Marty Friedman - Music for Speeding

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Free Music Notes for Music for Speeding

Free Music Review: Mr. Friedman's giving you some fuel injection!
Hit: 5 Stars

It took some time to grow on me, but in the end I'm glad I didn't pass by this CD in a record store. Marty takes stagnating genre of virtuoso guitar instrumentals and breathes new life into it by incorporating various new elements. And he proves to be a very good composer and arranger, too. Some say that he has improved dramatically since his previous works, a statement I cannot yet confirm. But the composition skills shown on "Music for Speeding" are non less than excellent.

- "Gimme a Dose" is a frantic shred-fest based on a groovy thrashing rhythm-section. Perfect choice for an album starter, as it sets the mood for the rest of the album.
- "Fuel Injection Stingray" continues in the same way, only that Marty plays soaring melodic lines instead of ripping solos of the 1st track. These two tracks sound very similar to what Megadeth played on their landmark "Rust in Peace". This song also brings in some fast pulsing synth lines in the background, thus giving a hint that we're in for some novelty with this CD.
- "Ripped" rises the tempo even higher. This energetic instrumental is the real music for speeding. Sports cars enthusiasts are going to love it. It has a peculiar electronic section in the middle, where the rhythm section plays what sounds as almost trip-hop. But it quickly gives way to more shredding, which in term changes with some tender melodic licks played over tight metal rhythm, followed by another impressive fast solo. Perfect! Just perfect!
- "It's the Unreal Thing" is another novelty. Mid-tempo thrashing riff is mixed with industrial synthesizer. This music sounds very modern and urbanistic. Marty's soaring guitar, muted somewhat by the powerful riffs, plays some catchy melodic lines.
- "Cheer Girl Rampage" is yet one more strong number. It's core is fast rhythm that sounds like 19th century cabaret dance played at hyper-speed. Again, synths play a big part in creating the character of this track. It's later half is anthemic guitar played over the same funny riff. This track is going to be stuck in your head for days.
- "Lust for Life" gives a much needed break. It's a slow mellow number with obvious 70s rock influences over melodic guitar. It has a piano and a synth string orchestra parts.
- "Lovesorrow" continues in the same vein, only that it has a big acoustic part, a flamenco guitar, and an overall Spanish feel. Some synth orchestration adds to the sonic picture. Some say it has a Steve Vai influence, but again, I cannot comment on this.
- "Nastymachine" brings in some techno rhythm which is blended with solo guitar perfectly. Again, this is a new approach at instrumental guitar music. There's some impressive bass guitar parts, and Marty's guitar goes wild. Towards the end some acoutic string instrument kicks in, that has some oriental (Japanese?) flavor.
- "Catfight" starts with sampled female voice in Japanese. The core riff is very heavy and thrashy. It also has some electronic instruments. Again, this track won't be out of place on Megadeth's "Rust in Peace".
- "Corazon de Santiago" is an instrumental ballad to relax to. Very emotional performance from Marty.
- "0-7-2" is a short classical interlude performed on the guitar, the piano and what sounds like clavichord (really a synth again).
- "Salt in the Wound" returns the listener back to thrashing riffs and aggressive guitar solos. This is the most heavy track on the album.
- "Novocaine Kiss" ends the album on a relaxing mellow note. Again, a good ballad, though it sounds like a typical guitar instrumental.

It's obvious that if you don't like instrumental guitar albums, this one won't change your mind either. But if that is not the case, then you might want to try "Music for Speeding" to see how Marty Friedman manages to stay up tp date in the genre where, it seems, everything has already been played.

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