Figure X-71
Lab Report
Invisible
Recorded in one day with no overdubs, this one sounds like the band took a bunch of acid and went wild in the studio. Welcome to their trip. It's almost scary. For god's sake don't play it too loud, you might encounter a flashback from some dead hippie, circa 1967. (BB)
 
Burnin'
Patti LaBelle
MCA
This is probably her most solid album ever, hands down. With each note and nuance it's clear that she's singing from the bottom of her toes and really means it. There's never a feeling that real soul took a back seat to tasteless commercialism. Immensely enjoyable and highly recommended. (SC)
 
Ingenue
k.d. lang
Sire
She's usually thought of as a country artist, but this time k.d. stretches her musical boundries to new horizons. This will probably shock fans of her countryfied work but it's sure to win her leagues of new devotees. Well produced and brilliantly performed, Ingenue is a must have. (SC)
 
My Time Will Come
Hubert Laws
MusicMasters
This is the 19th album he's released since his 1958 debut and the first new recording in seven years. In 1986 he stopped recording to be a house-husband and help raise two children. During that time he practiced in his home studio and wrote these seven tunes. It's like he never left. (SC)
 
Restless
Kevin Lee & The Lonesome City Kings
MCA
No frills rock and roll served up by an outfit from Chicago. If you can imagine a bad Bon Jovi imitation (and who would want to?) you've got these guys pegged. Then again, if you like this kind of stuff, and many do, this will be right up your alley. (BB)
 
Wine, Women & Waltz
Adrian Legg
Relativity
This disc could be construed as either a greatest hits package or a sampler. The ten songs here were taken from each of this guitar virtuoso's three Relativity albums. (three were re-recorded for this disc) After you've heard the whole thing, you'll want to hear everything he's ever performed. Now. (SC)
 
Nobody's Home
Duke Levine
Daring Records
Who is he? I Dunno. (No bio info.) What's he sound like? Well, let me tell ya... All the cuts are instrumentals and tasty playing abounds. The music has a range of flavors, bluegrass, jazz and blues. Either way, it'll put a smile on your face and more than satisfy. (CS)
 
Coterie
Levitation
Capitol
Ahh, those were the days. When 'psychedelic space music' was in our midst. If you missed it the first time around, never fear. It's back in the form of "Levitation." Clamorous yet mesmerizing, like the prototype "space" bands, "Can" and "Hawkwind," with the added touch of early U2 styled riffing. (SC)
 
Need For Not
Levitation
Capitol
Ahh, more "psychedelic space music" from one of the only bands currently practicing this genre. If you've never heard this kinda stuff before, you may be taken unawares and wonder what's going on. Never fear, after a listen or two you'll want to get out the strobe lights and smoke bombs. (SC)
 
Sense
The Lightning Seeds
MCA
This reminds me of some of the "synth-pop" bands of the early '80s. Surprisingly there's lots more substance and much less synth found here than you may be accustomed to, which is a good sign. But not enough to result in an album worth wearing out from overplaying. 'Nuff said. (SC)
 
What You See Is What You Get
Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
Alligator
He's the nephew of the late slide guitar legend, J.B. Hutto. Need I say more? As a teenager he studied guitar, bass and drums under the supervision of his uncle. It goes without saying, he learned his lessons well. Steaming Chicago Blues with a heavy boogie influence. It's hot. (SC)
 
The Georgia Peach
Little Richard
Specialty
Phew. Twenty five carefully remastered tunes in one boppin' package. All the classic hits and a few singles that didn't quite make the charts. Almost an hour's worth from the self proclaimed inventor of Rock and Roll. One of many recent reissues from an essential '50s R&B label. Stay tuned. (SC)
 
Watching You
Lost City
Scotti Brothers
What do you get when the offspring of two '60s rock superstars form a band? It's not as bad as you may think. Kofi Baker (son of Ginger Baker) and Malcolm Bruce (son of Jack Bruce) have assembled a group that sounds surprisingly good. Hard rock with a solid melodic base. (CS)
 
No Absolute Time
Jean-Luc Ponty
Atlantic Jazz
Picking up where his last album left off, Ponty immerses himself in the rhythms of Africa with pleasing results. The album's ten cuts last nearly an hour (the longest "Savannah" checks in at 9:19) and are quite refreshing. If you've written him off, this may be the time for rediscovery. (BB)
 
Pianomagic
Bobby Lyle
Atlantic
The title of this disc says it all. If you like jazzy piano riffs unincumbered by the rest of the band, this one's for you. Lyle plays with a fresh, uninhibited style that retains the feel of tradition while exploring new melodic avenues. And his piano sounds great. (SC)
 
Secret Island
Bobby Lyle
Atlantic Jazz
More comfortable jazz from an exceedingly listenable keyboard player. This is nice stuff. Just the thing for your next fancy dinner party or when you need to relax after a tough day at work. Smooth, unobtrusive and awash with spirit. There's even a jazzy version of Bob Marley's tune,"Jammin." (CS)
 
(SC) Stephen Curtis
(BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland
(CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney

Index

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