REVIEW: The Rockfords, 2000 (Epic/Sony)
- Scott Hudson
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready is certainly no stranger to side projects. In 1995, he collaborated with Alice In Chains front man Layne Staley and Screaming Trees drummer Barrett Martin to form Mad Season. The result was their semi-successful debut record, Above, that yielded the radio hit "River of Deceit."
For McCready's latest project, The Rockfords, he teams up with members of Goodness (Carrie Akre, Chris Friel and Danny Newcomb) and Jodie Watts (Rick Friel).
For the Friel brothers, McCready and Newcomb, it's a grand reunion of sorts. The four share a musical relationship and personal friendship that goes back more than twenty years. As twelve year-olds they formed their first band, Warrior. In '82, they added vocalist Rob Webber and changed their name to Shadow. Shadow would last another six years, disbanding in '88 without ever releasing a record.
However, it was McCready's attendance at a Goodness show on New Year's Eve, 1997, that fueled his desire, not only reunite with his buddies, but to work with a female vocalist. Enter Carrie Akre.
The Rockfords' debut release, 2000, is an exceptional rock record, complete with memorable melodies, propulsive rhythms and great ripping guitar work. But it's Akre's vocals that bring the music to life.
Akre's vocal prowess can only be described as a combination of Geddy Lee (Rush), Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish), Gwen Stefani (No Doubt) and Melissa Etheridge. This gal is amazing! Songs like "Adelaide," "This Life" and "Flashes," will most certainly attest to her laryngellic power.
On "Silver Lining" and "Distress," Akre displays her sultry side, which is a perfect compliment to McCready and Newcomb's lush, laid-back guitar lines, while "Coat of Arms" with its infectious, upbeat chorus is a hit-in-waiting.
The record also features a guest appearance by Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson, who co-wrote (with McCready) and sings lead on the dark and haunting, "Riverwide."
While most side projects come across as lame and uninspired exercises in futility, this is one that worked. But with no tour plans, no videos and no hype to support 2000, it probably won't be racing up the charts. But it is most certainly worthy of major accolades, and they'll most certainly get it here!
