Salad Days
click the image to get it in cd-cover size
| Release Date: |
|
| Label: |
Thirsty Ear |
| Rating: |
5.0 |
Description: As a member of the '80s edition of King Crimson, vocalist-guitarist Adrian Belew established himself as a progressive musician with a quirky stage persona and a head full of ideas. Since first working with Crimson, Belew has played with the likes of David Bowie, the Talking Heads, and Nine Inch Nails and has released a number of solo albums. On
Salad Days Belew abandons the role of prog-guitar hero and presents an acoustic-based collection of solo performances live and in the studio. Selecting compositions from his long, varied career as well as some new songs, Belew displays Beatles-style pop roots, imposing musicianship, and an ironic sense of humor. Stripped to the basics, Belew's voice and guitar playing are playful, intimately engaging, and ultimately worthwhile.
--Mitch Myers
Tracklist of Salad Days
Reviews:
Belew at his best!
This is a wonderful collection of Adrian Belew's talents. A great choice for anyone who would like a good intro to this amazing musician. For those long time fans, it is surely a must.
Belew Grooves On Acoustic Roots In Salad Days
After losing himself in the moody bitterness of 1994's "Here" and the inarticulate, half-finished "Op Zop Too Wah", Adrian Belew returns to the optimism and skillfully crafted pop of his older work with the acoustic album, "Salad Days". Taking the better songs from his King Crimson days and a bevvy of work from his masterpiece "Mr. Music Head" and the near perfect "Young Lions" and "Inner Revolution", Belew's vision seems to have returned intact. His songwriting is wonderful and creative, his voice hasn't been this powerful in a long time and his guitar work, even in an acoustic capacity, is stunning. Lyrically, Belew tackles subjects ranging from a rhino's perspective in his cage, a narrative given by a dead dinosaur, and most touchingly, a narration by a railroad worker who is watching his beloved trains, and himself, become obsolete. There are also live versions of the Crimson song "Three Of A Perfect Pair" and "Fly", a stunning track that outdoes the original studio version. Belew's artistic talent had been waning as of late, so it is a pleasure to hear him reworking some of his older material. "Salad Days" isn't his best work, but it comes close. Personal Favorites: the aching simplicity of "The Rail Song", the beautifully rendered live version of "Fly" and the lumbering Crimson song, "Dinosaur". Representative Lyrics: "All around us the rules are changing/ taller walls and stronger cages/ nothing is sacred or too outrageous" ("Cage"); "I gave her my best years/ well what can you do but laugh/ I don't expect she'll ever be coming back" ("The Rail Song")
If you like Adrian Belew you will like this CD !
At a time when everbody is unplugged it only seems fitting that Adrian Belew should do it. More than just being unplugged one really gets the sense that many of these songs are being presented as he first played them; at the conception stage. Other songs, such as "Men in Helicopters" are stripped of a larger production yet added is a moving string ensemble that is perfect. An acoustic version of "The Rail Song" makes me think of why I love Belew so much; it is the lyrical message and musical simplicity that are combined to make touching songs. Two live songs round this CD out and make it a collectible item for a Belew fan. This CD is great !
