Search - Adrian Belew :: Op Zop Too Wah

Adrian Belew in a Nutshell

x_bruce | Oak Park, ILLINOIS United States | 04/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In his first two albums Adrian Belew looks for his voice and shows his mentors influence. There are some excellent songs and playing but Belew doesn't quite reach his potential. Desire Caught By The Tail, his third album demonstrates his more experimental side to diehard fans. This pretty much becomes the pattern for much of Belew's work with a swing to more pop based songs.Op Zop Too Wah is where he puts it all together, literally. Every phase of Adrian Belew's ideas fall into place on this album. The guitar work and post beat poet kick the album off with Of Bow and Drum and Word Play Drum Beat. Besides being entertaining pieces of music they are also interesting experiments in the boundries of rock music. The lyrical, pop side of Belew's sound is found on tracks like All Her Love Is Mine and Time Waits. This can make for sharp contrasts of which there are plenty in this set of 21 songs. There have been complaints about how disconcerting these contrasts are to which I disagree. As an album Op Zop Too Wah is cohesive, it's just not typical of his pop laden prior efforts nor his completely experimental material.Instead we get a pastiche of the elements that make up Adrian Belew's musical skills, really the first album in his catalog to do so. The key is taking the album for what it is and not what you would like it to be. It is refreshing to hear the various elements of Belew's interests including production skills. The sequencing and spacing of songs are at times surprising yet tasteful. Production quality is excellent.For new listeners you can expect some pop songs in the acoustic and electric form only they will be a bit twisted from what you may be experienced to. There will be concise excursions into lightly experimental guitar and song structures. There will also be some heartfelt playing and singing to well intentioned lyrics with some occasional humor. Expect some rocking moments as well.The only negative are a couple of songs that seem underdeveloped or go on a bit long. Keep in mind most songs are well under four minutes so this critisim is to be considered within the scope of the album which is fast paced.Adrian Belew is that rare artist that can play virtually any kind of music and fit in, he has played with such diverse artists as NiN to Paul Simon to his stints with David Bowie and Frank Zappa not to mention being co-guitarist/vocalist in King Crimson and his pop based band, The Bears. Op Zop Too Wah is a sampling of his interests as an artist and should be listened to as such. There is a lot of great music on this album.Not to be missed."

The ultimate Belew album

marzullo | Tampa, FL United States | 12/03/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is Adrian's best work as a solo artist, since it brings together on one recording everything he has experimented with in the past--noisy guitar instrumentals, piano ballads ('The Ruin After The Rain'), straightforward pop ('Something To Do,'Six String'), manic, King Crimson-type rock ('I Remember How To Forget'), twisted blues ('Modern Man Hurricane Blues'), lyrical improv ('Word Play Drum Beat'), and the type of unique heavy percussion, frenzied guitar pieces that only Adrian can create ('Of Bow and Drum'). And did I mention that Adrian plays almost 100% of every instrument on this album? Highlights for me--the opening moments of the CD's first track ('Of Bow and Drum') which still makes my jaw drop--turn it up real loud the first time you listen and tell me you're not floored; the guitar solo in 'Six String,' Ade's ode to his axe; and the disc's closer, 'On,' which just simply a cool song. The man is a genius, and it is a real shame that more people do not know about him. Just ask Trent Reznor (NIN), who once said 'Adrian is the greatest musician in the world.' On this album, you still hear the Beatles influence that he is recognized for, but not quite as strong, and this makes for a more satisfying, unique sound. For further listening, make sure you check out the songs 'Dinosaur' and 'One Time' from KC's 'Thrak' CD--these are excellent, excellent Adrian pieces as well."

Highly recommended--ONE OF THE BEST EVER

Chris | 11/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I told you that Op Zop Too Wah is one of my favorite albums ever made, I'd be telling the truth, so let me just say that this is one of my favorite albums. It's true that some of the songs are very short. I still love everything about the album. The reference to King Crimson's Larks' Tongues In Aspic in "Of Bow and String", that piano part in "Time Waits", the intense live performance "High Wire Guitar", the ocassionally sarcastic lyrics, the catchy music, those crazy sound effects that are dropped in at seemingly random places make this album easily the most coherent I own. Op Zop Too Wah's articulation is puzzling, but very noticeable, especially after repeated listens. For example, how can you appreciate "Plate of Words" and "Plate of Guitar"? They are both under a minute long, and they are the same thing, only "Plate of Words" has lyrics and "Plate of Guitar" doesn't. How can I explain my appreciation for this? I can't...it's just gotta be experienced. This album NEVER gets old. There have been a lot of albums that I own and I don't listen to a lot simply because they've gotten old with me and I'm tired of listening to them. I have yet to get tired of this music. There's something about this catchy, experimental pop/rock that gets me after every listen. Listen for yourself. Listen for yourself over and over and over...."