Torture Tunes

ALBUMS UNDER REVIEW

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Hmm...Winger, huh...ok, here goes...Truth be told the only Winger record I heard was the first release and the songwriting was ok - (Kip Winger) kinda looked like George Michael (at the time) and I thought it was weird that a dude in his 20's was writing lyrics about a 17 year old chick - to each his own. Well, he don't look like that dude anymore and the songwriting hasn't changed much either. His voice sounds more mature, grittier and I still don't like his bass tone – again, to each his own.

I like some of the grooves here in "Queen Babylon". "Rat Race" is sort of a speedy little ditty. It even has those rock n' roll gang backing vocals. You don't hear that anymore these days. Some pseudo blues here in "Better days Comin'". "Tin Soldier" sways between heavy and mellow nicely. I like the solo in this one - reminds me of Steve Vai and the drummer gets all jazzy.

Slowing things down, "Ever Wonder" brings in some contemporary styling. "So long China" has a little Def Leppard thing happening (around the Hysteria days sound). There’s also a loose groove in the song "Storm in Me". It sounds like they used a bit of "Kashmir" by Led Zep as the hook. "Be who you are Now" slows it down....again, and "Out of this World" is not.

And that's it?!

I like the new guitar player. I didn't like Reb Beach all those years ago. He totally ruined Purple Haze (Jimi Hendrix) back on the first record. This was a nice rock album, but again I didn't like the arrangement. A slow-ish song for an ending left me tired and bored. Downside: I did not feel this record. The songwriting was weak and it lacked momentum. Upside is the musicianship and a lot of the solos. I guess I expected more from a veteran rocker.

When all is said and done, I give the Winger record a 7. Look at the bright side - it is a perfect number!

Tim Duran, HMS

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