Curtains Reviews

• Acoustic music has never sound more powerful

  
  By AYF2S8A9KHE8K on 2005-07-27
  First of all, I would like to respond to the online reviewer Eironic--WTF? "Frusciante's songwriting at best has only evolved marginally over the years since rejoining the Chili Peppers, and in someways, it's far less creative and inspired than what you can find on his first four solo albums"? You must be joking bro. Have you accomplished what Mr. Frusciante has musically? Obviously not because I have never heard of you. If Frusciante never put out any of these solo albums, nobody would be aware of the other side of John's musicianship--a strong singer-songwriter side. Sure, his songs are short, but are no less poignant and relevant than any of his ground-breaking work with the Chili Peppers. In fact, I think this album and "Shadows Collide with People" are as good as any Chili Peppers album. For any neigh-sayers like Mr. Eironic who honestly don't believe that Mr. Frusciante's songwriting hasn't evolved over the years, go back to your collection, from Mother's Milk to By the Way, then listen to Frusciante's solo albums. If you can't hear a brilliant musical evolution you are clueless about music. I really mean that, not to insult anybody, but to be frank and honest. I have heard very few musicians in my 24 years that have evolved musically more than Mr. Frusciante. In addition, I think Mr. Frusciante would feel very insulted by your statements Eironic--I'm insulted for crying out loud! But I digress...
  
  Now, about this album. Most of the songs are quite short, in fact the album as a whole isn't very long, but the songs are powerful, perhaps Frusciante's most deep and evocative lyrics ever, and acoustic music has never sound more powerful to me. This album was recorded on an analog 8-track recorder from the 1970s. Beautiful acoustic guitars with the occassional electric lead and/or other instrument--I believe I heard an accordian melody/solo on one of the songs. The album also made me realize how amazing of a rhythm guitarist John is--many of the songs have unique rhythmic time signatures--time signatures that appear very difficult to play, but not for Mr. Frusciante, of course. This album is a very close second favorite of mine, only to "Shadows Collide with People" of course which is a sonic masterpiece. In any event, this another phenomenal album by Mr. Frusicante. I never heard such brilliant acoustic minimalism since Pink Floyd. 'Nuff said.
  
  

• Just not worth the money or time

  
  By A2S38POXZ93SQB on 2005-05-01
  I don't quite understand the glowing reviews from others, but I think it doesn't take a cynic to suspect those reviews are a heavily subjective. This album, like the five that proceeded it, is critically lacking in artistic gracefulness, direction, cohesiveness and purpose. Frusciante has never proved himself capable of consistantly good output, and yet he pursues album after album with no sign he's aware of that fact. He resents critics who give him negative reviews, seemingly brushing them off as not understanding his point. But the problem is, unless we take Frusciante's word on blind faith, there doesn't seem much point to this series of albums (of which, this is the last, thankfully) that can be construed from the music alone to convince me this is nothing more than an exercise in entitlement and self-indulgence.
  
  Frusciante's songwriting at best has only evolved marginally over the years since rejoining the Chili Peppers, and in someways, it's far less creative and inspired than what you can find on his first four solo albums. Despite his claims of studious music listening and explorations into everything from production techniques to backing vocals, it would seem he's treading water at best. Sometimes there's a glimpse of what he's talking about - but it's not anywhere as fruitful as you'd expect from all his talk. And for all his heavy-handed earnesty, you'd think you'd get something a bit more impressive and stylistically refined than this. His guitar playing comes across as lacking effort and sincerity (on this series of albums, it seems overall he's largely bored with guitar), his piano skills are marginal, and his voice - especially on this album - sounds overly self-conscious and stiff. The lyrics seem to make considerable effort to say next to nothing and aren't really as coherent as they try to sound. What's worse is they're too awkward and too distracting to simply let them "flow" by as you listen. Like the other albums in this series, I had to struggle to sit through the entire album in one sitting, and like much of those other albums, there was nothing terribly rememberable or engaging, nor was it any less unappealing upon a second listening (and I did give it a second chance).
  
  While the supporting musicans seem to try to meld with this mess, Frusciante never sounds either very at ease or very competant with what he's doing. I can only wonder what Frusciante himself is hearing when he listens back to his own recordings. As a musican myself, I understand there's a difference between a "raw" performance and an incompetant one. And quite frankly, this album, like the five others in this series, seems to beg the question as to whether Frusciante himself knows the difference.
  
  

• Not for everyone....

  
  By A35M8WTXJXUP1Q on 2005-05-25
  but everyone who does understand, will see beauty at its finest. It honestly sounds like John is singing next to you physically, while your lying on your bed staring at the roof. In a digital age, its hard to find something so pure sounding, not that every non digital albums are good (white stripes etc.), but it accompanies johns warmth feeling to curtains and compliments his acoustic style alot more.
  
  Lots of people dont understand, and really its their loss(and a big one might i add), although no one should force themselves to love it, as it was an album i have been waiting for along time personally. Im not sure what people were expecting, but really no modern pop artists portrays ideas and ambitions like John.
  
  Personal highlights are the first 4 songs. Johns voice serenates raw loose melodies and think harmonies over 70's esque acoustic chords. Personally i reckon the album would of been better if it were no synths and drums, but it doesnt do much harm to have them there.
  
  The only slight problem, which bothers me is that the album clocks just over half an hour. Which isnt really a problem, but im just greedy and want more! Although my favourite beach boys clock in around that time(friends,20/20, wild honey, sunflower) and its nice to drive to the city and hear the whole album through on the way.
  
  
  One of my favourite records that ive ever heard, and i recomend the vynal copy, as it adds to the warmth which curtains demonstrates so well. John makes his albums prely for his fans, and really as my other artist David Bowie states, "its the artists who dictate the future, not the critics", in other words, who cares if John isnt intouch with current fashions and fads in the music industry, hes still putting out better albums and purer music than most hyped bands. Im not really promoting bying the album, although i recomend a listen(download?), this is a mere tribute.
  
  

• wha?

  
  By A91KM7D9UMZJY on 2006-03-09
  I got this album about a month or two ago, and I cannot get it out of my head, much less my CD player. A few things that make me fall out of my chair every time:
  1. the guitar solo on "anne"
  2. the climax of "hope"
  3. the fact that there are people on here saying things about frusciante like "he has no talent as a songwriter"
  
  Listen- if could make music this good my life would be fulfilled.
  
  

• Curtains for now

  
  By A3VSUJZC7D352O on 2006-09-26
  As you already know this is the final release out of 6 albums for John Frusciante, pulling the curtains down on a busy and very productive period before its back to work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. While this may not appeal to everyone, any fan of acoustic music should appreciate this. The album is soft, mellow and reserved, and it is clear John has really evolved as a musician and songwriter over the years.
  The songs are short and sweet but leave a lasting impression. It is only further evidence that John Frusciante is a musical genius and I now rate him only second to John Lennon as the greatest musicians of all time.
  This is the perfect record to listen to late at night while your lying down with your eyes closed.
  This is very different to all his previous releases, in comparison I would say it is a more mature version of Niandra Lades and Smile from the streets...
  
  My favourite tracks are Lever pulled, Your Warning, Time Tonight and Leap your bar.
  
  Time Tonight is very personal and the best song you will hear in a long time.
  
  This album is almost perfect in every way and a must for all John fans.
  
  
• Curtains
  By A3LL5D4W95WQNF on 2005-02-03
  The solo series John released this year is, in my opinion, the best music of our generation. This album brings the series full circle and ends it on a note most closely related to the will to death album. This one has more of that intangible genius and may well be the best of the series when we look back on it. It does not contain any experimental or groundbreaking material. However, it always remains very inventive and original. None of the songs sound alike, but they meld together in your mind to form one beautiful heartbreaking whole. It is an album about heartbreak and soul searching. The songs are beautifully written and poetic. I found myself listening to it the first night I had it and not being able to concentrate on anything else. I just had to grab a bole and the lyric sheet and devote myself to absorbing it. Then I listened again getting lost in the at times cryptic, at times in your face, poetry put to music. It is mostly acoustic, but there are electronic elements thrown into the production. I am a huge fan of John especially for his innovative mindset. This album is more traditional than the majority of his work, but it is something that I feel we will all be putting back on the turntable when we're old bastards and still listening and appreciating how we got from here to there.
  
  My ranking of the solo series (though this is obviously very subjective since I love them all):
  
  1. Automatic Writing
  2. Curtains
  3. Sphere in the Heart
  4. DC
  5. Will to death
  6. Inside of Emptiness
  
  John, thanks.
  
  
• Not just a review, a thank you.
  By A2CDBA5036RFSB on 2005-02-03
  To start this review, I would just like to personally thank the amazing John Frusciante for keeping all of his fans happy with most incredible music on the planet. And now for the review. The last release of the 6 record series, Curtains, is an acoustic masterpiece by a masterful musician. Sure, I've given every John CD 5 stars, but that's because every one of them deserves 5 stars.
  
  1. The Past Recedes - What a great, fresh start to the album. A song with a positive note. Great melody, great guitar, and John plays the harmonica! Great guitar solo.
  
  2. Lever Pulled - Awesome song.
  
  3. Anne - One of the best on the album. Great melody, great song.
  
  4. The Real - Great song.
  
  5. A Name - Pure genious.
  
  6. Control - Rockin, great, awesome.
  
  7. Your Warning - Awesome.
  
  8. Hope - Terrific.
  
  9. Ascension - Magical. Great melody. Great, feel-good song.
  
  10. Time Tonight - Amazing.
  
  11. Leap Your Bar - And this is the end. A perfect ending with the piano at John's fingertips.
  
  My idol and hero has created something amazing for his exclusive fan base with amazing music and poetry for the past 6 months, and this was the perfect finale. Thanks once again, John.
  
  
• Wonderful endpiece to John's newest music!
  By A2GYWVSWQ2PLDT on 2005-03-01
  My Rankings:
  
  1.Shadows Collide With People
  2.Curtains
  3.DC
  4.The Will To Death
  5.Inside Of Emptiness
  6.A Sphere In The Heart Of Silence
  7.Automatic Writing(Ataxia)
  
  My inclusion of Shadows on the list was a must because it is the best of the discs he put out in '04. That record, in my opinion, is his most accomplished. DC would most likely had been number two if John had made it an LP. All four of those tracks are crazy excellent! I put Ataxia at the bottom because it was a collaboration, even though it's John's brainchild. I still love that albulm to death. If they continue to release more music however, I'm almost sure it will be a hell of a lot better. "The Sides" alone is worth owning that record.
  
  I have to say it has been a glorious adventure with John this past year and I cant wait till he does it again. His music has not left my cd player, or my head for that matter, in months, a lot of months actually. Tool and Pearl Jam are the only other musician's who have kept me continually foucused on one "music" that long. I'm almost positvie, beautiful things are to come from me in my life because of John's music....Thanks man, it is much appreciated!
  
  
  
• Grand finale
  By A1MFXS9UA6LSNR on 2005-05-10
  I hope for him that Eironic (see review below) is a better musician than a critic, because his review is a waste of time.
  
  
  
• john is god
  By A3BCRZ8NK4WHQ9 on 2005-02-01
  i dont even have this album, but i have every other frusciante cd, and he is god. he can do no wrong.
  
  
• Another great album!!(and the last of the six)
  By A1L0X1UBX773H5 on 2005-02-02
  I haven't been a fan of John Frusciantes very long(Californication-present), but his six albums are the best albums I have ever owned. Each album has its own unique quality that make them special. His sixth and final release "Curtains" is more mellow when compared to the other 5 albums. It consists of acoustic songs and the same creative genius that is found in John Frusciante's other works. Just like his other albums the lyrics, music, and vocals are all interesting and creative.
  
  
• Curtains
  By A1FVYVCOI80U60 on 2006-03-29
  This album is magnificent, I have a copy of it on vinyl (recordcollectionmusic.com) but unfortunatly not on CD. I say unfortunatly, because while the quality of vinyl is so much more alive, it is extremely difficult to carry around. I suggest buying both, the CD for the car and the Ipod, and the Vinyl for relaxing at home to the musical stylings of, in my opinion, one of the century's greatest musician. John Frusciante has never disappointed, and he exceeded my expectations astoundingly with his newest works. The Vinyl has a different arraingment of songs, which I think flows better.
  1. The Past Recedes
  2. lever Pulled
  3. Anne
  4. The Real
  5. A Name
  6. Control
  7. Your Warning
  8. Hope
  9. Ascension
  10. Time Tonight
  11. Leap Your Bar
  If in the future I can no longer listen to my records, it will be because I have tirelesly wore out the machine and needle on this record.
  
  
• YOU MUST BUY THIS ALBUM!!!
  By A194LRPXQP8ORO on 2006-12-19
  You will not be disappointed- I PROMISE. This album was recorded in John's home, the sound is crisp and intimate, his vocal range is breath-taking, not to mention his lyrics and song writing skills. I listen to it every day and SMILE.
  
  
• John can do no wrong...
  By AZN9SW5QAIR7C on 2005-02-03
  Another good Frusciante release. But some of the songs sound like they are just rough ideas that needed to be hammered out a bit more. Perhaps it is the way the album was recorded. John recorded the basic tracks in his living room and then overdubs were done in the studio. I think some of the ideas could have been fleshed out a bit more and with a little more thought this could have been a 5 star release. John's music contains such beautiful melodies, hooks and choruses. It just seems that this release needed a little more seasoning. As it is I can only give it 4 stars,
  
  Lever Pulled, Time Tonight, The Past Recedes and Ascension are my favorite tracks.
  
  If I were to rate the six releases I would rate them as follows:
  
  1. The Will To Death
  2. Inside Of Emptiness
  3. Ataxia Automatic Writing
  4. Curtains
  5. DC Ep
  6. A Sphere In The Heart Of Silence
  
  Don't let the rankings fool you, these are all quality releases worthy of a spot in your cd collection.
  
  When all is said and done, this guy really is a prodigy. Sheer genius does not do his talent justice. I remember when he joined the Chili's the turnaround in the quality of their music, they went from Punk/Funk to something different, something truly special. Then he went through his rough period. When you listen to Niandra and Smile the progress he has made as a musician, vocalist and songwriter is absolutely astounding. So much talent in one human. It is not fair to other artists. This man is a music making machine. Heartfelt, eclectic and gorgeous thought provoking music. I thank him from my heart for the gift of music he has brought into my life throughout the years and the treat of such high quality albums in 2004. He released 8 albums worth of music in a 2 year span. From The Sounds Inside (internet release), Shadows, Shadows Acoustic (internet release), and these 6 albums. We are blessed that he recovered from addiction and has graced us with such beautiful music. Thank you for coloring my world John.
  
  
• Not on Top
  By A3OD2VD0SEBNJE on 2005-02-11
  I am a Frufan to the bone. I am in love with every solo record he has produced. Regarding Curtains and the 5 other records, Curtains is a wonderful record. I don't believe it's as good as any of the others. Many other are in love with this record and find this one to be their favorite so i know that this is just my opinion. Curtains i think is the least interesting of all the the series. My list of most to least would be
  
  1. Inside Of Emptiness- Hardest and most rock of all the series
  2. A Sphere In The Heart Of Silenece- Haunting Sounds and dark
  3. The Will To Death- Pretty and Upbeat Songs
  4. DC EP- John without effects just natural guitar playing.
  5. Automatic Writing- Very experimental writing and very trippy
  6. Curtains- Most acoustical and very personal and instrumentational
  
  Curtains is good because for one there is a wide variety of instrumentation. Piano, acoustic and electric guitar, melodica, stand up and electric bass, and drums. that's wonderful. Also one thing that you get in this record is more of a sense of John and his feelings. With the other recordings, you get more music and experimentation cause of the music. With this record, it's mostly john and his acoustic so all you can do is hear his words and feel what he says. I do say that this record is a record that will take a few listens before you start to get in it's groove, but all in this is still an extrememly GREAT record.
  
  
• The Final Album
  By A13ASH8UWRMCRC on 2005-05-05
  Another great album by John Frusciante. This album is filled with sad and happy notes, that bring you to a higher level. Just put this CD in your discman, lay on the grass and look at the night sky while enjoying another great solo release from John.
  
  
• Tranquility Recorded
  By A2NCPV6ZGWOVN2 on 2006-03-29
  For anyone who can appreciate warmth in music, this album is for them. The guy who wrote that really crappy review was obviously an idiot. I mean, music is a matter of personal taste and everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if you don't like it then why come on here and write a really harsh review? You're clearly a struggling human who can't deal with genius when faced with it. go back to your fu**ed up musical ideal and your 'raw' performances. raw is a word. music is emotion and you clearly lack that. stop being such a synical f**k-witt. try and feel something for once instead of judging people and their own personal efforts at beauty. if i heard u'r music i may not like it. but i'd still commend you for your efforts at making a beautiful piece of art... something that you and others really appreciate. the bottom line is... critics are useless, they serve no purpose. they do nothing for everybody and you are doing just that. go and listen to what makes you happy and stay there quietly. you don't deserve to have a musical opinion if you can't appreciate all kinds of music.
  
  
• And it comes to an end
  By A1V4UQ0XZXLCGC on 2005-02-03
  I wasn't sure whether to be happy that John released another album yesterday, or sad that it was his last one of his recent string of releases. Whatever my feelings were, I can tell you that this is a magnificent album.
  
  It is a lot slower and more melodic that his previous ones, but still has some emotionally stirring and straight out phenomenal songs. A great deal of the songs seem like they could have been taken straight from Inside of Emptiness as well as the Will to Death. My favorites being Ascension and Leap Your Bar. I put the repeat on Leap Your Bar and probably listened to it about 15 times before going back to the beginning of the album again.
  
  The only song on the album that I think is rather annoying is Control which is rather repetitive, and gives me about as much of a headache as the first four minutes of A Sphere in the Heart of Silence.
  
  After purchasing all of John's recent albums, this would be the order in which I personally would rank them:
  
  1. Ataxia-Automatic Writing
  2. Inside of Emptiness
  3. The DC EP
  4. Curtains
  5. The Will to Death
  6. A sphere in the Heart of Silence (Sorry Josh)
  
  I don't want this to be interpretated as anything negative. All of these discs are five stars. So if you are missing any from this set, I urge you to run out and pick them up, cause you won't be disappointed.
  
  
• Last Solo
  By A2BYTGFZBW95IB on 2005-02-04
  In my opinion Frusciante produced the best music in 2004. I looked forward to buying every CD. Curtains was no exception and it is definitely worth buying if you are a fan. The longest track on the CD is hard to listen to and I am already at the point (after a few listens) where I need to skip it. There is however some really good, innovative ideas and classic Frusciante guitar that makes this another worthy CD to add to the collection. Buy every CD in this collection if you want to enjoy driving around in this crazy world.
  
  
• John Frusciante, U are the man, EXCELLENT
  By A4X6MRWJ25M14 on 2005-02-14
  All of the six albums are great, i noticed many people put them in order, but i think i would be doing an injustice since i have owned some longer, and therefore may be baised, but i think all are great, not one dissapoints.
  I've listened to this over and over, and if i had to pick out stand out tracks, i would say #1)Past Recedes, #9)Hope, and the last one #11) Leap Your Bar.
  The only dissapointing thing in all of this IS that this is the final of the series. I hope we see much more!!!
  John, if you ever read this, thanks for the great music!!
  
  
• One word. WOW.
  By A95QMAXRFSMMD on 2005-02-17
  Curtains is possibly the most creative out of the 6 album series. I loved this album from the first note. John's lyrics and vocals are beautiful. My ranking of the 6 albums in the series:
  1. DC EP
  2. Inside of emptiness
  3. Curtains
  4. The Will to Death
  5. Ataxia / Automatic Writing
  6. A Sphere in the heart of silence
  Listen to this album with your eyes closed or in the dark. You'll never feel more peaceful in your life.
  
  
• best
  By on 2007-04-24
  ok im actually not a "kid" im 15, but i dont want to get an acount.
  this cd is amazing. i love it so much. espiecially the song "hope". its such a good song. the songs are simple and short, but they're just so addicting, and i just cant stop playing and listening to them. "curtains" and "when shadows collide with people" are by far my favorite cd's by john frusciante. he is not only my favorite guitarist, but my favorite musician period. just buy it...its awesome...he's awesome.
  
  
• took a few listens...
  By AL58RPDR0QXF2 on 2005-02-05
  This CD took a couple listens and after that, I liked it more and more. Some songs were instant standouts such as 'The Past Recedes', Ascention, and 'Leap Your Bar'. Some tracks take a minute to get going, such as 'Anne' and 'A Name', but when they do, they become standouts as well. Some classic Frusciante playing on here ( 2:22 into Anne ) and that piano on Leap Your Bar is haunting and hits hard. I'm sad to know this is the "last" release in the series. What a year for John and his fans.
  
  
• In a Class by Himself
  By A39HM9GMOT0X0Z on 2005-02-21
  This album is the best of John Frusciante's recent releases. It's on par with Shadows Collide With People, but with simpler production. Frusciante is the best and most diverse guitarist of his generation and one of the best overall musicians of his time. There's not one bad song on any of his recent albums. His are the kind of records you listen to over and over again. Money is not wasted on his music.
  
  
• Curtains is a great title
  By A3FW986TSRIM8R on 2005-02-25
  This album is perfectly named because, as I listen to it, I just see myself sitting in a big white bed and watching the "Curtains" flap from the cool wind from the window.
  
  This album is very happy, sad, and moving.
  
  One thing that has struck me about Inside of Emptiness, Curtains, DC-EP, and The Will to Death, is how there are songs on there that are very weak and I do not care for at all, this makes up about 40% of his newer songs. It may just be my taste though, so you should listen for yourself.
  
  Well enough talking about the bad things, because there is so much good to be said as well, here are my favorite(greatest to least)
  
  1. Sphere In The Heart Of Silence (very cool, awesome expirmental music on here)
  2. Curtains (moving and beautiful)
  3. Automatic Writing (deep and very different)
  4. Inside of Emptiness (a few cool rocking songs on here)
  5. DC-EP (I do not suggest :/ except for the song Dissolve)
  6. Will to Death (Ug)
  
  
• A masterpiece
  By AB8PVGKETJ5GV on 2006-12-16
  This is one of the best albums I have ever heard. John continually amazes me. Its hard to choose a favorite among so many great tracks. Personal favorites include "Past Recedes," "The Real" and "Your Warning." I'm surprised at some of the reviews on this site. I dont understand how someone cant appreciate this man's talent.
  
  
  
• I love John Frusciante
  By AHYL2B1KQZSRK on 2007-01-29
  I love John Frusciante, and he's my favorite member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This album is great, although it has a strong melencholy theme. The best song on here is definitely Past Recedes, and the others are also good. If you love John Frusciante you must buy this album, you won't be disappointed.
  
  
• A true master piece!
  By A3B9IK8ZDLQDD6 on 2007-03-15
  this is an absolutely amazing CD!Frusciante really nailed it on this one. This has a very melancholy sound to it that makes it all that more beautiful. the CD gives you the feeling of sitting quietly with J.F. and listening to him play his music, it is incredible!
  
  
• just buy it already....
  By A2T4UVDB5LNDZB on 2007-03-15
  I haven't been able to stop listening to this album since it started. He is an amazing musician and every album I have purchased from this series is fantastic.
  
  
• Perfect album
  By A35F3F8LSEPDJR on 2007-08-25
  A great, strike that, a perfect album from the most famous guy no one knows the name of. Being the guitarist of the worlds biggest current band you would think that John Frusciante's solo works would be more well known. Unfortunately that is not the case. Here is a man churning out better albums than his main band and yet remains well in the underground. Those fortunate enough to hear Curtains knows how great an album Frusciante can make. From the light feel good song "The Past Recedes" to the closing weeping "Leap You're Bar" there is no down fall on the album. It is the most acoustic of all of John's albums and has an overall relaxed feel but when he wants to move you John can toy with emotions perfectly. Standouts include "The Past Recedes", "Control", and "Time Tonight".
  
  

• Shadows Collide with People
• To Record Only Water for Ten Days
• Inside of Emptiness
• The Will to Death
• DC EP