BLUES METAL REVIEW - BLUE MURDER (1989)

The Player - John Sykes

The Players - Carmine Appice, Tony Franklin

What is it?
A band formed by John Sykes in the late 80s after his Whitesnake run that featured Carmine Appice, who is determined to play on every record in my collection.

Does it Suck?

Surprisingly, no. Did I mean to say surprisingly? I don't know. What I do know is that this is a fucking BEAST of an album. I was hesitant to even put this album in the "Blues Metal" category because it is such a good and well executed album. I like just about every song on the album, (Exception: Jelly Roll) and I'll say why. Every song sounds like earnest effort. Every song seems to have meaning, and you can tell that the band really had a good time putting this one together. Everything on this album has its place. Even what some people would call "excessive" shredding. John Sykes' playing on any one of these songs is tasteful sounding and well played. His fat-sounding Les Paul fills up the space well, and behind him is a sweet bassist, Tony Franklin. This album is the first time i've heard him, but I can tell he's good because he executes fills well and mainly holds down the rhythm and fills the space below Sykes. Not to mention Carmine Appice, who is a great drummer that also knows his place and plays accordingly.

I first found the tape of this at Half Price Books in Roseville and only noticed that Carmine Appice played on it. I almost didn't buy the album. Later, I put it in the old 'deck and the opening track, "Riot" fucking blew me away. The chords Sykes plays on this album are just great, and work with his thick, chorus-y tone. Which reminds me - At first listen I was thinking "Man, this is the exact tone from Whitesnake's self-titled!" I realized that it was Sykes singing and playing. Which, by the way is amazing. He sounds better than Coverdale. (sorry d00d)

Are there any women-cursing blues songs?

Yes. "Black Hearted Woman" is about that woman who just makes John Sykes go all crazy inside of his head. The main riff is a sweet 16th note palm muting exercise, though. Also, "Sex Child" and "Out Of Love".

Rating: 9/10. It took me a few plays to appreciate this album, but I'm very glad I bought it. Like I've been saying, Sykes is the key player - but that doesn't discount Franklin or Appice one bit. They are an absolutely killer rhythm section that holds that shit DOWN.