OF NATURAL HISTORY

Similar to other reviewers, my opinion is that nothing I have ever heard compares to this; however, that's not necessarily a good thing. I view this album from two competeting perspectives: the theme/lyrics, and the actual music. One I enjoy, the other I don't.

Here is my experience with this album: Based on reviews, I knew to expect the unexpected. I read the liner notes and cover, and these are some of the most interesting I have ever encountered. SGM basically present a parallel, reverse evolutiong theory that puts humanity in some bleak comparisons with the lesser creatures. Absolutely fascinating, with great pictures and captions as well.

Then I get to the music. It's like a movie with the plot of the Matrix (which I enjoyed thoroughly), but the special effects of early Star Wars movies. The production isn't bad, but in places the music is. I understand that's a part of RIO, and I can appreciate it to a certain extent, but I really only find a few enjoyable or fascinating moments of sound on this album. One is The Donkey-Headed Adversary of Humanity Opens the Discussion, with its rapid fire lyrics and incessant metallic clanging. It's intended to remove you from your comfort zone, and it accomplishes that (as does most of the album), but it also doesn't turn me off completely. Similarly, we have The Creature, which achieves its mission of inciting absolute disgust (lyrics about dining on fecal matter over the apparent sound of smacking lips).

That's about it for highlights in my opinion, with lots of screaming, clanging, sound effects, and other disconcerting material.

If you want anything that resembles the music you're familiar with, you won't find it here. I understand that's a reason why this album receives such high ratings. You may really enjoy the ride that SGM take you on--just know ahead of time that you will be shocked, intrigued and disgusted.

5 stars for the concept, 1 star for the music, in my humble opinion. I need more of a musical carrot to follow where SGM are leading with this album.