REVIEW: Todd Snider, Viva Satellite (MCA)
- Scott A. Miller
What's Tom Petty up to these days? Heck, I don't know. But with Todd Snider putting out stuff this good, I don't have to know. Viva Satellite swaggers across southern rock territory so confidently I'd swear Snider had stolen Petty's muse, got it drunk and won its everlasting love.
This is Snider's third album, a minor miracle in an industry that demands you hit a home run with your first swing of the bat (and then you better keep hitting homers or you're outta there). But this Memphis songwriter has two things going for him: a truckload of rock 'n' roll attitude and a couple of kegs of smart-ass to tap into whenever the mood suits him.
Satellite is chock full of lines Todd Snider fans are used to. "I don't ever wanna have to go work for my dad, I guess that's about the only dream I ever had" is from "Out All Night." "I gotta make my last stand, this time I can't be bought, then again on the other hand, how much ya got?" is from "Can't Complain."
But where Snider's words really hit their mark this time out is when he's spewing real venom, like on "Positively Negative." A guy turns the tables on his lying, cheating girlfriend. Nothing new there. But when Snider sings "if you think you're jaded now, babe, wait 'til you've seen the rest of me," it isn't a warning, it's a promise. And an evil one at that.
For all the snide lyrics, there are even more hooks and riffs. Snider's band, The Nervous Wrecks (Will Kimbrough, lead guitar; Joe Mariencheck, bass; Paul Buchignani, drums), travels easily from acoustic rock to rock anthem to blues to gospel, all on this album. The lead-off single, "I Am Too," showcases a tight rhythm section while throwing in a few power chords that would have made Molly Hatchet proud. The band's take on Steve Miller's classic "The Joker" struts out the song's original hook while Snider adds just the right cocky tone to the braggadocio lyrics. And stick around for the "theme" song hidden track at the end. It's a rip-the-knobs-off rocker.
I'd be doing a disservice to Snider if I didn't mention that he's capable of more than macho wise-acre commentary (and I mean that in the best way)."Never Let Me Down" is one of the best love songs I've heard. And he does a great job of channeling the emotion of some rural country gospel singer on "Once He Finds Us."
This CD was originally set for release in January, but was delayed several months because (the label said) the artwork wasn't ready. I hope that means it's going to get the push it deserves, because Todd Snider is the real rock 'n' roll deal.
