JOHN WETTON ‘Sinister’ (Giant Electric Pea/SPV 2001)
The 2001 solo album by ex-Asia/King Crimson/Uriah Heep et al
vocalist/musician. There is an impressive supporting cast including Jim
Petrik (ex-Survivor), Steve Hackett (ex-Yes/GTR), John Mitchell (Arena), Tod
Sucherman (Styx) and John Young (ex-Uli Jon Roth/Asia) amongst others.
Bryan Adams’ co-writer Jim Vallance also co-writes and plays on a couple of
tracks including the opener ‘Heart of Darkness’, with its pomp rock intro
and Asia like harmonies. Vallance co-writes ‘Say It Ain’t So’ a rumbling
rocker with tasty guitar solos from John Mitchell.
Jim Petrik appears on the ballad ‘No Ordinary Miracle’ where John
Wetton’s voice gets a good chance to shine very US AOR in style like
Survivor and Two Fires. ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’ is a classic pop rock
tune and will appeal to Wetton fans everywhere. King Crimson’s Robert Fripp
and former King Crimson member Ian McDonald guest on the instrumental
‘E-SCAPE’. Very mellow in style, almost veering into New Age territory.
Rocker
‘Another Twist of the Knife’ follows with a driving backing and hook
filled chorus, an album highlight. The ballad ‘Silently’ is another album
highlight with its lush backing the sort of ballad John Wetton excels at.
John Young appears on and co-wrote ‘Before Your Eyes’, another brooding
ballad with a simple backdrop that makes the song all the more effective.
1970’s heartthrob David Cassidy (The Partridge Family!) helps out on ‘Second
Best’, a mid-tempo track but not the best on the album. Closing the album is
the acoustic ballad ‘Real World’ with a very Beatles feel due no doubt to
Ringo Starr co-writing it! Bizarre guest has to be Steve Hackett , normally
fames for his guitar he plays some blues wailing harmonica on this track. A
great way to end the album.
An excellent album and fans of John Wetton are heartily recommended to
check this out, if you haven’t already. A very talented musician and some
top notch guest musicians make this a very enjoyable album. Asia fans will
particularly enjoy many of the songs as they feature many trademark touches
from Wetton-era Asia.
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
