Buckethead: Population Override
 

Population Override is easily one of the best instrumental albums out there. The drumming is usually somewhat minimal and simple unlike most other buckethead albums. Again it is done by Pinchface. This album is also done with keyboardist Travis ****erson. Both Pinchface and ****erson do a wonderful job, with ****erson mainly doing "rhythm and shared lead parts", while most of the time going off on long solo's.

I am not 100% sure but i believe this is a concept album, about well, the obvious (looking at track names). The album has a wonderful start with Unrestrained growth, being one of the longer tracks therefore having many of the solo's throughout, keyboard and guitar alike. The next two tracks (probably the most well known) are probably the best on the album. To many Humans is almost a 9 minute long solo on both members parts.

Next the transition of Humans Vanish hits the spot perfectly. It is what i believe a turn around in the world (and the album) where hope is given and a feeling a life being thrown back into the world. Continuing this with Earth Heals Herself, Clones, and Super Human.

The only downside to this album in my opinion is the last track which is just titled as "..." It's meaning and style do fit the album or context of anything else played. But since its only a 1:34 track at the very end it not enough to really make much of a difference in the overall album.

Overall i give this album a 9/10, and definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys long meaningful guitar solo's. Also do not be turned off by Bucketheads other works which are usually more on the fast metal side, because this is nothing like that at all and i feel can be enjoyed by a lover of any genre.

I find it rather dull

I think he finds more success in his instrumental works because everyone and their brother will, at the very least, begrudgingly listen to Colma, and Sketches of Spain (for Miles) off of E.T. is on of the better tracks he's done.

And lest someone confuse success with money, I think he gets his point across better without words. Giant Robot and Monsters & Robots were fun albums, but the various characters are more the some folks can handle.

I actually enjoy this concept and I'll go check it out even if there are 9 minute solos.

I made a thread a while ago, i think it died, on the top 5 guitar albums of all time. i posted this album as number 4, i think its absolutely genius and Bucketheads best work.

You have a very good list, and i definitly agree with you that it should be on the top 5-10.

i cant get into his solo stuff. he's a too weird for me, and his music reflects that.

Well just for a minute pertend hes a normal looking and acting guitarist, then listen to albums such as Crime Slunk Scene and this one, and i bet you will think differently.

i will give it an honest, open-minded try.

Yay! Im glad ur not a closed minded fool like a god deal o people round here.

(and im not referring to anyone in particular so settle down)

well i am downloading 'monsters and robots' right now. i couldnt find either of the 2 albums you mentioned