77s

Item: Fun With Sound
Author: Chris MacIntosh

Fun With Sound

(2004)

Reviewed by Chris MacIntosh

Bandcamp Apple Music Amazon Music Spotify

Label Fools of the WorldThe Phantom Tollbooth2004

alternative rock blues rock roots rock

It is the end of the year and the usual arguments about which was the best album release are in full swing. My three top contenders were "Changes Come" by OTR, Veil Of Gossamer by Dave Bainbridge, and "One " by Neal Morse. Notice I said were, because all of that has changed in the simple act of opening a small package from Dr. Love. That package contained the absolute best album of this year, it is called Fun With Sound by 7&7 is. Now to clear up any confusion 7&7 is, is not quite the 77's nor is it a Mike Roe solo project, it falls somewhere in the in between, somewhat like the time between times.

Just who is 7&7 is, this time around they are Michael Roe on guitar and vocals and Mark Harmon on bass, guitars, keyboards and vocals. Also around for the ride this time on drums are Mick Fleetwood, yes you heard right, on three cuts. Even more impressive to this old DJ is that somehow Mike has coaxed legendary British musician L'Angelo Mysterioso out of an elongated retirement. He has even switched from his usual guitar playing to drums and handles the chore magnificently.

Stylistically this project falls for the most part, with a few exceptions, into the territory that Mike has explored with such tunes as "Film At Eleven" and "Ache Beautiful" I would be so bold as to say that one tune in particular called "Say So Long To Your Sad Old Love Song" is the prettiest thing that the Doctor has given us since "Ache Beautiful". Other stand out tunes include "Ride the Waves," "Glory Train," and the album closer a butt kicking rocker called, "I'm Gonna Run To the City of Refuge." Altogether this album from its softer moments to its rave up closer shows just why these guys are the best rock n roll band on the planet bar none. It also goes to show once again what an outstanding vocal artist Mike Roe is, when Mike and Mark put down their harmonies together it is just sheer magic. Will we ever see Mike, Mark and Mick out on the road together, I doubt it, but I can always dream can't I.

Check out the web sites at www.77s.com & www.MichaelRoe.com

5 tocks, without a doubt