Search - Original Cast :: Shoggoth on the Roof

Shoggoth On The Roof

David P. Pennekamp | Cincinnati, Oh United States | 07/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a limited appeal CD. First you have to be fairly familiar with the stories of H. P. Lovecraft, otherwise most of the songs won't make any sense and much of the humor will be missed. Secondly, you have to be familiar with the soundtrack from "Fiddler On The Roof". Thirdly, you have to have a sense of humor, and be able to enjoy satires on the line of Weird Al. If you are a purist who takes offense when people "redo" songs and "mutilate" them, this album is definitely not for you.
However, if you meet these three criteria, this album is hysterical. I don't want to give anything away so I won't go into detail on the actual songs.
What this is is the soundtrack to "Fiddler on the Roof" redone to fit into (loosely) the Chthulu (I probably misspelled that) mythos of H. P. Lovecraft. It has a plot that can be followed, but you have to listen a couple of times to figure it out. Characters and figures from H. P. Lovecraft are weaved into this plot, which is derived from combining such classics as "The Dunwich Horror" with other of Lovecraft's stories.
The songs are done very well, lyric-wise, and follow the originals closely. Sometimes it's hard to make out the words, and the orchestration is a little limited, but in all a good effort. In my opinion, though, the weakest point of the album is the singing. Sometimes the performers don't quite hit the right notes, etc.I throughly enjoyed this album, and would recommend it to someone who enjoys a good work of satire."

Mind-erasingly fantastic.

Sean C. Duggan | Newark, OH United States | 12/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The HP Lovecraft Historical Society (www.cthulhulives.org) has accomplished something truly wonderful here. The production-that-never-should-have-been, written by HE WHO (for legal reasons) MUST NOT BE NAMED, truly a perfect gift for the lover of eldritch horror in your life. Consider buying the libretto from the society as well."

Cthulhu lives! (and sings too!)

Jonathan W. Zuchowski | Utah | 08/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a must for any H.P.Lovecraft fan to have. A parody of "Fiddler on the Roof" done to a Gothic Horror theme- this album delivers both good family(Okey,so its the "Addams Family") entertainment, and great laughs.
Sure, you have to be a Lovecraft fan to appreciate all the literary jokes. But thats who's going to buy this,anyway. The writer definitly has a sense of humor,and might even verge on being genius (although an "evil genius"). He weaves the tales of Fiddler on the Roof, Herbert West, the Dunwitch Horror, and bits of other Lovecraftian references to form a unique, laugh a minute soundtrack that will have the worshippers of Dagon begging for more! Besides anyone who can put " Waggha nag'ghle fah'tha'" into lyrics and make it work - can't be ALL bad!
I've had friends listen to this and every time they bust up laughing at the hilarity of the songs.
For those fans who are waiting for Yog SoThoth to open the gates,and let the Old Ones in, you may have a long wait. But til that day arrives- you definitly should be passing the time by listening to this cd!
I recommend ye buy this see-dee,' cause then ye'll know
and ye'll go mad tew!"