Search - Wild Man Fischer :: Pronounced Normal

The Soundtrack of an Unstable Mind

Graboidz | Westminster, Maryland | 08/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You ever happen to meet someone while your out shopping or at a bar, and immediately know something just isn't right with them? For some reason things just didn't come together and you are dealing with someone who isn't all there, what is your usual reaction?



Well I guess if you are Frank Zappa, you sign them up to a record deal.



"An Evening with Wild Man Fischer" was the debut double album by Fischer, and not long after, he had a falling out with Zappa....apparently a pretty ugly falling out in which Fischer threw a jar at Frank's daughter. Because of this "An Evening with Wild Man Fischer" remains out of print, and has never been released on CD.



Wild Man Fischer fans have to console themselves with Fischer's three other disks which are now available. "Pronounced Normal" is Fischer's third album, and it's a bit different than both "An Evening with.." and "Wildmania". On "Normal" Fischer enlists the help of "Barnes & Barnes", the comedy rock/pop duo formed by "Lost in Space" child-actor turned musician Billy Mumy. "Barnes & Barnes" were a staple on Dr. Demento's novelty tune radio show with their song "Fish Heads", which the Wild Man covers on this album. Is this a good thing? I don't know, at times the added production value seems to take away from the Wild Man's delivery, in tunes like "Frank" and the title track, the post production keyboard and drum mix can be a little heavy-handed and distract the listener from Fischer's raw delivery. At other times, "Barnes & Barnes" add a bit of flourish that will enhance the tune, for instance the lonely blowing wind effect playing behind "Oh Linda, No Laurie", or the simplistic keyboard melody played before "Mistakes". If nothing else, I'm happy for the involvement of "Barnes & Barnes", becuase without them, we never would have gotten this disk's strongest tune, "The Bouillabaise" which basically consists of some Wild Man Fischer ramblings mixed with a nightmarish instrumental.



"Pronounced Normal" comes with extensive liner notes written by Bill Mumy reflecting on his time recording with the Wild Man. The challenges of getting Fischer into the studio, the fun of watching Fischer create songs, the "pep", and the heartache of Fischer's initial reaction to this disk and specifically the effect "The Bouillabaise" had on the Wild Man was a fascinating read.



If you have ever listened to Wild Man Fischer and simply laughed at his tunes, or thought that the whole "crazy persona" was simply a gimmick, read Mumy's liner notes, watch the documentary about Wild Man Fischer "Derailroaded", and then listen to these songs again with a new perspective. You will still chuckle at times, but you will also begin to hear a bit more depth to the Wild Man's lyrics, and realize Fischer is actually saying something, not just doing schtick."

Larry Deserves Some Credit

D. Garcia | Los Angeles | 07/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow no ratings for Larry. I'll be the first.



Larry is weird and wild but his songs can be INCREDIBLY sweet and INCREDIBLY charming despite his lunatic delivery and point of view. I've used them on compilations given to women who seemed charmed too.



Songs like:



I Swear To God My Love Was True

In My Room - a classic



It's Nice to Have Things - histerically funny and TRUE!



or



I Worry About My Friends - off Nothing Scary

Love Love Love In Everything You Do - off Nothing Scary



are just wonderful. If anyone else sang them they'd be corny, Wild Man has just the right touch of insanity and sincerity to make them lovable.



Not for everyone. But heck Frank Zappa liked them enough to pay out money to produce them. Me and Francis agree, Larry is one of a kind. He deserves better than history has given him."