Spotify Listen Link: Tenacious D – Rize Of The Feni
Good God. Yes please.
Do you need info or history for this one? Good. Me either. Let's rock this shit.
I'll start off with the note that I'm not skimping - these are all the Explicit Versions. "Rize Of The Fenix" starts things off ever so lightly, but with the epic Tenacious D vocal stylings of Mr. Jack Black. I might be in love with him, just a little, so bear with me here. If you didn't understand it, the boys are the like the Fenix - rising again. Holy shit, there's a kick ass acoustic guitar breakdown only a minute and a half in. Here's to hoping they don't give it all away in the first track. Who am I kidding? This can only get better. The story is starting - even down to the idea of what would happen is (god forbid) they didn't rize again. Somehow, I doubt we need worry about that.
"Senorita" is, of course, a love song, of sorts. Jack will defend his sweet girl to the death, ready to take on the fight in her honor, at least for a while. And let the fight begin, all set to some kickin' Spanish guitar chords and strumming. And folks, that's really all there is to this one. It's amazing how much less complicated a comedian's music album can be, just because of a story to follow.
In a quite effort to identify with Darth Vader (or whoever, who cares), we get a sudden burst and compulsion in "Deth Starr." The points where these guys just let loose are awesome. The music's not over-powering like so many fucking metal albums can be, and they're just going with it. Hell, the beat's even better on this one then most of the drum-machine-laced club songs try for, and Jack's for the vocals handled better than some of the best crooners out there. Granted, we're in a totally different style here, but generally speaking, this takes the cake.
"Roadie" is fantastic. It's a great tribute to the guys and gals that make the rock shows happen. The song's intense and passionate, especially for a subject that's basically a glorified job description. I've never heard such a thank you ring out from a band before, and this kicks ass. Kick back for a few minutes with me and watch Sebastian's story.
"The Ballad of Hollywood Jack And The Rage Kage" is a five-minute song, so I'm guessing we're in for another epic story once again. Awww, it's how Kage was left in the dust when Jack started doing movies. Best line: "he watched as his indie credentials flew right off the door." See, grass is always greener, Kage. Is that... a pan flute? Only here folks, only here. Anywhos, back to the story: Jack hears about the insanity that Kage has fallen into, and rushes to his side. They come out of it stronger than ever.
When no one's listening to you, it's time to "Throw Down." Basically, in this one, we see a bunch of biblical figures kicking ass when the people won't listen to them. Moses, Jesus, and some other guy who can't be named (a religious respect thing). Then there's awesome fighting music. I mean it - the instrumental break is, by far, the best part of the song. The rest is funny, but if a pit isn't forming and fists aren't being thrown to that break, y'all are insane.
"Rock Is Dead." I... what? I'm not really seeing this, am I? Again, how these guys do this much with just some basic guitars is really impressive. The song winds up being a quick, under-two-minute spirt of different phrases, some rock-related, some not so much, against a fast-paced explosion of awesomeness. And the Elvis-esq ending is just fun.
"To Be The Best" takes us back with some synth and electric guitar riffs way up in the upper register. It's sort of uplifting in an odd little way actually, and ends way too soon. It's one of the better training montage songs I've heard in a while, and if I don't see a video displaying just that, I will be sorely disappointed. Oh wait, look, there's a video!! Careful for the faint at heart... it's a little tough. But hell yeah, it's a training video... eventually. Oh hell, just watch it.
Added to My Playlist:
- "Rize Of The Fenix"
- "Deth Starr"
- "Roadie"
- "To Be The Best"
All righty, well, that's over! Nah, I don't want to come across as bitter in any way on this one. It's the D. They're always damn good and have amazingly hilarious moments throughout. I don't know that any extreme classics (a la "Tribute" or "Fuck Her Gently") are going to come out of this one, but that doesn't make it any less of a wonderful new release from the greatest band on earth.
And as a bonus, because I never get sick of this video...