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. Wish Upon A Dog Star
2. Only Love, Let’s Celebrate
3. Hard Life Easy
4. Kinky
5. The Solutionists
6. Awesome
7. Mr. Sunshine
8. Insanity Rains
9. Milky Ave
10. Ultra Payloaded Satellite Party
11. Woman In The Window (featuring spoken word by Jim Morrison)
Perry Farrell has played an integral role in the music industry since the late ‘80s with Jane’s Addiction and the creation of Lollapalooza. He has never marched to the beat of anyone’s drum, just his own.
Satellite Party is Farrell’s latest project, his first in four years. This time he brings along guitar virtuoso of Extreme fame Nuno Bettencourt, drummer Kevin Figueiredo, bassist Carl Restivo and background vocalist Etty Lau Farrell to collaborate.
The debut cd titled Ultra Payloaded was produced by Perry Farrell, co-produced by Bettencourt and executive produced by Steve Lillywhite. The album features a number of guest musicians to add into the mix.
Ultra Payloaded is a conceptual album based upon Farrell’s belief that people can change the world one step at a time.
Since Jane’s Addiction and Extreme are on completely different ends of the spectrum, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Would this deliver?
Ultra Payloaded starts off with “Wish Upon A Dogstar”, the first single, was co-written by Peter Hook of New Order and features an appearance by Fergie (from The Black Eyed Peas). This song sets the mood for the next three tunes. “Only Love, Let’s Celebrate” is Nuno at his best. The third track, “Hard Life Easy” pairs Farrell with Flea & John Frusciante from Red Hot Chili Peppers and offers just a bit more funk without fail. “Kinky” follows and delivers the line,"Whatever’s in your closet, set it free. I wanna get kinky.”
Tracks 5-11 have more diversity. For example, “The Solutionists” offers an ethereal groove and the Bowie-esque “Awesome” was written after the birth of Farrell’s son. Jane’s Addiction fans will enjoy “Insanity Rains.”
While all of the songs shine, the true gem on Ultra Payloaded is “Woman In The Window.”
The final song features an unreleased vocal track that Jim Morrison performed and no one has heard it in thirty years. The Doors estate gave him permission to use and the rest, they say, is history.
Satellite Party way surpassed my expectations. Ultra Payloaded has something for everyone. I know it will be in regular rotation in my cd player and mp3 player for quite a long time. One of the best albums of 2007.
Hear for yourself and enjoy the ride!
Satellite Party Official Website
Satellite Party on MySpace
Reviewed by: Sherry Thomas | June 2007
