Galactic Cowboys Albums (7)
'At the End of the Day'
Release Date 9/22/1998
Tracks 16
Label Metal Blade
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Houston's Galactic Cowboys appear to be flying on auto-pilot for much of 1998's At the End of the Day, making this album interesting to long-time fans only. The raging "Nothing to Say" is probably the record's only exceptional track, and though the seven-song "Machine Fish Suite" has its bright moments ("Mr. Magnet," "Never Understand"), it is generally unspectacular. The record also includes departing founding member and drummer Alan Doss taking his first lead vocal on the gloomy "Through," and the band closes with the eerie instrumental title track "Outer Space." ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
'The Horse That Bud Bought'
Release Date 1/1/1997
Tracks 14
Label Metal Blade
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What The Critics Say
By 1997, there's nothing really new to the Galactic Cowboys' brand of progressive metal -- rich harmony vocals layered over bluesy, sun-baked psychedelic guitar riffing, plus intellectual, often bizarre lyrics. A distinct note of bitterness about the band's lack of success and anger with the music industry has crept into many of the songs, some ("Tomorrow") more overt than others. The songwriting is still pretty strong, and the group's fans will find this another enjoyable release. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After the critical and commercial thrashing bestowed upon their disappointing second album, Houston's Galactic Cowboys were abruptly dropped by DGC Records. They also then parted company with their management, fired their guitarist, and eventually signed with independent Metal Blade Records for 1995's Machine Fish. Though the album shows a vast improvement, it can hardly be termed a return to form, seeing as the band's sound was drastically altered. Their once characteristic Beatlesque vocal harmonies, pompous prog-metal aspirations, and textured guitar symphonies are virtually abandoned, replaced by a more conventional heavy metal approach and an aggressive (read "screaming") vocal style. Inventive songwriting facilitates this transition on standouts such as "Feel the Rage," "Stress," and the ironic "Pattin' Yourself on the Back." The group also resurrects some chorused vocals for the equally impressive "Psychotic Companion," "The Lens," and "In a Lonely Room." They save the best for last, closing with the piano-driven and wonderfully melancholy "Arrow." ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
'Galactic Cowboys'
Release Date 1/1/1991
Tracks 10
Label David Geffen Co.
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
After the incredible critical acclaim bestowed upon their management mates and musical stepbrothers King's X, the Galactic Cowboys were quickly snapped up by the usually shrewd (at least in the early '90s) folks at Geffen Records, who no doubt had visions of turning the Houston scene into the next Seattle. Sadly, like King's X, the Cowboys' mind-boggling sonic tapestries would prove much too complex and highbrow for all but the most specialized listeners and sympathetic members of the press. After all, with their Metallica-like heaviness, Beatlesque three-part vocal harmonies ,and wildly fluctuating rhythms, songs like "My School" and first single "I'm Not Amused" (introduced by a mooing cow -- a sign of the band's quirky sense of humor) were simply unplayable at any commercial radio station. And though it may have proved a wiser choice for the airwaves, the slightly less adventurous "Why Can't You Believe in Me" (featuring countless layers of guitars the likes of which would not be seen again until the Smashing Pumpkins' first few albums) was probably passed up on because it sounded a bit too much like King's X. But if you dispense with commercial considerations, this remains a stunning album for the open-minded listener who will revel in discovering new secrets with every listen. After taking a swipe at the Exxon Valdez disaster with the excellent "Kaptain Krude" just to prove they weren't complete space cadets, the Galactic Cowboys really launch into outer space with the five-song suite contained on side two. Beginning with the monstrous "Sea of Tranquility," which sums up their vast array of sounds better than any other song, the band goes on to unleash their purest thrash metal moment with the bloody "Killing Floor" (the tale of a butcher turned serial killer) and zip through two brief interludes (the hillbilly stomp "Pump Up the Space Suit" and the dreamy "Ranch on Mars [Reprise]") before giving way to the soft acoustic strum of "Speak to Me," which gradually builds for ten minutes toward a bizarre conclusion. The latter may be a bit long-winded, but you probably won't care if you made it this far. The Cowboys would grow more accessible with subsequent releases, but strangely, they never sounded as natural and confident as they did on this over the top debut. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
