Review: Shaw/Blades - Influence

The first thing I have to say is that this turned out not to be the album I had first expected, but that's not a bad thing.

I seriously thought that this would be more of an acoustically driven album, which would’ve been good, since that is how these two are going out on tour. There are electric guitars, drums and keys, so don't think it’s a purely folky thing. It is, after all, Tommy Shaw (Styx) and Jack Blades (Night Ranger) -- both ex-Damn Yankees -- we’re talking about here.

The album is a tribute to Shaw's and Blades' influences from the 60s and 70s, hence the album's title. This is Shaw-Blades second joint project and their first since 1995's underrated Hallucination.

So why do a covers album? I'm guessing that it was to have a change from what they do on a regular basis. To be honest, though, Styx just did that with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra and Jack has been doing any number of side projects. Still, I can still see this as being more a of fun diversion than the the major work that would be involved in writing a whole new album.

So, is it any good? It certainly is to my ears. What could have been a simple imitation of the original songs is interesting and different.

Opening with Seals and Crofts' "Summer Breeze" is quite refreshing -- not the typically ripping opener you'd expect from Styx or Night Ranger, but it does set the tone for what is going on here. "Summer Breeze" has been redone fairly faithfully to the original, but you know these guys are rock musicians just by the vibe you take from what they’ve achieved here.

"Time Of The Season" is a variation on the theme of The Zombies' original from the 60s. There's a blues-rock vibe to their arrangement, but you’ll still recognize the song.

Shaw-Blades recognize Yes next with "Your Move," the first single from the album. Yes vocalist/founder Jon Anderson has already given his praise, so what could I add? I think the vocal harmonies are great and song structure is just right!

The next track is a big change as they bring Simon and Garfunkel’s "I Am A Rock" right up to date by rewriting the songbook, so to speak. Don’t get me wrong, the harmonies and melodies are kept, but wow! There’s a whole new edgy rock twist to this which is excellent! If I didn’t know better, I’d say this could be a surprise hit single. Listen and you’ll see what I mean!

Emerson Lake and Palmer's "Lucky Man" is next up and fairly true to the original, done well, with Keith Emerson's keyboard excursion at the end given the Tommy Shaw twist as he riffs out on guitar to make the difference. It’s cool!

So if Tommy and Jack changed "I Am A Rock" what do you think they did with "Sounds Of Silence"? Don’t fret. They’ve done it total justice with an excellent interpretation.

Who'd have thought that the Mamas and Papas' "California Dreamin'" could sound so fresh today? That's exactly what these guys have done here and this would probably be a more obvious choice for a hit single. Radio still plays the original very often so why not? By the way, Tommy’s solo really kicks!

"On A Carousel," the old Hollies number, is next. My first thought was, 'No, guys, no!' but I really like what they’ve done. You feel that underlying rock groove throughout, even if a little laid back.

"Dirty Work" was a Steely Dan song that I couldn’t recall until I heard this and it, too, is done full justice. The voices once again just work so well together.

Next we get a version of Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" which works well. Yeah, it’s catchy, but to me the song almost sounds like Lou Reed at times and, well ... um, I’ve never been a fan of his. It’s the only track that I really wasn’t grabbed by. The song is done well, it just comes down to personal preference.

Album closer is the Orleans track "Dance With Me" with more of the great harmonies we've heard throughout the album. I wonder, though, if something a little more obvious like "Still The One" may not have worked better as a track from Orleans which might stick in listeners' minds a little longer as the last track they hear from this set. But then that wouldn’t have been their influence, now would it?

Hats off to these guys for their choice of covers. It was a bold step for sure, not just opting for obvious classic rock band covers, but rather more folk- and pop-driven songs. The challenge they took has paid off here as far as I’m concerned. Influences is a fitting tribute album that I’ve enjoyed, am still enjoying, and that I recommend you check out for yourself.