Mike Patton is Peeping Tom


Is there any doubt that former Faith No More frontman Mike Patton (also of Mr. Bungle fame) is one of the most … well … unique and intriguing characters in rock? In 1989-90 you couldn’t not notice Patton when Epic blew up, with that video and the poor little fish flopping around gasping for air at the end. (I prefer Falling to Pieces, but anyway … ).

It shouldn’t come as a surprise then that Patton’s Peeping Tom album (on his own Ipecac Recordings) is a bit unorthodox in its execution and final product: According to the bio, “Patton would write songs with a wishlist of theoretical collaborators in mind, then hope for a reply in the form of a finished track.” What you get is 11 tracks that aren’t very cohesive as a whole, but unusually creative as individual parts.

The list of collaborators is just as intriguing. Among others: Kool Keith, Dan the Automator, Massive Attack, Bebel Gilberto, Kid Koala and … wait for it … Norah Jones. Yes, everybody, Ms. Jones drops an F-bomb, and it’s on record for all to hear. (Check Stereogum for some more risque Jones … Norah, if you’re nasty.)

As always, I’m attracted to any artist pushing limits and willing to collaborate with respected hip-hop artists. And it doesn’t get any better than Kool Keith, Dan the Automator or Kid Koala.


iTunes has a track, Preschool (click it), that is unavailable on the LP, due for release May 30.

Here’s a Billboard story on Mike Patton’s numerous projects.

Finally, Peeping Tom will be on Conan O’Brien May 26.

Peeping Tom (feat. Rahzel and Dan the Automator) | Mojo

5 thoughts on “Mike Patton is Peeping Tom”

  1. i don’t get this record. there is an insane amounts of good guest spots but i am not a fan of this track mojo. love dan and rahzel but just not into this track.

    what are your thoughts kev? interested to hear the massive attack track. i got some hype stuff in my inbox from their/his production company let me know if you want me to pass it along.

  2. For far the less brilliant album of Mr. Patton. The vocals (as the musical production) are poor and the talent of Patton was in vacation during the recording I suppose.

    All this time waiting for “that”… I hope the next Tomahawk and Lovage (Dan the automator’s project) will be a bit more fun !

  3. I’ve got to agree with the person above me. Pattons constant crooning over all his guests pieces manages to ruin the majority of them. The Massive Attack track is still enjoyable though.

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