Robert Gordon with Chris Spedding Hellafied Review by Gary Hill
This collection of songs is apparently made up of "lost" previously unreleased tunes. There is a retro vintage vibe at play here. There are some more modern punkier things on display, too. This has some tracks that work better than others, but nothing here really misses the mark by a lot.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024 Volume 2 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.
Track by Track Review
One Day Left This has a classy rockabilly sound at play. It reminds me of Roy Orbison.
Please Don't A slower moving track, this feels more like Johnny Cash. It has a lot of country in the mix along with some down-home blues.
Have I The Right More of a driving rock and roll sound is on the menu here. This has a vintage basis, but there are some more modern angles in the textures.
Middle Of The Night This feels even fresher, but it's still set heavily in old school rock and roll sounds.
Signs Of Love Cool alternative rock textures merge with punk, rockabilly and more. The slide guitar is classic.
I'll Make It Right Here we get a B.B. King styled electric blues romp.
Why (Doncha Be My Girl) More of a good time rockabilly sound is on the menu here. This has a real 1950s pop sort of sound, but it's also got some modern sensibilities.
I Saw A Smile Classy rock and roll with edgy guitar is the concept here. This has more pure retro sound.
Don't Let Go More old school rock and roll is on the menu here. This has a definite Bo Diddley beat.
Girl Like You More modern punky sound is on the menu here. This has some retro elements, but overall feels closer to something like The Romantics.
Please Don't Touch This cover has both modern and retro elements at play.
Tell Him No Strummed acoustic guitar is the basis of this tune that makes me think of the Everly Brothers. It's bouncy and fun.
You Don't Know What You Got This one reminds me of Elvis Presley. It's closer to a ballad, but not quite.
Believe What You Say
An old school rock and roller, this is energized and a lot of fun. The guitar solo is on fire, and the song is decidedly vintage.
