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Alternate Listening Programs REVIEWS Merry Axemas CRYSTAL PLANET Not of This Earth ULTRA ZONE Vai

This latest offering by the guitarist's guitarist -- JOE SATRIANI -- is replete with the implied resonance of the cd's title question, landing with a wonderful vengeance of musical ecstasy on the anxiously waiting ears of Joe's numerous fans world-wide and the hard-core aficionados of this unassuming giant of the guitar universe.
 

1.
The initial cut sets the tone, bursting with exuberant squeals of guitar delight, aptly described by the title:

"G N A A H H"

The middle-eight flourishes a rockin' series of thick-toned, crunchy, spell-binding arpeggios, eventually ascending into utter brilliance; driving the song forward with joyous and relentless enthusiasm. We can tell we're in for a quite a ride, promising an abundance of excitement and emotional intensity.

Joe never disappoints.
 

3.
"Hands in the Air" Setting forth with a deep-toned, chunky rock-riff, the song chugs along with the power and authority of a freight train. Each of the themes are stated and repeated before moving on to the next. Around 2'30" Joe finally cuts loose with some solo work, and the song eventually contains a viciously marvelous sCrEaMiNg climax at 3 minutes -- impressive and yet all too short -- before settling back to re-stating the three main musical themes with force and conviction. I predict we'll hear this one in the background during the intro to some televised sporting events. Meantime, I'll spend the entire song waiting for that climax, putting my hands in the air in time to the rock beat. (see link to Program Notes, below.)
 

2.
"Up In Flames" is the perfect vehicle for Joe's searing, stellar guitar-work and in my opinion THIS song should have been "featured" on the CD sticker. A catchy, driven, killer riff lays a solid foundation for a signature showcase Satriani rock guitar melody. The hammer-driven, rhythmic bass line in the middle eight makes for some very exciting music.;  ~Great~ song!
 

6.
"If I Could Fly" This song evidences a maturity and quiet self-assurance; an acceptance of what is, at the same time allowing the imagination to peacefully contemplate the opposite without despair. When I hear the title mesh with the melody I wonder if there are more undiscovered lyrics lurking in the recesses of the Satriani vaults.

I like this song more and more.  It shows real and true staying-power.   (Program Notes.)
 

5.
From the strange, eerie, frequency-tuning guitar whistles of the intro and outro, to the very last drop of sound depositing the listener at the final edge of empty space at the end of the universe, the title song pulls with an aching poignancy at the very center of the soul, asking That Question -- one that rakes up both loneliness and hope -- referencing all that is human within the inner space of the heart, and reaching out to whatever might be outside the frail shell we call home. I fell instantly in love with the sound the feel the melody the emotional wellspring that feeds this new Satriani classic. This song unquestionably lives up to the task of being the cd's title song and has rapidly become a personal favorite of this listener.

One more thing (I've said this before but I'm happy to repeat my assessment): this song is yet another winning example of Joe's precise, subtle, and utterly superb touch on the wah pedal. He is absolutely the master of that piece of equipment, using it to an emotionally-maximum and yet perfectly-understated and musically-expressive effect. (Joe, you're the best!!! You're my hero!!!)
 

4.
Joe puts a multi-layered distortion-colored voice to the other featured cut, "Lifestyle". I was surprised and delighted to hear this vocal burst forth after a few bars of yet another series of rockin- rollin- riffs- to- die- for. Perhaps I'm imagining things, but the vocal sound seems to echo the wild, frosty, weird, and utterly delicious colors of the cd's art layout.

One has to ask, however, just where do these lyrics come from? Due to the perception I've developed of Joe's artistic persona, I would frankly be shocked if they spring from his current experience, but in the same breath one must acknowledge Joe's private life is exactly that: PRIVATE. Hence, we don't really know, do we? I'm guessing that if my current perception is at all correct, the subject of the song could be gleaned either from his past, or from vicariously witnessing the lives of friends or colleagues.
 

7.
"Souls of Distortion" Another fascinating journey through The Land of Wah. I've never been a fan of the wahka-wahka, waaca-waaca signature sound of the wah pedal. In the process of getting to know this song I listened Very Carefully to every nuance of the wah. Joe treads dangerously close to the "waaca" sound that can get so annoying to this listener when used to excess and yet ... he manages to get away with it. Trust me, I have a wah-wah annoyance-detector on a hair trigger(!) so when I say "treds dangerously close and yet gets away with it" this MEANS something. Once again, Joe delivers a masterpiece of the wah. My appreciation of this song has deepened over these past several days while I've had this latest cd on endless repeat (in the car, on the train, at my desk).
 

8.
Wrapping secure and comforting arms around the listener, "Just Look Up" is restful and warm -- a loving invitation to ponder the Big Picture. Again, I hear the title mesh with the melody and long for all the words.
 

9.
"I Like The Rain"

[[...Oh ~YEAH~!!!...]]

Another delightful surprise: Joe sings again -- this time with a slightly different flavor of distortion to the vocal, along with some gloriously guttural echoes on some specific line endings at the end of the first couplet on each of the three verses, adding that enticingly wicked touch.  (note re Lyrics)

[[...Oh ~YEAH~!!!...]]

This cut could also have easily have been "featured" on the CD sticker with no complaints from yours truly. In short, I love this song -- from the dreamy, tentative guitar blending smoothly into the opening motorcycle roar to the final decisive chord -- This One ~ROCKS~.

Oh ~YEAH~!!!!!!!
 

10.
Joe, do you do this on purpose? Take a stunningly awesome song and put it deliberately in the #10 slot? The reason I ask is I'm convinced "Searching" is ~A ~PERFECT ~TEN~  With a full ten minutes to explore the themes and delve deep into the emotional psyche of his instrument and our open souls, this musician's musican takes us on an achingly intense journey, leaving this listener a puddle of jelly in my chair by the end of the ride. No One does this like Satriani. Only you, Joe. Only You.

(Note:  I can say what I've said above because I've given this song my full attention from start to finish.  This is not a song to be taken lightly, and should never be used as background-music for anything.  It deserves the listener's complete attention, with lights off and eyes closed if necessary.  It's worth it.)
 

11.
"Bamboo" ooooooohhh, Joe: you SO know how to do it. Haunting and moving, this song is yet another classic to add to the many, many classics and fan faves that abound in the Satriani universe.
 
 
 
 
 

| Is There Love In Space? | runs a very, VERY close 2nd to 1998's | Crystal Planet | -- a cd I consider to be the apex of Joe's career to date and a masterpiece of perfection. In short, ITLIS? delivers everything I could have wished for from Joe, and more.  (He sings! Twice!).

In conclusion, if the visitor will please humor me while I point out the obvious:  far more interesting than the fixed certainties of This, That, Yes, No, Absolutely, and No-Way are the tantalizing and intriguing possibilities and the infinities of wonder suggested by a simple question.