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GALACTIC COWBOYS
"Let
It Go" (Metal Blade; 2000)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Galactic Cowboys, knowing full well they were "hangin' it up" after this
record, really took the time to give their fans their money's worth with "Let It
Go." "Let It Go" is jam packed with nearly 74 minutes of the classic Galactic Cowboy's
sound. Let's just say at the 'end of the day' the Galactic Cowboys just wanted to give their fans a healthy dose of
melodic heaviness and hard rock harmonies they are so well known for.
I sensed a feeling of resignation throughout "Let It Go" as though the band realized that the Galactic
Cowboy's run had ended too soon without enough recognition, without enough acclaim, and
without enough label support to continue. The good thing about all that, though, is that the
band seems relaxed and really let the creative juices flow.
The diversity leads to good tracks aplenty on "Let It Go." "Disney's Spinnin'" laments the culture of
today's over-marketed heavy music with some well-placed stabs at a popular artist. The revved up
gears of "Internalize" are like a well-oiled machine while the funky R&B tones of
the improvisational "A Bucket Of Chicken" literally swings. The darkly appealing epic "Swimming In December" and
opportunity knocks ode "Future" both clearly demonstrate that the Galactic Cowboys can still
run ahead of the pack more often than not.
The band's goodbye note with "The Record Ends" sums it all up for the Lone Star State's under-appreciated rock connoisseurs. If this is the end of the Galactic Cowboys you can bet that "Let It Go" finds the band content to search for rewarding futures in their chosen endeavors. If we're lucky, Galactic Cowboys will continue as a studio band with new product every couple of years or so.
"Let It Go" was produced by Wally Farkas.
Galactic Cowboys are Ben Huggins on vocals and guitar, Monte Colvin on vocals and bass, Wally Farkas on guitar, keyboards, and vocals. Jerry Gaskill (King's X) was the guest drummer. Ambient king Robert Rich contributed an intro to one of the songs.
For more information visit http://www.galacticcowboys.com/.
"At the End of the Day" (Metal Blade;
1998)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Galactic Cowboys have returned with their fifth disc "At The End Of The Day."
This may be the boys' best effort since 1992's "Space In Your Face." The
Galactic Cowboys have provided a solid "rock" album in the strongest sense of
the word without the pissed-off rage of "Machine Fish" nor the near
directionless sprawl of "The Horse That Bud Bought."
Certainly, the brighter spots on the disc are found in the songs that comprise the
"Machine Fish Suite." The Suite consists of seven parts and is a tale of a young
band sucked in by big corporate dollars and believing that they've got it made. Of course,
the young band faces trials and tribulations during their musical and social journey.
However, the story has a happy ending in the form of self-confidence and realization that
what they've had all along isn't so bad after all. Each of the songs has a good riff and
great hooks in the vocals.
Other strong songs include "Just Like Me" which has a manic energy, a driving
beat and a snappy guitar solo by Wally Farkas; "Shine" which reminisces about
carefree youth, and "It's Not Over" which gives a positive message of not to
give up in face of long odds. All in all, this is an enjoyable disc from beginning to end.
If you like your guitars heavy and sweet vocal melodies this is definitely an album worth
checking out.
Ben Huggins belts out the lead vocals (most of the time) and contributes guitar and
harmonica; Wally Farkas handles the guitar duties; Monty Colvin lays down supple and
powerful bass lines; and Alan Doss (who has since left the band) contributes drums and
keyboards to the overall sound. Colvin and Doss also provide some lead vocals throughout
the album. Doss also handled the production and mixing chores.
Check out the bands official website at http://www.galacticcowboys.com to get all the news from the "Ranch On Mars."
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.
Copyright © 2000 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
18 Nov 2024 12:24:00 -0500.
