This release from one of my favorite instrumental bands manages to cram all the great things about them into one place: virtuosic drumming/playing, musical collage and some humor. The first time I heard this I literally wanted to go jogging, immediately. Improved my entire day. Some appreciation of Canadian rock-monsters Rush required.
reminds me of a clean cut version of CHROME energy wise.
With the title 'Sex Change', I was a bit apprehensive about getting this album. Like most other TA fans, I find some of their records to be difficult to listen to. Not this one. This may even be better than 'Future World'. The only overtly Rush-y thing I hear is the synth fade in on the first track, definitely shades of 'The Weapon'. However, 'Obscene Strategies' has the same groove as War's 'Low Rider'. 'Conspiracy of the Gods' is some cool Mermen-ish melody layered over some borderline thrash riffage. 'Shining Path' is a little modern Killing Joke-esque. And the rest of the tunes are classic Trans Am-styled pieces. And only one vocal track.
Possibly. I come back to this album from time to time, but it is not a 'must have' for me. I was attracted by the link to Chris Knox (whose TOY LOVE and TALL DWARVES output was outstanding kiwi genius). This is its way is as perverse as ever he was - and the first trans am record i've listened to. It took me three months' spare downloads to get the whole thing. I'm pretty sure that was a good decision, but it's not definite. So three stars. A description? Killing Joke meets Daft Punk... there are moments of grandeur in that somewhere.
Though I wouldn't say this is necessarily better than their eponymously titled debut. It may well have equaled that brilliant record. This got a negative review on boomkat. The reviewer, who criticised TA's generic sprawl, didn't understand the band --some people just want the same thing ad infinitum. Sure TA are clever to a --sometimes "in your face"-- fault, but if you can handle their showboating sense of irony, you might also notice that they kick some serious ass. As far as meandering, this record does so less than most of Trans Am's other releases. Their live show is Amazing. I don't like all of their records, but this definitely ranks as one of their best releases. Every time I listen to it I'm shocked by how good it is. Give BK props for only showering glowing praise on 99% of the cds they sell, but that reviewer is an idiot; His name and address are: (djfriendly has been killed for failure to lack all conviction)
Just wrote a huge, semi intellectual review for you guys telling of how much this album kicks ass with ace drumming and catchy songs, i spoke of how it was a victoriously successful lp and a welcome return by a truly great band after the dissapointingly disjointed liberation lp! i spoke of reasons why you shouldnt hesitate in downloading this sucker and i was pretty chuffed with the manner in which i wrote it too! however like a dick i erased it so there u go!
