Peeping Tom is the pop/trip-hop project of Mike Patton, but he is not alone, as on this album he is joined by many guest stars such as Rahzel, Norah Jones, Massive Attack, and many others. Their job here is simple; to make an experimental pop album that sounds like it could fit on the radio, and for the most part, they succeed.
Anyone who is familiar with Mike Patton's works knows he's constantly trying to get out of his musical-range and try new things with his own edge to them, as he's constantly inspired by everything around him. Truly a musical genius.
This album is pretty centered around just the concept of an experimental pop album with odd sounds, while trying to maintain the sound of mainstream pop music. But of course, with Mike, it can't entirely keep on that path. Mike is constantly incorporating odd melodies, weird beats, and strange vocals into the music to make it sound like a pop album that's been injected with heroin.
Mike does an amazing job with bringing everyone together, making easily accessible music, and giving an amazing, if at times a bit strange vocal performances that almost make him sound like at times like a creepy Justin Timberlake.
So Mike does a great job on an album, what else is new? That can be expected of him, but what about his friends? While some have great appearances on the album, from Rahzel's beatboxing in 'Mojo' to Massive Attack's electronic fury in 'Kill the DJ', some fall a bit short, mainly to the point of me not being even able to tell when they come in on the track, such as Odd Nosdam in the opening track 'Five Seconds'. But one memorable appearance on this album is Norah Jones on the track 'Sucker', in which Mike Patton actually makes her swear. For those out of the know, Norah Jones is one of those people who is entirely squeaky-clean with her songs, so hearing her talk about sex and swear in that song, while fitting perfectly with Mike's vocals, just sounds hilarious in a twisted way.
Pop isn't the only thing they attempt to cover on this album. There's bits of electronic, rock, metal, and hip-hop spread all around to the point where they're just trying to make a generally fun-sounding and catchy album that is sure not to leave your head for a while if you can mentally digest all of it and enjoy it.
But what are its faults? Like what I said above with some of the guests not being very memorable, there's also one or two tracks that honestly aren't that great, like 'Getaway' and 'Don't Even Trip', although I'm not a fan of them, they aren't bad by any means however, just a little boring to me.
Speaking of 'Don't Even Trip', though, I must point out that this track seems to be about Trey Spruance, guitarist of Mr. Bungle, Mike's former best friend before a falling out.
"And I know that assholes grow on trees, but I'm here to trim the leaves, and I'm afraid that you're still my friend. And you're just a piece of shit, but I can over-look it today, because you're still my friend."
The album, while great at first, if you listen to it too much, it becomes a bit too similar to mainstream pop and can get on your nerves. You can get bored of it, is what I'm trying to say. Although you run that risk with every album, it's just something I thought I'd bring up out of personal experience with this album. I do love it again now though, from a returning listen.
I'm gonna have to give this a solid 7/10.
Recommended Track(s): Mojo
