|
||||||||
EARL SLICK |
TRAVIS |
APRIL MARCH |
TRUTH SQUAD |
|||||
THE MOODY BLUES December (Universal / Chronicles) Just in time for the Winter season, late 2003 sees the release of December from The Moody Blues. On the follow up to their 1999 album, Strange Times, just three original Moodies remain but on December, Justin Hayward, John Lodge and founding Moodies drummer Graeham Edge put it all together with a richly hued seasonal celebration of easy on the ears prog-pop that taps into the spirit of Christmas time, winter snowscapes and even reindeer. Hayward has always been the bands lynch pin songwriter and with the lead off track, I Dont Need A Reindeer hes written one of his catchiest tracks ever. Reflecting on the seasonal vibe, bass great John Lodge graces the CD with several majestic orchestral rock tracks including The Spirit Of Christmas . The entire album is tastefully layered with Haywards spine-tingling electric guitar playing, while Lodge and Hayward also share the vocal limelight on a regal cover of the John & Yoko classic Happy Xmas (War Is Over). www.universalchronicles.com
|
||||||||
EARL
SLICK
|
||||||||
SPIRALING Transmitter (Brizmusik) Before Rick Wakeman rejoined Yes, keyboardist Tom Brislin did a fine job on the keys for the fabled supergroup, going on to play the 2002 Yes Symphonic Live DVD on Eagle. The founder of the N.J.-based Spiraling, Brislin also toured on keyboards with Meatloaf, yet its clear that after hearing his bands debut CD Transmitter, Brislins is also a fine composer and vocalist of Beatles-inspired pop that draws inspiration from 10cc, Cheap Trick, XTC and even the more precision pop leanings of Yes. Superbly backed up by band mates Paul Wells (drums), Bob Hart (bass) and guitarist Marty OKane, Brislin has composed some truly memorable numbers. One of the CDs best songs Lightning Twice has a fine, hooky, late 70s Paul McCartney touch to it. Impressive, top notch, pop with searing hooks backed up by expert musicianship, Spiraling keeps you coming back for more. www.spiraling.net
|
||||||||
TRAVIS 12 Memories (Epic) Kicking things off with a highly original, cascading minor chord sequence no doubt inspired by the George Harrison songbook, the U.K. pop quartet Travis come further into their own with their sensational 2003 Epic CD, 12 Memories. Partly inspired by the earth-shaping events of 9/11, the CD maintains a cutting edge pop-rock vibe partly inspired by the irrepressible 60s sound of The Kinks and the torch song drama of U2. Featuring the music of guitarist Fran Healy, 12 Memories combines crafty lyrics, top musicianship and superb pop productions. Certified classics such as the brilliant lead off cut Quicksand, Peace The F*** Out and the albums single Re-Offender push it to the top shelf of the 2003 pop shop. www.travisonline.com
|
||||||||
APRIL MARCH Triggers (PIAS) Ms. April March is without a doubt one of the most enchanting American singers to emerge in the past decade. Her breathy mix of breezy West Coast pop, sprinkled in with a few continental French lyrics, is infectious to say the least. A few other things about her include the facts that shes also Mrs. Warren Zanes, she's recorded several demos in the presence of pop innovator Brian Wilson and, to top everything, she was a principal animator and writer of the great Ren & Stimpy cartoon series. Triggers captures a wealth of catchy pop moments and, accompanied by a full rock band, Ms. March comes alive with a sound thats as cool as Bridget Bardot singing with the Art Of Noise. One of the CD highlights, Coral Bracelet has enough enchanting melodic twists and turns to make Brian Wilson smile. www.piasamerica.com
|
||||||||
TRUTH
SQUAD Superkiller (Ryanetics) In
2002 Chicago-based guitarists Jimmy Ryan and his brother Johnny
Ryan released the critically acclaimed Flyin Ryan Brothers
CD Legacy. Late in 2003 Jimmy follows up that album heading up
the debut CD with his latest offshoot project called Truth Squad. Featuring
the power trio lineup of Jimmy Ryan (guitar/vocals), Billy Kopecky
(bass, ebow, synths) and Johnny Mrozek (drums), the Superkiller
sound of mixing punchy rock vocals and instrumental rock presents
a powerful contrast to the majestic style that made the Legacy CD
such a masterpiece. Kicking off with the startling lyrics of the lead
off track More Superkiller deftly balances the vocal
tracks with driving rock instrumental grooves like the Zeppelin-inspired
Road Raga Part 1 & 2 and the lush musical tapestries
on the set closing Cranberry Golden Green. Valid comparisons
of Ryans style to heavyweights like Wishbone Ash and Thin Lizzy
are still relevant here and with Superkiller Truth Squad carves
out a noteworthy dig all their own. Liner notes by Jimmy Ryan,
Rev. Ivan Stang and Leon Tsilis sum up the high energy
rock vibes in full flight here. www.ryanetics.com
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
CD Reviews | Feature | Reviews & Features Archive | Photo Archive | Contact | MWE3 Home |
Copyright ©2000-2002 MWE3.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved |