Project 1950

Project 1950
Studio album by the Misfits
Released July 29, 2003
Genre Punk rock, horror punk
Length 24:20
Label Misfits, Rykodisc
the Misfits chronology

Famous Monsters
(1999)		 Project 1950
(2003)		 Psycho in the Wax Museum
(2006)

Project 1950 is the sixth studio album by the American horror punk band the Misfits, released in 2003. It consists of cover versions of rock and roll songs from the 1950s and 1960s and marks bassist Jerry Only's debut as the Misfits' lead singer. Except for Only, no members of the band from their previous album returned for Project 1950. The album cover artwork was done by PA artist Tony Squindo. The liner notes include explanations from the band members about why they chose each particular song.[1]

Receiving generally positive critical reviews from publications such as Allmusic, the album became a commercial success and hit the #2 slot on Billboard's 'Top Heatseekers' chart as well as #5 on its 'Top Independent Albums' chart.[2] Famous 60s pop singer Ronnie Spector guest stars as a backing vocalist on two tracks. Other members of the band at that point had also previously been associated with famous groups, with the album also including work from punk rockers Marky Ramone of the Ramones and Dez Cadena of Black Flag.

In October 2014 the band released and expanded edition of the album, adding 3 new tracks with current drummer Eric "Chupacabra" Arce performing on the new tracks. A limited picture disc LP of the expanded album was also released with new artwork by Tom Whalen[3]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allmusic [2]
Punknews.org [4]

The album received positive reviews. Allmusic ran a supportive review by critic Johnny Loftus, who stated that "it's good to hear their excitement in the recordings, which crackle with enthusiasm" and called the album "really enjoyable in a nostalgia sort of way".[2] Reviewing the Expanded Edition of the album Ken Pierce, of Piercing Metal stated "Overall the tunes retain a large part of their original sound but with their being renditions by The Misfits they are faster and quicker to finish when it all comes down to it." rating the album 4 out of 5. [5]

Track listing

No. TitleWriter(s)Original artist Length
1. "This Magic Moment"  Doc Pomus, Mort ShumanThe Drifters 2:36
2. "Dream Lover"  Bobby DarinBobby Darin 2:28
3. "Diana"  Paul AnkaPaul Anka 2:09
4. "Donna"  Ritchie ValensRitchie Valens 2:33
5. "Great Balls of Fire"  Otis Blackwell, Jack HammerJerry Lee Lewis 1:50
6. "Latest Flame"  Pomus, ShumanElvis Presley 2:17
7. "Monster Mash"  Bobby Pickett, Leonard L. CapizziBobby (Boris) Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers 2:37
8. "Only Make Believe"  Conway Twitty, Jack NanceLoretta Lynn and Conway Twitty 2:16
9. "Runaway"  Del Shannon, Max CrookDel Shannon 2:24
10. "You Belong to Me"  Pee Wee King, Chilton Price, Redd StewartJo Stafford 3:10
Total length:
 24:20
Expanded Edition[3]
No. TitleWriter(s)Original artist Length
11. "Witchcraft"  Cy Coleman, Carolyn LeighFrank Sinatra 1:47
12. "Daughter of Darkness"  Les Reed, Geoff StephensTom Jones 2:40
13. "(You're The) Devil in Disguise"  Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, Florence KayeElvis Presley 2:43
Total length:
 31:30

Chart positions

Chart Peak Position
Billboard 200 133
Heatseekers Albums 2
Independent Albums 5

Bonus DVD

  1. "This Magic Moment"
  2. "Dream Lover"
  3. "Diana"
  4. "Donna"
  5. "Runaway"

Bonus Material

Personnel

References

  1. ↑ http://www.kaffeinebuzz.com/index.php/archives/music-reviews-archive/743-misfits.html
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Loftus, Johnny. Project 1950 at AllMusic. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://bravewords.com/news/misfits-project-1950-to-be-reissued-with-bonus-tracks
  4. ↑ Punknews.org review
  5. ↑ http://piercingmetal.com/project-1950-expanded-by-the-misfits/