Opium Jukebox is:
Martin Atkins - Strings, Producer, Vibraphone
Bob Dog - Strings, Vibraphone
Gerry Gibbs - Percussion
James Cobb - Horn
Lee Fraser - Programming, Mixing, Effects, Analogue Synthesizer
For those of you who took my Pigface review to heart (all...2 of you), you're in luck. I have decided to come back an review a related, and equally amazing album. Martin Atkins, ex-member of Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, Ministry, and who currently is the leader of Pigface, decided in 2000 that he wanted to make a group that would play "industrial" covers of popular songs. This is the first effort from this group, who he called Opium Jukebox. This album focuses mostly on covers of various 80s pop songs and early nineties hard rock, where each of Opium Jukebox's other albums ("Nevermind the Bhangra," "Bhangra, Bloody, Bhangra" and "Sticky Bhangra) are tribute albums to old bands (The Sex Pistols, Black Sabbath, and The Rolling Stones, respectfully). Though I have only heard this and the Sex Pistols Tribute Album, I much prefer this one. This could be because I'm more familiar with the tunes on here, so I can more fully appreciate the warped way in which the covers are done, but I think it's just simply better.
Overview:
We all know that covers are generally pretty lame. They are usually an opportunity for bands to either pay tribute to bands they really like by mimicking them, or are a way for a band to use the work of other bands for success. As I'm sure many of you write music, you probably find the idea of covers to be something reserved for beginners.
Such is not the case on this album, which is one of the most unique albums period, especially for a supposed "cover" album. The truth is, there are a few tunes on here where you have to listen close to find any sort of resemblance to the original, and none of them are even close to exact copies. Nearly all the tempos are slowed down, and the instrumentation is completely different, often geared to Indian stringed instruments and various percussion instruments. There are no vocals, except for spoken samples. No one sings the lyrics from the original songs, but most of the vocal melodies are present and played by some instrument or another. Long passages of music are completely fabricated, and not parts of the originals in any way. You may never look at "Smells Like Teen Spirit" the same way again, after hearing the the 7 minute, slow-tempo version found here.
Describing all of the songs would really be pointless, because there is generally a ton going on at any given point in every song. I can say that the album is all very mellow and dark, sort of droning. Even uptempo songs on here seem to drag along, and it's a very strange experience, especially when listened to under headphones. When you think of industrial, you may think of a more abrasive and heavy sounding record, but this really isn't that at all. I am finding it hard to describe, and I'm sorry. It's just something you HAVE to hear. Speaking of hearing it, you can contact me whenever you like on AIM at Alex27782 or MSN at [email]alex2778@chartermi.net[/email] if you want me to send you this album. I would certainly be glad to.
Song Highlights:
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Cars
Unbelievable
Tainted Love
Suggested for Fans Of: Pigface ([url]http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132049&highlight=Pigface[/url]), industrial music in general, any of the original versions of the songs covered, experimental/unique listening experiences
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
