Joan of Arc - Live in Chicago 1999

1999 and third album overall by this groundbreaking Chicago outfit who play music that is minimalism in excess and pop music without formula. Featured guests on this curiously titled studio album include former Tattletale vocalist Jen Wood. 13 tracks total. Album Description

Frustrating - Punk Kids Grow up to Become Pretentious

I have had this CD for over a year (my first by Joan of Arc) and I haven't listened to it for a while (a bad sign). I pulled it out again today and gave it another chance. What makes it frustrating is that there are good songs underneath all the filler. "When the Parish School..." is quite nice as is "me (plural)" and there is a really pretty cover of Scott Walker's Thanks for Chicago Mr. Jones (not as good as the original though). But But But... Their self-indulgent guiatr/jazz/whatever noodlings leave me cold. Apparently, they are trying for a pastiche a la Jean-Luc Godard - songs have no beginning, middle or ending (or not in that order, right). This is all well and good, but Godard was able to get away with what most filmmakers couldn't because he is a genius. And Joan of Arc can't get away with it. Perhaps Joan of Arc are well aware of their limitations - the cd jacket features photo renditions of Godard's Weekend restaged as a grade school play. And that just sums up this album. Half the tracks are just plain boring - like they've just recorded their rehearsal. But that's what's so frustrating cause they could be a GREAT band. But that takes practice, rehearsals, devotion to songwriting etc, and Joan of Arc don't seem to be putting in the effort (or maybe they are just too prolific for their own good). They could be heading towards greatness or just plain obscurity. April 23, 2001

absolutely beautiful

live in chicago is, contrary to what many would think by looking at the title, NOT a live album at all. it is, however, some of joan of arc and tim kinsella's finest work. the lyrics are beautiful, stunning, and amazing, exactly what those who are familiar with cap'n jazz and earlier JOA would expect from tim kinsella. these are songs that haunt you, not permitting escape from being constantly in your head all day, yet they are welcomed, as they are just amazing. this is a cd that i listen to over and over, many times in the same day, captured and entranced by the sheer brilliance of each song. if you are a fan of cap'n jazz, expect similarly talented lyrics, but more mellow songs. if you are familiar with JOA's other material, be prepared for music that has grown and matured, serving its listeners what is, in a word, beautiful. and if tim kinsella continues to fail to disappoint his fans, we can only dream of how amazing the gap will be when it is released! August 21, 2000

puke on me

I dont own this. My friend got a portable model of and Im going to check it out. Ive got some Promise Ring, Analphabetapolothology (cap) and American Football. But truthfully this junk is a little annoying from what I heard. Wait for their next one, The Gap. Maybe it will be better. Now go buy Korn Issues. July 21, 2000

i thought this was a gastr del sol cd?

yeah. . .this cd is wack. July 1, 2000

Just buy A Portable Model of Joan of Arc.

See the title? That's all you have to know. If you really like that one, then get the others, Live in Chicago! being the last of three to obtain.

Go now and buy many CDs. May 1, 2000

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