Mike Keneally - The Thing That Knowledge Can't Eat

 

Mike Keneally returns with a solo album after a 7 year absence. Over a nigh on four decade career, you never know quite what to expect. There's a similarity with Frank Zappa (who he spent a short time with replacing Steve Vai) in that every time you think you've got him, he throws a spanner in the works.

His collaboration with Andy Partridge, Wing Beat Fantastic, revealed Keneally's Pop sensibilities and there does seem to be a great Pop Rock album in him, but he would probably think why would he want to write one when he can cross genres as easily as he does.

A multi-instrumentalist and one of considerable note on Guitar and Keys, he seems to take in influences that are all around him and make them undoubtably him. If you are a newcomer, you would probably describe him as Prog, even Jazz Rock, but he is never gonna stay in that department for very long on any solo album.

This Thing That Knowledge Can't Eat isn't that aforementioned Pop album although Both Sides Of The Street and in particular, Big Hit Song. The latter is wonderful, heading in about six different directions across the 5 minutes. 

It starts like something from Joe's Garage, it journeys through late 60s Beatles Pops, something resembling The Clap Hands Song, Easy Listening, Doo Wop and the Beach Boys with a Sgt Pepper-ish breakout which leads into a Pop Rock Guitar Guitar Solo.

Logos could be a Broadway Song, whilst keeping a foot in Intelligent Indie. Ack is Horn riddled Jazz, Celery lands somewhere Hard Rock and Prog, all  riffs with the aid of Steve Vai and Spigot ventures into Jazz Rock. Lana is Grunge, yet Mercury In Second Grade, is Acoustic and nails a sort of melodic Folk.

The Carousel Of Progress is a magnificent 7 minute closer. Starting all melancholy Piano Jazz before taking on Classic Rock and then returning back to the vibe of the start. I never said that the album was going to be an easy ride. Partly due to the variation, partly due to Keneally's sheer breadth of vision, but the rewards are high.

I'll admit also to being a bit bloody minded with this review which was going to be later in the month. However, I was told yesterday that it was so nice that I was back writing about Indie Guitar Pop and I thought I'll show him. This is the type of thing I listen to when at home and away from IDHAS's riffs and choruses.

The only other musician that I can think of that comes close to the variation and ability of Mike Keneally is Adrian Belew and even he hasn't got as much going on in his head. Big Thanks to my good friend, John Dunbar for telling me how great the album is. This is a splendid listen. Give it a go, you might just learn something.

You can listen to and buy the album here. You can find out more about Mike Keneally here.

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