HEAVEN AND EARTH
"Windows
to the World" (Frontiers / Now & Then; 2000)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Heaven and Earth's "Windows to the World" sounds like nothing so much as the lost years between Ritchie Blackmore-era Deep Purple and Tommy Bolin-era Deep Purple. The reason for this is clear: Heaven and Earth guitarist Stuart Smith is a protégé of Blackmore and vocalist Kelly Keeling sounds remarkably like either Ian Gillan or David Coverdale, depending on which song he's singing. And those are no small shoes to fill.
"Windows to the World" opens with the heavy keyboards of Arlen Schierbaum, giving the CD an even stronger Deep Purple aura. The CD then rocks and rolls through a number of mid-tempo rockers and AOR ballads, never slowing down too much or going too fast. Although it easily holds the listener's attention throughout, it really never grabs their full attention either. In other words, it's good, but it's not great.
Interestingly, the titular "Windows to the World" are actually Microsoft Windows, and the song is about the threat of too much technology and not enough humanity.
"Windows to the World" is an entertaining CD that isn't a must buy except for fans of the deservedly well-respected Keeling and/or Stuart. Fans of the Deep Purple sound should find plenty to like here as well.
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 © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
28 Oct 2024 12:36:40 -0500.
