Incubus - A Crow Left of the Murder

Kicking in like a compellingly acrimonious version of Rush ("Megalomaniac") before meandering through what can rather uncomfortably be termed noodly, time-signature lottery jazz-metal terrain A Crow Left of Murder probably identifies Incubus as the average Pearl Jam fan's second-choice for chin-stroking mosh action. Brendon O'Brien (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam) produces and singer Brandon Boyd possibly fancies himself as a bit of a Vedder-esque sage, even blustering "My secret arsenal is an infinite ageless ink well" on the otherwise acceptable metal squawk of "Pistola".

Boyd obviously has big issues with the ills of the world but the lyrics to "Talk Show on Mute" (reality TV is bad, especially Big Brother) and "Zee Deveel" (nice cars, nice clothes and other status symbols are bad) say nothing to enhance mankind's understanding of these twin evils. Incubus are probably on firmer ground with "Made for TV Movie" (like "Megalomaniac" it's an anti-War-on-Terror diatribe) and musically they're to be applauded for sidestepping the prescripted expectations of the metal genre they've been saddled with. Ultimately, however, one's enjoyment of this record swings on whether one considers Brandon Boyd's societal musings to be deeply venerable discourse or just soppy waffle. --Kevin Maidment Amazon.com

 An acquired taste..
When I first bought this in '04, I HATED it. Then, I saw Incubus live, got to meet Brandon on the tour, and started to listen to the CD more. I didn't even like Megalomaniac when I first heard it. I have been a die hard Incubus man for a VERY VERY long time, and it took quite a few listenings to fully appreciate. My favorites are Crow Left of The Murder, Agoraphobia, Smile Lines, Here in My Room, Sick Sad Little World, Pistola, shoot, with the exception of Priceless, there isn't a song I DON'T consider a favorite. I'm not a big lyricist- some people criticize Brandon harshly but I don't really mind. If I did, I probably wouldn't be in the Air Force right now. As a musician, however, this remains an achievement of sorts, as few bands dare to make the strides Incubus has with regards to evolving and maturing musically. Some bands have unintentionally recreated the same album 4 or 5 times if you catch my drift. And, that is the beauty that is Incubus. No 2 Incubus albums sound alike, and that's just amazing, as well as being unheard of in modern music. My love for this album doesn't come from one or two experiences, even if it does take me back to my senior year in high school. This is an album that, if given enough listening, you can grow with, or take you back to time. Best summary- it's like a fine beer. You probably won't like it at first, but it's impossible to let go of once you've acquired the taste. April 4, 2008

 A somewhat.. challenging Incubus album
This is an interesting album from Incubus, mainly because it doesn't sound like any of their previous records. On here, they've entered a new phase in their career, opting for a more challenging sound. The vocals are wilder and more adventurous, the guitar is less distorted and riff-heavy and relies on more complicated melody lines and progressions, the bass has a more prominent role this time around, and the drumming is more complex and technical.

It still has the Incubus feel, but it seems less restrained and much riskier. The songs are still catchy and varied, but they seem more musically advanced. There is an extended jam in the middle of "Sick Sad Little World" that is a whole new dimension for the band, and songs like "Pistola," "Priceless" and the title track have an energy and recklessness about them that hasn't been displayed since the "S.C.I.E.N.C.E." days. Along with that, there are still pleasant softer songs such as "Southern Girl" and "Here in My Room."

It's a bold album for the band which hints at a long, bright future.

(This review was written before Light Grenades, which I actually thought took several steps back) March 30, 2008

 This album is amazing. Face the facts, Kids.
Every song is worth checking out and I can't say that about ANY of their other albums. At first, I thought this was weird and many of the tracks were disposable. Boy, was I so f'in wrong.

Brandon's vocals and harmonies are laced with the most-awesome, comforting qualities I've yet to hear in other rock bands. I find that they are a true Rock or Metal band. No one comes close.

Sure Coldplay, old Maroon 5 and Evanescence are decent but they don't come close. Well, maybe Maroon 5 does back in their prime in 2002 with Songs About Jane but that's it.

I love all of the songs.

My favorites however, in order are:

Made For TV Movie (one of their very best. Sexy to a tee)
Here In My Room (has ALWAYS been a fav of mine. Love the slowed-down, soothing and lulling effect...)
Talk Shows On Mute (Very truthful)
Megalomaniac (heavier than expected. Love the f-bombs. m/
A Crow Left of the Murder (I love his sexy vocals. Can't get enough of obsessing over it)
Smile Lines (Great in spades.)

4.5 stars. November 21, 2007

 Here in my room...
Now i hate to review an album and state "get's better with every listen" but thats the only way I can compare ACLOTM. This was a massive departure from the sound of Morning View, and Make Yourself, and thus I was skeptical and will admit I did not even pick it back up until late in 2006. What a mistake. This is my favorite Incubus album to date, and possibly could join my top 10 albums list in a few years. Every song on the album is nearly flawless, with the layering on the songs done perfectly, Brandon at his best with perfect lyrics, and the rest of the band just in sync. If anyone had doubts about the new additions at bass and drums then they were unfounded, because the group has never sounded better. I'm not even going to waste my time reviewing each song because they are all part of the experience of this album, that should have been a concept album. Point is at the current price of $10.99 why not buy it? What album is out right now of worthy merit that superceeds this? The latest Interpol album was garbage, as well as the Smashing Pumpkins. As for Light Grenades? Well... maybe Incubus should have gone out in a blaze of glory with this one... Take it from me, pick it up, listen, repeat, and know you atleast did something right today. August 25, 2007

 incubus' angel dust...kind of
just when they finally found themselves with morning view and were at the peak of their popularity and success , they ditch their bass player and come out with something completely unexpected. not unlike what faith no more did with their release of angel dust. and like faith no more, incubus has definitely sacrificed some success and fans with this release...but the music is well worth it. it is my personal favorite cd of theirs, although light grenades is equally as good and more polished with better lyrics and concise song structure. in time i have a feeling people will look back on this album and decision with respect much like they do with faith no more. now don't get me wrong.. the music on this album is nothing like angel dust. which is a good thing. i hate clone/copycat music. this album is much softer, melodic, alternative, even pop. but what i like about incubus is they are a unique band and are being themselves now. unlike with their first 2 cds fungus and science, where they were just following the nu metal trend and copying/ripping off faith no more and mr bungle like other bands. make yourself started to break the mold and they finally broke through with morning view. now they have evolved and become one of the best modern rock bands and live shows of today. bands are now starting to emulate incubus the way incubus used to emulate faith no more. the sky is the limit for incubus. August 2, 2007

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