BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION - S/T

[TageRyche]

Black Country Communion

S/T

J & R Adventures / Fontana - 2010

http://www.bccommunion.com

 

Take a legendary vocalist/bassist, a keyboardist extraordinaire, the drumming progeny of the legendary John Bonham and a blues rocking guitarist and what do you get?

 

Well, after the the mixing is done, you get one ass kicking record. It's contemporary rock with the classic rock feel so many people are looking for. 12 songs of just balls out rock and roll that despite 72 minutes in length will likely leave you wanting more. The best thing about the length of the disc is that none of the songs leave you with the feeling of wanting the song to be over before it ends. 

 

Before I talk about the material, I want to point out that you need to check out the liner notes. The band didn't skimp there either. You've got a track by track breakdown from Glenn Hughes. Each band member has their say about the requisite thank-yous, but Hughes pays tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio and someone else provides a bit of comedy. And if you get the two disc version of the release, there is a 40 minute DVD to watch as well. The DVD includes a music video, band interviews, a behind the scenes featurette, photos and a note from producer Kevin Shirley. (The DVD is NOT part of my review here.) 

 

The album kicks off with an awesome opening riff on "Black Country". The song really gets the blood pumping from those opening few moments.

 

I'm an admirer of Glenn Hughes to say the least. Of course I was late getting into him, coming along with his solo CD Soul Mover, but I have gotten his 2 CDs with Joe Lynn Turner and his two CDs with Tony Iommi. I can say with at least a smidgen of authority that his voice is musical gold. It's got the soulful quality to set your ears at ease, but then he can let loose an unbelievable wailing that reminds you of just how good he is. And let's not forget that he is also the band's bassist where he continually powers the smoking hot rhythms.

 

I have to admit prior ignorance of Joe Bonamassa but holy cow, he rocks as a guitarist and I loved the track "Song Of Yesterday" he sang on this CD. Fiery guitar licks, ripping solos and smooth rhythms...I have to get more of his own stuff. The song is one of my favorites on the disc.

 

It would be easy for Jason Bonham to coast on his background being the son of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham. But throughout his own musical career he has acknowledge his dad while simultaneously carved his own path. He can beat the heck out of the drums like no one's business but he establishes a great foundation for the rest of the band to build on here.

 

As for Derek Sherinian, well I loved the time he spent with Dream Theater and by all accounts, his solo work has been impressive as well. Keyboards can sometimes overwhelm a band's collective sound but not in the hands of a true professional like Sherinian.

 

The song "One Last Soul" is a hot little uptempo number. "The Great Divide" ranged in pacing but it was a nice combination.

 

The cut "Medusa" opens up slowly but unfolds into a pounding plodding rhythmic exercise. Not bad for a song that Hughes wrote 40 years ago. And the guitar solo is outstanding.

 

"Revolution In Me" had a pace that reminded me of a superior force marching on the outnumbered inferior force. You know it is coming, but you don't know when and from where. You can't even really give words to what "it" is. But you know you like what you are hearing. And then you get the guitar solo.... This was the only track on the CD where Hughes wasn't involved in the writing of the music or the lyrics.

 

"Sista Jane" opens up in playful fashion with Hughes and Bonamassa switching off with the opening lyrical passages. It is a restrained feel to this song with a strong current of building ferocity running underneath until it explodes out later in the song.

 

The songs "Beggarman" and "No Time"  simply shred. Pure rocking goodness!

 

The song "Stand (At The Burning Tree) is a bit restrained for the most part but when it cuts loose...look out! And Sherinian has a nice bit of solo work within the song.

 

The closing cut "Too Late For The Sun" is an 11 minute epic that manages to build from a slow burn and then, to sound like a cheesy 80's music add, rocks your socks off. 

 

You can call this a supergroup if you so desire but the best thing you can say about this collection of talent called Black Country Communion is that they aren't bound by their individual reputations. They craft quality songs within the framework of being a band of performers rather than a band of egos.

 

It is always a risky proposition to put too much faith and hope in the so-called supergroups, but I have to say that I am ready to take that plunge in this case. Black Country Communion took 10 days to record this album and it is without a doubt another prime example of what rock SHOULD be. I know this is going into heavy rotation for me. You simply have to hear this album!

 

GRADE: A MINUS

 

[Scott]

I agree with your review.  I don think this one was as well received in the NMC at the time it came out. but I must say it gets better every time I hear it...

[RJhog (Admin)]

Outstanding review TR.  I'm in that group that, although I thought One Last Soul was and is a terrific song, the rest of the album just didn't grab me.  But I did like Hughes voice a lot.  And I've kept this CD in the back of my mind since it came out.  Now, after reading this fantastic review, this is going into my CD player in my truck...gotta hear it some more.

 

And TR, thanks for posting your reviews here.  They are always great and entertaining to read and they add outstanding content to this site.  If you ever want a full-time, unpaid job here, let me know.

[TageRyche]

RJ,

I don't buy enough music anymore to really do a full time review thing. And I absolutely refuse to listen to an album online. For me, I have to have the disc in hand.

I'll continue to post my reviews as I buy stuff, but I can't commit to a full time thing like the other guys.

[RJhog (Admin)]

No problem TR, I was just throwing it out there.  I'm very satisfied with the current rate at which you post reviews.  I just wanted you to know they were appreciated and enjoyed.

[TageRyche]

No problem. The kind words are appreciated.