Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/5/84; site tellab1.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!ihnp4!tellab1!etan From: etan@tellab1.UUCP (Nate Stelton) Newsgroups: net.music Subject: mini reviews Message-ID: <442@tellab1.UUCP> Date: Thu, 20-Dec-84 18:05:33 EST Article-I.D.: tellab1.442 Posted: Thu Dec 20 18:05:33 1984 Date-Received: Sat, 22-Dec-84 02:33:42 EST Distribution: net Organization: Tellabs, Inc., Lisle, IL Lines: 109 *** REPLACE THIS MESSAGE WITH YOUR LINE *** Mini Reviews It's been a while since I posted any reveiws, so some of this may seem dated. Bruce Cockburn (pronounced co-burn) Stealing Fire This is the first time I ever heard anything by Cockburn, although I understand his discography is extensive. The style is sort of rock-folk-pop with heavy emphasis on vocals and lyrics. His voice sounds to me like John Wetton's (which for me is a plus), and the songs are personable and catchy. The production is slick and so are the backup musicians. Marillion -- Fugazi Marillion is also new to me. The music here is reminiscent of Genesis from their "Tresspass" LP; classical/art-rock, but not a lot of compositional developement. Their vocalist sounds very theatrical and makes me think of a cross between Peter Hamill and Peter Gabriel (I think someone else said this). The guitarist displays strong David Gilmour influences. Pretty good, but I'll take Genesis or Yes over these guys. Pat Metheny Group -- First Circle I find this album about as enjoyable as the other "Group" albums. They are, however, following a different direction as defined by the "Travels" LP. There are lots of pretty melodies and chord structures and vivid colors throughout, not to mention a decent solo by Pat on his guit-synth (I think he's starting to get the hang of that thing). I can't get into the first piece, though. It sounds like a high-school band that forgot to tune up before playing an Anthony Braxton march. Jethro Tull -- Under Wraps This is Jethro Tull meets the '80's complete with high-tech synthesizers, 4/4 time signature throughout, and a computer playing drums (I doubt that Ian actually was beating the skins). "Under Wraps" may be dissapointing to Tull fans at the outset, but if you really look under the wraps, there is some nice stuff with interesting instrumental interludes here and there. Unfortunately the musical quality is inconsistent and the recording quality is poor. Mahavishnu If your looking for a comeback, forget it. If your looking for good fusion, here it is. I think this album is really much more sophisticated that the likes of "Birds of Fire", but the raw and spontaneous energy of early Mahavishnu is only a shadow of its former self here. The compositions are beautiful and the playing and soloing is dazzling. This is sort of an electric extension of "Music Spoken Here", the last McLaughlin LP. Nate says check it out. Danny Elfman -- So Lo The lead singer from Oingo Boingo comes out with a solo LP in the techno-wave genre that exhibits a fairly good level of uniqueness. Elfman constructs some interesting counter melodies and toys with synthesized tuned percussion. His lyrics are optimistic most of the time without becoming corn, and he displays a good command of his vocal cords. The album is well crafted and sounds to me like good party music. Jean-Luc Ponty -- Open Mind Ponty seems to have developed a fondness for hypnotic repetition. Most of the pieces seem to consist of machine-generated rhythm tracks with humans taking solos here and there, with guest appearances by Chick Corea and George Benson. Random moments taken from the album would always sound good, but sitting through the whole thing becomes tedious. My wife says: "If there's anyone who can make a repeating two-chord change sound good, it's Ponty." I don't know if that's a compliment or not. The Cars -- Heartbeat City I'm not really a Cars fan, so I don't like "Heartbeat City" too much. Too much bubble gum and rock themes that are recycled a hundred times over. I don't think I really qualify to review this LP, but I just wanted to say that if you are into good production and recording techniques, this album is very impressive. Nice effects and convincing sonic spaciousness in the mix. McCoy Tyner -- Dimensions This album shows that Tyner is truly a growing musician and a master performer. Most of this LP is not Tyners own charts, as were previous releases, and consequently there are more different flavors here. Especially enjoyable is an unaccompanied piano rendition of Ellington's "Prelude To a Kiss." John Blake on violin adds some interesting textures, but his phrasing sounds just a little bit awkward to me. Overall I like this album quite a lot. Andy Summers and Robert Fripp -- Bewitched Most of this instrumental album sounds superficial, but there are a few exciting moments. I don't like this as much as either King Crimson or Police (the groups that these two play guitar for). All for now... Happy Holidays! -etan