Search - Rasputina :: Frustration Plantation

A wonderful introduction.

Mariah K. Redmond | Florida | 03/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I beg to differ, Jade, this is actually the album that got me hooked on Rasputina. I think [Jade] senses a bit of a change, because Melora is now, not the only person writing. She collaborated much more with her band members, so Zoe and John had a lot of say on this album. While the writing style is differnt, I believe it is just as creative as their previous records. Songs such as "Saline the Salt Lake Queen" and the spoken-word "My Captivity By Savages" grow on you and hold a magnificent and polished creativity.



Difference is not a bad thing, and to argue with you, Jade, "Frustration Plantation" is far more well-crafted than "Thanks For the Ether" ever was."

Like Bowie, like Bush, you MUST play this LOUD.

Lise | Montreal, Canada | 12/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For curiosity's sake I've been reading the reviews of this album - and in many places, I disagree completely. Like others, longtime Rasputina fan! I adore the sounds, the songs, the concepts... everything. Unlike most, I've had the joy of talking to Melora, on the phone and in person (and she's truly as gorgeous, sincere in that special her-way and at the same time mysterious as on the albums/in concert), but that really doesn't affect my thoughts on this album. No, it does, a little - but I'll get to that later.I got Frustration Plantation before I saw them on their most recent tour, but not too soon before - thus my first "true" listening experience with FP was at the concert. I was standing right up front, leaning on the edge of the stage, and wow - did I ever LISTEN. The recital began with a thundering, jaw-droppingly brilliant and edgy "Saline the Salt Lake Queen" and never fell from that level. They did justice to their entire repertoire, not focusing entirely on FP, but many of the songs were played. I walked out of that concert, after chatting backstage and then trading a few dollars + a cigarette at the merch stand because I didn't have the full price for even a postcard (and the merch guy gave me both postcards cause he thought it was a rather funny and innovative way to overcome my dilemma) knowing that it was one of, if not the, best show I'd been to.As for the album - after the show, FP was my repeat listen. In my CD-alarm, in my discman on the métro, in my head... Listening to that album gives me the same "oh my this is a Rasputina rectical & I'm up-front & they are amazing" butterfly feeling in my stomach. You MUST listen to FP as loud as possible to truly hear it! (My review title refers to David Bowie's and Kate Bush's similar directions in the liner notes to Ziggy Stardust and The Dreaming, respectively.) This album does tell a story & it all follows quite perfectly if you pay attention...And November17dee - you're not listening. Picture Melora's four-year-old daughter (yes, that's Hollis Lane) singing this song with a secret meaning only she knows. Then you'll get it.And as for the cello-amps vs. the more "acoustic" sound of Thanks for the Ether? Musicians evolve, and if they didn't, what would be the point of a continued career? This is where Melora wants to be, and she's there. Zoe Keating (the new co-cellist) is the only one who's ever "gotten as excited about cello amplification" as Melora has, so she's happy with her new match. You really can tell when you listen, too.So yes, a forever fan of the beloved Rasputina finds the newest album to be the best yet, & eagerly awaits what's to come, as Melora wouldn't let on..."

Evolution

bradley hengehold | cincinnati, ohio | 03/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the most imaginative works of modern music. Most of what is visible today is very commerical and not at all creative. Melora Creager, Zoe Keating and Jonathon TeBeest have created an album that sounds both just like a Rasputina album, yet entirely new and interesting. "Frustration Plantaion" is the perfect evolution of self-dubbed 'Cellocore.' It sounds just like a Rasputina album, yet sounds completely new. The band has accompleshed the near-impossible; They made an album that is at once both hilarious and beautiful. Covers like "If your Kisses can't Hold the Man you Love" as well as new material like "Possum of the Grotto" blend into each other seamlessly, but remain distinct from one another.
The album clocks in at under 45 minutes, leaving listeners desiring more cello-rific tunes, and listening to the album three or four times in a row before they've realized it.
An interesting Sidenote is that while Rasputina has traditionally been associated with Victorian Era New England, "Frustration Plantation" seems to have more of a Mid-1800's Mid-west setting. Just proving that Rasputina is not a gimmic, but a stylistic choice."