80s Music Central - The CD Reviews

Night Ranger - Hole In The Sun

2008-06-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Night Ranger. Many images and songs surface to memory when you mention this band who have sold 16 million albums worldwide. What doesn't arise are memories of studio work after 1998's Seven album. Until now. Despite a changing line-up during the last decade, the group played a lot of tour dates and even released several live discs and hits collections. In 2007, the band regrouped to record Hole In The Sun.

Many of the songs will have you checking credits and possibly searching to see if there is a new group that stole the Night Ranger name out there. There isn't. (To help guide the lost, they've even provided stunning acoustic versions of their classics "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sister Christian" as bonus tracks.) The band have matured. The powerful alcoholic prayer that is "White Knuckle Ride" is an outstanding rock track with a stellar breakdown that engages near the 3 minute mark. Rock tracks abound on this collection. The opener, "Tell Your Vision," blazes to life and harmonizes at just the right moments (eerily sounding like Blue October.) "Drama Queen" is a guitar work-out. The first single, "You're Gonna Hear From Me," is a song that you get the overwhelming urge to chant along. (Reminiscent of "Rock N' Roll Part 2" so I can expect it to be played at sporting events.) I never would have expected a song by the group to open like "Whatever Happened" but it is a clever chorus merged with minimalist Everclear-ish verses. "There Is Life" is a beautiful piano-based triumph. "Rockstar," "Hole In The Sun" and "Revelation 4AM" aren't slackers as they keep up what is a strong rock disc. Even the mellower "Fool In Me" seems to be placed appropriately as a break between some to the heavier tunes. Guitarist Jeff Watson and the group parted ways after recording the album but his influence isn't entirely gone as the relationship reflection of "Being" and the ZZ Top-esque "Wrap It Up," written by him, close the new tracks the disc.

This album is bursting with energy... solar energy composed of group synergy. Topically and rhythmically varied, it is hard to predict what is coming next. There isn't a single let down here. Night Ranger's sound here doesn't rely on old or tried tricks and makes it positively refreshing. Despite it getting released in Japan late last year, a few goodies (the bonus tracks) were placed on here to more than make up for it. I don't see a single hole in this album and I forecast that this sun truly shines on American shores.

4 out of 5

Bret Michaels - Rock My World

2008-06-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

After two stints starring in Rock Of Love and a run as a celebrity judge on Nashville Star, Poison frontman Bret Michaels has released his third solo album, Rock My World. The disc features two new songs with remixed and remastered material from his previous solo albums.

Rock My World launches with the playful first single "Go That Far" which also served as the theme song to Michaels' Rock Of Love. Highly appropriate to start the disc as it is familiar to fans that are new to Michaels' solo music. The other new track is "Fallen" which is honestly the best track on the disc. Lyrically potent, the song may be looked at as "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" retread but I would have to differ there. "Driven" (which first appeared on Michaels' 2005 collection Freedom Of Sound Vol. 1) is a welcomed inclusion here as it is as high on energy as it is sexual innuendo. If anything, the most musically diverse tracks were taken for this set and sprinkled throughout the disc. The Blink 182-ish "Bittersweet" feels a little odd in the set when surrounded by powerful songs like "Raine" and "Start Again." "All I Ever Needed" is outstanding and Jessica Andrews vocal assistance adds a needed hint of femininity. "Menace To Society" is lyrically abysmal but the energy is infectious. "Right Now, Right Here" has some haunting moments nestled in the chords. "It's My Party [2008 Mix]" is just an out and out party song.

There is a reason that we avoid reviewing previously-released material. If you've heard it, there is less of a reason for us to tell you about it because you already have an opinion. This collection straddled the fence of our review policies as it contained new songs, new mixes and mastering. That said. This is a good overview of his recording styles. Some may find those 'styles' may be too much, too diverse or too manic for their tastes. That may be good, though, as the project director knew enough not to overload the set with ballads when titled Rock My World. We recommend this album for those newly interested in Michaels' solo career and believe several of these songs deserve inclusion on all of your iPods.

3 out of 5

Man Raze - Surreal

2008-05-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Man Raze was created when Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen met up with his former Girl bandmate Simon Laffy in 2004 and mentioned some songs he'd been working on. Phil then bumped into Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook and ensnared him into the project. They released their first single, "Skin Crawl," in late 2005 and saw it make the top 10 on the U.K. Rock Singles chart. They gave away their next single "Turn It Up" as a free download. Work on the album (at the Dublin home studio of Def Leppard vocalist Joe Elliott) has now birthed their debut album Surreal.

"This is the age of experience..." The opening lines of the first track, "This Is," gets to the point right away. These are music veterans that know what they are doing and all they require is for you to sit back and enjoy the ride. The songs are crisp, sharp and don't linger longer than necessary. The rhythm section is flawless, the guitars blaze and the vocals by Simon and Phil are passionate. Influences touching on ska, rock, blues, pop and garage abound without sounding like unabashed tributes. That can be heard on the opener which subtly evokes the Foo Fighters, "Turn It Up" has Def Leppard echoes and "Runnin' Me Up" feels like 311 covering the Police. Brilliant tracks surface shortly after like the driving "Every Second Of Everyday," the electric "Can't Find My Own Way," the scorching "Skin Crawl," the pleading "Low" and the anthematic "Halo" which are all single-worthy.

Surreal is a very appropriate album title. First impressions are always important. If there were one negative thing that could be said about the disc is that it is front-loaded with 3 tracks that make one wonder where it is heading and if the band have a sound of their own. That gets resolved quickly on the following song and the album really soars from there. Repeated listenings do lessen that early effect and make it more enjoyable. In fact, I believe it could be looked at as them shattering all preconceived expectations early so they can get to business. That aside, Surreal does answer the prayers of those fearing rock music's slow death. You can find Man Raze's tire marks among those on the roadkill that was that rock rumor. This creative and versatile album is sure to satisfy.

4 out of 5

Van Morrison - Keep It Simple

2008-05-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Grammy award-winning Northern Irish vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Van Morrison has returned with Keep It Simple, his follow-up to 2006's Pay The Devil. What can a critically-lauded performer hope to achieve with his new 11-track self-produced disc of his own compositions?

The answer to that question is simply perfection. The songs here are stripped down yet vibrant and emotional. The disc opens with the bluesy (with hints of gospel) jam, "How Can A Poor Boy." The song hardly prepares you for the other tracks but allows one to see his versatility as a songsmith. That can be best seen in the form of "School Of Hard Knocks" which boasts an unforced rhythm and delivery reminiscent of a Schoolhouse Rocks episode... our favorite song on the disc. A close second is "Don't Go To Nightclubs Anymore" which is hard to shake out of your head. Beautiful instrumental separation and layering only enhance his lyricism here. "Behind The Ritual" is a great character development piece. It's actually hard to find a song out of place here that should have been omitted... leaving me to believe there are more gems waiting to be released.

The album title pretty much sums it up. Keep it simple! Van Morrison has done that by creating uncomplicated pieces that feel like a part of the songbook of life. I can only hope that radio gives the album plenty of air-time to awaken a deeper music appreciation in the public. Not simple but simply beautiful.

4.5 of 5

Was (Not Was) - Boo!

2008-03-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Semi-dormant since 1992, Was (Not Was) have buried the dinosaur and returned with another avant-garde funk/soul release. The 10 tracks that make up Boo! have been in the works since 2000 (some rumored to have been songs held over since the 1980s.)

Boo! opens smartly with the ear-tickling of "Semi-Interesting Week" which sets the groove but teases the listener a variety of effects. The smooth Temptations/Four Tops feel of "It's A Miracle" is absolutely brilliant as it is purposely sabotaged with an unexpected f-bomb and topical swings. Definitely our favorite track on the disc. "Your Luck Won't Last" is an funky electronic dance number with some wild samples. The beautiful, lilting yet disturbing "From The Head To The Heart" made us search the credits for Neneh Cherry for vocal credit... it's not her though. Just when you think the tracks are set for experimental, pop, experimental, pop, etc. you get thrown a curve-ball in the form of the big horns and soul-infusion of "Big Black Hole." "Needletooth" harkens back to sonic terrorism of 1992's "Hello Dad... I'm In Jail." The groove of "Forget Everything" is far from forgettable and leads into the fun bluesy "Crazy Water" which is a possible single. The album wraps up with two guest-influenced tracks. "Mr. Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" is a very strong 70s-era funk tune that leaves you curious as to what parts were co-written with Bob Dylan. Closing the album is the outrageous psychedelic twist of the Kris Kristofferson-narrated "Green Pills In The Dresser."

Something can be said for beautiful, clean and predictable music. It presents itself as it is with little need nor room for interpretation in repeat consumption. That isn't bad but the often uncharted waters, the purposeful unraveling of expected threads, lend to a level of greater audio appreciation over time. The tapestry of Boo! is frayed, broken and missing threads under our microscope. This is a great thing. There's no reason to be afraid to purchase Boo! as it may be the best album of their career.

4 out of 5

Loverboy - Just Getting Started

2008-02-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

One decade after reuniting for their 1997 album VI, Loverboy return with Just Getting Started. It would be even longer for those North American fans that were waiting for the release (unless they went searching for it as an import) as the last new studio release would have been 1987's Wildside. So, for some fans, what does Loverboy bring to the table after so long.

To be truthful, the band has been a touring animal for the last two decades and if they haven't played within miles of your home, you live in an igloo and even I wouldn't want to visit. For you, this album starts off melting a few layers off your domicile with the frenetic title track. It's probably most applicable as throws out lyrics like "ain't over yet," "hot gettin' hotter," "I know you think it's over," "I got more of what it takes," "you know you want another taste" and "better go big or go home." From the get-go, you know that they know how important this album is. "Fade To Black" is a showcase song and stands out as an example of as how the band has merged their rock sound with ballads in the past while linking it to emotional phrasing. The song is possibly the best one on the album. The mix of tracks is pretty even with ripping guitars opening songs like "One Of Them Days," "Lost With You" and "As Good As It Gets" (note that power drum kit). The ballads are also pretty strong including the first single, "The One That Got Away," "Back For More," "Real Thing" and "Stranded" (which includes background vocals by Def Leppard's Phil Collen.)

I think when people remember Loverboy they imagine two different things. Men think "The Kid Is Hot Tonight"/"Turn Me Loose" and the women think "When It's Over"/"Heaven In Your Eyes." Essentially, most male fans pine for the band to return to their rock sounds while their ballads brought that 51% to their shows (and sold many albums.) I can say here that everyone can be pleased with Just Getting Started. The rock songs rock, the love songs emote and Loverboy have valiantly returned.

4 out of 5

BUZZ - Minimal & électronique

2008-02-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

French electronic act BUZZ have returned with their follow-up to 2007's Les Musiques Nouvelles. Minimal & électronique is the 19-track self-produced and self-distributed answer to the growing question: "What will artists do without record labels?" It can be ordered at their official MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/buzzbiz by sending them a message there. But can an independent album make an impact on the ear?

No waiting for a special edition re-issue, this album includes everything with original tracks, remixes and experiments leading you towards the title track. Ever notice how most times an album leads with the title track instead of taking you on a journey towards it? This disc does just that. The title is an obvious reference to the Veronica Vasicka hosted East Village Radio series Minimal-Electronik Plus (a podcast series featuring electronic artists of the mid-80s.) The track features the host and a second track included on the disc is titled "East Village Radio." Both are featured in several different mixes on the album including the ambient yet jazzy "East Village Radio (Dirty Sweet Project remix.)" But I believe the whole album leads you to the finale. There are several stand-out tracks here that don't get the remix treatment and are possibly better for it. "Petite Poupée Japonaise" has an upbeat piano line that leads one happily through the etheric vocals and darker undertones. "Je Suis Avec Toi" lures you in with a strong bass synth line and drum machine combo as the vocals (literally meaning "I am with you") mesmerize. "Parce que je n'ai pas d'âme" is possibly the most emotive vocal performance on the disc paired with syrupy keyboard hook amidst spacy textures. Also notable are the very sensual "Viel Zu Modern!," energetic "Belles Comme des Bouddhas," "Sérénade Pour Un Renégat" (which features Renegade Soundwave's Gary Asquith) and "God Bless America" (which contains samples of President George W. Bush's post-9/11 State of the Union speech.) I can't say there are any problems with the remixes. The choice of remixers is strong and the mixes are spread throughout the disc as to avoid repetition or overkill. I remain impressed with the near gothic entanglements of "Orange M. (Néolymb remix)" while vocally Jean-Christophe seemingly channels a French Falco.

I've been impressed with many albums that have had touches of French vocals (from Camouflage's Methods Of Silence to Enigma's MCMXC AD) but I can't say that I've wanted to search the terms so readily until now. The mood set by the tones of the music and lyrical evocation express enough to by-pass any language as it speaks tomes to the ears. There are few that will not appreciate Minimal & électronique at least on some level but fans of electronic music, independent music and strong production will rejoice.

3.5 out of 5

Queensryche - Take Cover

2007-12-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Queensryche have returned, after closing the Operation: Mindcrime storyline, with a covers album. Recently, there has been a trend of 80's recording artists releasing albums of their favorite songs that they've re-recorded. According to vocalist Geoff Tate, many of these were songs that they had played around with during soundcheck during their tour.

We don't often review cover albums. But, we have a few reasons to break with tradition here. Queensryche have given some of these songs an 'extreme makeover.' Pink Floyd's "Welcome To The Machine" is the first single and opens the disc reaping the rewards from a change in arrangement. Likewise, "Heaven On Their Minds," from Jesus Christ Superstar (written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice) gets a new intensity and may be one of the more drastic and pleasing updates. I found myself taken aback, on "For The Love Of Money" by the O'Jays, as it comes across darker and even funkier yet fresher. I also found myself pleased by versions of The Police's "Synchronicity II" (I think I paid attention to the lyrics more) and Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain" (sound-a-like vocals early on had me doing a double-take but they slowly evolve amidst a very clean soundscape.) Their version of Queen's "Innuendo" adds depth, texture and atmosphere while paying tribute and not offending the original. The group's live recording of U2's "Bullet The Blue Sky" sounds terrific but goes nearly 11 minutes due to a spoken-word rant that starts about 3 minutes in and appears again after an instrumental segment. A few of the other tracks weren't as memorable but didn't have me going for the skip button. The addition of "Odissea" (from the Italian opera) could possibly give them a hit in Italy but had me scratching my head slightly.

I do believe that cover albums are a great way to pay your respects to the music that got you where you are. Most bands have to start out playing other people's music in clubs before they are allowed to perform originals. On Take Cover, the band tackle some favorite songs by bringing their performance style and fresh arrangements to them. Overall, the band are successful here and get to show off skills outside their own compositions and fan expectations. Well worth picking up for fans.

3 out of 5

Deborah Harry - Necessary Evil

2007-11-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Deborah Harry, the voice of Blondie, has returned with, her first new solo album in 14 years, Necessary Evil. Most notable is that this disc hold 17 tracks that are mostly written by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member. This would have been a double-album more than 14 years ago.

One can't help but be sucked in by the tantalizing first track/first single, "Two Times Blue." But don't expect to hear 16 similar songs. Harry throws some absolutely beautiful ballads at you with "If I Had You," "Needless To Say," "What Is Love" and the etheric "Paradise." "Deep End" is an outstanding track that merges a great melody with layers of tangible textures reminiscent of Siouxsie & The Banshees. The stark drum machine and handclaps lead one to believe that there isn't much to the beginning of "Love With A Vengeance" but the rhythm builds in the process adding a haunting little bass hook creating a brooding dance song. The fun really surfaces on the tracks "You're Too Hot" and "Dirty And Deep" as they ooze sensuality and frustration. Sure, there are other similar moments on "Charm Alarm" and "School For Scandal" that hint to the darker edge of sexuality but bringing back the chorus from "You're Too Hot" into the following song "Dirty And Deep" is brilliant and makes the listener question if it really is two songs. "Jen Jen" was written by Chris Stein with all instruments performed by him. The song's aboriginal groove could seem out of place but on this diverse collection it adds another layer while allowing the following track, "Naked Eye," to shine.

The production values on this album are impressive and Necessary Evil is exactly what the title says for fans and dance music aficionados. Harry delivers on so many levels here and reaffirms her diva status.

4.5 out of 5

Ken Hensley - Blood On The Highway

2007-10-03T14:21:00.001-07:00

Keyboardist, guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Ken Hensley has returned with his new concept album, Blood On The Highway: When Too Many Dreams Come True. The album is a companion to a book of the same name that also tells the story of the rock & roll dream as recounted by former Uriah Heep member Hensley.

If ever an album screamed "make me into a musical production" before, this warrants it. The appeal of seeing, hearing and feeling the rise of a rock star, the fears, the betrayals, the relationships that isolate, temptation, redemption... it's all here. The album sings to life with the opening strains of "(This Is) Just The Beginning." All rock bands start from the dream whether it's to play in front of thousands of fans, to put out an album or to write the perfect song. A line from the song says it all: "Give me five guys that can rock, who don't know how to stop. Send them ten times round the block just to add a little mystery. Give me radio with balls, someone to help us fill the halls. And we can grab ourselves a piece of rock and roll history." (Yes, this alludes to the 5-piece classic Uriah Heep and their manager Gerry Bron.) The track sets the stage for "We're On Our Way" telling of the group's touring and ascent. I'm not going to ruin the story for you but what I can say is that there are some tremendous performances on this album which grows on the listener quickly. Former Trapeze/Deep Purple/Black Sabbath member Glenn Hughes, John Lawton (of Uriah Heep), Jorn Lande and Eve Gallagher provide compelling vocals on the disc. Being able to step back from a song and allow another vocalist to step in really says something about the confidence Hensley has in the songs and humility in the concept.

Ken Hensley has presented the roller coaster that is rock stardom on Blood On The Highway in a package full of hooks, dynamic layers and deft songcraft. I can only wait to get my hands on the autobiography of the same name.

4.5 out of 5

Prince - Planet Earth

2007-08-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

To tell you the truth, I'm a fickle fan of the 'purple genius.' His hits have always been creative and have been my main interest in his composing. So, breaking from my preconceived notions, I'm diving head-first into a pool of Prince album tracks to explore.

The album opens with the epic album title track. "Planet Earth," builds from beautiful piano twinkling like a star in the sky to a groove about conservation, discrimination and peace on to a ripping guitar meteor shower. At nearly 6 minutes in length, it may be too long to be a single but you never know. The first single, "Guitar," is what you'd expect here. Pomp, strut and attitude with layers of P-Funk and possibly Eddie Van Halen after too many energy drinks. "Somewhere Here On Earth" is a planet away from the first songs as it is horn and piano driven with a soulful delivery. The energy steps up with the playful "The One U Wanna C." Pure seduction oozes "Future Baby Mama" which is one of the more surprising songs on the album. While, "Mr. Goodnight" features a lot of name-dropping, it gives him a chance to offer a near-rap vocal less syncopated than on his hit "Gett Off." Expected to be the second single, "Chelsea Rodgers" is meant for the dancefloor with big horns, extra female vocals and throbbing bass. I don't know what happened by the time "Lion Of Judah" and "Resolution" popped up but they aren't memorable moments.

The water was amazingly warm and I found myself enjoying a majority of this album. If there is any criticism, it is that the end begs for the beginning as it is top heavy with strong tracks. I did have to deduct for having no album credits in this version (heck, the disc and the case didn't even list the song titles or track order.) But, Prince really shows his versatility as an artist here and Planet Earth is as diverse and possibly misunderstood as the third planet from the sun.

3.5 of 5

Erasure - Light At The End Of The World

2007-05-16T02:11:00.000-07:00

Erasure have returned with their follow-up to 2005's Nightbird. On Light At The End Of The World, the duo of Vince Clarke and Andy Bell have found renewed energy working with producer Gareth Jones and crafted a terrific collection of upbeat songs.

The first single, "I Could Fall In Love With You," is pop perfection mixing memorable lyrics and a thumping danceable beat. (Ok, maybe there is also something about the opening that makes me think of the Dr. Who theme song.) The second single and opening track, "Sunday Girl," has layers of melody that work well together and nothing gives away that it is a dance song that the lyrics "I'm locked up in a rhythm, the prism of a big glitter ball." "Sucker For Love" is a song that just grows on you. I wasn't that excited about the campy vocal in the opening of the track but the repeating chorus of "the love we have is for the better now" does become an addictive phrase and is the payoff. It is difficult to describe the brilliant track "Storm In A Teacup" other than noting the personal lyrics, broad sonic landscape and haunting melody. Shining from a strong vocal performance and clever production, "Fly Away," is raised above what you expect from Erasure to a highlight. "I admit to originally being confused seeing "Darlene" on the tracklisting (thinking it was a Dolly Parton cover) but found myself pleasantly surprised. The song is their first album track sporting a person's name but I'm thinking that Darlene and darling could be interchangeable. Bell's vocal acrobatics on "Golden Heart," the emotional confusion of "When A Lover Leaves You," the pleading in "Glass Angel" and the shamelessness of "How My Eyes Adore You" can't be left out but hold their own among the 10 tracks.

I believe that a true light at the end of this world would be a big disco ball for this duo. And, on Light At The End Of The World, Erasure triumph and shine on one of the best albums of the year.

4.5 out of 5

Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero

2007-05-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

It took Nine Inch Nails maestro Trent Reznor less than a year to release a follow-up to With Teeth. Through a frenzy of USB drives, cell phones and at least 30 Web site addresses the album created a groundswell of anticipation prior to release.

Upon first listen, this isn't my favorite Nine Inch Nails release. I actually remember cutting my teeth as a journalist writing a review for their debut album for a high-school newspaper. The keyboards that drew me to Pretty Hate Machine have gone the way of guitars for subsequent releases. On Year Zero, the guitars are dialed down a little for static and noise creation. That's a good thing. Word that Reznor was experimenting with hip-hop can me misconstrued as there are some great loops here that lay a foundation for some of the tracks and I'm sure someone could have rapped over them if they wanted. "The Warning" is a great example of this. I have to say that "God Given" is the first time that I've heard Reznor urge a sing-a-long during a chorus. The funky beat and deliberate lyrical pauses make the track memorable. "The Great Destroyer" can only be called a production experiment and although some parts are stunning, it readies the listener for the light piano piece "Another Version Of The Truth." There are still some of the expected stellar songs like "Survivalism," "Capital G," "Meet Your Master" and "In This Twilight." The landscape of the album is lush and vibrant making me only wonder how a follow-up album continuing the concept will sound.

4 out of 5

REO Speedwagon - Find Your Own Way Home

2007-05-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

REO Speedwagon have released, Find Your Own Way Home, their first new studio effort since 1996's Building The Bridge. It really might have taken them awhile to find it but the band re-establish themselves here. The album is varied enough in tempo, content and delivery to keep the listener on their toes. Instantly memorable tracks here include the classic-sounding title track, the upcoming single "I Needed To Fall" is a powerful ballad, the playful energy on "Run Away Baby" and strong Commitments-like blues on "Born To Love You" (which features vocals by bassist Bruce Hall.) Some of the other tracks have their charms as well. I really enjoy the guitar work on the opening and throughout "Another Lifetime" which should sound great live. "Lost On The Road Of Love" is a blues groove that features what can only be described as a gospel choir on the chorus. "Dangerous Combination" is a smartly written track with a near country rock edge to it and a chorus urging you to sing along. For some reason the chorus of "Everything You Feel" does remind me of The Men's "Church of Logic, Sin & Love" and that's not a bad thing. If anything, it begs to be used in a commercial. "Let My Love Find You" is a pretty song that kind of gets lost among a lot of love songs. The only fault I find with the album is the opening track, "Smilin' In The End," as it didn't knock me over. Yet, the aggressiveness of the song sets a good foundation for the rest of the album to build on.

REO Speedwagon rode the storm out for 11 years and brought back one of the strongest albums of their career. Keep on loving them.
4 out of 5

Real Life - Imperfection

2004-07-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

If you've never heard "Send Me An Angel," you may have been under a rock or heavily sedated in the 1980s. Many of those not in situation of the aforementioned lost souls may not know that the Real Life has recorded many albums since and are very much active. Their latest album, Imperfection, puts any rumors to rest.

The band has leaned their membership down to the duo of David Sterry and George Pappas at this point in their career. The lack of players hasn't affected the team's music unless it has created a bit more clarity of purpose. The disc leads with the pulse-pounding title-track. The song openings are rather curious here as they don't grab you in the first measures but build with chord progressions that seemingly make something where there didn't seem to be anything. This kind of craftsmanship appears throughout the album. Sterry's sensual, yearning vocals are as impressive as the writing. Songs like "Painless," "Another Brick In My Head " and "Kiss Like This" show sonic leaps, versatility and reluctance to hold on old habits. The only song that I could consider filler here is "Kamikaze" but you have to give points to a song that finds a way to use "apeshit" in a verse. The album closer, "Beautiful Thing," is probably my favorite new song of the year at this point in time. I believe this comes from a clever chorus that refrains vocally and smartly relies on a very haunting melody as well as strong production. One of the few times that the title describes the song aptly.

Imperfection is far from it's title but steps short of its opposite. Granted, the version reviewed was not the U.S. release which included the additional track and single "Oblivion." Real Life's new album is a treat for fans urging their return and varied enough to find interest in even a few under a rock or coming off medication.

4 out of 5

CD Reviews

2003-05-03T04:34:00.000-07:00

After awhile of fighting through HTML when doing CD Reviews for 80's Music Central, I've decided that I should just do them here as a blog. Why? Well... several reasons:

It is easier to post, edit and write early drafts
Someone else hosts it (saves server space)
You can make comments
No more dinky album cover pictures
I can link to them individually from the website
I can get them up quicker

...and probably many that I haven't thought of yet.

So, this is your warning. If you came to this blog curious, the mystery is removed. Hope to get more of these up here so I can get early releases and really give you some advanced info on albums before they come out.