Branded AAF (Anthology - Alien Ant Farm)

Member Name: DedeMW

Product:	Anthology - Alien Ant Farm
Date:	05/05/02 (249 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun CD with witty lyrics

Disadvantages: Some fabrication to become mainstream

Several months ago I was lucky enough to see AAF (Alien Ant Farm) live at a local club. Due to a radio station promotion, the cover charge was only a mere 97 cents. I was disappointed by the lack of local coverage and the low crowd turnout.

At this time, their video of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" had not been released. However, listeners that only know of AAF from their "Smooth Criminal" cover are really missing out. Sure doing that cover was a brilliant management decision to get the band known, but there is so much more the AAF boys are capable of.

Unfortunately, AAF seems to have been branded by doing the Jackson cover and by rumors of them sounding like Papa Roach. I am not exactly sure of the history between the two bands, but I can say that if Papa Roach has helped AAF get exposure, there are no grounds to assume that they will sound alike.

With a name like Alien Ant Farm, it shouldn't be hard to realize that this band is about fun. One shouldn't expect to hear deep lyrics and answers for world problems while listening to AAF. On the other hand, one should expect some fun and silliness. If you don?t get that impression, seeing them perform live should answer all their questions.

The Anthology CD encompasses a variety of tunes. Some seem to be part of the "normal" nd package- the Michael Jackson cover of "Smooth Criminal" and the song "Movies". Both are and were mainstream pop that got the Ants airplay and recognition. Of course the "classic" slow song, "Attitude" is included. Maybe I am easy, but that is one of my favorites on the album. Other tunes vary- some with a punk like sound, others may have a hint of funk, and the next a hard edge to it. The variety of the AAF CD is surely one of its strengths.

Regardless of the package, I can say that my CD has been played over and over. The Anthology CD has 12 tracks total:
>1) Courage
2) Movies
3) Flesh and Bone
4) Whisper
5) Summer
6) Sticks and Stones
7) Stranded
8) Wish
9) Calico
10) Death Day
11) Smooth Criminal
12) Universe

Most of AAF's lyrics are fun and witty.
Wish : "Make a wish, make a succotash wish
You live the pompous life
Throw kisses all the time
Make wishes don't break mine"

However, there are undertones of some unhappiness with their "branding" in some songs.
"Small rooms with record exec types
Whisper away my future lately"

"I'll introduce you to producers
I'll write your songs and make them way damn shorter"

I am happy with this CD as an introduction to the Ants, however, I hope their next CD is more of the "true" AAFs- no fabrication or decisions made for them, just raw Alien Ant Farmers.

Summary: