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 Dope - Felons And Revolutionaries
(Epic / Flip)
- Shades of San Jose, CA's Spitkiss, Dope is a heavy and aggressive sound that seethes with a slightly restrained rage. Their disgust is expressed more in their hard pounding music while the vocals are strained and with purpose. The subject matter: This sucks, that sucks, life sucks, don't bother changing anything because it will suck - the world is a cesspool. A fine Christmas-time family album, eh? Dope borders on industrial even though most of our familiar terms and genres don't really mean anything anymore. For fans of the aggressive, Dope delivers.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Incubus - Make Yourself
(Epic)
- A moving ride through some hard-hitting start-and-slow down musical traffic. A bit like Jimmy's Chicken Shack blended with touches of Bush and Jane's Addiction, if one is to make references at all (though the primary sound would be a definite JCS). Incubus is the step away from grunge and "alt rock" while still maintaining a low-end heavy situation. There are many inspirational moments throughout Make Yourself that make this a "should have" in any avid music listeners' collection. Although most of the songs have similar feels with the rounded off distorted rhythm guitars mixed in with vocals that are sometimes soulful and sometimes heading towards dub/rap there are some truly shining moments. "Battlestar Scralatchtica" is in it's own realm of hip hop trance dance with a beat in true Frank Zappa wackiness and form.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Ben Sures - Ooh Wah Baby
(Manitoba/KB Entertainment)
- Canadian folk-rocker Ben Sures delivers a soft medley of easy-flowing folk/rock mix. "In A Perfect World" begins with the opening to Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven" and quickly jumps into a klezmer/blues tune that borrows bits and pieces of other well-known tunes. The music is perfect for the jump blues set all the way to fans of Indigo Girls. Well performed with solid songs.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Violin Concertos of John Adams & Philip Glass: Robert McDuffie, Cristoph Eschenbach, and The Houston Symphony
(Telarc)
- Philip Glass has been a mainstay in music for many years for his signature style of minimalistic [he hates that term] orchestrations. None the less, the work that Philip Glass has produced has remained ingrained in American musical history. His most notable works include the film scores for The Thin Red Line and Koyaanisqatsi. John Adams is one of today's most notable composers whose type of success has not been seen since Aaron Copland's career. This particular CD is a composium of both artist's compositions of violin concertos - Philip Glass' being for violin and orchestra. There is a very strong difference between the two as three selections are offered of both. John Adams is of the more conservative classical stylings while Philip Glass' pieces tear right into the fervent determination and subtle repetitions that he is so well known for. Examples of both artists stand strong on their own merit and this CD provides a wonderful introduction to both. A fine collection of works.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Legends of Acid Jazz presents Melvin Sparks
(Prestige/Fantasy Jazz)
- Melvin Sparks may be listed as a legend of the Acid Jazz movement, but the collection of songs on this CD seems to stray from anything too remotely considered Acid Jazz. Melvin's style veers closer to funk and blues as his guitar playing rips into different formats along the way. There is a very funky cool cover of Sly Stone's "Thank You (Fallentin' Me Be Mice Elf Again)" as well as War's "Spill The Wine". Full of spark and spunk, Melvin Sparks grooves with an upbeat funk style thrown into a jazzy mix.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 The Pretty Things - Rage Before Beauty
(Snapper Music)
- The Pretty Things - S.F. Sorrow
(Snapper Music)
- The Pretty Things are infamous as the purveyors of the 1960s "British Rock" sound. These aging rockers return with Rage Before Beauty, their latest release, proving that they rock harder now more than ever. The songs have some reminisence of early Rolling Stones when they played more blues - especially with their very true cover of the Stone's "Play With Fire" and a song called "Everlasting Flame" that sounds a lot like the Stone's "Mother's Little Helper". Another cool cover is "Mony Mony", made most recently famous by Billy Idol during the early 1980s. Another style change is the reggae-based "Goodbye Goodbye". The angest is here, the production is here and The Pretty Things show any of the latter-day retro bands how it is supposed to be done. This is not just your father's band, it will be your grandkid's band as well so long as they keep going. Blues-infused rock performed by professional to educate the masses to what it was all about. 30 years going and still writing strong.
Another CD just released by England's Snapper Music is S.F. Sorrow, the first album by The Pretty Things. In 1968, during the infamous Summer Of Love, three albums were being recorded at EMI's Abbey Road Studios - 1) "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" by the Beatles, 2) "Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" by Pink Floyd, and 3) "S.F. Sorrow". The only difference between the offering of The Pretty Things and the other two was success. Thus, S.F. Sorrow had all but disappeared for these decades only to be found and finally resurfaced to the recognition that the music deserves. This is a CD of the truest sounds of the day. The music and arrangements on S.F. Sorrow is brilliant. It truly represented what was happening at the time of it's recording and should have, by every means, made it as big if not bigger than any of the band's contemporaries. It is nearly impossible to find any stand-out material on this album as every song is important in it's own merit.
There is something so right about hearing The Pretty Things do what they do. Both of these albums recieve the highest reccomendation to be part of anyone's collection. Learn your musical history and listen to some formerly missed gems as well as they latest release.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Waldeck - Balance Of The Force
(eMagine/Spray Records)
- Trance dance, on the verge of easy listening in some spots, with soulful vocal tracks by Joy Malcolm. Extra vocals are provided subtely by Peter Waldeck. Klaus Waldeck crates a memorable audio imagery that brings the listener to a lush setting. Interesting rendition of "Aquarius" (from the 1960s musical "Hair"). There could be comparisons made to other groups if one tried hard enough but, nicely enough, Balance Of The Force stands on it's own original two feet. For those who can't get enough of this CD, there is also a Balance Of The Force Remixed CD.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Snowy White & The White Flames - Melting
(Mystic Music)
- One of the most preeminant, yet obscure to the mainstream public, musicians around, Snowy White has been on the scene for many years - as a member of Thin Lizzy and one of the best known augmenting musicians for Pink Floyd. Snowy's guitar style is very similar to that of contemporary David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) who, by the way, appears in a guest lead role on "Love, Pain & Sorrow". Snowy's playing has a little more edge and bite with less melancholy. There is an interestingly arranged cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing". Melting offers some brilliant guitar slinging along with well-crafted songwriting. This is one musician who deserves his golden day in the sun with more public attention. Tasty blues riffs with simple vocals that draws you in.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Tim Wheater - Incantation
(Real Music)
- Beginning with Native American chant, Incantation melds into mellow flute followed by angelic voices. This moves into lush, sensitive songs of mystical nature, spirituality abounds in Tim's flute playing. His songs and arrangements bring a sense of peace. There are many inputs on Incantation with it's essences of tribal, Native American, choir, Spanish and Celtic along with some Christian and Pagan influences as well. "Pacificus" is especially haunting. Delicate, yet captivating, Incantation goes just beyond New Age into a realm that is acceptible even to the lover of classics.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Hank Williams (Sr.) - Live At The Grand Ole Opry
(Mercury)
- What a historical find! There is not much that has survived from a few decades ago and still carried the sound quality that we could hope for but this CD is a rare exception. Hank Williams (the dad) performed shows at the Grand Ole Opry for the Armed Forces Radio Service that were played to the servicemen overseas during WWII. The collection of songs contained herein are from nine recorded shows. To the luck and dismay of many, the AFRS had kept the original recordings in pristine condition and away from any contaminants so that, when they were recently rediscovered, the tracks were practically CD quality from the get go. The songs - from "Lovesick Blues" to "Cold, Cold Heart" are clear and well-produced. There are actually two CDs in this package. The first is just Hank Williams while the second CD contains an entire AFRS recording featuring Hank with other Opry performers including the likes of Red Foley and Minnie Pearl. This is a rare gem that belongs in any archival collection and, to boot, is great sounding to listen to. It is good to know that modern technology could save such rare classics.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Hank Williams Jr. - Stormy
(Curb)
- Hank Williams, Jr. rocks! For a man with country roots such as his, Hank Jr. sure knows how to let loose and doesn't disappoint. Whether you're into "a little bit country" or a bit of rock 'n' roll, Stormy has something for everyone. There is even the trademark humor and attitude to boot. How can one go wrong with songs like "I'd Love To Knock The Hell Out Of You", "Naked Girls And Beer", "Hank Hill Is The King" and "Sometimes I Feel Like Joe Montana"? Hank is consistant with the quality that he puts out and Stormy is no exception.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 The Hippos - Heads Are Gonna Roll
(Interscope)
- Slight ska influenced rock band with early punk feel. The Hippos are almost closer to Madness with their horn department. "Wasting My Life" has a touch of Elvis Costello. This band is certainly influenced by the early 1980s New Wave artists, before they became famous commericialized acts. Tasty cover of "Always Something There To Remind Me". The Hippos are not the most original band, but good overall.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Strung Out - Twisted By Design
(Fat Wreck Chords)
- Harmonic hard pop speed punk from L.A. Yes, there are plenty of those type of bands, but it never hurts to invite another one to the party and Strung Out makes quite an appearance. This band delivers some great brand of punk with nice harmonies and touches of tasty guitar riffs. Stand-out tunes include such numbers as "Mind Of My Own" and "Reason To Believe". Past all the Pennywise and NOFX inspirations, Twisted By Design is a really good album.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Garth Brooks - The Life Of Chris Gaines
(Capitol)
- After all the hoopla with Garth Brook's insistance that this was just a "favor" and a "project" and that he has not sold his country roots to rock 'n' roll, I expected to be disappointed with this CD. Quite the opposite happened as I was pleasantly surprised. This is really good stuff. By and far, this may be Garth's next calling - whether he likes it or not. It appears that there are plenty of country fans who already have heard this and believe that his vocal deliveries and songs are better on here than on his country material (regardless of his legion of country fans). Country or not, Garth should stand proud of his work on the Chris Gaines project. The production is exceptional and this is some of the best music of his career. With dark mop wig donned for his ominously moody CD cover look, Chris/Garth creates some truly fine music and favorable vocals. The songs are supposed to cover Chris' entire "career" and thus, vary in stylings. Each one has it's own moment though. For a change of pace, this is a very good album to pick up. Rumor has it that they are looking to produce up to five more CDs of Chris Gaines if it picks up in popularity. Note to Garth - Wake up and see what a difference some change makes. Embrace it.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Protein - Songs About Cowgirls
(Work/Sony)
- Yee-haw! Punkin' country at it's best. Well, less country and more punk. This CD is an apt blend of humor, pop, punk and "that country feel". Songs like "Passing By" are straight-forward pop-rock (with a lot of Aerosmith influence) unlike what is being played on radio today (with subtle hints that Aerosmith might take to heart). "Over My Dead Body" possessing the great pop and circumstance with cool chord changes a'la 1970s rock classics. There are also thoughtfully funny ditties such as "Lemonade" ("... we don't want the lemons... we just want the lemonade") and "Sleeping On The Roof Of A Mexican Restaurant". Songs About Cowgirls has it all. No matter what kind of rock or punk you may be into, there is something here for you. Great stuff musically - and the lingerie-clad cover model ain't bad either. Get your Doc Martin's on and do the line-dance stomp.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Perry Farrell - Rev
(Warner Bros.)
- This is an interesting and unexpected surprise from Perry Farrell with a new album, which includes remixes of songs from himself, Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros.
- Farrell is always doing something new and different, whether it be concerts, events or albums. He is always creating. Well, get ready to be happily amazed, because there is nothing out there quite like this. This album sounds crazy and awesome with techno beats added in to many of their famous songs. "Been Caught Stealing" is remixed with many changes and sounds weird, but cool. So is "Jane Says" and "Stop", both hits by Jane's Addiction. Farrell also redid a couple of cover songs and screwed around with it completely, like "Whole Lotta love" by Led Zeppelin and "Satellite of Love" by Lou Reed. This was a well done project that makes a great catch to have with many greatest hits put together and totally different than the original versions.
- Written by Rose Grech
 Jact
(Trauma)
- Brit-pop in it's classic form. Some has styling of London Quireboys ("Excuse") and some upbeat Depeche Mode ("Magic"). Pop-rock with a bit of edge to it. All the pop, all the rock, all the blues and all with a touch of what makes Brit-pop bands so recognizable and tasty.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Bush - The Science Of Things
(Trauma)
At first glance, one might be inclined to think, "Oh, another Bush album" but Bush has matured a bit and brought some more palatable tunes to the rock 'n' roll picnic. "Chemicals" has some punk bite to it. Overall, a nice forward continuance for Bush.
- Written by Philip Anderson
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 Core - Hustle Is On
(Tee Pee Records)
A bit of Monster Magnet influence infuses this 1970s "stoner rock" jam band. It is refreshing, in some ways, to hear the extended jams being brought back from the other side by bell-bottomed rockers. This is not as heavy as some other contemporary albums, relying a bit of some jazzier flairs.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Chrome Locust
(Mia Records)
- Hard rockin' and good to go. More upbeat than some other "stoner rock" bands, almost to the point that it's not fair to label them as such. The chunkiness of the rhythm guitar almost dictates it. Black Sabbath has been a definite influence on this band. I really like this CD.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Royal Crown Revue - Walk On Fire
(Side One Dummy)
- Real American music the way that it should be remembered. Royal Crown Revue plays the best of sounds of the span of American music - from swing to jump blues to hot jazz - it's all covered. Walk On Fire is a nice collection of undescribable music. It wouldn't be fair to label it as just one thing or the other. So, buy it and see. They were amongst the influences for the film Swingers. As they say in such groovin' tunes as "Watts Local", "everybody get on board". There are songs such as the salsa-influenced "Trapped (In the Web Of Love)", Frank Sinatra sounding "Watcha Doin' Tonight (Sam's Calling)", Leon Redbone-ish "The Stranger", the super-swingin' jazzy sounds of "A Bronx Hello" and the oddly paced klezmer sounds of "Mr. Meschugge". Royal Crown Revue could easily have been the soundtrack to every and any Hollywood film from the 1930s through the 1960s. A fine buy and check them out live.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 The Electric Hellfire Club -
- Empathy For The Devil
(Cleopatra)
- Industrial, metal, or techno? Who cares! The Electric Hellfire Club presents this Halloween offering of cover tunes, a couple of originals and a bonus CD of Halloween medley music. This is a band that has not been completely understood by it's own fans, and how they have moved around from crowd to crowd. Basically, this is a band with hard rock/metal roots who enjoy industrial as well. There is an interesting collection of Halloween-inspired songs on this CD including "Sympathy For The Devil", "Killing An Arab", "Highway To Hell" and "Shout At The Devil". If you don't know who did the original songs, then this may not be the CD for you as you wouldn't get the joke. But, for the rest, Empathy For The Devil is the ecclectic Dark Holiday offering and is nice for the inclusion of the bonus CD.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Alice Cooper - The Life And Crimes Of... [Box Set]
(Rhino)
- The quintessential collection of what has made Alice Cooper an icon to several generations. We can all look back, in this day and age, and think with a chuckle, "This was shocking?". Regardless of the marketing and the showmanship, Alice's brand of music defined it's own style and instant recognition. This collection goes back to the early days of Alice's birth-incantation - Vincent Furnier - with several songs from pre-Alice times. Another bonus to the collection is every film soundtrack song ever recorded - some never offered before. From beginning to current, The Life And Crimes Of box set is something that one should not be without. Nicely boxed with a coffin lining and well-written history of Alice book.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Chris Rock - Bigger & Blacker
(Dreamworks)
- If you are wondering what Chris rock could do to top his already huge career, this album is the answer. Bigger & Blacker is laugh riot for any race, creed or color. Aside from just stand-up material that his albums usually consist of, this CD contains skits and little comedy bits reminiscent of older comedy acts such as National Lampoon and Firesign Theater. Chris Rock truly explores his brilliant comedy and social visions within this disc. One of the funniest albums in years.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Bertine Zetlitz - Morbid Latenight Show
(Nettwerk)
- Dance diva in a more ambient space. Bertine offers up smooth, layered melodies that make for a nice serenade. Her voice is sweet and the tunes are mellow. "Snow On A Hot Day" adds in a nice mix of African rhythms. "Little Rosie" is a wonderfully delivered accapella. "In My Mind" has the flow of smooth jazz. Bertine has the sound for a future in a cross-section of styles.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 ProzzŠk - Hot Show
(Epic)
- Very reminiscent of The Buggles, Prozzäk is musically enchanting while lyrically silly to no end. This band has the most irreverent lyrics performed with such serious aplomb. The lyrical stories within the songs have a direction but really contain themselves within the humor. Hot Show is fun and light-hearted faire. Fun for the whole family.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Leann Rimes
(Curb)
- From the first note out of Leann's throat, one can instantly hear that this little girl has grown up. What a voice! With a sincere sense of vocal maturity Leann opens with a cover of Willie Nelson's "Crazy" and continues through the CD with a heartfelt set of classic tunes. When Leann first hit the scene, many people know that she would be huge. She has certainly earned her dues. For any fan of country or just vocal prowess, Leann Rimes brings it home.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Medieval Baebes - Worlde's Blysse
(Nettwerk)
- Old-English poetry placed with chant vocals - and performed by a group of 12 enticing babes? Sounds great! As much as the group's name may suggest a crafty marketing ploy, the Medieval Baebes are as real as it gets. Headed by Katharine Blake, this group sings in the authenticity of days past. They want to recreate the idea that people with no professional training used to sing these types of songs in Olde England. Worlde's Blysse may not be for every taste in music, but it provides a good selection of time tested music that is the real thing.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Bree Sharp - A Cheap And Evil Girl
(Trauma)
- "America" starts with the familiar verse of "There she goes a'walkin' down the stree...". Bree's vocals are breathy and enticing. "David Duchovny" is sure to be a classic as she humorously describes her love for the X-Files star. The song "A Cheap And Evil Girl" has a fun, evil musical twist in the middle. "Faster, Faster" has a very catchy form to it. The songs are simple and catchy. Not overly original but definitely a genre pick for the countryish folk-tinged rock pack. A good debut effort.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 The Songs Of Willie Dixon
(Telarc)
- As the third tribute album to the blues masters, Telarc brings this collection of one of the most legendary blues tunesmiths. Performed by several talented musicians, including Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, this CD is a fine compendium of some of the finest blues ever written. The musicianship on this CD is quite above par and does Willie Justice.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 The Very Tall Band: Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, Oscar Peterson - Live At The Blue Note
(Telarc)
- With so many fine jazz musicians around, it's hard to always compare albums and musicianship, so let's just say that this live recorded CD of three legends shares a moment in time of some very fine playing. Included is a very fine bass medley, performed exceptionally by Ray Brown. Milt Jackson plays the vibes. Unfortunately, just after the release of this CD, pianist Oscar Peterson just passed away which makes this CD even more special for the music that is captured herein.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Sun Red Sun - Lost Tracks
(Sun Red Sun Productions)
- This is probably the fourth release that I have reviewed with essentially the same material on it and I am still loving it. This time out there are no tracks with Ray Gillen at all, vocals are handled by current ROYAL HUNT vocalist, John West and handled very well I might add. Should you have these songs elsewhere you might still want to get this version as it comes off much more as an album than a collection of tracks and the tribute feel of the other releases is gone because, like I said, Ray Gillen isn't here at all this time. I am guessing that this is about all that Al Romano will be able to bleed out of these sessions and lord has it gotten some mileage this year. I will definitely be looking for anything that Romano has to offer in the future as his playing on these tracks is incredible.
- Written by David Lee Wilson
 Iced Earth - Alive In Athens
(Century Media)
- It is about time! Iced Earth has been screaming to be released in a classic double live metal blowout for quite some time now. The Hellenic hordes got lucky this time, as the rest of the world, especially America, hasn't caught on in the way that the Greeks have. Maybe it is because of the epic nature of the music and who knows better of epics filled with mystery, suspense and tragedy than the Greeks? This will fit in nicely next to Iron Maiden's "Live After Death" which, when taken together should fill out an entire afternoon of the best metal listening possible. The artwork and photography is incredible as well. The music is far too involved to explain here but I will say that it is an experience well worth the cost and the fact that you can repeat it at your leisure makes this a bargain at twice the price. Now we'll be needing to see a live video fellas, well?
- Written by David Lee Wilson
 Coal Chamber - Chamber Music
(Roadrunner Records)
- I waited a fairly long time to get to this one because I just didn't know what to say that wouldn't sound overly ingratiating. It was also educating to read the almost universally negative response to the album in other media. One reviewer said it was "The smallest piece of KoRn in a huge pile of shit." Fact is, I like it and like it a lot. It is so far above anything KoRn could ever muster because, and here is the difference that matters most to me, though they have been groomed to be rock stars, Coal Chamber are basically a bunch of kids who just blast out at everything and anything that they can while trying to maintain as little as possible control over a vast mixture of influences. In fairness to everyone that has taken the analytical approach to the review I won't attempt to justify my intense happiness with this release, I'll just say that I like it. My largest and only real complaint about the album is that the most popular single, "Shock the Monkey," was and is much more of an Ozzy Osbourne showcase than it is a creation of Coal Chamber. I mean, how did they ever expect to do this number live? It is also the only song that doesn't fit with the rest of the album. It would have been better used on a movie soundtrack. I have liked Coal Chamber from their Genesis and will likely be drawn to them in the future despite what the critics say, (hey that's me!), but I do hope that their emphasis on image connected with this album is toned down a bit for the next record. Let the e-mail roll from the dissenters!
- Written by David Lee Wilson
 50 Tons Of Black Terror - My Idle Hands
(Beggar's Banquet)
- In America, it would seem that this is coming far too quickly after the incredibly well done and well-received, "Demeter" which, of course, it is, in America anyway (it was out in Europe a year before). America, the geographical location in which the band cannot even use their own name, Penthouse. America, the place where 50 TOBT toured smallish punk clubs and went virtually unheard on radio. America the area where 50 TOBT should be bigger than Elvis and the Beatles. America is about to be destroyed. Rockabilly-blues with a punk snarl and overdrive guitar unprocessed and ready for a new millennium of rock and roll rebellion. Ian Astbury needn't try to reform his old band because somebody has finally concluded what the Cult started with their "Electric" album. "Creepers Reef," "Valley of the Sows," "Giant Haystacks" and "Lil Brown Kisses" are the best songs that you or I will ever hear and completely erase all of the mistakes of the past two decades. This disc is unleashed January 18th which means that the Millennium bug is the least of our worries now. "Unstick your ass to the wall!"
- Written by David Lee Wilson
 Glimmer - Silver Zone
(Straight Line / Atlantic)
- At the end of each decade in the rock and roll era there has always seemed to be a band that was able to sum up the previous ten years of musical output. The sixties had the Stones, the seventies Cheap Trick, the eighties Guns 'N' Roses and the nineties will have Glimmer. What Glimmer adds to the formula is also what makes all the difference. Glimmer 's blending of pop-rock and gut-punch guitar far outshines anything Seattle, or anywhere else for that matter, ever produced but maintains every ounce of its dark emotional draw. Pop? Yes, but not shallow. Political? No, but not unconscious. The beauty of it all is that the group makes no effort to separate any of its many parts, it all comes together organically and beautifully. Take the lead track "Velveteen" for instance, it is two and a half minutes of pure adrenalized passion and warfare with enough tenderness to make it almost sweet, almost but not quite. The rest of the album is much the same and feels more like a package than a collection of songs though any number off the disc could be a hit at rock radio. The title track, "Silver Zone," "Make it Real" and "Velveteen" are the best bets for maximum exposure.
Though it is unfair, I am going to compare the band to Fastball only for the fact that there are certain tones that Glimmer capture that I have only heard before on the last Fastball disc. Should Glimmer take off as deserved and expected it will be easy to reverse the comparison. As for performance, the Silver Zone that the band sings of must be located somewhere in a used guitar shop because this record just reeks of classic rock guitar heroes like Marc Bolin and Keith Richards. You could probably catch a buzz just by sniffing Guy Griffin's guitar strings as they are that thick with substance. The bass and drum interplay is classic rock and roll with emphasis on the roll. Producer Jim Wirt (Jimmy's Chicken Shack, Sprung Monkey) adds some very subtle keyboards in just the right spots; overall, it is just an incredible alchemy of sound. For fans of Griffin's former band, The London Quireboys, there is the occasional similar strain but this is an altogether different thing. Glimmer are either a band completely out of time or the lead soldiers in another power-pop invasion in either case they are vital rock and roll.
- Written by Philip Anderson
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