ALBUM TITLE: Peeping Tom ARTIST: Peeping Tom VINYL STATUS: New
Ahh Mike Patton. Consistently polarising, endlessly collaborating and more projects than NASA and a PHD student combined. And with such a huge back catalogue to choose from, perhaps it's fitting that the latest addition to the Vinyl Vault is a Patton project that achieved legendary status with just one album to its name: Peeping Tom.
If you want to know what musical gymnast Mike Patton's version of pop music is, then this self-titled debut album that released in 2006 is the result, with Patton himself stating: "I don't listen to the radio, but if I did, this is what I'd want it to sound like. This is my version of pop music". The result? Eleven tracks of twisted pop hosting a veritable who's who of guest features. Opening track 'Five Seconds', quite often the most divisive amongst Patton purists, opens with a bang - a gong hits us into a track that features Patton's trademark snarl, hefty basslines and a barrage of snare drums dripping all over. Sure, it's not his best work when held up to the likes of Mr. Bungle or Fantomas, but what comes next more than makes up for any hyped expectations - lead single 'Mojo' features a dream collaboration with Rahzel and Dan The Automator, and the result is a pulsing, slinky tune that will get you hot under the collar. The remainder of the album, despite the varied guests, is cohesive in nature as it seemingly peers into the various highs and lows of society, while offering perhaps a peep into the world of Mike Patton himself. Some songs are darkly catchy ('Don't Even Trip', 'How U Feelin') and others are perhaps more memorable for the who than the what ('Kill The DJ' featuring Massive Attack, and 'Sucker' featuring jazz darling Norah Jones *gasp* swearing). Whatever your thoughts on Patton, he's undeniably innovative and eclectic - and Peeping Tom is an intriguing listen if only to see what he deems accessible or mainstream. If you're not a fan, I suggest you steer clear - but if you don't mind a challenge, definitely give this trip hop adventure a whirl.
'Mojo' (Peeping Tom) feat. Rahzel and Dan The Automater
*THIS ALBUM ON VINYL IS QUITE RARE - HAVE A HUNT ON DISCOGS OR SIMILAR IF YOU'RE KEEN*
LABEL: Ipecac Recordings GENRE(S): Pop/Trip Hop RELEASE DATE: May, 2006
BY TIANA SPETER