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. Into The Now
2. Look @ Me
3. What a Shame
4. Heaven Nine Eleven
5. Words Cant Explain
6. Caught In a Dream
7. Miles Away
8. Mighty Mouse
9. Got No Glory
10. Come To Me
11. Recognize
12. Only You
I have been looking forward to this release since Tesla reformed a couple of years back. Tesla’s brand of bluesy straight forward American Rockn’Roll always got lumped in with the glam rock style of the late 80’s. In many ways that was Tesla’s own fault. They toured with those bands, and certainly flourished on the radio, being played amongst these bands. Tesla was a jeans and t-shirt band, more like Aerosmith or Led Zep than Poison. When grunge hit in the early 90’s, Tesla still managed to put forth a decent selling release, “Bust A Nut”, however internal tensions led to guitarist Tommy Skeoch leaving the band, and eventually the band called it a day.
So its 2004, and Tesla is actually on the radio again. This is an upset of biblical proportions. Their single, “Caught In a Dream” is being heard next to Linkin Park and Nickleback. More amazingly, they have delivered a completely accessible record. It doesn’t sound out of place next to today’s music, but still has the signature sound of Tesla. Additionally, it’s a great sounding record. Many bands from the late 80’s era have delivered comebacks which sound like they were produced for low money. Tesla’s record sounds every bit as good as their earlier efforts had.
The cd is excellent. Some songs have a heavier, and more modern feel. The title track, “Look at Me” and “Got No Glory” are some of the heaviest and most modern work that the band has ever done. At the same time, the classic Tesla sound is alive and present. “Come To Me” is a classic Tesla mid tempo track, dripping with commercial potential. “Word’s Can’t Explain” and “What a Shame” have the classic acoustic/electric Tesla mix, and are great songs. The album also has the epics. “Heaven nine Eleven” is a really deep heavy driving song, while “Miles Away” is the longest song on the disc, and is seven minutes of swirling guitars and fine Jeff Keith vocals.
This is definitely a high recommendation. A great comeback from a class act.
Reviewed by: Mike Gorman | September 2005
