Rough Edge: Adrian Belew CD Reviews

ADRIAN BELEW

"Side One" (Sanctuary; 2005)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Adrian Belew has played guitar for some of the most recognizable names in the music industry: Frank Zappa, King Crimson, David Bowie and the Talking Heads. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone the talent that he possesses. Still, his status as a solo artist is a mere shadow of the small recognition he receives for such genius. He has so many styles under his guitar strap that it would take a while to count them, but a few are: funk, pop, jazz, hard rock, new wave and the list goes on and on.

Since Belew played for some of the most influential artists of our time he would no doubt have some admirers. How about Les Claypool and Danny Carey on the name drop list? After finishing up an album and tour with The Bears and King Crimson, Adrian became friends with both Les and Danny and he invited them to play with him on “Side One.”

I don't have to go into detail about the music on this CD because just adding those three names together should convey the sound they produce. Words are for songs, music is for listening to. With such a tremendous amount of talent gathered together here, most fans were disappointed when they thought that only one album would be released but, have no fear, there were two released in 2005. The first and third were titled “Side One” and “Side Three.” “Side Two,” released in 2006, was a solo presentation, but there were a couple of guest spots on that one.

Performing on "Side One" are: Adrian Belew – guitar; Danny Carey – drums; Les Claypool – bass.

For more information, check out www.adrianbelew.net.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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