Post by wingsj0 on Mar 26, 2006 15:07:26 GMT
Album review by Jeff Martin
If ever a band had “Staying Power”, then it’s the Hollies. Over the years, the line up may have changed, but the Hollies have been around for over 40 years and still playing two hour shows to packed audiences.
Now for the first time since 1983, the group has released a new studio album, full of new songs. Original Hollies, Lead guitarist, Tony Hicks, and Drummer Bobby Elliott, are joined by long standing members: Ian Parker, keyboards, and Ray Stiles, Bass guitar. Also newcomers, Peter Howarth, Lead Vocals, and Steve Lauri, Rhythm Guitar.
All the elements you would expect from a Hollies album are there, the unmistakable three-part harmony, superb musicianship and strong lead vocals. The album is brilliant, and with 10 new songs, written by some of today’s best songwriters. “So Dam Beautiful” is a Mark Read composition and is the track released as a single. The three-part Hicks-Lauri-Howarth, harmony is fantastic on this track, as they are throughout the album. Other tracks of note are “Hope” a powerful first track and “Suspended Animation.” This was written by Rob Davis, of “Kyle’s “Can’t Get You out Of My Head Fame,” and features a ringing telephone and lovely keyboard work from Ian Parker.
Throughout the album, Tony Hicks demonstrates he is still one of the best guitarists in the business and Bobby Elliot’s, drumming is impeccable. The harmonies featuring Hicks, Lauri and Howarth are out of the top drawer, and have the Hollies back to there very best. Ray Stiles, Ian Parker and Steve Lauiri contribute immensely to a master class of pop/rock musicianship. Hicks and Elliott have always had the knack of bringing in the best powerful vocalist, to fill the spot left By Alan Clarke, and in Peter Howarth, they have again hit the jackpot. His vocal range and versatility is so much in evidence on “Staying Power”.
The album has been a long while coming but well worth the wait.
Jeff Martin
www.offshoremusicradio.com
jeff.martin@offshoremusicradio.com
You can find out more about the Hollies new album by visiting the bands Official site: www.hollies.co.uk
If ever a band had “Staying Power”, then it’s the Hollies. Over the years, the line up may have changed, but the Hollies have been around for over 40 years and still playing two hour shows to packed audiences.
Now for the first time since 1983, the group has released a new studio album, full of new songs. Original Hollies, Lead guitarist, Tony Hicks, and Drummer Bobby Elliott, are joined by long standing members: Ian Parker, keyboards, and Ray Stiles, Bass guitar. Also newcomers, Peter Howarth, Lead Vocals, and Steve Lauri, Rhythm Guitar.
All the elements you would expect from a Hollies album are there, the unmistakable three-part harmony, superb musicianship and strong lead vocals. The album is brilliant, and with 10 new songs, written by some of today’s best songwriters. “So Dam Beautiful” is a Mark Read composition and is the track released as a single. The three-part Hicks-Lauri-Howarth, harmony is fantastic on this track, as they are throughout the album. Other tracks of note are “Hope” a powerful first track and “Suspended Animation.” This was written by Rob Davis, of “Kyle’s “Can’t Get You out Of My Head Fame,” and features a ringing telephone and lovely keyboard work from Ian Parker.
Throughout the album, Tony Hicks demonstrates he is still one of the best guitarists in the business and Bobby Elliot’s, drumming is impeccable. The harmonies featuring Hicks, Lauri and Howarth are out of the top drawer, and have the Hollies back to there very best. Ray Stiles, Ian Parker and Steve Lauiri contribute immensely to a master class of pop/rock musicianship. Hicks and Elliott have always had the knack of bringing in the best powerful vocalist, to fill the spot left By Alan Clarke, and in Peter Howarth, they have again hit the jackpot. His vocal range and versatility is so much in evidence on “Staying Power”.
The album has been a long while coming but well worth the wait.
Jeff Martin
www.offshoremusicradio.com
jeff.martin@offshoremusicradio.com
You can find out more about the Hollies new album by visiting the bands Official site: www.hollies.co.uk