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Product Description
Review
David Lynch: cult film director, painter, transcendental meditation guru, aficionado of damn fine coffee… and now, a little confusingly, recording artiste. Sure, Lynch has always shown a willingness to alter his modus operandi when the mood takes him – in 2002, he ended a 20-year love affair with celluloid, declaring his subsequent work would be recorded to digital. But his reinvention as an electronic music producer is the sort of news that encourages some trepidation. Put it this way: his films are opaque, enigmatic affairs that go spelunking in the darkest recesses of the Hollywood subconscious; his music taste, meanwhile, ranges from Rammstein to Moby to early-60s dance craze The Loco-Motion, and those are three ingredients that don’t go together at all.
Yet somehow, Crazy Clown Time is an album that not just hangs together, but transfers something of Lynch’s uncanny cinema to the musical medium. There are things here that one might describe as Lynchian hallmarks: reverb-soaked guitar twangs, electronic washes that recall the creepy-soothing scores of Angelo Badalamenti. What is really intriguing, though, is the way he manages to transfer something of the characterisation present in his films into song. Pinky’s Dream casts Karen O in the role of the diva illuminated by a single sputtering light bulb, telling the tale of some doomed heroine and occasionally letting off bouts of Alan Vega-esque vocal Tourette’s. Good Day Today, with its crisp electro beats, think-positive message and gloomy synth undertow is the sort of thing Twin Peaks’ Detective Dale Cooper might listen to on his Walkman. And Lynch himself steps up to play the role of the gas-huffing Frank Booth psychopath: see the chilling title-track, a rambling monologue set to sluggish drums, orgasmic moans and slivers of backwards guitar. "He ripped her shirt off completely… then he pours a beer… he pours a beer all over Sally…" trills Lynch, his voice twisted in some strange mania.
Crazy Clown Time is not without its duff tracks – the album’s centrepiece, the seven-minute Strange and Unproductive Thinking, is transcendental meditation screed read out through a vocoder; undoubtedly a valuable experience for Lynch but gobbledegook to the rest of us. Still, this is an intriguing diversion for the veteran filmmaker – not quite good enough to make us want him to give up cinema for keeps, but certainly a new strand to his unique, ineffable vision. --Louis Pattison
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CD Description
Visionary filmmaker David Lynch makes solo debut as a musical artist this with Crazy Clown Time. Produced and written by Lynch, the album's 14 original songs spotlight him on guitar and vocals.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Whether you like David Lynch or not, one thing you have to admire is his independent spirit and vision. He has a way of making work that couldn't be made by anybody but him. His artistic vision is unique and fascinating and he appears to use whatever medium he feels is appropriate to convey his ideas.
"Crazy Clown Time" is a dark and haunting record that plays well late at night, especially if you're driving. Although this is an album of music you can't help but feel that the songs would fit really well in one of Lynch's films.
For the most part it consists of slow blues rhythms with creepy reverb heavy guitar and distorted vocals from Lynch himself. His voice, instantly recognisable, may or may not put some people off. I personally think it works really well whether he's singing or narrating his lyrics.
Some people have misleadingly mentioned this album being Lynch's attempt at dance music but this isn't the case. Certainly the single Good Day Today has a dance beat but it's too melancholic and strange to fill the dance floor. There are plenty of electronic and ambient touches throughout however but more for atmosphere than anything else.
The production is fantastic and it almost feels like the band is right there with you as you listen. The percussion, whilst slow, is really effective and surprisingly hard hitting, driving the songs along with purpose. The guitar, played by Lynch, adds drama and tension to the laid back bass lines.
Lynch will always be known as a filmmaker first and foremost but this album really stands out as something in its own right and it's a shame that some people may dismiss it as an unnecessary distraction.
If there was one criticism it would be that a few of the tracks sound similar in sound and style but there are plenty of distinctive moments to keep the interest. One review I read online basically said that if you're normally a fan of David Lynch, you'll probably like it. I tend to agree.
"Crazy Clown Time" is a dark and haunting record that plays well late at night, especially if you're driving. Although this is an album of music you can't help but feel that the songs would fit really well in one of Lynch's films.
For the most part it consists of slow blues rhythms with creepy reverb heavy guitar and distorted vocals from Lynch himself. His voice, instantly recognisable, may or may not put some people off. I personally think it works really well whether he's singing or narrating his lyrics.
Some people have misleadingly mentioned this album being Lynch's attempt at dance music but this isn't the case. Certainly the single Good Day Today has a dance beat but it's too melancholic and strange to fill the dance floor. There are plenty of electronic and ambient touches throughout however but more for atmosphere than anything else.
The production is fantastic and it almost feels like the band is right there with you as you listen. The percussion, whilst slow, is really effective and surprisingly hard hitting, driving the songs along with purpose. The guitar, played by Lynch, adds drama and tension to the laid back bass lines.
Lynch will always be known as a filmmaker first and foremost but this album really stands out as something in its own right and it's a shame that some people may dismiss it as an unnecessary distraction.
If there was one criticism it would be that a few of the tracks sound similar in sound and style but there are plenty of distinctive moments to keep the interest. One review I read online basically said that if you're normally a fan of David Lynch, you'll probably like it. I tend to agree.
20 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
That it takes a sixty five year old brilliant film maker to teach the rest of the bland formulaic money minded cretins currently suffocating the creative life out of the music industry, speaks volumes for David Lynch and is a damning indictment of what the majority of contemporary music makers are about in these X Factor and Pop Idol infested days of appallingly bland and functional dross. The 71 minutes of music on this album takes you on a journey to every place known to mankind and equally to places and experiences yet to be explored. From the lows and highs, from the sewers to heaven and back, from the gutters to the brightest stars. To Love, happiness, hell, pain, suffering, elation and misery alike, this record is a remarkable achievement even by the great mans impossibly high standards Crazy Clown time works our minds and senses relentlessly and re lives many points and places within our life times. This record breathes, sweats, bleeds and repeatedly jars the mind into thinking. All that aside, it is a truly great record from a truly great man. Lynch takes you for a 71 stroll around his surreal, brilliant and madcap sound scapes and puts the average stadium rockers well and truly on the scrap heap. High Flying birds, Snow Patrol, Coldplay?
I don't think so and Radiohead need to start looking over their shoulders, with music of this strength, depth and quality around giving us all a very overdue wake up call. This record is absolutely extraordinary in many ways, words, and weirds, and re awakens the human inner self within us,warts and all and from our dull, westernized, screen gazing, consumerist, obsessive life. Senses Working Overtime and Life Changing are just two of this extraordinary records strengths and achievements.
TRUE LIFE is rarely better portrayed than within this immense, complete and incredibly triumphant, all encompassing and real life embracing experience.
PURE GENIUS and then some. 10/10 and THE album of The Year by many a mile. ENJOY REALITY!
I don't think so and Radiohead need to start looking over their shoulders, with music of this strength, depth and quality around giving us all a very overdue wake up call. This record is absolutely extraordinary in many ways, words, and weirds, and re awakens the human inner self within us,warts and all and from our dull, westernized, screen gazing, consumerist, obsessive life. Senses Working Overtime and Life Changing are just two of this extraordinary records strengths and achievements.
TRUE LIFE is rarely better portrayed than within this immense, complete and incredibly triumphant, all encompassing and real life embracing experience.
PURE GENIUS and then some. 10/10 and THE album of The Year by many a mile. ENJOY REALITY!
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Truth-be-told I haven't always warmed to David Lynch's cinematic visions
(although his 1977 feature debut 'Eraserhead' remains a work of dark genius).
The soundtracks to his film and TV work, however, have always fascinated me.
Like the German director Werner Herzog, music has always been an important
adjunct to his labours. 'Crazy Clown Time' is a bit of a surprise, therefore,
in a number of ways. It stands up on its own two feet without the need for
accompanying visual material and although as sombre as one might well expect
from this fearlessly left-field artist it is nonetheless both accessible and
enjoyable in equal measure. Dean Hurley has done a sterling job as producer.
There are fourteen numbers in the collection, running the gamut from near-
nightmare (the claustrophobic 'Noah's Ark') to the almost jolly (crikey you
can shake a leg to 'Good Day Today'!) Mr Lynch provides most of the vocals
himself with a little help from Yeah Yeah Yeahs' singer Karen O (heard in
fine voice on opening track 'Pinky's Dream') and he's clearly enjoying himself.
His nasal, almost-drunken, quasi-comic turn on the grinding 'Football Game' is
an absolute hoot! The guitarist, with a splendid staggering reverb-sodden
performance, seems to be vying with Mr Lynch to see who can stand up longest!
The blues seems to never be too far away in the fabric of the arrangements.
'Strange and Unproductive Thinking' bobs along on a frisky beat and sports
vocal treatments highly redolent of Laurie Anderson (a kindred maverick soul)
and the spirit of Nick Cave is not so far away in the wild-western ghost-town
instrumental 'The Night Bell With Lightening'). Title track 'Crazy Clown Time'
ranks particularly high in the weird-but-wonderful stakes; its unsettling falsetto
vocals unfolding against a four-square backbeat shot through with uneasy
twisted guitar accents and a half-heard commentary which you really wouldn't
want to intrude into your dreams on a cold November night after imbibing too
much Wild Turkey and a bucket-full of Cool Ranch-flavoured tortilla chips!
Final track 'She Rise Up' is the stuff of lonely streets and long shadows.
Whilst not being the kind of album you might want to listen to just before bedtime,
Mr Lynch's idiosyncratic musical landscapes will doubtless find their place in
the listening world and amongst the many fans of his works for the silver screen.
Recommended.
(although his 1977 feature debut 'Eraserhead' remains a work of dark genius).
The soundtracks to his film and TV work, however, have always fascinated me.
Like the German director Werner Herzog, music has always been an important
adjunct to his labours. 'Crazy Clown Time' is a bit of a surprise, therefore,
in a number of ways. It stands up on its own two feet without the need for
accompanying visual material and although as sombre as one might well expect
from this fearlessly left-field artist it is nonetheless both accessible and
enjoyable in equal measure. Dean Hurley has done a sterling job as producer.
There are fourteen numbers in the collection, running the gamut from near-
nightmare (the claustrophobic 'Noah's Ark') to the almost jolly (crikey you
can shake a leg to 'Good Day Today'!) Mr Lynch provides most of the vocals
himself with a little help from Yeah Yeah Yeahs' singer Karen O (heard in
fine voice on opening track 'Pinky's Dream') and he's clearly enjoying himself.
His nasal, almost-drunken, quasi-comic turn on the grinding 'Football Game' is
an absolute hoot! The guitarist, with a splendid staggering reverb-sodden
performance, seems to be vying with Mr Lynch to see who can stand up longest!
The blues seems to never be too far away in the fabric of the arrangements.
'Strange and Unproductive Thinking' bobs along on a frisky beat and sports
vocal treatments highly redolent of Laurie Anderson (a kindred maverick soul)
and the spirit of Nick Cave is not so far away in the wild-western ghost-town
instrumental 'The Night Bell With Lightening'). Title track 'Crazy Clown Time'
ranks particularly high in the weird-but-wonderful stakes; its unsettling falsetto
vocals unfolding against a four-square backbeat shot through with uneasy
twisted guitar accents and a half-heard commentary which you really wouldn't
want to intrude into your dreams on a cold November night after imbibing too
much Wild Turkey and a bucket-full of Cool Ranch-flavoured tortilla chips!
Final track 'She Rise Up' is the stuff of lonely streets and long shadows.
Whilst not being the kind of album you might want to listen to just before bedtime,
Mr Lynch's idiosyncratic musical landscapes will doubtless find their place in
the listening world and amongst the many fans of his works for the silver screen.
Recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Look over your shoulder now!
David Lynch's Crazy Clown Time is extraordinary, weird, creepy, unhinged, threatening, obsessive, stalking, murderous, deep shadows of inky prussian blue, fingernails screeching on... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. Stephen Greensted
A true chameleon!
I'm not adept at reviewing music in the mold of Q magazine but at face value, this album is such a gem from the first sample. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Gordon C. Tait
Brave old world--A Lynchian treasure!
Its a brave move for a 65 year old man to make an electronic album! Buy hey, this is David Lynch the movie genius right! Read more
Published 5 months ago by David S. Austin
Exquisite
As a stand alone album it's brilliant but reviewed against, or within, the rest of his work (art/films), it fits in so smoothly it's exquisite. Read more
Published 5 months ago by SB
Just when I thought Lynch was done impacting my life, this comes out
As a long time Lynch fan, I was somewhat sceptical about the coolest director of all time releasing an album with his own vocals singing and writing lyrics. Read more
Published 5 months ago by aXXon N
A predictably weird waxing by David Lynch.
I had high hopes of this record, expecting something on the lines of 'Twin Peaks', with spooky and mysterious music. This did not really materialise on this recording. Read more
Published 5 months ago by A. P. S. Mcgain
Quality...Artist, Photographer, Director, Meditator...Musician
Was cynical about whether this would sound like 'middle-aged star does electro-pop album' and it does....but in the best way possible. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Sebastian :)
One of the best albums of the year
Vinyl review
I was really looking forward to this album and so many times that = disappointing but so pleased this time it exceeded my expectations. Read more
I was really looking forward to this album and so many times that = disappointing but so pleased this time it exceeded my expectations. Read more
Published 6 months ago by lottigee
The Dark Night
Heavy unnerving guitar blues from the auteur of the unusual; this sounds exactly as you would expect/want. Read more
Published 6 months ago by jut2k
Lets Rock n Roll
David Lynch knows things.Secrets,dreams,symbols.Crazy Clown Time is my album of the year,actually decade. Read more
Published 6 months ago by mister joe
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