Mike Keneally Band - Dog
	Released: 2004 Label: Exowax Cat. No.: Exowax 2406 Total Time: 55:42
	Reviewed by: Eric Porter, February 2005 It seems like everyone wants a piece of Mike Keneally these days except the mainstream rock world. He appears at trade shows for music companies, records with an orchestra, and gets praise from plenty of musicians. Dog is the first release from the Mike Keneally Band, and it is a playful romp covering everything from the pop/garage rock sounds of the opening "Louie," to the way out experimentation of "This Tastes Like A Hotel." Keneally proves that his music cannot be defined by a particular style. The band consists of Nick D’Virgilio (Spock’s Beard) on drums, Rick Musallum on guitar, and Bryan Bellar on bass. The playing never overshadows the music, and many of the tracks could easily find their way to rock radio if only someone would take notice. Memorable melodies run through the vocals and the music, with Keneally's guitar work up front and center. The rhythm work is as interesting as the leads, and the music flows regardless of how complex the music is. Pay considerable attention to the vocal arrangements throughout the disc. Keneally and his band continue to make some of the best music in both variety and substance. Dog will have you tapping your toes, and rocking your head at the same time. My favorite tracks include "Choosing To Drown" with its offbeat sections and excellent guitar, and the down and dirty "Louie." Dog easily noses its way into my 2004 top 10. [See also Steph's review -ed.] More about Dog: Track Listing: Louie (6:37) / Bober (6:47) / Splane (2:59) / Pride Is A Sin (4:54) / Simple Pleasure (1:56) / Physics (1:35) / Raining Sound (2:16) / Choosing To Drown (4:54) / Gravity Grab (3:33) / This Tastes Like A Hotel (15:15) / Panda (4:52) Musicians: Mike Keneally - guitar, vocals, keyboards Bryan Beller - bass Nick D'Virgilio - drums, percussion Rick Musallam - guitars, vocals Contact: Website: www.keneally.com Note: will open new browser window Discography Mike Keneally: Hat (1992) Boil That Dust Speck (1994) The Tar Tapes Vol. 1 (1983-1991, released 1997) Giant Tracks (1997) (HyberNation Gentle Giant tribute album compilation) The Tar Tapes Vol. 2 (1982-1991, released 1998) Nonkertompf (1999) Wooden Smoke (2002) Mike Keneally and Beer For Dolphins: Half Alive in Hollywood (1996) Sluggo! (1997) Dancing (2000) The Mike Keneally Band: Dog (2004) Guitar Therapy Live (2006) Plus Appearances with other artists include Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Nick D'Virgilio and many more