WIRED

This is a relatively difficult album for me to review. On the one hand, there are seriously talented players, and they play well. On the other hand, there really just isn't much substance to many of these songs as far as melodies and writing. Good players playing well...but that's falls just short here, and doesn't strike me as progressive as Blow by Blow.

Led Boots. A thunderous percussive intro leads into a guitar/keyboard harmony chorus, and that's about what you get for the next 3 1/2 minutes. Beck really cuts it loose, and that's enjoyable, but I lose interest after a while.

Come Dancing. Jeff Beck is stepping in style--we've got some major funk here. Decent melody, and of course nice fills by Beck and Hammer, but the criticism from the opener holds again.

Goodbye Porkpie Hat. Jeff Beck doing blues is really a can't miss. He's going to do some awesome bends and rips, but after that, there's nothing very memorable.

Head for Backstage Pass. A couple minutes of jazz/funk never hurts--one of the highlights of the album, and you can just feel that everyone is on the same page and relaxed on this one--something I can't say about the rest.

Blue Wind. Probably the best tune on the album, with an upbeat yet heavy sound from everyone. Some great howling bass and keyboard/synth moments. Something about this makes me want to yell "Cowabunga, dude!"

Sophie. Another highlight. Now they are in a groove. Alternating between mellow and fast, this one ages well.

Play with Me. Another funky piece, but this has been done better earlier in the album.

Love is Green. A short piano/acoustic tune with a nice electric bit in the middle. Nicely done: a good way to end the album.

I really just don't see much progression here...especially considering some excellent previous work. Good for guitar and/or Beck enthusiasts, but not necessary for those looking for progressive blues/funk/jazz.