Track Review: Rob Zombie “What?” Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls, and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool [2009]
Update: Hellbilly Deluxe 2 full album review
Rob Zombie’s first single from Hellbilly Deluxe 2 is titled “What?” As in what is with the vocals hiding behind the obnoxiously fuzzy distortion effect? Perhaps, a simpleminded production effort to compliment the song’s title, or a genius attempt to regain the feel of the original Hellbilly Deluxe record. At the moment, I’m on the fence. There is one element that refreshingly represents a return to the past, and it is easily the best attribute of “What?”—the inclusion of the spook show programming—similar to the sounds prominently displayed on Zombie’s first two solo records. Excitement will embrace the old school fans if this is distributed throughout the rest of the Hellbilly sequel. Zombie’s recent releases presented more of a stripped down vibe courtesy of the new band with John 5. This new album has the potential to represent a pleasant mix of the new and old. Hopefully, Zombie also brings back the caged go-go dancers and kicks it Ozzfest ’99 style -Meds
Rob Zombie is Rob Zombie (Vocals), John 5 (Guitars), Piggy D (Bass), & Tommy Clufetos (Drums).
Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls, and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool is due Nov. 17
October 17, 2009 at 5:52 pm
[...] today that Zombie pushed this release from Nov. 17 to next year. Why? Perhaps “What?,” the first single did not receive a great reception. Pre-release verdict: Weird delays like this make me very nervous. Probably won’t be as great [...]
October 17, 2009 at 10:37 pm
[...] Deluxe 2 is “Sick Bubble Gum,” a dizzying mutha flucking journey that surpasses “What?” in production, but lacks in comparable riff assaults and diabolical programming. John 5’s [...]
January 28, 2010 at 6:01 pm
[...] you have been living under a tombstone, you have already been exposed to the two singles, “What?” and “Sick Bubble Gum.” And yes, these are the catchiest tunes of the album despite [...]