This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
1. So Lonely
2. All I Want Is You
3. Cheryl
4. Don’t Say Its Too Late
5. Hopeless
6. Back To You
7. Hook Me Up (With Your Friend)
8. Maria Simeone
9. Nicole
10. Laura
11. Say It Again
12. Feelin It
Ahhh…Waltham. The lost Link in the line between Rick Springfield, Boston and Journey. (And releasing records today nonetheless!) They have an annoying paucity for naming songs after girls’ names (4 of them. FOUR. Jesus!) but it’s an enjoyable listen. Feels like you have time warped back to 1984ish.
In another shocking development, Waltham somehow has garnered some attention from MTV. Kind of harkens back to when another Massachusetts band, Extreme, won MTV’s basement tapes competition way back in 1987 or thereabouts.
So, will Waltham become MTV darlings? Hell, I doubt it. But that’s not really a bad thing. The first three songs are some of the most enjoyable songs I’ve listened to in years. Breezy rock songs, with great choruses and melodies. You don’t get these anymore. Coincidentally, it appears that most of Waltham’s songs were written by Dave Pino, the guitarist who wrote all of the songs by RCA recording artist Damone. Dave left Waltham to concentrate on Damone, and then went and left Damone in early 2003. Although Damone sounds more modern than Waltham, both band’s songs have the pop sensibility brought on by Pino’s songwriting.
The rest of the album is solid, but nothing incredibly memorable. The band was smart to frontload the album with the strongest tracks. That’s not to say there are any bad songs on the cd, but nothing that jumps out at you. Basically the first 3 songs are A material, and the rest of the cd is C+ material.
Reviewed by: Mike Gorman | May 2005
