 SHAW-BLADES
Influence
VH1 Classic Records 2007
www.shawblades.com
Read the Jack Blades interview
Live Night Ranger Pics
Live Styx pics
What’s the 4-1-1?
Former Damn Yankees band mates Tommy Shaw (also Styx) Jack Blades
(also Night Ranger) team up for their second collaboration. This time around
they tackle cover tunes from the 60s and 70s.
Genre
Melodic rock / classic rock
The Good
“Summer Breeze” stays true to form with that memorable opening
riff leading the way. Shaw adds just enough distortion to pump it up a bit.
Blades delivers great vocal melodies and so does Shaw in the background.
You can’t ignore the galloping drum beats on “Time of the Season.” Jack
and Tommy return with another great blend of vocal harmonies during the chorus.
Shaw’s wah-wah laden guitar solo is off the charts. The Simon and Garfunkel
classic “I am a Rock” is the only track that differs from the
original. It’s not a bad thing, because Shaw and Blades add a lot more
power to the rhythm section while still remaining true to the songs vocal
arrangement.
The duo decide to go with two Simon & Garfunkel classics;
the second being the vocal heavy track “The Sound of Silence.” “California
Dreamin’” has always been one of my favorite songs of that area,
and I was pleased that Shaw and Blades did it justice by changing very little.
Who doesn’t recognize the pinging intro tones of “For What It’s
Worth?” The song conveys a message that still resonates today.
The Bad
As good as the vocals are on “The Sound of Silence,” I favor
the original more.
The Verdict
You didn’t have to live the 60s and 70s to appreciate the latest album
by Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades. If you like soft acoustics, strong vocal melodies,
and songs about peace and love, you’ll have no problem falling under
the influence of this collaboration.
Did You Know?
Great White keyboardist (and Night Ranger touring keyboardist) Michael Lardie
engineered and mixed this album.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Night Ranger - Hits: Acoustic & Rarities
Styx - One with Everything DVD
--George Dionne
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