ROONEY
"Calling
the World" (Geffen; 2007)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Rooney's "Calling the World" is a pleasant, surprisingly entertaining CD that channels a lot of vintage sounds. Rough Edge Readers are likely to be asking: Like what? Bon Jovi? Deep Purple? Pantera? What kind of vintage sounds? Well, no, actually, I'm talking more along the lines of Chicago, The Knack and even ... (wait for it) ... Billy Joel.
Buoyed by a chipper attitude and crisp, light production, "Calling the World" is comparatively easygoing fare. There are some crunchy guitars sprinkled throughout the CD and brief, but effective, lead runs but, for the most part, this CD is a collection of radio-friendly modern rock tunes that depend heavily on the classic rock sounds of the late 70s and early 80s. Did I say "radio-friendly"? That's too tame a term. These songs were destined to garner lots of radio airplay.
As I said above, it's all jauntily entertaining. You won't bang your head to it, but you'll likely tap your toes to it. And there's nothing wrong with that ... at least every once in awhile.
Rooney: Robert Schwartzman - vocals, guitar; Louis Stephens - keyboard; Matthew Winter - bass; Taylor Locke - guitar, vocals; Ned Brower - drums, vocals.
For more information, check out http://www.rooney-band.com or http://www.myspace.com/rooney.
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 © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
