The Craig Machine Review

Release Date: Oct 4, 2005
Label: What Are?
Genres: Comedy Rock
Number Of Tracks: 14
Good news is, Lynch is getting wittier and more involved with wordplay.

Sound:	9
Lyrics:	9.7
Impression:	9.7
Overall rating:	9.5
Users rating:	9.6
Comments:	1

overall: 9.7

Featured review by: Greenfinger182, on october 19, 2005

Sound: Well, folks, Stephen Lynch is back in an all-new CD recorded live in New York. Fans have ben waiting for this, I know, and after about 10 listens through, I know they won'ts be dissapointed. This CD represents the best acoustic guitar can get in comedy. The music helps to represent the mood, like in such songs as 'Halloween', 'Beelz', and 'Love Song.' Lynhc seems to be born to play this instrument, and although every once in a while you might hear a not muted early or a note not held down hard enough (you know the sound it makes), the CD is almost perfect in the sound catagory. Also, teh production quality is absolutely amazing for a live CD. The crowd's laughter never overpowers Lynches clear and sweet voice, and you can understand every word fully. Compliments to 'What Are Records' for the wonderfully quality. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: So we come to the best part of Lynch's show. His lyrics, hilarious as always, only get better. I continue thinking he has to run out of subjects eventually, but like a copy of the Energizer Bunny he just keept going and going and going. There are bound to be a few times in this CD you'll have to pause it to finish laughing. And, just be warned, please don't listen to this while you're driving, because accidents are sure to ensue. The lyrics, as always, flow in sweetness with the music, which Lynch has always seemed to have the ability to do. Best of all, though, may be Lynch's wonderful voice. With no octave he can't reach and no one he can't impersonate, Lynch has a path to comedic startdom paved for himself. The most memorable singing skills from him are probably from 'Beelz' ('gay' voice) and 'Pierre' (french voice). I don't know how he does it, but if everyone in the world could impersonate other nationalities as well as him, then rest assured that there would be much more war. // 10

Impression: Lynch continues using his ability to sing about that which others feel embarrassed about, but seem to enjoy listening too. This ability, long since honed by stand-up comedians, was brought to marry a wonderful musician with a passion for the acoustic and a love for comedy. They named their spawn Stephen Lynch, and he is still making us laugh today. I cannot even stress to get this CD enough. His two previous albums, "A Little Bit Special" and "Superhero" should bow down and worship this CD, because I have not found a genuine flaw with it as of yet. The music, the lyrics, and the comedy tie together like shoelaces, and double-knot themselves. So, trust me, it will be a long time before this CD comes undone. Given my highest rating, a 10 out of 10. // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: shabutie86, on january 24, 2008

Sound: Stephen's sound is purely acoustic, and he is often helped on stage with two other musicians who sing and play alongside him. It sounds like Stephen Lynch has classic rock as one of his major muses that help him write his songs. He makes a reference to Led Zeppelin in "D&D" a song about the loner kids who play Dungeons and Dragons in their moms basement. Most of Stephens songs are extremely funny and are always put someone on edge or use them as the butt of the joke, for example. "Vanilla Ice Cream" is about a man who choses black girls over white girls. some of his earlier work like "Special Olympics" and "Special Ed" both make fun of the mentally handicapped. "Little Tiny moustache" takes jabs at a Relationship between a Anti-Zionist and a Jew. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are the meat and potatos of the songs, it's where all the magic of the comedy is revealed. In this album some of the funnier songs are the following. "Halloween", "Craig", "Albino", "Mixer at Delta Chi", "Little Tiny Mustache", "Classic Rock Song", "D&D". Each of them follow funny situations if it's about a man who poisons children in the song Halloween, a song about the brother of Christ, or a song about a bad college professor who parties and sleeps with his students. Stephen is also a very skillful singer, he has a very good falsetto and can hit very high notes that some women may have trouble with. // 10

Impression: I think this song is one of the best, if it's not just one of it's own kinds of CD's out there. there's not a whole lot of singing comedians out there but if there is he is the best. Probobly my most favorite song off the album would have to be "Albino". What I love about the album is that it brings together two things I love, comedy and musicianship. What I hate about it is that it's a live album and the laughing and the people in the crowds can get in the way of hearing what exactly he may be singing. If this were lost or stolen, I would definatly buy this album again, I give it a 10 all the way around! // 10

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: danger_boy_13, on december 24, 2005

Sound: Well, Stephen Lynch is back with The Craig Machine. If you have seen him in concert, on DVD, or heard any of his albums, you have heard this style before. This album contains some of the old stuff that he did on the Live at the El Rey DVD and some of the other albums, along with some new and altered material. Of course, Lynch is funny as always. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Lynch has a very clear, funny lyrical ability, and he can sing very well. It's odd because you hear the songs and think of it as just general folk/pop music until he hits the hilariously inappropriate or disgusting lyrics. I love the way Stephen Lynch surprises you with his songs when you hear them, with the nice calm tone to them while making fun of anything under the sun. // 9

Impression: The thing I love about this album is the fact that it has some new material from Stephen Lynch. Hearing new stuff from him is sometimes few and far between, but when he releases new material it is always a good time. The thing I don't like about some of it is that there is quite a bit of old stuff as well, its never an all-new material record, though the old stuff is still really fun. My favorite songs on this album are Craig (about the brother of Jesus) and Beelz (all about a gay Satan). If I lost or had this album stolen, I would buy it all over again. It just a fun album full of talent. // 9

Comments

[ashley renee]

I just recently got introduced to Stephen Lynch and his music by (just so happens to be)my boyfriends brother so i admit i dont know much about him, but i have come to know ALOT of his songs (i love "Gerbil"- the first one i ever heard)So i especially appreciate this article (type thingy)! It is great! Stephen Lynch is my F***ing Hero!