Search - Ned's Atomic Dustbin :: Are You Normal

(four and a half stars) Even better than "God Fodder"

trainreader | Montclair, N.J. | 11/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Are You Normal" follows Ned's Atomic Dustbin's formula of success first seen in their debut album "God Fodder:" First, you have the consistent bouncy two bass driven sound with its distinct British sensibility; second you have quirky lyrics that fit perfectly with the tunes.



While my favorite two Ned's songs are both on "God Fodder," ("Selfish" and "Gray Cell Green," which I think are really meant to be heard together), I believe that "Are You Normal" contains more terrific songs than its predecessor. Who can resist the energy of "Walking Through Syrup" - my favorite song on the album - with its infectious chorus ("Here's a prediction/ You get an affliction/ You gain an addiction/ You grab what you can/ Get introduced to a good lady bubblehead/ whe thinks she's seducing Peter Pan")? Other highlights include "Legoland," "Tantrum," "Not Sleeping Around" (a minor hit for the band), "I Don't Want To Do That" (reminiscent of "Happy" from "God Fodder"), "Spring" and "Intact." Overall, the album maintains at a very high level, and is just plain fun to listen to.



FYI: At the end of the first song, "Suave and Sophisticate," the narrator says: "What are they gonna say about him? What are they gonna say? That he was a kind man? That he was a wise man? That he had plans? That he had wisdom? Bull**** man!" This is a direct quote from "Apocalypse Now," spoken by the Dennis Hopper character about Kurtz (brilliantly played by Marlon Brando) after Kurtz dies. I'm kind of surprised no one else brought this up."

Re-issue PLEASE

77Jim | Philadelphia PA | 07/15/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"God is this CRIMINALLY under-appreciated... I can not believe there has not been a remastering/packaging job yet. It is "feel-good music" at its best; much better than the campy Lemonheads and dour Nirvana records that blocked the view of this gem back in the day.



So... Do we need to get a pettition going for this to be re-issued? Sony, wake up and remaster this. It will cost you nothing compared to the garbage you waste money on."

3 bassists, one happens to be holding a guitar

77Jim | 04/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ned's Atomic Dustbin is composed of a solid drummer, a trio of bass players(the weakest of the three was forced to play lead guitar instead, but they are all bassists and their playing style shows it) and a lead singer with the voice and emotional scars to perfectly convey the feelings you have pent up inside you as your relationship is crumbling around you. That is pretty much what this cd is all about, but it does so without sounding whiny...it's hard to explain without just quoting the songs, so give the samples a listen. inventive, intelligent twisting of words make the lyrics worth a read by themselves. If you understand that music is emotion made audible, and have been in a bad relationship, you will find a kindred spirit here."