Thomas Truax - Trolls, Girls and Lullabies: Peer Gynt
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 23 / 4 / 2014
Label:
Psychoteddy Records
Format: CD
intro
Eccentric latest album from oddball American musician Thomas Truax, which is a soundtrack that he wrote last year for a theatre version of 'Peer Gynt'
The score from 'Peer Gynt' - from the Dortmund Theater of all places - handed David Lynch/Chris Isaak impersonation monster Thomas Truax his next opportunity to perform a set of impressive tricks, if not impossible tasks. Blending both utter kitsch tunes and heartfelt ideas of his own, Thomas Truax has over the years learnt how to keep control over his limited talent. Lacking sophistication, Thomas Truax is best enjoyed when he is in riotous mood, such as on the closing track on this album, 'Punishments & Lullabies'. When things are running along smoothly, Truax derails. Honestly, he is at his best when shouting and screaming. The splendid chaos of the cover of 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction' makes this album worth getting hold of. The cover of the Stones' classic proudly stands next to Devo's. It is amlost as Chris Isaak is singing a R. Stevie Moore track, and the worn out Jagger and Richards tune gets torn apart. Even more hilarious perhaps is Truax's attempt at singing in German on 'Mutterlein'. O, Mother. Yet Truax's own songs remain far too subtle. This latest album offers some new insights. For example, self-inflicted tackiness can be a virtue. The album portrays Thomas Truax as a lone talent. There is not enough of his wacky wanderings on it though. And purposedly imperfect, Thomas Truax stumbles through until the very end. Showing off class, it's about time that Thomas Truax stopped acting like a poseur. Read the album title again and record label, and you'll know what I mean.
Track Listing:-
1 A Little Like Peer Gynt2 Always Been a Dreamer
3 More! More! More!
4 Crazy Me
5 Saxogramophone Morning
6 Einen Schluck?
7 Troll Intro
8 To Thyself Be Enough (Troll S
9 In the Hall of the Mountain Ki
10 (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
11 Mütterlein
12 Angelic Girls
13 Punishments & Lullabies
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/thomastruaxhttps://twitter.com/thomastruax
http://www.thomastruax.com/
soundcloud
reviews |
|
Jetstream Sunset (2015) |
|
| Compelling eighth album from New York-based singer-songwriter and inventor Thomas Truax, which he has recorded using a set of handmade instruments |
| Monthly Journal (2012) |
| Sonic Dreamer (2010) |
| Songs from the Films of David Lynch (2009) |
| Why Dogs Howl at the Moon (2007) |
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.Dennis Tufano - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 19/7/2024
Elliott Murphy - Interview
Wreckless Eric - Interview
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #16: Living in the Minds of Strangers
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #17: Tom Robinson
Adrian Gurvitz - Interview
Norman Rodger - Interview
Chris Spedding - Interview
Penumbra - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Groovy Uncle - Making ExcusesPhilip Parfitt - The Dark Light
Jules Winchester - The Journey
Hawkestrel - Chaos Rocks
Bill Wyman - Drive My Car
Ross Couper Band - The Homeroad
Deep Purple - =1
Popstar - Obscene
John Murry and Michael Timmins - A Little Bit of Grace and Decay
Splashgirl and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe - More Human
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart