I’ve been a fan of Geoffs from the beginning. Every few years he releases another musical gem. I say “gem” because I really connect with his music. He is very clever with how he puts his music together and how perfect (to my ears) it all is.
As for his newest release, “MUSIC FOR MY FRIENDS,” - without sounding
like a broken record - although I don’t think they exist anymore - I just
love it. Right from the start with BYE BYE BEBE, it’s 100% Westen. The
minute I heard the first few seconds of that track - I knew who it was.
IT’S NOT OVER sucked me in right away and hypnotized me. I didn’t want
it to end. Same for NIGHT RIDE. The vocal stood out to me. And the storyline
is very cool. I also connected with a few rockers like TECHNICOLOR DREAM
and I HATE THE CITY and YOU’RE TOO GOOD FOR ME.
One thing I noticed after the first hearing is that this album is very much
uptempo - not a ballad in the batch. OK with me. I’m into the idea of an album
that gets me on my feet and keeps me there. I think Geoff did exactly that.
Also, let me point out that I have always admired Geoff’s lead guitar work.
His solos are well thought out. Kind of “old school” a la Harrison. They always
lift the track and have a melodic “soar” going on - not a thousand notes of
doodling dribble.
LIVING ON THE METRO. Come on! Is that not cool or what. Who is this
“Lady in Gray”? She shows up in more than one song. Hmmm. WUT U GON
DO BOUT IT is a slight deparure having intertwining melodies and background
discussions. You have to listen closely to pick out what is being said in this song.
And the track rocks in it’s own chaotic way. Good stuff. Love it.
BTW - On second listening - I got into the bassist and drummer on this album.
I don’t know if they are real or machines - but their combined partnership really
is impressive.
And while I'm thinking about it, and since I have the floor, there is one area
where Geoff seems to get little comment - and that is his lyrics. I think he is a
brilliant lyricist and let me be the first to recommend checking out his writing.
The lyrics are inside the booklet of every CD he has produced. Really - check it out.
What’s left? WHY? WHY NOT! and HEADED FOR A FANTASY. HFAF is so Westen
Sounding. Give it a listen and you’ll hear what I mean. And I really like the way the
song steam-rolls far into the depths of the fade.
There really isn’t a weak performance on this disc. But, I’m a fan and I expect
brilliance. I believe he got it this time around. Maybe that’s because I KNOW his
music. I actually listen to (now 8) his CDs all the time. Not just at “release time.
Hey folks - I think you owe it to yourself to check out MUSIC FOR MY FRIENDS.
