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Rating: 10/10

For all of your familiar with the spectacular television show, Doctor Who, you may also be aware of the fan-created music known as Timelord Rock. If you are familiar, one of the most well-known bands is probably the geniuses known as Chameleon Circuit. Their newest album, released just yesterday, is Still Got Legs. Though it is extremely different from the album before it (Chameleon Circuit), it is still a great album!

Overview

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The album itself is crafted as if it were one continuous song. Each song fades into the next, melding together with a precision which is comparable to The Beatles' famous Abbey Road blend.

The album begins with an interesting little twenty three second sound clip known as The Subwave Signal, which flawlessly fades into Regenerate Me, the first song.

While the music is awesome, it is notably darker than the music found in their first album, Chameleon Circuit. The album is produced by DFTBA Records, and can be found on iTunes and Amazon as well as the DFTBA site. There is an extensive use of digital sound effects. Though I usually abhor this work, I loved the digital editing done in Still Got Legs. (In general, I'm in love with Chameleon Circuit...)

Anyway, as I was saying... The dance-mix type sound of Regenerate Me is the opening. Following this, several sound effects accompany music which fades into the far darker Nightmare. The second song is slower, and more comparable to extremely light metal music. The growl of the guitar perfectly fits the tone, and the vocals performed are, as always, marvellous. It might not be opera, but it's awesome! The sound effects and tone of this song are comparable to those used in the SAW film franchise's soundtracks.

From Nightmare, the album fades into the lighter song, Travelling Man. This song is, in its nature, more of a slower ballad type song. Its lyrics are divine, and the voices are great. The background of the song has a strangely vintage music-box type sound which keeps the tune, though the sound is also a bit digitized to fit with the science fiction overtone. There is also a clever little harmonica solo within this song. Its a cappella ending then fades into the third song, Everything is Ending.

Everything is Ending is a duet intended to be between Amy and The Doctor. It's a beautiful song, and it is one of my favourites. I love the music, and the drum work is worthy of praise. The background has the sounds of a piano delicately intertwined with the sounds of the bass. As expected from Chameleon Circuit, its lyrics are extremely inventive and, especially in this song, moving. (As for the part about Amy, yes, there is a female singer. She is quite amazing, and I'm currently trying to identify who it is...)

From the third song we are introduced to Mr. Pond with the sound of a guitar. Mr. Pond, intended as Rory's comments to The Doctor about how he seems to steal Amy, is a biting commentary which has a feel of loathing and love mixed together in a spectacular blend of music. It mixes the sound of electric guitars with the lolling twang of an acoustic guitar.

Urged on by a guitar solo, we fade into the light-hearted Kiss the Girl. Intended as an argument between The Doctor and Craig, the song's clever lyrics and soulful yet fun tune creates one of the nicest songs on the album when it comes to fun. Following its brief and interestingly short ending, the thirty five second piece, Knock Four Times bridges the song with the next.

Here we have my personal favourite, Teenage Rebel. This song, which has a pop rock feel to it, is about The Doctor. The vocals are fitting to the tone and energetic tune. Though short, it gives the listener a nice break from the darkness and slower pace.

Next is the fast-paced Big Bang Two. If anyone has ever heard the song Jump and Move, then they will recognize the rapid-fire pace of the lyrics and the lack of pauses. Though a bit exhausting on the ears, it is a clever adaptation of the show's music. Most notably featured is the little light-hearted ditty played as the tune for the Eleventh Doctor. A humorous insert of "oh my god he's wearing a fez" also adds a nice relief from the darker tone of the album. Bridging this song and the next is a 1:13 adaptation of the aforementioned ditty entitled Eleven.

The much darker song, The Sound of Drums is the next to be thrown at the listener. The eerie use of quiet singing at the beginning sets the tone for the song inspired by the episode by the same title. The song itself is sung mostly from The Master's point of view, though there is a small portion near the end sung through The Doctor's view. Personally, this is another of my favourites from the album. Though it might be because of their clever use of counterpoint.

Its extended note leads into the vintage-sounding ballad type song, Silence and the End of All Things. Meant as the emotional retelling of Amy's recollection of the reality of her precious "Raggedy Doctor" after he re-boots the universe using the Pandorica. Its moving lyrics accompany an equally inspiring tune.

A sudden piano note introduces the dark song, The Doctor is Dying. Its use of reversing tapes and sounds near the end induces a feeling of both intrigue and fear. The sound effects throughout the song also create a sinister feeling. Voice manipulation is also tastefully used throughout the song. Echoes in the background imply the spacey nature of the song, and the drum work is spectacular. Quiet singing is mixed with sudden bursts of sound, and though it does cause those listening to it at loud volumes to jump, it's a marvellous song!

From here we finish the album with the playful Still Not Ginger. Detailing the process of the Tenth Doctor adjusting to his new form as the Eleventh Doctor, it features the soothing sounds of an acoustic guitar and the wonderful vocals. It also incorporates the Tenth Doctor's saying (Allons-y!) with the Eleventh Doctor's (Geronimo!). Another great thing about this song is the playful depiction of the Eleventh Doctor getting the young Amelia Pond to fix him food.

In general, it's a great album and I highly recommend it!

Rahne
5/31/2012 04:33:19 am

Bad choice of font. Is there any posibility you could republish with a larger and easier to read font?

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8/7/2012 11:24:41 pm

Many thanks for details

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