Arguably one a Joe Satriani's best albums, his early nineties effort strays slightly away from a) his singing carrer ?? :), and b) his experimental crazy guitar works. Whilst obviously still assertaining his prowess of the fretboard, the songs have a much more rounded feel to them.
Two of my favourite songs of all time emmit from this album, those being Summer Song, and the title track, The Extremist. Watching Satch play the Extremist live is just a sight to behold, but as this is just the album version I shall save my ramblings for a live cd opinion :). As mentioned before, the songs have a more polished sound to them, but the experimentation is still there as proved in the final track of the album, which sounds like one of those he went into the studio and just played on the spot; fantastic !!
Mainly recorded at Ocean Way, and Record One studios, it is apparant that Satch has brought in some outside help for the album. A guy called Andy Johns helps him out, and i'd say this is mainly a good thing, as no matter how well he can play, the assistance will certainly help him keep focused on his goals, and musical direction. I mainly say this because although previous albums were great I don't think he ever really found a true style, but it seems he has now.
As will be found in future albums, each one has a very distinctive style, and tends not to have a bit of everything, like before. Some will probably argue that variation is good, as it keeps interest up, but I certainly prefer the later albums, as despite some of my favourites being on earlier albums, there are a few too many nothing songs (dare I say it).
Definitely one to show people who still claim Satch is just a fast widler on the guitar, that a guitar orientated instrumental album can be a classic.
Just go buy it and find out, you won't be disappointed :)
Some of my favourite tracks that stand out from the rest are:
Friends : Strangly, the opening track, but the feel of the song surely lends itself to ending the album. When I saw him live, he finished with this song on an encore, and it just finished the gig great. Anyway a nice simple track where Satch makes a fleeting banjo appearance. Sounds as the name would suggest.
The Extremist : As the sub-title suggests (Living on the edge), this certainly captures the mood of the song. One of those great car songs also, it is a drive quickly one :) There is almost a duelling going on between the guitar and harmonica throughout the song, that is before Satch blows it away with a dazzling fingers everywhere solo. But he is playing both instruments anyway, probably just to show off a little, but sounds great together.
Cryin' : Either a love or hate song i'd say for this one. Classed as a 'porno' song, hehe, if you know what I mean, pretty slow moving throughout, but has a good feel to it.
Summer Song : Starts off with a now extremely famous harmonic progression, and bursts into life with a great main riff, and stunning solo. Currently, and probably always has been my favoutite Satch song, another one that really captures the mood of the song title.
Tears in the Rain : A completely acoustic song that sounds like something by Mozart. Some excellent chord progressions, once again showing off his versatility, whilst not losing the plot, and the style of the album. Basically a nice interlude between tracks.
Track listings :
1. Friends 3:27 2. Extremist 3:42 3. War 5:46 4. Cryin' 5:42 5. Rubina's Blue Sky Happiness 6:10 6. Summer Song 4:52 7. Why 4:45 8. Tears in the Rain 1:16 9. Motorcycle Driver 4:56 10. New Blues 6:55
I totally agree that this is Satriani at his best. Some enviable guitar playing going on.
I am a bit dissapointed with your comment on Cryin`. I think it is an excellent track, played with feeling, something you don`t usually find with Satriani as he is more your technical player. Good review though. Lots of excitement for the album and artist. I take it you`re a big fan judging by your user name.
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