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Let me first say right out the gate that I have become
a big fan of Jeff Cannata, who he is as a person and all
of the musical projects I have heard to date. I do have
to put those feelings aside now and be the critic.***
When I first got My Back Pages Volume 1 and watched
the video "My Back Pages," I was immediately mesmerized
by the video, the music, and the incredible artwork of the
CD package in its entirety. Some interesting things about
the CD and booklet were the pictures … the one of the crazy
van with all the ornaments and what-not stuck to it is priceless.
I asked Jeff if it was for real and indeed, it is; the colorful
hippie van drives up and down Highway 1 in California and
a picture of the old hippie complete with his pot pipe are
on the back of the CD booklet. The music you will hear on
this CD harkens back to the flower power era and the culture
around it.***
Ok so we got off to a good start now what about the
fact that it's yet another cover album? I know you are getting
ready to puke right? Well just hold it a minute, this album
is nothing like you have ever heard before, really.***
It was a difficult to task for Cannata to choose these
songs as every one of these artists and many more influenced
him, this is why it is Volume 1 because the door was left
open for another volume to come. The artist wants to give
credit where it is due which is honorable and understandable.***
My Back Pages Volume 1 is an excellent album and the
bonus track "Life: 101" may very well be the best bonus
track I have ever heard (it is also on his previous release
Mysterium Magnum). I get chills listening to it and absolutely
love it; it should become an anthem for the ages that everyone
is hearing on the radio and TV.***
There are 14 tracks on this CD, everyone a standalone
masterpiece and given new life and meaning by Cannata. This
is very significant, as it normally does not turn out that
way on cover or tribute albums. Keep in mind this man is
multi-instrumental genius and producer so there is no flack
here, its all straight up musicianship and creativity at
its best even if the songs are older and have a long lineage
of artists behind it. Actually, that is whole point here,
to pay tribute to those people that made the music.***
The best examples of covering a song closest to what
the creator intended has to be the two Jethro Tull tracks,
which come at you back-to-back, "Mother Goose" and "My Sunday
Feeling." "Eight Miles High" and "On The Turning Away" are
especially excellent as well. I also have to give Jeff the
nod for his cover of Bowie's "Space Oddity" complete with
the English accent in certain places during the song is
a nice touch. I think one last important note to make is
all the superb assistance Jeff received in creating this
recording that is why I made a special effort to list the
credits below.***
So there you have it, an album that has everything
a music fan could possibly ask for. Don't waste another
minute and grab this CD!**
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