They’re Tenacious D and they came to kick some ass, and kick ass they do indeed on their sophomore effort, THE PICK OF DESTINY (Columbia), which doubles as the soundtrack to their upcoming feature film of the same name.
The album’s 15 tracks tell the fabled tale of how JB (Jack Black) went from his humble beginnings in a small town to uniting with his musical partner-in-destiny KG (Kyle Gass) to became the (self-proclaimed, yet undisputed) “Greatest Band in the World.”
In truth, Black and Gass formed the band nearly a decade ago as a comedy routine that gained popularity on HBO before the acoustic-metal duo released their 2001 self-titled debut album — and before Black himself landed starring roles in movies like THE SCHOOL OF ROCK, KING KONG, and NACHO LIBRE.
Regardless of how much success Black has since achieved, one thing’s for sure — he loves to rock. While the band’s lyrical references to heavy metal stereotypes — like slaying dragons and making deals with the Devil — come across as humorous, there’s no doubt that The D’s entire philosophy is seriously steeped in rock ideology, as evidenced in the blistering-licks-laced “Break In-City (Storm the Gate!)” and the ultimate homage “The Metal.”
The epic opening track “Kickapoo” flashes back to JB’s childhood as his dad (guest vocalist Meat Loaf) scolds him for playing the Devil’s music. After praying for guidance to a poster of Ronnie James Dio, the rock-god comes to teach the boy how to rock. (Both Meat Loaf and Dio appear in the song and in the movie.)
If those rock legends weren’t enough, the album features the drumming of one Dave Grohl (of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame), who really shines on the frenetic “Car Chase City.” Grohl also provides the vocals for the Devil character on “Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown),” a rock-off between The D and the Devil (a role Grohl also plays in the movie).
At times, the album veers from its mission of rock mayhem for, yes, comedic effect, with the trippy tribute to Sasquatch “Papagenu (He’s My Sassafrass)” and the sung-over classical medley “Classico” (though, what great rock band isn’t classically influenced?).
For the most part, though, the tunes on THE PICK OF DESTINY are peppered with Black’s signature scatting, plenty of anthemic odes, and a hearty host of tasty riffs, of course.
I absolutely agree. This soundtrack freakin’ rocks. I only hope the movie is as good as the soundtrack.
Tenacious d is amazing and this album is too! Kickapoo Classico the government totally sucks POD are awesome i favent listened 2 all of it yet so im not sure what else is good
tenacious d are the greatest band of all time their song the pick of destiny rules and so does their song POD. Their new film is amazing i really enjoyed the power slide, their album has great songs on it i really want to c dem in concert. adam from New York City .
I came across this review while reading several reviews about the movie. Despite the fact that it’s a music-based review, I gave it a read. I must say that this review is incredibly similar to my view of the album and the movie. I was starting to amass a great distain for those who published reviews about The D. Your article has saved my view of you profession. Thank you.
[...] When the park closed we headed to Downtown Disney to do some shopping and to see Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny. I already expressed how much the soundtrack rocked my socks off HERE, so it’s really no surprise that I would totally love this movie and will own it the minute it comes out on DVD and will have every word memorized that same week. [...]
I’m a Tenacious D fan, I loved their first album and rushed out to see the film, but the sad truth is that it and this album are cack. As much as I’d like to make excuses for it, that’s the truth and maybe if more D fans sent them a message that they’ve ****ed up, then maybe their next album won’t be wank.
Oh, and seriously if you think that they are the best band in the world, get your head examined and go listen to some real music.
frey, hey man loosen up.
feel free to get yourself examined. -_-
The movie rocked the ass off me. :]
Somewhat exactly what Iwould have expected, seriously damaged story that made one laugh and feel good inside.
JB&KG roxx.
Admittedly listening to the soundtrack without seeing the movie some listeners may seem lost but frey you need to harden the fuck up!!
The movie was awsome and the soundtrack tops the cake, remember they’re the self-proclaimed best band on earth.