A
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

Cowboys From Hell
Cemetery Gates
Mouth For War
Walk
This Love
I'm Broken
Becoming
5 Minutes Alone
Planet Caravan
Drag The Waters
Where You Come From (Live)
Cat Scratch Fever
Revolution Is My Name
I'll Cast A Shadow
Goddamn Electric
Hole In The Sky

Customer Reviews:

I Have To Say, I'm Disappointed, RIP DIME.......2007-01-26

Trying to fit Pantera's music onto a greatest hits compilation is like trying to see how many bulbs you can take out of a string of Christmas lights and still have it run: it ain't happening.

That being said, I feel a little let down by this record. Not only in the music, but the video collection. At the very least, the video for "Planet Caravan" could just as easily have fit onto the bonus DVD. Music wise, there were many great songs from COWBOYS FROM HELL (most notably "Primal Concrete Sledge" and "Psycho Holiday") that were left out, and similarly, any of the following: "A New Level" and "F***ing Hostile" from VULGAR, "Strength Beyond Strength" from DRIVEN, "Suicide Note, Pt. 2" from TRENDKILL, and "It Makes Them Disappear" from STEEL, could have gone here (especially that LAST one, since they stuck "I'll Cast a Shadow," the track that "Disappear" fades into on the STEEL album, onto BEST OF) and made this greatest hits collection a little more potent.

Additionally, they didn't go all the way with the title of this record: it needs to be something like THE BEST OF PANTERA: FAR BEYOND THE GREAT SOUTHERN COWBOYS' VULGAR 101 PROOF STEEL HITS!

Then again, whenever a band releases an "official" greatest hits collection, some fans somewhere are always going to be left out. If you think this is an excellent collection, more power to ya. Everyone has a right to his/her opinion. But personally, this greatest hits record isn't really that great to me. However, there's always room for a greatest hits, volume 2, perhaps?

Love these cowboys from hell.......2007-01-10

If you are a Pantera fan. This album is a must have. Has all thier hits plus bonus video. Got it for my husband for christmas. He absolutely loved it. Great addition to a well rounded music collection.

If you don't like it, then don't buy it!.......2006-12-25

I happen to think this a great collection of Pantera songs from the first song to the last. I can't help but laugh when I see so many people giving it 4 out of 5 stars, and then complaining about the songs that are on it. With as many good songs that the band came out with, there's no posible way they could do a "Best Of" CD that would please everybody. We all have our own opinion of what songs would be best for this type of CD, but I doubt any two are exactly alike.

I've been listening to Pantera from the first song they ever played on the radio, and happily I'm still listening to them today. Hearing about the unfortunate death of "Dimebag Darryl" was a major blow to a lot of fans, and IMO, having this CD as a part of your collection is one of the smartest purchases a person could make. Many people don't think Planet Caravan should have been on this CD, but I actually like the idea of having a song like this so as to give my ears (and brain) a momentary break. I guess you could say I was in a "Comfortably Numb" place the first time I heard the song, so it brings back a lot of good memories for me anyway.

Bottom line: look at the songs listed on this CD, listen to the samples they have here, and then decide for yourself whether it's a good collection or not........if not, then don't buy it!!!

Buy it for the bonus DVD.......2006-11-16

From the greatest heavy metal band of all time, comes Reinventing Hell:The best of Pantera. However, I don't believe that this is actually the 'best of' Pantera, there are a lot better songs out there by the band. These songs just being the best of the commercially released singles. I would suggest buying the entire catalogue of Pantera albums if you don't already own them and get right into their music. For all fans, this is more of a worthwhile purchase for the bonus DVD, which features 10 music videos plus a couple of live bonus tracks, it is worth the money for the DVD alone. It also includes a 14 page colour booklet with pictures and a brief timeline and bio of the band. A good summary of a long successful career.

If you've never heard Pantera before..........2006-11-09

Then you should just buy Cowboys From Hell. While most of the songs on here are good, it isn't a good sample of their best work. I would replace Drag The Waters, I'll Cast A Shadow, Planet Caravan, This Love, and Becoming with, say, The Great Southern Trendkill, Message in Blood, Hellbound, Clash With Reality, and A New Level...maybe something different, but clearly not a great selection. This I would recommend to fans for 2 reasons; firstly, Cat Scratch Fever is amazing; this is a great song, and the cover makes it heavier, cleaner, and cooler, as well as Hole in the Sky, a cover of the old Sabbath song. It's heavier, but lacks the vibe of the original. Still, a good song. The second reason is the videos. While they all suck, I'm guessing hardcore fans (and with Pantera there's no other kind) will still want them.

Average customer rating:

Possibly the best Diru album ever...
Not a kid, just don't have my own Amazon account.
Great
One of Dir en grey's best!
Keeps getting better and better...

Vulgar
Dir en Grey
Manufacturer: Sony Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Gauze
Macabre
Kisou
Withering to Death
Withering to Death

ASIN: B0000AFOPI
Release Date: 2003-09-22

Tracks:

Audience Killer Loop
Ill D Empire
Increase Blue
Shokubeni
Sajou No Uta
Red... (Em)
Asunaki Koufuku, Koenaki Asu
Marmalade Chainsaw
Kasumi
to the Core
Drain Away
New Age Culture
Obscure
Child Prey
Amber

Album Description

2003 album from Japanese act compared to Nine Inch Nails. 15 tracks including 'Child Prey' & 'Drain Away'. Sony Japan.

Customer Reviews:

Possibly the best Diru album ever..........2007-05-26

It would take me forever to go through and say why EVERY song on this album is a masterpiece, but Vulgar is possibly one of the best DeG albums in their back catelogue. Withering To Death was good, but compared to Vulgar, WtD is a close second. Forget the naysayers who ignorantly claim Vulgar was the point DeG went "Nu-Metal" because they are not in any way shape or form. DIR EN GREY would eat LINKIN PARK for breakfast. Some of the choice cuts are CHILD PREY, SHOKUBENI, IIIRD EMPIRE, OBSCURE (look for the vid on Youtube), and RED [EM] which has a very catchy, simple guitar intro. WARCON RECORDS (Diru's current U.S. Distributor) is making a HUGE mistake by not Re-Releasing Diru's previous works in America, because I am fairly sure MANY fans would like to get their hands on this album without having to pay hefty $40 shipping fees. The kiddies at HOT TOPIC are missing out on a MASTERPIECE, oh well... too bad.

Not a kid, just don't have my own Amazon account........2007-03-12

First off, Dir en grey are NOT metal, they are j-rock. This goes for Withering to death and The Marrow of a Bone as well. In no way, shape, or form are Dir en grey metal. If you say/think they are you are NOT a real fan because you don't know anything about their music.

Saddly the first album I listened to was Withering to death, which did take a while to grow on me, but I love it now. Then I got Gauze, which is quite good too. But now, when I ordered Vulgar I was expecting something close to Withering to death, I was wrong, and I'm quite happy about it!

I don't think this album could be better in anyway. From Killer Audience Loop to Amber this is just a terrific album, and my favorite Dir en grey album too. I see quite a bit of difference between Vulgar and Gauze quite obviously, but I don't see any drastic over-the-top changes, I don't really see that until they change a LOT during Withering to death.

If you like Dir en grey but don't have this album. Buy. It. Now.

Highly recommended.

Great.......2007-03-05

It's one of Dir en grey's more complex albums. The songs move and connect smoothly, but they all sound different. Overall it's great and a highly recommended album.

One of Dir en grey's best!.......2006-08-11

The opening track, Audience Killer Loop is thrashy, yet haunting at the same time, Kyo's voice is like a ghost in pain,whispering and beckoning from the grave. The IIID Empire makes me want to headbang, the riffs are great, and it mixes some electronica in there. Increase Blue stands out becuase its like an 80's glam metal song, but a bit harder, Sykoubeni is another trashy song, but then mellows out, but has a lot of yelling in it. A great track. Sajou no Uta has a bit of a poppy feel to it, but its a good song. Did someone call Nirvana back from the dead? Red... uses the same riff as Smells like Teen Spirit, and its really good at it becuase the moaning combined with the riff is awesome.Asunaki Koufuku, Koenaki Asu makes me want to have a headache, its really catchy, but its pounding bass is hard to deal with. Marmalade Chainsaw reminds me of oldschool 80's thrash mixed with death metal. Awesome stuff there. Kasumi reminds me of a Tool song, its more mellow, and its nice. R to the Core shows Dir en grey's punk roots, and mixes it with a bit of thrash. Good skatepunk, it could fit on any of the Tony Hawk games perfectly. Drain Away is different, its poppy yet dark at the same time. Good vocals on this one. New Age Culture is really fast, and anthemic, makes you want to be in a mosh pit. Obscure, the haunting track with the inamous video. A dark, pounding beat combined with wailing vocals. Defontly stands out on here. Child prey is another punk-like song, fast, and mostly in English. Amber has a really good solo, and combines some good foot pedal stuff.

This is one of Dir en grey's best albums, this and Withering to Death are 2 of their best albums to date. I give Vulgar a 9/10. Get it if you like metal, and a mixture of melodies and genres.

Keeps getting better and better..........2006-08-09

Dir en Grey keeps getting better and better with each album, and Vulgar is no exception. The songs range from hard and driving to soft and melodious, and the range of songs that Dir en Grey performs are amazing.

Dir en Grey is definitely maturing with age.

Average customer rating:

good
BUY IT NOW!
You and Your Sister
Velvets 3rd LP meets early REM at Buddy Holly's Danceteria
"Drive Somewhere" is pure genius

You and Your Sister
Vulgar Boatmen
Manufacturer: Safehouse Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Please Panic
Wide Awake
Cuba
The Silos
When The Telephone Rings

ASIN: B000001XTU
Release Date: 1992-04-10

Tracks:

Mary Jane
You And Your Sister
Margaret Says
Katie
Drive Somewhere
Decision By The Airport
Change The World All Auround
Fallen Down
Hold Me Tight
Cry Real Tears
Drink More Coffee
The Street Where You Live

Customer Reviews:

good.......2005-12-16

remarkable that this was done in the 80's when the standard for pop pruduction was layered, artificial, mechanized and cheesy .. this has that recorded in your dining room sound so ahead of its time. Proof of the power of a simple approach means fun for the performer and the listener. The total antithesis of more pretensious and agonized genres of rock (prog, fusion, etc.)
Long Live the Vulgar Boatmen!!

See also: The Feelies
1st REM album
Freedy Johnston
Ramones
NRBQ
Daddy Cool

BUY IT NOW!.......2003-01-02

This is one of the BEST unsung rock cds of all-time. They actually backed up a band I was with in the 80s and I picked up this disc at that time, WOW! It's GREAT!

You and Your Sister.......2002-09-27

I found this album many years ago through some obscure reference in an album review. The 1st time I listened to it -it did not work for me. I always try to give my disks another shot and so put in on some months later while doing some housework -BAM -This time I got it! This is a great disk! (As is their follow-up "Please Panic"). "Drive Somewhere" has one of the catchiest guitar hooks ever -one of my all-time favorite songs.
The album is full of great songs seemingly so simple and effortless that you do not realize how well crafted they are. The rhythms, the lyrics, they work. Everytime I listen to the disk I find new favorite songs.
I have had this disk for over 10 years and every 6 months or so I come back to it and play it for a few weeks. It still does not sound dated. I am playing it now which prompted me to look for more recent works. Unfortunately, like another old favorite group, the Feelies, I will have to make due with what I have.
Worth purchasing!

Velvets 3rd LP meets early REM at Buddy Holly's Danceteria.......2002-01-22

Hailing from both Gainesville, Florida AND Indianapolis, Indiana, the
two principal songwriters in the Vulgar Boatmen normally collaborated via the intrepid U.S. mail system,
sending each other 4-track tapes until a song was completed to mutual satisfaction.
Renowned University of Florida English & Film Studies professor/songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Robert Ray generally refused to tour so it was probably the Indiana
version of The Boatmen, led by Dale Lawrence, who you may have seen in your local Midwest bar during the 1980's and 90's. The band's spiritual home, however, remained in the hip, bustling college mecca of
Gainesville (POP:135,000) where the abashedly superior Florida version of the band
played dozens of infamous local gigs and sweaty house parties to a rabid following of college kids, fellow professors, and grungy punk-rockers,
all of whom sang along with every word and danced like crazed, drunken tops until the
very wee small hours of the morning.
This particular album marks their first non cassette-only release and is still a true unheralded, undiscovered gem.
"You and Your Sister" & "Cry Real Tears" are both wistful and super-hooky dance numbers
while "Fallen Down" has got to be the greatest hit single that never was.

The Vulgar Boatmen's music is steeped in the paisley-fortified, alternative
"kudzu power-pop" scene that flourished in the Deep South during the 1980's. If you
are a fan of EARLY REM, the B-52's, Pylon, Fetchin' Bones, Let's Active, The Db's, The Producers or
even The Everly Brothers, this is for you although they do not really sound anything like those bands.
Cuban-born Walter Salas-Humara of the seminal "No Depression"
roots-rock group The Silos and famous Nashville & L.A. session bassist/producer J.D. Foster are some of the revolving cast of players that make up the ever-shifting roster of
The Vulgar Boatmen. The songs themselves frequently revolve around a few well-chosen chords that support lovely soaring harmonies. Concise arrangements are often framed by impossibly melodic, driving viola solos played by Helen Kirklin, Ray's wife and subject of the classic Silos song, "Pictures of Helen." Great, arching melodies, sublime lyrics, and rock-dance rhythms make for a truly unique listening experience. No less than the great Mr.Elvis Costello once stated that The Vulgar Boatmen were his favorite rock band. Too bad there aren't
more truly musical, visionary ROCK bands like this still around out there!

I just happen to own this on CD, Lp and
cassette--I am still waiting for the VHS!

"Drive Somewhere" is pure genius.......2001-07-24

You won't regret buying this CD if only for "Drive Somewhere". Possibly the best song to listen to on a long drive EVER.

Average customer rating:

Wait - Where's the Goateed Tattooed Fop?
"Wide Awake" in America
"Wide Awake" in America
Classic Vulgar Boatmen, Some remastered, some suprises

Wide Awake
The Vulgar Boatmen
Manufacturer: No Nostalgia Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

You and Your Sister
Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

ASIN: B0000AGWSB
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

Change The World All Around
Drive Somewhere
Margaret Says
Mary Jane (Electric)
The Street Where You Live
Calling Upstairs
We Can Figure This Out
Anna
Allison Says
In A Station
You Don't Love Me Yet
There's A Family
Wide Awake
I'm Not Stuck On You
Fool Me
Cry Real Tears
You're The One
Decision By The Airport
Heartbeat
Mary Jane (Acoustic)
Traveling

Customer Reviews:

Wait - Where's the Goateed Tattooed Fop?.......2003-08-23

This is rock & roll guaranteed to clear the room of all the irritating people. Nobody who has "issues" will be able to stand an honest record like this.

And every finger-flailing nitwit lead guitarist in Christendom should be strapped into a chair Clockwork Orange-style and forced to listen to the interplay between the guitars in this group.

"Wide Awake" in America.......2003-08-19

Just when it appeared that The Vulgar Boatmen, perhaps the most criminally underappreciated American rock band of their generation, were about to fade away into oblivion, a little company named No Nostalgia records has rescued their recorded legacy from the dustbin. The compilation ablum "Wide Awake" is the label's first effort, and will soon be followed by long overdure re-releases of the band's original three studio albums, including the currently out-of-print gems, "Please Panic" (1992) and "Opposite Sex" (1995).

Containing 21 songs and 75 minutes of music, "Wide Awake" is a truly comprehensive collection of music spanning all three previous albums. Most of the band's best songs are included in their original versions. There are also a handful of remixes, one live recording, one previously unreleased song and an absolutely fantastic accoustic version of "Mary Jane," the first song on their 1989 debut, "You and Your Sister." The album is similar in format to Uncle Tupelo's recent anthology, and I'd stack the Vulgar Boatmen's music up against Farrar, Tweedy and company anyday in terms of quality and uniqueness.

My sources tell me that the band is back together and touring the Midwest again. Hopefully, they'll head back into the studio soon as well. If you've never heard the Vulgar Boatmen's music, "Wide Awake" is a terrific place to start.

"Wide Awake" in America.......2003-08-19

Classic Vulgar Boatmen, Some remastered, some suprises.......2003-08-18

Wide Awake: The Vulgar Boatmen's New CD Release
By Rick Wilkerson

If you've been looking - and not finding - CD's by The Vulgar Boatmen, there's good news for you. Wide Awake, primarily a compilation of their first three albums, is due out August 12.

The Vulgar Boatmen are one of the city's hidden gems. Hidden is what happens to even the best bands here; we're just not a hotbed for Next Big Things. What we do have, though, is some amazing talent and The Vulgar Boatmen are just one example, and a long-running one at that.

Most people will be stunned to know that they've been around, in some form, since 1981. That's 22 years by my count.

The Vulgar Boatmen's story is one of the most convoluted and strange biographies I've ever encountered in music. Here is the short version: The group was created in 1981 by five University of Florida art students, including Walter Salas-Humara, later of The Silos. The following year, Robert Ray, a University of Florida professor, joined. Salas-Humara left and Ray began collaborating long-distance with Dale Lawrence, whom he'd met at Indiana University years before. Lawrence, known for his involvement in the later, power-pop version of The Gizmos, was then fronting a band called Right To Left. He changed his band's name to The Vulgar Boatmen and they became the primary performing unit, while the Florida band went into the studio.

In 1989, the Boatmen released their first LP, You and Your Sister. Lawrence appeared on several cuts, with Ray fronting much of the LP. But in the Midwest and beyond, as The Vulgar Boatmen of Indianapolis began touring, this WAS the band, and the fact that the recording didn't sound quite like the Indianapolis unit was confusing. Despite that, it was a great record and well received by critics nationally. In 1992, under similar circumstances, the band released a second LP, Please Panic. In the backwash of REM and the jangle-rock movement of the time, it looked like the Vulgar Boatmen were going places.

Instead, they somehow missed their date with fame. A third album, Opposite Sex, was released by Warner Brothers, but peculiarly, only in Germany and was just briefly available as an import here. The Florida unit essentially faded away, though Lawrence and Ray continued to work together on compositions.

Meanwhile, Lawrence and his cohorts have soldiered on, playing live regularly. Their signature hypnotic power-pop has worn well over the years. Last year, in conjunction with fellow Indiana outfit (and major label refugee) The Mysteries of Life, Lawrence helped start a new label, No Nostalgia, which will issue the retrospective Wide Awake on August 12.

The CD includes 21 cuts, three of which are heretofore unreleased and three are remixed. Otherwise, it hits the high spots of the earlier releases.

This music is quite simply as timeless as Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly or Johnny Cash. The Boatmen have made an art form out of subtle simplicity, even while the compositions are not so simple. The appearance of this CD is so incredibly overdue; I urge everyone to go out next week and get a copy. It should be required listening for anyone who lives here.

Please Panic
Average customer rating:

Great Stuff

Buy This if You Can Get a Copy

Please Panic
Vulgar Boatmen
Manufacturer: Safehouse Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

You and Your Sister

ASIN: B000008M2B
Release Date: 1992-02-07

Tracks:

Don't Mention It
Calling Upstairs
We Can Figure This Out
Fool Me
You Don't Love Me Yet
There's a Family
You're the One
Goodnight, Jean-Marie
I'm Not Stuck on You
Allison Says
Stop Alternating
23rd of September

Customer Reviews:

Great Stuff.......2004-12-07

Great stuff. Along with The Silos, The Reivers, Hoodoo gurus, and The Ike Riley Assassination, among the great "undiscovered" bands of the alt-rock era. You won't find a catchier tune than "You don't love me yet", and there's not a bad song in the batch. It's one of those bands that when they come to town, you take a chance and see them--you can't believe they don't garner more attention. They put on a great live show. Check out their other great Cd "You and your sister". Highly recommended.

Buy This if You Can Get a Copy.......2003-03-17

The Vulgar Boatmen are perhaps THE most criminally underappreciated American rock band of the last 15 years. To date, they have released three studio albums, only one of which, their 1989 debut "You and Your Sister," is currently available. But there is good news! A company called No Nostalgia records is preparing to re-release all of the band's albums within the next year or so. Here's hoping it happens.

As for "Please Panic," it is the Indianapolis band's second album, released in 1992. The VB's sound is a more pop-ish version of R.E.M., but what really puts them over the top is the AMAZING songwriting abilities of co-leaders Dale Lawrence and Robert Ray. These guys infuse nearly every song with a catchy hook and/or a memorable chorus, so much so that it is baffling that they have had so little success breaking into the mainstream. The highlights on "Please Panic" include the mid-tempo "You Don't Love Me Yet" (for my money, the band's best song), the single "Don't Mention It," "You're the One," and "We Can Figure This Out." As with every VB album, there is a strong consistency from track.

Album Description

Mars Electric hail from Birmingham, Alabama. This quartet was formed in 1997 by front man Jacob Bunton under the name Wish. With the addition of drummer Matt Finn, bassist Carl Ray Hopper and guitarist Chris Simmons, it wasnt long before they had major label interest and a debut album Beautiful Something in 2000. Mars Electric spent much of that year touring, sharing the stage with such acts as Stone Temple Pilots, Mötley Crüe, The Scorpions, and Alice Cooper. After returning to Alabama, the band began rehearsing songs for their sophomore album. Then they headed to Chicago and recruited producer Joey Donatello (Michael Jackson) to produce album number two: 2003's Fame Among The Vulgar. The ten tracks span beautiful heartfelt ballads to in-your-face rock n' roll anthems. Atenzia. 2005.

Average customer rating:

Kill Rock 'n' Roll

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0009G6NQ0
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Album Description

Kill Rock 'N' Roll contains songs of pure classic hardcore that must be heard to be understood. Vulgar Deli have opened for The Misfits, S.O.D., Supersuckers, Unband, Poison Idea, Speeddealer, Rob Zombie, GrimShunk and Zeke among others.

Average customer rating:

Burning Episode

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000BVZ4T0
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Average customer rating:

Worth every Penny of Brutality!!
I feel for the people who live next to this band's space

Genetic Predisposition
Vulgar Pigeons
Manufacturer: Howling Bull America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000056VJN
Release Date: 2001-01-16

Customer Reviews:

Worth every Penny of Brutality!!.......2004-02-04

If you are tired of typical metal, then this is exactally what you need! It will rip your head off and leave you lying in a ditch wishing to die. One of the greatest grind albums I have heard in a long time!! Get it NOW!

I feel for the people who live next to this band's space.......2003-04-03

While this album has some fantastic artwork, I do have a few
issues with the sound the pigeons have. It sounds like they
put some people on some instruments that didn't know how to
play and were told "make a lot of noise". The lead singer
Spencer Rangitsch does have the scream-lyric down, that's for
sure. The last five tracks are listed as "Live" but I can't
hear anything in those tracks to distinguish them from the
non-live tracks, or from any of the other tracks for that matter.
This album would be the perfect listening complement for someone
who has listened to too much Barbara Streisand and is looking
for a change of scenery.

Rock Music:

Rock Music

rock music

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