 Static
Taxi
"Closer 2 Normal" CD
Birdman
Records
Genres: blues rock, experimental rock
Birdman Records
1118 Magnolia Blvd.
PO Box 208
Burbank, CA 91606
Nov 24 - 30 2003 |
Bob
Stinson was one of the most inventive and influential rock
guitarists ever to live. Though his life was short, he managed
to contribute his talents to hundreds of recordings and play
countless live shows over its duration. Though he is best known as an original
member of The Replacements, Stinson was also involved in
a number of other projects after his falling out with the band. Static
Taxi is listed as his four year (1988-1991) "art blues"
stint, and after more than ten years of unreleased purgatory, Birdman
Records has finally dug up the band's tapes and put them together as Closer
2 Normal.
With that said, this album has some real gems on it. Tracks
like "Cop Tape," "Such a Chick," and "Mr. Blu"
are pure classic melodic blues-rock tunes; they are all undeniably
melodic and beautiful. Tracks like "FAFA" and
"We Do" are also great, except more powerful, with a high-octane
rock n' roll sound. Overall, the combination of powerful and
calm songs is nice, albeit a bit sporadic and jumpy. Stinson's
talent for raucous, carefree performance is matched well by inspired,
unconventional songwriting and a dash of real melodic
sensibility. Though this album is by no means perfect, it's
still a great record and an essential purchase for open-minded Replacements
fans.
87%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 11 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
