Split Decision
Album Description
As evinced on his eagerly anticipated album, Morses songwriting talents continue to evolve - as do his remarkable chops. Together with his steadfast collaborators bassist Dave LaRue and drummer Van Romaine, SMB continues to amplify the interactive musical capabilities of the rock power trio.
With "SPLIT DECISION", his ninth album as the Steve Morse Band (his second project for Magna Carta) this guitarists guitarist has once again proven that true musical veterans dont rest on their laurels. Steve Morse continues to explore and discover, reach and attain.
"I try to have some variety in every album," Steve explains. "For instance, I like to choose themes or beginning of songs that are several years old, as well as the more recent ones. So its all new to someone who hasnt heard it." Steve composes constantly. Its what he does. More so, what he is. "I can find ideas anywhere. In fact, I have so many that I cant locate all of them. I used to record motifs on cassettes and now theyre scattered all over my house and studio." Lucky for us his prolific output is guaranteed for decades to follow.
Rate Points :4.0
Binding :Audio CD
Label :Magna Carta
Manufacturer :Magna Carta
ProductGroup :Music
Studio :Magna Carta
Publisher :Magna Carta
UPC :026245905825
EAN :0026245905825
Price :$16.98USD
Lowest Price :$10.96USD
Customer ReviewsGreat Guitar! Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :5 Call this the mellowing of Morse. Though there is just one single truly acoustic song on the CD, there is a balance struck between ripping rock n roll and more introspective but uplifting melodies. In the liner notes, Morse claims he couldnt make up his mind whether to go with the rock band concept or explore his more mellow side instead, hence the title "Split Decision."
The resulting song cycle offers plenty of variety, a pleasant and engaging blend that drives the listener through many moods. The opener, "Heightened Awareness" is a heavy duty rocker, followed by the uptempo baroque ditty "Busybodies" in which Morse and bassist Dave LaRue play in unison throughout. "Marching Orders" encompasses the nature of the CD in a single song, starting out slightly jazzy and subdued, ultimately morphing into a raging assault. "Mechanical Frenzy" combines speed metal riffs with southern rock leads as well as Morse ever did with the Dregs, then out of left field, LaRue takes over with a bass lead.
My immediate favorite track on the album, "Great Mountain Spirits" is one of the stately mid-tempo rockers, with multi-layered guitars over booming bass and drums. The only instruments credited in the liner notes are guitars, bass and drums, but if thats not a flute and keyboards Im hearing in this song, then it is some pretty stellar guitar synths! Nice. Soon, the CD then slows down to a jazzy, sometimes meditative tempo for several tracks, including the brilliant and enthralling "Moments Comfort," another track where virtuoso Morse makes room for a Dave LaRue bass solo.
"Split Decision" is one of the most fully satisfying CDs of 2002.
HOW CAN IT GET ANY BETTER? Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :2 As a long time fan who owns almost everything Steve has done from the Dregs, Kansas, solo and Deep Purple, this is one of his best. The compositions are incredible and full of "soul". I honestly dont know how anyone could not appreciate this music. Each time I listen it gets better. Give yourself a treat and get this for yourself and someone who loves "GREAT MUSIC".
A bit of a snooze Rating Point :2 Helpful Point :1 A lot more of his mellow stuff. One or two an album is a nice change of pace, but this was a lot of his neo-classical stuff back-to-back.
What happened? Rating Point :3 Helpful Point :0 To be honest with you, the music is right up my alley. I love guitar insturmentals. I bought it after listening to some mp3s on Steves website, was very excited to get it. On the website, Steve had an interview with the producer and he went on and on about how they spend weeks and days positioning the mics on the drums and this and that. After listening a few times I really started to be bugged how it was recorded or "mastered". The drums are almost completely lost in the mix. This was very disappointing. I really like the tunes but the sound of the "mix" just ruined it for me.
Morse is as sharp as ever... Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :3 As a long time Steve Morse fan, I would say that this album ranks high among all of Steves solo and Steve Morse Band albums. Steves versatility and virtuosity both in composition and performance are well showcased, and all of the tracks are consistently strong without being repetitive. The musicianship on this CD is astounding - but weve come to expect that from the Steve Morse Band. This CD won the "back-to-back" test for me - the first time I finished listening to it, I went right back to the beginning and cranked it again. Highly recommended!
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