There's a long, mysterious chord of weirdness that runs through the history of rock 'n' roll. Of course, much that was weird in the old days was just ahead of its time--the weird genius of Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, most of Todd Rundgren, early David Bowie, etc. But each artist made real contributions to the growth and evolution of rock music. Of course, then there's the off-kilter stranger in a strange land whose work may find an audience here and there, but often is rightfully ignored by the mainstream. Such an artist--or family of artists--is Tri-Danielson. Omega, this year's completion to last year's Alpha collection, is quirky, unusual and strangely humorous. There's Daniel's annoying falsetto, his hackneyed compositions, the music's unusual reliance on old synth and keyboard sounds and unusual rhythms, all of which never quite work at an aesthetic level. When the music is most accessible, as in the acoustic guitar-driven pieces, often his voice is distracting and grating. "Interesting" is a nice way to put it. When something does work, that's the last time you'll hear it; yet, awkward, disorienting sounds like those of "Guilt Scouting" are assuredly repeated. Tri-Danielson is to Christian rock what Howard Finster is to the world of painting. Which is to say, Picasso he's not. Yeah, interesting.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinAre you tired of your non-Christian and even some of your, ahem, enlightened Christian friends telling you that all music of a distinctive Christian persuasion is derivative and boring? You may have even heard someone say something like, "Christian musicians just imitate the world. They never do anything new!" Here is the solution: slap a Tri-Danielson disc in and you are sure to shut them up for…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Shari LloydLike fine wine or escargot, the Danielsons are definitely an acquired taste. While Omega lacks the heights of Alpha's "Potty Mouth," there is still plenty to savor here. "Idiot Boksen," "Failing a Test=Falling in Love," and "Thanx to Noah" are just a few of the winners. There's also a live hidden track of "He's got the Whole World in His Hand" done Danielson style. Don't make a mistake in…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinAre you tired of your non-Christian and even some of your, ahem, enlightened Christian friends telling you that all music of a distinctive Christian persuasion is derivative and boring? You may have even heard someone say something like, "Christian musicians just imitate the world. They never do anything new!" Here is the solution: slap a Tri-Danielson disc in and you are sure to shut them up for…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Shari LloydLike fine wine or escargot, the Danielsons are definitely an acquired taste. While Omega lacks the heights of Alpha's "Potty Mouth," there is still plenty to savor here. "Idiot Boksen," "Failing a Test=Falling in Love," and "Thanx to Noah" are just a few of the winners. There's also a live hidden track of "He's got the Whole World in His Hand" done Danielson style. Don't make a mistake in…Similar sounding releases
2000Elliott SmithFigure 8
2002Tall DwarfsThe Sky Above, The Mud Below
2000Badly Drawn BoyThe Hour of Bewilderbeast
2001DrugstoreSongs for the Jet Set
2000Bright EyesFevers and Mirrors
1995Eric MatthewsIt's Heavy in HereMore from Danielson
1997Tell Another Joke at the Ol' Choppin' Block
1998Tri-Danielson!!! (Alpha)
2001Fetch the Compass Kids
1995A Prayer for Every Hour
2004Brother Is to Son
