Rocket Science

Rocket Science

ASIN: B000053VI6

Track Listings

1. Saturn 5

2. Astro Chimp

3. Song Holy Hall

4. Rocket Science

5. Sojlevska

6. Mini Me

7. Space Camel

8. Moonshine

9. Cap 'N' Kirk

10. Econoline

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Ironically, there's not as much rocket science here in terms of hi-tech gear and virtuosic writing as there was on early 1990s Tribal Tech albums. But there's no shortage of the stratospheric activity we've come to expect from this most enduring and creative of fusion bands. That's particularly obvious in the stunning title track, which opens with a delightfully chaotic barrage of metallic, ring-modulated guitar from Scott Henderson, before being soundly underpinned by a solid funk groove from Gary Willis and Kirk Covington and building to a gloriously savage, demonic climax. (Lovers of Henderson's great blues album, Dog Party, will note that he doesn't fail to spotlight one of his mutts here.) Like TT's previous album, Thick, this one's based on studio jams, and if that results in a mite less color than in their composed works, the set shows we don't need the starship Enterprise to take us well out of this world. --Mark Gilbert

Tracks:

Shoulda Known Better
Celebration Song
Rescue Me
Save Me
She Says
Up All Night
Welcome to Oblivion
Seein' Red
Teenage Suicide
California Sky
Harmonic
Rest of My Life
Blame It on Me
How You Feel
Lonesome
Cailin
Shallow
Superman
C.P.K.

Customer Reviews:

What's the purpose of a re-recording?.......2007-01-24

The majority of these songs sound very similar to the originals or have been produced in a manner so that they do not sound as good as the originals. Although the sound quality has improved on this CD for their older work, the songs lack the impact and originality of the originals. I just don't particularly like the production of this new album although I still love the songs. I definitely recommend purchasing select songs (the new ones) instead of the entire album.

SUCH a bad idea.......2007-01-04

I'm going to try to keep this short, there's not much to really say about this CD. Unwritten Law has been on approximately 500 million labels through the years. Thus a true "greatest hits" is nearly impossible. So what we're left with is new recordings of songs that are almost 15 years old in some cases. I have heard CPK many, many times in my life, I've seen them perform it live many, many times in my life, but even Scott Russo, completely drunk on stage, is still better than this version. All of these new versions have lost their edge (seriously, what is with the "ooh oohs" in CPK?). Maybe I'm just old, and seeing these kinds of CDs makes me remember how much I once enjoyed a band, but at the same time, makes me remember why I gave up on their music in the first place. Enjoy the CD, but please listen to the originals to see how they were meant to be.

Worth the wait.......2007-01-03

Well, I've been waiting for this one since October when it was supposed to come out. It was worth the wait. Greatest Hits all redone. Some of the songs I like better than the originals ie Teenage Suicide, some of them sound about the same ie Up All Night and some of them need time to grow ie Shallow. None of them are bad. The 2 new tracks simply rock. Check this CD out, you won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

real country
The Byrd Is Back!
Super album
Different Things
Amazing Artist..Amazing CD...I'm A Proud Byrdwatcher!!

Different Things
Tracy Byrd
Manufacturer: Rocket Science
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000J103ZW
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Different Things
More I Feel Like Rockin'
She Was Smart
Cowboy and a Dancer
Biggest Thing in Texas
Just One Woman
Saltwater Cowboy
Cheapest Motel
Better Places Than This
Before I Die
Hot Night in the Country

Amazon.com

The Texas veteran returns with a release that shows considerable range, depth, and maturity, serving as a strong showcase for his soulful baritone. Though Byrd hit his commercial peak a decade ago, he's never recorded a more consistently engaging set of material than this. Among the highlights are the reflective title ballad, the evocation of perfect love on "Just One Woman," and the tale of a couple of weather-beaten romantics who take another chance on true love in "A Cowboy and a Dancer." Yet growing up hasn't meant going soft, as Byrd shows in the uptempo "The More I Feel Like Rockin'," the Western swing of "The Biggest Thing in Texas," and the barroom kiss-off "Better Places Than This." This isn't kids' stuff, but it's country music for adults who still like to let loose once in awhile. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

real country.......2007-05-07

Theres a lot of borderline country these days, especially up here in canada. so its nice to here what i would call country

The Byrd Is Back!.......2006-12-24

Tracy Byrd is back with his new album, "Different Things."

This is Tracy's first album released from his own label. After a long two year stint between albums, this new album has a few "Different Things" for his "ByrdWatchers."

The tune "The More I Feel Like Rockin'" gets you tappin' your feet and the swing of "Biggest Thing in Texas" reminds me of some of Tracy's older songs on albums from a few years back. The song "Saltwater Cowboy" has some funny lines in the tune, I especially like the opening line of "I look like a lobster wearing flip flops and a Stetson" as this reminds me of Kenny Chesney when he took his photo on the beach.

His answer to "Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo" is the song "Better Places Than This." In which the person in the song is getting thrown out of the bar...after he's probably had more than "Ten Rounds." He talks about being shown the door, hearing it all and "Hearing it all from his sweet angel's lips."

Although this album is different from his last few, this album is Tracy Byrd through and through. In fact he actually picked these songs to go on the album. This is not the typical album being released today from Nashville. Which is one of the reasons why this album should be part of your collection.

If you're a true Tracy Byrd lover, you need to buy this album.

Bill Roberts
TBFC

Super album.......2006-12-24

This is one of Tracy's better projects. The music is crisp and out of the mainstream "workshop style" country music. Two songs really stood out to me . . . "A Cowboy and a Dancer" and "Different Things." Definitely a good purchase. TBFC

Different Things.......2006-12-23

If you enjoy true counrty music this is the album for you!!!!! A great addition to your collection!!!
Stacey-Texas
"tbfc"

Amazing Artist..Amazing CD...I'm A Proud Byrdwatcher!!.......2006-12-23

Tracy Byrd is my all time number one favorite musical artist of all times. I've seen him in concerts, and I loved him. His music is great, and this cd is no different. Everyone needs to rush out and buy this one!

TBFC

Average customer rating:

Holzman's brave new album!!!!
Just buy it!
THIS CD ROCKS!
Winner of Jazz Rock World's best Cd of 2006

Jazz Rocket Science
Adam Holzman & Brave New World
Manufacturer: Nagel-Heyer Germany
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000BLI5HI
Release Date: 2005-10-21

Tracks:

Superhero
Life on Mars
Telltale Heart
Whole World Is Everywhere
Firewire
Level 3 Intro: Airlock
Level 3 Containment Suit
Maria Rain
Kadiddle Hopper
Kryptonite
Miles Runs the Voodoo Down

Customer Reviews:

Holzman's brave new album!!!!.......2006-06-18

There are thre reasons to get this disc:

Maria Rain (Awsome song, almost like Bill Cobhams Heather on Crosswinds album)

Super Hero (Holzman comes in soo sick at the end of the song. What a funked up song!!!

Kryptonite? (Holzman uses space so well on this album and this song)

Just buy it!.......2006-03-25

If you're a fan of fusion, this is a "must own" CD. I must admit to having just discovered Adam Holzman. I have now corrected my oversight by purchasing every CD he has ever issued. I have the same sentiment for his other works, just buy it!

THIS CD ROCKS!.......2005-12-13

This is the best album released this year. Period! When I first put on this CD, I played the INCREDIBLE opening track "Superhero" 10 times in a row. It was so deep, funky and nasty. I was worried to play the rest of the CD because I thought, "Nothing can possibly top this."

Well, I was wrong. Every single one of the 11 cuts on Jazz Rocket Science kicks butt!

Adam Holzman is the most innovative musician and composer on the scene today, and his brand new album Jazz Rocket Science is his best release to date (which is saying a lot). Hardly surprising, given the fact that Holzman was personally mentored by the world-famous jazz legend Miles Davis for more than 10 years.

As you may recall, jazz became modern, hard-hitting, funky and electric with Miles back in the late `60's. With "jazz fusion," the music began an evolutionary journey that fused rock, R&B and jazz into one powerful experience where anything could happen.

Then smooth jazz came along and contemporary jazz got watered down into sweet-as-a-toothache music for people in a dentist's office. BUT THIS CD HAS CHANGED THAT.

On Jazz Rocket Science, Holzman pays honor to Davis, his personal mentor. The music is bold and powerful. It delivers full-throttle funk, soulful melodies, gorgeous chords and brilliant improvisation. This is contemporary jazz the way it was meant to be: fresh, bold, exciting, aggressive, experimental and brilliant!

Jazz Rocket Science isn't just jazz. It's a creative and fresh take on countless music styles. It combines urban, funk, rock, hip-hop and jazz with cool lush keyboard riffs, deep throbbing basses, funky guitars, thumping drums and cool melodies. If your mouth isn't watering yet, it will be when you take a listen to the seriously hip tunes on this album!

You will not find any bland tracks on this CD. Every song is first rate. If Jazz Rocket Science doesn't wake you up, and make you a believer that there STILL IS GOOD MUSIC OUT THERE, then you may as well check yourself into the local retirement home right now.

HIGHLY RECOMMENEDED!!!

Winner of Jazz Rock World's best Cd of 2006 .......2005-11-07

========================================
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 7, 2006

JAZZ ROCK WORLD HAS AWARDED ADAM'S CD
THE BEST JAZZ ROCK FUSION CD OF 2006

After several dozen listenings since our original review,
it is strikingly clear that this Cd is by far the best release of 2006.
In fact, it may be the best Jazz Rock Fusion Cd in several years.

====================================

Songs:
1) Superhero (6:05)
2) Life on Mars (5:54)
3) The Telltale Heart (5:11)
4) The Whole World is Everywhere (3:44)
5) Firewire (5:21)
6) Level 3 Intro: Airlock (1:14)
7) Level 3 Containment Suit (4:06)
8 ) Maria Rain (6:26)
9) Kadiddle Hopper (5:43)
10) Kryptonite (for Herbie) (7:02)
11) Miles Runs the Voodoo Down (4:33)

Personnel:
Adam Holzman: keyboards
Aaron Heick: sax
Freddy Cash Jr.: bass
Mitch Stein: guitar
Alan Burroughs: guitar
Alex Elena: drums

Credits:
All songs by Adam Holzman except for
"Superhero" and "Firewire" by Adam Holzman, Alex Elena, and Mitch Stein
"The Whole World is Everywhere" and "Kadiddle Hopper" by Adam Holzman and Alex Elena
"Miles Runs the Voodoo Down" by Miles Davis

Nagel Heyer Records #2060
October 2005

Review:
"Adam Holzman is Jazz Rock's best kept secret" (and hopefully that will change). The Funk Guru of Jazz Rock has once again, since making one of Jazz Rock's all time best recordings "In a Loud Way" (1993) released another masterpiece that belongs in the Jazz Rock Hall of Fame.

While Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Jan Hammer, and Joe Zawinul are the traditional Jazz Rock keyboard household names, Adam truly should be too. Since gaining international exposure when he joined the Miles Davis Band in 1985, Adam has consistently been the voice of the "real" Jazz Rock Funk, speaking in an intelligent, articulate, and tasteful musical language.

For the lucky few that know of his work and followed his career, Adam has quietly released some of the best music ever made . Unlike Herbie, Chick, and Joe, Adam never had the luxury of a big record label behind him and consequently has been mired on the obscurity of the genre itself. Shame on the music business!

Another way to say that is that Adam has been true to himself and the music, an attribute all too rare these days. Adam has never fallen into the typical pitfalls of so many other Jazz Rock musicians that ultimately helped diminish the significance of Jazz Rock over the years. His music can't be categorized as "traditional", "too many notes", "technically skillful but lacking feeling", "yeah, he's a great musician, but so what, it doesn't do anything for me", "ok, he's got a lot of talent, but the compositions are boring", and all the rest of the negative Jazz Rock clichs.

Adam's music by contrast, is extremely accessible without being blaring, avante garde, or smooth (the "s" word in Jazz Rock). Adam has listened and learned from the best musicians in the world to create his own unique style that, while unfortunately has not been prolific, is nonetheless of extreme significance and he should be recognized for what he is - one of the greatest musicians of our times. (That's not too overboard, is it? It shouldn't be - it's the truth!).

Jazz Rocket Science is a seminole recording in every way and brings all of Adam's skills as a composer, bandleader, and keyboard player into extreme focus. There isn't a single moment of music on this recording that is disappointing or less than exceptional. In fact, I find it nearly impossible to find a single flaw in any regard, except maybe the lack of major exposure it deserves. I like to describe Adam's music as the sound of Tower of Power arranged by Miles Davis, and I can't think of anyone else that comes close to that description. Certainly a compliment of the highest degree.

Jazz Rocket Science has it all. Fantastic musicianship that has the funk and the groove going in high gear, yet totally accessible. The compositions still amaze me, after dozens of listenings. Deep rich melodies, tasteful and stylish musical structure, highly skilled and perfectly played throughout by all the musicians on board. Every note is significant and bears up under close listening. There's nothing wasted, no overplaying, and seems to be perfectly carved out of the harmony of the universe. I get the distinct feeling that this music is so incredible in its simplistic complexity that it reminds me of how the great artist Michelangelo responded when asked how he made his famous carving of David: "I just chipped away what didn't belong". Adam is a master at chipping away what doesn't belong.

In summary, this new release by Adam Holzman is nothing short of perfect. By comparison to most of the Jazz Rock I've heard in the last five years, "This is better"!!!

By,
Rick Calic
www.jazzrockworld.com

_________________

Average customer rating:

Top stuff!
mystic eyes tell no lies!
Power garage sixties rock!!!
Running through my mind... NON STOP!
High Energy Retro Rock

Contact High
Rocket Science
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Welcome Aboard The 3C10

ASIN: B000062WC7
Release Date: 2001-11-19

Tracks:

Heavy Traffic
Economic Decline
Hyperspace
Going Away
In My Head
One Robot
Crazy
Open Air Channel
Being Followed
Run Like a Gun
Tomorrow's Soundtrack for Today's Swinging Generation

Album Description

The Melbourne quartet's 2002 and second offering will guarantee their placement among current garage underground heroes. Modular Records.

Album Details

Australian's own garage retro rockers dish up their second album.

Customer Reviews:

Top stuff!.......2003-01-14

What can i say, this record is an absolute blast from start to finish. Roman Tucker's hammond organ powers these 11 rolicking tunes like somthing you've never heard before (or maybe somthing you have a few decades ago), but thats not taking anything away from the rocking lines set down by the band (Dave Gray, Kit Warhurst & Paul Maybury) as a whole. Its expensive, but i can tell you its worth it.

mystic eyes tell no lies!.......2003-01-05

My reaction on hearing "Contact High" for the first time was disappointment. Where was more of the psychedelic,ball-tearing garage-rock shown on their debut "Welcome aboard the 3c10"? I quickly forwarded through, looking for the next scorcher like "Burn in hell" or my all-time favourite Nuggets-style psych-out "Synchronise Us",only to find there were none,- bum deal!
But on subsequent listens I realized that they have moved far beyond being just another great garage band. I now find that while "Contact High" still retains their great psychedelic sixties biker film sound, particularly on songs like "Run Like a Gun" and "Economic Decline", it is when they take their foot of the pedal and adopt a more spaced-out groove like in "Hyperspace","In My Head" and especially "One Robot" and "Being Followed", that I think Rocket Science really come into their own and find a unique style. This was hinted at on some of the songs on "Welcome Aboard the 3c10", but it has been much better realized on "Contact High", with the theremin taking a back seat to a synth?
Mentioning highlights is a waste of time since "Contact High" is one of those rare albums where every track is both great and different. All killer, no filler.
If you love your garage music with plenty of organ and balls to match, you can't go wrong with Rocket Science. Get hold of a copy, no matter the cost.(and get a copy of "Welcome aboard the 3c10" while you're at it!)

Power garage sixties rock!!!.......2002-10-27

Rocket Science are the best band in the country-Australia, that is-without a doubt. If you're lucky enough to have seen them live, you know you'll leave sweating and smiling. Their first album Welcome Aboard the 3C10 was good, but really didn't capture their sound, for my ears. Contact High remedies that. It's raucous but controlled, powering ahead with finesse and such a great sound. Genuine sixties organ through a leslie cabinet, slashing guitar and rock solid bass, backed by the most amazing drummer (when you see him live you'll realise how good he is). The vocals are almost screamed, but with plenty of melody, and there are riffs galore.

Some songs are a little derivative, but they are so catchy and so powerful you won't care. It's got retro influences, but it's all very much a now sound. Interestingly, the single releases in Australia have been the quieter tracks like 'One Robot'. This is the best Aussie album since 'Stoneage Romeos' by the Hoodoo Gurus back in '84 or whenever. It's been played in the car stereo non stop for about three months, and everyone I know who's heard it loves it.

Although there are no samples to hear on Amazon, take a chance. If you like sixties garage, detroit rock, punk, rock'n'roll, or just good music generally, you won't regret it!!!

Don't take my word for it, read the other reviews!!!!

Running through my mind... NON STOP!.......2002-05-26

As soon as I saw this was on Amazon, I had to review it. It's possibly one of the best pieces of music to come out of Australia in a while, and as far as being catchy, go no further than the single "Being Followed" which is totally addictive! Rythmic, sensual bass sounds, which just make me wanna funk out 50's Beatnik style... *grin*

Please give these guys a listen, I have seen them live, and they are comperable to the incomperable John Spencer Blues Explosion in their power and amplified exotic erotica.... love your Rocket Science!!!

High Energy Retro Rock.......2002-02-22

... Oh well. This is a great album. The whole album has a real energy unlike other Oz rock. The playing on this album is great but the organ and drums stand out the most. I can't say I'm a big fan of Australian rock but this is good stuff.

Tracks:

Eternal Holiday
Modern Life
Sex Call
Pop Lover
Connect Me
Too Tough to Care
See the Sun
We the People
Dressed to Kill
Strange Outside
Blow Up

Customer Reviews:

Consistent and Powerful.......2005-03-13

Just picked up the new Rocket Science album. I got into them because of my interest in 60s garage rock. With the gravelly-voiced lead singer and prominent organ combined with the fuzz guitars, they reminded me of The Music Machine and others from that era. This third album continues the great music they made on their first two albums, Welcome Aboard the 3c10 and Contact High. Every song has a powerful beat and rocks! Only thing missing on this album is the instrumental found on the other two. I guess some would say this album is more of the same Rocket Science, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I don't understand why these guys aren't bigger here than they are (Jet made it!). Please come to the U.S. and rock us out!

Average customer rating:

See them live!
Breaking new ground.
Very nice organ sound

Welcome Aboard The 3C10
Rocket Science
Manufacturer: Modu
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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Contact High

ASIN: B00004SZOL
Release Date: 2000-04-26

Tracks:

Burn in Hell
Six Foot 4
Jet Lag: Down the Pills
Copycat
Astrobird
Moscow to Kamchatka
Synchronise
Rs
International Jetset
Transposer 1 1/3
Welcome Aboard the 3C10

Customer Reviews:

See them live!.......2001-10-17

I have seen Rocket Science live twice now, and they are one of the tightest bands I've witnessed. Lead singer, theremin player and organist Roman has a maniacal presence on stage, and his anxious vocals are faithfully represented here on Welcome Aboard... Burn In Hell is a blisteringly intense psychedelic tune, with soaring guitar solo. Copycat "borrows" Hendrix's Foxy Lady riff, which helps turn it into a damn funky tune. Song driven by Roman's organ, Rocket Science have a unique sound happening. Oh, and the drummer is rock solid also - imagine The Doors playing faster funkier music and you'd get close to the Rocket Science experience. The album's is great for summer BBQs!

Breaking new ground........2001-08-16

When I first heard this album I couldn't believe it! What a fantastic sound! Organ combined with theremin is reminiscent of the best of the psychedelic rock of the 70's but this takes it a step further. Each track is a new experience with some being classic rock and others having that techno influence. The drumming is fantastic! These guys deserve to go places.

Very nice organ sound.......2000-07-02

Rocket Science's songs have a different feel to them, mostly because of the fact that the music is constructed around a very cool analog organ. The song Copycat demonstrates the capabilities of this instrument to produce a theramen-like sound that totally rocks. Definitely worth a listen

Average customer rating:

It Ain't Rocket Science
Pep Torres
Manufacturer: Hollywood Vintage
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00068WRE8
Release Date: 2004-12-07

Tracks:

Live It Up
It Ain't Rocket Science
De-De-Delirio!
They Oughta Call You Miss Heartbreak
Lombard Coffee Shop
Mi Chica Dinamita
Dang Me
First Million Tears
Baby, Baby I Can't Believe
Bailando Con Meggie Jo
Since I Fell in Love With You
I'm Goin' to L.A.
Poder del Rock
K.M.A.
Rocketship Mama
Te Recordare
Movin' Forward Stroll

Average customer rating:

Awful, horrible dreck!!
Tribal Tech's best
Let's try a little thought experiment
takes awhile to get into.........but.......................f
Ultimately disappointing output from great musicians

Rocket Science
Tribal Tech
Manufacturer: Tone Center
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

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VTT2: Vital Tech Tones, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000053VI6
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

Saturn 5
Astro Chimp
Song Holy Hall
Rocket Science
Sojlevska
Mini Me
Space Camel
Moonshine
Cap 'N' Kirk
Econoline

Amazon.com

Ironically, there's not as much rocket science here in terms of hi-tech gear and virtuosic writing as there was on early 1990s Tribal Tech albums. But there's no shortage of the stratospheric activity we've come to expect from this most enduring and creative of fusion bands. That's particularly obvious in the stunning title track, which opens with a delightfully chaotic barrage of metallic, ring-modulated guitar from Scott Henderson, before being soundly underpinned by a solid funk groove from Gary Willis and Kirk Covington and building to a gloriously savage, demonic climax. (Lovers of Henderson's great blues album, Dog Party, will note that he doesn't fail to spotlight one of his mutts here.) Like TT's previous album, Thick, this one's based on studio jams, and if that results in a mite less color than in their composed works, the set shows we don't need the starship Enterprise to take us well out of this world. --Mark Gilbert

Customer Reviews:

Awful, horrible dreck!!.......2005-12-09

And they wonder why they don't get airplay while slamming Smooth Jazz artists at the same time. Earlier Tribal Tech albums offered actual compositions while we get spontaneous composition on Rocket Science. This might work "live" as part of their performance, but falls apart on repeated listenings. Wonderful players playing a bunch of mumbo jumbo. Don't waste your money on this crap and get their albums from the 90s....much better.
Scott is one of my favorite players, but this is just awful.

Tribal Tech's best.......2005-05-09

This CD represents Tribal Tech's best , most consistent, most self-assured work. Also, sadly, it's probably their last. In the same mold as Thick, this record consists mostly of improvisations off of simple riffs. Thematically the songs are all over the map: techno, caribbean, blues, funk. The playing is superior, the overdubs limited, the mix terrific.

My love for Tribal Tech has been fraught with disappointments. It seems every album has a couple of masterpieces which rise above the boredom and cliches, which is probably to be expected with a band that only gets together to record and gig occasionally. Rocket Science, however, is quality from start to finish with only one down moment (Mini-me, a weak jam over a sample-and-hold riff from Kinsey). The rest wails.

And the highlight (other reviews notwithstanding) is the finale, Econoline, which is perhaps the funkiest 9 minutes of instrumental soul ever recorded by middle-age white boys.

New to TT? Start here.

Let's try a little thought experiment.......2004-05-29

Let's say you stumbled on this music kinda a-referentially. You know something about music. You've heard (of) Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Steve Howe, Jimmy Page. You've heard a little bit of prog rock. What would you think?

You'd be blown away, I'd say.

But what if you came at this music with a thorough knowledge of the above players, as well as owning all of King Crimson's Yes's, Hendrix's, Led Zeppelin's, and Bill Bruford's Earthworks records--and, here's the kicker--all of Tribal Tech's discs?

I think you'd be underwhelmed.

So which is the right response? Blown away or underwhelmed?

Neither.

In the Tribal Tech canon, this represents both an apex and a nadir, it seems to me. An apex, because it's some of their most complex, interactive, chops-heavy music on disc. A nadir, because it doesn't really seem to go anywhere very interesting or amount to much.

In short, I'd say it's the fusion version of those technically brilliant hard-bop/post-bop neo-traditional jazz sessions where the musicianship is beyond reproach, the vibe is generally electric, but the listening experience leaves much to be desired.

I thought Thick, their previous effort, was great.

But this strikes me as too much of a good thing, like eating three crèmes brules in a row: gustatorily magnificent, in a sense, but so far over the top as to instigate a palate revolt.

Still, worth at least four stars (maybe more) for even attempting something of this (albeit star-crossed) magnitude.

takes awhile to get into.........but.......................f.......2001-05-04

I'll admit there's no moment on this disc like Gary Willis' bass line from Party at Kinsey's on 'Thick'; nothing that reaches out and demands your attention. This record takes the same improvisational approach as 'Thick', but is slower to offer up its charms. Much use of samples, some are almost Zawinul-like; that's a good thing. Give this one multiple listens; it will reward you.

Ultimately disappointing output from great musicians.......2001-02-28

With this album it seems that Tribal Tech have decided to settle into the chair they claimed with their previous release "Thick" - that of great band in waiting.

Whilst their earlier releases had both great playing and superbly structured songs, they have decided to eschew this approach for a more improvisational approach. Unfortunately, as talented as they are (and they are amongst the greatest musicians currently on this planet), even Miles Davis needed a set structure to improvise from. The album starts off strong, but quickly sinks into a musical morass from which it never recovers.

Tracks:

Being Followed
Action
Car Chase at 20,000 Feet
Fashion Queen
Snake

Album Description

Taken from the Aussie garage rockers' 2002 album, 'Contact High'. The title track is backed with two non-LP tracks, 'Fashion Queen' & 'Snake'. Eat Sleep Records. 2003.

Average customer rating:

haunting, beautiful, & poetic (no less!)
Strongest effort yet

Rocket Science
Hugh Blumenfeld
Manufacturer: 1-800 Prime CD
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000009D40
Release Date: 1998-07-07

Tracks:

Shoot The Moon
The Snail
Saxton's River
Wormwood Hill
Hands & Feet
Is This Enough
Longhaired Radical Socialist Jew
Zhang Jingsheng
Mighty Quiet (Instrumental)
Why Am I Awake
No Secret Castle
I Only Sing About Love

Customer Reviews:

haunting, beautiful, & poetic (no less!).......1999-06-10

a friend originally let me borrow this c.d. but after not recieving back for a while, he let me keep it and, oh, how i adore it! the songs are wonderfully written, masterfully preformed, and political in a very not-in-your-face type way. some are even kooky, songwriting that brings to mind phranc, another incrediably taleneted folk singer. thanks so much, hugh, for a goregous album that warms me through and through; you rock babe!

-lyds

Strongest effort yet.......1999-02-02

i was hesitant to buy this cd, because my interest in Hughs music was starting to wane. But, am I glad I changed my mind. This is most certainly Hughs best work to date. A beautiful recording.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music