Get Recced: Voltaire

recommended by Amezri

I heard my first Voltaire song about two years ago. My friend and I were visiting her friend's and he played "USS Make Shit Up" for our amusement. Being a Star Trek fan, I thought it was pretty funny with a catchy tune to boot. Alas, my relationship with the guy needed that proverbial handbasket, so I kind of blocked it all out. I didn't even make the connection when I saw Voltaire's name on the I-CON 23 program and my friend sang me a few lines of the Trek parody. Sorry, Voltaire.

So there I am, at I-CON 23. It's past 11pm and I'm waiting for some dude named Voltaire - thinking, "wasn't he some writer?" - to get on stage. Aside from the Rocky Horror Floor Show I just saw, this was probably the best thing all weekend. Voltaire jumped on stage with his dark, spiky hair and skull sweater. I have bad memory recall, but I'm nearly sure the setlist contained "Ex Lover's Lover," "USS Make Shit Up," "God Thinks," and "Bomb New Jersey." Poor Jersey. There was also a quick Lord of the Rings parody, set to the tune of "Cinderella" by the Cheetah Girls. Don't ask how I know that. I was impressed by Voltaire's mix of humor, lyrical & vocal talent, and penchant for storytelling. You know, for a Goth Guy. Who remembered me the second time I stopped by his booth. I'm still chuffed about that.

That's enough babble from me, on with the recc, eh?

If You Like...

Rasputina, Peter Murphy, Stephen Lynch

Speed Bio:

Voltaire was born in Havana, Cuba in 1967. He and his family emigrated to the US, ending up in New Jersey. He has a kid named after a Roman god. As well as being a singer/songwriter, Voltaire also directs and animates commercials and television projects, works on comics, and teaches Stop-Motion Animation at the School of Visual Art in New York City.

What's He Sound Like?

Hard to say. No, really. Voltaire's style varies from folk to 80's rock/pop. It's Old World, but still contemporary. Peter Murphy-esque for the Goth crowd. Ermm... like Morrissey and Duran Duran for you 80's lot. Hey, cut me some slack - I was 9 when the 80's ended. Projekt says it the best:

"Direct from the underground New York Goth scene comes this strange brew of gypsy violins, driving rhythms, sardonic wit and turn-of-the-century mayhem. Combining beautiful old-world melodies with viciously sarcastic lyrics, Wagnerian bravado with Brechtian allure...

Voltaire is a singer/songwriter whose music has its roots deeply imbedded in European folk music. His songs speak of love and, most often, the loss thereof with the added twist of how best to seek revenge on the ones who have hurt you. Lyrically, he explores and reveals those moments of vulnerability most would rather not discuss and exploits with childish abandon those fleeting streaks of cruelty we all feel but choose not to act upon or even mention."

I Recommend:

It's probably cheating to say anything by Voltaire is good...

Devil's Bris - 12 tracks of dark humor, gypsy/Celtic rhythms and upbeat folk music. "When You're Evil" is highly entertaining and "Ex Lover's Lover" is extremely catchy and angry.
Almost Human - The topics of these fourteen songs range from love to religion to necrophilia. Who doesn't like a song about necrophilia? Guitar, cello, and violins, but with a bit more of a contemporary sound than "Devil's Bris." Also, there's one track in Spanish and another in Japanese. From this album, I recc "God Thinks" and "Headless Waltz."
Boo Hoo - I haven't heard all of this album yet as my friend is still in possession of my copy... "BRAINS!" was featured on The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, and it's most excellent. Voltaire also covers Tori Amos' "Caught a Lite Sneeze" and Bjork's "Bachelorette."

Based on these albums, one live set and a shorter cabaret set, I'd have to say that Voltaire is much better live than studio mixed, so if you can get your hands on any live tracks, do. There's a richness in his voice that seems a bit diluted after the recording process. That said, I'm still looking forward to the release of "Ooky Spooky," which promises to include "Bomb New Jersey!" 'Cause yeah... Jersey has this foul odor.

Where to Buy:

Like a lot of good music, you probably can't just stop by your local Target or Big Name Bookstore to pick up any of his albums. Your best bet would be to order them from Projekt.

For More Information:

Visit Voltaire.net for news and more information about Voltaire's animation and comic projects.

tomination.org is designed and maintained by saffron and cyn. we are not affiliated with any official entities. please read the full site disclaimer.