Released by: Itsaboutmusic.com
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Classic Rock/Heartland Rock
Links: http://www.itsaboutmusic.com
Line Up:
Vocals: Michael Stanley, Jennifer Lee, Eroc Sosinski
Guitars: Michael Stanley, Danny Powers, Marc Lee Shannon
Keyboards: Bob Pelander
Drums: Tommy Dobeck
Bass: Michael Stanley, Eroc Sosinski
Percussion: Rodney Psyka
Saxophone: Paul Christensen
Violin & Viola: Ed Caner
Tracklist:
1. JUST ANOTHER NIGHT IN AMERICA
2. LAP DOGS DANCE
3. TUPELO RAIN
4. THROWING SHADOWS (Duet with Jennifer Lee)
5. DID SOMEBODY ORDER A HEARTACHE
6. ANY TIME I TRY
7. SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING
8. THE ONLY TIME THAT MATTERS
9. PAY ME NOW
10. ANGELINA
11. THE REAL THING
12. KENSINGTON PLACE
13. WINTER
Rocking the midwest rock scene since the 70’s is the one and only Michael Stanley born in bread in Cleveland, Ohio where he started branding his own blend of “heartland” rock for many years now. The Michael Stanley Band was formed by Stanley in 1974 with singer-songwriter–lead guitarist Jonah Koslen, former Glass Harp bassist Daniel Pecchio and drummer Tommy Dobeck. The band called it quits in 1986. But later Stanley continued performing throughout Ohio with his band The Resanators.
Gathering the attention of many hot shot producers in the early on set, Stanley got the pleasure of sharing the stage with greats as The Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, Bruce Springsteen and The Eagles amongst others. His style of music has constantly remained the same and that is keeping true to his American heartland roots, songs about our cultures, patriotism and our way of life scream loudly in Michael’s songwriting and music.
Stanley’s voice is backed up by a heartfelt and warm atmosphere that brings flashes of recent country rock stars like Kenny Chesney or Alan Jackson except Stanley is far more classic rock trained then really country. Although as I mentioned earlier with the them in the lyrics you can compare to country in spots, except is best of the mid west classic rock has to offer.
What a great opening track that epitomizes what Stanley is all about in “Just Another Night In America” which gently drags our heart into the music, with nothing but pure inspiration from the heart and soul. The southern tribute “Tupelo Rain” is one song which any good southern boy rocker can appreciate, and one in which Stanley does a great job of infusing his acoustic flavor to this folky tune. A little of “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen comes to mind on the beaming soulful “Did Someone Order A Heartache”. The feisty attitude of the good old rocker “Pay Me Now” come rushing forward with subtle rocking aggression and it proves the these guys can rock out a tune or two on a harder level also.
What really stands out here is the fact that Stanley and his band are able to sound retro in this day in age, his traditional roots shine brightly on each lick he takes on the guitar and vocals. His band backs him up greatly and pushes the music to an even keel. Is amazing to see a band that has been around since the 70’s still sound as fresh as they did back then and that folks is something to behold. This cd was picked up by Itsaboutmusic.com and was actually released originally back in 2008. I’m glad to get my hands on this copy as MSB seems like they we’re destined to play this time of music and go around small towns and just rock out. One of those band that any fan of classic rock can listen to and find something new and catchy. Check it out even more proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks. Rock it Mike!!!.
Written by Denys
Ratings Denys 9/10