Reviews (page 2 of 7)
This is a bit of an interesting find in this list - it's weird, but in the same mesmerising way twin peaks is. There's a structure, and it experiments over the established and does it well
Very good. Never heard of this record before
This was a trip. Unexpected!
I spent my entire time listening to this album completely at a loss trying to figure it out. It is very much all over the map. It's in one moment blissful, then funky in the next, then sinister, then depressed, then cheery. At times it feels like there's an unspoken narrative and at time there's a very explicit narrative. But the narratives, said or unsaid, don't seem to match. Is it meant to be a collection of stories or one very winding road telling all the stops of one person's story? I really don't know. I don't know how to put this album into words. All I know is that it is by far one of the most interesting albums I've received on this album generator project. For that I really enjoyed it.
Before we talk about this album we need to talk about movies. David Lynch is probably my all time favorite director, and I just watched Lost Highway for the first time about a month ago. Such a weird and creepy movie, highly recommend if you like weird art films. Something Wicked This Way Comes plays in the scene where the mystery man is first introduced (great scene!). I can see why Lynch likes this album and if I had to guess Lynch's favorite song from this album it would probably be Business As Usual. Ok, now the album. First off, Oedipus Schmoedipus is such a funny title. I think this is the only time I've ever actually laughed at an album title. Not really sure why I am seeing so many 1's and 2's this is just a chill little trip hop album. Never mind some of these songs are not so chill (still very good though). I don't want to be a contrarian, but I did really enjoy this album. It is really weird and it is something you will never forget. I wish this list had more stuff like this album. I am definitely going to need to check this one out again. Low 5.
I am totally diggin’ what this Barry Adamson cat is puttin’ down!
Wowee! Whatever I was missing in Adamson's Moss Side Story, I have found in spades in Oedipus Schmoedipus. A compelling listen from start to finish. Hands down, this is a thumbs up!!
No idea what I was getting into, but Set Controls For the Heart of the Pelvis came out of the gate with such a groove that pegged my ranking needle on a 5. Incredible! Then that familiar Spooky sample opened Something Wicked This Way Comes and I added that to my favorite Halloween songs playlist in the first thirty seconds. Really nice, atmospheric, right up my alley. Barry Adamson was sorely missing from my consciousness. Terrific!!!!
Wow. Front to back I've never been able to feel a story through music as vividly as this album. Set the Controls as the front and ending credits does a great job. Something Wicked feels like a character introduction. It's business as Usual introduces conflict and dirty Barry turns it up a notch. The track is noisy, claustrophobic, sinister, and kinetic. Achieved in the Valley of Dolls is clever and triumphant. Vermillion Kisses is a worthwhile interlude. The big bamboozle is big and boisterous. The Sweetest Embrace is the finale and mourns the ending of the story and the death of innocence. Then the album ends with a well-timed credits track, it doesn't overstay it's welcome and leaves the listener on a positive note. I think that the three songs with lyrics were all excellent. The album gives enough space that it isn't a 50-minute assault. It builds things up and the transitions, like that between the smooth tracks like Miles or a moment of Clarity, feel organic. Rather than a roller coaster with twists and turns, it feels like a lifetime with ups and downs, fasts and slows. This album surprised and impressed me over and over again. I won't be listening to it often, but I will certainly revisit in whole when I want to experience the rich soundscape that it is. As a concept and as it is executed, I believe that it is near perfect.
Very very cool
So groovy. Loved learning the history behind this record and the strange context it came from
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Barry Adamson before. I’m not entirely sure what to expect of this album. The name Oedipus Schmoedipus makes me a little wary. Oedipus was a bit of an odd fellow, wasn’t he. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Sweetest Embrace This was a really pleasant album. It felt alt-rock at times, and instrumental jazz at others but somehow it works really well. It even has tracks that sound closer to an orchestral soundtrack. The lack of vocals in a lot of the songs really helps the music shine, and the tracks that do include singing can be appreciated all the more for it. This album is so versatile, spanning many genres yet tying together fantastically. This surprised me, and I like it a lot.
This was not my first taste of Adamson, but wow is this one incredible. He mixes so many different styles on this one. There is a DJ Shadow like quality to this, only more in the "art rock" vein. Not his best, but an excellent part of his catalog 9.1/10
A lot of fun listening to this one.
Can't believe I'd never heard of this guy before now. Had to look him up and see more of his works. Saw this came out early 90s. Sorry I missed it then, it would have been a staple of my more drug-addled days.
Great discovery. He also listened to Massive Attack
кино ебаное. буквально. Барри Адамсон рил гений, сделать альбом как фильм это надо уметь. я в целом люблю такую кинематографичную музыку, арт рок или вроде того, под которую закрываешь глаза и музыка визуализируется у тебя в голове. а концепция этих альбомов вообще заключается в том, что это саундтрек к несуществуещему фильму. тут блин в альбоме скримеры есть, саспенс какой то. я реально пару раз шуганулся. очень сильная атмсофера, погружает шо пиздец. ещё и музыка на некоторых треках разрыв ебала. но только как же сложно послушать этот альбом. я не нашёл его ни на одном стриминге, на ютубе он забанен, даже блин в перезаливе в вк, где у него 2 прослушивания (реально 2), и то заблокирован второй трек альбома. но в целом остался прям под впечатлением. короче пизда оценка - 9/10
Fabulous album of potential movie soundtracks, a complete surprise to me as no idea who Barry Adamson was. Now I can't get tracks like Miles out of my head. It's not just the memorability of the tunes, it is their diversity and the imaginative arrangements. Instantly likeable
Eeeeeediupis. Smeeedipus
burner!
Experimental music. Brit oscuro.
Hey, this is surprisingly good. I even knew a couple of the tracks. Also fun to hear Jarvis Cocker.
Kinda all over the place but . . . very much not bad!
This album is terrifying. It's been a long while since we had an album so shocking, disturbing and well... surprising. This album was a mystery, I'd never heard of it before, and after it was finished, I wasn't sure what I had listened to. Some of it I really liked, no questions asked. But, other tracks sounded as if they were hanging on the precipice of madness and horror... and were inviting me in. Taken as a whole, it gave me goosebumps, it was a moving and a wholly unsettling experience. Highly recommend.
That was strange and surreal. From dark to jaunty and upbeat at the drop of a hat. I’ve never heard anything like this. Great album.
Damn, Adamson is a beast. What a strange, yet cohesive album.
Oh this is awesome - one of my fave discoveries from this project so far! Starts off sounding like it's going to be a "Screamadelica"-era Primal Scream knock off, and then gets properly weird, I love it. Proto doom jazz! 💀 Fave track - "The Vibes Ain't Nothin' But The Vibes" and "It's Business As Usual" for being that one two punch that lets you know this album is not what you thought it was. "Dirty Barry" is awesome too. And I love a bit of Nick Cave, so "The Sweetest Embrace" is another highlight....
Way way way better than Moss Side Story, despite this one having now Dave Graney input. Can see a lot of these being perfect soundtrack tunes
Experimental music. Brit oscuro.
very cool
i want this to play in the background of my life 24/7
Emotional rollercoaster. 4 Holy shit this is one unique album. I love it. Though some songs give me that bad 90s film feeling that I also get when seeing that DVD-ad: "You wouldn't download a car", I think it more than makes up for it with eeriness and diversity. "Vermillion Kisses" hit me like a train. 5
10/10 album full of so many different moods, it can be dark and tense or fun and upbeat just such a great work of art overall
1996 - Genre: Alternative/Indie (jazz, beat, hip-hop)
Saved Prior: None *Since this is meant to ape a soundtrack it's more difficult than usual to rank these songs because some of the songs that work best as soundscapes are the less enjoyable ones to listen to on their own, so I'm just going to rank by how much I enjoyed listening to them.* Not Saved: 13. Dirty Barry 12. It's Business As Usual 11. State Of Contraction Saved: 10. Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Pelvis 9. The Big Bamboozle 8. The Vibes Ain't Nothin' But The Vibes 7. Set The Controls Again 6. In A Moment Of Clarity 5. Achieved In The Valley In The [Spotify sic] Dolls 4. Vermillion Kisses 3. Miles 2. Something Wicked This Way Comes 1. The Sweetest Embrace Overall Notes: I'm sure I'm not the first to say that I don't think we needed two "soundtrack to an imaginary film" albums from this guy. Nevertheless I really enjoy these things, especially now that he decided to add words to some of the songs. They're fun, sue me!
Fucking cool, being what you could also say about Moss Side Story (debut imaginary soundtrack), but yeah, this is a fucking cool record, & I think e'en fucking cooler than Adamson's first. Layer upon layer, vibe upon vibe, the guy sets the scene, a scene that is more than a mood but also shot thru w/ a wickedly hip ambiance. It ain't easy to make 'cool' the functional - really the foundational - aesthetic of an artistic statement, but it's not impossible, as Miles confirms, & Adamson succeeds in this regard. I do wonder if it's necessary to have the talking parts - the villainously licentious talking parts - but they're not exactly ornamental. Just disposable. Say what you want about the Magazine bassist (prob an obnoxious chap), he can do his thing.
This jazz will get you laid.
Initially my thoughts were.... Not my jam, too experimental although I appreciate the creativity. The second half though, I'm really digging from "Achieved in the Valley in the Dolls onwards.
Well this was a weird experience and I'm always game for some more weird avant-garde music. I don't even really know what to say about this album. A lot of film noir vibes that were very cool one minute and slightly terrifying the next and maybe a bit too horny at times. I'd watch the imaginary movie he based this soundtrack on.
If I ever want to freak myself out, I’m going to put this album on as I try to fall asleep. I see why Lynch was a fan
This is definitely an album that feels out of this world, but conventional, schmoventional, right? There is a charm for Barry Adamson. I mean, the guy makes soundtracks for your favorite movies that don't exist. This album starts out with one of the catchiest opening tracks I've ever heard, and then each track is a different chocolate, and as Forrest Gump told us, you absolutely do not know what you're gonna get. Favorite Track: "Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Pelvis".
Wow. This is art!
Stepping back for a moment, it is difficult to imagine what the film would be that could present a coherent narrative given the massive mood changes throughout this imagined soundtrack, moving from a kind of swinging sixties sound parodied to noirish music and occasional forays into electronic music and orchestral pop, intermixed with more contemporary syncopated hip hop beats. Fortunately, this is a review of the music, rather than the non-existent film and largely this is a lot of fun. At its worst, its entertaining pastiche and more often than not it moves beyond that. I particularly like the Nick Cave track, but this is a lot of fun and I will definitely listen to it again.
What an interesting album. Some really cool instrumentals throughout. Could definitely see it as a soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist. That said, I have to at least comment on two WILD choices. Business As Usual was extremely off-putting. Then Vermillion Kisses, while I didn’t hate it, it caught me off guard! In an album full of essentially background music, those were two very strange choices.
It's a bit hit or miss, pretty disjointed as an album experience, but damn if it doesn't have some of the sickest acid jazz instrumentals you've ever heard. Oh, it was conceived as a faux movie soundtrack? Yeah that totally tracks. This album is cool as hell. Shoutout to Miles From Acid Jazz Standouts: Something Wicked This Way Comes • The Vibes Ain't Nothin' But the Vibes • Miles • Vermillion Kisses • The Big Bamboozle • The Sweetest Embrace
Acid jazz, electronica. Use by Lynch for Lost Highway. Deeply weird but also very cool.
Something Wicked is SUCH a good song - even ignoring the Lost Highway connection. I had this as a saved/liked song for a while, and had no idea, but listening to the whole album - loved it. Love the Nick Cave cameo, love the samples and weird segues, and the groove is insane. Great album, never experienced before and very grateful i've found this.
kinda wild honestly. i have no idea what this even is. some of it sounds like jazz, some of it sounds like silent hill, huge fan of the variety here. i read that he made this album with the concept of "the soundtrack for a movie that doesn't exist" and it came out really great, all kinds of moods. didn't know they had this kind of innovation in 1996
Weird
I applaud it for being different.
i liked
Barry Adamson writes soundtracks imaginary movies. If his earlier album Moss Side Story was a British spy thriller this one is one of those strange and nightmarish movies set in a sleazy demimonde of sex and corruption. If the word that immediately springs to mind is “Lynchian” then you’re not alone. Apparently the great David Lynch himself listened to this album for 8 hours straight before ringing Adamson and asking if he could use the track Something Wicked This Way Comes for a pivotal scene in his film Lost Highway. High praise indeed. As well as the samples, electronica and jazzy breakbeats this album also features appropriately sleazy vocals from Jarvis Cocker and Nick Cave on two of the tracks. Given that this is effectively a soundtrack album without a film, the final question is does it work as a coherent whole, and I think that it pretty much does, conjuring some strong mental images. Cinema-tastic!
No. 200 Very atmospheric album, some great compositions, and also lots of crazy weird stuff. I enjoy the variety while still maintaining a sort of mysterious vibe throughout.
Maybe I'm crazy...I liked this. So interesting!
Bonkers
The Vibes Ain’t Nothin’ But The Vibes… rarely does a song title encapsulate the spirit of an album.
Et lidt blandet og ret langt album. Det kommer til at fremstå lidt rodet. Når det fungerer så er det faktisk ret spændende. Det veksler mellem jaz med moderne indflydelser og mere alternative skæringer. Det er tydeligt at det er et tidligere medlem af The Bad Seeds, særligt på det track hvor Nick Cave har lagt vokalen. Det lyder decideret som et Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds nummer.
Fun, scattered. I'm not sure I'd go back to it without allocating time to hear it in full, so 100% a film is achieved!
Interesante mezcla de jazz con ambient e industrial. Me lo guardo para ambientar partidas, la verdad.
A complete unknown, and looking at the name and cover, I would have guessed some kind of 90's indie/alt rock smorgasbord. This has an ambient jazz vibe that, save for a couple random tracks that veer significantly from that, I'm all for. Nice discovery.
Some very dated bits (must have been fun at the time) wrapped around some cool cinematic explorations.
Well this one caught me by surprise, such an amazing mix of dark and moody textures, but still having a lot of moments showing a much lighter side too. A lot of other reviews are talking about David Lynch, and yeah I definitely see it too. This really is like one of his films in album form, showing a really dark and almost disturbing side in some moments, but it's all balanced out with a lot of genuine beauty too. It's no wonder he chose a song from this album to be on the soundtrack for Lost Highway, which by the way is his best film, fight me.
This is an interesting album created as a soundtrack to an imaginary movie. Not every song is great, but it's not boring and is enjoyable. Pitchfork: n/a Rolling Stone: n/a
I had never heard of Barry Adamson before, so didn't know what to expect. This was a great record - very diverse, and, at times, quite challenging. You can of course tell that it's a product of the 90s; the drum loops and synths give it away. But that's cool. The final track is arguably not needed, as it's just a short version of the opener, but I guess it gives the record a nice round trip. Favourite tracks: Something Wicked This Way Comes (which I swear is the basis of Bloodhound Gang's Why's Everybody Always Pickin' on Me? released the same year, but I couldn't find definitive proof), It's Business as Usual (which feels like it must have inspired some of the tracks on Paper Chase's Now You Are One of Us album from 2006), Vermillion Kisses (funny poetry), The Big Bamboozle (totally slams), State of Confusion.
Cool album.
solid!
Ugh, after reading another of your reviews for this, I gave it another chance. Glad I did. It grew in me. Does all of it work? Nope but that doesn't take anything away from the work. Vermillion Kisses would never go on a fave list for me but hell if it's not intriguing. 4/5
This album probably would not have entered my world if not for this project (or the books from which this list is constructed). But I must say that I'm glad that this album has entered my life. I tend to like downtempo/jazz-mixed soundscapes. So I liked this album. Quite a bit. 4 "Business As Usual with a touch of Miles" stars.
I would almost consider a 5 if the weird dialogue rants were shorter or removed
Obviously a lot I don’t know out there that someone thinks I should hear before I die. Wow. This has to be one of the weirdest albums I’ve ever heard. I have few words… I want to give it a 4 but, it’s so schizophrenic… still, I’d listen to this any day over Norah Jones, for real. It gets 4 for clearing the musical air of her sanitized “product.” Boolean rating: yes, glad I had the opportunity to hear Barry Adamson before I die.
Surprisingly awesome collection of soundscapes
Really didn't know what to expect with this album. Definitely a grower. Very strange and different. Not my usual taste, but can't knock it down on marks for my preferences, when it shows such skill and individuality.
Any film that this is the soundtrack to would be wild. It isn’t exactly a cohesive set of tracks, however it is fascinating in a bonkers kind of way. And interesting collaborators too. I recognised more of these than I thought. I admire his hubris
Mega archi flashera, totalmente entendible que este enfermo haya hecho el soundtrack de una peli de Lynch. Algunos temas espectaculares, otros no los escucharía ni q me apunten con una pistola (complementario).
Me ha gustado mucho, definitivamente lo voy a volver a escuchar
Weird jazz!! Lovely stuff. Each song has its own atmosphere, I see where he’s coming from with film soundtrack - some of it feels Lynch inspired fr
Absolute trip across the African musical diaspora. Jazz soul funk blues afrobeat and Caribbean influences across the album. Really enjoyed
I would give this a 4.5. but I feel it's most appropriate to round it down to 4, as I do think it has some faults, and I wouldn't characterize it as a perfect album or one that changes the world, but it has a great depth of music, styles, and it did have an impact on at least quite a few British musicians. It is an interesting project that fits with some other stuff that came out within a few years of this album, but it may have been a tiny bit ahead of the curve.
В наушниках не зашло, а вот в колонках послушал с удовольствием.
Great discovery!
This was a wild ride. Without the context of what the concept of this album is, I would have probably hated this. But knowing it was intended to be the soundtrack to an imaginary film, it made for a fun experience. This is the kind of album that I would expect on this list. The music itself I’d rate a 3 - it has hits and misses, but giving it a (4) for the overall experience and concept.
Different, funny, rich, dirty, unique
prob 4
I really enjoyed this. My cup of tea. I'll definitely listen to this again and dive into the back catalogue.
fucking amazing
fell off a little at the end.
This was a bit of a weird one, but I enjoyed the David Lynch vibes and jazzier songs. Not quite as much as I enjoyed Moss Side Story, as I found this one a bit disjointed in comparison. The change in tone from "It's Business As Usual", to "Miles" and then back to "Dirty Barry" was a bit jarring, for ex.
This record is cool but I think I don’t like it quite as much as Moss Side Story. The Nick Cave song is great, though!
I don't know what the hell this is but I dig it.
"Oedipus Schmoedipus" is an album by English musician and ex-Magazine and ex-Bad Seed bassist Barry Adamson. Art rock is the sole Wiki-listed genre. The album was conceived as a imaginary soundtrack and it is the last album of his "unconscious trilogy" of psycho-thriller soundscapes which also included "Moss Side Story" (1989) and "Soul Murder" (1992). Adamson was lead vocalist and produced the albums. Other musicians included Mark De Lane Lea (guitar), Ken Low (guitar), Richard Hand (classical guitar), Seamus Beaghan (organ, piano), Pete Wyman (saxophone, clarinet) and Ileana Ruheman (alto flute). The album had critical acclaim and reached #51 on the UK Album Charts. The album opens with "Set the Controls for the Pelvis." Harmony vocals. Funky beats and guitar. Strings. A countdown to a rocket ship launch. Jarvis Cocker goes spoken word with lyrics with sexual overtones. A wah-wah guitar and vibraphone end the song. "Something Wicked This Way" has a laid back groove with dance beats and a soulful guitar. Strings, horns and an organ melody. Very much a 1970's music vibe. David Lynch used this song in his movie "Lost Highway." "Vermillion Kisses" begins with a woman telling a fantasy-like story. Strings and acoustic guitar. The song turns creepy as she seduces a man only to kill him. Nick Cave takes over lead vocals in "The Sweetest Embrace." A soft drum beat. A swirling organ and piano. The song builds with strings. Cave in his deep voice sings a story of the inevitable end of a relationship. All thirteen songs creates its own atmosphere. The music can be dark, film noir-esque, James Bond-squeeze, Blaxploitation-esque with random noises, creepy phones messages and foreboding beats. There are elements of jazz, soul and experimental. I found this album very compelling as well his earlier "Moss Side Story" which I also had in this challenge. This was a good change of pace ending the week and I recommend this album to any fan of movie scores or creepy film noir movies.
This is pretty out there, but it has musical moments and certainly shows great creativity.
I was so impressed! I mean what a strange combination of styles. Dark ambient, lounge, orchestral shit… dude this is an anazing listen I wish MF DOOM could hop on some of these instrumentals
I didn't know what to think of this at the start, but it really grew on me. A lushous soundscape, some wild potetry. This is the sort of music you heard in a dream and try to remember upon waking up, but in real life. Every track felt unique but themed together, and I overall really enjoyed it.
Finding albums and artists like this is why I'm doing this project. I think it's (mostly) fantastic, and am looking forward to hearing more of Barry Adamson's back catalog. Having said that, I can also see why some people hate it. It's an uncomfortable listen at times. But it's the only one in my first 40 days of doing this that made me need to learn more about the artist and read other opinions to help me understand what I was listening to.
I listened to this album without knowing nothing of - nor reading anything about - it. Moving from Cocker's appearance on the gorgeously string-drenched opener where he Jarvises all over it, through the jazz stylings of Miles Davis on 'Miles' and into the freeform jazz (almost music concrete) of 'Dirty Barry', this was as unexpected as it was captivating. By this point I didn't know what to expect next, and was gleeful with anticipation. You can't ask much more from an album in terms of suspense and surprise. It's utterly batshit bonkers and a very lovable album. It drifts and veers, although never into filler. Certain tracks certainly stronger than others, but a very excellent curio indeed.
very interesting - never heard of him before, enjoyed this, varied styles
Hahaha surprise Nick Cave
A soundtrack for an imaginary film is quite an interesting idea, perhaps even quite novel in 1993. It was a bit of a “is that (insert musician)?” experience with Jarvis Cocker and Nick Cave both making appearances. We also have Miles Davis making an appearance, unsurprisingly for ‘Miles’. Jazz is probably at the heart of much of the album, some interesting arrangements. It’s quite energetic in places, quite chilled out at times and even rather sinister at other times - I guess the variety of moods is required for this imaginary film. The Big Bamboozle is instantly recognisable and has no doubt been used to score various TV/film down the years. There’s also a nice sample of Spooky by Dusty Springfield for Something Wicked This Way Comes. There’s a lot to like here but perhaps it could be streamlined a little, particularly Vermillion Kisses felt unnecessary.
fun and eclectic concept album, good instrumentally, but the vocals and spoken word segments are not holding up their end. great instrumentation choices, love to hear vibes and sax in this sort of way
Acid jazz elektronisk agtig. Det lyder virkelig som sådan noget breakbeat/bigbeat blandet med jazzet lyde. Det var et mega godt album synes jeg. Det er åbenbart ment som et soundtrack til en "imaginær film". Nick cave er også med som står artist.
Literally what the fuck was that?
Really like nothing I’ve ever heard. Going to dig deeper
I reviewed Mr. Adamson’s Moss Side Story about six months ago, and I really didn’t care for it at all. Magazine’s Real Life is fantastic, but Adamson’s solo debut missed the mark with me, and instead of a soundtrack to a non-existent movie, it felt like a collection of generic songs without any story or mood. I don’t have particularly high hopes for this album, and seeing the name of Oedipus in the title doesn’t inspire hope in me either. Here’s hoping my last album of 1996 has some pleasant surprises in store for me. I’m pleased to say that Oedipus was much better than Moss Side Story. While this album wasn’t perfect, I liked how this one truly did feel like a soundtrack album. Despite the variation in style, the moods and atmospheres on this album gave it a cohesive feeling. The arrangements on this album were really good, and I think that the guest appearances by folks like Jarvis Cocker and Nick Cave really boosted the sound of this album. Some of the songs on here were a bit boring, and others like “In A Moment of Clarity” felt redundant. As a whole though, this was a run and enjoyable album, and it was definitely unique. With this effort, I think Barry Adamson achieved what he set out to do. Some notes on the individual songs: The guitar and drums on "Set The Controls" were really cool, and the string arrangements were a beautiful touch as well. I really enjoyed hearing Jarvis Cocker on this song too. He’s got the perfect voice for a sound like this. “Something Wicked” has a really great atmosphere to it. I can definitely see why David Lynch used it in Lost Highway (I’ve never seen the movie, but this song has David Lynch vibes all over it). “The Vibes” is really great, and it reminds me of Tom Waits. I liked that xylophone sound, and the crowd noise made it feel like you're in a smoky lounge. The sense of place on this album is really strong so far. I'm usually more interested in melodies when it comes to music, but the rhythms here did a great job of helping establish the sense of place. The melodies were good too, but the rhythms were of particular note to me. “It's Business as Usual” was quite the experience. If I was supposed to be skeeved out by this song, mission accomplished. It's definitely not a song that stands well on its own, but it fits this album really well. “Miles” was really excellent. It was quite a shift from the previous song, but I liked the lighter tones and jazz structure. That little string arrangement that keeps coming back before each chorus was great, but the piano really stood out here. The bass playing was excellent, and this was my favorite song on the album. I liked the trip hop sound to “Valley of Dolls.” The backing vocals were great, and I really liked the catchy beat. Despite the different sound to this song, its sense of atmosphere made it feel right at home on this album. Overall, this album was very enjoyable to listen to, and I enjoyed its cinematic sound.
Awesome
Odd and eclectic, which I love. At its core, the jazz bits are solid but ground it in a specific way that gives it a weird tension between being fully experimental and a solid jazz album.
This was freaky and groovy and all around a good time. Storybook section felt a bit out of place though.
filmmusik ohne film, kollege von nick cave - ein bisschen verrückt muss man schon sein. cooles easy listening!
Pretty interesting. Huge variety of genres in here. Lost me a bit in the middle but I liked it.
Cool and cinematic it sounds like a bridge between the Berlin Trilogy and Black Tie White Noise. All the cool of Cave but non of the Barnum over the top showsmanship. Something I am sure to return to.
Very cinematic, which I should have expected given David Lynch used some of his stuff. It's a pretty varied album of jazz, electronica, creepiness, and more, but it all feels like it belongs together.
Wow! I don't know how I missed out on this one! First time hearing this & what a ride! Love all the funky, neo soul, jazz stuff. Plus the erie soundscapes makes this sound like a soundtrack to a movie I would definitely be into. Then here comes Nick Cave on vocals for The Sweetest Embrace. As beautiful as it is haunting.
There are some albums like Thriller that are great because the songs are so good. I'm not thinking about any kind of broad album narrative when I listen to thriller, I'm just thinking about "Mama Say, Mama Sa, Mama Coosa". There are so many great songs on that album that I've no choice but to give it a high score. But then there are other albums that aren't like that. Some songs may be pretty good, but really what holds them together is the overall unitary piece that is the complete album. This is one of those. Not that I didn't like any of the songs; I was fascinated by tracks such as "It's Business As Usual", and of course Nick Cave on "Vermillion Kisses", and "The Sweetest Embrace". But I wouldn't want to listen to an album full of songs similar to any of these (except maybe the Nick Cave one). No, I'd much rather listen to the crazy, toxic, unhealthy, dysfunctional family that is the entire work as a whole. Favorite Track: It's Business as Usual
I really dug this one. Lots of variety, and good, captivating stuff. Added this to my library.
This was a nice surprise. Very cinematic, atmospheric, eccentric, and other -ics as well. Not every tune worked for me, but most of them did. The weirder and darker it got, the more into it I was. Not sure what that says about me, but I'm sure there an -ic that fits. (I may have to revisit Moss Side Story, as I gave that one a 2. Maybe I caught it on a bad day.)
Loved some of this! But what in the world is it even made for? Boggles my mind a bit.
No sé qué acabo de escuchar, pero me pareció buenísimo. Quizás mucho género a la vez. La única cosa que podría decir malo. El álbum no se define. El resto, genial. 7/10
Just like his last one, this one was made for an imaginary film. Pretty solid album, overall. I will say 3.5 and round up because I enjoyed it from start to finish.
This was a pretty cool album!! It's Business as Usual was very unsettling, but otherwise some cool tunes, a cool Nick Cave feature, and just an overall interesting unique album that sounds like something that belongs in this list (finally).
Dope
This somehow completely passed by not only my 16 year old self in 1996 but also the 30 years since. I really like it. Ambitious, cinematic neo-noir sounding like a film soundtrack. A lot of it is jazzy, some of it sounds a bit trip hop more in keeping with the times. Jarvis Cocker sings in the opener and Nick Cave drops in later on (I had actually heard that song before). I'd need to listen to this a couple more times, and I will.
Interesting fusion
Pretty good album and interesting
The further away the ‘90s get the weirder they seem (in a good way). This album is all over the place and I kind of love it for that. I bought and enjoyed this album in late ‘90s when I was really into Nick Cave (Barry was in Nick’s band for a bit). My biased past self wants to give this album 5 stars, but my current self admits there are enough weak and dated elements in the album to dial my rating back to a 4.
I definitely vibe with this one. The creepiness and the chilling atmosphere never left, but the album never got stale
After listening to this I’d say, The Vibes Ain’t Nothin’ But the Vibes.
I love that albums and projects like this exist. It's a fascinating artistic decision to soundtrack a film that doesn't exist. It certainly feels quite cinematic in places. I’d always liked ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ from the Lost Highway soundtrack, and other tracks feel like they could appear in other films. I really like the vibraphone in the third track (I always like the vibraphone). It always gives off a sense of someone being lost, or otherwise alone in a big world. Elsewhere there's some dark tracks and some chill, musical tracks, as well as some guest cameos by interesting artists. Some tracks are superb and are really expansive. However, it does go a bit weird in the middle for a few tracks and isn't particularly fun to listen to. A little bit inconsistent overall. Overall though, this was a nice find. I like this guy's style! 3.5 rounded up.
enjoyable when you need chill background music but want it to be just a little bit peculiar :)
What a weird experience. Loved it, definitely gonna listen again.
A very cool and weird album that I could write a lot about if I had more time today. Maybe I'll come back and do so later.
Quite good surprise
Je suis plus avenant envers Barry Adamson en raison de ses liens avec Nick Cave. Bassiste du début des Bad Seeds (et aussi de Magazine que j'aime pas mal). Je n'ai pas investigué là-dessus mais j'imagine qu'il y a un effet d'influence sur l'activité de création de bandes sonores de Nick Cave et de Warren Ellis.
Intéressant. C’est décrit comme la soundtrack d’un film fictif qui n’existe que dans la tete de l’artiste. Je peux comprendre! Ça m’a surtout fait du bien d’entendre la douce voix de Nick Cave pour la première fois dans ce projet. Justement le Barry a une feuille de route drôlement bien remplie avec notamment une longue passe avec les Bad Seeds. À quand notre premier album d’eux?!?
Vaya locura de disco. No sé describirlo. Me ha encantado.
Seems like a delicious interesting and confusing when ı heard first songs seems like a fascinating but almost every songs multilayer and it made me tired
Once it got past the first track it was actually enjoyable.
I ended up liking this album far more than I thought I would.
Wow, I didn't expect to like this so much, never heard of barry adamson but I'm glad I listened to this
A ride of brilliance of weird music mixing together. Feels like you're into a movie, but your're not. And yet..
Love it. Fun discovery. Right in my wheelhouse of dark, jazzy Lynchian trip hop.
This is what a love about the album generator! Never heard of this before, an imaginary soundtrack and as I listened I imagine the movie it could fit to- amazing! First listen I’ll give it a 4 but it could be a keeper and become a 5!
I actually loved this. The style, concept and composition were really entertaining. Minus one star because “It’s Business As Usual” made me want to actually throw up. The artist should definitely get a psych evaluation but I dig music that’s a bit unhinged.
At the start I was like this is good cooking music. I can see the jazz influences in art rock. 2nd track was a vibe for chopping. Then 3rd track sounded spy-movie-like. AND THEN 4th was kinda freaky (like horror movie freaky). And 5th happier. 6th some jazz. Miles Davis *did* write that track, so makes sense. Never know what to expect on this album now… Track 7 now, “In A Moment Of Clarity”, and wow I realized I like jazz now. Wow good job 1001 albums list
Fantastic! Somehow never came across this before.
Hm, Barry Adamson... what is this, gospel? oh nope. Okay this has potential. That's kinda cool. A soundtrack to an imaginary film and the second track appeared on Lost Highway. Oh yes, I know Something Wicked This Way Comes!
Weird, freaky, jazzy. I enjoyed it a lot.
A pretty good album, I liked Set The Controls for The Heart Of The Pelvis and Miles the most.
I read about this before I listened because old never heard of it. From what I read I assumed I would hate it. But I actually loved it.
This record is more a work of art than it is a pure musical album. I was thoroughly entertained and enthralled. The songs and soundscapes are gripping and sometimes uncomfortable. But they almost always evoke a mental image. Really entertaining.
Drôle d’album, mais intéressant. La deuxième toune a été utilisée dans le film Lost Highway, alors elle fonctionne un peu moins dans le contexte de l’album parce que je suis tellement habitué de l’entendre dans un autre contexte, mais le reste des pièces est tout aussi intéressant. Il y a beaucoup d’ambiances différentes et de belles trouvailles musicales.
The Good: Excellent album name! The Bad: Awful album cover… The Ugly: a schmoedipus… is ugly… Reading comments from other folks, it seems that most are a little upset that they are listening to a soundtrack of an imaginary movie… why? Not knowing what to think, I have been pleasantly surprised by the album. I can’t recall any of the songs, but having this play on the background made the day go by faster, and that is always a good thing. Though the album might not be worth more than 3*, I will splurge one additional star just because I know that I will want to listen to this album again at some point. Good on ya Barry 4*
Some really chill some scary
nice?!
I don't think i was expecting this but i really enjoyed Oedipus Schmoedipus. I already listened to Moss Side Story prior to this but i still was not expecting this to be another soundtrack for an imaginary film. These songs still feel like they would fit a detective film just like Moss Side Story but i like the ones here more because they just have so much more to them. The songs here could be groovy, ominous, even funny (like with Vermillion Kisses). Every song here just had something different on offer and they were mostly executed very well. This album did unfortunately get docked a star due to Dirty Barry but i still really loved this album. Best Song: Achieved in the Valley Of Dolls Worst Song: Dirty Barry
Review shreview. Oedipus does something interesting in the category of albums that sound like they're taken from movie, but they're not - it focuses more on reactions, vibe of the crowd, and the music is a bit muted. Initially, I took it as too much self-absorbance, now it feels a bit better to me.
What even is this? This is so all over the place. Is it Jazz? Is it Swing? Is it Trip Hop? I have no idea but it’s weird in a good way. I was so intrigued and engrossed listening to this album. It was like modern Leonard Cohen. I will definitely recommend and listen to this again.
Never heard of Barry Adamson or Oedipus Shmoedipus. Zero clue what to expect. Liking "something wicked this way comes" This album is very odd but very cool. "it's business as usual" is definitely something. Gosh this is a strange album. I swear "achieved in the valley of dolls" even seems to have used a Nokia ringtone in it! It's like a mix of 90's and 70's/60's. Can't say I dislike it, though! It's definitely something unique and interesting. "Vermilion Kisses" definitely gave me a giggle
felt very film like
I had never heard of Barry Adamson before. I thought this album was going to be akin to Spinal Tap or Tenacious D just based on a few of the track names. Within a few minutes I was pleasantly surprised. The tracks spanned several genres and had influences from some of my favorite artists. The production mixed with the weirdness evokes a surreal feeling that I often strangely associate with good music.
a delightful jumble of ideas and stylistic jumps
jarvis cocker & billy mackenzie & nick cave is an insane combo and i love it
This is pretty awesome. I did not like his other record that was presented ted to me here but this one is really great.
This was a nice reminder of the benefits of listening to music from this generator - it was something different and very enjoyable. Jazzy, big band, slow, fast, atmospheric, dark, light. Listening to this album felt like watching a movie or TV series as each song brought about a new scene, conflict, and vibe. I would listen to more Adamson.
Really odd that this was the first album recommended to me; I watched Lost Highway for the first time recently. The chances of this album being recommended when all I provided here was my username and preferred genres. I feel spooked yet seen. I would listen to it again and probably will, when I’m in the mood for something David Lynch-y
great album for a Scooter ride LAX to LACMA
I really liked this one … every track unique in its own way and Uncle Nick popping in on The Sweetest Embrace was lovely ☺️
Kind of a contemporary jazz album? Enjoyable listen. Apparently conceived as a concept album for a film. Notable songs include Set The Controls For The Heart of the Pelvis, Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Vibes Ain’t Nothing But The Vibes, Miles, The Big Bamboozle, The Sweetest Embrace.
I wasn't familiar with Barry Adamson or his background, and for some reason based on the name and album cover I was expecting some sort of weird chamber music, so this was an unexpected delight. It starts off strong with the first two tracks, and thereafter it's both varied and coherent. I would totally watch the imaginary movie this soundtracks.
This was a great album from start to finish minus The Sweetest Embrace
I enjoyed this. A bit hard to clarify with different tracks having very different styles, but well done and enjoyable. Solid 4 that deserves a relisten.
I hadn't heard of this artist before, but I really enjoyed this album. I can see adding this to my collection.
Eerie soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist! I wasn’t expecting this actually and really enjoyed it. It’s nothing groundbreaking though, and because of the soundtrack aspect, among the fact that it’s just not anything novel, it ends up being mostly in the background. But sometimes you need background noise and not music that consumes every inch of your consciousness. This would have totally been on in the background while I was studying when I was in uni, maybe I’ll put it in the back while I work sometime because I totally see myself coming back occasionally. I don’t know if this is an album you MUST hear before you die but I’m quite satisfied that I got to discover it.
Оце класна дуже штука! Тут вам і Лінч і Нік Кейв, все різноманітно й цікаво. До свого сорому не слухав сольне Баррі Адамсона, можна подякувати цьому списку що трохи відкрив мені очі.
This album did not pass the vibe test initially based on the cover and name but by golly, it was a good one.
Really enjoyed that 90s sleaze. Had no idea this guy was in Magazine and Nick Cave's band. I thought Jarvis and Nick Cave's cameos were really good. A couple songs were hard to get through but for the most part I enjoyed the flow of the whole album and thought it felt shorter than its runtime Rating: 4.0
really good but not re-listenable
Oddly satisfying
Interesting album. I had to read the Wikipedia article to understand what it's about. And from a musical point of view, very nice and diversified. Good!
4.3 Stars Never heard of this album before today. Pleasantly surprised! Jazzy and funny. David Bowie vibes (Set the Controls for the Heart of the Pelvis). Best: "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Pelvis" Reggie Watts vibes sometimes. Spooky sample in "Something Wicked Comes This Way" Pretty much whole album has Halloween vibes. Trippy Don't really get "Business As Usual", little crazy. Album doesn't end as strong as it begins.
a discovery! very twin peaksy
At first I didn't like it, but then I ended up listening in my car on the way to work instead of on my earbuds. This album needs to be listened to on a good sound system with subwoofer capabilities. Then, just skip Business as Usual, Dirty Barry, Vermillion Kiss, and perhaps Set the Controls. Then you've got a really nice modern jazz album with some occasional James Bond soundtrack elements. Those tracks to skip make it difficult to give a high rating, but I'm going to go ahead with one because I've really been enjoying the rest of the album for several days of commuting.
Weird but it grew on me
barry adamsonin art rock on kivaa
This album is its own mood. Enjoyable yet forgettable background music.
Very 90s cool. Interesting mix of sampling, live instrumentation, synthesizers. A little bit jammy, a little bit slinky, a little bit jazzy.
3.5 what can i say i'm weird, i'm a weirdo
Really enjoyed it. Pleasant surprise!
This album is wild. It's all over the place. From jazz/lounge music to rock to someone narrating a hilarious short story (Vermillion Kisses). When listening to the album, The Sweetest Embrace came on and I immediately recognized Nick Cave's voice as the singer. Overall, really solid album. At first, I didn't think I would like it, but it is just fucked up enough to be interesting. Usually these albums that are "soundtracks for movies that don't exist" kinda lose something, but this is great. Also...with a first song on the album being called "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Pelvis", how can you go wrong, lol. Talk about setting a tone for the rest of the album, lol Favorite songs: The Sweetest Embrace, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Set the Controls for the Heart of the Pelvis, The Big Bamboozle, Miles, In a Moment of Clarity, Vermillion Kisses Least favorite songs: It's Business as Usual, Dirty Barry 4/5
I read on Google that this album was "conceived as a soundtrack to an imaginary film" and I totally thought it sounded like a movie soundtrack. Some of it was very soundtrack sounding and about half of it was almost jazz music.
actually pretty sweet
Баррі Адамсон завжди був тим, хто попри очевидний талант, завжди залишався трохи за лаштунками. Він грав у Magazine, Buzzcocks, та навіть був частиною Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. Але паралельно, також будував свій "власний світ" - нуарний, театральний та трохи іронічний, який постав у всій красі на Oedipus Schmoedipus. Цей альбом одразу показав, що Адамсон не просто акомпанує іншим, а здатен і на власну візію. Тут він органічно поєднує джаз, електронні текстури, фанкові ритми та оркестрові аранжування. Окрім цього альбом відмітився дуже гарними камео - трек Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Pelvis отримав дотепний голос Джарвіса Кокера, лідера Pulp, Achieved In The Valley Of Dolls з Біллі Маккензі, фронтменом шотландського гурту The Associates, додає драматизму, а The Sweetest Embrace з Ніком Кейвом, фронтменом Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, відкриває більш інтимну та емоційну сторону альбому. Більш камерні треки на кшталт The Vibes Ain’t Nothing But The Vibes чи In A Moment Of Clarity передають нічне місто, The Big Bamboozle, звучить немов відлуння шпигунських саундтреків 60-х, а Something Wicked This Way Comes навіть потрапила до фільму Девіда Лінча Lost Highway, підкреслюючи атмосферу містичної напруги. Oedipus Schmoedipus показав Адамсона вже не як "тінь" у чиїхось проектах, а як автора "цілісного нуарного сценарію" з гумором та мелодраматизмом.
Liked it more with the sampling, trip-hoppy stuff but less so when it leaned into jazz territory, but definitely interested in hearing more
## In-Depth Review: Barry Adamson’s *Oedipus Schmoedipus* Barry Adamson’s 1996 album *Oedipus Schmoedipus* stands as a singular work in the landscape of 1990s art rock and cinematic soundscapes. Crafted as a “soundtrack to an imaginary film,” the album fuses noir, jazz, soul, funk, and electronic elements into a suite of tracks that are both atmospheric and narrative-driven[1][2][3]. Below is a comprehensive review focusing on lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, concluding with a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## **Lyrics** Adamson’s lyrics on *Oedipus Schmoedipus* are sparse but evocative, often serving as narrative fragments that complement the album’s cinematic intent. The record features notable guest lyricists and vocalists: Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) on “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Pelvis,” Nick Cave on “The Sweetest Embrace,” and Billy Mackenzie on “Achieved in the Valley of Dolls”[1][3][2]. Each brings their own lyrical sensibility: - **“Set the Controls for the Heart of the Pelvis”**: Jarvis Cocker’s contribution is witty, louche, and laden with innuendo, matching the sleazy, noirish tone of the music[3][1]. - **“The Sweetest Embrace”**: Nick Cave’s lyrics are typically dark and romantic, evoking longing and existential dread, adding gravitas to the album’s emotional core[1][4]. - **“Achieved in the Valley of Dolls”**: Billy Mackenzie’s performance is haunting, his lyrics alluding to faded glamour and lost innocence[1][2]. Elsewhere, Adamson’s own lyrics (when present) are often delivered with a knowing, amused drawl, evoking the seedy glamour of noir cinema and the existential musings of classic detective fiction[3][1]. However, many tracks are instrumental or use vocals more as another instrument than as a narrative device, reinforcing the album’s filmic quality. --- ## **Music** Musically, *Oedipus Schmoedipus* is a rich tapestry that draws from a wide palette: - **Genres and Influences**: The album blends art rock, jazz, soul, funk, lounge, and electronic music, with clear nods to film composers like John Barry, Ennio Morricone, and Bernard Herrmann[5][1][3]. There are also echoes of Miles Davis (notably on “Miles”), 1960s French pop, and big-band arrangements[1][2]. - **Instrumentation**: Adamson employs vibes, saxophones, lush strings, organ grooves, and electronic textures, creating soundscapes that are both lush and unsettling[3][1][2]. The use of finger-snapping rhythms, burlesque motifs, and jazz phrasings gives the album a sense of playful sleaze and sophisticated menace. - **Notable Tracks**: - “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Pelvis” – Funky, danceable, and tongue-in-cheek, with a memorable Cocker vocal[3][1]. - “The Vibes Ain’t Nothin’ But the Vibes” – Sleazy jazz with a smoky, late-night feel[3]. - “Something Wicked This Way Comes” – Features Massive Attack samples and was used in David Lynch’s *Lost Highway*, underscoring its cinematic appeal[1][2]. - “It’s Business as Usual” – Creepy, noirish, with disquieting sound effects and buried messages[4][6]. - “Miles” – A digital jazz homage that interpolates Miles Davis’ “Milestones”[2]. - “The Big Bamboozle” – John Barry/James Bond-inspired, energetic and brassy[3]. The album’s sequencing is intentionally cinematic, with each track acting as a scene or vignette. While some reviewers note that the flow doesn’t always build sustained momentum, the individual tracks are consistently inventive and immersive[4][6]. --- ## **Production** Adamson produced the album himself, showcasing his skill in layering and devising unusual sound textures[1]. The production is lush and detailed, with a keen ear for atmosphere: - **Sound Design**: Heavy phasing, spatial effects, and meticulous mixing create an otherworldly, immersive soundstage[7]. The album often feels like a fever dream or a walk through a neon-lit city at midnight. - **Guest Contributions**: The integration of guest vocalists is seamless, each adding a distinct flavor without overshadowing Adamson’s vision[1][3]. - **Cinematic Quality**: The production simulates the feel of a film soundtrack, with recurring motifs, dramatic shifts, and a sense of narrative progression[5][1][2]. Critics have praised Adamson’s imagination and technical prowess, calling him one of experimental rock’s most inventive composers and producers[1]. --- ## **Themes** *Oedipus Schmoedipus* is thematically rich, drawing on: - **Noir and Sleaze**: The album revels in the aesthetics of noir cinema—urban decay, moral ambiguity, and seductive danger[3][1]. The sleazy, jazz-infused backstreet haunts conjure images of trench-coated detectives and femme fatales. - **Psychoanalysis and Pop Culture**: The title references Freud’s Oedipus complex and Harry Nilsson’s *Nilsson Schmilsson*, signaling an interest in both psychological depth and pop pastiche[2]. - **Existential Angst and Desire**: Many tracks explore themes of longing, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world, often with a darkly humorous twist[3][1]. - **Cinematic Storytelling**: The album’s structure mimics that of a film, with each track serving as a scene or chapter in an imaginary narrative[5][1][2]. The result is a work that is both accessible and deeply layered, inviting repeated listens and close analysis. --- ## **Influence** *Oedipus Schmoedipus* occupies a unique place in 1990s music: - **Cinematic Pop**: The album helped pioneer a strand of cinematic pop and electronic lounge music that would later be explored by artists like Air and Stereolab[6]. - **Soundtrack Work**: Adamson’s approach influenced both his own later soundtrack work and the broader use of filmic techniques in popular music[5][1]. - **Cult Status**: The album has achieved cult status, particularly among fans of noir, experimental pop, and soundtrack music[2][3]. While it may not have matched the sustained excitement of Adamson’s earlier *Moss Side Story*, it stands as a defining statement of his style and vision[5]. --- ## **Pros and Cons** | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Inventive, cinematic production that creates a vivid atmosphere[1][2] | Some tracks feel like pastiche or genre exercises rather than fully realized songs[6][4] | | Eclectic blend of genres—jazz, funk, soul, electronic, art rock[3][1] | Album flow can be uneven; lacks the narrative cohesion of a true soundtrack[4] | | Strong guest contributions from Jarvis Cocker, Nick Cave, Billy Mackenzie[1][3] | Some may find the noir/sleaze aesthetic overbearing or dated[6] | | Rich, layered arrangements reward close listening[1][2] | Not all tracks have aged equally well; some sound “of their time”[6] | | Memorable tracks like “Set the Controls...”, “Something Wicked...”, “The Sweetest Embrace”[3][1][2] | Lyrics are often secondary to atmosphere, which may disappoint lyric-focused listeners[1] | | Essential for fans of cinematic and experimental pop[2][3] | May not appeal to those seeking straightforward rock or pop songwriting[6] | --- ## **Conclusion** *Oedipus Schmoedipus* is a masterclass in cinematic music-making, blending noir, jazz, soul, and electronic textures into a suite of tracks that evoke imaginary films and shadowy cityscapes. Adamson’s skill as a composer, arranger, and producer is on full display, and the album’s guest vocalists add depth and variety to its sound world. While its aesthetic may not appeal to everyone—and some tracks feel more like genre exercises than fully developed songs—the album remains a landmark of art rock and cinematic pop. For listeners willing to immerse themselves in its sleazy, noirish universe, *Oedipus Schmoedipus* offers a rich and rewarding experience.
Interesting stuff
I am shocked by how cool this album is! Very experimental, but also funky? Some of the tracks come off straight up disturbing. Having finished this album, I loved it! Very funky, very weird, very experimental. I can't believe I'd never heard this guy before.
Pretty accessible for avant-garde music. I enjoyed it.
There's way too much Nick Cave representation on this list. He just won't go away for someone I find pretty mediocre or just not to my liking. This was good though. Weird and different.
Funny reading the reviews, not sure many read the concept of the album being a pseudo soundtrack, a really interesting mix, many great tracks and perfect for film, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a difficult listen at first; the spoken word stuff makes it hard to get into. But I’m a fan of anachronistic film noir jazz, and as the album goes on the different weird experimental tracks interact and integrate with the central theme. Highlights for me were the seven minute long dub piece ('Dirty Barry') and tracks 9 through 12. Especially Nick Cave’s voice.
It’s kooky and kind of spooky, but worth a spin!
very funky and groovy and a little creepy I definitely vibe with this
Eclectic, dark, chill, unique.
Probably the most interesting discovery on the list so far for me. Id never heard of this. I liked the acid jazz and almost trip hop vibe. A couple of the tracks were dark and eerie and kind of disjointed the album a bit but still interesting. A cameo from Nick Cave was also a nice surprise. This is a movie I wanna watch, going by this "soundtrack" 7.5/10
Should listen to more
Am curious about this album! Some very weird sounds coming at the end of STCHTHOTP. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" - doesn't the student choir sing this song in Harry Potter? Okay, maybe not, there were no words in SWTWC. Yeah, the other reviews weren't kidding, this is a movie soundtrack..to a movie that doesn't exist. I love movie scores! Loving the weirdness of this music. Big fan of Dirty Barry.
Having Oedipus Schmoedipus appear shortly after reviewing Nilsson Schmilsson is something of a coincidence. An almost equally unlikely reoccurrence, is the fact that Barry Adamson has not only one, but two fictional Noir soundtrack albums on the list. It makes me want to be way harsher on this one, as it's the second one for me, but in reality I think I prefer Oedipus Schmoedipus to Moss Side Story. 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' is great, as is the Nick Cave feature and the overall Lynchian Noir atmosphere.
I really thought about reusing my 3-star review of Moss Side Story for this one. But Oedipus Schmoedipus is the one of the two soundtracks truly deserving its spot on the list, so I won’t. And no, it’s not only because of its fantastic title. Does it help though? Abso-schmutely-lutely.
This maybe one of the strangest albums I've ever heard, and I loved it. It is an amalgation of different music styles: You have some dark cuts such as 'It's Business As Usual' and 'Dirty Barry'; you have some jazzy moments such as 'The Vibes Ain't Nothin' But the Vibes'; you have some rock moments such as the opener; you have some trip-hop songs such as 'Achieved in the Valley in the Dolls'.... you get the idea. And if this whole album works is because the songs sound really good. It may lack of cohesion, but it is still very enjoyable.
It's always a pleasure when you get to use the word cinematic to describe music. Great sax work. Interesting story telling. Great mix of funk, jazz, and rock. If you can't make a movie, making this album is the next best thing.
The second album by Barr Adamson that I'm listening to as part of this project. When I heard the title, I initially thought I was listening to Krautrock. At least it sounds like a title from that genre. I liked the album so much that I listened to it twice. It won't be one of my top favorites, but it's definitely interesting enough to listen to again from time to time. 4/5
(Listened twice) What a curious album. I almost wish I hadn't read the description of the album first. I would have been so weirded out. But I actually really like this dogma of making a fake film score. I was in an antiques thrift shop while listening, and it was the perfect setting. Horror, folklore and fairytales. It really did feel like I was in an art film. Some of the songs were upsetting, and were either triggering stress/anxiety or sexual tension. So yea it definitely made me feel a lot. Which I really like. Don't know if I would recommend to listen while doing work related stuff. Which I did the second time haha. Especially liked the fairytale song and the Nick Cave song. Giving it 4.
Really interesting album
Cool. Not lyrical
Albums like this are why I love this fucking list. It's the last week of new albums for me, and after all this time I still get albums I've never heard of by artists I've never heard of, that I instantly love. This album is just so cool. Also, Atticus Ross (Trent Reznor collaborator) worked on the first 6 songs on this album. It just has this seamless blending of modern sounds and classic instrumentation. Like one minute it's trip-hop, then suddenly it's Bitches Brew, but there's nothing startling about the transition between the two. Also, this album has the perfect amount of vibraphone on it, which is to say a shitload. It slows down a bit in the back half of the album, but by that point they've already got my money, so there's no point in complaining 4/5
Tuned in here to write that I am vibing with this only to find the name of the song is The Vibes Ain't Nothin' But The Vibes. :cheff-kiss: This is the kind of shit I can get lost in completely and I love it. The sleepy keys are magical. Oh my. Hard pivot into It's Business As Usual. Straight thriller vibes -- I'm deeply uncomfortable. Was going to say, this sounds in a similar vibe to something on this list. Sure enough we already reviewed an album from this guy that also had an ominous / dark song. Miles is a brief ray of sunlight, before turning into the demented Dirty Barry that shifts back and forth melodically with a wandering trumpet underlyament that reminds me a lot of Cuong Vu (in the best of ways). This one was a trip. There were parts that I thoroughly enjoyed, parts that made me uncomfortable, and other parts that kind of just washed over me with no effect. Overall impression is that this was (similar to his last) a weird one with a cinematic flair (which checks out given the Wiki entry stating this is a "soundtrack" for an unwritten movie). I enjoyed it for what it was and will have to do a few plays through to form a better opinion. Gut says this is a low 4.
Something Wicked This Way Comes is an absolute gem. It's Business As Usual is well done, but it felt like I was listening to an adaptation of Se7en. Not at all surprised that Nick Cave worked on this album. Alternating from jazzy, noir songs into uneasy songs certainly kept me focused. After the second song this was on a 5 star trajectory. This album really felt like listening to a movie. Really enjoyed the actual songs. I also enjoyed the interludes, but not nearly as much as some of the songs. Overall this settles into a 4 with no real expectation that I'll come back.
Another Barry Adamson fake movie soundtrack which is a hilarious way of making an album. This one I think was much cooler than his other. I don't know if this makes any sense but it was if a 50s gangster movie meets Starship Troopers with the variety of songs. Certainly some extremely weird parts in it, but most of the songs were very good.
I had not heard of Barry Adamson until doing this project when I got another one of his records, "Moss Side Story,"early on in this thing, and I'm stoked he has another record here. It's weird and out there in the way I want. Didn't hit as hard as that first one because of actually having expectations this time, but still a great record.
Pretty good, but minus a star for getting a lil weird. Fun instrumentals and decent vocal work. 'Miles' was my fave from this lot.
Good album from an artist i was not aware of
Love it musicwise it's smooth and chill I love the almost whisper like monologue in there especially in "The Vibes Ain't Nothin' But the Vibes"...above 3.5/but not yet to 4/5. A beautiful story book (yet disturbing in essence).
Some great tracks, not consistent though
A brilliant noir soundscape where jazzy rhythms and unsettling melodies collide in beautiful dissonance, creating a world both seductively familiar and gloriously unhinged.
Well i don't know what i expected, but it sure as hell wasn't this. loved it. sneaky little massive attack sample in there too. right up my street
This album probably had the most surprising sound of any presented to me on this list so far. It sounds more modern that the 90’s, it’s not as scary as its cover suggests (though there are dark moments for sure), and it randomly features Nick Cave near the end. I ended up listening to it 3 times because it was so interesting and varied. It plays like a film score, which I imagine was then intent. The opening track is fantastic. Cave’s song is as well. A great record to own on vinyl I’m sure.
Extraño pero buena vibra, hace tiempo en esta web que no me tocaba un álbum desconocido que me interesara tanto. Y mira que entraba con poca fe. Resulta además que Barry Adamson había sido miembro de Magazine, cuyo disco recomendado por esta web me chifló, y de Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, aunque creo que no en la época de los discos que más me han gustado... (Estaba escribiendo esto último y justo ha empezado la canción en la que canta Nick Cave)
Enjoyed this one quite a bit. Very different from a lot of the albums on here.
Really diverse and creative album. One minute you're assailed by a panic-inducing stalker spiel ("It's Business as Usual"), and the next you're hearing a twee jazz fusion track replete with vibes and 80s sax solos ("Miles"). Then, as if just to keep you off-balance, they go back to creepy with a track that sounds, save for the sick trumpet playing, like background music from a Resident Evil game ("Dirty Barry"). Loved the Nick Cave song near the end ("The Sweetest Embrace"), even if I'm not sure what it's doing on a "Barry Adamson" album because it really just sounded like Nick Cave through and through. Thoroughly enjoyable. 4.5
4+ za nicka cave'a
MC Shadow and Tom Waits had a love child and begat this album.
I really enjoyed this album! Spooky and interesting. including Nick Cave, Atticus Ross and Jarvis Cocker. Whats not to love! What a fucking creepy album!
Ça c’est un weirdo d’album, tu m’aurais dis que c’est une soundtrack d’un film de Lynch (paix à son âme dis-je en m’embrassant l’index et en l’agitant au ciel, le regard mélancolique) eeeuh, j’disais quoi?…ah oui, hum hum, je t’aurais cru! C’est pas toujours un homerun, mais ça essaye des choses, ça mêle les genres, faque ça mérite une étoile bonus
Did I hate it? Kind of. At least some of the tracks. But it was also kind of amazing.
Pleasantly surprised. A great listen. 3.9/5
An interesting experience
Freaky
Nice. Very nineties chill out / cooler than thou / groovy vibes. Could be on a playlist with Ninja Tune and that lot. Sounds a bit dated in a way and some of the speeches made me feel a bit icky.
Loved this….
Recognised a couple of songs from adverts, presumably. Miles, The Big Bamboozle, and I enjoyed Something Wicked Those Way Comes, and The Vibes Ain't Nothing But The Vibes. Quite different, although it seems the artist does this a lot, conceptual albums for films that don't exist. Held my attention, finished strong with The Sweetest Embrace and Set the Controls Again, mixed noticeably louder than the rest of the album.
My only knock against this album is that it is a little *too* all over the place. The plus side is that the album provides one of the more insane track transitions of all time when it jumps from "It's Business as Usual," which is legitimately a frightening track, to the bouncy, upbeat "Miles." But I'm happy to see this album's inclusion on this list. A lot of albums are here, rightly, because they are the best representation of a genre, even if that genre wasn't all that long-lived. Barry Adamson is on this list because he basically is his own genre.
Wtf was that. Very cool and different. A bit tom waitsy. 4 stars today. On another day could be a 2. Bizarre stuff but not in a terrible Robert Wyatt kind of way (Wyatt is the shitometer to which all other albums shall be judged).
That was really interesting. I wasn’t paying such close attention to the spoken parts so I’m sure I missed some of the concept but I did enjoyed the variety of kinds of music on here and how well it all flowed together. I don’t always like more experimental tracks but they felt well-placed in here. I also loved the opener and reprise as a the closer. I was cleaning while this was on and I feel like that was kind of the perfect way of listening to it and I can see myself putting this on again while doing stuff around my house. Fav tracks: Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Pelvis (feat. Jarvis Cocker), Miles
What a fuckin weirdo. I love it.
Art rock will always be my least favourite genre. That being said, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this album. It's very consistent, and even the album's more experimental tracks ("It's Business as Usual") were really enjoyable. It feels like this album covers a lot of ground but is still very cohesive in its sound (which is where a lot of other experimental albums fail for me).
An interesting mix of everything. I definitely agree that this is an album you should listen in your lifetime, but it's ok if u do it just once.
Was ready to give this three stars because of how jarring it was to hear “It’s Business as Usual,” but the more I thought about it, the more I had to be impressed with that song’s craft. It’s legitimately frightening, and I think that should be commended. The rest of the album is full of some sick beats, jazzy compositions and remixes, and a touching ballad or two. Into it!
I went in with low expectations are reading the wikipedia blurb but was pleasantly surprised
aatamin poika jaha.. eikös me kaikki olla? eli siis paska nimi. wautsika wau! taas albumi joka on lisätty listalle syynä: soolohenkilö joka oli osana jossain bändissä joka oli kuuluisa... tämä on tarpeeksi syytä että PAKKO PAKKO PAKKO KUNELLA KUUNNELKAA IHMISET MINUA: homosex homosex homosex homosex homosex homosex homosex homosex homosex homosex. ihan nautinnollista kuitenkin kun pääsee alkukankeudesta eroon. kun ei puhu PASKAA kesken intrumenttaalisen ambientin pyörieissä.. sillonkun ymmärtää istua ja vittu kuunnella omia tekeleitä eikä kännipäissää höristä jotai mitä vittua se nyt selittää yrittää jotain jotain seksijuttuja taas varmaan saatana kuunnella tommosta dirty barry
4 stars. Almost 5 except for the weird middle part. I loved this though.
Oh, interesting, another Nick Cave connection. My expectations were low going into this, but it's a pretty cool album. It's thematic but tonally diverse. The avart garde tracks are engaging and fun, but I have to admit the jazzy tracks are my faves. Miles in general was such a fun little song. Overall, it's a fun album but another in a long list on this site that are more fun to talk about than to listen to. 3.5 / 5
Funfunfun, mit em Barry siinere Musig fühlt mer sich ja automatisch wie imene Film. I ganz vielne Film. bi ganz, ganz durchmischte Genres. Das er viel Soundtrack für de David Lynch gmacht het findi au sehr sympatisch. De Albumname Oedipus Schmoedipus chönt au guet vo eus sii bevor mer en DJ gig hend und no ganz schnell en Name bruchet. will sini kompositione hald doch durchs Band mal alli Film und Musig Genres duregönd, und ich s album biz han müsse durerushe, gits "nur" 4 Oedipus Puentipus, eimal gschüttlet und ned grüehrt.
Ah man, mis review isch au lost, i feel you Tbone. Has i drü tranche gschriebe, isch na güet gsi. Und ez mussis im laufe und im rege schriebe: bääh Kurz: name geilo. Barry=fun Adamson=protomale? Oedipus schmoedipus=fucking legend album name Song näme au mal was ifallsrichs. Und vlt s wichtigste glatt zum lose isches au. Sehr sogar. 4 griechischi mythe für de barry
intressant schmintressant weiss nöd öb de fall bi eu au scho ihtroffe isch aber bi mir isch hüt en klassische fall gsi vo: wow tönt eigentli sehr spannend und guet aber ich han irgendwie meh luscht uf mini komfort schmomfort lieder woni scho känne und bin gad nöd so explorefreudig, trotzdem losi aber s‘ganze album schmalbum das isch aber gar nöd am barry sini schuld, morn vilicht… ich han 4-5 lieder ufjedefall mal gspeicheret woni s‘gfühl han chöntet durchus wiedermal de weg zu mine ohre schmohre finde wege überraschigseffekt gids also 4 pünkt schmünkt
Ik kan de broeiende, groezelige gekte van Barry Adamson goed hebben. Ik herken dan ook een aantal nummers van zijn verzamelaar The murky world of. Jazz, big band, beats, rare verhaaltjes, een gastoptreden van Nick Cave, kortom: laat ome Barry maar schuiven in zijn sfeervolle fantasiewereldje.
Had every music style in a kind of kaleidoscope of sound
Interesting album
Distilled 90’s at that sweet spot between post modern camp and pure self indulgence.
Kinda soundtrack-ey, very atmospheric/ethereal
This album is *wild* and feels timeless/genreless.
Gear: Abyss DIANA MR Artwork: ⬛👩👦👹 Production: 🎧😐...🤯😍 Music: 💻⌨️🖲️🎷🎹💿🍦😎😱 Rating: 👩👦👩👦👩👦👩👦/5
At first I was a little put off by how weird it was... and then I started to get it. It's experimental for sure, but I kind of dig it! Weird dark jazzy trip hop stuff... kind of a noir fever dream journey that I'm really starting to like.
Really cool acid jazz album.
Very diverse within the soundscape/ambience realm with some elements of jazz and some gospel. Really liked it but i dont know if i would listen to it, if i wasnt studying.
A remarkably cool and eclectic album, which shows Adamson's ability to blend genres from across the spectrum in to one cohesive piece. There are elements of jazz, ambient, big band, electronica, and hip hop present across the whole album, and even single tracks. Vocals from Jarvis Cocker, Nick Cave, and Billy Mackenzie add a more accessible element to this (at times) rather avant-garde record. You'll even be treated to some trumpet parts written by Miles Davis, in the standout track of the album. It's conception as the soundtrack to an imaginary film encourages the listener to imagine the scenes to which the music is set. And with ambiguity and number of layers to each track, it's hard to think that each listen will evoke the same images. Highlights: Set the Controls for the Heart of the Pelvis Miles The Sweetest Embrace
Erittäin kiinnostava, kokeellinen ja miellyttävän jazzahtava levy. En ollut aiemmin kuullut, joten en ihan uskalla antaa vitosta mutta lähellä ollaan.
Good!
cool moments
Unfortunately I actually really enjoyed this album HOWEVER I do fear this guy wants to fuck his mom
This is a wild, wild ride. I never knew what was coming next. Big band? Film soundtrack? Audio book? Honestly there was not once where I’d label this album boring. It is an acquired taste, though. I happened to enjoy it immensely but could just as easily understand if someone else found it utterly baffling. 4/5
this one was really strange, with some truly bizarre cameos (atticus ross???). i laughed at the review that called it "a soundtrack for a movie that doesn't exist." true! while i didn't love all of it, and i can't really see myself regularly listening to it - especially the really bizarre spoke word tracks - it was certainly fresh and different, which i appreciated.
Had not heard of this artist before, but did enjoy this album. So much is happening in it that is will probably take a few listens to really appreciate it. Lots of different styles melded together, such as jazz, trip-hop, French 60s style pop etc. A couple of tracks include Atticus Ross, Trent Reznor's regular collaborator. 4/5
This one was wild. Started absurd, then descended into terrifying madness, with lounge jazz interludes. This makes sense as a soundtrack, but it is most realized as a soundtrack into a schizophrenic oedipal breakdown. There were some cool tracks, but this is mostly just background music I'd put on for someone to leave. Although I might stick around with a cocktail and keep listening...
Najs, fyra starka
As an American, this was one of those albums where, at the start, I was thinking to myself, "Who?". But once I sat down to listen to it, I really dug this one, asides from the darker tracks, but those help with the overall theme of "Music for a film that doesn't exist", so I'll give them a pass. 4.5 down to 4.
This one was another surprise! Had never heard of this artist but loved how all over this place this was.
There's a lot to like about this album. It certainly beats the pants off Nilsson Schmilsson, which was recommended last week. There's a diverse range of music on offer that holds together as a singular work well. I enjoyed the contributions from Jarvis Cocker and Nick Cave too. My instinct, after a few listens, is to give it a 4. There's not much that stops it from getting a 5. Vermillion Kisses being the only duff track - a faintly misogynistic and twee story that adds nothing and deserves skipping on every listen after the first. I'll definitely be adding this to my rotation of albums and look for more by Barry.
Interesting listen, appreciate hearing different stuff from this list. Will I listen to again: 50%
Wow - I’d never heard about this before today. I must confess that it’s really appealing. I love the textures, moods, rhythms, feelings in this album. Thank you for expanding my music knowledge!
Octopus Schadenfreude or something
Never heard of this artist or album but what an interesting collection of music. So diverse throughout. Ranging from buttery cocktail jazz to monologue to an intriguing poisoned fairy tale ending with Last Embrace. Written as a soundtrack for an imaginary film. Very creative. I really enjoyed it
This was great, but I think a couple of the more trip hoppy numbers kind of made it drag a little. Otherwise, it was challenging, disturbing, and moody.
What a wacky and different album with song and speaking. Really enjoyed it 7-8/10 idk.
Oedipus Schmoedipus is an album by former Bad Seeds and Magazine member Barry Adamson. The music is a mixture of lounge, jazz and post-rock. It's like a soundtrack for a film noir.
Hell yeah. This is a unique medley of music is an inviting experimental flurry of familiar and odd sounds and songs.
I liked this better than Moss Side Story
I quite enjoyed this, once I got past the first track, which I didn't like (mainly due to Jarvis Cocker I think). Very atmospheric, never boring, the 50+ minutes flew by in no time at all. It's somewhere around 3.5, but I'll round it up to 4 stars I feel.
Really weird, but good
wild and interesting album. 4 stars.
Very interesting album. Not entirely sure how i feel about it but i think it was an experimental success
At certain times, Barry invites you to a soft or lively dance in a ballroom with a jazz group playing in the background. At other times, Barry invites you for a late-night car ride. And at another point, he puts you to sleep on a bed of nails, along with your own mental discomforts. This was, without a doubt, a very ambiguous and intriguing experience.
Un album où les ambiances créent des mondes, pour moi analogues à l'univers de David Lynch: on oscille entre le familier et le décalé.
Weird and wonderful
4.3
I love these albums that seem to get a lot of low review scores, and then surprise, it's awesome. This had moments that sounded like background or elevator music, but they still groove and there were a few really haunting tracks as well. What a banger. 4/5
Hard to describe. One recognizable song with many identifiable samples in it. 4/5
This is an oddity of an album, starting with the fact that I hadn't heard of Barry Adamson before. He's regarded as a musician, writer, composer, photographer, and filmmaker, who's worked with Magazine, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Depeche Mode. His solo albums tend to be described as soundtracks for imaginary films, and Oedipus Schmoedipus is no exception. Much like a soundtrack album, various styles are at play, ranging from funk, lounge, big band, and spoken word. Not all of it works, such as the dissonant nature of "Dirty Barry" with the horn blares and "It's Business as Usual" combining found audio recording with piano string manipulation reminiscent of Henry Cowell's "The Banshee". But it's at least kept interesting throughout the runtime, with the tracks aligning to how such a movie would sound. Overall it's a very niche album where I'm not sure of its inclusion on this list of albums you must hear before you die, but I don't regret listening to it once. In that sense, it's much like a movie you see once and probably not revisit unless you genuinely want to.
Has some really really great moments! 3.75
Never heard of this guy, but see that he worked with MAGAZINE and Nick Cave. First listen, I LOVE THIS ALBUM, instant fav and I'll dive deeper into his catalog. 4 stars no problemo.
Some good stuff in here. Extra star just for Nick Cave and Jarvis Cocker.
Epic
Good album. Various styles mixed and mashed but works well some nice guest appearances