My search for cool guitarists pays off again. I must do great research. I first heard the name Buckethead when he joined the ill fated reformation of Guns N Roses. I have to admit my only reaction was "The guy wears a chicken bucket on his head and a Jason mask?" Then his name kept coming up when I was reading about Bill Laswell. Finally I got a chance to listen to this album at a Border's listening station. While I realize that some of his albums can be louder and more "out there", "Population Override" is a jazz rock classic. It's absolutely perfect. I don't understand why he needs the bucket but I'm hooked. I've picked up "Colma" as well and will probably make my way through the rest of his catalogue as well. He really is that good. Recommended if you're into Vernon Reid.

Buckethead is a phenomenal guitarist! That said, let's take a look at this release. First, I concur with the previous postings. I love "Earth heals herself", as well as, "too many humans" and "a day will come." I actually love this entire cd! Buckethead does what many "players" cannot do. He paints a picture with his music! He's well beyond mere "shredding", he's transcended into the "Hendrixian" realm of "sending you somewhere with his SOUNDS!" The art of "painting with the guitar" seems to be lost amongst all the "microwavable" players out there. you might occasionally luck up on a Dave Fiuczynski, David Torn, or reminisce with the Allman brothers and "blue sky" or feel Clapton rip "white room" and of course there's the finger painting of "earl klugh", but to hear a player just take the instrument and break it out of the proverbial "box" is exciting! THAT's BUCKETHEAD and "population override." This guy is GOOD! NO! HE's GOOD and a PLEASURE to listen to. This cd is well put together and most important, listenable! Enjoy, I know I did!

Buckethead has done it again. Another masterpiece.

Buckethead has put out many records over the years, and this one is by far one of his greatest ever.

Most of his albums consist of heavy guitars, drums, electronic samples, and weird people talking in-between songs. This album "Population Override" is mellowed out with softer guitars, lot's of keyboard, and drums. No weird people talking, slaughterhouse massacres, or dying chickens.

If you really want to know the sound, it is a combination of Colma, Electric Tears, Praxis: Transmutation, and some elements from Somewhere over the Slaughterhouse.

Buckethead has surely made up a name for himself over the past decade. It is hard to tell, however, if he draws more attention for the Bucket he wears on his head and mask on his face, or for the fretboard he so gracefully lights up. Sadly, I believe it is the first.

Buckethead does an excellent job of fusing blues, rock, and hints of jazz into this album. His phrasing is beautiful, and proves himself much more worthy than mindless shredders of the past decade (i.e. John Petrucci). This man makes the guitar cry.

There is not one song I do not thoroughly enjoy on this album, but if I had to choose a few standout tracks, they would be "Too Many Humans" and "Earth Heals Herself". I hope that in following years, that this album becomes influential to both guitarists and musicians around the world. Its a shame this artist is more often laughed at for his bucket, than praised for his virtuostic ability on the guitar. Five Stars. Easy.

Buckethead has learned what a lot of shredders have yet to learn is that
less is more, this CD evokes early Carlos Santana, Robin Trower,Gary Moore.He mixes the jazz and the blues just right, if he ever gets a lead singer he will go over the top.Maybe he could gig with Warren Haynes and Gov'T Mule ? It would be like the Mule in Technicolor !