The Moog Cookbook Albums (2)
'Ye Olde Space Band: Plays Classic Rock Hits'
Release Date 10/28/1997
Tracks 10
Label Restless
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
After achieving notoriety with their self-titled album in 1995, the duo known as the Moog Cookbook decided to follow it up with a set of classic rock hits. And the results on Ye Olde Space Bande are just as good as their humorous debut. It's hard to imagine a synthesized makeover of songs by such hard rock/heavy metal artists as Kiss, Van Halen, and Ted Nugent, but the duo somehow finds a way of transcribing these favorites. A unique host of special guest rockers, both old and new, are present (Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh, the MC5's Wayne Kramer, the Go-Go's' Charlotte Caffey, and the Eels' 'E', among others), who help add to the inspired, party-like atmosphere. All ten tracks are great, but the best are a space-age funk version of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" (with the middle breakdown section containing snippets of the Who, Pink Floyd, and others) and a patriotic version of Kiss' "Rock and Roll All Nite." Also included is a techno makeover of Boston's "More Than a Feeling" and a roboticized take on Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love." Highly recommended. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Moog Cookbook's self-titled debut is a mix of the obscure, the intriguing, and the humorous: a near-masterpiece of '80s and '90s alterna-rock hits redone on vintage '70s Moog synthesizers. Although many may pass the band off as a goof, upon closer inspection, the duo's electronic restructurings of these covers are both entrancing and fascinating. It's almost impossible to imagine how somebody could redo the fiery Hendrix stomp of Lenny Kravitz's 1993 hit "Are You Gonna Go My Way?" as an icy computerized piece, but the Moog Cookbook somehow find a way. What about Nirvana's alienated anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit" as a Stevie Wonder funk workout? Or Pearl Jam's "Evenflow" as a techno dance rave-up? All of these wacked-out versions can be found here. Also included is a cheesy lounge version of R.E.M.'s "The One I Love," a furious take on Neil Young's "Rockin' In the Free World," and a rendition of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" with a Latin feel. The Moog Cookbook's debut is one of the most enjoyably silly releases to come along in ages. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
