TENACIOUS D
"The
Pick of Destiny" (Epic; 2006)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"The Pick of Destiny," of course, is both the title of the eagerly anticipated Tenacious D movie, as well as the title of the soundtrack to the film. What a coincidence!
Like the previous, self-titled Tenacious D CD, "The Pick of Destiny" is loaded with the acoustic metal of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, hysterical lyrics and some truly amazing songwriting. It's almost a novelty album but is far too accomplished and well-written to be considered just that.
The album starts of with a kick ... well, a "Kickapoo," to be exact. If you've seen the first six minutes of the film (widely available over the Internet), you'll know this track. It begins with Jack Black singing about his life as a child, and then cross-fades into Meat Loaf, singing a tune as Jack's father. After a brief interlude with Black again, legendary metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio takes over, setting up the film's story with a short song of his own. You really have to see the film clip to get a true feel for this piece but it works nearly as well on its own.
The remainder of the CD is classic D, with outrageous rockers ("The Government Totally Sucks"), hyper-sensitive ballads ("Baby"), and songs written directly for film segments ("Car Chase City" and "Break In City (Storm the Gate!)"). All of it is stunningly well-written, often hysterically funny and performed with almost manic charisma.
If there's any downside to "The Pick of Destiny," it's that it's too damn short. Unlike the previous Tenacious D album, with a running time of over 50 minutes, "The Pick of Destiny" runs only 34 minutes. That's not enough D! Hopefully, however, we won't have to wait another five years before we get some new music from this great duo.
Tenacious D: Jack Black - vocals and acoustic guitars; Kyle Gass - vocals and acoustic guitars. Also appearing on "The Pick of Destiny" are Dave Grohl - drums, demon vocals; Ronnie James Dio - vocals; Meat Loaf - vocals; John Spiker - bass, background vocals; John Konesky - electric guitar; Liam Lynch - guitar; John King - drum programming.
For more info, check out http://www.tenaciousd.com.
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Tenacious D consists of actor/musician Jack Black (yes, that Jack Black) and Kyle Gass. With this, their Epic Records debut, Tenacious D has created a true original. A CD that is as hysterically funny as it is musically superior. Armed with guitars, razor sharp wit, a liberal dose of profanity, and undeniable strong songwriting skills, "Tenacious D" is unlike anything you've heard before. You're gonna love the music and you're gonna laugh your ass off at the same time.
Playing with a fiery bravado that gives the music an undeniable power and that makes each song even funnier, Tenacious D are a little like Spinal Tap but not. First, they're a real band (at least compared to Spinal Tap). Second, their musical talent is stunning. Not only do these guys wail on the guitars, but their vocals are impressive as hell, too.
It's impossible to pick the best songs on the CD, but "Dio" is a highlight (in which Tenacious D tell the Holy Diver it's time he pack up so they can take over) as is the delicate love balled "Fuck Her Gently." It's also great the way the band will segue from a comedic interlude in which Kyle quits the band into a song called (are you ready for this?) "Kyle Quits the Band."
There's lots more. The CD clocks in at over 50 minutes. Do yourself a favor and pick up Tenacious D as quickly as you can.
Tenacious D is: Jack Black - lead vocals, guitar; Kyle Gass - lead acoustic guitar, vocals. Also performing on the CD are Dave Grohl, drums, guitar; Steve McDonald - bass; Warren Fitzgerald - lead electric guitar; Page McConnell - keyboards; Alfredo Ortiz - percussion; Woody Jackson - sitar; Andrew Gross - strings; Ken Andrews - guitar; John King - echoplex.
For more info, check out http://www.tenaciousd.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 26 Nov 2008 02:36:34 -0600
.
