Joe Satriani - Crystal Planet
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Music CD Cover
Artist: Joe SatrianiEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 1998-03-03
Music Label: Epic Records
Soundtracks:
- Up in the Sky
- House Full of Bullets
- Crystal Planet
- Love Thing
- Trundrumbalind
- Lights of Heaven
- Raspberry Jam Delta-V
- Ceremony
- With Jupiter in Mind
- Secret Prayer
- A Train of Angels
- A Piece of Liquid
- Psycho Monkey
- Time
- Z.Z.'s Song
Free Music Notes for Crystal Planet
Free Music Review: True pop rock? I think so
Hit: 5 Stars
Joe Satriani is one of the greatest guitarists in the world, period. In fact, many would claim he is THE greatest guitarist in the world. Really? Is it possible to make such a claim? This album will take you a step closer to understanding why.
A New Yorker who took up guitar at age 16, Satriani has had a career spanning two decades. Over that time he has established himself as not only a technical whizz, but a versatile musician and composer. Whether it be blues, rock, classical or pop, Satch has done it. But he doesn't just thrash the cliches. His strongest point is his ever-developing individual style. Highly melodic, lyrical and harmonically diverse, his efforts, perhaps most famously on the album Surfing With the Alien, became the basis of rock guitar for the next decade.
But then, in 1998, came what was perhaps Satriani's coming of age. The instrumental rock album Crystal Planet was to display the result of that refinement in style – an album which not only takes you on a multifarious musical journey, but also reiks of stylistic charm.
Built upon a minimalistic rock base, Satriani uses elements of modern, alterna and power-ballad rock, techno and pop to create an intensely attractive genre blend. The exact style itself is difficult to describe, combining clean distorted and overdriven guitars in an ambient reverb. One of the most palatable albums I have ever listened to, despite plunging through contrasting landscapes and aural scenery, it remains highly listenable and stylistically consistent. For me, it's Satriani's take on commercial rock genres of the late 90s and 2000s.
Satriani's lead guitar is the heart and soul of this album. For the majority of the tracks, it is simply Satch, bass and drums. And yet he produces his most convincing performance yet. Why? Quite simply, it is his size. Extremely strong, cantabile melody lines are supported with hypnotic harmony and absorbing tonality – never too challenging to the ear, but yet remaining connotative – build a universe of imagery surrounded by abundant atmosphere. Although there are times where two or three other guitars and the occasional keyboard nick in to hold the groove, it's never any more than simple riffs or supporting comp lines. Satriani's main guitar holds up this entire album.
But let's not discount the quality of the supporting musicians. Stu Hamm delivers a shining performance, with his winding bass lines not only laying a solid foundation but often playing lines which appear to consolidate a rhythm guitar. Jeff Campitelli keeps up with the wide range of feels well, in his usual creative but no-nonsense manner, while Eric Caudieux adds some sensory polish through clever synth and effect touches.
Despite expressing a myriad of moods, from a very upbeat opening track (Up in the Sky), past the driving groove of Raspberry Jam Delta V, to the final reflective lullaby which concludes the album, never does it become self-indulgent. There's always a new feel, a new chord progression or some new harmonies around the corner, but it remains simple and succinct enough to avoid being over the top. Satriani displays his usual mind-boggling technique, but certainly not to the point of showing off, at any stage. He simply uses his wide-reaching repetoire to broaden his expression in a controlled fashion, unafraid to refrain if necessary.
This album approaches on what I would term 'true pop'. Perhaps testiment to the grazioso vocalist sound Satriani manages to achieve, combined with decent pop writing, this is an album which is full of memorable melodies and catchy riffs. And yet it never becomes annoying. No matter what time of the day, what mood you might be in, it's listenable and enjoyable. What everyone wants in an album.
Interested in further Satriani listening? Surfing With the Alien, The Extremist and Strange Beautiful Music are his strongest all-round releases, while Engines of Creation, Satriani's techno project, is a good example of his versatility.
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