What would happen if one of the planet’s most talented, busy and (how shall I put this) eclectic, musical artists decided to bring trip-hop into the 21st century? Peeping Tom would be the answer.
Peeping Tom is the newest musical endeavor from the ever talented, always busy and usually unusual Mike Patton (Faith No More, Tomahawk, Mr. Bungle & Lovage). In this, easily his most accessible project since Faith No More, Patton shows us what he thinks pop music should be, electric, sexual, and always diverse. Bring together a multifarious cartel of eclectic musicians including: Norah Jones – only Mike Patton could get her to sing in a lascivious, breathy, evilly-sexual voice "What makes you think you're my only lover? The truth kinda hurts don't it motherfucker?" – Odd Nosdam, Rahzel, Dan the Automator, Massive Attack, Kid Koala, Amon Tobin and Kool Keith.
With the recent release of Peeping Tom's first single, "Mojo", from their self titled debut album and the even more recent release of the "Mojo" video (which you can watch on Patton's own record label, Ipecac Recordings, website) things seem to be moving right along for Patton and crew. The "Mojo" video was directed by the very young (19) and extreme hot new video director Matt McDermitt, showing that Patton can always spot the brightest and most talented new artists that the music industry has to offer.
The video is a star-packed, late-night, post-coital, channel-flipping escapade that might be a glimpse of what it's like to be inside Patton's head. Patton and Rahzel appear in front of a multi-coloured test card inside the television and appear randomly as the channel flipper flips channels; as the television "shows" pass by you see Rachel Hunter selling beer, Mark Hoppus and Dan the Automator being arrested and dragged out of a building, C.O.P.S style, and watch for the brief but unforgettable appearance by one of Patton's best friends Danny Devito.
As for being inside Patton's head, he recently gave me a quick look in the form of an email interview. After much toing and froing – I asked some questions, he answered them, then re-directed questions – we got some interesting stuff out of him. The following are some of the highlights of our email interview.
Article comments
1 - Rodney Welch
What are mash-ups?
2 - A.L. Harper
Rodney - Look at this link to Wikipedia. Basically it is are two or more songs that a DJ has mashed-up or mixed to create a new sound from a familiar song. For instance a couple of famous examples are "Cold Sweat" which is - Madonna vs Tiga vs Britney and "Boulevard Of Broken Songs" which is - Green Day vs Oasis vs Travis vs Eminem vs Aerosmith.
3 - Rodney Welch
Gotcha. Thanks.
4 - A.L. Harper
You're very welcome Rodney!
5 - Jennifer
I love the Peeping Tom album. I've had it on in my car for a week straight.
6 - A.L. Harper
It is a very groovy album. Most of it has bade it into my everyday playlist on my MP3. Very funky stuff.
7 - Connie Phillips
A really nice interview, A. L., you asked some really great questions. I'll have to check out thier CD.
8 - patton has become a wigger
god damn this album is a let down... and patton says he has lots more of this shit too.... after seeing the gayness that patton is capable of in this record, i no longer am so stoked about the release of the new tomahawk, or any of his side-projects for that matter... i know many of you (male or female) would like to suck his dick clean but im no patton fan boy. if he releases something good, ill buy it... but he cant fool me into buying this SHIT. fuck him, he's no longer what he was in the past. he's a sellout.
9 - sarah
Well i think the album rocks! Its like nothing he's ever done before, and it really works, even with Norah Jones! Best track is definately 'were not alone' and in reference to comment8, yes i would love to suck his dick!
10 - A.L. Harper
Sarah
I agree, with the album rocks statement. I don't really want to suck his dick. He's not my type. But I'll pass that along.
11 - have nots
if patton only new what you fux are talkin about.
12 - Greg
Patton rules his diversity and ability to change his style from cd to cd is amazing.. also you forgot about Fantomas that was another group of his.