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Album
Reviews
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Paul Gilbert |
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The Bangkok Five |
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Steve Stevens |
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Tift Merritt |
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Kurt Cobain |
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Yes |
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Stereo Fallout |
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Queensryche |
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Airtime |
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Submersed |
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RATT - cd |
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RATT - dvd |
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Rob Balducci |
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Tommy Emmanuel |
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Andy Timmons |
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Vernon Reid |
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Dave Weiner |
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Mattias
Eklundh |
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Paul Gilbert - Silence
Followed By A Deafening Roar
- Shrapnel
Paul Gilbert waiting until 2006 to release his first
instrumental guitar album. 2 years later, he offers up
Silence, Followed By A Deafening Roar. Instead of picking up
where Get Out Of My Yard ended, and offering up a mix of shred
and soul, this CD offers something distinctly different. Paul
is a songwriter. Paul writes instrumental songs, that you find
yourself singing along to, regardless the lack of vocals on
the tracks. This makes all of the difference between what Paul
offers for an instrumental CD, and what others may offer.
It is not an overdose of technique, speed and fitting in as
many notes in 45 minutes as he COULD do if he wished.
Filled with Paul's own compositions, and songs that he loves
and wanted to interpret in his own way (Suite Modale -
Ernest Bloch and I Still Have That Girl - Elvis
Costello and Burt Bacharach) the disc showcases Paul's
already proven prowess on guitar, but his unique capability to
give his compositions something different and fresh. Paul's
choice of supporting cast on the CD (Mike Szuter - Bass,
Jeff Bowders - Drums, Emi Gilbert - B3 and Piano) again
makes this more of a band offering than guitar tracks with a
backing track.
Generally, after track 4 or 5 on an instrumental guitar album
I am finished listening, and the rest of the tracks blur
together. With the myriad of flavors on this offering, you are
entertained to the point of awaiting each track to see what
Gilbert thinks up next. This being said, I am not labeling
this disc as an instrumental guitar album, but a great rock
album without spoken words, as you really can sing along to
it.
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Darrin Buchanan |
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The Bankok Five - We Love What
Kills Us - Independant
I grew up listening to local Los Angeles bands when Black
Flag, X, Suicidal Tendencies and others were performing at
local clubs. Nik Frost, the lead singer of Bangkok Five
immediately reminded me of that distant past when I heard him
singing the first track on the album We Love What Kills Us.
Yeah! I thought. Modern L.A. style punk rock goodness in your
face! It is nice to read about the L.A. beginnings of Bangkok
Five since they are from my stomping grounds.
You’ve got to listen to this album. The tracks get more
refined as each one progresses; the rhythmic quality
increasing until you reach track five Outlines Of Us, a
well ordered and connected number that is guaranteed to move
you. We want more! I hope Bangkok Five continues to produce
quality songs like these. However, I’d rather listen to an
album with 5 tracks like these than one with ten that includes
five you have to remove before you download it to your music
list.
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Chris C |
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Steve Stevens
- Memory Crash - Magna Carta
(releases March
08)
Memory Crash is a Steve Stevens solo album consisting of
carefully arranged musical compositions, it might be better to
call them melodious creations. If you enjoy rock and this is
your first encounter with Steve’s music you are in for a real
treat.
The first thing
that strikes the listener, after realizing there are almost no
vocal accompaniments to the songs, is that the album
demonstrates Steve’s ability to compose first rate music. An
even greater respect comes when the listener realizes all of
the collaborations Steve has had with other artists who have
benefited from Steve’s music writing and guitar playing
abilities.
I listened to this
album while I was at home washing dishes and I was so drawn
into the rhythm that I forgot I was doing housework. “Day of
the Eagle,” originally written by Robin Trower, is situated in
the album at a place to remind you that you are listening to
rock and roll. I ended up listening the album for the rest of
the evening; every time, unfolding a layer of depth Steve
designed into the music.
While enjoying
this album you have to ask yourself, “Is there anything this
guy can’t do with a guitar?” One can hear influences from Jimi
Hendrix to Jan Hammer in the tracks; musical ideas are
re-arranged, re-organized and re-perfected the way only Steve
can do it. This man belongs to that rare breed of gifted
musicians who are also endowed with the spirit of great
composers. This album is not to be missed.
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Chris C |
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Tift Merritt - Another Country -
Fantasy
Tift Merritt’s album, Another Country comprises of an
uplifting compilation of tracks well composed with engaging
rhythmic qualities. There are several fantastic songs sure to
be a hit with country fans including, “Something To Me,”
“Hopes To High” and “Morning Is My Destination” which is so
easy on the ears your certain you’ve heard it before, and
might even affirm it to be one of the old classics.
About halfway through the album, you notice the folksy style
song called “Keep You Happy.” It breaks the harmony of the
album but the track segues so nicely one is inclined to
forgive its “other than country” quality. If one reads the
liner notes about Tift’s travels, her time spent in Paris is
worth reviewing, one can relate her time of reflection to the
creation of the album with appreciation. “Keep You Happy”
could well be a memory of her time there.
The next composition, “I Know What I’m Looking For,” brings
back the light country flavor and quality only Tift can
deliver. Unfortunately the later half of the album is
something other than country music. I can’t quite describe it;
is it easy listening jazz? What am I listening to and where
has it taken me? I found it to be quite inferior to the beauty
of the first half of the album, but then again, as one begins
to understand the reflective time Tift spent away from home
one will appreciate the quality of her other than country
songs, especially her last track on the album, “Mille
Tendresses,” which she sings in French, a nice ending touch to
a nice album.
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Chris C |
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About A Son - Kurt Cobain
- Shout
To start off, I will admit, I was never, and have never
been a big fan of Nirvana's music. With that being said, this
has to be one of the best documentaries and insights into the
life of any artist I have ever watched. Do not take me wrong,
I bashed my head with the rest, when Teen Spirit arrived, and
there were some definite and undeniably great songs. I always
admired what this band did not to music but to the culture
that surrounded them. A music scene that really only thrived
for a bit better than half of a decade, changed the lives of
many, forever.
Journalist Michael Azerrad spent months with Cobain, most
times from midnight until dawn, with a recording, and captured
about 25 hours of the thoughts, opinions and musings of Kurt.
He had gotten this footage while working with the band for
Come As You Are. You learn about the small child, that was
happy to think he was an alien, left on earth and
adopted...not a child with an uncaring father, and yet another
victim of divorce and a broken home. The journey takes us
through his childhood, formative teen years, the hungry days
paying dues, right to a year before his suicide in 1994.
What makes this an amazing project, is the creative prowess of
filmographer AJ Schnack. A very imaginative and unpolished
video and photo tour of the modern day cities of Aberdeen,
Olympia and Seattle give the viewer insight to where Cobain's
path took him, but not in the typical old reel footage that we
have become associated with in the many autobiographical and
Behind The Music type products that are generally given to the
viewer.
This is not a Nirvana documentary. This is a haunting and raw
account of Cobains life, narrated by himself. Listen closely
to the ironies he speaks, especially in the last 15 minutes or
so of the story. A few are chilling. Many misconceptions and
rumors are finally laid to rest, as Cobain speaks frankly
about many of the points in his life that were torn apart by
journalists.
There is a
great soundtrack to the DVD, with not one note of a Nirvana
tune, and no footage of the band. You do get a few
photos of Cobain in the middle and end, but very few. 12 at
most. This makes for a very unique feel, and mood. It is a
very somber film,. but you do finally get to see some of the
humorous and corny side of Kurt. A must buy, and not just for
Nirvana fans. Schnack and Azerrad deserve recognition for this
film, and should really collaborate again. They finally
captured Kurt Cobain, not the singer/guitarist/songwriter of
Nirvana.
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Yes - Classic Artists - Independant
Yes is one of the most interesting, and important bands in
rock history. People miss out on the innovation, invention,
and re-invention that this group of artists were able to
commit to artistically, even with a group of personalities
that clashed more often than not.
Yes - The Classic Artists gives a once for all in depth view
of this colorful band, in a detailed first hand account from
the band members, former management, label and touring
personnel. You finally get to REALLY know all of the
personalities in this band. It impresses that the band sticks
to the story of the band, and the facts, rather than the easy
to find pitfall of bashing other band mates or turning the
story into a "tell all" that most of these projects turn in
to.
It is fascinating to hear in great detail how chance brought
Squire and Anderson together, how they broke out in the club
scene in England, and the engrossing story of how the original
Yes lineup came to be. A first hand account from Peter
Banks about the first 2 albums and his subsequent firing from
the band only begins to show how the balance and shift of
power within the band, was a great part in the way the band
wrote, recorded and progressed through the years, ultimately
becoming 2 versions of Yes in the late 80's and 90's.
The interviews from label execs, tour managers, personal
managers, Roger Dean and the current and former band members
stays true to a solid plot and timeline, and gives some very
interesting views on how far apart the members and all
involved with the band could be at certain times in their
history. All of this is given in first person accounts,
in great detail. It is also refreshing to really get a
feel of the distinct personalities of the band, rather than
the quite serious side the fan generally sees.
The bonus footage of videos, rehearsal and concert footage,
stills gallery and a great 20 page color booklet make this
disc more than worth the cost to own. All in all there
are nearly 5 and a half hours of authorized, fresh Yes
information, interviews and an end to many things fans have
speculated about the band over the years. A must buy,
for any fan of the band.
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Stereo Fallout - The Other Side -
Independant
One word to sum up this new disc from ex-Trixter guitarist
Steve Brown's new project Stereo Fallout? Unexpected.
To elaborate, I was not in the loop that this CD was out,
until it was brought to my attention, and it is by far one of
my favorite releases this year. Why? Versatile. Addictive. It
fills a hole that a lot of releases do not have the ability to
cover. It feeds the needs of at least 4 major genres, it
appeals to a huge base of fans of all tastes. It is GREAT
played from start to finish. No plucking the hit or 2
for your iPOD. And thankfully, Stereo Fallout has no qualms in
shredding things up with some great guitar solos, showing that
the mastery of the instrument is as strong as the song
writing. Refreshing can be another word.
If you enjoy the more mature offerings of Bon Jovi, the Goo
Goo Dolls and the like you will love this disc. The lyrics
really seem to MEAN something. You can relate to them. and
well hooked verse after verse makes you think about what lies
ahead on the disc. It has been a long time that I was hooked
on a song in the first 00:30. The lead off track End Of The
Girl has that ability. Track 5, Go, can
actually make you FEEL something. It can give hope.
This album should have no problem hitting the mark on radio
stations with at least 4 of the tracks. It is also radio
friendly. Another weird one for myself, as I have not turned
on a radio in months, as I prefer music over advertising, but
I hope this one gets plays, so that people stuck in the
commute, are exposed to this, and get out there to buy it.
Overall, well written, entertaining, superb musicianship,
great engineering. I do not think there will be many bad
reviews, or unhappy purchasers on this one. Stand out
tracks:
End Of The Girl ∞ Go ∞ Brand New Me
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Queensryche - Take Cover - Rhino
Many bands take liberty, when putting out a selection of
covers. An easy way to fulfill the record contract, a quick
way to get an album out the door. Queensryche has delivered a
masterpiece, in the way a cover cd, with the new release Take
Cover. These are not covers. These are remakes, that
hold true to the original artist, but "feel" like
Queensryche. Not only paying respect to the artists, but
making it their own at the same time.
The band boldly steps into the ring with a gritty remake of
the haunting Pink Floyd tune "Welcome To The Machine". Not the
slick polished feel of Floyd, but gritty, and earthy. More
tracks originating from Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and
Buffalo Springfield come next, leaving the listener to a brand
new take on the O'Jays epic "For The Love Of Money"...Trump
should use this version on his next season of the Apprentice.
It is worth a million bucks. The cd would not be right,
without long time friend of the band Ronnie James Dio lending
a track, and this is in the form of the classic Sabbath tune
"Neon Knights". The Police's "Synchronicity 2" is aptly
covered, followed by Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain". The shining
jewel of this disc has to come with the fully sung in Italian Marrale and Cheope tune "Odissea". Tate admits he does
not speak a word of Italian, but you would think he was fluent
when you hear how he handles the word inflections
effortlessly, only proving once again that he is one of the
most talented tenors in ANY of the genres of music today. The
cd ends with a great live rendition of U2's "Bullet
The Blue Sky".
This is one of the premiere cover collections that I have come
across, in the ways of versatility, production and
imagination. A great cd for your collection, or get the tracks
for your Ipod. Bottom line, Queensryche did indeed pay homage
to their idols. Stand out tracks:
Odissea ∞ Synchronicity 2 ∞ For The Love of Money
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Airtime - Liberty Manifesto - Rockit/Marquee/Escape
When this disc arrived in my mailbox, I would have to say
it was one of the most anticipated releases I have received to
date. That says a lot after recent releases from Ministry,
Queensryche, Motley Crue, Foo Fighters and more arriving in
said mailbox.
 This release, from Rik Emmett (Songwriter, Guitarist,
Vocalist, Ex-Triumph) and Mike Shotton (Drummer, Vocalist and
Songwriter, Von Groove) has been awaited with much
anticipation from Rik Emmett and Triumph fans alike. The first
rock n roll record, HARD rock, PROG rock from Emmett arguably
since the last Triumph album he performed on, Surveillance,
many say since Thunder 7. Yes, Rik had rock releases early in
his solo career, with Absolutely and Ipso Facto, but they were
already showing a softer/pop type approach to Rik's writing.
Enter Liberty Manifesto. From the wide open progressive feel
of the lead off track Edge Of Your Mind, The Rob Zombie
heaviness of Midnight Black and Blue, to what I consider the
crowning jewel of this disc, Liberty, the listener is shown a
side of Rik Emmett, that I am sure few were not sure existed
as a songwriter and performer. Edgy. Heavy, technically
amazing. Shotton's pickiness in perfecting layered backing
vocal tracks, and production excellence are evident, and the
disc sounds HUGE, which I am sure is a product of mastering at
the award winning Metalworks Studios in Toronto. Not
exactly what I envisioned a scant year ago, for a "reunion"
with his ex-Triumph band mates, but an excellent choice to get
the right warmth and feel to these songs for the mastering
process.
One other thing...Rik Emmett's voice has stayed amazingly fit
over these years, and if possible, his rock guitar chops may
be stronger now, after all these years of acoustic work. He
has not lost a thing, except perhaps the spandex.....
This disc is going to appeal to all rock, progressive rock,
and hard rock fans, as it displays a myriad of feels,
influences and styles, and much to my own joyous surprise, a
hint of the past in the beautiful acoustic piece Headstream,
running directly into the driving hook laden River Runs Deep.
It reminded me of the jewel that became expected on every new
Triumph release. There are no losers on this cd, and the only
thing that could really ice the cake on this one, would be
news of a tour to support the project. This is one of the best
releases of the rock world this year bar none. Stand out
tracks include:
Liberty ∞ River Runs Deep ∞ Midnight
Black and Blue ∞
Moving Day ∞ Transmutation
Distribution in Canada by Fontanta/Universal -IN STORES
DEC 4TH OR off
Rik's
website November 19th for delivery to your home.
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Darrin Buchanan |
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RATT
- Tell The World - Rhino
When a band puts together a reunion type tour, you are
pretty well assured of one thing. A release of a cd to
commemorate the tour. RATT was no exception in this
matter, with the release of Tell The World, The Very Best of
RATT. Perhaps this time, the music should have ben left for
the stage.
This disc is essentially an up-to-date version of "Ratt And
Roll 81-91." A few songs have been swapped into this new disc,
including "Dangerous But Worth The Risk," "City To City,"
"Over The Edge," "Steel River" and a bonus of the "MTV:
Unplugged" version of "Way Cool Jr." It also serves as a
reminder for the multitude of hits this band churned out from
the mid-'80s to the early 90s. This disc would be a better
asset for younger, newer fans that perhaps don't own much or
any previous Ratt recordings but wants a taste of everything. |
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RATT
- Videos From The Cellar - Rhino
With a renewed interest in all things heavy metal and rock
n roll these days, it is no surprise that powerhouse RATT has
put out a consolidation of all of their videos. It is
amazing to see the influence this band had on all of the acts
that rose out of the early 80's metal scene in Los Angeles.
The DVD is full of interviews, bloopers, overviews, that allow
you to watch the meteoric rise to fame RATT felt over their
first 3 albums. It also shows the wear and tear of life in
excess on the road of the hardworking band. It is with a
pang of sadness, watching the decline in health of Robin
"King" Crosby in interviews near the end of the disc. This is
an excellent testimony to one of the greatest metal/hair bands
that ever stepped foot on the stage. A must own for any
RATT or rock fan.
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Submersed - Immortal Verses - Wind-Up Records
Before I ever put this disc in the laptop, I was told,
"These guys sound just like Linkin Park". Thinking I would
hear some familiar Rap/Rock/Nu Metal I was feeling the
description was correct when I heard the opening track Better
Think Again. And then came track 2, Price of Fame, a
very well written and heartfelt song, acoustic, bluesy,
rivaling any power ballad on the block. And the amazingly
diverse tracks keep rolling on, for the entire CD.
Stylistically, you can not pigeon-hole Submersed, as they do
not fall into any other category with this release other than
kick ass rock n roll band, with extremely strong and tasteful
songwriting. The production is great, the entire CD a winner.
Stand Outs: Price Of Fame ∞ I Feel
The Change ∞ Wonder
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Rob Balducci - The Color of Light -
Favored Nations
It only takes one time through this CD to see that Rob
Balducci has a lot more to offer than exceptional technique.
The Color of Light takes the listener on a journey, that has
more twists and turns sonically than you would expect in an
instrumental guitar album. Tracks such as the Color of Light,
lay down rock rhythms that rival early Metallica, but are so
tastefully flavored with great harmonies that you do not miss
lyrics. These songs could easily cross over to the rock or
metal fan.
The fact that Rob co-produced this album stands out in the
exceptional tone, and perfection that is in every song. Every
song has a personality of it's own, and visits more than one
genre in it's duration. Stand out tracks:
The Color Of Light
∞ The
Alchemist ∞ I Bleed
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Tommy Emmanuel - The Mystery -
Favored Nations Acoustic
The Mystery was inspired by Tommy's travels. And this CD
has the feeling of an old soul to it. With songs such as The
Mystery, and Lewis and Clark, you can close your eyes and
imagine the Welsh coal mining town, the wild American
frontiers, and a feeling of joy as you explore these places
with Tommy. The Grammy™ nominated Gameshow
Rag/Cannonball Rag is a blast, and shows you the dynamics of
Tommy's unbelievable finger dexterity.
Tommy has the ability to take you through a range of emotions,
from wistful, to overjoyed with his playing on The Mystery.
There is never a dull moment on this disc and will encourage
music lovers of all ages and genres to come together.
Stand outs: The Mystery
∞
Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag ∞
Footprints
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Andy Timmons Band - Resolution
- Favored Nations
Andy Timmons took the road less traveled in a big way on
this release. In a pretty well unheard of way of writing and
recording, Andy created an instrumental guitar album, that has
one guitar track per song. No multi layering, track on
top of track. What you think would be a loss of complexity of
sound, is quite the opposite. As Andy put it recently,
it "kicked his ass" to record.
Andy has the ability to make you visualize the point he tries
to get across musically. Songs like Gone, a tribute to
the twin towers, written on September 11th on his tour bus,
can wrench your heart out, and make you laugh with the
great chicken pickin on Bonus Track 11. A very rounded album,
a must buy. Stand out Tracks: Deliver Us
∞
Gone (9/11/01) ∞
Resolution
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Dave Weiner - Shove The Sun Aside -
Favored Nations
The first time I threw this CD in, I was waiting for the
Vai influence to ooze throughout the tracks. And, ...it never
happened. Maybe a lick once and again but that happens
with many a guitarist. Dave has the unique ability to
not only compose songs, but epic songs. The world may
have found another great composer, and that would be the only
real similarity between Dave and sometimes band mate Steve
Vai. Great, epic compositions. Dave is a master at
building crescendos, in his songs, strong buildups, powerful
intent, and downright amazing songs. In a conversation with
Dave, I told him he could easily form the next great rock
band. If he could only find a singer.... The album is a
bit of everything from the initial buildups in Andonova, to
the attention grabbing riff of Monument Shine.
Stand out Tracks: Monument Shine
∞
The Ghost of Denmark
St ∞
Andonova
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Vernon Reid - Other True Self -
Favored Nations
Vernon takes the listener very far away from the
expectations of this being a standard rock/Living Color type
release. Not that this is not amazing writing, huge melodies,
and intense guitar playing, but Vernon gives the listener some
culture. The African, The Jamaican, The Latino, The New
Orleans Vernon all take a turn in the spotlight.
His backing band, Masque gives the perfect blend of rhythm,
back end and harmony, to allow Vernon to explore this plethora
of cultural checks and balances makes it a very intense
listening experience, and not just the casual CD to throw in
the cars CD player and use for background music. It
deserves your full attention.
Stand out Tracks: Kizzy
∞
Prof Bebey ∞
Wild Life
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Darrin Buchanan |
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Mattias IA Eklundh - The Road
Less Traveled - Favored Nations
Mattias brings the elements of fun and surprise to music.
Not exactly what one would expect in an instrumental guitar
album. With rhythm sections set with everything from
computer printers to chopsticks, the listener is in for some
serious sounds and improvisation. Mattias is well known
for his lack of effects...meaning, none at all, and for
pulling amazing tones and harmonics from the guitar with his
incredible finger technique.
The Road Less Traveled offers 23 amazing tracks, that are
rivaled by no one in their ability to bring fresh new tones to
the guitar, make a person have a good laugh of amazement, and
inspire yet another generation of guitar players.
Stand out Tracks: Caffeine
∞
Print This
∞
Smoke on the Water
∞
Father
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Darrin Buchanan |
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