Angel Dust by Faith No More
Performed by: Faith No More
Editorial Reviews:
An amazing album, Angel Dust unfortunately has limited appeal, although perhaps "unfortunately" isn't the right word; the record's oddities are also what make it such a fascinating listen. "Land of Sunshine" is a rocker with a foot-tapping rhythm punctuated by insane laughter from vocalist Mike Patton, whose distinctive voice and frequently disturbing lyrics drive the album. To call it hard rock does Angel Dust a disservice; it's far more musically complex than such a label implies. There's the funk-influenced "Midlife Crisis," the ballad "RV" (a bitter monologue from the point of view of a middle-aged discontent sitting in his trailer), the hard-edged claustrophobia of "Smaller and Smaller," and the rock-married-to-electronic-organ "Be Aggressive," which includes positively inspired cheerleader chants on the chorus. Impossible to classify but incredibly entertaining (there isn't a single boring moment on this album), Angel Dust is well worth picking up. --Genevieve Williams
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Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating:
Summary: One of the more under-appreciated discs of aggresive music
Comment: 4 1/2
You'd be hard pressed to find any band making art-pop-metal this interesting this early in the 90's, and onward for that matter. Unfortunately after the deceptive popularity of their previous radio smash "Epic", interest in the criminally underrated quintet declined as quality rose. This remains a near-flawless, visionary work; the kind of album that took a little getting used to, transitioning from TRT's friendlier pace, but never ceased to offer gifts which kept giving once initial objectivity was sought.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Best
Comment: At the risk of sounding like an over-hyped fanboy, this is flat out the best album of the 90s in my opinion - and perhaps beyond. It is such a shame, on one hand, they don't get more recognition in the mainstream for the sheer brilliance that is included here ... but the people in the know, know how great they were.
Can't really say much others haven't said, so just wanted to chime in with a "me too." ... There is so much going on in each of the songs, and all so diverse, you really need to put the headphones on, sink your teeth in, and listen. Each instrument brings something to the table in a great way -- and I count Patton's vocals as an "instrument," since most of the time you have no idea what he's saying, but it sounds amazing (then read the lyrics to see how amazing those are too). ... What really makes the tone, however, in my opinion, is the keyboard. You don't usually want to say that about a rock record, but it really works for Faith No More - and gives everything a creepy, fascinating tone.
This is my desert island disc, along with Alice In Chains and Led Zeppelin.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Every review of this album on Amazon is DEAD ON!!
Comment: If you don't own it, you should. I was lucky enough to have bought it in 1992. It's survived every move, the USMC, every girlfriend and every CD player until it finally landed on my iPod...where it still gets heavy rotation.
I feel fortunate that I saw FNM tour in support of Angel Dust and I suppose if anything that makes me feel a little old. If you're thinking about buying it, buy a few and give them to your friends.
It's that good.
Customer Rating:
Summary: An artistic-novelty-grows-on-you masterpiece!!!
Comment: I'm not one to frequent strip clubs; but when an old friend summoned me to his bachelor party - and I already had to turn him down for the actual wedding date - I was more than happy to take a break from working 24/7, and enjoy some... well you know...
What you don't know is that this very straight male walked into this high-class gentlemen's joint full of beautiful nudity all around, and was never more EXCITED(!!!) the entire evening than when that unmistakable percussive trance of "Midlife Crisis" came out of nowhere and distracted my attention from the women for its full 4:23 duration. When the song concluded the lovely ladies' set, I was foaming at the mouth from how short it was, my urges demanding more... FAITH NO MORE!!!!
If that's not a testament to the captivating power of this band, that song, this album - then I cannot help you. I completely forgot - and lost interest - in my surroundings, I just wanted "Midlife Crisis" to run on a perpetual loop so I could forever stay on this inexplicable trip of AUDITORY stimulation that seemed to trump all other elements of said evening's stimulation!!! And that's just the tip of the iceberg...
"Land of Sunshine" and "Be Aggressive" make you snap and clap along in magically warped and dimented insanity, in a way that Nirvana's Cheerleaders would NEVER get me to respond. FNM take you on such an amazing journey - as good music should, it lets you zone out and go to a place far away from here...
Also as good music should, this album is plenty diverse! It has that essential magnetism of making you feel like you need to listen to it over and over and over...and that quality is something that no one can truly analyze. But if all the songs sounded the same, it would not have worked. I am so grateful for the song "RV." It's what really extends the album to a deeper place, interestingly enough, and facilitates heightened enjoyment of all the other songs!
Then there's "A Small Victory." That deserves a review of its own. It may be obvious to point at one of the main featured hits as one of the best highlights, but here it needs to be called as it's seen. This song is a tour de force! Jim Martin's Guitar Harmonies copulate with Patton's triumphant melodic ascensions so effortlessly, you may forget to really look into how intricate the complexities of the song really are. You've got 5 very conflicting personalities all fighting for voice on the tape - you can practically hear one trying to push the other off the edge of the sound spectrum, each band member vying for attention. It ultimately blew up the band, but thank God that the explosiveness was caught in a bottle and trapped on tape forever for us to enjoy.
Like many, I purchased this album when it came out. Unlike many, I was 12 at the time. I didn't know it at the time, but my leanings and my destiny would develop into what the pigeonholers refer to as "prog." A word I still struggle with, but in the general sense it describes music that goes outside of the box - colors outside of the lines - while ideally retaining an intellectual "method" to the crazy madness. I enjoyed the Real Thing album immensely. Those songs kickstarted my musical journey early!...and, just as much as Faith No More befuddles the critics and those who misunderstand them, you may be equally befuddled to know that I majored in piano out of all that. In Retrospect, FNM and this album somehow helped influence that path... if somewhat subconsciously....
If THAT does not explain to you the magic of this album, I cannot help you.
But most importantly, this album is timeless. And not many albums are. Something that gives you something new with each listen, and makes you want to go back for another round - that is POWER. And we're talking 16 years ago and counting. In fact, over the past 2 months I have been more into this album than EVER before - compelling me to FINALLY give this thing the review it needs! Maybe for some, this album slams itself in your face upon first listen. For me, it took a lot of growing. But in retrospect, it makes perfect sense why that is (don't make me pull out the fine wine metaphors...)
Coming right out of the 1-2 punch of Falling to Pieces and Epic, where do you go? what do you do? You make kickass music, that's what you do! But from a "commercial" (there's that word AGAIN...) standpoint, a follow-up to "Epic" is going to be low-percentage chance on receiving a comparable level of attention, respect, acclaim, etc. Only Queen could follow up Bohemian Rhapsody and turn heads every time nomatter what...
But in the end, ALL timeless music has its day! And I'm glad that I'm only writing this review now. It only manifests all the more the truly not-going-away impact that Angel Dust will have on us till the end of time!
Walking the fine line of crazy vs. genius is a good thing! Get in or get out of the game! Don't clog valuable music industry real estate if you are not unique, talented, smart, emotional, and just a little bit screwed up! Faith No More had all the bases covered. Timeless or not, it's still a shame their actual working period was so brief. Alas, that's how it goes, every time....
Customer Rating:
Summary: A musical Jewell
Comment: For me, this is the best Faith no More album. I had this one when it was in fashion almost 16 years ago but I had to sell it...I did not know what I was doing at this time. Happily, I found it in Amazon and I don't miss the chance to have this jewell in my collection again. Thanks Amazon!
EAN: 0075992678520
Format: Explicit Lyrics
Label: Reprise / Wea
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Reprise / Wea
Release Date: 1992-06-16
Studio: Reprise / Wea
 | Format: Audio CD List Price: $7.98 Our Price: $6.99 Your Save: $ 0.99 ( 12% ) Availability: N/A Average Customer Rating: |
Editorial Reviews:
An amazing album, Angel Dust unfortunately has limited appeal, although perhaps "unfortunately" isn't the right word; the record's oddities are also what make it such a fascinating listen. "Land of Sunshine" is a rocker with a foot-tapping rhythm punctuated by insane laughter from vocalist Mike Patton, whose distinctive voice and frequently disturbing lyrics drive the album. To call it hard rock does Angel Dust a disservice; it's far more musically complex than such a label implies. There's the funk-influenced "Midlife Crisis," the ballad "RV" (a bitter monologue from the point of view of a middle-aged discontent sitting in his trailer), the hard-edged claustrophobia of "Smaller and Smaller," and the rock-married-to-electronic-organ "Be Aggressive," which includes positively inspired cheerleader chants on the chorus. Impossible to classify but incredibly entertaining (there isn't a single boring moment on this album), Angel Dust is well worth picking up. --Genevieve Williams
If you like "Angel Dust by Faith No More , you might also like ...
 | The Real Thing |
 | King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime |
 | Album of the Year |
 | Mr. Bungle |
 | California |
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating:
Summary: One of the more under-appreciated discs of aggresive music
Comment: 4 1/2
You'd be hard pressed to find any band making art-pop-metal this interesting this early in the 90's, and onward for that matter. Unfortunately after the deceptive popularity of their previous radio smash "Epic", interest in the criminally underrated quintet declined as quality rose. This remains a near-flawless, visionary work; the kind of album that took a little getting used to, transitioning from TRT's friendlier pace, but never ceased to offer gifts which kept giving once initial objectivity was sought.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Best
Comment: At the risk of sounding like an over-hyped fanboy, this is flat out the best album of the 90s in my opinion - and perhaps beyond. It is such a shame, on one hand, they don't get more recognition in the mainstream for the sheer brilliance that is included here ... but the people in the know, know how great they were.
Can't really say much others haven't said, so just wanted to chime in with a "me too." ... There is so much going on in each of the songs, and all so diverse, you really need to put the headphones on, sink your teeth in, and listen. Each instrument brings something to the table in a great way -- and I count Patton's vocals as an "instrument," since most of the time you have no idea what he's saying, but it sounds amazing (then read the lyrics to see how amazing those are too). ... What really makes the tone, however, in my opinion, is the keyboard. You don't usually want to say that about a rock record, but it really works for Faith No More - and gives everything a creepy, fascinating tone.
This is my desert island disc, along with Alice In Chains and Led Zeppelin.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Every review of this album on Amazon is DEAD ON!!
Comment: If you don't own it, you should. I was lucky enough to have bought it in 1992. It's survived every move, the USMC, every girlfriend and every CD player until it finally landed on my iPod...where it still gets heavy rotation.
I feel fortunate that I saw FNM tour in support of Angel Dust and I suppose if anything that makes me feel a little old. If you're thinking about buying it, buy a few and give them to your friends.
It's that good.
Customer Rating:
Summary: An artistic-novelty-grows-on-you masterpiece!!!
Comment: I'm not one to frequent strip clubs; but when an old friend summoned me to his bachelor party - and I already had to turn him down for the actual wedding date - I was more than happy to take a break from working 24/7, and enjoy some... well you know...
What you don't know is that this very straight male walked into this high-class gentlemen's joint full of beautiful nudity all around, and was never more EXCITED(!!!) the entire evening than when that unmistakable percussive trance of "Midlife Crisis" came out of nowhere and distracted my attention from the women for its full 4:23 duration. When the song concluded the lovely ladies' set, I was foaming at the mouth from how short it was, my urges demanding more... FAITH NO MORE!!!!
If that's not a testament to the captivating power of this band, that song, this album - then I cannot help you. I completely forgot - and lost interest - in my surroundings, I just wanted "Midlife Crisis" to run on a perpetual loop so I could forever stay on this inexplicable trip of AUDITORY stimulation that seemed to trump all other elements of said evening's stimulation!!! And that's just the tip of the iceberg...
"Land of Sunshine" and "Be Aggressive" make you snap and clap along in magically warped and dimented insanity, in a way that Nirvana's Cheerleaders would NEVER get me to respond. FNM take you on such an amazing journey - as good music should, it lets you zone out and go to a place far away from here...
Also as good music should, this album is plenty diverse! It has that essential magnetism of making you feel like you need to listen to it over and over and over...and that quality is something that no one can truly analyze. But if all the songs sounded the same, it would not have worked. I am so grateful for the song "RV." It's what really extends the album to a deeper place, interestingly enough, and facilitates heightened enjoyment of all the other songs!
Then there's "A Small Victory." That deserves a review of its own. It may be obvious to point at one of the main featured hits as one of the best highlights, but here it needs to be called as it's seen. This song is a tour de force! Jim Martin's Guitar Harmonies copulate with Patton's triumphant melodic ascensions so effortlessly, you may forget to really look into how intricate the complexities of the song really are. You've got 5 very conflicting personalities all fighting for voice on the tape - you can practically hear one trying to push the other off the edge of the sound spectrum, each band member vying for attention. It ultimately blew up the band, but thank God that the explosiveness was caught in a bottle and trapped on tape forever for us to enjoy.
Like many, I purchased this album when it came out. Unlike many, I was 12 at the time. I didn't know it at the time, but my leanings and my destiny would develop into what the pigeonholers refer to as "prog." A word I still struggle with, but in the general sense it describes music that goes outside of the box - colors outside of the lines - while ideally retaining an intellectual "method" to the crazy madness. I enjoyed the Real Thing album immensely. Those songs kickstarted my musical journey early!...and, just as much as Faith No More befuddles the critics and those who misunderstand them, you may be equally befuddled to know that I majored in piano out of all that. In Retrospect, FNM and this album somehow helped influence that path... if somewhat subconsciously....
If THAT does not explain to you the magic of this album, I cannot help you.
But most importantly, this album is timeless. And not many albums are. Something that gives you something new with each listen, and makes you want to go back for another round - that is POWER. And we're talking 16 years ago and counting. In fact, over the past 2 months I have been more into this album than EVER before - compelling me to FINALLY give this thing the review it needs! Maybe for some, this album slams itself in your face upon first listen. For me, it took a lot of growing. But in retrospect, it makes perfect sense why that is (don't make me pull out the fine wine metaphors...)
Coming right out of the 1-2 punch of Falling to Pieces and Epic, where do you go? what do you do? You make kickass music, that's what you do! But from a "commercial" (there's that word AGAIN...) standpoint, a follow-up to "Epic" is going to be low-percentage chance on receiving a comparable level of attention, respect, acclaim, etc. Only Queen could follow up Bohemian Rhapsody and turn heads every time nomatter what...
But in the end, ALL timeless music has its day! And I'm glad that I'm only writing this review now. It only manifests all the more the truly not-going-away impact that Angel Dust will have on us till the end of time!
Walking the fine line of crazy vs. genius is a good thing! Get in or get out of the game! Don't clog valuable music industry real estate if you are not unique, talented, smart, emotional, and just a little bit screwed up! Faith No More had all the bases covered. Timeless or not, it's still a shame their actual working period was so brief. Alas, that's how it goes, every time....
Customer Rating:
Summary: A musical Jewell
Comment: For me, this is the best Faith no More album. I had this one when it was in fashion almost 16 years ago but I had to sell it...I did not know what I was doing at this time. Happily, I found it in Amazon and I don't miss the chance to have this jewell in my collection again. Thanks Amazon!
Technical Details
Binding: Audio CDEAN: 0075992678520
Format: Explicit Lyrics
Label: Reprise / Wea
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Reprise / Wea
Release Date: 1992-06-16
Studio: Reprise / Wea
