CRACK THE SKY "OSTRICH"
With Ostrich, Crack the Sky once again offers up an unbelievable album that few people are likely to hear, returning with one of their best albums in years. This band is one of the best kept secrets in rock music, and have delivered a collection of pop/rock songs that sting while making you smile. The lyrics are full of satirical, smirky commentary that are wrapped in up tempo-yes, you can dance to it!
CTS continues to explore different sounds with each CD, and this one is no different, with a funkier sound (in a good way) than their previous recordings. Although I commend the band for extending their range and experimenting on recent recordings, this record is a return to their fun, upbeat style that fans fell in love with.
The songs are compelling, the musicianship is tight and rocking, and the production work is absolutely flawless.
CTS albums require more than just passive listening, and a few of them require some multiple spins and downright work on the listener's part as they can be dense, multilayered, intricate and thought-provoking. Nevertheless, they are always rewarding.
John Palumbo, having either hit a manic phase or attempting to get our attention via the back door, has penned some excellent tunes that the band delivers on. The chops and the creativity that made you a fan long ago are still there, with clever lyrics, tons of guitar, excellent bass and drums, and even horns!
Ostrich has it all! Sterling production, peerless instrumentation, intelligent/provocative songwriting-this remarkable band once again shows their ability to shift gears while keeping their artistic integrity intact.
BIG ELEPHANT
I've heard so much about Crack the Sky. I think I have heard some of their older stuff, but only in passing. "Big Elephant" doesn't sound like anything I was expecting. I thought they would have a more prog rock sound--maybe their old stuff does, but not so much this. I'd have to hear more songs before I'd be interested in this album.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you're doing the Apocalypse BlogFest. It will be interesting to see some of the things people come up with. Hope their is a healthy counterbalance to the sci-fi/fantasy crowd. I'm sure we'll get plenty from them.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Lee-
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by!
My entry is not exactly going to be science fiction...
Larry