But, seriously folks, here are my notes concerning Mr. Wayne's fine product (leaving out any reference to the man himself).

 

1) All the best material is on the first disc. Seriously, the disco stomp of the opening track, and mandolin and wah-wah riffage of "Horsell Common," the opera stomp of "Thunderchild." I even like the showtune comglomoration of "The Artillaryman!"

 

2) The best song though is probably Justin's power number "Forever Autumn." I mean, it's the thing that works best even outside the album. No lyrics about invaders from Mars or the spirits of men. And yet, the Burton narrations and everything still fit perfectly. Huh.

 

3) The second disc is...not so fun. Well, maybe that's wrong; the over the top "Spirit of Man" and "Brave New World" are good for a chuckle, but "Red Weed 1" gives me the bores. "Weed 2" works slightly better, since it moves, and "Dead London" chugs along healthfully after a while.

 

4) But the VERY end is suckage. Seriously, "Epilogue 2" is plain retarded. The vocal actor sounds particularly brainless, and the dialogue seems like it was lifted from an episode of Scooby Doo. Not to mention that, from a plot-point point of view, it makes no sense.

 

Oh, and, if that WAS Jefferson G. Wayne reading "Epilogue 2" off of cue cards, then I'm sorry I brought up his devious lil' personage again after promising I wouldn't. But, seriously folks, it was a long weird couple of weeks hunting this puppy down the hard way, but I'm guiltily pleased I did.