Monk Turner has earned every right to be called the “galactic defender of the concept album”. With a prolific output of over 20 concept albums released in a dec... Read More
If you are a fan of indie music online, then chances are you’ve encountered Monk Turner and his quirky concept albums over the years. Time and again, he has given his fans something to rave about each time he releases a record.
Monk Turner's name might as well be synonymous with awesome, catchy and creative music. His exciting concept albums have always garnered a positive response. This time around, with friends in tow, his latest album Kaleidoscope, is looking to live up to expectation and deliver more.
This is his 23rd concept album so far. Tackling on the rather serious subject of race and color; he collaborates with fellow musicians, poets, artists from different backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Together, they peel back the many layers of the subject while fusing it with catchy rhythm, heavenly sweet vocals and gorgeous beats.
EMERGENCY SONGS is a beautifully arranged, new concept album from Monk Turner and singer/lyricist Fascinoma (Allana Lin) from Los Angeles, California. Together they bring us 12 wonderful songs filled with a variety of musical flavors and lovely vocals that, even if the music itself gets a little rough, maintains its composure; a very character attribute that could turn to be a critical factor in surviving a major disaster (the theme of the album). The album itself is conceived to awake the imagination of its listeners through both song and story as a massive earthquake is heading straight for LA! And so the lyrics take us on a 35 minute journey through all the phases of the crisis, "from pre-quake boredom, to post-quake freeway BBQ".
A concept album that slaps you hard about the reality. You've got to love Monk Turner for creativity and witty lyrics. He combines various music genres and creates tracks suited for any type of music listener. Equipped with tongue-in-cheek lyrics about everyday life and social events that people encounter throughout their lives.
Of course, it won't be a concept album for nothing. Pretty much the entire album is all about songs at a particular location, like that "Dive Bar off Maine Street" or "The Hair Salon, " even "MJ's Grave." It's meant for you if you love to pay attention to the lyrics more than fuss over melody.
Monk Turner’s Love Story is a fascinating concept album. It is a tale of romance that uses the Buddhist Tale of The Ten Bulls as its structure. Each track corresponds to the 10 parts of the classic Buddhist analogy so it will enhance your enjoyment of the album by first reading the tale. However Monk’s songs are entertaining enough on their own. They begin with a rap pastiche titled “Get up, Do Your Thing” which is a bit over-the-top but sweeter ballads like “Wave a White Flag (Surrender)” are on the mark and has a a bit of a Prince influence. My favorite track is the cute 50s tribute titled “We Do This All The Time”. This is a clever and fun album.