Here we go with the latest by this Pop/Rock band from London. First of all is to say that this album is a little darker with less catchy songs than all their previous efforts, in fact songs are rawer giving the album a rocker vibe while keys falls appart and cymbals are more prominent.
The album opens with Aladin's Cave a good cut in the vein of The Outfield and one of the album's highlight in part because of the guitar semi-arpeggio. The second track California Sun, seems to be the promotional single, reminds to YES 90125 or Big Generator years with good vocal harmonies and Tony Lewis as a younger Jon Anderson. A Long Long Time Ago probably is the track that best represents the sound of The Outfield while In Your Company offers some Progressive elements with a touch of The Police that becomes absolutely evident in Call It Out. The rest of the album keeps the same vibe, with similar songs and sometimes stronger guitars, with the exception of Sandman a more melodic song with a polished production.

In summary, a step foward for The Outfield into a raw sound letting appart those catchy songs that made the band popular around the globe.

More info: http://www.theoutfield.com/

Best Tracks (in order of preference):

A Long Long Time Ago
Aladdin's Cave
Call It Out
Sandman
California Sun

This album is worth of 4 out of 5 ROCKS!!! 

YES - Fly From Here (Release:July 2, 2011 EU & AUS - July 12, 2011 USA)

 

Here we go with the latest release by this Progressive Mega-band. Probably, since the released of Talk (back in 1994) many of us lost the interest in YES due to the following releases where it seems that the band lost the perspective and creativity into nonsense pieces... but now these times are over. YES is back with an impresive and consistent album. Everything in this album works, from production to songwriting... everything. All songs has YES distinct trademark, and all are easy to listen, i mean, you won't get lost in compositions such as in Tales From Topographic Oceans or Relayer and all tracks have a mellow touch but the last one Into The Storm a more rockin' track with keys and guitars that lead you back to 70's.

Geoff Downes is back to keys and once again he demonstrates he is a magician making a perfect combination between YES and his own style of playing. Steve Howe is magnificent with a perfect mix of electric, acoustic and spanish guitar. Benoit David is the new lead singer replacing Jon Anderson and it ain't easy but has been achieved. Bonoit's voice is a couple of tones lower than Anderson's and that goes perfect with an album full of melody... Anderson sometimes could be a little strident and probably this will sound a strange but Benoit's tones sometimes reminds to Russell Hitchcoock from Air Supply.

Remarkable The Man You Always Wanted Me To Be the only song with lead vocals by Chris Squire and Solitaire an instrumental piece with Howe at his best.

In summary, one of the best albums in YES career.

We Can Fly official video: 

More info: http://www.yesworld.com/

Best Tracks (in order of preference):

Fly From Here - Pt. II - Sad Night at the Airfield
Fly From Here - Pt. I - We Can Fly
Hour Of Need
The Man You Always Wanted Me To Be
Fly From Here - Pt. III - Madman at the Screens

Charts:

UK # 30

GER # 14

SWE # 31

SWI # 39 


This album is worth of 4.6 out of 5 ROCKS!!!

LIONVILLE - S/T (Released: June 10, 2011)

Here we go with the first release by this italian band. I always thought that rock and latin culture doesn't match at all and i have to say that i keep thinking the same way despite this album makes me doubt. This album won't become a classic but it's a consistent effort. Production is ok though sometimes feels a little amateur and some elements, like guitar, should be more worked and even with a little harder distortion. Anyway is a good album starting with a fine cut, Here By My Side, it has catchy chorus a beautiful keys combined with great vocals by Lars Safsund (Yeah, he is Art Of Work's singer). With You is another fine track with an instrumental part that will remind you of Toto, the only thing with this song is that instantly you will notice the problem with the production and sound reflected in the piano. Center Of My Universe is much like Bad English version of Don't Walk Away, is an elegant an well executed cut and with no doubt one of the winners in this album. Thunder In Your Heart is a powerfull track with some bombastic keys, good backing vocals and with Lars, once again, showing what a astonishing singer is. And now we reach the absolute highlight of the album and with no doubt one of the songs of the year World Without Your Love, if we could turn back time 25 years this song sure would be a hit. From the first listening you'll notice the influence of When I See You Smile by Bad English. This song was written by a magic duo, Bruce Gaistch and Richard Marx and the execution is fantastic making of this song a gem, in this case production is great with thunderous piano and mellow keys combined with awesome vocals and smooth backing vocals... no more words, just listen it.
Another important cut is No End In Sight that reminds, specially in the last part, of Savage Blue by Bad English.
The rest of the album keeps the same vibe with the exception of Say Goodbye a more acoustic track but brilliant and with special mention to Over And Over Again a mid-tempo that becomes another highlight.

In summary, good and catchy debut album with some memorable cuts but sometimes with weak production and sound specially reflected in piano and guitars, but anyway totally recommended.

Best Tracks (in order of preference):

World Without Your Love
Over And Over Again
Center Of My Universe
No End In Sight
Say Goodbye 

This album is worth of 4.5 out of 5 ROCKS!!!