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CD Reviews archive - G
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Review of:
Great White's "Rising" (2009)
Reviewed by Tawny Khat on June 6, 2009
Cover Illustration by Scott Snyder
Graphic Artist: Joe Hajek
Tracks:
1. Situation
2. All Or Nothin'
3. I Don't Mind
4. Shine
5. Loveless
6. Is It Enough
7. Last Chance
8. Danger Zone
9. Down On The Level Great White
10. Only You Can Do "Rising"
11. My Sanctuary
This album is nothing like I expected. To me, Great White has always been bluesy hard rock. However, most of this album is on the mellow to mid-tempo side. And, instead of being bluesy, the band seems to have moved into more of a funk rock thing, especially on the tracks "Shine" and "Down On The Level".
The musicianship and vocals are superb, of course, but I'm just a bit disappointed in this latest offering by the band. Tunes like "Is It Enough" delve more into the Fleetwood Mac arena. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac, but this is supposed to be Great White.
Three tracks on this CD did stand out, however. The first track, "Situation", starts of with some bluesy guitar before jumping right into a kick ass rocker of a tune with a catchy chorus, just what you'd expect from this great band. Even better is "All Or Nothin' " with it's great beat that gets your whole body moving. The one mellow song I really, really like is "My Sanctuary". It's bluesy and sounds like something I could see Janis Joplin having done. It's an awesome tune! Now, if the rest of the album would have been more like those three tracks, it would have been the shit.
I realize bands grow and change over the years, but if you change too much, well, then you're just no longer resembling what fans fell in love with in the first place. I hate to pan this album, because I'm a huge Great White fan, but I have to be honest.
They were killer when I saw them live here in Phoenix (Tempe) a couple of weeks ago, though. For more about that check out my review of their show. Maybe they'll rock a little more on the next album. For tour dates and more, visit Great White's MySpace page
Review of:
Great White's "Rising" (2009)
Reviewed by Tawny Khat on June 6, 2009
Cover Illustration by Scott Snyder
Graphic Artist: Joe Hajek
Tracks:
1. Situation
2. All Or Nothin'
3. I Don't Mind
4. Shine
5. Loveless
6. Is It Enough
7. Last Chance
8. Danger Zone
9. Down On The Level Great White
10. Only You Can Do "Rising"
11. My Sanctuary
This album is nothing like I expected. To me, Great White has always been bluesy hard rock. However, most of this album is on the mellow to mid-tempo side. And, instead of being bluesy, the band seems to have moved into more of a funk rock thing, especially on the tracks "Shine" and "Down On The Level".
The musicianship and vocals are superb, of course, but I'm just a bit disappointed in this latest offering by the band. Tunes like "Is It Enough" delve more into the Fleetwood Mac arena. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac, but this is supposed to be Great White.
Three tracks on this CD did stand out, however. The first track, "Situation", starts of with some bluesy guitar before jumping right into a kick ass rocker of a tune with a catchy chorus, just what you'd expect from this great band. Even better is "All Or Nothin' " with it's great beat that gets your whole body moving. The one mellow song I really, really like is "My Sanctuary". It's bluesy and sounds like something I could see Janis Joplin having done. It's an awesome tune! Now, if the rest of the album would have been more like those three tracks, it would have been the shit.
I realize bands grow and change over the years, but if you change too much, well, then you're just no longer resembling what fans fell in love with in the first place. I hate to pan this album, because I'm a huge Great White fan, but I have to be honest.
They were killer when I saw them live here in Phoenix (Tempe) a couple of weeks ago, though. For more about that check out my review of their show. Maybe they'll rock a little more on the next album. For tour dates and more, visit Great White's MySpace page
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review of:
Gypsy Pistoleros
"Para Siempre"
(2008, Bad Reputation Records & itunes)
Reviewed by: Tawny Khat on December 7, 2008
Tracks:
1. Shotgun Kiss Is Ay Que Dolor
2. Un Hombre Sin Rostro, Pistolero
3. Forever Is Para Siempre
4. Senor Mangi Acqui
5. What's It Like To Be A Girl In The House Of 1000 Dolls?
6. Jet, Jet, Jet Boyz
7. Una Para Todo Es Bandido
8. Living La Vida Loca
9. Chicas Peligrosa
10. Moonchild
11. Switchblade Kiss Comes Close
12. The Crazy Loco Loquito
13. 1-2-3-4 Kiss Me Then I'm Damned For Sure
The Gypsy Pistoleros have created an extraordinary fusion of punk, glam, sleaze, and flamenco in this album. The Spanish style guitar riffs and the Spanish horns will draw you in and transport you to sunny Spain, or perhaps Mexico. But, your trip won't be a quiet affair. It'll be a crashing, ripping adventure filled with saucy senoritas, cape wielding matadors, and menacing hombres with big guns. Right from the beginning with "Shotgun Kiss Is Ay Que Dolor", you'll know what you're in for. As the song goes from in your face rock to beautiful flamenco, it evokes images of a matador spinning around in the bullfighting ring with his cape spread out and rippling in the air as he turns. Lee J's strong vocals, with a hint of an early Vince Neil quality, grab you by the throat, and he doesn't let go until the end. The mixture of English and Spanish lyrics add another dimension and depth to what are already great songs. Iggie, the band's very talented and versatile guitar player, sets the mood with his flamenco style guitar licks, that in a second transform into balls out, sizzling, hard rock riffs. He can seamlessly switch from acoustic to electric guitar, making a smooth transition from gentle, melodic, flamenco to gut-ripping, thrashing rock. And, although you c
an't explain why, it just works! As you listen, you just can't help but to find your head rockin' back and forth and your toes tapping to the driving beats supplied by the rhythm section of the band, which is now supplied by Harri on drums, and Nasty on bass.
Used by permission. Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and Evilboy Records
This album is a re-mastered version of their debut album, "Wild, Beautiful, Damned", along with a couple extra songs. It was produced by the legendary Joe Gibb, who has also worked with Madonna, The Kinks, Jane's Addiction and The Cure, among others. When I saw the title of one of the extra songs, "Livin' La Vida Loca", I thought it surely couldn't be the Ricky Martin song of the same name. However, I was wrong. I was pleasantly surprised at the amazing job they did of covering that song. They took what to me is a catchy, but boring, song, and turned it into a truly hard rockin' piece of music.
Used by permission. Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and
Evilboy Records
I hate comparing one band to another, but unfortunately it's necessary in explaining a band's sound. And, it's made more difficult in the case of a band like the Gypsy Pistoleros, whose sound is so unique they don't readily compare to anyone else. However, you can pick up on their influences and there are a few similarities to other bands. For instance, one of their influences is Hanoi Rocks, and you can pick up on that when you listen to their music. You can also hear the influences of such classic glamsters as T. Rex and the New York Dolls. And, songs like the other new addition to this album, "Chicas Pelgrosa", lean towards a bit of a punk sound. Their sound is also often compared to early Motley Crue, if it were merged with flamenco, and I can see that, too.
"Un Hombre Sin Rostro, Pistolero" is one of the highlights of the album. As it switches tempo, I picture a lovely senorita, wearing a traditional long red dress covered in black lace, dancing, Spanish style of course, in a cobblestone paved plaza that has a fountain at the center. And, the buildings in the background have flower draped balconies and window boxes to add to the setting. But, then I'm snapped out of my reverie when I'm hit head-on by the switch back to the adrenaline packed, raunchy guitar and vocals that make up the bulk of the song. One of my favorite things about this album is that not only does it supply great sleaze rock 'n' roll, but it takes me on a far away exotic trip every time I listen to it. The haunting Spanish horns and Spanish style guitar at the beginning of "The Crazy Loco Loquito" take me to a dank and dusty Mexican saloon that's full of danger, but then the song launches full throttle into a fast-paced cocktail of meaty rock hooks with a tinge of that flamenco style the Pistoleros are known for. And, a whole story unfolds when I hear "Una Para Todo Es, Bandido". The mellow acoustic guitar and vocals at the beginning of the song brings to mind Antonio Banderas, carrying his guitar case, as he walks down a lonely dirt road somewhere in the desert of Mexico, wisps of dry dust swirling around his boots as he takes each step. Then, as he meets with his enemies, the song kicks into high gear with a bit of an early Crue sound. This is when the gun battle begins. The machine-gun beat keeps you riveted. The high energy guitar, horns, and voc
als all build to a fever pitch climax. Then, the song finishes with a lone horn playing, and the dust clears revealing Banderas as the only man left standing, with a wisp of smoke spiralling up from the barrel of his gun. Whew! Then I inhale deeply as I realize I had been holding my breath.
Used by permission. Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and Evilboy Records
All I can say is, if this band is half as energetic on stage as their music is, then their live show has to be a must see. I haven't had the chance to see them yet, but look forward to doing so when they perform at the Rock Gone Wild! festival next August. And, I'm also eagerly awaiting their new album due out in June 2009. Keep up the good work guys!!
Review of:
Gypsy Pistoleros
"Para Siempre"
(2008, Bad Reputation Records & itunes)
Reviewed by: Tawny Khat on December 7, 2008
Tracks:
1. Shotgun Kiss Is Ay Que Dolor
2. Un Hombre Sin Rostro, Pistolero
3. Forever Is Para Siempre
4. Senor Mangi Acqui
5. What's It Like To Be A Girl In The House Of 1000 Dolls?
6. Jet, Jet, Jet Boyz
7. Una Para Todo Es Bandido
8. Living La Vida Loca
9. Chicas Peligrosa
10. Moonchild
11. Switchblade Kiss Comes Close
12. The Crazy Loco Loquito
13. 1-2-3-4 Kiss Me Then I'm Damned For Sure
The Gypsy Pistoleros have created an extraordinary fusion of punk, glam, sleaze, and flamenco in this album. The Spanish style guitar riffs and the Spanish horns will draw you in and transport you to sunny Spain, or perhaps Mexico. But, your trip won't be a quiet affair. It'll be a crashing, ripping adventure filled with saucy senoritas, cape wielding matadors, and menacing hombres with big guns. Right from the beginning with "Shotgun Kiss Is Ay Que Dolor", you'll know what you're in for. As the song goes from in your face rock to beautiful flamenco, it evokes images of a matador spinning around in the bullfighting ring with his cape spread out and rippling in the air as he turns. Lee J's strong vocals, with a hint of an early Vince Neil quality, grab you by the throat, and he doesn't let go until the end. The mixture of English and Spanish lyrics add another dimension and depth to what are already great songs. Iggie, the band's very talented and versatile guitar player, sets the mood with his flamenco style guitar licks, that in a second transform into balls out, sizzling, hard rock riffs. He can seamlessly switch from acoustic to electric guitar, making a smooth transition from gentle, melodic, flamenco to gut-ripping, thrashing rock. And, although you c
an't explain why, it just works! As you listen, you just can't help but to find your head rockin' back and forth and your toes tapping to the driving beats supplied by the rhythm section of the band, which is now supplied by Harri on drums, and Nasty on bass.Used by permission. Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and Evilboy Records
This album is a re-mastered version of their debut album, "Wild, Beautiful, Damned", along with a couple extra songs. It was produced by the legendary Joe Gibb, who has also worked with Madonna, The Kinks, Jane's Addiction and The Cure, among others. When I saw the title of one of the extra songs, "Livin' La Vida Loca", I thought it surely couldn't be the Ricky Martin song of the same name. However, I was wrong. I was pleasantly surprised at the amazing job they did of covering that song. They took what to me is a catchy, but boring, song, and turned it into a truly hard rockin' piece of music.
Used by permission. Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and
Evilboy Records
I hate comparing one band to another, but unfortunately it's necessary in explaining a band's sound. And, it's made more difficult in the case of a band like the Gypsy Pistoleros, whose sound is so unique they don't readily compare to anyone else. However, you can pick up on their influences and there are a few similarities to other bands. For instance, one of their influences is Hanoi Rocks, and you can pick up on that when you listen to their music. You can also hear the influences of such classic glamsters as T. Rex and the New York Dolls. And, songs like the other new addition to this album, "Chicas Pelgrosa", lean towards a bit of a punk sound. Their sound is also often compared to early Motley Crue, if it were merged with flamenco, and I can see that, too.
"Un Hombre Sin Rostro, Pistolero" is one of the highlights of the album. As it switches tempo, I picture a lovely senorita, wearing a traditional long red dress covered in black lace, dancing, Spanish style of course, in a cobblestone paved plaza that has a fountain at the center. And, the buildings in the background have flower draped balconies and window boxes to add to the setting. But, then I'm snapped out of my reverie when I'm hit head-on by the switch back to the adrenaline packed, raunchy guitar and vocals that make up the bulk of the song. One of my favorite things about this album is that not only does it supply great sleaze rock 'n' roll, but it takes me on a far away exotic trip every time I listen to it. The haunting Spanish horns and Spanish style guitar at the beginning of "The Crazy Loco Loquito" take me to a dank and dusty Mexican saloon that's full of danger, but then the song launches full throttle into a fast-paced cocktail of meaty rock hooks with a tinge of that flamenco style the Pistoleros are known for. And, a whole story unfolds when I hear "Una Para Todo Es, Bandido". The mellow acoustic guitar and vocals at the beginning of the song brings to mind Antonio Banderas, carrying his guitar case, as he walks down a lonely dirt road somewhere in the desert of Mexico, wisps of dry dust swirling around his boots as he takes each step. Then, as he meets with his enemies, the song kicks into high gear with a bit of an early Crue sound. This is when the gun battle begins. The machine-gun beat keeps you riveted. The high energy guitar, horns, and voc
als all build to a fever pitch climax. Then, the song finishes with a lone horn playing, and the dust clears revealing Banderas as the only man left standing, with a wisp of smoke spiralling up from the barrel of his gun. Whew! Then I inhale deeply as I realize I had been holding my breath.Used by permission. Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and Evilboy Records
All I can say is, if this band is half as energetic on stage as their music is, then their live show has to be a must see. I haven't had the chance to see them yet, but look forward to doing so when they perform at the Rock Gone Wild! festival next August. And, I'm also eagerly awaiting their new album due out in June 2009. Keep up the good work guys!!
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