Tenacious D "Rize of the Fenix"

When you proclaim to have been part of one of the most transcendent movies and albums of all time, simultaneously, one is sure to falter.
Thankfully it was the movie; the album didn’t fare too well either, but the quality was much better. They do a pretty good job at having you believe that they may have released one of the best records ever. I’m sure that if you were under the influence of, wild mushrooms, that the movie would seem much better. The album also adds the dilemma of the more theatrical aspect of Jack’s career; which is addressed on several tracks, and was a real question; because the disappointment that followed those two projects. The title track seems like a four part miniature audio theatrical of redemption mentioning the epic fail that was the Pick of Destiny, but encapsulates a “Rise of the Fenix” in both musical and lyrical aspects. The driving rhythm of the next song matches their hunger for riffs, and women, with a little more meat on their bones as they look to harvest some “Low Hangin’ Fruit.” The first interlude may not convince you that this album is their best, but it should convince you that their humor is still intact, and maybe with assistance of their “Classical Teacher” they may surpass the Arcade Fire. The latin groove, flamenco flare, and versatile rhythm may woo this “Senorita.” Believe it or not, the next song can be pretty morose and, gulp, serious. But before you know it, the song plays out more like Bio-Dome, than  Apollo 13, as they prepare their “Deth Starr.” The next song is an ode to the “Roadie,” and is true; without them, your favorite artist might not sound the best that they can causing a less than memorable concert. The next interlude catches our two heroes sneaking into the studio simultaneously to record some tracks featuring “Flutes and Trombones,” and instead record a short scuffle of sounds. “The Ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage” really needs no description, and it is as great as it sounds. If I say that this track reminds me of Wolfmother will you challenge me to a “Throw Down?” I think that’s a compliment, don’t you? I surely don’t believe that “Rock is Dead,” and I can say that this is a shout out to some of their favorite artists, as well as a call to arms. Jack and Kage may sing that “They F***** our A****,” but this short tribute to Dio may return the favor. Out of all the songs that clock in under two minutes this one appears “To Be the Best,” but not by much because of the stiff competition here. Finally, the last song reminds me of a song Seger might have written when he was “39,” if he was in the mood to make you laugh a little. I did enjoy their second record, but the previous could have done more with a little bit less. This record had the right amount of references and riffs, and the perfect balance of hilarity with, I don’t know if you would call it, seriousness to create an album worthy of multiple listens.