Buckethead Pike Album Review
A Review of Pike 54 'The Frankensteins Monsters Blinds' by Buckethead, released March 27th 2014.
Good evening everybody, today we're back with another deep dive into guitar hero Buckethead's Pike album series, with Pike 54 'The Frankensteins Monsters Blinds'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released March 27th 2014, Pike 54 was the 5th album released that month, with the album title 'The Frankensteins Monsters Blinds' being an ode to legendary horror actor Boris Karloff, who famously played the role of the iconic Frankensteins Monster, as well as the main villain in the Mummy and many more.
Pike 54 is comprised of 3 tracks spelling out Boris Karloff. Kicking off with track 1 'Boris'. An 8 minute jam track, Boris see's Buckethead jamming to a funk orientated backing track with Jimi Hendrix style licks, phase guitar, overdrive and more. An enjoyable, slow head banging jam.
The funk continues with Track 2 'Kar'. At almost 14 minutes its the albums longest track and again it's all jamming. The song is nicely carried along with some Bass Funk rhythm, with Big B doing his thing on top. The song hits some really nice high points throughout and like track 1 is guaranteed to get the foot stomping. Buckethead is clearly locked in and enjoying the ride, and so are we. Nice.
The album concludes with Track 3, the 8.5 minute 'Loff'. While the previous tracks were pure funk, this one leans more toward a more uptempo hip hop style, break beat vibe, with its excellent backing track and rhythm that really elevate the song. The track is a lot more atmospheric than the previous 2 and for me, is the best of the bunch and one you'll come back to straight away.
Overall Pike 54 is a pure jam album. And whilst jam albums ain't everyones cup of tea, when Buckethead does it right, he nails it. All 3 tracks are really helped by their backing, rhythm, bass and drums which are all on point. And changing the tempo of each track assures the album doesn't become one long tiresome jam. This certainly isn't one of those wow albums, but it is a fun one that you can put on and enjoy. So, mission accomplished.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, It came to exactly 75%, which I'd categorize as Very Good. Which of course with it only being a 3 track album bumps the overall percentage up a bit compared to albums with more tracks. But it is what it is.
You can find my song ratings and breakdown on our website natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 54?
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 54 is 15. Then times it by 100.
A glorious ode to Boris Karloff.
Pike 54 'The Frankenstein's Monsters Blinds' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Boris ***¾ (3.75)
2. Kar ***½ (3.5)
3. Loff **** (4)
Album Length 30:39
Total = 11.25 out of 15 (Album = 75%, Very Good)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome
Buy the Album HERE