UFORKESTRA: Unconfirmed Sightings

Uforkestra

Unconfirmed Sightings

© 1998 Absolutely Free (634479602429)

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Diverse progressive rock menu serves up soundscapes, improvisation, and thoughtful lyrics - technically provocative and musically intriguing.

tracks

1 Clambake
2 The Sheep Gotta Go
3 All Washed Up...Back in Style
4 Modern Transportation
5 No Matter What
6 Memo to a Bad Boss
7 One Tune On Our Minds
8 The Tiny Thoughts
9 Get Noticed
10 Sunday Devil
11 Christianity as Contact Sport
12 Jesus Wasn't Interested in Market Share
13 Fade to Resurrection
14 Fabulous Bonus Tracks!

notes

Uforkestra's epic debut speculates on noble traits that an alien visitor to Earth might see in the human race:

-- Herd mentality ("The Sheep Gotta Go")
-- Religious fascism ("Suite: Full Contact Christianity")
-- Planet-choking consumerism ("Clambake")
-- Industrialized vanity ("Get Noticed")
-- Lousy manager syndrome ("Memo to a Bad Boss")
-- The entertainment business ("All Washed Up-Back in Style")

Inspired by found-sound pioneers like Negativland and musical envelope pushers like Frank Zappa, Uforkestra blends spicy songwriting with aural montages. Tracks are highlighted with soundbites from an assortment of hand-picked celebrities: UFO scholar Stanton Friedman, singing icon Tony Bennett, the Zealous Reverend Frank Peretti, various TV infomercial goons.

Musicianship is evident throughout. Doug Sprei's guitar contrasts chainsaw rampages on "Sheep" with nylon sweetness on the classical gem "No Matter What." Jamie Bryce delivers multitextured electronic percussion and sampling on every tune; "Fade to Resurrection" is an atmospheric standout. Dirk Malavase's bass arsenal conjures new bottom-end colors for each song and layers of tone above the primary line -- his heavy-machinery looping on "One Tune On Our Minds" is wondrous to behold.

"Unconfirmed Sightings" features high production values for a home-based project, as well groovy graphic design and copious liner notes to round out the elements you'll happily fetish in this original recording package.

reviews

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  • John thinks so too!
    author: Glenn D. Sprei

    One might think I'm a little partial just because he's been my big brother for more than 40 years,but,just listen to it. And then listen to it again. What did you notice this time that you didn't the last? I'm still hearing new twings and tweeps I didn't catch before. Dad would be proud. Rocketon- GD Sprei

  • Sometimes, music like this can save your soul.
    author: Cliff Launt, Honeoye Ny

    I thought that maybe it was my ears. I quit listening to music because it was all starting to sound like Bon Jovi. A world of would-be artistic posers, lacking only one thing: reality. Then a deviant musician friend of mine gave me a recording he and his bandmates put together. I thought, "Oh great, more minor key tortured musical postural scwamp to guide me into the new age of angst and mindless rude vacuity. Just what I want." I contemplated watching television instead, but the prospects were much too grim, so I listened to this recording by the Unidentified Flying Orchestra, and a sigh of relief issued forth from my person. I was surprised to find myself enjoying this music, happy to hear some enterprising people pass along some accurate observations of life as they see it. The songs tickle my mind while satisfying primal music centers in my being. The project begins with "Clambake." This pokes at the consumer in us all, a world of consumers consuming itself. Yes, I have my damn Christmas shopping done! The next tune, "The Sheep Gotta Go," really pegged my distaste for the urge to conform with the masses. Sometimes I unfortunately catch myself acting the sheep. Great song! Do we realize the extent of our own herd mentality? The suite of songs, "Full Contact Christianity" (complete with tribal drums) scares the hell out me; I can't stop listening. The real live preacher they sampled for this song reminds me of the unfortunate plethora of Holy men who give the Higher Power a bad rap. The music in this collection, aptly entitled "Unconfirmed Sightings," is lush and sinister. I also really like the classical guitar song "No Matter What." These men have performed impeccably and their music should satisfy anyone searching for something a little different. I would suggest this CD for any open-minded person. These guys are superb artists, and the project proves that some of the best music is right in our back yard. Meanwhile, I walk down the street thinking about the horrible vision of the constant stupidity of the species excreting pain and feces over the whole show and I am part of this show. Screw it, I'll listen to some music. Sometimes, music like this can save your soul.

  • My son wants a copy -- God help me.
    author: David Engquist, Rochester Ny

    Dear Sirs: I just listened to your recent album and, being the son of an ordained minister, I am compelled to express my displeasure. It should come as no surprise to you that I was incensed by your offensive parody of church organists. These organists are sometimes mothers and are even more often somebody's son or daughter. You thought I was going to blast you for needling the Christians didn't you? Actually, I loved it. I borrowed a friend's copy and listened to it last night. I thought I was just going to hear tripe from another garage band (like the stuff I play). Boy, was I surprised. I split a gut, especially at "Memo to a Bad Boss," and "Jesus Wasn't Interested in Market Share" (which I think is the best track on the CD). I laughed so hard I thought I was going to die ... Now for the bad stuff. My son, who is 16 loved it too. Here's what I didn't like -- the 10-plus minutes of Sunday Devil sermonizing on "Suite: Full Contact Christianity." Well, actually I don't know if it went the full ten minutes 'cause I hit the "skip" button and went to track 12. Sorry I was so hard on you, but I have to be honest. Also, the Suite shouldn't have been called "Full Contact Christianity," It should have been titled, "Anti-Christ Superstar." On the other hand, I loved what you did with the flock of sheep on "Sheep Gotta Go." Do you offer employee discounts on CDs? My son wants a copy -- God help me.

  • The UFO is real. Sighting confirmed. Get on board.
    author: Alexander Fattoruso, Madrid, Spain

    This album is about sound, words, thoughts, the marriage of humor, sharp perception, and a no-bullshit attitude about making music. I think we're just fortunate enough to be eavesdropping. The UFO is here to carry us away, fill our heads with new combinations, new laughter, new concerns. . . Kids, do ya like that rock 'n' roll? Ya like that fuzzy guitar thang? Ya like getting back at the bullies? Ya like the sounds of African warlords chanting over spooky fretless bass chords? Sure you do! Then this here collection of chunky, fresh, and fundamental tunes is for you. Share UFO with friends. Relish the knowledge of The Inner Track "...the holy champagne-flavored waters... ." And no matter what anyone says, the Unidentified Flying Orchestra is real. The sighting is confirmed. Get on board.

  • Look within, not to some television fool!
    author: Amy E. Reich, Los Angeles Ca

    The album acknowledges societal realities in a witty, funny manner. Songs seem to urge, 'WAKE UP, PEOPLE and look at yourselves. Who are you trying to be? Do you know who you really are? Do you pay attention to what you're doing, how you're making a living, what you spend your money on? Look within and not to some television fool, false leader of religion, or corporate power broker. Speak up and be heard. And oh yeah, lighten up and laugh a lot!!'

  • A "Must Listen"
    author: Scott Kreyer, Canandaigua Ny

    Zappa meets King Crimson! This disc hosts some of the most blasphemous religious thinking and performance of our time...Musically speaking, "Sightings" offers generous guitar, warm bottom bass, wonderful space-rythms, and fanatical vocal performances. Favorite tracks: "Jesus Wasn't Interested in Market Share" and "Get Noticed" (which could actually be a radio release/single - alternative/pop crossover)...A MUST LISTEN.

  • An unexpected surprise. . .
    author: Lynn Fioretti, Lancaster Ny

    I really like the way the band plays; and I was drawn to that first; then, listening again for the lyrics was an unexpected surprise. I read the CD insert afterwards because I liked what the lyrics had to say. The record made me think, it's fun, and musically very good.

  • Intriguing, and excellent music values!
    author: Icenice

    Glad I could be a part of hearing your music. I must say, "Unconfirmed Sightings" proves to be a very interesting listening experience. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect after seeing your album cover and the song titles and such. But I figured with a name as ambitious as "Unidentified Flying Orchestra," it definitely wouldn't be boring! I especially like how you approached the songs. I could tell instantly that all three of you were very talented, especially the guitar player. Yet you all showed some excellent musical taste and concern for the listener by restraining yourselves from endless soloing and self-indulgence, which can be very tempting to do with this type of music (if you can even call it a "type"). Most all of the songs were versatile in sound and approach, and they all flowed together quite well. I still don't know what to think of some of the dialogues that are present througout the album, but I guess that just gives me more of a reason to keep listening :-) Great job, guys! I look forward to hearing your next release, and good luck! Take care, Joel

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