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Non-Prog CD Reviews

The Toadies The Lower Side Of Uptown Review by Eric Meli Toadies have been playing for more than 25 years. While they’ve been through band changes, break ups and reunions, it hasn’t stopped them from doing what they do best, putting out great music. The Lower Side Of Uptown is no exception. It’s well written with lots of hooks. While quite a few songs focus around a relationship, only a couple of tracks start out slow and then change tempo. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2017 Volume 5 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2017.

Track by Track Review

When I Die - The opening cut comes out strong with a sweet southern rock sound that fits nicely with Vaden Todd Lewis’ vocals.

Take Me Alive A rocking song, this is about the fact that if she gave him more time and more love he’ll give plenty more back.

Polly Jean This track is about the woman of his desires.

You Know The Words Have you ever had a relationship where you can feel the love in their touch and kiss, but they never say those three little words?, That’s what this song is about.

Mama Take Me Home While this starts out soft, it ends up on the heavier side.

Keep Breathing This is a musical reminder to just keep breathing no matter how rough things get.

Amen There’s a heavy Gothic feel to this track.

Human Cannonball This one is about someone who’s nothing but trouble comparing himself to the wrecking power of a cannonball.

Broke Down Stupid This number kind of brings to mind the Violent Femmes as far as structure goes, but still keeps a hard rock sound to it.

I Put A Spell On You The Toadies do a great job covering this Screamin' Jay Hawkins song.

Echo This song about a lost love starts out with a slow hypnotic tempo, picks up speed, and then slows down again.

Sentimental There is a hill country blues/ hard rock sound on this cut. The song is quickly becoming my favorite on the CD.

You'll find concert pics of this artist in the Music Street Journal members area.

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