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| Steve Vai - The Elusive Light And Sound Vol. 1 |
 Released: 2002 Label: Favored Nations Cat. No.: FN2220-2 Total Time: 60:08 | |
Reviewed by: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck, June 2002 What makes Steve Vai one of the best guitarists in the world? First and foremost, he is constantly at work and continues to have a consistent steady flow of releases to satisfy his vociferous fans. Secondly, the key to Vai's enormous success is his ability to step outside the box and take his talents to new territories that others wouldn't even consider. The Elusive Light And Sound Vol.1 is the first in a series of releases that are part of the highly anticipated Secret Jewel Box which will be comprised ofa broad scope of movie soundtrack work, unreleased albums, and outakes by Vai over the last several years. Vol. 1 includes his work from Encino Man, Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey, Crossroads, and Dudes. You will hear all facets of Vai's diverse artistry on the CD. The coveted box set can only be purchased on Vai s website. The CD cover is a knockout! It's a stunning three dimensional image that looks as though Steve is moving his head back and forth as you move the CD case. It's not anything new in design; it's just the way the artwork pops out at you that serves as a striking reminder of the artist and his prolific position as one of the world's premier rock guitarists. Another point that is becoming increasingly important to me as music lover is artist-contributed liner notes. Vai takes you through his experiences while creating some of this music, it's fascinating and insightful and it really helps you complete the entire musical circle. You know Vai could easily be a top forty-oriented rock star if he decided to and still maintain his guitar god rocker characterization, but thankfully he hasn't. You may ask why I say that; well, if you listen to his loving version of The Kinks "Celluloid Heroes" and the intense rocking of "Love Blood," his song aimed for the movie Interview With A Vampire, which foolishly was not used, the guitar playing and vocals makes you wonder why either song didn't make it to the charts with a bullet right to the top. I am sure Steve could care less about that kind of success. He doesn't need it, he is the personification of success in the music biz, and I mean the entire realm, including owning his own record label, recording soundtracks for movies, and production of other artists, not to mention countless gigs around the world with entire symphonies and other renowned artists. He is one of the busiest sought after six-string virtuosos in the universe because of his advanced technical virtuosity and knowledge. His innate sense of his instruments' abilities to adapt and change with any musical genre that he happens to be a part of at the time is his most powerful tool. And believe me, that scenario is ever changing and evolving for him. Vai cleverly uses voice parts of the films as part of his musical compositions. I especially like the sound clips from the film Crossroads where a character says "Take the music someplace else, take it past where you found it" -- man, if that doesn't sum up what Steve Vai is all about I don't know what does. Vai also played the role of Jack Butler, the guitar slinger in the film. Count em' all; there are 40 tracks, you're not seeing things. That's a lot of music and movie sound snippets to take in, and you will love every second of it. So plug yer ass in to this awe-inspiring tribute to celluloid and rock and roll. It's the dawning of a new age for the followers of Steve Vai, and this is just a taste of what is to come. Rating: 5/5 More about The Elusive Light And Sound Vol. 1: Track Listing: Celluloid Heroes (6:20) / Love Blood (4:48) / Fried Chicken (2:29) / Butler's Bag (1:07) / Head-Cuttin' Duel (4:43) / Eugene's Trick Bag (2:27) / Amazing Grace (1:52) / Louisiana Swamp Swank (3:15) / Air Guitar Hell (0:40) / The Reaper (3:25) / Introducing the Wylde Stallions (0:45) / Girls Mature Faster Than Guys (0:14) / The Battle (2:24) / Meet the Reaper (0:40) / Final Guitar Solo (1:35) / The Reaper Rap (5:46) / Drive the Hell Out of Here (1:28) / Get the Hell Out of Here (3:53) / Welcome Pre-Frosh (0:48) / The Dark Hallway (1:07) / The Dead Band Ends (0:56) / The Cause Heads (1:18) / Find the Meat (0:26) / The Ax Will Fall (0:39) / Now We Run (0:44) / Hey Jack (0:21) / What! (0:08) / Still Running (0:28) / Dead Heads (3:12) / Blow Me Where the Pampers Is (0:55) / Pins and Needles (0:24) / Plug My Ass In (0:44) / Loose Keg Sightings (0:21) / Don't Sweat It (0:37) / How Hidge (0:44) / Beer Beer (0:19) / We're Not Gonna Protest (1:53) / Initiation (0:15) / See Ya Next Year (0:51) / Now We Run (3:47) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.vai.com Discography
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