Of all the forms of speculative fiction (i.e. science fiction, hard science fiction, space opera, space western, fantasy, dark fantasy, horror, time travel, magical realism, fairy tales, mythology, Authurian legend, chick fantasy, romantic horror, action/adventure fantasy, etc.), horror is easily my least favorite genre. I know all the monsters and demons are supposed to be evil incarnate, but I always find myself wondering why they have to be so mean, you know?
Also, I’m not a big poetry fan. I mean, shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Um… you’re hot and sweaty and full of mosquitoes. Whose woods these are I don’t think I know. I’ve seen lots of things more lovely than a tree. Stop with all the pretty words, just gimme the story.
So what do I get in the mail to review for the Dragon Page this week? I get a CD of horror poetry to review for chrissakes! Horror poetry!! And if you’ve ever read one of my reviews before then you knew by the second sentence that I’m going to give this CD a big thumbs up.
Twisted Rhymes, by Bob Harper, is a collection of ten horror stories told in rhyme. Each piece is performed to sound effects and music designed to compliment the narration.
I think one of the reasons I like these stories is that they are not so much scary or hateful as they are creepy. Mr. Harper is a good story teller, using rhythm and repetition to build the tension. Some of the stories, like Royal Blood, & And Nothing More, are more than a little influenced by Poe. They’re mood pieces. Almost like appetizers for bigger and better things to come.
While the background sounds are used to great effect, I did wonder whether some of the stories wouldn’t have been even more eerie if the background effects were removed, and all you heard was the narrator’s voice. I imagined what it would be like to use the poems as a basis for a Halloween game in which the pieces are recited by individuals or groups trying to come up with the scariest performances. Dim the lights, ignite the candles, and tell the rhyming ghost stories.
Some of the stories were certainly better than others, but isn’t that always the case? From the first few lines of track one, to the end of track ten, I wore a smile that never left my face. Can’t ask for more than that.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Twisted Rhymes by Bob Harper
Published by: BHP Productions
Genre: Horror
Author Website: HearBob.com
