THE NECK PILLOW

This is apparently a concept album based around the movie of the same name. Lyrics are in both German and English with quite a bit of narration. Think of PINK FLOYD doing a Neo-Prog album and your not far off. I do like the guitar and background synths, but the vocals and narration are negatives. Some heaviness at times too which I like.

"Die Bettwurst Part One" is the almost 21 minute opening track. Seagulls then spoken German words come in. Vocals 3 minutes in and it stays pastoral until before 5 minutes when the organ, guitar and drums kick in.The tempo picks up as the vocals come and go. It turns heavier with some great bass after 11 minutes. Nice guitar before 12 1/2 minutes. A calm follows as German words arrive once again. The phone's ringing before 15 1/2 minutes. Piano and German words follow. More excellent guitar after 18 1/2 minutes as it kicks back in. "Circles" opens with deep spoken words in German before laid back guitar and drums take over.The deep voice is back 5 minutes in. It kicks in heavier 7 minutes in before settling before 9 1/2 minutes. More deep spoken words. I like the waves of synths late.

"The Death Of Ase" sounds good with the guitar and drums leading the way. "Swidwin" opens and closes with church organ with vocals, guitar and drums in between. "Die Bettwurst Part Two" opens with German spoken words, guitar before a minute. Vocals and keys take over. It sounds good when it picks up after 2 minutes. Lots of synths follow. It settles before 10 minutes and the drums sound good. Samples before 12 minutes. "Die Berliner Bettwurst Part One" is the humerous conclusion as we get a polka flavoured melody with silly German vocals. Probably how he lost his tooth.

Good album but inconsistant for my tastes.