Buckethead Pike Album Reviews
A review of Pike 219 'Rain Drops on Christmas' by Buckethead, released December 25th 2015
Good evening everybody, today we're back for another sleigh ride into guitar hero Buckethead's Pike album series, with Pike 219 'Rain Drops on Christmas'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released as a free download on Christmas Day, Pike 219 was the 118th and final Pike album release of 2015. What a year.
The 5 track album kicks off with its title track, the 14.5 minute 'Rain Drops on Christmas' which Buckethead 'Dedicated to those that have lost loved ones'. Backed by the ambient swells that have become a staple in Buckethead's ballads, it's a slow beat reflective yet uplifting semi-acoustic crawl. And whilst it's not a song you'll listen to regularly, it's one that you'll go to in the times that you need it the most. A song to reminisce about the good times you had with the ones you've lost.
Track 2 'Puddles' brings more of the feels, the guitar tone is outstanding and at certain moments in the song the bends really pull at the emotions. At just under 4 minutes I wish it was a lot longer. But as it is, it's still thoroughly enjoyable.
Track 3 is the 5 minute 'Cookie Monster' and, what the hell? Arguably one of the sharpest turns in Pike album history, we went from 2 heartfelt ballads to growling riffage, killswitchery and a glorious highly underrated solo. An odd shift indeed, but this is solid and me want cookie!
Track 4 is the 2 minute 'I Know You Know what that present is'. There's some really nice riffage and the pacing is excellent. This one has a great vibe and had a ton of potential, but ultimately the song is hurt by its short length and ends right as the track has locked you in. What might've been.
The album concludes with Track 5 'But Don't Tell me'. Heavy drums and riffs, intertwined with some super shred licks. The shredding is of course glorious, but this is more of 2.5 minute jam that showcases top notch technique but lacks any solid structure and probably not one you'll come back to that often.
Overall, Pike 219 is an enjoyable Pike but somewhat disjointed in it's song choices. Going from heartfelt ballads to growling riffs and ending with shred. Which at times can definitely work, but because tracks 4 and 5 don't quite hit the mark, not so much here. Thankfully the first 3 tracks are top notch and by themselves are worth the price of admission.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, thanks to the first 3 tracks, It came to a respectable 68%, which I'd categorize as Good. And you can find my song ratings and breakdown on our website natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 219?
To work out what percentage you'd give the album, rate each song out of 5 stars, add up your total and divide it by the total score possible, which for Pike 219 is 25. Then times it by 100.
Pike 219 'Rain Drops on Christmas' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Rain Drops on Christmas **** (4)
2. Puddles ***¾ (3.75)
3. The Cookie Monster ***½ (3.5)
4. I Know You Know What that Present Is *** (3)
5. ...But Don't tell me **¾ (2.75)
Album length: 27:56
Total = 17 out of 25 (Album = 68%, Good)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome
Buy the album HERE