Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 13
 Probably Satriani's best. April 10, 2006
P. Woods (England)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I have not listened to 'Strange beautiful music' 'Time machine' and 'Not of this Earth', but I have heard all of Satch's other albums, and for me this is probably the greatest album he has ever done. If you've heard 'Surfing with the alien', this album will be no different, but Satch has many more different, interesting songs here. Straight-ahead shred-rock (Back to shalla-bal, One big rush), some funk (Bells of lal part 2, Strange), a bit of folk/country (The feeling, Phone call) and a bit of 80s metal (Big bad moon). Don't worry, Satch still delivers the crazy guitaring with fantastic solos. The solos in all of his songs are brilliant, with fast out-of-control ones, to melodic slow solos. He also includes his famous double handed tapping tecnique in the beautiful 'Day at the beach' and the not-so-good 'Headless'.pBut also, Satch does a bit of singing now. Some may not like the idea of that and I wasn't sure if i'd like it at first, but I found some of the vocal tracks to be just as enjoyable, from the punky 'Can't slow down' to the ballad of 'I believe' they are all great, but one of my favourites is the mid-tempo rocker 'Ride'. He also sings in 'Phone call', 'Big bad moon' and 'Strange'. Satch's voice isn't as bad as everyone says, his voice is suited to the songs (maybe with the exception of 'I believe'). You can still sing the songs, no matter who sings them.pSo, if you want to listen to Joe Satriani, i'd try 'Surfing with the alien' first, but this is also a good album to try as well and my favourite of Satriani. It just has a wide variety of songs and it's a great 70-minute listen.
Throw in the towel June 18, 2003
Nugent_Dirt (UK)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I was round at a mate's, introducing him to what I thought was some great guitar. He then produced 'Flying..' and whacked on 'Big bad moon'. Was I blown away or what. On my way home, first thing I did was to nip into the nearest record shop and and buy myself a copy. It's rarely been out of the CD player as I pretty much use this as my tutor, being a keen player myself. This is probably Satch's most diverse recording ranging from atmospheric double tapping work-outs like 'Headless' through to blistering shredfests 'Cant slow down' and 'Back to shalla bal'. Stretching at around 70 mins this CD is top value. Only problem is, if you're an aspiring player yourself this'll probably make you throw in the towel...having picked your jaw off the floor.
Astonishing.....Satriani delivers the goods! February 7, 2005
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
This was the very first Joe Satriani album I bought, midway through last year, having discovered it on an old Playstation game that I bought for no apparent reason. This twist of fate has introduced me (and a friend) to a musician I can really connect with. pSatriani is a sensational guitarist and this fact is oh so apparent in the brilliant "Flying In A Blue Dream" LP. pThis album encompasses a fair old variety of musical styles from full on rock blast (see "Back To Shalla Bal"), bluesy, soothing tunes (e.g the title track), groovy, super fast staccato's (Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing) and many more. This variety ensures a varied listening experience and an album that will be played for years before you tire of its genius.pJoe himself gets involved with the vocals a great deal on this album, probably more so than on any of his other works. Arguably, this is a down side. He isn't a great singer in my opinion and he admits himself he is shy at the mic and not really cut out for singing. He lacks powerful vocal chords, however this doesn't detract from any of the music and a lot of the songs with Joes vocals are very good indeed, among the better selections on the album. pIn fact, my only downside for this album would be the horrific track entitled "The Phone Call". Frankly, I'd rather suffer a brain haemmorhage than listen to this track.pThis doesn't lower the overall mark I give this album of five stars though. I urge you all to buy this album if you haven't already. At £5.97 you really can't go wrong and it is a perfect introduction to Joe's work.pIgnore the fact that Joe is relatively unknown in this world dominated by manufactured bands and novelty records. This is real music, music with a passion. You must own this album before you can call yourself a real fan of music.
Amazing June 28, 2007
Jeff Twat (UK)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I recently purchased four Satriani albums ('Surfing With The Alien', 'Flying In A Blue Dream', 'Crystal Planet' and 'Is There Love In Space'.) I would say that this and 'SWTA' are the best of the four. Joe Satriani is one of the most talented, influential and unique guitarists in the world, and this album is perhaps the best proof why.
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br /The opening title-track is a mystical experience in itself - a great chord progression overdubbed with an amazing guitar solo. 'The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing' is another amazing song; heavier, bluesier and with a great riff and solo. The tapping is amazing. Other highlights include the beatiful 'Day At The Beach (New Rays From An Ancient Sun', the hard-rocking 'Back To Shalla-Bal' and the surprisingly normal rock song 'Ride'. Joe Satriani may be one of the most technically gifted guitarists ever, but he knows how to mix technique and music properly, like Eric Johnson, rather than just mindlessly shredding, llike Yngwie Malmsteen. Of course, you will find tapping (including in his own unique way where he taps two different melodies at once e.g. 'Day at the Beach') shredding, string-skipping etc, but it's not all the time and as fast as possible.
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br /I would also recommend;
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br /'Surfing With The Alien' - Joe Satriani
br /'Passion and Warfare' - Steve Vai
br /'Population Override' - Buckethead
br /'Ah Via Musicom' - Eric Johnson
br /'Crystal Planet' - Joe Satriani
The greatest guitar player I know. May 29, 2000
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Satriani is a genius. This album and The Extremist are by far his best, simply because he not only manages to produce stunning guitar tracks, he actually makes good music. You never get the feeling that Joe is simply trying to show off his talent, he clearly loves music. There are a vast range of tracks on this album all of which are great, but a few are simply stunning. Blue Dream is frighteningly good, and one of those tracks wannabe's like me can only dream of being able to play well. Satch uses so many different styles you'll never get bored of his music, a master of rock and blues, you can't help but get jealous of his frankly miraculous ability. For some all time classic guitar tracks buy this and The Extremist and you'll be happier for life. If you prefer a more techno feel to guitar playing, I would check out Engines of Creation.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 13
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