 |
When I heard the first sounds of gene's "larger prey" opening track, 'brass monkey', i knew i was in for a wild ride. and a wild ride i had. it sounds like the 'monkey's' arrangement is part congo and part big band (i.e. the brass monkey - or that's my take.) the guitar solo at 2:00 or so is stellar, with the "horns" giving it a sort of 'chicago' feel. the ending is as wild as the the intro.
morning 20 is full of different pops and zings and zipps with a centered synth melody, then in come the sounds of the brass - ah, a concept album? morning 20 is a sort of melodious jag that keeps reminding you of it's interesting sounds and supporting cast. definately a keeper!
all i can say about mucheye sea is that from first to last moment, it has been a favorite song of mine - the words and vocals just get me, or i get them. with it's carribean sound and bigger than life leads- and again - those vocals, which had me at 'mucheye'.
life is short actually sounds to me like a journey. stepping toward a different level of music, a broader arrangement every musical verse. it keeps building and building like there's no tomorrow (i.e. life is short!)I really like this song, just because it's good music. no insight, 'cept life is short.
boogeyman just sits you right up and makes no beans about it - this is stand up and dance boogiewoogieblues in it's best form with terrific guitar work all the way through, layer upon layer of gene hilbert guitar magic.
Make it certain starts out as an anthem of high quality darkhorse storybook instrumentals. then self backed vocals step in to take on , not take over, the song - a mini drama in and of itself. with a kind of arabian feel, this song explodes at 2:19 with a strong baseline and powerful lyrics - a-typical vocals for gene - a balance of spoken word and singing
then a slip into gene's signature guitar licks.
the iraqi war helped to create a long line of music either for the war or against - but march to baghdad was just that - a modern day march sic: john phillips sousa without the humour. this song starts with a thumpin bass that bowls over the intro, and then come the screaming guitars like jets flying overhead til finally it's done - the march is over because the war (hasn't been won - maybe it's just begun?) but this is a song about one specific part of that war - the march, and it sounds like it.
i just love this little happy song - it's got a step to it that i picture as being a happy kind of guy off from work, maybe he gets into a little trouble on the way home, but the rest of his walk home is just fine...just a little (or who knows, maybe he gets just a little).
Gene took Talk To Me from word to melody to all the instrumentation in the arrangement and produced a contemporary pop song that highlights gene's deep voice, and his mighty guitar. it's hard to talk about a g.h. song and not talk about his wonderful way with the electric guitar - he's a phenomenal guitarist and shows some of his sweet licks here.
larger prey has a quality all on its' own - not a different genre nor a different strong suit (eguitar)but a song within a song. there are many things going on here that one listen will hardly be enough. it got crying guitar, circling around the bass and drums - holding them hostage - caged. great hook(s) on either end of the song as it unfolds itself.
Solace sets the mood for a kind of nightclub, jazz bar experience. with the bass pulling in the synth directing the song until the guitar comes in. then back again this is sweet, laid back bass at its' best.
starting from one massive movement of electric thrashing without the distortion, to calming down to a slower forefront (all the while keeping up the fingerplay that moves this great song in the background)- this is great rock, great vox, beside mucheye sea, this is vocally and lyrically my next favorite.
great all over production from an already great artist with a huge following. gene- hats off to you and to anyone who wants about an hour of pure excitement!
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
|
|
