Imperfect Harmonies
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Imperfect Harmonies
| type = studio
| artist = Serj Tankian
| cover = Serj Tankian - Imperfect Harmonies.png
| alt =
| released = {{Start date|2010|09|21}}
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = {{hlist|Symphonic rock|experimental rock|progressive rock|art rock}}
| length = {{Duration|m=44|s=09}}
| label = Reprise, Serjical Strike
| producer = Serj Tankian
| prev_title = Elect the Dead Symphony
| prev_year = 2010
| next_title = Imperfect Remixes
| next_year = 2011
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| type = studio
| artist = Serj Tankian studio album
| prev_title = Elect the Dead
| prev_year = 2007
| title = Imperfect Harmonies
| year = 2010
| next_title = Harakiri
| next_year = 2012
}} {{Singles
| name = Imperfect Harmonies
| type = studio
| single1 = Left of Center
| single1date = June 29, 2010
| single2 = Reconstructive Demonstrations
| single2date = November 12, 2010
}}
}}
Imperfect Harmonies is the second studio album by Armenian-American singer Serj Tankian. The album was released on September 21, 2010 through Reprise Records and Serjical Strike Records.
Release and promotion
Imperfect Harmonies was originally scheduled to be released on September 7, 2010,{{cite web| last = Graff| first = Gary| title = Serj Tankian Mixes It Up on 'Imperfect Harmonies' Album| work = Billboard| date = July 19, 2010| url = https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957312/serj-tankian-mixes-it-up-on-imperfect-harmonies-album| access-date = September 9, 2010}} but was later pushed back two weeks to September 21.{{cite web| title = Serj Tankian: 'Left Of Center' Video Released| work = Blabbermouth.net| publisher = Roadrunner| date = August 23, 2010| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=144932| access-date = September 8, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100827160222/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=144932| archive-date = August 27, 2010| url-status = dead}} The paper manufacturing plant that Tankian selected to print the album's booklet ran out of tree-free paper and needed more time to obtain more of the material. Tankian is environmentally conscious and researched this type of paper on his own. Other releases by Tankian that use tree-free paper include his first solo effort Elect the Dead, and Hypnotize and Mezmerize, the last two releases by his band System of a Down.{{cite web| last = Sciarretto| first = Amy| title = Serj Tankian Uses Tree-Free Paper for 'Imperfect Harmonies' Booklet| work = Noisecreep| publisher = AOL Music| date = September 9, 2010| url = http://www.noisecreep.com/2010/09/09/serj-tankian-tree-free-paper-imperfect-harmonies/| access-date = September 9, 2010}}
The first song released off of Imperfect Harmonies was "Borders Are...". The song was released in June 2010 as a free download and also as an online lyric video.{{cite web| last = Blackout| first = Cody| title = New Music: Serj Tankian 'Borders Are'| work = KROQ-FM| publisher = CBS Radio| date = July 30, 2010| url = http://kroq.radio.com/2010/06/30/new-music-serj-tankian-borders-are/| access-date = September 9, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120301123730/http://kroq.radio.com/2010/06/30/new-music-serj-tankian-borders-are/| archive-date = March 1, 2012| url-status = dead}} Serj Tankian had no involvement with the video. It was created by George Tonikian as a promotional tool while Tankian was on tour.{{cite web| last = Neilstein| first = Vince| title = Serj Tankian: The MetalSucks Interview| work = MetalSucks| date = July 21, 2010| url = http://www.metalsucks.net/2010/07/21/serj-tankian-the-metalsucks-interview/| access-date = September 9, 2010}} This was followed by the album's first official single, "Left of Center". The song was released as a single in July 2010{{cite web| last = Toor| first = Amar| title = Serj Tankian, 'Left of Center' -- New Song| work = AOL Radio| publisher = AOL| date = July 1, 2010| url = http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/07/01/serj-tankian-left-of-center/| access-date = September 9, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101109034842/http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/07/01/serj-tankian-left-of-center/| archive-date = November 9, 2010| url-status = usurped}} and was later released as a music video in August 2010. These first two songs released from Imperfect Harmonies were described by Tankian as being "the most blatantly political songs on the record. Everything is a bit more philosophical and... more abstract.". Later he released "Disowned Inc." on his web page, and also created a game to discover pieces of the song.
The album opened at No. 35 on the Billboard 200 with 10,200 copies.{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=146859 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910063543/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=146859 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - SERJ TANKIAN's 'Imperfect Harmonies' Cracks U.S. Top 40 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=February 24, 2012 }}
Musical direction
In 2009, Tankian collaborated with New Zealand's Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra to perform a symphonic version of Elect the Dead. This pairing resulted in the live album Elect the Dead Symphony released in 2010.{{cite web| last = Peters| first = Mitchell| title = System of a Down's Serj Tankian Stays Busy With 'Harmonies'| work = Billboard| date = August 20, 2010| url = https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956741/system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-stays-busy-with-harmonies| access-date = September 9, 2010}} The experimentation of mixing orchestra music with rock music inspired Tankian to explore this blend further. In addition to orchestral music, Imperfect Harmonies takes influences from jazz and electronica.
Touring
A world tour in support of the album began August 7 in Pori.{{cite web |last=Medrano |first=Eira |url=http://www.serjtankian.com/news/imperfect-harmonies-world-tour-kicks-august-7-sonisphere-festival |title=Imperfect Harmonies World Tour Kicks Off August 7 At The Sonisphere Festival | Serj Tankian's Official Website. Get up to date news, tour dates, merchandise and more |publisher=Serjtankian.com |date=July 4, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815193228/http://www.serjtankian.com/news/imperfect-harmonies-world-tour-kicks-august-7-sonisphere-festival |archive-date=August 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Most shows featured the Flying Cunts of Chaos backed by eight classical players chosen from the city the performance took place in. The Lowlands Festival performance was a notable exception to this rule, where the band was backed by the Metropole Orchestra.{{cite web |url=http://puregrainaudio.com/interviews/interview-with-solo-artist-and-system-of-a-down-frontman-serj-tankian |title=Interview with Solo Artist and System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian « Interviews « |publisher=Puregrainaudio.com |date=September 24, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2012 |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219033234/http://puregrainaudio.com/interviews/interview-with-solo-artist-and-system-of-a-down-frontman-serj-tankian |url-status=dead }} As with previous tours, only material from Tankian's solo career was played. Beatus, Reconstructive Demonstrations and Wings of Summer were the only songs from the new album that were never performed.{{cite web|url=http://www.setlist.fm/stats/albums/serj-tankian-7bd68ec8.html?year=2010 |title=Serj Tankian Album Statistics: 2010 |publisher=setlist.fm |access-date=August 9, 2012}}
On September 7 the Imperfect Harmonies tour was postponed until after the release of the album,{{cite web |url=http://www.serjtankian.com/news/imperfect-harmonies-tour-postponed |title=Imperfect Harmonies Tour Postponed | Serj Tankian's Official Website. Get up to date news, tour dates, merchandise and more |publisher=Serjtankian.com |access-date=August 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806122704/http://www.serjtankian.com/news/imperfect-harmonies-tour-postponed |archive-date=August 6, 2012 |url-status=dead }} although the tour never resumed.
Reception
{{Music ratings
|MC = (67%){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/imperfect-harmonies|title=Imperfect Harmonies|website=Metacritic|access-date=August 9, 2012}}
|rev1 = Allmusic
|rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|last=Jurek |first=Thom |url={{AllMusic|class=album |id=r1943848 |pure_url=yes}} |title=Imperfect Harmonies - Serj Tankian : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=September 20, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2012}}
|rev2 = Alternative Press
|rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/serj_tankian_-_imperfect_harmonies|title=Serj Tankian - Imperfect Harmonies|magazine=Alternative Press|access-date=August 9, 2012}}
|rev3 = The A.V. Club
|rev3score = (B){{cite news|url=https://www.avclub.com/serj-tankian-imperfect-harmonies-1798165914|title=Serj Tankian: Imperfect Harmonies|newspaper=The A.V. Club|access-date=August 9, 2012}}
|rev4 = NME
|rev4score = {{Rating|7|10}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/serj-tankian/11567|title=Album Reviews - Album Review: Serj Tankian - Imperfect Harmonies (Serjical Strike)|publisher=NME|access-date=August 9, 2012}}
|rev5 = PopMatters
|rev5score = {{Rating|6|10}}{{cite magazine|first=Chris |last=Colgan |url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/131467-serj-tankian-imperfect-harmonies/|title=Serj Tankian: Imperfect Harmonies|magazine=PopMatters|date=October 7, 2010| access-date=July 10, 2012}}
|rev6 = Q
|rev6score = {{Rating|3|5}}
|rev7 = Revolver
|rev7score = {{Rating|4|4}}
|rev8 = Rock Sound
|rev8score = {{Rating|4|10}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/reviews/article/serj-tankian-imperfect-harmonies|title=Serj Tankian - Imperfect Harmonies|magazine=Rock Sound|access-date=August 9, 2012|archive-date=September 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910211341/http://www.rocksound.tv/reviews/article/serj-tankian-imperfect-harmonies|url-status=dead}}
|rev9 = Spin
|rev9score = {{Rating|4|10}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/serj-tankian-imperfect-harmonies-serjical-strikereprise|title=Serj Tankian, 'Imperfect Harmonies' (Serjical Strike/Reprise)|magazine=Spin}}
|rev10 = Sputnikmusic
|rev10score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=http://sputnikmusic.com/review/39215/Serj-Tankian-Imperfect-Harmonies|title=Serj Tankian - Imperfect harmonies (staff review)|website=Sputnikmusic|access-date=August 9, 2012}}
}}
The album divided critics, some of which praised Tankian's new direction, while others criticised it for being too much of a departure. Overall, the album received generally favourable reviews, although first week sales figures were notably lower than Elect the Dead.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=83849 |title=Blabbermouth.Net - Serj Tankian, Rob Zombie, Soilwork, Exodus, Skindred First-Week Sales Revealed |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=February 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102054814/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=83849 |archive-date=November 2, 2007 }}
Track listing
{{track listing
| headline = UK release
| all_lyrics = Serj Tankian
| all_music = Serj Tankian
| title1 = Disowned Inc.
| length1 = 4:07
| title2 = Borders Are...
| length2 = 4:38
| title3 = Deserving?
| length3 = 4:05
| title4 = Beatus
| length4 = 4:41
| title5 = Reconstructive Demonstrations
| length5 = 5:04
| title6 = Electron
| length6 = 3:46
| title7 = Gate 21
| length7 = 2:43
| title8 = Yes, It's Genocide
| length8 = 3:15
| title9 = Peace Be Revenged
| length9 = 3:59
| title10 = Left of Center
| length10 = 3:06
| title11 = Wings of Summer
| note11 = featuring Shana Halligan from Bitter:Sweet
| length11 = 4:45
| total_length = 44:09
}}
{{track listing
| headline = Japanese version{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=WPCR-13900 |title=Imperfect Harmonies Serj Tankian [CD] |publisher=Cdjapan.co.jp |access-date=August 9, 2012}} and Promotional CD2 (Instrumentals){{cite web|url=http://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=520844&curr=CAD |title=Serj Tankian Imperfect Harmonies USA Promo TRIPLE CD (520844) |publisher=Eil.com |access-date=February 24, 2012}}
| title12 = Goddamn Trigger
| length12 = 3:20
| total_length = 47:29
|}}
{{track listing
| headline = Amazon MP3 (Deluxe version){{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042GIY1K |title=Imperfect Harmonies (Deluxe): Serj Tankian: MP3 Downloads |access-date=February 24, 2012}}
| title12 = Deserving?
| note12 = orchestral
| length12 = 4:07
| title13 = Peace Be Revenged
| note13 = orchestral
| length13 = 3:56
| total_length = 52:12
|}}
{{track listing
| headline = iTunes (Deluxe version){{cite web| last = iTunes| title = Imperfect Harmonies (Deluxe Version)| url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/imperfect-harmonies-deluxe/id387821579| access-date = September 12, 2010}}
| title12 = Goddamn Trigger
| length12 = 3:21
| title13 = Deserving?
| note13 = orchestral
| length13 = 4:08
| title14 = Peace Be Revenged
| note14 = orchestral
| length14 = 3:56
| total_length = 55:34
|}}
{{track listing
| title1 = Disowned Inc.
| note1 = orchestral
| length1 = 4:11
| title2 = Borders Are...
| note2 = orchestral
| length2 = 4:40
| title3 = Deserving?
| note3 = orchestral
| length3 = 4:09
| title4 = Beatus
| note4 = orchestral
| length4 = 4:44
| title5 = Reconstructive Demonstrations
| note5 = orchestral
| length5 = 5:06
| title6 = Peace Be Revenged
| note6 = orchestral
| length6 = 3:56
| total_length = 26:46
|}}
{{track listing
| headline = Best Buy (Bonus DVD)
| title1 = Empty Walls
| note1 = live
| length1 = 6:19
| title2 = Feed Us
| note2 = live
| length2 = 4:37
| title3 = Unthinking Majority
| note3 = live
| length3 = 3:46
| title4 = Lie Lie Lie
| note4 = live
| length4 = 3:18
| title5 = Sky Is Over
| note5 = live
| length5 = 2:44
| title6 = Beethoven's Cunt
| note6 = live
| length6 = 8:49
| total_length = 29:33
|}}
{{track listing
| headline = Promotional CD3 (Orchestral Mixes & Orchestral Instrumentals)
| title1 = Disowned Inc.
| note1 = orchestral
| length1 = 4:07
| title2 = Borders Are
| note2 = orchestral
| length2 = 4:38
| title3 = Deserving?
| note3 = orchestral
| length3 = 4:05
| title4 = Beatus
| note4 = orchestral
| length4 = 4:41
| title5 = Reconstructive Demonstrations
| note5 = orchestral
| length5 = 5:04
| title6 = Peace Be Revenged
| note6 = orchestral
| length6 = 3:59
| title7 = Goddamn Trigger
| note7 = orchestral
| length7 = 3:21
| title8 = Disowned Inc.
| note8 = orchestral and instrumental
| length8 = 4:07
| title9 = Borders Are
| note9 = orchestral and instrumental
| length9 = 4:38
| title10 = Deserving?
| note10 = orchestral and instrumental
| length10 = 4:05
| title11 = Beatus
| note11 = orchestral and instrumental
| length11 = 4:41
| title12 = Reconstructive Demonstrations
| note12 = orchestral and instrumental
| length12 = 5:04
| title13 = Wings of Summer
| note13 = orchestral and instrumental
| length13 = 3:59
| title14 = Goddamn Trigger
| note14 = orchestral and instrumental
| length14 = 3:21
| total_length = 59:50
|}}
Personnel
All songs written, performed, produced, engineered and orchestrated by Serj Tankian.
- Vincent Pedulla – additional orchestrations
- Dan Monti – additional guitars on tracks 2, 6 & 11 and drum and bass engineering on tracks 1–6, 9 & 11
- Troy Zeigler – live drumming on tracks 1–6, 9 & 11
- Brain – live drumming on track 10
- Mario Pagliarulo – live bass on tracks 1–6, 9 & 11
- Shana Halligan – additional vocals on tracks 4 & 11
- Ani Maldjian – additional operatic vocals on various songs
- David Alpay – solo violin on track 11
Charts
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Serj Tankian}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Reprise Records albums