Earlier this decade, Steve Allen(co-founder of power pop legends 20/20) released his first solo album, In & Out Of The Light. Like that release, his followup "thinline" is filled with confidence, maturity and sense of purpose, it will take many by surprise. It`s not a power pop album by any stretch but it is a display of his continuing growth as a songwriter, singer and guitarist. The album is named for the Fender guitar that Allen bought in 1972. This guitar has been with him through the early years of club work in Oklahoma and the 20/20 major label days in LA and touring across America, Canada and Japan. Its reliable presence and spirit is the inspiration and title of the new record. Steve played all the instruments except for bass and most drums. He was able to get some great players like Garry Tallent from the E Street band on bass and Ron Flynt from 20/20. Allen says, "I wanted this record to have tighter songs and to feature more of my guitar playing. It was written and recorded over a few years and when it came time to look for a title, that guitar tied it all together." Lead off track "Change Is Coming Down" is the killer, right-between-the-eyes uptempo light rocker with a killer arrangement and soaring chorus and one of the songs here that is a keen reminder of his power poppin` past. The Marshall Crenshaw-y "No More War" follows with bouncy rhythms and chippy guitar lines and, again, is has a mid-section break that is very 20/20 like. "Can`t Fool Yourself" reminds me of mid-70s Cliff Richard(think "Devil Woman") while instrumental track "Oklahoma Sky" has Dave Gilmour-like tastly explorations that evoke Pink Floyd. Buddy Holly homage "22 Years Old" create a refreshing detour and it continues on through 10 tracks - the sounds of veteran artist making music for himself and pulling his fans along for the ride. Very Highly Recommended!
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