Rob Zombie – “Educated Horses”

It’s interesting to see when an artist breaks away from groups they have created and start on their own solo venture. Fans tend to go with the flow of the person who left, so a dedicated fan base follows while others feel betrayed, and others jump on.

This is Rob Zombies first full-length album in nearly 4 years! It’s his third solo studio album. It’s so apparent that bands like Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper have influenced Rob on this album. Add some techno elements and you have Educated Horses, a more mature release for the zombster if you will.

If anyone asks me what comes to mind first when I hear the words Rob Zombie or even White Zombie, I instantly think sex. And it couldn’t confirm my observation more with the song “Foxy Foxy”. The “ooh’s” and “uh’s” would leave people thinking you were watching porn at the office while listening to the album, which is totally cool in some offices, er I think.

There isn’t much range when it comes to vocals but with a sick beat you can always balance the two. “The Scorpion Sleeps” sent me into the late 80’s somewhere in Orangeville, Ontario, well the first few bars anyway.

Break into an instrumental piece, “100 Ways” mellows out the album. This has to be the softest side of Rob Zombie we’ve ever heard. But don’t get me wrong, there are some more classic tunes infused with modern rock tracks.

“Let it All Bleed Out” is the most in your face. It’s metal, it’s screaming, it’s fast and sounds like a catchy tune, unlike the rest. This and “American Witch” are probably the two tracks that sound more Zombie-like then the rest.

The synth in “Death of it All” reminds me of an old European ballad sound. It’s a different sounding song from the album; it’s got a romantical feel to it. Maybe it’s those blonde highlights he’s got these days, oh I’m kidding relax.

I’m not going to say glam rock, because he sure doesn’t dress the part, but some elements are present, combined with sleek techno/synth sounds. The album is decent, there aren’t any fancy sounds, over looped or over dubbed sounds, it’s just simple music. And no matter what his reasons are for not infusing it with over embellishments, if he’s proud of the record then so should be his fans. I think this album is cool, I can definitely hear tracks in movies, and I’m stealing a lyric right now for my new msn name. Give it a few spins.

Shlock rock? Um I don’t like the term so I’m going to say no. Let’s invent a new genre right now, how about “glam horror porn”.

Obviously if you’re a fan of Rob Zombie check out his latest feature film “The Devil’s Rejects”.

Oh and if you are wondering about some stellar drumming, that would be Tommy Lee. And if you like pretty pictures in the liner notes, ya got em, lots of pictures and lyrics that you will probably finish reading at the same time the album is over. 7 romantic strolls along the beach on horses out of 10.

Track Listing:

01. Sawdust In The Blood
02. American Witch
03. Foxy Foxy
04. 17 Year Locust
05. The Scorpion Sleeps
06. 100 Ways
07. Let It All Bleed Out
08. Death Of It All
09. Ride
10. The Devil’s Rejects
11. The Lords Of Salem

Run Time: 38:29
Release Date: 2006