Paul Gilbert and Freddie Nelson United States
by Alissa Ordabai
Staff Writer
After several album of dense instrumental guitar extrapolations, Paul Gilbert treats us to a brand new collection of congenial retro-tingled tunes made in tandem with singer Freddie Nelson.
Influences on this release span a range from the late 60s Lennon and McCartney home-made futurism through Queenly crooning on to what sounds like echoes of Mika’s vaudeville silliness, but all in good humour.
An occasional call out to an archetypal Eighties melody juxtaposed by Gilbert’s trademark avant-garde fretwork make you think of former Mr. Big glory, maybe in anticipation to the supergroup’s upcoming Japanese reunion.
Standouts are “I’m Free”, an elevated little ballad featuring Beatle-esque backing vocals and sprawling guitar leads, and “Waste of Time” where racing guitar passages compliment the crafty pop melody with effortless panache.
Overall the album shows how pop-rock tunecraft and instrumental brilliance can be united in a spontaneous display of good taste and humour, but none of those tunes rise above the occasionally gallant and occasionally tongue-in-cheek tribute to the art of laidback songwriting and swaggering guitar virtuosity.
Label: Mascot Records
Track Listing:
1. The Last Rock and Roll Star
2. Hideaway
3. Waste of Time
4. Bad Times Good
5. Paris Hilton Look-Alike
6. The Answer
7. I’m Free
8. Pulsar
9. Girl from Omaha
10. I’m Not Addicted
Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10