Joe Satriani - Unstoppable Momentum (2013)

 

Joe Satriani - Unstoppable Momentum

Score: 3.9

As Joe Satriani released his 14th studio album in late Spring of 2013, some people may have been wondering if the guitar legend was running out of creative steam.  "Unstoppable Momentum" doesn't only describe Satriani's music career to a tee, but it is also a pretty cool album title as well.

THE GOOD: 

The creative genius in Satriani has not simmered just yet, and the satch man proves that fact with another entirely instrumental record.  The title track "Unstoppable Momentum" brings some question as to what the album is going to actually sound like, but you can tell that his signature tone and sound is very much there. The second track "Can't Go Back" may be the strongest piece on the record filled with soaring and emotional melodies that will be stuck in your head for days.

"Lies And Truths" is a hard rocker and Satch really takes off on the second half of the song.

The single "A Door Into Summer" got some airplay prior to and after the album's release...The song is catchy, but nothing special.

Personally, I feel the 2nd half of the album really explodes into something special with the songs "Jumpin In" and "Jumpin Out". These 2 tracks are full of gnarly sounding blues riffs, and mind blowing solos from the man himself.  "The Weight Of The World" blasts through next which is another hard hitting groove, mainly showcasing the tightness of the band.

THE BAD: 

"Three Sheets To The Wind" has a few nice segments but it really sounds like it is 2 completely different songs, and not exactly in a good way.  The corny sounding brass patch on Mike Keneally's keyboard sounds awful!

"Shine On American Dreamer" just bored me, and I couldn't get into the groove.  It sounds like Satriani parodying himself...The album closer "A Celebration" was not necessarily a horrible song, but you could have definitely closed the record which a much stronger message/song.

THE FINAL THOUGHT:

This obviously wasn't the best Satriani album, but this man keeps proving one thing...he's consistent.  As much as I like Buckethead, Satch isn't pulling the marketing gimic of releasing albums of noise and basement recordings.  He is releasing albums with great writing and awesome material.  I don't think any other solo guitarist has released this much material on a consistent basis and had this much success.  Since 1998, Steve Vai has only released 4 studio albums, Steve Morse has released 4 studio albums, Eric Johnson has released 3 studio albums, and Joe Satriani has released 8 just to compare. 

The record starts out strong but then begins to fall short towards after track 3 (Lies And Truths).  This is a crucial part of an album when you are experiencing a listening session all the way through.  The album does pick back up but ends on a stale note with "A Celebration" which really leaves the listener a bit confused and possibly unsatisfied.  However, the strong tracks like rockers "Can't Go Back", "Lies And Truths", "Jumpin In", and "Jumpin Out" definitely rule over the songs that bore...
 

The Mars Volta Discography

Hey Readers,

I have a treat for you today. I have reviewed the entire discography of "The Mars Volta" starting with "De-loused In The Comatorium".


Enjoy...


"De-loused In The Comatorium" (2003) -




RATING: 4.9 out of 5

The debut album from The Mars Volta is stunning to say the least. The band fuses Prog Rock with Jazz and Fusion influences. No one quite has a voice like Cedric. His vocal parts are extremely ear catching and he can hit amazingly high notes. With one of the most epic album openers of all time "Inertiatic ESP", the album opens up with a bang. Cedric shows that he just may be the new generations Robert Plant. Omar's guitar work is very impressive as well. But we also can't forget that Flea is on bass for the entire album. Flea is on fire to say the least. Also, John Frusciante is taking up guitar and synthesizer duties on an unforgettable "Cicatriz ESP". Also to note, this was Jeremy Ward's only album appearance before his death (besides being on the Tremulant EP). He had sound manipulation duties within the band and he helped to make the record sound as psychedelic as it does. From what I know, most of the band were really influenced from drugs (particularly opioids and heroin) during the recording of this album. Heroin ended up leading Jeremy Ward to his death. But the cast on this record is nothing to mess with including Isaiah Owens who is a monster on the entire album with keyboard work. For example, the thunderous organ work on "Drunkship of Lanterns" is just a sample of what Iaiah brings to the table. There isn't another album that sounds like this record. It is it's own being. You can't say that about many albums out there today. The band would go on to make great music in the future, but never an album like this.

"Frances The Mute" (2005) -



RATING: 4.6 out of 5

The album opens up with a face melting "Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus" complete with blazing guitar parts and soulful string arrangements. The first track is yet another epic masterpiece. Next is "The Widow" which was the band's first big single to be played on radio stations across the country. Flea does not play bass on this record, but rather trumpet. He appears on "The Widow" and "Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore". In his place, taking on bass duties for the band was Juan Alderete live and in the studio. Omar's brother Marcel, makes his debut on percussion for the album, and will continue to do so on every future album. "L'Via L'Viaquez" opens up with John Frusciante's 2nd volta appearance shredding it up. The song carries on the album nicely, and is yet another incredible recording. Going into "Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore", it is Mars Volta's trippiest song yet. By the time Part B of the tune comes through, we take a trip back into that "Deloused In The Comatorium" sound. Omar is absolutely shredding by the time Part C comes around and the band along with their mini orchestra of violins goes into an epic jam. This album has many hints of the band's first album which is great considering how amazing that album is. The addition of all of the instruments add to the album's genius. "Cassandra Geminni" continues with the band rocking, and Omar goes off into more memorable melody making with his guitar. After slowing down into much sound manipulation and psychedelic effects, the band chooses the epic way out and closes the album and "Cassandra Geminni" with an unforgettable bang. We can say with certainty that this is yet another successful album from The Mars Volta.

"Amputechture" (2006) -



RATING: 2.9 out of 5
"Vicarious Atonement" introduces the album as yet another dark and epic adventure with The Mars Volta. "Tetragrammaton" is the first song to feature the entire band. This includes John Frusciante who makes his 3rd Mars Volta appearence and provides rhythm and lead guitar to most of the album. Paul Hinojos joins the band for the first time on this album proving sound manipulation. "Tetragrammaton" opens up strong but you kind of wonder where the band is going with the song. And when you think it's about to end, there's still 7 minutes left. "Vermicide" brings a track that is similar to "The Widow" but doesn't come close. "Viscera Eyes", the band's single is one of the strongest tracks on the album with a guitar riff that sticks in your head for days and Cedric's haunting vocal melody. "Day Of Baphomets" and "Meccamputechture" provide little boost to the first album from the band that lacks in every aspect. Only crumbs of these songs amount to their past material. "El Ciero Vulnerado" and "Asilos Magdalena" do nothing more than waste space on the album and are full of sound manipulation and pointless shredding by Omar and Frusciante. This album should have been great, but it wasn't. This would be drummer Jon Theodore's last album with the band. Luckily, Volta's next release would have the band reaching the light at the end of the tunnel.


"The Bedlam In Goliath" (2008) -


RATING: 4.2 out of 5

"The Bedlam In Goliath" is the ear candy that I missed on "Amputechture". The first half of the album (all the way through "Cavalettas") is some of the best material this band has ever made, PERIOD. The second half of the album falls short starting with "Agadez" and "Askepios". These two songs don't fit as well on the record as all of the other tunes, and it shows. "Ouroborous" kicks things back up a notch and includes one of many great drum performances from the band's new drummer Thomas Pridgen. He is a monster on the entire album. The ass kicking "Wax Simulcra" won the band "Best Hard Rock Performance" at the 51st Grammy Awards. Other songs such as "Metatron", "Goliath" and "Ilyena" slap you in the face multiple times with blazing guitar riffs, chilling vocals from Cedric, and insanely fast drumming from Pridgen. John Frusciante and Omar Rodriguez show some of their most impressive guitar work to date on this album. Besides a few minor flaws, this record is a great comeback for the band and a huge improvement from "Amputechture".

"Octahedron" (2009) -



RATING: 3.0 out of 5

The band's softest album yet brings many questions to the forefront. Before the album's production started Omar Rodriguez asked Paul Hinojos (sound manipulation/guitar) and Adrián Terrazas-González (saxophone) to leave the band. The reason behind this is not completely known, but supposedly the band wanted a more simple sound. They achieved this with "Octahedron" but I'm not so sure that the band is heading in the right direction. It's not that the album is absolutely terrible but it goes no where fast. "Since We've Been Wrong" already had me wanting to hit next on my ipod. Even though the vocal work and guitars are carrying the song nicely at times, it is way too long. The same goes for "With Twilight As My Guide" and "Luciforms". On the other side of the coin, "Copernicus" is one of the most beautifully haunting Volta songs yet. Cedric nails an impressive vocal part with dreamy harmonies, and Omar accompanies it on guitar wonderfully. "Halo Of Nembutals" has an insanely catchy chorus, while "Cotopaxi" rocks hard.

I will not be including links to The Mars Volta's music for download...specifically because they are still a new group and their material is not difficult to find out there!

I hope you all enjoyed this one!

Mike Coleman

Funkadelic - Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On

Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On" (1974) -

RATING: 4.2 out of 5


Ah, Yes. Where Funk and Rock are equally fused into one. George and the Funkadelic gang shelve out quite a unique album. After being behind the shadows for a little while, Eddie Hazel shines on this album as a true genius. Songs like "Red Hot Mama", "Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On", and "Alice In My Fantasies" showcase Hazel's talents to the maximum. The whole album in general really showcases Eddie and his writing abilities. He co wrote all of the tracks. At times, he has many great guitar moments equal to Hendrix and he is what makes this album such a classic. This is certainly the hardest Funkadelic album to date next to "Hardcore Jollies", and the band shows what really happens when a funk band plays rock music.

1. Red Hot Mama
2. Alice In My Fantasies
3. I'll Stay
4. Sexy Ways
5. Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On
6. Jimmy's Got A Little Bitch In Him
7. Good Thoughts, Bad Thoughts
8. Vital Juices (Bonus Tracks on Current Reissues)

NOTE: Vital Juices is just Red Hot Mama Part II. Eddie goes off into a blazing solo, why they made it two songs is unknown to me!

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

1. Full album - http://www.filestube.com/d2c741037e60d85e03e9,g/1974-Funkadelic-Standing-On-The-Verge-Of-Getting-It-On.html

I hope you enjoyed this one,

Mike

Herbie Hancock - Secrets

"Secrets" (1976) -

RATING: 4.0 out of 5


As Herbie's albums progress into the 70's, Funk music became a lot more prominent on his albums. "Secrets" was unique in it's own right due to the fact that it was funky record, but also a more mellow record as well compared to the past few releases. Vocals make their first appearance ever on a Hancock record on the introduction track, "Doin It". Wah Wah Watson and Ray Parker Jr. took up writing duties for the track and the band makes it their own. I could have done without the reggae induced "Cantaloupe Island". "Spider" and "Swamp Rat" continue traditional Head Hunter funk grooves while "People Music" and "Gentle Thoughts" bring the album down a notch. We end with the incredible "Sansho Shima" written by Maupin himself. The band does not come even close to disappointing but this is the point where the band would begin to come down from their peak.


1. Doin' It
2. People Music
3. Cantaloupe Island
4. Spider
5. Gentle Thoughts
6. Swamp Rat
7. Sansho Shima


The comments section will be a place for anyone to post links to the album or for live videos pertaining to Herbie's music...

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

1. Full Album - http://www.filestube.com/f7e906e0a182169003ea,g/Herbie-Hancock-Secrets-1976.html

Happy Hunting for good fusion and funk everyone! Hope you all enjoyed!

Mike Coleman

Billy Cobham - Drum 'N' Voice 2

"Drum 'N' Voice 2" (2006) -

RATING: 4.2 out of 5


Billy Cobham's genius has been proved on many of his recordings already. "Crosswinds", "Spectrum", and "A Funky Thide Of Sings" are just to name a few of them. Going full steam ahead with an all star cast including Jan Hammer, Brian Auger, Buddy Miles, Frank Gambale, Novecento, Mike Lindup, Dominic Miller, Jeff Berlin, Airto Moreira, and John Patitucci, he has proved it yet again. (According to Amazon.com) For some reason, Nicolosi Productions made sure to make this record realized by the public. The album is full of instrumental bliss from everyone involved. From the sweet sounding "Running", to the head bobbing "Waveform", to the mysterious sounding "Take Seven", it's Cobham's biggest variety on an album yet. Unfortunately, the group and the record company decided to include "One More Day To Live". The song completely throws the album in a loop and it keeps the album from doing what it was trying to accomplish (To be an amazing fusion/comeback record for Billy). "Let Me Breathe" is a tad more bearable but still falls short of fitting in with the rest of the album. Both tunes lean more towards the R&B realm of today's music. "Real Funk" is the 3rd vocal track on the album, and the vocals are tight. Buddy Miles is on vocals with a slight hint of auto tune on his voice. Fortunately, the song grooves with the rest of the album. It is certainly funky. "Final Destination", "Ozone Parts I and II", and "Amazon" continue the instrumental greatness throughout the album. I would highly reccomend record to any fusion fan. It is one of the BEST fusion albums of the decade.

1. Waveform
2. Real Funk
3. Running
4. Final Destination
5. One More Day To Live
6. Ozone (Part I)
7. Ozone (Part II)
8. Take Seven
9. Let Me Breathe
10. Amazon

The comments section will be a place for anyone to post links to the album or for live videos pertaining to Billy Cobham.

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

Full Album: http://www.filestube.com/2c15b9b10e9a4e1503e9/details.html
As usual, Hope you all enjoyed!

Mike Coleman

Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters

"Head Hunters" (1973) -

RATING: 4.7 out of 5


The first Head Hunters album ever brings us one of the best fusion projects of all time. This album is pure fusion at its best the entire way through. The cover of "Chameleon" opens up the album with pure blazing funk. The jam goes through all sorts of twists and turns and it clocks in at over 15 minutes long! The band doesn't get boring for a second, and it's some of the best jamming on record. "Watermelon Man" is basically redone with a hip hop sounding beat and Maupin getting soulful over it. The band makes the rendition one of most favorited Herbie tracks of all time. The second half of the album starting with track 3 which is "Sly", starts of with another bang. Herbie shows off his clavinet skills and the band gives us high energy funk like we've never heard it before. The band goes absolutely nuts half way through the track. It's worth the price of the album itself to listen to these guys jam for 30 seconds. "Vein Melter" ends the album on a soft "Bitches Brew" type of feel. Giving us peace after all the insane jamming. This is the mother of fusion music and is a must for anyone getting into this type of stuff. This was the best selling jazz record for years, and for good reason. Any music fan in general deserves to give themselves a treat once in a while. This is that treat.

1. Chameleon
2. Watermelon Man
3. Sly
4. Vein Melter

The comments section will be a place for anyone to post links to the album or for live videos pertaining to the Head Hunters or Herbie's music.

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

Full Album - http://www.filestube.com/7ae4f730f5ac6dda03e9,g/Herbie-Hancock-Headhunters.html

Hope you all enjoyed!

Mike Coleman

Herbie Hancock - Thrust

"Thrust" (1974) -

RATING: 5.0 out of 5

"Thrust" begins where "Head Hunters" left off. Except this time the band is even tighter! In no way does the band lose any of their fire from their debut. The fire only burns brighter. If you enjoyed "Head Hunters" you'll enjoy this one just as much if not more! The jams are just as long, and they have just as many twists and turns and little riffs that send chills down your back. It's all here. The band is extraordinary in every way possible. "Palm Grease" drips of funk and offers more than an average person can handle. In "Actual Proof" the band goes where no band has gone before, and this is "proof" if you will that the group can achieve some of the most incredible fusion music ever produced. "Butterfly" is a beautiful composition that has been redone by Hancock multiple times on future albums. Bennie Maupin is an absolutely delight to listen to on this track and the whole rest of the album. He is full with soul on the whole recording while Paul Jackson and Mike Clark are probably the best fusion bass and drum couple of this era. The album ends with a blazing "Spank A Lee" that ends up turning the drops of Funk into buckets. I went into this album skeptical in every shape and form after being disappointed time and time again as I listened to bands who claimed they had that "Jazz Funk Fusion" sound and ended up not being even close. This album is a great moment for Fusion and for Herbie Hancock.

1. Palm Grease - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP_ztqr4Ljo&feature=related
2. Actual Proof - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0c38Wtdvz0
3. Butterfly - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAm3X8pM7J0
4. Spank-A-Lee - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQFjBZUTODc&feature=related

The links included are the songs themselves! Please include any album download links, video links, or song links in the comments so everyone can find the music! Thanks!

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

Full Album - http://www.filestube.com/6f110ea01c0d7e0f03e9,g/Herbie-Hancock-Thrust.html

(I did not post this album myself for download)

Hope you all enjoyed!

Mike Coleman