Travis Orbin - Mr. Bungle Cover/Interpretation

() Mr. Bungle’s ‘California’ is one of my all-time favorite records. It’s built atop the earmarks established in the two preceding records: an eclectic, assaulting mélange of genres (often in the same song); a penchant for film-score idolatry; and a lethal dose of humor, while featuring a headier blend of world-music(s) influence—even employing session musicians in furtherance of authenticity—and an overall streamlined approach to the songwriting. The inscrutable, terrorizing nature of ‘Disco Volante’ and the turpitude of the debut were dialed down, but it still caroms between experimental and radio-friendly until it’s a kaleidoscopic smear of some of the weirdest rock music you’re likely to hear - with some intensely gravid lyrics. This record blasts me off to the firmament. It’s transcendent, atemporal; a collective triumph. Supplemental reading: Transcriptions: Tip via PayPal: