The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Strung Out in Heaven

The name "Brian Jonestown Massacre" may seem hokey, but it accurately sums up the band's aesthetic. Their key musical reference point is late Rolling Stones member Brian Jones, and their ramshackle, self-destructive vibe is all too reminiscent of Jim Jones, the Guyana cult overlord who killed himself and his congregation with poisoned vats of Kool-Aid. Strung Out in Heaven, the band's eighth release since 1995, is a retrodelic janglefest of Altamontian proportion. Blending the smarmy, drug-addled sonics of late-'60s Stones with the chime of the Byrds, the hooks of the Animals, and the monochromatic drone of Velvet Underground within their swirl of 12-string guitars, farfisa organs, and jaded vocals, Brian Jonestown Massacre cull some of the most head-spinning moments of '60s rock into a single, unified expression. But unified is the last word you'd use to describe their interband chemistry. Since they formed, they have been through nearly 60 members, and their live shows are as likely to end in a flurry of fists as a transcendent, stupefying jam. Savor them before they self-destruct. --Jon Wiederhorn Amazon.com

Brian Jones Massacre - 'Strung Out Of Heaven' (TVT) 4 1/2 stars

Originally released in 1998, no doubt about it, 'Strung Out In Heaven' is a true neo-psychedelic / indie rock classic in every sense of the word. Think I have one other Brian Jones Massacre title. Tracks that make this CD a keeper are "Let's Pretend It's Summer", "Wasting Away", the all out psychedelic (should be a hit) "Got My Eyes On You", the catchy "Nothing To Lose", "Love" and the superb album closer "Wisdom". Seriously, the world today needs bands like this one. Should hopefully appeal to fans of Black Mountain, Ride, The Verve and The Lovetones. September 1, 2008

Ragged Glory

Swirling together such influences as the Velvet Underground, the Rolling Stones, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, the Spacemen 3, the Monkees! and any number of groovy sixties garage bands with a pinch (lyrically) of Charlie Manson?!, "Strung Out In Heaven" is one of the Brian Jonestown Massacre's tastiest albums though not their best. Songs like "Going To Hell", "Let's Pretend It's Summer" and the country flavored "Wasting Away" are like diamonds in the rough. "Jennifer" and "Lantern" are particularly Byrds-jangly. "Got My Eye On You" and "Nothing To Lose" are pure Velvets. I love BJM but must admit that the album's charms weaken after the midway point. Maybe it's just the drugs... June 26, 2007

Strung Out and Timeless

When I first listened to Strung Out in Heaven I liked it but I considered it my least favourite of the Brian Jonestown Albums. However over the years it has grown like some crazy forrest in my brain. It has the direction and coherence that some previous Brian Jonestown Massacre albums may have been missing. And it is a testament to the genius song writing that a catchy album like this can last. But these songs aren't just catchy pop songs, some of them are just down right beautiful. Yes beautiful, haunting calls through the halls of time. June 4, 2006

A barely classic country-influenced indie rock album - you'll like it a lot!

The Brian Jonestown Massacre's "Strung Out In Heaven" is a classic, even if it (arguably) lacks the "wow" factor of a Radiohead or U2 album. It's just very well done. It's a great album to play in the background and also with high volume - it flows really well. Anton Newcombe's vocals aren't perfect, but they do fit the band's style well. Every track here is good, and there's even a good amount of great songs ("Going To Hell", "Wasting Away" and "Maybe Tomorrow" are some). It has a relatively good amount of appeal, though it's essentially just for indie rock fans. It also sounds a tad similar to The Verve. The instrumentation is great and the production is also crisp and clear most of the time. It sounds like country-influenced indie garage rock. What makes it "5" stars is that the lyrics are also incredibly interesting and catchy - this is definitely a bonus. It's just very pleasant - chances are you'll really like this album! Highly recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album! January 7, 2006

Underrated On Amazon

This record really steams, it's amazing. "jennifer" is worth the purchase price alone."got my eye on you" is outstanding. this anton character is an amazingly underrated song writer! matt hollywood and joel gion also rule my universe. and the guitar riff in "dawn" might be the best sound ever made in music. you judge for yourself but really, really love this record. now it's on to "take it from the man!" October 31, 2005

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