"Pray For The Soul Of Betty", the band featuring erstwhile American Idol hopeful Constantine Maroulis dropped their self-titled album on the shelves recently. They are a versatile band, with rich musical influences from bands like the Doors, Soundgarden and Jane's Addiction. They are not Nirvana clones - the best thing one can say about modern rock bands nowadays.
"Drift" samples some train announcements before launching into a power-driving rhythm, then Constantine jumps into the mix. The song does not vary much in delivery, being a standard rock piece, but the mix is just right of A-B chords and Constantine's voice. Yahoo's Launchcast has a video for "Drift". The song deals with drugs, perchance, and 'the drift in all of life'."...Close your eyes when you see me coming/razor sharp/down the kids that plan/to meet you, to meet you, to meet you/close your eyes when you see me coming/razor sharp/thinking of my master plan/to get to you, to get to you, to get you"
"Rich Bitch" is more good rock. Constantine really soars in this song, an ode to loves lost, not worth the loving, perhaps. "When I think of all your lies/Wonder why I ever did/suffer you/We always make the same mistakes". He steps back in the second half and some great guitarwork from Taylor takes over. A good band is one where the lead vocalist is able to let his/her colleagues shine in the sun.
"Truck Stop Sally" is a clever, naughty song. More slow-paced, it tells the story of Sally, "A girl from Wichita
Pretty little jewel with a Cheshire smile
Grew up in the heart of a trailer park
No one there to raise her but her big bad Pa
Daddy had a streak like a lightnin’ bolt
Sally took the brunt as his whipping post
Waited ‘til the day she turned 16
Got up in the morning, yeah she split that scene
...
Made for the border down on Highway 1
Man, that girl knew how to make some fun
Free as a bird, oh yeah she’d spread her wings
Take ‘em round the world, oh yeah she knew her thing
She becomes the heart-throb of the truckers, able to "brokenheart a man like a blown-out tire", some image that. Again, appropriate mix of drums, guitar, vocals. Great song, should see more radio-play.
The reason why this band is among the best new American bands, and also why Constantine was not cut out for the sugar-sweet American Idol world, is demonstrated by the next song, "Some Of My Fucked-Up World". This is a true modern American anthem rock song. Fast, acid-fast rhythms, a lament for the American dream, love and the power of music to 'take you higher'. Constantine, once again, takes command of the soundspace, ably supported by Taylor, Clyde & Joao.Did…I know, I know, I know I didn’t get enough
Let me show you some of my fucked up world
Do the music turn you on?
Do it make you higher?
Article comments
1 - Director of Hard Goods
Pray for the Soul of Betty ROCKS my house!!
2 - Crazeetoo
I love Pray For The Soul Of Betty's new CD more each time I listen to it! Fabulous! I want more from them!
3 - bettyconvert
Great melodic and intense rock-ready to hear more from this band. Next time more showcasing of the lead singer's voice-its fantastic.
4 - Robin
I just love this cd, from beginning to end. And honestly, that hasn't happened it quite a long time. It's great to be able to put the cd in and enjoy each song without having to skip one or two that just don't cut it. It's hard-rocking, yet gut-wrenching at the same time. "Suicide" and "Some of my Fucked up World" are two songs I will listen to over and over, till I'm in my rocking chair. Pray for the Soul of Betty is just what the music scene today needs.
5 - Pat
I was worried about liking the CD when I originally ordered it but I actually love the CD and it has caused me to go back and listen to some of my older rock CD's again. The music is fresh and intense. Need more soon guys!!!
6 - Georgia McCarthy
"Pray for the Soul of Betty" is absolutely pure rock...once you listen to this CD you'd want to listen to it non stop...every song on this CD is magnificent & unique.....you will definitely experience every versitile side to Constantine...You will be calling out their name..."Pray for the Soul of Betty"....believe me you won't want to pass on this CD...I rate this CD 5 stars....guarantee it's worth every penny
7 - Kayla
BETTY is AWESOME and HERE TO STAY!!!
8 - jen
"Cry" is going to take the billboard charts! It's an awesome song. Very catchy. Then again.. all the songs on that CD are all catchy. The whole album rocks!
9 - BRICKLAYER
5th Generation derivative grunge lite. If that dude hadn't been on the Idol, this disc would already be spilling out of the racks at the dollar store. But, hey, alot of people liked Creed too, so who am I to say? The new Cattle Decapitation absolutely destroys this!
10 - Elizabeth
I am a fan of Constantine from his AI days and felt he was unfairly voted off,but I am glad for him. This CD proves how talented he is along with all the band members. I think it is fantastic
11 - BRICKLAYER
Horrid drivel, suitable only for people who discover new music via Dorritos commercials.
12 - Aaman
We heard you the first time, Bricklayer - now go off and eat your Doritos
13 - HW Saxton
Bricklayer KNOWS his metal. And Punk &
Deathcore & all that other stuff. If he
says this blows,then I believe it BLOWS!
14 - Velvet-Kiss
Pray for the Soul of Betty knows how to rock, and outdoes the rest of the bands in this category!
Constantine is the next Jim Morrison / Kurt Cobain, and the whole band shines!
15 - BRICKLAYER
Sir,
I'll have you know I am a TOSTITOS man!
Preferrably the Gold, if they are on sale. The color, taste, texture, and thickness are wonderful, especially with a nice dipping salsa.
16 - Goldiie
The "Pray for the Soul of Betty" CD is the best CD I've gotten in a VERY long time!! :)
17 - sharon
I can't rave enough about this CD...it totally rocks!! These guys kick butt..every one of them.
I hear they are a "must see" live...the place is on fire when these guys rock the house.
Thank you Pray For The Soul of Betty. I can't get enough of your CD. In fact..both of the local stores in the town where I live in Canada were sold out the first week. Congratulations!!
18 - Temple Stark
Aaman, this post has been digitally replicated over at Advance.net, a place affiliated with about 10 newspapers around the country.
One such site is here.
Also please let your contact know, if you had one, that this article, is published at one more place. That helps to show they get two?, three? for the "price" of one.
Delayed much in the transfer? Yep.
Thank you.
Temple Stark
19 - Toni (bettytoni)
I couldn't agree more with your review of "Pray for the Soul of Betty." Your comment about the true love affair being between the bassist and the vocalist was right on the money. Betty puts down great hard rock tracks and Constantine Maroulis's growls through the songs with his own sexy style. I've also been lucky enough to see them perform live...this band devours the stage!
20 - j
love the cd. keeps getting better every time i hear it. love to drive to it. Hamboussi rocks
21 - Nicki
Is Sylvan really about parental control? That's not at all what I took from it! Comments?
22 - Donna
Maybe someone shoulda prayed for the soul because Constantine walked away from the one pure good thing in his life and turned into an arrogant, ungrateful prick.
23 - Aaman
And what was that thing?