How I Want to Die -- the Catman Chronicles 1 by Catman Cohen

Now Catman attempts to heal the world through his music, if only as mere brick in a formidable wall.

Catman opposes the current Cult of Celebrity and chooses to make his songs the focus, NOT himself. He believes the country urgently needs new heroes who toil within essential vocations now in crisis.

With the help of his two musical interpreters... producer/arranger

Henry Iglesias and engineer/mixer James Lum...Catman shapes his music.

Assisting him are devoted artist-friends:

They include exceptional vocalists Jimmy Swan, Amy Court, Elly K, Molly Zenobia, Ronee Martin, Thomas Hunter, Jeanette Turner, Ben "Mobius" Simoff, Vessy Mink, Barbara Ochoa, Shasta Strange....plus divine musicians like George Englund, Eliah Levy, Jim McCarty, Malcolm Watson, and more.

Catman extends a special invitation for you to join his dreamscape and welcome his melodies and words into your heart.

10% of CD sales proceeds to be donated to NURSES FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW

(www.nursesource.org)

10% of CD sales proceeds to be donated to CANADIAN NURSES FOUNDATION

(www.canadiannursesfoundation.com)

*** Stay tuned for news pertaining to future live performances by:

Catman Cohen and His Prayer for America

(Note: the Catman will perform in silhouette only)

________________________________________

Reviews:

It's an interesting mixture: ethereal female vocals over a vaguely new age sound layer, covered with gritty street lyrics and a gravelly voice back-up. The press release for this disc is incredibly mystical and after a few paragraphs one wonders if a face-to-face meeting with "Catman" would be anything other than seriously weird. Mr. "Catman" Cohen uses what he calls the "Yahweh Chord," which is sort of a D7 with a lot of baggage. What he gets from this chord and some talented back-up is a creepy, yet full sound with a definite '80s lounge feel. The lyrics show this is not about love and blow, but murder and senseless death in the streets. There's a 9-11 angle as well, and if you put this on as background for a party you might not notice the message. It's not exactly subliminal, but it's tricky and not a bad job. I'd almost like to see a '90s digital animation backdrop for the music.

Carl F Gauze

INK19

http://www.ink19.com/

February 22, 2007

-----------------------------------------------

"Catman Cohen's series of music CD's are becoming the talk of the town."

Kat Kramer

Entertainment Today

http://www.entertainmenttodayonline.com

April 7, 2006

___________________________

Definitely different are the two words that best describe Catman Cohen's music. Musically one could position them somewhere between Nick Cave, Pink Floyd, late Simple Minds, Leonard Cohen, Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen...But the lyrics are in line with none of the above really. The band is one of those rare last isles of idealism. They are trying to spread their message of hope, their vision upon a better future and they keep struggling to raise awareness with the general public.

There is quite a movement of satanic, neo-nazi, communist, catholic and other ideologically, religiously or philosophically inspired bands and artists and in the end Catman Cohen fits into this line of bands that have some engagement. They want to actually change their environment and a complete mindset by their existence. This CD is a typical post 9/11 phenomenon where we saw the US being highly politicized and polarized between pro and contra, between democrat and republic, between moderate and extreme, between aware and ignorant...In the aftermath of 9/11 The Land of Opportunity has changed and so has its population. For some this change has not been drastic enough. Catman Cohen is one entity that would have liked to see the change go further. As they describe it, they want to see a "Shift from the shallow to the profound." Exactly this is what they have brought together in their "Prayer for America." Their music is about awareness: knowing that society is shallow and that everything has become appearance, golden wrapping and superficial glamor. They urge people to feel connected again, to share a sense of community and belonging, to care about one another, and the greater common good. It is about sacrifice, altruism...

It is about loving your father and respecting all he ever did for you (FATHER, YOU BELIEVED). It is about love being more important than money, emotion being more crucial than possession (WHAT REALLY MATTERS). It is about being one kind, one nation, one brotherhood, one race, one family...(A FAMILY OF ONE). It is about heroism and sacrifice (HOW I WANT TO DIE). It is about a sense of belonging and a need to be part of it all (WHERE ARE MY SOLDIERS)...

It is the world from a definitely male point of view as far as I am concerned. A guy who wants to make a difference, an impression, who needs to be part of a bigger thing, who only realizes what his father did as he grows older himself,...Somehow, the idealist dream is part of the aspirations of a guy. A great trip into what drives a lot of people. A true look into the behavioral pattern of many everyday men of faith, honesty and conformity. As guys run toward the mid-life phase, I am sure they will find themselves even more in this whole CD. In that sense this CD has two different layers. An overall message towards engagement, an ideological dream of a better society with less attention to superficial phenomena and more focus on what bonds us together as mankind. But there is this second layer, this more individual level of a guy discovering these lessons as he lives. A guy who might have needed a "Big Bang" or a "9/11" just to realize this and to grow on this journey towards self-realization.

Reviewed by Joeri De Ren (Antwerp, Belgium)

http://www.dogmatik.be

December 29, 2005

________________________

Catman Cohen is a force of nature. His CD How I Want To Die is one of the most emotionally powerful works I have come across in a long time. His heart and spirit infuse each song and each song pulls you inexorably into the world of the Catman. The world of the Catman is not always a comfortable place to be, but it is always honest and it is always real. It is a place I will choose to return to many times in the future.

Musically, this CD is difficult to place in a single genre. The best comparison I can think of is to combine Leonard Cohen with Enigma mixed with a little Dead Can Dance. The Catman has a unique voice both figuratively and literally. His singing voice is little more than a rough growl. His songwriting voice is raw emotion crafted into small, concise phrases of poetry. The two are remarkable well suited to each other.

The recording owes much of its success to the talents of Henry Iglesias and James Lum. They produced, arranged, engineered and mixed the tracks. Iglesias also sang many of the vocals and contributed the keyboard and acoustic guitar work. Lum contributed guitar and bass work. They take the Catman’s songs and give them form and substance. Many other vocalists also lend their talents to the effort all to good effect.

The CD opens with the title track, HOW I WANT TO DIE. It is an expression of the desire to save the children of the world from the horrors that abound, and if necessary to die in service to that cause. All of us feel pain in seeing images of children suffering. All of us wish we had the power to save them from their situations. Catman takes those feelings and distills them into a work that should resonate within each of us.

THE CRIME OF BEING ME is a song of betrayal and ultimately forgiveness. It expresses the pain that occurs when two lives forged together by life’s harsh realities are torn apart by the actions of one of them. But from that pain comes strength. And from strength comes forgiveness.

When I was a kid, my friends and I would stare up at the stars and wonder about God and the nature of the universe. WE SPOKE OF GOD speaks to that experience. It asks the questions most of us have asked, and expresses the emotions we felt when contemplating the great unknown. It does so far more artfully than we did all those summers ago, but through this song, I relive those days.

When speaking of universal themes, BABY, AM I TOO LATE? is a songwriter’s song, especially for songwriters who are no longer young. As a songwriter and musician, I often ask myself if I am too old to do the things I want to in music. The music industry certainly projects the image that youth sells. Catman reminds us that 20 years ago we couldn’t write the songs we write today. Experience is a vital element of art, and it should never be discounted.

No review would be complete without mentioning A PRAYER FOR AMERICA. This song encompasses much of who the Catman is and what he hopes to accomplish. The song is something of a prayer that we as a country and a society change the path we are on and reexamine our values. Instead of obsessing over Michael Jackson and Pam Anderson, we should celebrate the real heroes: the nurses, the firefighters, the soldiers, the police, etc. We should value those who do good in world instead of those who have celebrity but no substance. The Catman isn’t preaching to us. He is communicating his profound belief, and as such he succeeds.

How I Want To Die is not a CD to be taken lightly. It is deep, raw, and emotional. I would not recommend it if you are looking for something to raise your spirits, but if you are in a contemplative mood, this could be just the ticket. If any of this has sparked an interest for you, I recommend you check out his website, www.catmancohen.com. He has some music samples, lyrics and ordering information. There is also information about Catman’s latest CD, HOW I WANT TO LIVE. I hope at some point I get to review that one as well.

Reviewed by JJ Biener

www.musesmuse.com

November 22, 2005

_______________________________

Catman is deep and mysterious and he writes from his heart. I like his composition and unpredictability at times. I think he has a dark way of looking at a bright situation.

I didn't want to like HOW I WANT TO DIE but I did. The male singer sounded a lot like Tom Waits. The music was perfect for the songs, and the lyrics, while morbid, were definitely well composed.

Reviewed by Ian Cole/ Shauntelle Hamlett

UNSIGNED Music Magazine

September 3, 2005

__________________

Catman Cohen is a composer and talk-sing vocalist. Catman's musical vision is supported by a diversity of players, producers and singers. Cohen writes serious, spiritual songs that tackle social issues. Cohen's style is rock based with slight tones of rap and Yiddish. Catman's music is totally unique yet his messages are universal. HOW I WANT TO DIE is the opening title track. It is a striking tribute to those in the rescue fields. It has a dreamy soundscape contrasted with Catman's deep talk layered with the sweet voice of Amy Court. THE CRIME OF BEING ME features Jimmy Swan an inspired vocalist who sings passionately about prejudice. The instrumentation and in particular, the soaring guitars and poignant pianos, are also moving. BABY, AM I TOO LATE? also addresses a bias, in this case age. The arrangement and varied voices add to the power of the song. HOW I WANT TO DIE is dark and dramatic yet hopeful in its intent to inspire positive changes in a world gone bad. I hope that Catman Cohen and his crew can accomplish this high calling through their compelling songs!

* Recommended Tracks: (HOW I WANT TO DIE; THE CRIME OF BEING ME; BABY, AM I TOO LATE?)

Reviewed by Laura Turner Lynch

www.kweevak.com

July 4, 2005

________________

HOW I WANT TO DIE would be perfect for a musical.... because the songs almost seem to be like scenes from something greater than an album.

The deep grumbly vocals of Catman remind me of Wesley Willis, Tom Waits, or Nick Cave on steroids....

The record perks up whenever vocalist Amy Court lends her graceful voice to the material. Its one of the brighter spots on HOW I WANT TO DIE but not the brightest. That honor belongs to the strange, bizarre, and twisted cover of Kylie Minogue's CAN'T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD. It's so over the top and gravelly that it's amazing. It simply has to be heard to be believed.

There's a lot of potential on this record. It wants to be a huge orchestrated album with a lot to say and it's very close to succeeding but it just misses the mark. The record sounds more like it belongs on stage and should have a script written around it. Whether it's a concept album or not doesn't matter as the recording's camp factor is so high that it seems more suited to theater than concert hall. Interesting to say the least.

Reviewed by Paul Zimmerman

First Coast News, ABC 25, NBC 12 (Jacksonville, Florida)

June 23, 2005

________________

"(Catman) is obviously mad as a march hare, a hatter and a box of Frogs all holed up together in a looney ward.... there's occasional sparks of peculiar brilliance."

Reviewed by Chris Prewett

www.subba-cultcha.com

June 13, 2005

________________

"I found myself wanting to listen to the words a number of times for

their depth and realism."

Terry Evanshen, "The Man Who Lost Himself"

www.terryevanshen.com

June 10, 2005

_______________

In PRAYER FOR AMERICA, I wholeheartedly endorse your message, particularly the rejection of materialism, what really matters, and the plea for return to sanity in our nation's values. "There are kids everywhere and I want to save them," (from your song HOW I WANT TO DIE), emphasizes how I feel and what should be important to all of us --- OTHER human beings. If the public can only hear one of your songs from this album, let it be PRAYER FOR AMERICA.

During the past 12 years I have lived and worked in over a dozen natural and unnatural disasters (war, civil conflict, droughts, floods, epidemics, hurricanes, and more) as a civilian nurse providing assistance, food, and health care to thousands in need. Having observed the horrors of combat and conflict first hand, I KNOW that war, anarchy, and fundamentalism destroys the very core of humanity, therefore I fully agree with the understated anti-war message whispered in WHERE ARE MY SOLDIERS?

Mary Lightfine, Founder and President

Volunteers Without Boundaries

www.volunteerswithoutboundaries.com

May 23, 2005

----------------

HOW I WANT TO DIE constitutes the darkest 75 minutes most people will experience in their entire lives. It is nothing less than a poignant reflection of America in decline, the final musical and lyrical gasps of a collapsing Empire.

And it is brilliant.

For those strong souls who manage to listen to the entire CD from beginning to end without slashing their wrists first, they will be left with a most profound, painfully impacting, sonic speculation about family, love, society, mentors, and God.

Yet as disturbing and downbeat as the CD happens to be, it is at the same time very soothing. The CD is a kind of tortured Jewish version of Catholic confession....and when that confession is over, we cannot help but feel as though Catman Cohen acted as the proxy for our own anxieties, secret torments, and regrets -- and in doing so, like some Jewish Christ-surrogate, he releases his pain in order that we may release ours.

There are moments in HOW I WANT TO DIE that are both indelible and astounding. You will never forget them, no matter how hard you might try.

Start with Catman himself and his raw, deep, talk-sing voice. Not since Joe Cocker first burst on the scene has a voice appeared on a recording that is so simultaneously grating and mesmerizing. The man cannot sing and yet, ohmiGod, how the man can sing! He is in desperate need of singing lessons yet, who cares, when he is giving us such an enthralling, lyrical lesson in what really matters in life.

Then move on to Amy Court whose dreamy voice is an ultra-sexy, sweet, estrogen bath, the kind that makes a man want to spend the entire day lying inside its hot, breathy, waters.

Next, Jimmy Swan, and THE CRIME OF BEING ME. Holy hell, this boy can sing... and wail...and wail...and wail. If there is anybody, man or woman, who is not left with at least a single tear in the eye by the song's conclusion, then that person most likely is some kind of metal, unfeeling robot posing as a human. The song is nothing less than the son of "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," the pop song that became the anthem for brothers across the world -- and yet "Crime" happens to penetrate right through the brotherly bone in a way that "He Ain't Heavy" never quite approximates.

Other special vocal honors go to Ronee Martin, who sings on the cover version of the old hit, WISHIN' ON A STAR. She is everything Whitney Houston used to be before the poor girl got hooked on drugs. Martin's voice is nothing less than a larynx barometer of pain, a most soulful measure of multiple love disappointments and many spilled tears.

As a stand-in for the daughters of the world, Elly K provides extremely sweet, vocal, sugar-coating in a touching, regretful, song about a dead father.

Molly Zenobia takes a fairly ordinary love song about VANCOUVER and instills strange, hot, and unforgettable magic into its verses.

And finally, take a close listen to Catman's remake of the Kylie Minogue party hit, CAN'T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD. Catman's suicide version will be requested repeatedly on radio stations across the world by those shell-shocked fans of the song who simply cannot believe what he did to it.

According to the press kit, Catman Cohen, (working with his most proficient production team: arranger Henry Iglesias and engineer James Lum) will be releasing a follow-up CD shortly, entitled HOW I WANT TO LIVE, and the title suggests a more upbeat vibe. I only pray that Catman...as a most singular Poet of Darkness...as a 21st century Jim Morrison meets Barry White meets The Zombies meets Bob Dylan... does not allow joie de vivre to undermine his original and strange perceptions of the world.

What I Really Hated: Some songs use drum tracks (instead of live drums) and that makes them sound more "robotic," less flesh and blood. Not sure if that's laziness or lack of money.

Favorite songs: FATHER YOU BELIEVED, THE CRIME OF BEING ME, THE MENTOR, VANCOUVER, FLUFFLE-O (Hidden Track)

Reviewed by Marc Seltzer

www.LAsplash.com

April 29, 2005

-----------------

"Having listened to your CD, I certainly have similar sentiments that you express. Although I'm not a person who listens to music with words on it, I am not sure I feel qualified to comment. But I feel great peril...I feel Bush is worse than Hitler. I feel we live in a society numb from television without the directed intelligence or compassion to lead a Love Revolution we need...and I appreciate anybody trying to do something about that."

Patch Adams, Social Activist

www.patchadams.org

April 27, 2005

-----------------

"The disc is innovative, there is no denying it - what is really exciting during HOW I WANT TO DIE is Cohen's burning desire to work through any constrictions (working in a pop and rock domain) and make vital, thriving music in genres that were previously thought tapped out. The Catman-esque intensity achieved during A PRAYER FOR AMERICA lights up what was previously a sedate (for the most part) CD and really shows that Catman's music knows no bounds."

"There are moments during HOW I WANT TO DIE that are amongst the most impressive snippets of music heard this year - for example, take the pseudo-rapping that (Iglesias) does during FAMILY OF ONE. What really distinguishes this album from any other one is a devotion to the creation of good music, the infusion of said music with soul and a political message, and a continually revolutionary view to music that allows for a number of different sounds to be created on this disc. Cohen is Cat Stevens, Warren Zevon, Frank Zappa and a whole slew of other influential singer-songwriters in the American folk tradition. I know that not all of the music on this disc is created with a sound I will like, but I can appreciate the process that puts it on this disc."

Top Tracks: A PRAYER FOR AMERICA, SUNSET IN LAS VEGAS

James McQuiston, Editor

www.neufutur.com

April 5, 2005

----------------------

Average Customer Review: