Lost/Forgotten Album #31

[Jon]

 

                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I decree that this month is Hevy Devy month. Therefore, everything I post in February will revolve around the brilliance (or madness) of the one and only Devin Townsend.

 

The first album showcased is 1993's "Sex & Religion" from Steve Vai, which introduced the world to Devin. This is the third solo album from Vai and is one of my favorites. No airlplay from what I remember, I just picked ut up because it was Steve Vai and I had a thing for Mr. Vai ever since first hearing him on a couple Davie Lee Roth solo albums and the second album from Alcatrazz.

 

Even though this is a Vai album, what drew me in was the vocalist, someone I hadn't heard of. Very distinctive voice, but not for everyone's taste. Believe me though, Devin can seemingly sing in ANY style (yes Scott, even CM vocals) which will be showcased on future installments. Here though, it's mostly straightup singing with moments of screaming, maybe a teensy bit of that hated CM style..all the stuff that makes Devin Townsend who he is.

 

However, as I stated above, this is a Vai album and you've just gotta be amazed by the geetar...that lovely, lovely geetar. I wonder if this had been a straight ahead instrumental album would I have liked it as much? Don't know and really don't care. I like the album just the way it is.

 

Love the review on my favorite album review website: Steve Vai "is saddled down by a pedestrian band and overwrought vocalist" and the album is "boring". Really?    

 

(WARNING: There's some foul language on this album, nothing really major but keep those headphones on, just in case.)   

 

Sex & Religion

1. An Earth Dweller's Return
2. Here & Now
3. In My Dreams With You Child
4. Still My Bleeding Heart
5. Sex & Religion
6. Dirty Black Hole
7. Touching Tongues
8. State Of Grace
9. Survive
10. Pig
11. The Road To Mt. Calvary
12. Down Deep Into The Pain
13. Rescue Me Or Bury Me

    

 

MSoTW: This week is a bit easy. Well known band. Last week's is still out there...the whole album wasn't figured out yet, at least I don't think it was. Someone might be holding back....

 

Availability: Can be found for $3.

 

 

COMING NEXT: Something that everyone will hate.

[RJhog (Admin)]

Jon, a few questions for you:

 

1. Why didn't you just skip to next week?  You know I love to hate stuff...

 

2. When you say this is hevy devy month, does that specifically refer to Devin Townsend or is it a combination of Devin Townsend and really heavy music? 

 

3. And finally, in reference to the MSOTW, I don't know it, but I have some sub-questions for you:

                 A. What is the band's nationality?

                 B. Is it a stand alone band or is there a member from a more famous band?

                 C. If nobody knows the answer, can you give us a decade that this is from?

[Jon]

1. It's more fun to make ya wait.

 

2. Devin Townsend

 

3. 

a. English

b. standalone

c. yes 

[Scott]

Last weeks was the soundtrack to the motion picture Metropolis, a movie I never seen and barely recalled.  If it wasdnt for the Freddie solo guess I wouldve never thought of it either.

 

For this weeks...  who said it was easy?  Never heard hat before nor did I pick up on anything familiar to go off of.  Need more clues, think along the lines of that Bob and Tom skit titled Mr. Obvious...

 

As for Mr Vai's solo work, I must say!  Grade A post Sir Jon! As an owner of 3 of his solo projects (not this one though) Love his music instrumental or not!  First couple of tracks seem ok, Here and Now is really strong.  But alas, I must listening in chunks today, will report back later...

[Niels (Mod)]

MsOTW sounds a bit like old Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green on guitar?

[Scott]

ooohhh....  great guess!  Jon?

[Jon]

Damn...that was kinda quick, wasn't it? 

[Jon]

I feel really bad for Rjhog...he was working on the clues I think and might have come up with the answer. You guys are sooooo mean.  

[Niels (Mod)]

Yeah, well. It sounded very familiar. I've got a double-cd with old Fleetwood Mac from "Live at BBC", and that guitar-sound is somewhat easy to recognize. I feel kinda sorry for RJhog, too, but I WANT TO WIN THIS!!!!!!!!

[RJhog (Admin)]

I guess I feel sorry for myself as well, how 'bout you Scott?  Do you feel sorry for me?

[Scott]

Well,  given that you and I have both failed miserably on these lately I better reserve my judgement!

[Scott]

I liked this release, though it wont be on my list to purchase.  I prefer his later stuff beginning with "Passion and Warfare".  I posted a couple of intrumentals in a SHT list including one from Vai, didnt get much response, so I havent really considered doing anymore from him, until now... 

 

Thanks!

[RJhog (Admin)]

Steve Vai

 

I can't say that I would purchase this, but it has it's moments.  I really like the intro, what a great build up to the first true song.  And that song (Here & Now) is probably the best on the disc for me.  It has a great chorus.  I thought Dirty Black Hole sounded a little bit like Sam Kinison singing.  The first few songs were interesting, where the middle third of the disc bored me.  It got a little more interesting toward the end with the last two songs.  Thanks for posting 'cause I would have probably never heard this otherwise.