The current IDHAS 10 Song Mix's second track is Coast To Coast Companion and it is fair to say that it has the biggest listener reaction. Maybe, because we haven't had too much Guitar Rock on here for a while and at times this album really does blow your socks off.
The album is supposedly a concept album, which I don't really see and certainly shouldn't influence you as the songs stand alone really well. A myriad of styles make up the album, all of them centred around the Guitar and it is splendid to hear the Guitar front and centre.
Gymnasium is Boston's Charles Hansen with a load of guests and have no doubt that the man can play Guitar. At times there is a real over the top feel and when it is so, I'm reminded of Tom Scholz at times. But all the songs well written and beautifully arranged. The production is amazed.
Before Your Rocket Leaves The Ground is great 60s UK Beat, Bad Advice could be on a John Hughes 80s Soundtrack and Kren Black is ace New Wave (a little UK, a little US). The Scene Queen borders on Hair Metal.
Split Enz matches anything from those great 70s Pop Rock bands with a fine Glam Rock solo aching to get out. It is a splendid song. Common Angel is very The Who in the 70s. Arguing With The Setting Sun edges towards Modern Prog and Atlantic Sky is very Hutchence like.
Another Time is great AOR and AOR is probably the default across the album, but there are examples of West Coast Rock, Yacht Rock, Psych Pop and more. But at no time does this sound like a Various Artists album. 22 songs is a lot to get through, but the 90 minutes fly by and you have certainly been entertained.
Hansen's Pop 'n' Rock '22 caught me by surprise as an album and a concept. There is no doubt that it is a great listen and at its best when it Rocks. One thing is certain and that is that Charles Hansen is an awesome guitarist and certainly someone to be taken seriously.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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