Lana Lane - Project Shangri-La
	Released: 2002 Label: Think Tank / Limb Music Products Cat. No.: ? / LMP 0202-037 CD Total Time: 60:57
	Reviewed by: Gary Carson, Lana Lane Lana Lane releases her sixth studio album and I'll try to do the album justice, even though I personally don't get a lot out of her albums. Instead of delving into all facets of her history, it may be better just to give an overview of her new album, Project Shangri-La. Lana''s music is characterised by symphonic rock - which means light and fluffy music surrounded by a sultry vocalist who holds a wonderful note. The music on Project Shangri-La is at times unexciting, due mainly to the lack of action (Yes, I know Lana Lane albums aren't heavy focussed). It's acoustic, symphonic, playful, and light - but it's got an intimate, private sound that fans of Lana Lane would enjoy. The musicians are more than worthy and they capture the theme very well - Lana's husband, keyboardist Erik Norlander (Rocket Scientists, Ayreon), Neil Citron (g), Mark McCrite (g), and Don Schiff (Chapman stick) as well as Vinny Appice (ex-Black Sabbath, ex-Dio) and guest appearances by Mark Boals (Ring of Fire, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) and guitarist Helge Engelke (Fair Warning), both of whom co-wrote a couple of tracks. Granted, the album is quite complex and involved at times, but it lacks a special something. Lana is a very capable vocalist with a lot of passion and the songs are all written well, but the album has a lot of ballads on it that become a tad repetitive across the whole album. There are definite stand out songs on the album, and they are the ones with more variety, drama and, yes, relatively heavier than others – "The Beast Within You," "Encore", and "(Life Is) Only A Dream." Project Shangri-La completes a trilogy that began with Queen Of The Ocean and Secrets Of Astrology. Lana Lane offers a light symphonic locale replete with feeling and charisma that I don't think every metalhead would consider on the top of their list - and certainly one that is not at the top of my list. PPO Rating: 4/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.] More about Project Shangri-La: Track Listing: Redemption Part 1 (2:27) / Project Shangri-La (6:03) / Encore (4:00) / Before You Go (6:20) / The Nightingale (4:17) / The Beast Within You (5:56) / Tears Of Babylon (6:34) / Ebbtide (5:18) / (Life Is) Only A Dream (6:42) / Time To Say Goodbye (4:10) / Redemption Part II (3:00) / Bonus Track (Japan only): I Believe In You / Bonus Track (Europe/Americas only): Romeo And Juliet (5:57) Musicians: Lana Lane - lead and harmony vocals Erik Norlander - Hammond organ, Mellotron, piano, Rhodes piano, modular Moog, synths, ARP String Ensemble, Taurus pedals Neil Citron - lead and rhythm guitars Mark McCrite - rhythm guitars, acoustic guitars, additional lead guitars, harmony vocals Don Schiff - N/S Stick and Chapman Stick Vinny Appice - drums Guests: Mark Boals - lead vocal (10), harmony vocals Helge Engelki - rhythm and theme guitars (3), 1st solo (2) Guest JP bonus: Gregg Bissonette - drums Guests EU/AM bonus: Ed Warby - drums Arjen Lucassen - rhythm guitars David Victor - guitar solo Tony Franklin - fretless bass Contact: Website: www.lanalane.com Note: will open new browser window Discography Love Is An Illusion (1995) Curious Goods (1996/2002) Garden Of The Moon (1998/2002) Echoes from the Garden (1998) Live in Japan (1998) Love Is An Illusion 1998 Version (1998) Ballad Collection (1998) Acoustic Live in Tokyo (1999) promotional release only Queen Of The Ocean (1999) Echoes From The Ocean (1999) Secrets Of Astrology (2000) Ballad Collection (2000) Project Shangra-La (2002) Covers Collection (2002/2003) Lana Lane and Erik Norlander - European Tour 2003 Souvenir CD (2003) Winter Sessions (2003) Return To Japan (2004) Lady Macbeth (2005) Storybook - Tales From Europe And Japan (2004) (DVD)
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