But, as track three, it comes as an unexpected twist after the clever “business as usual” first two tracks. “Breakthrough” seems to me like the kind of killer radio-friendly track that a record company would demand as the first single. With that declaration of independence, and with their secession from the world’s madness, The Winery Dogs then shift direction and reveal the first two tracks to have been something of a head fake. Kotzen’s impassioned vocals seem to be taking an accusation (living clueless in Xanadu/Malibu) and flipping the accusation around as a badge of honor to be worn, as Kotzen makes it clear he (and the band) doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. Yet while we get more of such magic, we also get interesting new details on this album, like the startling jazz chords in “Mad World” or the unusually intriguing lyrics to “Xanadu” which shift and change even with the musical repetitions of the chorus. Their magical ability is to bring Richie Kotzen’s guitar and Billy Sheehan’s bass and Mike Portnoy’s drums together in astonishing acrobatic coordination, a higher realm of musical motion which only the true greats can access, like Alex and Geddy and Neil on “Free Will.” “Xanadu” and “Mad World” were the two pre-release singles, which led us to expect more of the same Winery Dogs virtuosity from their earlier albums. Because every track is a standout, I love them all, and I cherish those detailed special moments that each one of them contain for the dedicated listener. On the debut, for me those were: “Elevate,” “I’m No Angel,” “Not Hopeless,” and “Regret.” On Hot Streak, they were: “The Bridge,” “War Machine,” “Devil You Know,” and “The Lamb.”īut on this release, rather than pick favorite songs, I can only pick out favorite moments within the songs. The range of the band’s material was stunning, and while all of it was impressive, there were still standout tracks that clearly rose above the rest. On previous releases, I found myself picking out favorite songs. Its magnificence gets more and more impressive with each further listen. They flow inexorably, as the coherent whole of what I believe will eventually be recognized as a classic album, one even better than the merely rave reviews it has already been getting. What is worth noting here is that we have been given a solid album with ten songs that strongly lock together.
This time, however, we witness a truly jaw-dropping breakthrough. But the third album from The Winery Dogs is more than just charmed, because we have already heard undeniable magic on their first two albums.
0 kommentar(er)
