We had this some years back(it came out in 2001) but it`s been gone for a few years and we just re-connected with Steve Allen here. Allen, from 20/20 frontman, is a stunner, so filled with confidence, maturity and sense of purpose, it will take many by surprise. While it`s far from the early sounds of his still-presently-existing band, Allen is writing songs that John Hiatt, Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Robin Trower should be climbing all over to cover. He mixes overt influences of Stones, Steve Miller, Dire Straits, some early Bowie and Hendrix so effortlessly and classically that the convergence is something timeless and filled with the spirit of rebirth that `rock `n roll` lives proudly in 2001! Co-writers include Bill Lloyd, Ron Flynt(20/20), Walter Egan and Tommy Heath(Tommy Tutone) and Duane Jarvis(roots rock writer). The vibe is something akin to a great, unheard rock record that came out around the time of "Goat Heads Soup" that just got lost in the shuffle, but with modern day production flourishes. "(Allen) is now a Nashville cat and a true blue American rock and roller. Oh, and a scorching guitarist. If you`ve been looking for a disc to keep your Rory Gallagher and Keith Richards albums company, this would do the trick. A well played mix of blues-based rock, a few mellower numbers (the inspired "Surfin` with Jimi" could have been titled "The Wind Cries Jimi") and the obligatory reggae spiked ditty ("Completely Free" - good tune), the songs all have solid craftsmanship and come alive thanks to Allen`s fretboard magic. Allen gets playing/writing assistance from notable dudes like Bill Lloyd, Tommy Heath and former 20/20 teammate Ron Flynt. Analogy: as part of being a healthier human, I`ve drastically cut down on eating beef. So when I eat the occasional hamburger, it`s a real treat. This album hits me the same way."-Fufkin.com. "Let me say it plain. If you happen to love the kind of blues-infected rock that Mick and Keef were parlaying into world domination in the late 60`s or the acid fuelled guitar energy pioneered by Jimi Hendrix, then this album is what you have been waiting for. Allen`s sublime guitar work truly shines in the loose rock format favored here. From the sanguine reggae sytling of "completely free" to the Paul Kossoff-like fret histronics of the title track from the melodic folk rock of "Wicked Wind", to the atmospheric pastoral instrumental "Green Summer", from the baroque Harrison-esque "Far Away""-Bucketfull Of Brains. It`s not power pop in the vein of 20/20 by any stretc of the imagination, just really, really good music. Check it out....Very Highly Recommended!
 Keep Hanging On To Me - mp3
Wicked Wind - mp3
I Survived - mp3
In and Out Of The Light - mp3
Fame #3 - mp3
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