|
||||||||
RINGO STARR |
MARIA McKEE |
STACKRIDGE |
STRING CHEESE INCIDENT |
|||||
VARIOUS ARTISTS
|
||||||||
RINGO
STARR
|
||||||||
BRIAN WILSON Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE (Bri-Mel / WSM) 2004 was a great year for music and also a great year for one of the true pioneers of American pop music, Brian Wilson. During 2004, Wilson released two classic albumsGettin In Over My Head followed by a studio album of his all-time masterpiece, SMiLE. Both albums revealed different, yet interlocking sides of Wilsons complex musical personality. The 2004 release of SMiLE on CD was the culmination of a vision Wilson and his SMiLE co-writer Van Dyke Parks had only dreamed of since its expiration as a musical reality in mid 67. In early 2004, Wilson and his group finally took SMiLE on the road and documenting that heady musical juncture, the 2005 DVD release of SMiLE is indeed something to smile about. The 4+ hour double DVD set is the ultimate restoration of Wilsons original vision of SMiLE, which was just simply never fully realized during Brians years with The Beach Boys. Wilsons musical confidant, David Leaf has done a great job directing a dazzling 2+ hour rockumentary on SMiLE called Beautiful Dreamer, which fills up the first DVD here along with various interview clips with Brian and highlights from the London premier of SMiLE from February 2004. Disc twoa live video performance of the complete SMiLE album in L.A.is where Wilsons visionary genius springs to life. Hard to imagine that just a few short years ago, Wilson wouldnt even think of doing something like this! Bolstered by a cast of hundreds, Wilsons core bandincluding Jeff Foskett, Darian Sahanaja, Scott Bennettare totally in-sync with the master. Two DVDs of pure California musical magic that transcends words, Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE examines the history and the mystery behind the most elusive recording of the 20th century. www.brianwilson.com
|
||||||||
MARIA
McKEE Peddlin' Dreams (Eleven Thirty) One of the things singer-songwriter Maria McKee is known for is being the sister of Love co-founder Brian McLean and in the spirit of her late, great brother, Ms. McKee has the power to absolutely blow you away with catchy pop hooks and searing vocals. Recorded with partner / guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Jim Akin, her 2002 CD High Dive was a powerful rock record full of artistic twists and turns in the finest spirit of Love. While her 2005 CD Peddlin Dreams has its share of brilliant flashpoints, its not quite as amazing as High Dive. According to McKee, The truth is, High Dive was a labor of love. It was also incredibly demanding...a lot of hard work for both Jim and me. We wanted to make Peddlin Dreams more direct and spontaneous. The process was much more natural. With this album, I wanted a more open, almost stark recording. That said, the majestic, lead-off track Season Of The Fair stands as one of her best songs yet. More roots-rock and country-tinged acoustic folk based than High Dive, Peddlin Dreams is a welcome addition to McKees ever increasing catalog of album classics. www.mariamckee.com
|
||||||||
STACKRIDGE Sex And Flags (Angel Air) Back in the 70s, one group that carried on the best spirit of The Beatles, were classic U.K. rockers Stackridge. In fact at the start of the early Stackridge years, no less than John Lennon offered the groups guitarist, Andy Davis, a chance to perform on his now classic 1971 Imagine album, which also featured George Harrison and Mike Pinder. Although not trumpeted at the time, Davis in fact did go on to do truly great things with Stackridge for much of the '70s, leading the band through several incarnations all of which were great. Hard to believe its been nearly thirty years since the original band recorded their 76 classic Mr. Mick, yet hear to make it real is a new 2005 Stackridge CD featuring four of the original members - Davis, his cohort in The Korgis, James Warren, Mr. Mick himself, Mutter Slater and bass player Crun Walter. Released on the U.K. based Angel Air label, Sex and Flags takes the finest elements of their 70s sound, giving each member a chance to bring their latest songs to the table. As far as guitarists go, Davis is really one of the greats of the Beatles style pop sound and backing up all that expert work, his songwriting on Sex and Flags also sounds quite Lennon inspired, especially on Big Baby. Actually, his songwriting partner James Warren, who also works together with Davis in their other group, The Korgis, is a top guitarist and singer in his own right and they truly sound best when meshing vocals on Wonderful Day. Contrary to what Andy told me, there is in fact a fine instrumental on Sex and Flags called Charles Louis Dance, a song harkening back to those great Stackridge instrumentals which also reminds of Andy's earlier solo work. Stellar British pop with a progressive vaudeville twist, Stackridge lives up to their legacy on Sex and Flags. www.stackridge.net
|
||||||||
STRING
CHEESE INCIDENT One Step Closer (Sci-Fi) Not quite as rocked out or cosmic as the 2003 String Cheese Incident album, Untying The Not, the 2005 release of One Step Closer is nevertheless a great CD from a band that seems to thrive on bending all the musical rules. Featuring thirteen tracks that range from country rock and bluegrass to a more gratifying, symphonic psych-pop surprise, One Step Closer also benefits from the top production of Malcolm Burn, who just about became the sixth member of the band for the recording sessions. Commenting on the groups ever increasing diversity and changing of sounds, guitarist Billy Nershi adds, With every album we realign ourselves, not because we didnt like what we did before, but because there are so many faces of the band and we want to show them all. An established producer who worked with Dylan, Emmylou Harris and more, Burn helps the band set sail for the further uncharted musical waters explored on One Step Closer. Recorded in the glorious Colorado mountain region, the CD also features an accompanying DVD that serves as a rockumentary on the album recording sessions. www.stringcheeseincident.com
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
CD Reviews | Feature | Reviews & Features Archive | Photo Archive | Contact | MWE3 Home |
Copyright ©2000-2005 MWE3.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved |