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Joined: April 01 2009
Location: Atlanta
Status: Offline
Points: 26138
Posted: May 14 2012 at 22:13
What a coincidence -- I'd pulled out a bunch of my Keneally stuff just today. Here's a quick capsule review of the ones I have --
"HAT" - the debut. Mike at his wackiest. Lots of Rundgren and XTC influence mixed in with a few complex guitar instrumentals. Some of his most ridiculous and childish songs can be found here. I get the feeling he was trying to make his own hybrid of "A Wizard a True Star" (Rundgren) and "Sheik Yerbouti" (Zappa) here.
"BOIL THAT DUSK SPECK" -- Similar, but darker and more serious. His father died around this time. 30 or so songs. More instrumentals this time, and a bit of metal in there too.
"SLUGGO" -- This one integrates the complexity into more elaborate songs. No more short joke tracks for the most part, and the insane compositions are a lot more subtle and complex. Credited to Mike and Beer For Dolphins.
"NONKERTOMPF" -- Absolutely stunning. If you're interested in pure instrumental progressive rock in a multitude of styles, this is the on. Recorded/overdubbed entirely by himself - piano, guitar, bass, drums, everything.
"DANCING" -- Similar to Sluggo, another elaborate Beer for Dolphins effort
"WOODEN SMOKE" -- haven't heard this one much, but it seems a bit like a "normal song" album for him. Just him showing he can play it straight too.
"THE UNIVERSE WILL PROVIDE" -- electric guitar plus orchestra, music composed by Keneally. Got great reviews but I don't really get it yet.
Recommendation to start:
If you're into absurd humor and eclectic insanity, Hat is a real hoot. If you're more into complex rock songs, try Sluggo. If you love instrumental stuff, Nonkertompf.
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Joined: March 12 2005
Location: Neurotica
Status: Offline
Points: 166183
Posted: May 14 2012 at 23:06
^ A good summary. If you want something along the lines of what he'll most likely play at Nearfest the best bets are Bakin' @ The Potato, Sluggo, Dancing.
For me, the best albums are The Universe Will Provide, Nonkertompf and Boil That Dust Speck.
Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect.
Joined: November 26 2009
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Points: 1217
Posted: May 15 2012 at 06:42
I appreciate the help so far. Quite honestly, I'm interested it ALL of them, which is a good sign that I'll probably enjoy the show next month! I'm thinking of getting Universe will Provide, because the orchestral samplings in the videos grabbed me. I'm also a huge fan of "Duke of Orchestral Prunes" (a song Zappa did with much the same instrumentation (screaming guitar and epic orchestral). If not, I'll definitely pick it up at the show...
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Joined: July 20 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
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Points: 7412
Posted: May 15 2012 at 09:01
Every time I've seen Mike, I've been amazed! His guitar chops are unreal, he can play damn near anything (I heard him play some parts from "Tarkus" on an acoustic guitar once!), and he has a wild stage presence! As a Zappa alum, he brings that "controlled chaos" to the stage.
Joined: April 01 2009
Location: Atlanta
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Points: 26138
Posted: May 15 2012 at 09:08
^^ I have an early live VHS release from him (forgot the title, but it's a weird title). Just a power trio lineup, but does some unbelievable things with a guitar, even on stage. He really works up a sweat too -- one of the more animated players you'll see. Of course, that was 20 years ago, I don't know how animated he is these days.
My other avatar is a Porsche
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.
Joined: November 19 2005
Location: New Jersey
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Posted: May 15 2012 at 11:03
HolyMoly,
Your descriptions of those albums make me really want to check them out. Did you list them in chronological order? If so, I may just check them on that way.
Joined: April 01 2009
Location: Atlanta
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Posted: May 15 2012 at 11:31
darkshade wrote:
HolyMoly,Your descriptions of those albums make me really want to check them out. Did you list them in chronological order? If so, I may just check them on that way.
Yes, I believe they are chronological. Curious to hear what you think!
My other avatar is a Porsche
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.
Joined: November 19 2005
Location: New Jersey
Status: Offline
Points: 10964
Posted: May 15 2012 at 11:38
HolyMoly wrote:
darkshade wrote:
HolyMoly,Your descriptions of those albums make me really want to check them out. Did you list them in chronological order? If so, I may just check them on that way.
Yes, I believe they are chronological. Curious to hear what you think!
Well... Hat, Boil That Dusk Speck, Wooden Smoke Asleep, Dancing, and Wine and Pickles are all on Spotify. I'll check some of those out soon enough.
He's on James LaBrie's second Mullmuzzler album? I didn't know that, nor do I have that one.
Joined: November 26 2009
Status: Offline
Points: 1217
Posted: May 15 2012 at 12:11
darkshade wrote:
HolyMoly wrote:
darkshade wrote:
HolyMoly,Your descriptions of those albums make me really want to check them out. Did you list them in chronological order? If so, I may just check them on that way.
Yes, I believe they are chronological. Curious to hear what you think!
Well... Hat, Boil That Dusk Speck, Wooden Smoke Asleep, Dancing, and Wine and Pickles are all on Spotify. I'll check some of those out soon enough.He's on James LaBrie's second Mullmuzzler album? I didn't know that, nor do I have that one.
Please let me know what you think!
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Joined: March 12 2005
Location: Neurotica
Status: Offline
Points: 166183
Posted: May 15 2012 at 13:11
The beginning IMO.
Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect.
Joined: April 01 2009
Location: Atlanta
Status: Offline
Points: 26138
Posted: May 15 2012 at 13:22
darkshade wrote:
What do you mean by 'high geek-quotient'?
Hard to explain. Have you ever seen Zappa's concert film "Does Humor Belong in Music?" To me, those performances have a pretty high geek quotient. Lots of jokey interjections on the band's part (exhibit A: "Tinsel Town Rebellion"), mugging for the camera, and generally being a clown. Not anything wrong with that (on the contrary! I love it), but some people would just rather hear the serious music without all the goofiness. If that film doesn't bother you, then "Hat" won't either.
My other avatar is a Porsche
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.
Joined: April 01 2009
Location: Atlanta
Status: Offline
Points: 26138
Posted: May 15 2012 at 13:29
You're good to go then. And get ready to laugh!
edit: Looking over the "Hat" track list again, I really only spot 4 or 5
complete songs that would qualify as "joke songs", so perhaps I
overstated the humor aspect. But musically, it jumps around so much
it's comically eclectic.
Edited by HolyMoly - May 15 2012 at 13:33
My other avatar is a Porsche
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.
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darkshade wrote: