Dr. Zoo - 42 (2006)
Following the success of his first (Self titled) CD, Randal Arsenault (AKA Dr. Zoo) is back with a bold new project. His latest release, "42", is actually a concept album which follows the journey of a young Newfoundlander, who is goaded into searching for a meaning to live, by a mysterious prophet.
The songs follow his journey from our rocky shore to the plains of Africa, through Battlefields of World War Two, and on to his ultimate realization that what he really longed for most was that which he left behind.
This album is a serious and intricate piece of work, that weaves a wonderful tale of love, longing and the search for ones self. And yet, in the face of such serious subject matter, Randall still manages to bring a smile, with the sideways reference to the number 42... as per the Hitchhikers Guide jokes about the meaning of life.
It seems that since the mid 1970's, doing a Concept Album has become unfashionable. Writing good songs is hard enough... to create a coherent and entertaining story in songs is a major achievement. Randall has done so, 42 is a bold and intriguing step, that solidifies Randal Arsenault as of one Newfoundland�s most talented and versatile songwriters!
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