Artist/ Band: The Flower Kings
Title: Paradox Hotel
Label: InsideOut Music
Year of Release: 2006
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

As you may or may not know, everything about The Flower Kings is epic and their latest double album Paradox Hotel is no exception. I've noticed among several online sites that they have created a love ‘em or hate ‘em vibe over the years. One reason is their maximum amount of music per album and the frequent double albums starting back in 1997 with Stardust We Are. Had this been 20 years ago, I would have agreed but this is the digital age and audiences today expect more for their moeny. Personally I love everything about them. Their music harkens back to the day of creative and forward thinking music. Some have said that Paradox Hotel is their most assessable recording to date, I feel it’s their most symphonic sounding, on par with Retropolis in many ways.

Just like previous albums, there’s a theme or concept behind Paradox Hotel, that which deals with the curiosity of existence. In fact the “Paradox Hotel” is a metaphor for the planet Earth. Without getting into detail, I think every listener will get something different out of the concept.

This also marks, personally, where I can listen from beginning to end (no less than 136 minutes) without distraction. If you enjoyed the band’s first two albums, I would say this is a return to form so-to-speak. For fans such as myself, I have a special place in my heart for each of The Flower Kings releases but Paradox Hotel is one that I will reach for more often.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on May 30th, 2006

Tracks:

CD 1 -Room 111
1. Check In
2. Monsters & Men
3. Jealousy
4. Hit Me With A Hit
5. Pioneers Of Aviation
6. Lucy Had A Dream
7. Bavarian Skies
8. Selfconsuming Fire
9. Mommy Leave The Light On
10. End On A High Note

CD 2 - Room 222
1. Minor Giant Steps
2. Touch My Heaven
3. The Unorthodox Dancinglesson
4. Man Of The World
5. Life Will Kill You
6. The Way The Waters Are Moving
7. What If God Is Alone
8. Paradox Hotel
9. Blue Planet

Reviewed Discography

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