In that last article, we got started on the concept of timelines for music groups. It was only with my education that I understood how much information is embedded in the timelines of music.
Sometimes you find coincidences within these timelines. In some cases, these coincidences lead to a synchronicity. It becomes a connect the dots of albums, musicians, producers, tours, and musical events that form a vast web of musical understanding. It can be very interesting to uncover the past when looking at the chronology.
We are going back to 1999 for the next group. 1999 seems to be a coincidental talking point for a few bands. One person in this group connects us to the infinities of metal through The Dillinger Escape Plan (DEP). Michael Allan Patton and the group Mr. Bungle.
Most people are most familiar with Mike Patton’s work with Faith No More. Long term fans will know him best with the experimental group Mr. Bungle.
Between 2000 and 2002 DEP was in search of a new singer. At that time Mike Patton and DEP created a temporary working arrangement. The result is the Irony Is a Dead Scene EP in 2002. Through this recording, I experienced Mike Patton in another musical form.
It was 2004 and I was desperately trying to keep up with new bands that I was experiencing through my friends. As I was getting caught up I saw that metal was becoming highly experimental and artistic. I had only begun to see this with Sleepytime Gorilla Museum.
Heaving experienced Irony Is a Dead Scene I was in the grips of Mr. Bungle. I never thought that metal bands could branch out this far to create music like this. From the California album, I give you…
Golem II – The Bionic Vapour Boy by Mr. Bungle
Mr. Bungle is supposed to be a metal group right? Well, this isn’t even a metal song. This is more like a lounge tune in a melting hotel on a lake of fire.
The Wikipedia page for the album California says it is “experimental rock, art rock, progressive pop, and surf rock.” I can live with that. Experimental pop seems to make the most sense. Mr. Bungle performs metal, rock, funk, jazz, electronic and all types of fusion music. The California album and Golem II is a wild departure from their previous work that features more aggressive guitar and vocal work on their earlier albums.
Because of how weird this song was, I never showed it to anyone. Only a few close friends who knew of the band were hip to this song. But I would never spring this one on anyone who wasn’t familiar with the group. So I never shared Golem II with other people, at least until now.
What is Golem II?
Golem II is very electronic, unusually groovy, has a cool bass line with experimental vocal production. Patton was known for his incredible vocal skill and this song showcases what sort of production he is capable of.
You may be asking where is first Golem? If this is your first thought you wouldn’t be alone. That was my immediate thought too. But don’t waste your time searching for the answer because there is no first Golem. It starts with Golem II and that’s it.
I have never attempted to decode the lyrics, and nor do I want to. Knowing the strangeness of Patton I choose not to enter his mind. Fire me an email(LINK) if you know more about the lyrics.
California and Fornication?
You may be thinking didn’t Red Hot Chili Peppers release Californication in 1999? They sure did. RHCP released the album in June of 1999. Mr. Bungle released California in July of 1999, one month later. The Wikipedia article for the album notes that the albums release date was changed to prevent media clash with RHCP’s album of a similar name.
The clash with RHCP would eventually undermine the whole band leading to their first break up near the millennium. Mr. Bungle is only now reforming as of this year (2019), you can even get tickets to their 2020 shows here.
The Boggle of Bungle
Despite what my education has done for my understanding of music, I still feel that Mr. Bungle can defy and undermine what I know about music. When I come back to the role of the artist in music I think back to the band Max Webster. They said it the best in 1978 with their song The Party. “Now we’re just musicians. Here to thin the thickness of your skin.”
Mr. Bungle is easily able to thin the skin of the best of musicians. In a way, they are a musicians band. A band of great musicians for musicians. Enjoy the tune!
You can get the album on Amazon through this associates link:
Well that’s all there is in the series. If you want to read about video game music you can here. OR you can learn how to critique music. Choice is yours.
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