GOD IN THREE PERSONS

An outstanding album, but one that tends to sharply divide the fans. God In 3 Persons focuses on the complex relationship between a pair of conjoined twins with the ability to heal illness, and the protagonist who befriends/uses them. He begins by manipulating them for financial gain, then moves on to more complex desires which culminates in a truly unbelievable "climax". But the twins may not be as naive as they at first seem. It is a complicated story, yet one that I found to be emotionally fullfilling.

The story is sung/spoken over a minimalist, yet engaging soundtrack. Built on a variation of 'Double Shot Of My Baby's Love' (which became the defacto Residents theme), the music is primarily electronic and very rhythmic, moving through the story and serving as almost a Greek chorus to the events unfolding in the narration. The opening title track is a hoot, with the credit sheet sung in its entirety.

This was a signifigant break in style for the band, one they have yet to re-explore. I find it to be completely satisfying and utterly listenable (17 years on and I still listen to it frequently). This could be a good album for the casual listener as it is not nearly as jarring as some of their work, but it should not be taken as representative of their body of work.