Author: R. David Smola (Page 5 of 7)

Switchfoot: The Best Yet

November 21, 2008 / R. David Smola

Switchfoot has been described as evolving from a Christian rock band to an alternative band with provocative, Christian-themed lyrics without the “peachiness” that the former genre often contains. The band isn’t so convinced that they weren’t the latter all the time, but labels are made for those who don’t want to do the homework and understand the entire body of work. The Best Yet is a satisfying 18-song set of the band’s output from 1997’s The Legend of Chin through the release of 2006’s Oh! Gravity. 2003’s breakout record, The Beautiful Letdown represents 33% of this hits package by supplying six songs, including the chart smashes “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move.” Clearly the U2 and Foo Fighter influences are present in the music, but there are certainly elements of bands like Tonic (particularly in “Meant to Live”) represented here. The occasional heaviness of the guitar playing is a fascinating contrast to the crystal-clear vocals of Jonathon Forman. “Stars” almost feels like two different songs between the time the crunchy guitar blasts in and Forman delivers his sincere and pristine vocals. Their sound alternates between the catchy and crunchy numbers that flirt with the grunge loud-soft-loud formula and songs which fall closer to the ballad end of the spectrum. They are effective at both creating a very good 76+ minute experience for the uninitiated or those who might have only grabbed Letdown. (Columbia/Legacy)

Switchfoot MySpace page

Alternative, CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Rock

Christian rock Switchfoot Switchfoot CD review The Best Yet CD review

Dear Mr. Fantasy: A Celebration of Jim Capaldi

October 24, 2008 / R. David Smola

In January of 2007, a very distinguished set of musicians put on a concert celebrating the life and work of Jim Capaldi, a founding member of Traffic who died in January of 2005 of stomach cancer at the age of 60. The DVD capturing the event is pleasant enough and features performances and contributions from musicians who worked with and were inspired by Capaldi’s spirit, songwriting and musicianship. The list includes Steve Winwood, Capaldi’s Traffic bandmate, who delivers a solid version of the Traffic classic “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” and other luminaries such as Joe Walsh, Paul Weller, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) and Deep Purple alum and keyboard genius Jon Lord. The house band supporting these stars during the show included Bad Company alum Simon Kirke on the drums and multi-instrumentalist and band leader Mark Rivera (Foreigner, Ringo Starr, Billy Joel). The artists offer competent versions of Traffic and Capaldi solo material while adding a wrinkle or two of their own. Islam sneaks in a refrain of “Wild World” during “Man With No Country” and Walsh, ex-Rolling Stone Bill Wyman and Jon Lord deliver a bluesy, soulful rendition of “Living on the Outside.” Solid, mellow and entertaining without a ton of bells and whistles, the concert delivers a fine tribute to a respected artist and his work from those who loved him the most. (Eagle Vision)

Click to buy Dear Mr. Fantasy: A Celebration of Jim Capaldi

DVD Quicktakes, External Music, Music DVDs, Rock

Bill Wyman Dear Mr. Fantasy Review Jim Capaldi DVD Review Joe Walsh Jon Lord Paul Weller Steve Winwood Yusuf Islam

The Smithereens: B-Sides the Beatles

October 24, 2008 / R. David Smola

Dave Medsker wrote the following about the Smithereens’ initial Fab Four cover record (2007’s Meet The Smithereens): “Pat Dinizio has always worn his love for the Beatles on his sleeve (the band did a fab cover of Ringo’s “It Don’t Come Easy” back in 1991), but no one is going to mistake his singing for that of Paul McCartney or John Lennon, and that is the biggest problem with Meet the Smithereens.” Well, fast forward to 2008 and the newest Smithereens’ Fab Four cover record, B-Sides the Beatles, and nothing has changed, really. The boys do a great job of re-creating the vibe and sound of the early Beatles catalog, but Dinizio’s voice just doesn’t do the songs justice (Dennis Diken sings lead on “Slow Down”). I love Dinizio’s vocals in general, but not for these songs; they just don’t fit. The band gives a little more crunch to songs like “You Can’t Do That” and “Some Other Guy” but the only thing this album does is make you want to listen to the originals, not these covers. The Smithereens couldn’t resist the modest commercial success and critical buzz that the 2007 record achieved and went to the well one more time (off the back of a Christmas record with only three seasonal originals). Here is an idea: how about an original Smithereens record? They haven’t produced a new disc of Smithereens’ material since 1999’s overwhelmingly mediocre God Save the Smithereens. This is the band that produced great records like Green Thoughts and Especially for You. There has to be more in them than just becoming a Beatles tribute act. Competent, yes the album is competent and the art is cool and the liner notes informative, but exciting, or thrilling…not so much. (Koch)

The Smithereens MySpace page

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Pop, Rock

B-Sides the Beatles Smithereens Smithereens covering the Beatles

Billy Idol: The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself (Deluxe Edition)

September 24, 2008 / R. David Smola

The formula for this review is simple: two stars were awarded for the compilation of songs included in this deluxe version, and one star for the video compilation. In this age of 17 greatest hits packages for any artist who put out two records, you just don’t need to purchase every single one that is out there. Billy has received the greatest-hits treatment several times including 1985’s remix album Vital Idol and the very strong Greatest Hits from 2001. All 14 tracks off of that compilation are represented on this release. That leaves four additional songs, including two new ones recorded specifically for this super-duper deluxe, very best of. “World Coming Down” from Devil’s Playground has a Green Day pop punk feel and is a strong track. “John Wayne,” a new song, is a good one. It starts with an atmospheric and busy bass line until it builds to a rocking chorus. The production is full but not crowded and the melody has traces of a slowed-down “White Wedding” in it. Idol sounds inspired when he stretches his voice in sections. This is the best song he has produced in a long time; then again, he hasn’t been the most productive artist recently, with only three releases of new material in the last 18 years (1990’s Charmed Life, 1993’s disastrous Cyberpunk and 2005’s decent Devil’s Playground). “New Future Weapon,” the other new track, is average at best, adding nothing to the Idol legacy. The other tracks, the ones you know, that mix punk attitude, new wave, pop and elements of hard rock, speak for themselves and have been etched in our collective pop culture recall. You probably don’t need to hear “Mony Mony” ever, ever again except when that obnoxious DJ implores everyone to get on the dance floor at that fabulous (white?) wedding you find yourself at (when is he going to play “Celebration”?). The videos are a trip through neon, big ’80s hair and all the Billy Idol sneering you can possibly stand. They were innovative at the time but appear to be a bit dated now. They are worth a look and a chuckle or two. If you have no Billy Idol, this is a fine purchase. If you are a freak for videos in an age where you can only find the stuff on VH-1 classic, then this is for you. If you have a previous collection, download “John Wayne” and “World Coming Down” and call it a day. (Capitol)

Billy Idol MySpace page

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews

Michael Schenker Group: In the Midst of Beauty

September 23, 2008 / R. David Smola

In the Midst of Beauty should be a better record. Michael Schenker stocks his band with solid pros, including Toto drummer Simon Phillips, current Deep Purple and former Rainbow keyboardist Don Airey, and former Whitesnake bassist Neil Murray. That is an impressive lineup considering they are supporting one of the most iconic six-stringers in the genre. As part of the UFO, Schenker produced some of the most memorable licks in classic rock history through his contributions to Lights Out, Force It, and Obsession. The weak link on the record and one from which the album can’t recover is the vocals of Gary Barden, back again with MSG. His vocals sound like what the Cult’s Ian Astbury will be able to deliver when his voice blows out. Barden’s range is limited and he just doesn’t have any pop. Sure, it is fun to hear Schenker blast into one of his 7,000 solos on this record, but the pace of the material is set to coast. Nothing takes off and rips like the best Michael Schenker stuff does. There is no edge or motor, and Phillips sounds bored simply keeping time to these light metal grooves. Most of the record is listenable except for the dreadful balladry of “Summerdays,” which further exposes the limitations of Barden’s voice. With the excellent talent around him, Schenker wastes the opportunity to return to form. It’s not bad – it just isn’t Schenker good. (Inakustik)

Michael Schenker My Space page

CD Reviews, External Music