Satan's Luau

It was quite funny that I went to go run errands today ... then eat a Hamburger in honor of political activism... ha

So I'm cruising around in Kapiolani traffic listening to Mike Sweet's Truth, I go fill gas ... then I go to BK... yeah it would sound less oppressive as VeggieKing, now that I think about it ... can I pay you in 20000 coupons to make you change your name --- these have cash value, you know ... ha

I was listening to this song called I AM ADAM ... which is basically about people being torn with living life by their own means versus living a JC-based life

I place my order for grotesque dead cow with aged cow milk product on a sesame seed bun... then the voice comes back --- SIX SIXTY SIX, sir... SIX SIXTY SIX SIR

WHOA

I'm not one to read meaning into stuff like this... so you do it for me ... ha
Let me get to that TRUTH review I've been promising to do (that is, after I'm done being freaked out...ha)

Michael Sweet - Truth: A+

(ed.note: I'm actually a tight grader, and although you see high marks on my website reviews --- there are other CDs I've listened to recently that aren't worth the optical media they're grooved on)

Ok, so getting the first PERFECT score of the year is ... surprise, surprise... Michael Sweet (late of the 80s Christian Metal outfit Stryper), but the music is not what you may expect in terms of being derivative of Stryper ... Stryperian, this CD art not

I guess what should be said is that most of the music on this disc is available for your consumption. There was a demo released previously that had most of these songs in a different sounding, primarily rawer form

As for this one, it is nicely produced guitar rock ... and it showcases a variety of vocal stylings aside from the elements of the trademark Sweet high end vocals ... some of the tracks have been reworked---- but aside from the superlatives

TRUTH is the TRUTH

I think that most reviews of the CD emphasize its harder rocking sound but I think that the word that captures this collection is Variety or Buffet ... it really is a CD where you can find so many different songs ... so its almost like each one has its own feel and core style ... in combination, its a very great sounding technically solid album

I personally don't mind breaking down tracks for this review because it allows me to listen again ... this is such an amazing CD, his best to date ... that is, if you're willing to be the only one in the Gospel section of your fave music stores ... and no, everyone is not staring, why are you acting like you're buying a porno tape ... not that I would know what that's like btw ... ha

distracted: Actually a very unique song as the curtain jerker (slang: the opener)... Its actually quite challenging to listen to because it's not a smooth listen, the tempo is really odd throughout and there is a mix of acoustic and power chords. But it kicks it into gear with vocal choruses and guitar work that is somewhat Bon Jovi, somewhat trippy almost Beatle-ish or early Queen (imagine that the wall of guitar is not there, the feel of the vocals and harmonies is that way)

all i'm thinking of (is you):Thematically its a where do I stand in the universe song, or can all this be from evolution? Vocals are dirtier sounding, Bon Gritti, if you know what I mean... but the bridges and chorus are the standout of this track ... Can I have more cool vocal harmonies and hooks in all my future music, please (an homage to the school of Queen, Oasis, or the Beatles)

i am adam: This is the song that I really dig on this album ... it really works together diverse elements--- an ethereal style on verses and then music to smash the gopher at the arcade to: intense, irresistible guiltless headbanging power epic chorus to singalong to ... nice

blue bleeds through: Welcome to S&M --- symphony and Mike with the acoustic ... It just casts an atmosphere, let your emotions go for a ride on this one ... Classic power ballad ... if only Mike's publicity would go mainstream, this one has MTV and rock radio written all over it ... 2 epic tracks in a row

wool & chiffon: this has sounds like a carnival calliope gone awry (bridging to the chorus), weird atmospheric ethereal sounds and a 80s pull off WAH pedal riff, with VOXY mono vocals ... it's interesting and listenable, not the best but easy music to have as background driving music

save me: And so... in my genetic lab I would do experiments like mix THE BLACK ALBUM, essence of Alice in Chains, with Stryper advanced vocal harmonies and melodies ... this song is heavy like an outtake from the post-AJFA Metallica ... its got heavy sky shattering riffs and dirty vocal sound ... lyrically, its dead serious. This one is of mainstream Hard Rock/Metal quality, and the third essential track on this album.

the ever after: ok, by now, you like me would be wondering halfway through this track: WHO IS THE GUITARIST? Some of the soloing here is really good stuff ... much to my shock.... OZ FOX!!! (late of the Yellow and Black Attack, yeah those guys) ... now I had thought, wow this guitarist is good on the lead up tracks to this one ... but this one is OZ ... the song itself is interesting, epic Godsmackish opening (gee wally, why does everyone who tries it outGodsmack GS? well beav, I guess they suck that's why... ha) ... the main portion of the song is alterna-heavy rocky vein without the cornball sappy stappy vocals

tomorrow: This song has an interesting jangly alternapop feel: K's Choice or Ms. Imbruglia or Oasis. The vocals for this one drive the song, they are heart rendingly EMO

lift my head: Has all the makings of a soundtrack song... you know, stripped down verse, catchy chorus, uplifting rising bridge ... I imagine a movie opening with all these Southern Cal scenes mixed together.

truth: Somebody learned something from their Physical Graffiti album ... are we going to Kashmir? ... actually the vocals are somewhat snarly and almost Layne Staley-ish ... it's very listenable; it may not be everyone's fave... but the chorus here is great sounding ... and the soloing works really nice off the rhythms

achilles heel: Do you like Everything Zen by Bush? ... if so, listen this this track ... IT'S BETTER ... just great updated sounding hard alterna rock ... the song is a tempo and sound rollercoaster, it goes up down sideways yet stays sound ... oh and was that some Stryper doodling I heard there??? hmmm ... imagine the possibilities if this was one of the new tracks for 7! --- Really outstanding track

stone - the ballad ... a really great ballad ... showcase piece ... a must listen

This album is just awesome --- it has everything that this reviewer wants ... which is audio entertainment at an incredibly high level ... the messages are quite uncompromisingly +ian ... AND in a way where the message is compelling, relevant... all without bashing you over the head with it ... imagine that

This CD is excellent and has something for every musical taste.... if you like it varied and diverse like I do, you will positively love it

From the Luau, the highest rating of the year for this one ... it's gonna take quite an effort to unseat this one ... I'm thinking co-best CDs of the year, as I can't foresee an album overtaking this one ... but then again, this CD is firmly lodged in any CD playing device I possess