| CD REVIEW P. Paul Fenech |
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Band : P. Paul Fenech As many of you doubtlessly know, P. Paul Fenech is the charismatic frontman of British Psychobilly masters The Meteors, active since 1980, with a 5,000+ gig record, and with a shitload of full-length & mini albums on both CD and vinyl on their activities sheet, as well as a collection of their own in live recordings (I've counted no less than 14 live albums) many of which even getting chart notations in the UK. Over the last decade or so, Fenech has become known to take out time away from The Meteors for his solo project, partying with friends and guest musicians just to play their favourite songs, or to clear his head of ideas and leave it open for the pure Psychobilly sound. In other words, he either builds on what he's already doin' with his main band, or diverts to other forms of Rock 'n' Roll. To those whom just happened to open this review by chance, and may not be familiar with the terminology, “Psychobilly” is originally a mixture of Rockabilly with Punk elements, and a psychedelic touch attained from blending the whole with atmospheres and lyrical themes culled from B-type Horror movies. International Super Bastard constitutes Fenech's 8th solo album to date, displaying a wide variety of Rock 'n' Roll anthems, goin' from near-instrumentals (album opening title track plus the weirdly titled “Giacondo Con La Mano Sinistra Di Dio” both dó have some vocal bits, but you cannot talk about a song per say) which both have a Surf touch, pure Rockabilly Pop songs (check “Lovers' Rock”), and more Rock geared Rockabilly tracks (most of the album). I feel it's important to point out that the Psychobilly element of horror is almost completely absent on this album (okay, okay, let's make an exception for “Legion Song”). What makes Fenech's music anthemic is not only his expert songwriting and guitar play, but also his awkward vocal signature. Hoarse overall, he nevertheless succeeds in making his voice appallingly attractive. Guests and friends? Well, you'll find a horn being played here, a keyboard organ played there, a backing vocalist elsewhere (of course those stand out most – in a very positive way, by all means – when they're female)...but there's no mention of whom does what in the info sheet we got along with our download promo copy, nor is there any info to be found on Fenech's MySpace page. In keeping with the album title, the first thing you see when opening that page is a fat middle finger, and that attitude continues in the page not displaying any audio of video material. In fact, the “fuck you” attitude is extended on the album's page on Amazon.com, where you'll not even find a sample to óne song. And still, I can recommend this album to any music lover into Psychobilly, Rockabilly...or just good vintage music overall! Darn, you know something, I need to introduce my 70 year-old Dad to this! He's gonna love it as much as I do, I'm sure!!! How much do I like it? Enough to put ISB in my year-lists, thàt's how much! 98/100 Tony. |