GTAForums Music in Review

[lesfleanut]

 

Before I get into reviewing the album in question, perhaps I’ll take some time to inform you on the subject of Buckethead. There will be a test. Do not bother taking notes; the test is rigged in my favor.

 

Buckethead is one of the best shredders ever to grace our earth. His real name is Brian Carroll, and he wears a white mask, KFC bucket, and raincoat on stage. The public has never seen what Brian actually looks like, just his persona…

 

Looks out of the way, we should talk about his career. The man is a machine. He tours relentlessly and releases albums increasingly rapidly. In 2005 alone he has released three solo studio albums, put out full albums with 4 of his bands, and did multi-track cameos on 5 records with other bands. He also played some 250 shows. Basically he wakes up, takes a shower while tracking with one band, then finishes mixing with another band over coffee and pancakes, then plays a show while recording for 3 bands at once. I should also mention he uses a Roland BR-1600 as a pillow.

 

Enough bullsh*t, I’ll get to the review. I choose this album not because it is his best, but because it’s not a Buckethead album. This isn’t an extreme shred-fest, he’s not out to impress Yngwie. He teamed up with producer Serj Tankian (Vocalist, System of a Down) and many other artists to see how many different styles he could play. Without further adieu:

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Artist: Buckethead & Friends

Album: Enter the Chicken

Genre:: Experimental rock/Alternative Metal

Release Date: October 25, 2005

Producer: Serj Tankian

Label: Serjical Strike

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• Intro – this is just a chick singing opera over a Wal-Mart quality synth keyboard for 15 seconds. Nothing to see here - let’s move along, shall we?

 

• We Are One - This is a song with Serj doing the vocals. It begins with a fast rhythm guitar riff, Serj following the guitar exactly with his vocals. Then it’s got the chorus which is basically just the same using whole notes instead of triplets, with a trippy slow lead over them and calmer singing. From there it goes into an ever changing prog-style breakdown, with more slow parts, more fast parts, and one part that reminds me of old school Mr. Bungle. Very cool. For me, this song jumps out at me more than the others. It's very reminiscent of self-titled SOAD among other things. Great song, and for me, it’s the best track on the album.

 

• Botnus - This will rip your face off. It's a great metal song, with Efrem Shulz from Death By Stereo providing vocals. It's got several great leads and tons of kick your face in rhythm. The breakdown reminds me of a mellow Deftones one, and then goes back to kicking your ass. Good song.

 

• Three Fingers - Buckethead makes rap beats now? Saul Williams lends a blend of hip-hop spoken word and rap to this one. Its drum machine and bass loop all the way. It's got extremely tweaked out effect-ridden guitar during the slower parts, and rocks a bit on the chorus. This is definitely a change of pace for our chicken loving hero. I approve of this one.

 

• Running from the light - It's very... Different. Maura Davis from Denali sings. It's got a hip hop drum beat, and some kind of indie/post rock guitar work going on. Not sure if I like this one... Maura could use some singing lessons, although musically bucket can pull it off very well. Look out Austin.. Either way, I'll pass this one up - it's not for me.

 

• Coma - This one is far different from anything else on the album. It's got Iranian singer Azam Ali and Serg providing vocals. It sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. It's a slow drum and bass beat with very slow and extremely melodic guitar work. Very conducive to relaxation. Overall, I guess I would call it good. You just need to water it and let it grow on you.

 

• Waiting Hare - This one is slow, and pretty good. Shana Halligan and Serj are singing here. Bucket plays a slow melodic riff with his envelope filter on. Sounds great. Shana, although I don't know who she is, can sing nicely. The song is almost poppy. I would think Michelle Branch sang it is I didn't know better. It's alright, not my style but somehow it's growing on me.

 

• Interlude - A funny little 18 second ukulele diddy sang and played by Donald Conviser. Fun, but, like most interludes and intros, only worth my time once.

 

• Funbus - Featuring Dirk Rogers and Keith Aazam from the band Bad Acid Trip. It's fast, it shreds, double bass drumming? Hell yeah. This is the bucket I know. I like it, but I'm not I huge fan of speedy metal like this. I have to be in the mood. Good song nonetheless.

 

• The Hand - Fast attacking riff rock, with f*cking weird vocals from Maximum Bob, who sounds like my drunken grandfather trying to sing Tom Waits. Did I mention Ani Maldjian, a classically trained opera singer, sings throughout? Yeah, this song is a mess. If the weirdest guy you ever met took a sh*t in your CD player, this is what would come out. I love it.

 

• Nottingham Lace - The main Riff in this song reminds me of bucketheads riff from "Tyrany of the Hunt", a Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains song. This is totally instrumental. Epic. Very funky, as well. I really like this song a lot, great way to send the album on it's way. Very close if not tied for best on the album.

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Final thoughts: This is a good album, it's got it's weak spots (like 5, 6, and 7), but I'm not unhappy with the money I spent on it. I highly recommend you check it out, if you have an open mind that is... Anyways, here's how my ratings will work:

 

• 1 record = Total, disgusting, crap.

• 2 Records = Not my cup of tea, but talent is there.

• 3 records = Average, I liked a few songs, I can't wait to see what becomes of this band.

• 4 records = This album is awesome, I love it and will be in my CD player constantly for a good chunk of time.

• 5 Records = Amazing, couldn't live with out it. This CD will be one of my favorites forever.

 

Spin That Disk

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Here's a couple random Buckethead video's for good measure.

 

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=31...33&q=buckethead

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4...37&q=buckethead

 

[ISd3d]

Oh yeah, that's the guy that was supposed to play with Guns N' Roses.

 

I think I'll check this out .

[Rayo Puño]

Buckethead is sick, even though I don't care for his whole get-up. I saw a video on google of him doing some crazy ass 4 or 5 finger tapping. He's weird as hell, but he sure can shred a guitar to bits.

[vacuumo]

Buckethead is the only shredder worth his merit. Personally, I hate shred, but Buckethead is one of the few shredders who doesn't bore the f*ck out of me. He's got a real feel for the guitar, unlike the usual shred machines out there who just speed up and down the neck. From what I can see he seems fit for any style, even blues, which is a trait rarely seen in your every-day carbon copy shredder. But that's where Buckethead is different. He ISN'T your average shredder. There's a solid amount of videos available on YouTube, if you're interested. His jam on Jimi Hendrix' Machine Gun stands out.

[-slash]

I care about this topic, les.

 

I'd actually been following this since I found out he was teaming up with Serj, as I have a friend who seems to think quite highly of him.

 

On shredding, I found Guitar Shred Show to be pretty cool.

[Rob.]

Yeah, bucket head is probably the most accessible i got to shred, i don't usually like this type of music but his work is rather appealing, there's one picture on the net of bucket head without his mask on, it's rather old though:

 

 

Sorry for quite an old bump.

[Big Slow]

Look at that reach....