Mike Patton Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Ipecac's special edition soundtrack and film package combines the DVD of Derrick Scocchera's 25-minute black-and-white short, A Perfect Place with a CD of the original score by the inexhaustible Mike Patton. The twist that differentiates this project from his many others is that he had to adhere to someone else's vision, and with less freedom to run rampant, the standard Patton idiosyncrasies are refined. The soundtrack is challenging and sometimes messy, especially during "Car Radio AM" and "Car Radio FM," two tracks that incorporate a radio dial rifling through stations, but for a Patton release, this is as focused as it gets, and it stays true to the filmmaker's vision. The soundtrack seeps into nearly every scene, emanating onscreen from car speakers, an elderly woman's Victrola, a kitchen counter transistor radio, even interrupting the actors' dialogues at times. Unlike the fractured Adult Themes for Voice, a record that assaulted listeners with snippets and noise bursts, or the minimalist effort Pranzo Oltranzista, which was practically non-musical with its sparse smattering of saxes, Patton's third non-aliased solo effort shows off his enormous talent as a sophisticated composer and musician. With the exception of some guest percussion on two tracks, he wrote, performed, and produced all of A Perfect Place's music himself, and considering that his notoriety comes from his talents as a vocalist, the depth of his orchestral arrangements are surprisingly mature. Here, he goes the big band/film noir route, while never forgoing the dark carnival vibe that fans have grown to expect. Trumpets blare, pianos twinkle eerily, and creamy spy basslines walk about, as a central theme winds in and out of the movements' reprises. Despite using MIDI keytones, the big band songs sound remarkably organic and at times massive, perfectly paying tribute to Elmer Bernstein's Man with the Golden Arm, and John Barry's From Russia with Love with a Latin tinge of Nestor Marconi thrown in for good measure. On a few tracks, Patton lets loose some vocal work, refraining from screeching or scatting, but crooning with passionate abandon. "A Perfect Twist (Vocal)" could be an outtake from Mr. Bungle's opus California, with handclaps, '60s organs, surf guitar, and tastefully snotty caterwauling, as Patton threatens, "I'll bend you over my knee, let's see what you can take." It's quite a departure from the sweet old-timey Rudy Vallée ragtime of "Dream of Roses," and completely on the other side of the spectrum from the operatic "Il Cupo Dupore," but despite the variety of song styles, the album remains congruent. It's a stellar soundtrack, even if you're not a huge fan of Patton's eccentricities. If you are, this will be further proof of his genius. ~ Jason Lymangrover, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Mike Patton's second solo album, Pranzo Oltranzista: Musica da Ravola per Cinque (Banquet Piece for Five Players), has some qualities similar to its predecessor (Adult Themes for Voice), except the major difference this time is that there are instruments present. Also, it marks Patton's debut as experimental composer, taking his inspiration for the album's music from Filippo Tommaso Marinetti's Futurist Cookbook (from back in 1932). The five players who perform on this piece are well known in the John Zorn musical circle -- cellist Erik Friedlander, guitarist Marc Ribot, percussionist William Winant, and Zorn himself on alto saxophone. "Elettricita Atmospheriche Candite" kicks the album off with a mixture of violin squeaks and noises and spacy echo guitar -- when combined, they create a sound collage that would be the perfect soundtrack for a graveyard at night or a spooky haunted house. Another track, "Aerovivanda," contains free-form horn blowing and the sound of glass shattering, which builds up quite a bit of musical tension. Chalk up Pranzo Oltranzista as another challenging release from Patton. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
'Adult Themes for Voice'
Release Date 4/23/1996
Tracks 34
Label Tzadik
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Nothing could prepare anyone for the full-on noise attack of Mike Patton's Adult Themes for Voices, not even Mr. Bungle fans. There isn't a note of music on the album; it's essentially noise. Recorded in hotel rooms during a Faith No More tour, all of the sounds are created from Patton's voice, which is pretty darn amazing. The album doesn't contain traditional songs as such; it plays as a continuous piece, and hence there are no obvious highlights. For instance, the track "Wuxipian Fantastique" could be described as sounding like a dying person taking his last breath, accentuated by harsh scraping noises, squeaks, and underwater sounds. And since there are a total of 33 pieces, it seems to be never-ending. Most may find this album hard to take, but fans of original, hard-hitting experimental music will eat it up. If you're sick of melody and musical instruments, your savior may be Mike Patton. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
