Electric
Six - Fire
Label: XL
Recordings
Buzz or Hype?:
Buzz
Rating:
Disco and metal: Two acquired tastes that
taste great together? This is the question the Electric Six seeks to answer
on their major label debut, Fire. With sexy results.
Fire is an incredible (or incredulous)
album of dubiously unironic dancehall anthems and sexual overtures that
lays the cheesy rhythm of disco over hard rock guitars and embellished
rock vocals, creating a musical flavor that should have been thought of
years ago.
“Let’s start a nuclear war,” frontman Dick
Valentine declares on “Gay Bar,” later finishing the thought on “Nuclear
War (on the dance floor).” It is this kind of call to rump-shakin’ hyperbolic
action that propels the album, as Valentine answers to the “Dance Commander,”
invites someone to a “Gay Bar” and says favorably of one potential love
victim “She’s White.”
Buzz over the band has been building for
most of this year on the strength of their single “Danger! High Voltage,”
featuring their most intense disco beat and guest vocals from Jack White.
“Danger!” with its ear-grabbing “fire in the disco, fire in the Taco Bell/Gates
of Hell” discourse, is as entertaining musically as it is lyrically, creating
a balance that could have been sprinkled more evenly over some of the other
songs, such as “Naked Picture (of Your Mother),” but for the most part,
the jams are solid in their garage party ambitions. “I’m the Bomb,” another
rhythm-heavy track, declares “Girl, when I’m f***in’ you, it’s like nothing
else matters.” In these moments, Valentine comes across as Jack Black,
with his deep cartoon-like bellow.
VERDICT: Some might accuse the album’s
disco-metal concept of wearing thin fast. These are the same people who
don’t “get” Andrew W.K. and only own Back in Black. Granted, it’s hard
to say how a second LP of music from guys named Surge Joebot and the Rock-N-Roll
Indian would hold up, but for right now the Electric Six are one of the
wittiest acts out there.
Posted by Jessica:
E6 thanks for ruining a good song.Maybe you shouldnt have quit your day job. Queen rules, Freddie rules,The music will forever play,they were and still are rock's finest.Long live Freddie !
Posted by Freddie Forever! :
That video was not funny. i understand that E6 admire Queen but really, Wot was the point? Radio Ga Ga is a great song only 2 b sung by a great band. Leave it out E6, Queen rule forever! Long live Freddie!
Posted by Queenie:
I don't believe that Electric Six were dissing Queen OR Freddie. In fact, I think Freddie would have like the video.
So SHUSH.
Posted by gerty950:
Whatever anyone thinks, E6 rock so hard live that it hurts in the best way possible.
Posted by UNKNOWN:
FREDDIE MERCURY ROCKS DONT TRY TO MAKE FUN OF A ROCK STAR JUST CAUSE YOU AINT ONE QUEEN RULES ELETRIC SIX TAKE A SEAT UNLIKE QUEEN SHOW MUST GO ON ON THE OHTER HAND YOUR SHOW MUST NOT GO ON KILLER QUEEN RULES YOU ARE JUST KILLING ME WITH YOUR MUSIC YOU WILL NOT ROCK NOR BREAK FREE YOU WILL BE DEATH ON TWO LEGS LONG LIVE FREDDIE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL
Posted by ClassicPStar:
ELETRIC SIX YOU SUCK BIG TIME REMAKING CLASSIC'S AND WHATS WITH TACO BELL SONG WERE YOU HIGH WHEN YOU WROTE IT AND WHAT ABOUT GAY BAR ARE WE TRYING TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET WITH SOMETHING LAY OFF DRUGS BOYS
Posted by PuRpLeHaZegUrL:
All we hear is lame music electric six all we hear is never gonna make it eletric six,so radio please shut off eletric six please oh please
Posted by neverment to be so cold :0):
ELECTRIC SIX you suck long live Freddie he knows how to rock, and he never remake any songs his were and are still oringal, un like your's please why dont you go sing backstreet we all know you are the next ones peace wannabees
Posted by hottie:
Oh great another band taking classic music like Queen and making money to make their one hit wonder band last come on people make your own songs stop remaking if you cant maybe you shouldnt be in a band why not to a hairdresser you sure look like one :0)
Posted by unknown:
who actually paid to see this let alone buy their cd come they are ruining rock as we speak come on other werid band so lame
Posted by Jess:
Electric six, dont dis Freddie Mercury He's one of rocks greatest singers show him respect.His music will live on 4ever an like yours your'll end up being washed up you'rll never make it.Queen music still being played, yours is gonna fade away it will never stay,so you think your video was funny,take a bow,it will be your last im sure.Queen rocks Eletric Six you dont know how to rock So go ga ga and ga yourselfs Queen 4EVER
Posted by wildman 3000:
TElectirc Six are are worst band I ever had in my life!! They suck!
Posted by onionholio:
is there anyone from london here thats going to see them at the metro on 12 october 04? onionholio@supanet.com
Posted by the-one-who-knows:
A certain member of Electric Six likes to pee on women. FACT.
Posted by drewzer:
just a follow up the april 16 2004 show in detroit blew the f*cking roof off the joint. they didn't miss a beat. the new band members are just as talented as anyone out there.
Posted by Roboz1026:
I think this place has been used by ex members of the band to air their unwanted/bitter/sad opinions. Just my view. No one wants to know about them now. Electric Six as I have recently seen them, are better than ever. No one is missed.
Posted by drewzer:
they obviously ARE touring despite what someone who "chatted with tyler" said. i have a pair of tickets in my hand for april 16 2004 and their website has a sh*tload more dates listed. and for the record it is jack on danger. alot of people deny sh*t all the time it makes for controversy and controversy draws attention. perfect example courtney love no radio stations are playing her new song but they've been talking about how she flashed letterman and assaulted a fan.
Posted by Chris:
Pure insanity, pure chaos, and pure brilliance. What the music industry needs right now-a band that just says f*ck it and has fun. Lighten up and turn it up!
Posted by Mark 829:
Brilliant band and my favourite Electric Six site: http://pub228.ezboard.com/belectricsix
Posted by Morrigan:
According to Dick Valentine, as quoted in his STATE OF THE SIX "We are announcing the cessation of live shows until we have a suitable recording completed or at least close to completion. Tentatively, it looks as though we might be back playing shows by April or May."
dated 16 January. Still true?
Posted by Harry:
i was chatting to tyler ( Dick Valentine) last night, and JACK WHITE DOES NOT SING ON THE ALBUM! and THEY WILL NOT TOUR AT ALL NEXT YEAR! BUT WILL RECORD ALBUM 2!
Posted by baker:
The Electric 6 denied the involvement with White claiming they had an internet contest for a singer. The backing vocalist is credited as a ‘Mr. John S O’Leary’, which by pure coincidence, is the name that Jack White books under in hotels.
Check the news, people.
Posted by 1st Member:
John S O'Leary is Jack White. It's like a pen name.
Posted by Sara:
i saw electric six last night and had a blast. i adore them, and they rock.
Posted by Dim_Jim:
after all my commad years of playing this is a new break from repeative music like Linkin park. Thnxs elec 6 for making me & my friends laugh. (kurt cobain Rluz 4ever
Posted by zerostar:
Electric six are deffinetly one of my fave bands.
Posted by unknown:
yeah i think this is the gayest band ever. when i saw the gay bar video on fuse i was like WTF IS THIS SH*T!!? and i shut it off. they are gay though right? no point in asking since ill never come back here again. but yeah dance commander looked as if it were made in 15 minutues... sorry i just hate seeing this sh*t on FUSE, ESPECIALLY during the oven fresh part. thats a discrace.
Posted by Steph:
Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
It's great!
Posted by Dan:
Is it just me or is Dick having a go at the us government in 'gaybar'? Sounds a lot to me like he's personifying the gov, who wants to screw the american people and take their money...watch the film clip...
Posted by Leah:
Electric Six is AWESOME, theyre sound is different but PERFECT!
Posted by wanda:
im wearing out the lino on the kitchen floor!
Posted by wanda:
electric six are soo good i cant stop dancing!!
Posted by 7th member:
Contrary to popular belief, Jack White does not do the vocals on Danger, its John S O'Leary. Read the Single Cover, people!
Posted by Leemo:
I think Electric 6 are kick ass! there music reminds me a bit like new wave in the early 80s with the synths and stuff. i'm more of a bon jovi fan but i have to say that these guys have certainly won me over. well done guys! p.s i also think dick valentine is hot hot hot! but then thats me..so if you're reading this i wouldnt mind being your valentine ;)
Posted by Roller Girl:
Thanks Tikigod. Guess I'll never know, anyway... but hey a girl can dream. Caught Six's act last month, they rock - or rather Dick does. He's a one-man ball of dynamite and kooky-looking. I like the part where he takes his clothes off and sings in just his shorts with a guitar slung round his neck. What a show-man. That other great show-man David Lee Roth may have gone to a Rock Star Retirement Home, but boy do we have a great replacement. Trouble is, I can't find anything else that's worth listening to except E6...
Posted by Not afraid of the robot:
Music's never been my bag baby but now I have finally found something that I f*cking like! I love this corny white trash disco rock idea! Slick man! They are everything I've ever looked for a band. The first time I ever saw Dick Valentine I knew this guy had "the thing". This was something rare that I hardly ever see, and I do recognise it when I do! Fire! is a great album with killer-guitars and intelligent lyrics (you can disagree, ofcourse, but I think they're pretty calculated at some level)and the music videos they make are..very interesting! I'm seeing them live on November and can't wait. I'm just gonna throw myself in there and enjoy Dick and fellas do what they do best! They're truly something I tell you!
Posted by Cheri:
absolutely brilliant, i dont know what else to say. this is the new thing, im going mental over it, i give 6 stars out of five.
Posted by EVILSIX:
ELECTRIC SIX ROCKS AS HELL!!!!
BUY OR DIE!
Posted by violentsky:
f?uck theyre great!love em..jup
Posted by Ju:
Electric Six are bad ass invincible song making mutha f*ckas. Cha'mone.
Posted by marv:
DANGER! DANGER! HIG VOLTAGE! FIRE AT THE TACO BELL!
Posted by Fargley:
This is the best thing to ever happen to music, they need to make another album right now.....before something terrible happens......
Posted by Tikigod:
Floating out in the middle of the pacific makes it hard to keep up with the hometown rock scene but after seeing a photo of Electric Six, I couldn't believe what I saw. To my near disbelief I realized that D. Valentine was Tyler Spencer - and confirmed by Pea I fu$kin' went to grade school with the guy! I think that last time I saw him, he was driving a bus while going to school at UM. Crazy! Anyway, their tunes are killer and hope these guys take off. To Roller Girl, I don't know about being as good as he sounds but the guy definitely had charisma. Go Rock City!
Posted by vanessa :
i got the cd it is great i love sexuallity and other things that are on the cd! they are my favorite band i can't wait till the wild bunch website is on! i love that dude on those 2 videos danger high voltage and gay bar. the lead singer looks nothing like that dude in the video i wonder if it is him or someone else thats on those videos?
Posted by Timmy The Turtle:
This is by f-a-r one of the best album's I've bought this year. The eclectic rock/disco/chaos mix works so f*cking well, you wonder why these guys weren't picked out for chart domination a long time ago. From the hypnotic intro of "D!HV" to the powerful ballad that is "I invented The Night" the guys show that they are capable of much more than novelty tunes. A joy to watch live as well, especially their cover of Queen's "Radio GaGa" (Another hit in the making perhaps?)Go buy the record, watch them live and be part of history in the making.
Oh and to "Tyler Spencer" (who you're blatently not)- hmm, how far can the band go now that the aging balding guitarist and his mexican can't-quite-grow-a-beard sidekick have gone?(and the guy who actually writes the songs is still there, along with a perfectly good drummer and synth player..) Gee, I don't know. It could be said that now that the band no longer resemble some sad comic strip, and the new guys are 1. very good players 2. Infinitely more pleasing on the eye (a winner for all the ladies out there) they might actually produce more good tunes. Even better ones. "True Style and talent" hahaha! I didn't realize thrift store suits and psychotic face-pulling "style and talent" make. Learn something new everyday...
Posted by the man:
YOU! I WANNA TAKE YOU TO A GAY BAR!
lol, I love these guys
Posted by sad person who bought this $h*t:
Okay. If you have no sense of humour and want your songs to carry a worthy 'message' you don't buy Electric Six. You go buy some other earnest do-gooder woe-is-me-ain't-the-world-bad kind of $hite. If you've spent the last decade wondering just when and why someone took all the fun out of music, you like rocking songs with lyrics which - let's face it - mean $od all and who cares? If you like Mr Gravel-Voice Testosterone whopping the mic with not-so-subtle sexual innuendo, and you want an album that just gets better and better after you've played it, like, three hundred times... then you're gonna love Electric Six. They're the most exciting thing that's happened to music since the Eighties went down the pan and we got stuck with all that dog-awful worthy Nineties $hite that's passed for music for the last ten years. Dance Commander, we don't just love you, we're on our knees worshipping every little thing you toss in our direction. I'm gasping for more!! Give it to me.
Posted by Roller Girl:
Aaah dammit. Now I look sad. Serves me right for playing with myself while tapping the keypad..... Duh!
Posted by Roller Girl:
Who cares who they are or what their real names are, they rock big time. I have nearly worn my CD out, so it's a good job I'm not doing pay-per-play. Oh, and Ivana Blowtyler - interested in yr comments. Is Dick Valentine as good as he sounds? Never even seen the guy so he might be an ugly dog, but his voice makes me so horny that I actually find myself jealous of you. I want to have a go on him... How sad is that?
Posted by Roller Girl:
Who cares who they are or what their real names are, they rock big time. I have nearly worn my CD out, so it's a good job I'm not doing pay-per-play. Oh, and Ivana Blowtyler - interested in yr comments. Is Dick Valentine as good as he sounds? Never even seen the guy so he might be an ugly dog, but his voice makes me so horny that I actually find myself jealous of you. I want to have a go on him... How sad is that?
Posted by The Pea Princess:
I really like Electric6. It's a return to the fun element of rock 'n roll that most modern bands have lost. And yes, it may be slightly gimmicky at times, but the fact that they love what they do is what shines through and wins people over. Talent in and of itself does not make for fun performances. And good performers don't need to have any talent. But when you find the group that has the correct ratio of both, it's a treat. Especially when they don't take themselves so seriously.
This may be slightly biased. I used to work with Dick Valentine and let me tell you: he was as unique and wacky as anybody i've ever met! A great guy. Oh, and yes Dick Valentine is Tyler Spencer. They're one in the same.
Posted by andy tomaselli:
my brother mailed me this and i dismissed it as another GWAR-like take on metal. Now after several listens I am convinced that this definitely rocks. New things happen when hybridized genres co-mingle.
Posted by oh me:
electric six is god
Posted by Haji:
Electric Six rules. Danger Danger high voltage is something just way to awesome. who ever doesnt like them, seriously needs to understand, they rock. GAY BAR GAY BAR GAY BAR
Posted by Dr Fever:
"Radio message from H.Q. Dance Commander, we love you." Electric Six friggin OWNS! I love this album.
Posted by the man without a plan:
actually, i dont think it was Jack White on vocals. The band deny it, so i believe em, and i also think that Tyler Spencer is Dick Valentine, because the songs have been credited to both names on the inside of the sleeve, and also by the band. Brilliant Album. Spangtastic
Posted by David Lynch:
Absolutely fabulous album. I say album, because it's stregth is greater than "Danger! High Voltage," but now that more than half the band has gone separate ways, it is less than likely that they will succeed again. On the other hand, if Tyler Spencer (writer for most of the songs) wasn't part of the band to begin with, anything is possible.
Posted by tyler spencer:
I think we will never see the true glory of the electric six now that the true style and talent have left the band. how far can the singer and a drummer who wasn't good enough to play on the album go...
Posted by unknown:
Gay bar is gay
Posted by tobee1:
I think Electric Six are one of the worst bands I've ever heard. They're just about as gimiky as you can get and the sad thing is people actually buy this sh!t.
Posted by Ivana Blowtyler:
I think Electric Six are fantastic. I caught their show a couple of days ago and believe that I have been hypnotised and blessed by the rn'r gods of hairspray, heroine and hardcore. I have now decided to dedicate my myrthful existence to 'supporting' Mr Valentine's efforts. As we speak, I pamper and cleanse myself to ready for his intimate arrival inside my tunnel(s).
Posted by blah:
andrew wk can lick my sac, there is nothing to get... HE SUCKS
Posted by Ms.Eve:
Jim Morrison if he dropped the poetry and wore a suit. Something for the ladies.
Posted by animositisomina:
i think kmfdm already beat the crap out of the whole disco-metal thing about 10 years ago, but whatever...
Posted by ___:
Danger had Jack White on it? Wow. I never noticed... I've heard it enough I probably should've...
