Sly Stone - I'm Back! Family & Friends

Sly Stone - I'm Back! Family & Friends

2011, Cleopatra Records

August 16, 2011 is the day that Sly Stone makes his grand return.  I'm Back! Family & Friends is Stone's first new album since 1982, and finds him collaborating with the likes of Ray Manzarek (The Doors); Ann Wilson (Heart), Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck and Bootsy Collins. 

With little new to offer, I'm Back! Family & Friends relies on some of Stone's most cherished songs.  "Dance To The Music" gets updated with the subtle help of Ray Manzarek, capturing the catchy, danceable magic of Stone's heyday.  "Everyday People" is solid.  Ann Wilson's guest vocal is solid, but the part she takes up is fairly mundane.  "Family Affair" gets a solid update, while Carmine Appice & Ernie Watts lend their instrumental expertise to the inspired but messy "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)."  Jeff Beck sits in on "(I Want To Take You) Higher", providing some flashy fretwork in the process.  Bootsy Collins adds some style to "Hot Fun In The Summertime" without greatly changing the flavor of the original.

The rest of the collection features mixes of "Dance To The Music" (2), "Family Affair" and "Thank You", as well as one-offs "Plain Jane", "Get Away" and "His Eye Is On The Sparrow", making the collection seem as it is, a retread of past hits updated for today.

I'm Back! Family & Friends is likely to appeal to long time Sly Stone fans, but other than the names of those sitting in with Stone and some new dance mixes, has little to offer to anyone who already has the original recordings.  Sly Stone's voice certainly isn't what it once was, and I'm Back! Family & Friends plays like a cynical effort by Cleopatra records to extract cash by repackaging old songs in new clothes.  The songs are familiar and loved by many, but available too many other places to plunk your money down for this collection.

Rating: 2 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Sly Stone at www.slystonemusic.com or www.slystone.com.  I'm Back! Family & Friends drops on August 16, 2011.  You can pre-order the album through Amazon.com on CD, Vinyl, or as a Download.

Lily Sparks - Cooper Cobra

Lily Sparks - Cooper Cobra
2010, Lily Sparks

Get out your studded leather pants and oversized shirts. 1980's rock n roll is back with a vengeance, and New York City quartet Lily Sparks is leading the charge. Laying down a classic rock n roll sound is the mission of Lily Sparks, who have been creating sparks on the New York City Indie scene for two years now. Lead vocalist Niamh (pronounced "neev") is a product of Ireland; a classically trained vocalist who can go from a whisper to a scream in nothing flat. Niamh has sung everything from classical to rock to musical theatre, but seems most at home on stage between the two glitter guitars of Lily Sparks. Nikki 7 plays rhythm and lead guitar; the product of The Berklee College Of Music has been seen around NYC in the past with bands such as Cherry Red, Soap Opera Villain, The Mynks and Fluffy. KG* star wields the other glitter guitar in Lily Sparks, and has her roots in the punk scene. In their two years together Lily Sparks have gone from occasional gigging to headlining Webster Hall and even won the East Coast Finals of the Emergenza Festival. This won them a trip to perform at the Taubertal Music Festival in Germany, where Niamh won the award for Best Vocalist. Lily Sparks put their sound on the record for the first time in 2010 with the EP Cooper Cobra.

Cooper Cobra opens with "Stars", a classic rocker about the little things in life ("stars, guitars and muscle cars"). It's a great tune that could have been a top hit circa 1983 and would still get more than nominal interest from classic rock and AOR stations today. Niamh is indeed everything she's billed to be, with an unbelievable voice and the sex appeal of a confident lead singer. "Let Go" dials things down a bit as a charged invitation to intimacy. Niamh projects a sultry and confident vulnerability here that's surprising and adds an extra charge to the song. "Walk Away" is a dynamic rocker that looks back at an old relationship with longing and regret; A wish to return to what once was. Niamh belts and wails her way through this one in fine rock and roll fashion, treading the valley somewhere between Chrissie Hynde and Ann Wilson. "Where Are We Today" is a rueful revisit to where two former lovers are; and is perhaps a follow-up to "Walk Away". It's a solid track, but the weakest one on the EP. "The Girls" is a love song to New York City; and is likely to become a fan/concert favorite.

Lily Sparks has it all. Solid musicianship, a dynamic lead vocalist, a sound steeped in classic rock tradition and a vitality that keeps it fresh. While Cooper Cobra may sound dated to some, it's a sound that still speaks to an awful lot of people. The EP seems to engage the energy of Lily Sparks, but it seems likely that the energy you hear here is just the tip of the iceberg. Lily Sparks is a band you have to hear live to really believe. For those of you not in the tri-state area, Cooper Cobra is a more-than-acceptable stand-in for the real thing.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Lily Sparks at http://www.lilysparks.com/ or www.myspace.com/lilysparksrock.  Cooper Cobra is available from Amazon.com as either a CD or Download.  Downloads are also available from iTunes.

Review: Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes - 10,000 Things

Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes - 10,000 Things

2009, Divalicious Publishing

How does one go from the lead guitarist of a heavy metal band to a singer/songwriter/purveyor of edgy Adult Contemporary anthems and ballads? When you're New Mexico native Cristen Grey you realize all things are possible. The former guitarist for All Eyes spent time on the road opening for acts such as Quiet Riot and Cinderella, but always returned home for a dose of peace and quiet. In 2007, Grey struck out on her own, writing edgy and energetic adult pop with a knack for melody and a dusky alto voice that draws listeners in. Her new band, The Moving Dunes, is a perfect complement for Grey's edgy appeal, softening the edges and blurring the hard lines and leaving behind a cohesive group that is greater than the sum of its parts. The recorded fruition of this union is 10,000 Things, the debut album from Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes.

10,000 Things opens with So Much Better, a cascading Pop/Rock tune that celebrates the joy in finding that special someone and the perspective that can bring. So Much Better won Best Rock-Adult Contemporary Song at the 2008 New Mexico Music Awards for Grey and has strong commercial potential. Rock Bottom has a classic rock song feel; this is one of those rare tunes that transcends genre and rises above simple monikers such as Rock or Adult-Contemporary. Grey is a fabulous songwriter and Rock Bottom is a turn of genius. It's not overly complex; just a near-perfect Pop song. I Want The World draws on Grey's days as a heavy metal rockergrrrl, incorporating some guitar work with big crunch and interspersing with a Rolling Stones style breakdown. This one is more a treat for the ears than anything else.

Out Of Control is another pure Pop song with a Rock edge. Originally licensed for the Independent short film Bloodline, Out Of Control would have real chart potential with the right break. Grey's best overall vocal performance comes next on Bad Emotion (nominated for Best Mainstream Rock Song at the 2009 New Mexico Music Awards). The feel here is sort of an Ann Wilson meets Pat Benetar dynamic with some serious guitar work involved. Grey's other award winning song, Absolute (Best Rock-Adult Contemporary Song, 2007) is a halting gem that creates a sonic pun in contrast with its title. This melancholic ballad might be the most commercially viable tune on the disc (and there are several that qualify). I wouldn't be surprised to hear another artist pick this up and make a hit out of it down the road if Grey doesn't do so herself.

Now You Know has an anthemic feel to it, with a chorus that soars in muted tones and gorgeous vocal harmonies. Sonically this is my favorite song on the disc; a blues-tinged power ballad that's not far behind Absolute for best on the album status. You'll Believe is another song on the disc with hit potential written all over it. There's a definite Heart-like quality to the tune and Grey pours her all into the vocal line for a stellar performance. Grey shows a Country/Bluegrass side on Stir Up A Swarm, highlighting the power of misdirected words. The surprising show of versatility cements the album and artist's status as essential. Sticking with the southwest/country theme, Grey launches into the closing number, God Drove By In A Big Limousine. This musical bit of whimsy is about as entertaining as they come, inviting you to get up and dance and remember that it's all in fun.

As a reviewer it's hard to not have some kind of notion about an album when you pop it in to listen. There's cover art or a press release or buzz you've heard about the band that informs your listening experience. Sometimes this is a good thing, and sometimes not so much. I try to keep these pre-conceived ideas out of the review process, and for the most part it works. I have to admit, however, that when I popped in 10,000 Things I was expecting a whole lot. Former metal guitarist performing Adult-Contemporary music. Hmmmm. Much to my surprise, Christen Grey And The Moving Dunes turn in a dynamite performance on 10,000 Things. The band is incredible and deserve credit for helping Grey refine her talents, but the songwriting and distinctive voice and personality of Cristen Grey drive this project from start to finish. Grey is a talent; one of those individuals who could likely thrive in any genre she made the effort at. As a songwriter she has a gift for melody, rhythm and the turning of phrases. As a vocalist she has a smoky sound that waltzes the border between sultry, refined and earthy; occasionally dancing into one territory or another but never giving itself away. Make sure you take the time to get to know Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes. You won't regret it.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes at http://www.cristengrey.com/ or www.myspace.com/cristengreyandthemovingdunes. You can purchase 10,000 Things as either a CD or download from CDBaby.com.