H R H - R E V I E W S

Lana Lane
Gemini Think Tank Media

Comments: In keeping with Lana's tradition of releasing a new album every two years in Japan, Lana Lane has created her second covers collection, Gemini. The album title was chosen for its astrological symbol "twins" as well as the "mystical and surreal quality" of Lana's vocal style and unmistakable vocal talent.

This second album is not meant to be first covers album but rather a concept album of "twos," including two songs by each artist including Cream, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Heart, Jefferson Airplane and Foreigner. Lana Lane's takes each of these classic rock covers from the '60s and '70s and makes them uniquely her own, never compromising the original "hook" that earned each of these songs there place in rock history as a true classic. The influence of rocker Ann Wilson, Lana's favorite vocalist can be felt throughout this compilation. The casual listener may not realize it's Lana and not Ann Wilson performing many of the tracks.

Many have tried but few have succeeded in covering Pink Floyd with dignity as Lana and the band does in Pink Moon Suite, a combination of "Johnny Moon" originally performed by Heart with songs from most of side one of Dark Side of the Moon. Lana brilliantly serves up an emotional delivery of the original lyric and beautifully maintains the mood of the song and brilliantly maintains perfect pitch throughout. Lana's voice combined with the awesome guitar solos may have you cranking up the volume and hitting repeat at least once. The hardcore Lana Lane fans already know that Lana sings "Johnny Moon" acapela for sound check prior to most of her live shows.

"Breathe the Archer" allowed Lana to showcase her incredibly strong voice and vocal range. In "Starrider," her strong vocals combined with the well oiled harmonies and keyboards may rival the original as your favorite version of this song. Again, the influences of Ann Wilson are evident, so much that the casual listener may again think it Ann performing this track.

Lana Lane has brought us great alternative to the same old, same old. This album works, complete with rocking guitars, an exquisite symphonic sound, and the mystically provocative voice of the queen of covers, Lana Lane.

Gemini contributing musicians:
Lana Lane - lead and harmony vocals
Eric Norlander - keyboard and things

With:
Vinny Appice - drums
Tony Franklin - bass
George Lynch - guitars
Mark McCrite - guitars, vocals
Kelly Keeling - vocals
David Schiff - flute

Track Listing:
1. White Room
originally recorded by Cream
2. White Rabbit
originally recorded by Jefferson Airplane
3. Long Long Way from Home
originally recorded by Foreigner
4. You Can Never Go Home
originally recorded by The Moody Blues
"Pink Moon Suite":
5. Breathe Introduction
originally recorded by Pink Floyd
6. Johnny Moon
originally recorded by Heart
7. Breathe in the Air
8. On the Run
9. Time
10. Breathe Reprise
7-10 originally recorded by Pink Floyd
11. Dream of the Archer [4:19]
originally recorded by Heart
12. Starrider [5:27]
originally recorded by Foreigner
13. Sunshine of Your Love [4:55]
originally recorded by Cream
14. Wooden Ships [4:31]
originally recorded by Jefferson Airplane
along with a simultaneous version by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
15. Nights in White Satin [5:19]
originally recorded by The Moody Blues

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10