Reviews:
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Bud Rogers interview on Take 2 Radio Music (Chicago, USA) via Skype Click the arrow on the widget on the right to listen Thanks to Pam for the interview |
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Album: Bud Rogers- Whiteout.
Review by : Martyn Cummings/ Imagine Pictures / Fit 4 Talent
Sometimes you have to listen to an album over and over, forcing yourself to get to the stage where you become familiar with the songs and only then will you start to 'get' what the arist is trying to portray. Bud Rogers-Whiteout has me confused, here we have a relatively unknown artist, he's played in many bands and still does, Whiteout being his first solo project. The word solo takes on a whole new meaning- EVERYTHING on this album is played, sang, produced and recorded by the artist himself (with the exception of 'American Dream' which was co-written with a friend who has since sadly passed away). Here's where the confusion comes into play. How can multi-million pound rockstars and bands produce recordings that makes you want to sit and listen and listen until those recordings find a little hole in your mind to reside, when Bud Rogers has managed to come up with an album that bares its soul as soon as you hit the play button? Im excited. I can't sit here and write that in ten years time Bud will be a platinum selling artist,this is just one mans opinion,but, I will say this, over the years Ive always had great pride in my ability to pick out people and bands in the music business who I believe will do well and, more often than not I've been right. I remember saying to my other half way back in the late eighties 'Listen to this, these are gonna be huge!' The band was Guns N Roses, They were raw, messy and anarchic. Whiteout holds the kingspot on the other end of the spectrum. That is what makes it a great album.Far from being a messy under-produced rushed affair, its a beautifully crafted piece of art digitised to a disc for all to enjoy and you have to thank Mr Rogers for that. You really get the sense theres a lot of life experience gone into the writing and the soundtrack itself is far better than anything Ive heard in quite some time.
The album kicks of with the brilliant 'Caught in a Wheel' I, personally have had this song running round my head since I first heard it. A very catchy upbeat song with a very strong 'cougar mellencamp' feel. I can imagine this being a great stomping song in the live setting.
Santa Monica Sunshine, a funk style rock song with chilled and drawling 'Chillipeppers/ Kravitz' style backing. Another favourite of mine.
Let it burn. After an energetic start to the album 'Let it burn' gives you a chance to chill and catch your breath. This is one of the songs on the album I would say shows the artists true vocal talent.
American Dream. The only record on the album that Bud had help with. The song was co-written with Tim Ashford who sadly, is no longer with us. Its a fitting tribute to Tim that he is credited on the album. A brilliant song with fantastic guitar breaks.
You. I myself love the diverse and this is the albums black sheep, haunting guitar and slow breathy lyrics make this a firm favourite. I would love to see this released independently of the album. 'You' reminds me a lot of Marillion during their 'Misplaced Childhood' era.
Slave to Passion. I really think this could be the underdog of the album, coming from nowhere and taking the listener by the throat. The guitarwork on the song is outstanding!
Innocent days. Every album has its anthem, this is definately the one for Whiteout.
Token of Gold. Love this song for its simplicity, Lyrically brilliant. Reminds me a lot of very early Manic Street Preachers or maybe Snow Patrol.
Whiteout. The title track for the album takes to the stage and doesn't disappoint. A 'doorseque' start to the song leads the listener into a slow chilled verse with amazing low range vocals complimented by constant guitar breaks and fill-ins - Love these type of songs Brilliant choice for the title track.
Unfortunately we come to the final track, Lullaby. Bud brings the tempo down for the last time. The mood he sets for the final song is perfect. You can almost feel yourself coming down from the highs of the journey through 'whiteout' .
So, I never expected this review to be so comprehensive, but to just give a few words here and there when I could slot it in wouldnt have given the artist the credit he deserves. To say this is Buds first album we have to wonder what his 5th would be like -I have no muscle in the music business, Im not a manager, a producer, a record exec -Im just Joe public, I like good music and I like to give people credit for their talents. I will be looking forward to the second album and many more to come. Id Like to wish Bud all the best for the future, to me it looks very bright.
Bud Rogers – Whiteout
Review by Samantha Whitham (music journalist and blogger)
Bud Rogers, you may know him in his other capacity as lead guitarist from Joseph Swidenbank. Well, he was itching to show the world another side and here it is. Awesome guitar led pop music. Whiteout is littered with beautiful acoustic number such as Lullaby and Let It Burn. The vocals on the former are to die for.
However, there is another level to this guy and he majorly rocks out on Slave to Passion and Innocent Days (easily the albums two stand out tracks). They struck a chord with me as feelings we secretly harbour. You can’t deny that you wish you could surrender to your passions and truely live how you want and without any consequences? Or that you were still sweet sixteen and making memories that would stay with you for the rest of your life? Yes of course you were and thats what gives these tracks that extra bit of magic. It is that much more special when an artist hands the song over to you for interpretation .
Another song that deserves a special mention is Santa Monica Sunshine, which is by far the happiest song on the album, although that it quite a trend. Inspired, I think, by a certain Mr Anthony Kiedis especially the vocals. This song puts you out in the California Sunshine, sweet!
All in all Whiteout is happy, fresh and sometimes a bit raw. Which is certainly not a bad thing!
SETTING SUN
Bud Rogers new E.P. fell into my inbox this week, Bud has already had some success with his debut album "Whiteout", an album I still listen to quite a lot, so I was excited to be asked to review his latest E.P. "Setting Sun".
What can I say about Bud I havent already said in previous reviews? The guy is a melting pot of raw talent, a melting pot that just keeps throwing out track after track of pure brilliance. Once again Bud raises the bar with an amazing piece of musical magic.
Track one on the E.P. is the title track "Setting Sun". A very intricately played guitar compliments the Wannadies / Lemonhead style vocal that Bud has made his own. There's so much going on in this track and everything comes together nicely to produce a very convincing title track. His lazy vocal attitude has to be heard to be appreciated fully. Its a style that completely throws you into chillout mode, almost to the point where you forget this is a rock song! Which begs the question... Is it rock? or is it a chillout song? I dont know, I dont care, I just know it works. As is always the case, Buds harmonies are completely on the money.
Track 2 is "Wildflower". This was the one song on the E.P. I had to listen to a few times, Its a good song - a great song but it lacked that immediate pull that you get with all of Bud Rogers tracks. After a few listens I came to the conclusion that every album has an underdog and I think this is it on "Setting Sun". Listening to it a number of times I had time to fully appreciate the lyrics and realized that Bud is harmonizing for 90% of the song. That takes some doing and its done exceptionally well. I've listened quite a few times now and i'm happy to say i'm convinced the song really does hold its own. Its a grower. The quiet bridge before another fantastic solo and an acoustic finish make the song for me.
Track 3 is the brilliant ballad "Stand by your Fire" This is where I feel Buds vocals are most comfortable. A great track with fantastic guitarwork throughout. Slow acoustic guitar parts merge with the more uptempo distortion parts brilliantly and makes this the track of the EP for me. A very catchy song and I guarantee you will be singing it for sometime in your head after listening to it.
Finally Bud hits the gas and ends the E.P. with "Wayward Refugee". A song that somehow has managed to adopt a vintage rock style. I cant help feeling Bud wasted an opportunity to test his vocals on this one but that aside-a great song. I've not banged my head to a stomper since the early 90s and I probably couldn't do it now without causing serious injury but this really came close to having me try. Fantastic lyrically and the musical build is what i've come to expect from Bud. Outstanding.
Setting Sun hits the download outlets soon. Be sure to get your copy.
Review by : Martyn Cummings/ Imagine Pictures / Fit 4 Talent
Sometimes you have to listen to an album over and over, forcing yourself to get to the stage where you become familiar with the songs and only then will you start to 'get' what the arist is trying to portray. Bud Rogers-Whiteout has me confused, here we have a relatively unknown artist, he's played in many bands and still does, Whiteout being his first solo project. The word solo takes on a whole new meaning- EVERYTHING on this album is played, sang, produced and recorded by the artist himself (with the exception of 'American Dream' which was co-written with a friend who has since sadly passed away). Here's where the confusion comes into play. How can multi-million pound rockstars and bands produce recordings that makes you want to sit and listen and listen until those recordings find a little hole in your mind to reside, when Bud Rogers has managed to come up with an album that bares its soul as soon as you hit the play button? Im excited. I can't sit here and write that in ten years time Bud will be a platinum selling artist,this is just one mans opinion,but, I will say this, over the years Ive always had great pride in my ability to pick out people and bands in the music business who I believe will do well and, more often than not I've been right. I remember saying to my other half way back in the late eighties 'Listen to this, these are gonna be huge!' The band was Guns N Roses, They were raw, messy and anarchic. Whiteout holds the kingspot on the other end of the spectrum. That is what makes it a great album.Far from being a messy under-produced rushed affair, its a beautifully crafted piece of art digitised to a disc for all to enjoy and you have to thank Mr Rogers for that. You really get the sense theres a lot of life experience gone into the writing and the soundtrack itself is far better than anything Ive heard in quite some time.
The album kicks of with the brilliant 'Caught in a Wheel' I, personally have had this song running round my head since I first heard it. A very catchy upbeat song with a very strong 'cougar mellencamp' feel. I can imagine this being a great stomping song in the live setting.
Santa Monica Sunshine, a funk style rock song with chilled and drawling 'Chillipeppers/ Kravitz' style backing. Another favourite of mine.
Let it burn. After an energetic start to the album 'Let it burn' gives you a chance to chill and catch your breath. This is one of the songs on the album I would say shows the artists true vocal talent.
American Dream. The only record on the album that Bud had help with. The song was co-written with Tim Ashford who sadly, is no longer with us. Its a fitting tribute to Tim that he is credited on the album. A brilliant song with fantastic guitar breaks.
You. I myself love the diverse and this is the albums black sheep, haunting guitar and slow breathy lyrics make this a firm favourite. I would love to see this released independently of the album. 'You' reminds me a lot of Marillion during their 'Misplaced Childhood' era.
Slave to Passion. I really think this could be the underdog of the album, coming from nowhere and taking the listener by the throat. The guitarwork on the song is outstanding!
Innocent days. Every album has its anthem, this is definately the one for Whiteout.
Token of Gold. Love this song for its simplicity, Lyrically brilliant. Reminds me a lot of very early Manic Street Preachers or maybe Snow Patrol.
Whiteout. The title track for the album takes to the stage and doesn't disappoint. A 'doorseque' start to the song leads the listener into a slow chilled verse with amazing low range vocals complimented by constant guitar breaks and fill-ins - Love these type of songs Brilliant choice for the title track.
Unfortunately we come to the final track, Lullaby. Bud brings the tempo down for the last time. The mood he sets for the final song is perfect. You can almost feel yourself coming down from the highs of the journey through 'whiteout' .
So, I never expected this review to be so comprehensive, but to just give a few words here and there when I could slot it in wouldnt have given the artist the credit he deserves. To say this is Buds first album we have to wonder what his 5th would be like -I have no muscle in the music business, Im not a manager, a producer, a record exec -Im just Joe public, I like good music and I like to give people credit for their talents. I will be looking forward to the second album and many more to come. Id Like to wish Bud all the best for the future, to me it looks very bright.
Bud Rogers – Whiteout
Review by Samantha Whitham (music journalist and blogger)
Bud Rogers, you may know him in his other capacity as lead guitarist from Joseph Swidenbank. Well, he was itching to show the world another side and here it is. Awesome guitar led pop music. Whiteout is littered with beautiful acoustic number such as Lullaby and Let It Burn. The vocals on the former are to die for.
However, there is another level to this guy and he majorly rocks out on Slave to Passion and Innocent Days (easily the albums two stand out tracks). They struck a chord with me as feelings we secretly harbour. You can’t deny that you wish you could surrender to your passions and truely live how you want and without any consequences? Or that you were still sweet sixteen and making memories that would stay with you for the rest of your life? Yes of course you were and thats what gives these tracks that extra bit of magic. It is that much more special when an artist hands the song over to you for interpretation .
Another song that deserves a special mention is Santa Monica Sunshine, which is by far the happiest song on the album, although that it quite a trend. Inspired, I think, by a certain Mr Anthony Kiedis especially the vocals. This song puts you out in the California Sunshine, sweet!
All in all Whiteout is happy, fresh and sometimes a bit raw. Which is certainly not a bad thing!
SETTING SUN
Bud Rogers new E.P. fell into my inbox this week, Bud has already had some success with his debut album "Whiteout", an album I still listen to quite a lot, so I was excited to be asked to review his latest E.P. "Setting Sun".
What can I say about Bud I havent already said in previous reviews? The guy is a melting pot of raw talent, a melting pot that just keeps throwing out track after track of pure brilliance. Once again Bud raises the bar with an amazing piece of musical magic.
Track one on the E.P. is the title track "Setting Sun". A very intricately played guitar compliments the Wannadies / Lemonhead style vocal that Bud has made his own. There's so much going on in this track and everything comes together nicely to produce a very convincing title track. His lazy vocal attitude has to be heard to be appreciated fully. Its a style that completely throws you into chillout mode, almost to the point where you forget this is a rock song! Which begs the question... Is it rock? or is it a chillout song? I dont know, I dont care, I just know it works. As is always the case, Buds harmonies are completely on the money.
Track 2 is "Wildflower". This was the one song on the E.P. I had to listen to a few times, Its a good song - a great song but it lacked that immediate pull that you get with all of Bud Rogers tracks. After a few listens I came to the conclusion that every album has an underdog and I think this is it on "Setting Sun". Listening to it a number of times I had time to fully appreciate the lyrics and realized that Bud is harmonizing for 90% of the song. That takes some doing and its done exceptionally well. I've listened quite a few times now and i'm happy to say i'm convinced the song really does hold its own. Its a grower. The quiet bridge before another fantastic solo and an acoustic finish make the song for me.
Track 3 is the brilliant ballad "Stand by your Fire" This is where I feel Buds vocals are most comfortable. A great track with fantastic guitarwork throughout. Slow acoustic guitar parts merge with the more uptempo distortion parts brilliantly and makes this the track of the EP for me. A very catchy song and I guarantee you will be singing it for sometime in your head after listening to it.
Finally Bud hits the gas and ends the E.P. with "Wayward Refugee". A song that somehow has managed to adopt a vintage rock style. I cant help feeling Bud wasted an opportunity to test his vocals on this one but that aside-a great song. I've not banged my head to a stomper since the early 90s and I probably couldn't do it now without causing serious injury but this really came close to having me try. Fantastic lyrically and the musical build is what i've come to expect from Bud. Outstanding.
Setting Sun hits the download outlets soon. Be sure to get your copy.
