A Tribute To Chris Cornell

It’s been almost a week since our world was turned upside down when we woke up to the news that Mr. Chris Cornell had passed away. My brother had sent me an early text and when I opened it I was bracing for bad news, I thought it was something to do with my immediate family. It turns out it was very sad news and even though I never met Mr. Cornell, I considered him part of my family and have been grieving since. And I mean this with no disrespect because recently there have been many artists who have passed on with just as much shock and disbelief—this untimely finality is something that I am having a hard time shaking. For me (and I was born one year after Chris), the lyrics to “American Pie” by Don McLean have never hit me the way it did last week- “…when I read about his widowed bride… something touched me deep inside… the day the music died.” My heart aches for his wife, children, family & friends.

How can someone I never met have an impact on my life? It’s easy—music. His music (along with much help he had along the way with his various bandmates) was injected into my blood stream in late 1994 and became essential for me almost as much as food & water. “Superunknown” was released in March 1994, I had heard so much buzz about this album that I ran out to the local store in Ringwood N.J. and I purchased it, put it on and subsequently tossed it to the bottom of the pile of CD’s that I owned. I wanted to go back to the store clerk and tell him the buzz was not worth it. But as it goes, I was sadly mistaken because a few months later (and since that time), I have held the belief that “Superunknown” was by far the best album of the 1990’s and in my opinion is one of the greatest albums ever recorded in the history of music. I was all in and just like when I boarded the “band-wagon” late for Metallica, I went back through Soundgarden’s catalog and embraced it all.

I remember the first time I saw Soundgarden as a headliner at the New York Armory in June 1994, there were no windows, no air-conditioning and to give you an idea of just how hot it was, the NYC subway system was a breath of cool air when the show was over, if you can believe that. I was there by myself and remember wanting to get as close as I could to the stage to see this man with the golden voice—who sings like Chris Cornell? Are you kidding me, no one comes close. I wanted to body surf but with a baby coming in December and no one else there to save me, I decided to move closer. I set up shop near the right speaker—dark as well you know what—and then here it is—“Jesus Christ Pose”—the screeling (is this a word?) sound of the guitar, the pattering of drums sounding like they are coming in nine different directions as the crowd starts to body slam each other with such force I knew I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. Then this high pitched voice comes screaming through the microphone—“And you stare at me…in your Jesus Christ Pose”— there he is—Chris Cornell—closest I ever came to meeting him in person. And like he was for me since that time- a larger than life figure, he simply took over the room with his vocal prowess and I’m thinking he could have commanded us to do what he wanted because we were under his spell. You could smell, taste and feel the energy in the room similar to that of a vicious tornado ripping through your town and despite the absolute craziness going on around me, I was at home.

Two years later “Down on the Upside” is released and I am thinking that there is no better band on the planet. The first time I heard Chris’s vocals on-“Burden in my Hand”—I knew I would follow him anywhere, including a desert because I was thirsty for more. The passion in his voice is something to behold and despite the dark lyrics on most of his tunes, I was drawn to its beauty- yes beauty. Now many would say how can something bleak be beautiful? I asked the same question and then Chris Cornell came into the picture and I never asked that question again. Like many families which experience turmoil, the Soundgarden members were stressing & fighting as the bar they created rose to a level that was probably too much to take and then…I will never forget the day- April 9, 1997—I hear on the radio that Soundgarden has broken up. What? How can they? A part of me died on that day, no exaggerating.

As I stumbled from the news, wondering where I was going to get my Chris Cornell fix from there was news that he was working on his first solo album- “Euphoria Morning”- and it was to be released in the fall of 1999. During that year I made some huge personal maneuvers including leaving a company I never thought I would leave as well as moving away from Ringwood N.J. which had become some much of a home, just like Brooklyn N.Y. because it was “family” to me. As I settled into a new job and a new state (CT) Cornell’s first solo album is released and I will tell you that his album helped me adjust to my new life. He had to adjust to life without Soundgarden and his first solo effort solidified that he could move forward on his own two feet and you may not believe it but that inspired me to move forward with the changes I had made.

His music continued to inspire me because of the deep lyrics (and for those who know me I am typically not a lyric guy) which if you looked closely there are signs of beauty through the darkness. “When I’m Down” is the perfect example—when I heard this I did not move, I was frozen—here is such a deep song that is seemingly depressing –“…I only love you when I’m down… I’m only near you when I’m gone…” However, he lets her know—“…one thing for you to keep in mind, you know… that I’m down… all the time..” This is a dark beautiful tribute that tugs at the heart. As a side note, I was able to see Chris perform this song at the Town Hall Theater in NYC in 2011 and I felt like I was lifted off the ground to hear him sing it the way it appeared on the album. I had tears in my eyes that night and then last Thursday morning as I was watering my lawn looking up to the sky wondering why or how this could happen. (And again thinking about his wife & children).

After “Euphoria” I waited patiently for the follow up album which did not come for a while as he hooked up with the members of Rage Against the Machine to form Audioslave. This combination produced some excellent songs over the three album history but for me it wasn’t the same. I wanted Chris to be the solo artist that I knew he was- different, unassuming, not pretentious, melodic with lyrics that hit your heart. Home is where the heart is, heart is where the home is.

As with friends or even family one loses touch as one learns to adjust to things that the heart wants but is not having for some reason that is out of one’s control. I waited and was rewarded with the unbelievable release- “Higher Truth”- in Sept. 2015 which took me back home again. They say that a fine wine takes time and it is worth the wait when it is a diamond in the rough. As soon as I heard “Let Your Eyes Wander” there was a feeling of warmth that took over my body just like a hot cup of cocoa or soup on a windy snowy cold day. I knew I never had to read any other reviews on this album because I knew this was something that was waiting to come out of Chris for a long-time and is a masterpiece, in my mind.

Chris, if you can hear me through my tears, please know how much your music meant to me and at least I have your songs to keep me moving forward. If your wife & children could hear me please know that my heart bleeds for them and I wish I could take all the pain away. They say time heals wounds and this will take some time. I know your heart is in their hearts. Again- home is where the heart is, heart is where the home is. Thank you for always taking me back home and maybe we will meet at another home someday.

Kansas- An Old Flame Rekindled…Who Says You Can’t Go Back Home?

Maybe Paul Stanley has it right by saying that the entity of KISS will “carry on wayward” with a new “son” taking their places when they are no longer able to front the “hottest band in the world.” He has said many times he wants what he and the other three original members created a long time ago with their love, blood, sweat & tears to live on in infamy with “replacements” who also must be engulfed in the passion of what has been constructed while breathing life into the next generation of the band so that the established fan base will continue to add to its members while treasuring the tradition of that KISS sound. Instead of being upset on who is not in the lineup maybe we should all focus our attention on how this band continues to move forward while maintaining the hunger of its craft. And KISS is not the only band that continues on with new members (but seem to catch the most grief) there are plenty of others who continue on the tradition of their sound- Allman Brothers and Metallica- to name a few. And then there is the band called Kansas.

 

Kansas to the general public has and most likely will always be recognized by their two greatest hits–“Carry On” and “Dust in the Wind’—and those songs will always remain as legendary and revered as they are now. But for the Kansas brethren, time changes with brilliant musicianship along with powerful vocals, classic melodies are part of the reason this band will always be considered as one of the leaders of what is often referred to as the progressive genre.  Personally I am not concerned with “labels,” it always has and will always be about the music for me. And oh my Kansas makes music which takes you on a joyous magical journey which is now in its fifth decade.

 

Recently the band added Mr. Ronnie Platt as vocalist after the legendary Steve Walsh retired from the band in 2014. Now there is no replacing Mr. Walsh or Kerry Livgren  or Robby Steinhardt or Dave Hope, the “original” recipe of the band which still also includes two original members, Phil Ehart and Rich Williams. No one expects Mr. Platt to live up to the bar that Mr. Walsh set as he has to be considered one of the all-time great vocalists ever. (And by the way Mr. Steinhardt was no slouch on vocals as well and in my opinion doesn’t get the full credit he deserves as a singer, we all know the accolades he receives as musician, specifically his violin play).

 

Over the past 18 months I have seen Kansas live four times in N.Y. and Connecticut and I will tell you the Mr. Platt puts the needed passion and respect that is expected from all Kansas fans into his performances. This guy has “it” which comes shining through as he looks like he is having the time of his life being on stage with the music of his life- which is Kansas- just like it is for us fans. And now he has created new Kansas music (the Sept. 23 2016 release of “The Prelude Implicit”) which in my opinion ranks up there as one of their best albums without the “original ingredients” and dare I say one of their best efforts ever. This Kansas dish also includes a new ingredient (new to the fan base but not to the current members of the band)- Mr. Zak Rizvi- who in my opinion has contributed greatly to the original flare of what we came to love but also has added a spice which has made this legendary band sound fresh with “current” structures which explode into your headphones and you’re sitting there saying- “this is the best album of 2016 period!!” This album has everything a Kansas fan is looking for—you want a majestic epic, it’s there- see “The Voyage of Eight Eighteen”- or how about a microcosm of everything Kansas -see “Summer.” There are 10 new songs which will leave you pleading for more as you won’t believe how stunningly good this album is.

 

Now it has to be mentioned that two gentlemen who also love the music of Kansas and have greatly contributed to its success and they are Mr. Billy Greer (joined in the mid 1980’s) and Mr. David Ragsdale (joined in 1991). They both keep the spirit of Kansas alive and keep the blood flowing with their stupendous musicianship- which again is what makes Kansas so great. Their work on ‘Prelude’ is also something to behold- Mr. Ragsdale violin playing will have you drifting off into another world, the same world which Robby took you. Another recent addition, Mr. David Manion will blow you away with his keyboard acumen. And then what I would refer to as the “power” section of the band- Mr. Williams guitar playing along with Mr. Rizvi will knock you off your feet. And what else can be said of Mr. Ehart? His drumming skills are unreal and he has always known when to make that exclamation point or when to sound like a note- how many drummers play a “note?”- Phil does!!

 

Normally I would go through each song one by one and describe what it means to me but in this review, I will say that every new song on this album is fantastic—I could go on and on about it. One thing to reflect on when you purchase this album- track #9- ‘Crowded Isolation’ could arguably be the “best” song on the album and it is ninth!! Are you kidding me?

 

I want to thank the current members of Kansas for taking me back home to the new future of this legendary band and rekindling the love I have for their music. I have the best times when I see them live and I for one would not be disappointed if when I see them the next time they performed this album in its entirety—there are no fillers here. I can’t stop listening to it.

 

An Appreciation of Scott Weiland

As I think back to the late 1980’s with MTV at its height of popularity with hair bands and rap stars totally dominating the air waves of this now faded cable station, I realize now that a change was needed because it was nauseating to see the same Poison or Winger video for the 10^th time in one day. That’s the way it was and despite most people thinking that MTV was the greatest thing since sliced bread, again one knew something was going to change. And then it was… Nirvana turned MTV on its head as Tom Petty once said not only did it knock those hair-bands off the air but it almost seemed like a whole genre was wiped out, never to be heard from again except recently with the advent of outdoor festivals which like a Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Brother circus rides through a town every summer and reminds those of us who are of age, what it used to be like.

The genre of “grunge” basically blanketed the earth with its dark lyrics, gloomy guitar riffs with a heaviness that some of us riding the “hair-band” float gravitated towards as it was something different, (something scary to be honest) and the glamour in the music and videos disappeared into thin air like one’s breath on a cold winter’s day. The playing field was leveled to just Nirvana. But just as flowers bloom every spring, here comes Pearl Jam on to the horizon and seemingly just behind them is Soundgarden and Alice-In-Chains (“AIC”). Some people may have a different order of who came first but we all agree that these were the four bands that now popularized the grunge era.

So now enter two brothers- Dean and Robert DeLeo creating those “STP” riffs we are all know within a few seconds of hearing their music, along with Eric Kretz on drums and the man called Scott Weiland who release an album called “Core” in 1992. We all knew from the first 15 seconds of “Dead and Bloated” with only the vocals of Mr. Weiland that there was a new entrant into the world of grunge with an exclamation point! We should all open our arms and let them in, right? But no, for reasons I still don’t understand today, they were criticized heavily from every direction that they sounded too much like Pearl Jam or AIC. As we all know decades later that there is a clear difference between the music that Pearl Jam makes (made) and the Stone Temple Pilots, there is no arguments anymore on that front. And I could never understand why the new kid on the block was like the can one used while playing the childhood game of “kick the can”- from every angle they were kicked like a crushed can but thankfully this band had the fortitude and hunger to separate itself from the pack earning their stripes to the point where they are now considered as one of the pioneers of this genre we call “grunge.”

Where were you the first time you heard-“Sex Type Thing?”- you knew you had to find out who this voice was and the band that created these electrifying guitar riffs. Like a dog that smells a piece of liver we searched and pounced on this classic album which is still selling today to add to its eight times platinum status, making it the bands’ most sought after album. Three minutes and forty seconds of pure head banging bliss that keeps you thirsting for more. Who is this guy singing? We finally see the band behind the music and say how can a guy that skinny possess the vocals that he does? What? Are you kidding me? Next comes “Wicked Garden” and if those were the only three songs on the album, it was an instant classic in my mind—not too many albums with a one-two-three punch that Core packs. But of course it does not end there as anthems such as “Creep” and of course, arguably their most popular song ever-“Plush” puts them in a rarified air as “Core” is arguably the greatest album of the 1990’s. (By the way- “Crackerman” is my most favorite on Core). I was in- no turning back- I became instant fan and hoped that the band would not listen to all the noise coming from its distracters. Carry on boys and so they did.

“Purple” is released in 1994 and I knew I couldn’t wait for it and of course it does not disappoint. The driving “Meatplow” leads into one of their classics still today-“Vasoline”- which Scott performed at his last show with the Wildabouts just about a week ago. Then “Interstate Love Song” which was referred to by the NY Times yesterday as almost a country song today but we all know is still an anthem where we all sing along. In their first album and a half- STP had stadium anthems that are played endlessly on the radio still to this day. Purple is where Scott’s lyrics and songs started to sink into me and leave an impact in my life which will never die. “Still Remains” was released into my bloodstream and to this day keeps the blood flowing—“pick a flower, hold your breath and drift away”—which is exactly what I do when I hear this song. The passion and magic that he puts into the vocals is really the first song from them that knocks me out. And then “Pretty Penny”—c’mon who would have thought a grunge/alternative band would put out a song like this? These two songs, like cement being poured into a house foundation, reached into my soul and never let go.

At the time of their third album- “Tiny Music..” it became apparent that Scott was having issues with drugs and the band had to cancel most of their tour for that album- which I believe is a good album but was missing that “Pretty Penny” sound that infiltrated my body. Then in 1999, STP releases “No. 4” and wow they are back—back with a vengeance and arguably their best effort ever. The opening licks to “Down” grabbed me by the throat and made me stand up and pay attention. They were back, I was back—Scott’s opening vocals- “Pleased to meet you..nice to know me” was like the carrot aroma that made Bugs Bunny sleep walk in the air as the smell took him to the “Core.” I could go on for days about “No. 4” but the songs that I believe everyone needs to have in their music library is “Church on Tuesday” “Heaven & Hot Rods” “Sour Girl” and “I Got You”- with the last two mentioned as arguably two of the best songs that Scott has ever created. “Sour Girl” takes me to another stratosphere and is on my top 25 songs ever- his vocals are stupendous, there are no words for it. His music, along with his bandmates, has made my life better. “I Got You” – wow how personal is this song- brings tears to my eyes as I listen and type to try and capture the pure beauty of a dark situation—how can I love this so much when it is so dark? The passion and humanity in his voice is something that only a few in this world can put into a song, it gives me goose bumps as I ponder the situation.

Then in 2002, the album that forever changed my life -“Shangri-La-Dee Da”-and I can’t thank this band enough for making this gem. Now most of the fan base ran away from this album because it was too “poppy” or whatever. Instead of embracing change and not wanting the same sound on every album (aka  “Kill ‘Em All” only Metallica fans) the album was cast aside like something one would put in their “junk draw.”  I always wondered what was wrong with “Days of the Week?” This song is fantastic and something one can’t get out of its head. The melody is infectious and you can’t help but sing along. But I want to get to the songs that changed my life forever—“Wonderful”- wow a song that is so powerful that the tears are streaming down as the lyrics get you right in the gut. Scott we will all hold on as you were the wonderful in everything that’s wonderful. “Black Again” is another amazing song that you need to familiarize yourself with. As the album comes to an end, he writes a song for his son-“Noah” in the heart warming “Song for Sleeping.” If anyone out that just had a baby boy this is the song for you. How can a grunge labeled band perform a song like this? This is why Mr. Weiland was such an amazing writer/singer/performer because he could blast them out with the best of them, then take it down like no other. These three songs are the best songs, in my opinion, that STP ever created and serve as a lifeline for me.

Mr. Weiland (and his bandmates) I’m not sure what my life would be without your music but I do know there would be a void. Scott, I didn’t know you personally but you made an impact in my life that you could have never known. I know I am not alone in that sentiment. Hopefully you are now at peace and my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Your music will fill our souls for generations to come.

Concert Review of Little Big Town at Irving Plaza NYC on Feb. 12, 2013

Review of Little Big Town at Irving Plaza NYC on Feb. 12, 2013

Little Big Town Lasso’s New York City

Fresh off their first Grammy win for best country group performance on Sunday night (finally! I have been screaming from the roof top for some time now about this magnificent quartet) and after taping the David Letterman earlier in the day, Little Big Town lassoed the standing room only (elbow meets elbow) crowd at Irving Plaza (picture trying to get on the #4 train at Grand Central station during rush hour) with sweet harmonizing vocals, that this side of town has never heard, along with a powerful display of energy that everyone could tell was real and left the audience gasping for more and I think they will need a bigger rope (and venue) to capture the clamoring fans who absolutely love this hard working band. Somehow Little Big Town seems to fly under the radar (and I can’t figure out why) and I know they wouldn’t say this but I’ll say it for them- they are the best vocal group in country music (and have been for the past 10 years) or any other kind of music genre, I don’t want to limit it to country music. Upon leaving Irving Plaza, I now know that seeing them live is better than listening to their studio recordings and I realize that is hard to believe with their unbelievable voices, but it is true.

After a splendid opening set from newcomer Kacey Musgraves, who according to Karen Fairchild, is set to explode whether she knows it or not, the buzz in the air was similar to a rodeo where both the bull and riders’ adrenaline are riding high. It was dark for at least five minutes after the crew applied its finishing touches to the stage and then one by one the audience can see shadowy figures entering the elevated platform for the herd on the floor. The gate is opened and the rider (audience) and bull (LBT) explode at the same time and they both remain at the elevated adrenaline for the entire 100 minutes of the show.

Karen, Kimberly, Phillip and Jimi are all larger than life from my vantage point and they are accompanied by three additional musicians, who kept the engine roaring throughout. This is the “Tornado” tour and they did lift, spin and toss the audience into a frenzy but there were tender moments where one felt like they were listening to a song all by themselves in their car. I could not believe the energy in the air, it was so infectious that had there been any room to move, line dancing would have started immediately. Irving Plaza turned into one big karaoke bar as everyone was singing along- not as great as LBT-but how could anyone who attends their shows, not sing along? It’s impossible.

Highlights from the show (the whole show was a highlight…but if I had to pick) for me was “Your Side of the Bed” “Sober” “and “Can’t Go Back.” Karen and Jimi did an awesome job of singing a song that doesn’t seem to depict their marriage with “Your Side of the Bed”- it was an unbelievable moment and yet the words to the song do not represent the love that you could sense between them as well as the other members of the band. Little Big Town turns a sad song into an experience that sends shivers down your spine but you end up smiling- I know it doesn’t make sense- but you have to see and feel it for yourself. “Sober” was incredible as Kimberly took the lead and when they all blended together- again it is something that no other vocal band can match. “Can’t Go Back” was an “outer body experience”- I really felt I was all by myself watching them up on the stage singing what could arguably be their best recording ever- it was a feeling that I never wanted to end. Now of course, the two encores- “Tornado” and “Boondocks” brought the house down but for me encores are automatic highlights.

The band did almost every song from “Tornado” (absent “Night Owl”) and sprinkled in hits like “Shut Up Train” “Little White Church” “Bring It on Home” and “A Little More You.” Prior to doing their “Scattered, Smothered and Covered” set- LBT performed a masterful version of “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac. They caught me by surprise with a jaw dropping cover of John Mayer’s “Born & Raised.” The cover set was pure fun with the band putting their spin on songs by Maroon 5, Lady Gaga and Fun.

I want to thank the members of Little Big Town (including the backing band) for a night that I will never forget- this show ranks up in my top ten shows of all time. The 2012 calendar year was a special year for Little Big Town and I hope they ride this wave of recent success to the stardom levels that they deserve. They have put in their blood, sweat & tears for the past 13 years and deserve your attention. Like I have said for the past seven years, this band is the best vocal band in the world and they proved it last night in a little old town called New York City. Cheers!!!

Review of “Rebel Soul” by Kid Rock released on Nov. 19, 2012

Review of “Rebel” by Kid Rock released on November 19, 2012

Mention the words- “Kid Rock”- and the reaction is swift- in one corner there are those who love him and others will tell you to go sit in a corner – akin to giving a child a “time out.” There is no in-between, right? The Kid has released his ninth album (yes you read it correctly, his ninth) and if one scours the internet or I-Tunes (is there anyone else wondering why this in’t a big story- try and find it on the internet, there is nothing about it), the reviews are split right down the middle: love and hate. I often wonder if much of the criticism leveled is directed at him personally and not towards the music he makes because in my opinion, if given a chance, his musicianship and vocals are actually credible. Are there “chorus driven” songs? Yes but ask Springsteen fans to not sing along for three hours and see the reaction you’d get. “Rebel Soul” is all about the Kid and in my opinion is his “break-out” album especially after doing his “Rubin”-controlled “Born Free” which tried to change what Kid Rock is all about. You can’t contain what for him comes naturally- rockin’ & rappin’- and making music that moves him. Oh yes- he wants you to join the party but even if no one showed up, he’d have his Twisted Brown Trucker band-mates and jam to the music that embodies his rebel soul.

“Chickens in The Pen” starts off with a slow funky blues driven groove that makes you want to close your eyes and slowly dance around the room- the tune seeps into your bloodstream and before you know it you are belting out- “And do it again now…and do it again now.” (the only thing I could have done without is the autotune towards the end of the song-isn’t that dead yet?). “Let’s Ride” is the arena driven song dedicated to the troops and one has to admit the hook is undeniable and you will be singing along in no time with the thousands of fans at his next show. He adds the “Uh uh uh oh ooh wo” for additional emphasis- sort of like when Van Halen fans raise their fists and sing- “Hey-Hey-Hey” in the classic “Ain’t talking About Love” song.“3 CATT Boogie” is probably my favorite song on the album- it sounds like a party in the background and I can just picture the recording room when they cut this track, it had to be a blast. This song has the infamous “hand-claps” so you know it is just pure fun. “I bought a chevy in Idaho…Hey where I’m headed.. I don’t know.” Listen to the way he pronounces the word situation- “and Wall Street is stirring up the whole sit-chee-A-tion.” I love it!! If this song doesn’t move you, then you don’t have any rebel soul. “Detroit, Michigan”- I know is there any album that he records that doesn’t make a reference to his hometown? But again-“if it’s real, you’ll feel it” and one has to feel this tune. Come on, this has to get you out of your seat and clap your hands- who cares if you are dancing like an older relative that people make fun of when they are a wedding sitting in their seats waiting for the cold coffee and dessert. Did you see him perform this at the half-time at the Detroit Lions home game on Thanksgiving? When George Clinton came out and joined them in the dance fest I fell over and said to my boys- “who is cooler than Kid Rock??!”

The title track has that Bob Seger feel to it and at first it really didn’t hit me but after a few turns it has grown on me to the point where I can picture being in a muscle car with the top down headed to the beach singing- “Rebel Soul.” I like the bridge where the tune takes a turn sort of like a piece of paper being blown up in the air by a strong burst of wind- the kid can sing- listen to this track and you’ll see (hear) what I’m talking about. The beginning guitar riffs for “God Save Rock and Roll” reminds me of the Kiss song- “Let me go, rock and roll.” The Kid is giving Kiss and AC/DC a run for their money in using the words “rock and roll” in his song titles. The tune starts off a bit slow but turns into a foot stomping, hand clapping country laced rock and roll fun time song but watch out for the “out of the blue” F-bomb towards the end. (While you are dancing head over to the kids and hold their ears). The middle of the album takes a slight turn as the songs become less memorable than the first half of the disc. “Happy New Year” is a song that almost made me hit the next button but again after a few turns it will grow on you. “Celebrate” is a good song with a catchy groove but you’ll wonder if you have heard it already. “The Mirror” in my opinion, is the least desirable song on the album-I’m not sure why Kid used the “auto-tune” to mask his vocals- it’s like this should have been used on his first few albums when people didn’t think he could sing. He can and this track takes a step backwards. Track 9- “Mr. Rock and Roll” will get you out of your seat and you’ll be “air-guitaring” and “air-piano-ing” in no time.

The album ends on a strong note with the final four songs- “Cucci Galore” could be my second favorite song on the album- I know what you’re thinking- you like this song? No, I love it- the groove is so silky smooth and it has loud guitars- what’s not to like? I can’t get the chorus out of my head. The female singer on this track is “off the hook”- love it. But again- be aware of the big “F-bomb” and other curses- not for the faint of heart. The country rock comes flying right back with –“Redneck Paradise”- and I’ll just say one thing- I wish I could sing it like Mr. Rock- this is way too cool. You’ll feel like you are in a saloon ordering up a Jim Beam in no time. “Cocaine and Gin” could possibly be the best Kid Rock song he has recorded. I know what you are thinking- how could a song containing the words cocaine and gin be a good tune? If you give it a chance and let it sink in you’ll be amazed- this is a “wrap your arms around the ones you love” and sway back and forth and let the music take you away. Way to go Kid- this is a masterpiece in my opinion. The album ends on a high note with ‘Midnight Ferry’- I don’t want to get too crazy but this could be the second best song that Kid Rock has ever recorded. This is “old school” style with an addictive chorus that will have you clapping your hands with the beat and then clapping for applause when it ends- this song is awesome!!!

“Rebel Soul” gets back to what Kid Rock is all about- you can’t contain him- you can’t box him in to one genre. I find it amazing that the critics want him to be what they want him to be. He likes all kind of music and pulls in these influences and turns into his own- what’s not to like? I like rock and roll, country, soul, rap and totally get where Kid Rock is coming from and believe me I am staying on this ride wherever it takes me. Put another quarter in the juke box and turn it up!!!