| Good Music For Good People |
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Brian Ray - Mondo Magneto |
Gotta love the fact that the two guitarists for Paul McCartney are unadulterated popsters in their private lives. First, the fabulific Rusty Anderson`s solo disc arrived here in 2005 and now, in 2006, Brian Ray. Featuring help from Rusty Anderson and members from Weezer and Elvis Costello`s band(veteran Davey Faragher), as well as two co-writes w/ the totally under-rated, un-heralded Tonio K., Brian Ray ventures confidently, assertively with a set of stylish power pop songs that bring to mind Jason Falkner, Parthenon Huxley, World Party(Ray`s voice is similar to Karl Wallinger, actually), Brendan Benson and lots of Bleu! Translation: it has it all, pop fans. But it all ain`t pop, as Ray`s soul has classic rock `n roll flowing thru his vein, pouring out big `ole riffs on top of smooth, immediately catching melodies. Bristling excursions down scorchingly memorable rocking pop paths - the intent is pure in all the undulating melodic centers of this outstanding material. He`s been hanging with the right crowd, that is clearly evident. All the songs are infused with indelible melodies(each one with a different approach, song-writing wise), warm harmonies(sometimes rocking, sometimes more cerebral) and the production values that picky pop fans will appreciate. A winner, beginning to end, Extremely Highly Recommended!!
 Vinyl - mp3
Good For Nothing - mp3
I Liked You Better - mp3
All I Know - mp3
Anywhere But Home - mp3
Coming Up Roses - mp3 |
| Customer Reviews |  | |
| A Brilliant Album!! | |
| Reviewer: Caroline Chester | | Brian Rays debut album is a fantastic piece of work. So many different instruments
so many different sounds
so many different emotions conveyed through the lyrics. Each song has its own story; some funny, some sad. Brian has a very versatile voice, able to express pain, longing, wit, irony and lots more besides. Obviously, with Brians background, the guitar work is outstanding throughout the album, whether it be subtle and soft or at its rocking loudest! All the songs are terrific but stand out tracks are - IF YOURE LEAVING ME a beautiful but sad song where the guitar, reflecting the lyrics, sounds so lonely. ANYWHERE BUT HOME a powerful song with poignant lyrics. SOFT MACHINE - a duet with the legendary Etta James. You know before the verse starts that this is going to be a great song. The voices blend perfectly. I LIKED YOU BETTER a fun song with a strong vocal performance.
The CD packaging is great and I like the fact the lyrics are included. Mondo Magneto has been created with care and dedication and it comes from the heart. It will appeal to anyone who likes classic rockers, fresh sounding pop/rock or sentimentalists who just love a good ballad! I cant recommend it highly enough. Brilliant!! |
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| "ray"ses the bar on pop music | |
| Reviewer: edward higgins | | this is a totally enjoyable listen from beginning to end. great production and great
songs. the song "coming up roses" was co-written by tonio k. and is a classic;
you'll be hooked immediately.
speaking of tonio k, he released a record in the late 70's titled "life in the foodchain."
steve simels, a rock critic for "stereo review magazine", called it the greatest rock record
ever. i bought that record and mr. simels might be right.
anyways, "mondo magneto" is an excellent collection of songs and i give it my highest
recommendation. |
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| what can i say... | |
| Reviewer: Sue Cascio | | i just love it! Amazingly, whenever i turn my iPod on, "I Liked You Better" is the song that always pops up 1st :) How did that happen? Maybe he's turned it into a briPod....
Great CD from beginning to end..."Good For Nothing" is my stand-out fave.
Awesome driving CD...goes so well with Rusty's UU cd too...
Now when is CD #2 ?! |
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| Fantastic rock album!! | |
| Reviewer: Fiona Dixon | | Im extremely picky about the music I listen to and it takes something really amazing to get my attention, but Mondo Magneto has barely left my CD player since I got it. The entire album rocks from start to finish. Its loud, melodic, vibrant, honest, raw, witty, powerful
The playing is fantastic throughout you can tell the best of the best worked on this album, using the greatest gear. Brians lyrics are honest and meaningful, and you just know that the words come from his heart.
I love every single song on the album, but here are a few highlights...
VINYL: This song tells the story of a guy who drives across America in his dads old car with his record collection in the trunk, only to have them all stolen away one night. Its a very retro sounding song that kicks off with a cool guitar intro.
SOFT MACHINE: This is my overall favourite track. I love it!!!!! It's a very sexy song. Etta James sings on it with Brian and her voice gives it a slightly bluesy feel. I cant describe how good this song is, you have to hear it. Strong lyrics with a sinister edge.
ANYWHERE BUT HOME: This one gives me goosebumps. Its a very atmospheric song and actually made me cry the first few times I listened to it. The lyrics are very evocative and the guitars are heavy and loud. One of the best songs on the album.
Finally - the packaging with the CD is outstanding!! The warm pick colour is so eye-catching and the case and booklet have a luxurious and sexy feel. It adds the perfect finishing touch to a wonderful record! |
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| Mondo Magneto Rocks my Socks off! | |
| Reviewer: Susanne S | | I haven't hear this refreshing and enthusiastic music in a long time. If you want some real heart felt music this is the CD for you! Brian's voice raves with passion. My favorite song is SOFT MACHINE, and it's a collaborative masterpiece. The song just seems to take you in and put you in good spirits even if your not. The next favorites are GOIN' DOWN SWINGIN' and ANYWHERE BUT HOME. "Goin' Down Swingin'" is a catchy number, that you can't help but love the enduring lyrics to this one. "Anywhere but Home" has a magical beat to be endured for sure. That's not even touching on the ballads or I LIKED YOU BETTER which is off the hook! Brian Ray's Mondo Magneto is an amazing piece of work, Love it! |
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| Mondo Magneto ! | |
| Reviewer: Dawn Abela | | Mondo Magneto is definitely a cd you'll want to play over & over again ! With great rocking tracks like "Goin'Down Swingin'" to the humorous "I liked You Better" [which i'm sure lots of people will relate to that one!] to "Vinyl" it has a great intro ,and takes us all back to our own LP collections ! , this one will definitely stay in your head.
To the beautiful ballads "All I Know" & "If You're Leaving Me" which have such heartfelt lyrics.To "Soft Machine" which includes the amazing voice of Etta James , such a great song ! And finishing up with "Anywhere But Home" , i love it !
It's so hard to pick a favourite, with many more great tracks i haven't even mentioned .
Brian Ray's first CD shows what a talented Singer/Songwritter/Producer/Musician he really is !
Well listen for yourself.....I'm sure you'll love it . |
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| Mondo Magneto | |
| Reviewer: Jay DellIsola | | Top shelf, gutsy guitar performances and strong lyrics and vocal performances on this one. Chalk one up for B-Ray for a wonderful, commercially viable, pop rock creation.
-J |
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