Review: "Ooky Spooky" by Voltaire

Artist: Voltaire
Album: Ooky Spooky
Year produced: 2008

This won't stand out as a particularly "Celtic" album, yet there is a gypsy appeal to the sound of the CD that is close enough for most. Plus, it's really different and has its own particularly twisted appeal. With songs that have titles such as "Zombie Prostitute" and "Cannibal Buffet," one can hardly resist at least having a listen to see what this music is all about.

The CD is fun, funny and engaging as well. It's irreverent, yet not offensive. Combine the crazy subjects this band comes up with and catchy "show-tune" sounding tracks, and what you have is unlike other album you've ever heard. Guaranteed. "Cantina" tips its hat to Star Wars, and "Reagge Mortis" offers Jamaican flavor. The real jewel of this collection of creepy crawlies is track 8, "Stuck With You". The tune is a duet with The Dresden Dolls' Amanda Palmer that is a lament about married life delivered with plenty of humor.

There really isn't anything quite like this album. If you have a quirky sense of humor and enjoy a clever, tongue-in-cheek, toe-tappin' tune now and again, this is a must have. Try it out for Halloween, or put in on to perk up your spirits. It's a hoot.

---

Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at CatherineLTully.com.

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.