Paul Gilbert is probably best known as the guitar player
in Racer X and also Mr Big (before being replaced by Richie
Kotzen). In addition Paul has also released a number of solo
albums which for the most part are equal parts blazing guitar,
pop hooks and killer melodies. The guy seems to be able to
perfectly cross the boundaries between pop and shred and inject
a sense of fun into everything.
Paul The Young Dude is for the most part a hand
picked (by Gilbert) best of his solo output along with a few
unreleased tracks for good measure. If this wasn't enough
we also get a 10 track free acoustic album of all new material.
But the best of is 17 tracks of unashamed fun and high class
musicianship. Some cross the border between pop and rock -
I'm Not Afraid Of The Police may have lyrics that are
not exactly deep but try not to get sucked into that chorus.
A raucous cover of Carole King's I Feel
The Earth Move is yet more fun with a capital F, greay
vocal work and cool to hear Jeff Martin (Racer X vocalist)
belt out the bridge. Gilbert's solo here is absolutely blazing.
My Religion starts out with some
nice classical tinged guitar histronics before the power pop
blasts in, this could almost be seen as Mr Big type stuff,
except you would never catch Eric Martin singing this sort
of melody line. The solo here is super cool starting out with
Paul duelling with a delay pedal.
Down To Mexico sounds
like an updated Hendrix with a cool doubled harmonised riff,
again more fun. Superloud is
a track Paul wrote for an Asashi "Superdry" beer
commercial. Paul is responsible for everything you hear here.
Individually Twisted is pure
California fun, again a modern pop/punk edge is present but
the delectable melodies are so catchy its impossible not to
enjoy. Kate Is A Star is a nice
acoustic ballady track with nice vocal harmonisations, Gilbert
can really sing too which is another skill to add to his impressive
CV. G.V.R.O. is a short but sweet
classical piece, the album is then rocked up with the quite
self explanatory I Like Rock
which is a 2 minute track quite punky.
Let The Computer Decide will be the track Gilber guitart
connosieurs will cherish here, a great heavy instrumental
with great guitar work throughout.
Girl Crazy is another
pop tune which to be honest does not do a lot for me.
Girl's Who Can Read Your Mind has a new intro (from
the demo) which sounds very "Journey" to these ears
from the piano mixed with super melodic lead guitar lines
before moving into more original waters, Its one of the highlights
of the album. Girls Watching
completes the girls trilogy is a again quite Hendrixy 60's
sounding, but there is a great riff here and some fine lead
work.
Million Dollar Smile
is te first of 2 live tracks which is pretty average before
launching into a blazing version of ELP's Karn
Evil #9, this is an absolutely thunderous rendition.
Gilberto Concerto is stunning,
a pure classical piece played on electric guitar, more Uli
Roth than Yngwie Malmsteen- lovely stuff. The album closes
with The Second Loudest Guitar In The World is a song from
the Burning Organ sessions, lots of nice fast guitar work
here and another for the Gilbert guitar enthusiasts.
Overall Paul The Young Dude is a very enjoyable
collection of pop, rock, classical and blazing guitar. Fans
of Paul's work in Mr Big and Racer X will find a lot ot enjoy
if they have so far failed to delve into the mans solo work.
Gilbert Hotel is a bonus disc of 10 track primarily
acoustic based, again the quality of songwriting is high and
for those wanting a quieter Gilbert experience this is the
place to go. Plus the fact that you get another album free
here is a nice bonus indeed.
