Atomic Opera "For Madmen Only"

Atomic Opera

For Madmen Only

1994 Collision Arts / Giant Records

Produced By: Sam Taylor

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Track Listings

Joyride (5:11)

Justice (3:33)

Achilles' Heel (5:54)

I Know Better (4:16)

All Fall Down (3:38)

War Drum (5:33)

Blackness (4:09)

December (5:07)

This Side of the Rainbow (3:37)

New Dreams (9:41)

Band Members

Frank Hart: Lead vocals, lead rhythm & flamenco guitars, organ

Jonathan Marshall: Guitars, backing vocals

Mark Poindexter: Drums, backing vocals

Jonas Velasco: Bass, backing vocals

I came to discovering Atomic Opera by the way of Sam Taylor. Sam produced two other bands I greatly enjoyed in my high school years, King's X and the Galactic Cowboys. I believe I picked up For Madmen Only while shopping at Long's while on vacation in Florida one summer. I seem to remember being amazed with this entire album on the long car ride back to NC.

I usually don't care too much who produces an album as very few it seems have the effect that Sam Taylor does. I have many albums that Sam has had a hand in the production and they all have a very professional, slick sound. I have no sort of musical background whatsoever, but it seems that Sam has that "magical touch".

It's rare that I like every track on a CD, but this is one of those rare exceptions. Every song has it's own unique sound, yet they also sound familiar. Perhaps it's the vocal harmonies on the chorus? Just do yourself a favor and click on the songs above and listen to yourself. Joyride and Justice are full length music videos.

I went on to pick up several more of Atomic Opera's albums and I've yet to be disappointed with what I've heard. Even if you aren't a fan of King's X or the Galactic Cowboys, give Atomic Opera a try as they have their own sound. For Madmen Only is a great first album. It's not a very expensive album to pick up on eBay, which is a nice change of pace from some of the other music I've shared.