Artists | Issues | CD Reviews | Interviews | Concert Reviews | DVD/Video Reviews | Book Reviews | Who We Are | Staff | Home
 
Non-Prog CD Reviews

The Call

A Tribute to Michael Been

Review by Gary Hill

The Call were always a legendary band. Their sound had a very lush wall of sound kind of element to it. Yet, they were definitely a rocking outfit and one that was quite tied to the sound of the 80s. Michael Been is no longer walking the Earth, but his son Robert Levon Been (of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) got the band together to pay tribute to his dad. This CD is a document of that show. This deluxe edition comes with a DVD of the show along with some behind the scenes features. This is a great concert. It should be noted that while in a lot of ways the music is all pretty similar, it still manages to entertain from start to finish. It’s just often hard to differentiate tracks a lot in a track by track review.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Everywhere I Go

They kick into this song with almost a jazz element at play. This is energetic and very classy alternative rock.

I Still Believe
A bit more of a rocker, this is another solid cut. I don’t think it’s as strong as the opener was, though. That said, the keyboard laden, charged up movement is strong. There are definitely some potent guitar elements here, too.
I Don't Wanna
Another strong rocker, this is very much an 80s kind of song. It’s actually one of the best tunes here. Everything just works so well together.  
Floating Back
If anything, this is even better than the previous one. The general concept isn’t altered much, but this is catchy and meaty.
Into The Woods
There is a real dream-like soaring quality to this tune. I love the guitar sounds on it.
Turn a Blind Eye
This one definitely has a punky edge to it. It’s more killer music.
Oklahoma
With some of the catchiest hooks here, this is a highlight of the set. There is a short drum set in the midst of this.
You Were There
There is a bluesy, hard rocking sound to this cut. In some ways it makes me think of The Doors just a bit.
Red Moon
This mellower number just doesn’t work as well to my ears.
Let The Day Begin
Starting with bass, this is another smoking hot bluesy rocker. It has some great slide guitar.
Modern Romans
Fun and dramatic, this is another highlight of the set.
You Run
Here we get an acoustic guitar based ballad-type piece. I like this, but it seems to go on a bit too long.
The Walls Came Down
Back in hard rocking territory, this is a killer.
Uncovered
Another ballad, this is keyboard based. It’s a nice change.
 
More CD Reviews
Metal/Prog Metal
Non-Prog
Progressive Rock
 
Google

   Creative Commons License
   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

    © 2024 Music Street Journal                                                                           Site design and programming by Studio Fyra, Inc./Beetcafe.com