Customer Reviews

The Latest

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THE LATEST IS THEIR GREATEST

Cheap Trick has outdone themselves on their latest recording "The Latest." At times criticized for being a "fun" band without substance, Cheap Trick proves to the critics and naysayers that they are capable of producing exceptional pieces of deep, meaningful music- while still rocking out as much if not better than the numerous younger bands they've influenced along the way. "The Latest" is certain to become a classic in the Cheap Trick canon, without a doubt one of the best things they've ever done.

Starting off like "Sleep Forever," a beautiful, almost too-short elegy, Robin Zander demonstrates that he is hands-down one of the greatest vocalists in rock and roll history. It's nothing like you've ever heard before from the Rockford gang, and just when you're captivated by this song, Bun E. Carlos kicks up a blast-from-the-past, ELO Kiddies-based drum march into...

"When The Lights Go Out," a cover version of the 70's song from Slade. Rick Nielsen's guitar work, as it is through much of the recording, is fluid and uplifting. The glam-rock feel, the soaring vocals, and the foot-tapping charm of this song hearken back to an era when music was about "the beauty of the melody," as Chuck Berry aptly described it.

"Miss Tomorrow" is power pop music as its best, the type of song that CT is best known for throughout their underappreciated career.

"Sick Man of Europe" is the type of song that makes you scratch your head and go, "How can these guys be rocking this hard at this stage in their career?" THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE BEST SINGLES RELEASED SO FAR THIS YEAR. It is worth buying this CD for this song alone. Tom Petersson's bass work rivals John Entwistle on this one.

I could go on and on, but you get the point. Look out particularly for the songs "Everybody Knows" (a tour-de-force), "Alive," "Times Of Our Lives," and "Closer." The recording demonstrates a distinct Beatles/Lennon influence, particularly on songs like "Miracle" with its explicit reference to Lennon's "Mind Games" and "Everybody Knows" that recalls bits of "I Am The Walrus." Cheap Trick even faintly recalls their classic "Dream Police" in the song "Alive." But rather than exploit these influences and songs from the past, the band uses them sparingly and tastefully as if to acknowledge the past without being trapped by it. Additionally, the production is excellent- Julian Raymond truly understands how to bring out the best from this multi-faceted band, and the orchestral elements are crisp throughout several songs.

It's high time that Cheap Trick is recognized for being one of the most influential, talented, and creative bands in rock and roll history. Unfortunately, they are sometimes saddled with the "lightweight" moniker based on a few songs like "I Want You to Want Me" and "The Flame." Last time I checked, suicide, domestic violence, war, drug abuse, psychosis, and mental illness are hardly safe topics, and Cheap Trick has tackled all of them and more throughout their career, in addition to their takes on love and relationships ("Way of the World" and "Standing on the Edge" may be about love on the surface, but there's something else, there, as well). Their songs don't just satisfy, they captivate and move listeners like very few bands have been able to do, through uplifting anthems like "Surrender" and heartfelt ballads like "Shelter." Now, 35 years from its inception, Cheap Trick continues to produce music that turns fans into fanatics and casual listeners into converts. Robin, Bun E., Tom, and Rick- you've done it again. On behalf of your countless fans worldwide, I extend a heartfelt "thank you" for making music that matters.

Two and a half months later after this was first posted, after many listenings and flip-flops on favorite songs, whether it is really a classic CD, whether I was just caught up in the "brand-new recording" thing, my opinion hasn't changed one bit. To me, like Achtung Baby, Born to Run, and Kick, you can listen to the entire thing straight through and enjoy every single song. Fantastic.

AFFECTED MY LIFE IN A POSITIVE WAY

** How did it make my life better? It's a weird phenomenon. Since I've been listening to this CD, I have experienced a great deal of success with my business in the midst of a struggling, downturn economy. Can music actually do this? Can a single CD facilitate this type of change in one's life? It makes no sense whatsoever, but perhaps it can, even though it sounds somewhat preposterous. I feel that inspiration for improving one's life can spring from a variety of different sources. Religion, career, nature, family, and- yes- art. Before I open up shop in the morning, I play a song or songs from The Latest. For the rest of the day, I enjoy my work, I feel confident in my job, I maintain excellent customer relationships, and I achieve my goals for the day without fail. And this has carried over into my personal life, as well. For some odd, inexplicable reason, The Latest works as a motivational tool. Maybe it's the power of the music, maybe it's the themes of the lyrics. All I know is that our business has reached its highest peak in its 10-year history, and it started the same time that The Latest came out and I began listening to it. I can only draw the conclusion that The Latest makes a difference. The magic of music.

(Yes, this is a Three Moon Wolf T-Shirt reference, but it really is a very good CD)

Let's start with the CD cover. The band is on the beach with metal detectors looking for buried treasure, and the lead guitarist himself, Rick Nielsen, is more than half buried in the sand. Is this a metaphor of "The Latest?" Should listeners go on a musical beachcombing expedition looking for buried treasure in the lyrics and melodies? After listening to the CD numerous times, I'd say abso-freakin-lutely YES!

"The Latest" is a diverse, well engineered array of songs from the slow, dirge-like opener "Sleep Forever," to the funky bass-driven rock scorcher "Sick Man of Europe." You can mine a great deal of gold in this CD, but it takes at least several listens in order to appreciate the lush orchestral arrangements in "Closer," "Everybody Knows," and "Times of Our Lives," all of which smack of The Beatles. Cheap Trick has always been highly influenced by the Fab Four, and in September 2009 they'll roll out nine performances of the Sgt. Pepper's album in Las Vegas. But no song on "The Latest" is as Beatle-esque as "Miracle." "Miracle" is reminiscent of John Lennon's "Imagine," and lead singer Robin Zander sounds eerily as if he's channeling the deceased Beatles singer/songwriter.

Speaking of the deceased, death doesn't take a holiday on several songs. "Sleep Forever" was inspired by the passing of a close friend of the band, and the haunting "Everybody Knows" implies the impending demise of a ship's crew. Even the rockin' chorus in "Alive" wails, "We're never gonna get out of this place alive. You know we'll never survive..." The beginning of "Sleep Forever" features guitar-made SETI space-like sounds one would hear if you were trying to communicate with the beyond (at least that's what it resembles to my ears) and similar unusual sounds pop up on "Closer: The Ballad of Burt and Linda." "The Latest" is chock-full of unique vibrations and almost dissonant orchestral melodies that combine for a powerful new aural experience.

Part of the fun of listening to any Trick CD is trying to figure out the meaning of the lyrics. Some songs seem pretty straight forward, like "California Girl," "When the Lights are Out," and "Every day You Make Me Crazy." But others, such as "Alive," "Miracle," "Closer," and "Everybody Knows" beg to be explored on a deeper level. If you give the CD a few whirls, you'll enjoy pondering the messages, though there aren't any right or wrong answers. Each song has a unique or personal meaning to each listener, and that's the beauty of Cheap Trick's music.

Bonnie Raitt once said, "I think my fans will follow me into our combined old age. Real musicians and real fans stay together for a long, long time." For those fans that have followed Cheap Trick for decades, "The Latest" displays their evolution as song writers and musicians. Zander's vocals exude intense emotion, and his voice sounds as amazing, if not better, than 30 years ago. The diversity of the CD offers something for new listeners and old fans alike. If you go on your own musical beachcombing expedition and search for the hidden treasures, I'm sure you will find at least one or two gems that are sonically golden to your ears.

The heroes on the Latest album from Cheap Trick are undoubtedly vocalist Robin Zander and producer Juilan Raymond. Zander has rarely sounded so convincing and played a major part in writing the material too. His voice is simply magnificent on this album. Raymond, on the other hand, has done a marvellous job in making a disparate collection of re-worked tunes and abandoned demos sound like classic Cheap Trick.

Song by song?

"Sleep Forever" is a brief but beautiful memorial piece dedicated to the band's old chum and merchandise overlord John Candas. It's a song guaranteed to be played at every fan's funeral from this point on!

"When The Light's Are Out" is on a different subject, thankfully, and is Cheap Trick's fusion of a seventies' Slade cover and their own debut album opener, "Elo Kiddies". Already familiar to most fans through its earlier exposure via this website, but hugely enjoyable nonetheless.

"Miss Tomorrow" was penned by Robin and Dave Stewart in the early nineties, but omitted from Zander's excellent solo album. It eventually surfaced as an extra track on the European "Show Me Heaven" CD single. The version here is quite similar and finally gives the song the exposure it deserves.

"Sick Man Of Europe" is described elsewhere as Cheap Trick meets The Hives, and it does somewhat epitomize the Scandinavians' pop-punk stylings. Tom Petersson's bass is to the fore here and it's a highly infectious number, albeit clocking in at a little over the two minute mark.

Indeed, one criticism that might be levelled at "The Latest" is the brevity of some of the songs, with half a dozen less than three minutes long.

"These Days" is an early contender for standout track. A wonderful, evocative and memorable tune that sadly ends a minute sooner than it should! I suppose it falls loosely into the power-ballad category, if pigeon-holing is necessary.

"Miracle" is another slower tune, with an obvious nod to John Lennon. I wasn't too smitten at first but it's a grower...

"Everyday You Make Me Crazy" varies the tempo but, I'm sorry, it's the just the throw-away Pepsi jingle with new words. A bit of fun, no more no less, and under a minute-and-a-half.

"California Girl" takes the Scotty Moore tribute song "Bad Little Girl" and updates it, fortunately for the better, but it's just a rock-n-roll-by-numbers ditty to show the band haven't abandoned their fifties roots.

"Everybody Knows" is sheer class. A brilliant Zander tune with a wholly appropriate kitchen sink production and Beatle-esque harmonies. Highlight of the pre-release widget and one of the best tracks the band has recorded in recent years.

"Alive" takes a widely circulated nineties demo and finishes it off nicely, picking up the pace again.

"Times Of Our Lives" reminds me of nineties-era Cheap Trick - the better stuff of course! It's a sing-along song with an infectious hook.

"Closer" is an outstanding cut with fabulous overlaid vocals and another nod to the fab-four, but again it ends too abruptly when the song really deserves to be elongated by another minute or two.

"Smile" is a syrupy ballad to close but another commercial proposition with a soaring melody.

And then it's over and you'll want to play it all over again.... surely a very good sign.

I defy anyone to name another band that broke big in the 70's that is making music as good, as challenging and as FUN as Cheap Trick has been the last 10+ years. THE LATEST is no exception here - Cheap Trick continues their musical resurgence that has marked their last 4 albums or so - great songs, big hooks...they are a band who is creating music they way THEY want to.

And the results are fantastic!

First off, like the best of Cheap Trick, Bun E. always plays what the song NEEDS, Tom's bass work, especially the 12-string thunder, is always melodic and fluid and adds that extra element. Rick, of course, is Rick...referencing The Beatles, various obscure English bands, and himself on many of the songs. "Sick Man of Europe" is pure aggresive fun, then "Miracle" is just simple beauty with Rick's soloing echoing various later era Fab Four. This track will give you chills. A few songs later "California Girl" tips its cap to harder-edged rockabilly; "Alive" is loud and proud with some great riffing. Is there a more underrated guitarist in rock???

The MVP on THE LATEST is Robin. There's no doubt - this man is one of the greatest vocalists in rock. Certainly the most versatile. Every song is a tour de force...screaming fun rock like "Sick Man..." or "Everyday You Make Me Crazy" to the beautiful and dare I say intimate ballads, especially the openning track "Sleep Forever."

CT has worked with some heavyweight producers, including George Martin, Jack Douglas, Roy Thomas Baker and Tom Werman, to name a few. But on "THE LATEST" Julian Raymond shines...he's worked with CT before and gives a perfect sheen and edge to every song.

I could go overboard without a life raft here...but THE LATEST is FANTASTIC. If you haven't listened to CT since "Dream Police" you won't be disappointed. If you wonder why everyone and anyone in rock reference, mention, adore Cheap Trick, this is why. BUY IT!

After having been together for 35 years (?!) Cheap Trick don't owe you anything. They have nothing to prove and are unlikely to convert many new fans these days. Everyone in the world has heard them by now and has decided whether or not they like them. (Stupid people don't.) They most likely won't make a big pile of cash releasing new music, and don't have a major label or a huge independent infrastructure behind them to promote their product. So the question is: Why do they bother? And the answer has to be because they can't stop and they won't stop. They still have things to say and new tricks up their sleeves. I honestly can't think of any of their contemporaries who are making any music that could possibly sound anywhere near this fresh and powerful and interesting. I can't understand how a band that has been around soooo long and been around the block so many times can still sound as excited as they do. It sounds corny, but it's truly inspirational to me. They clearly continue to make music because they love to make it and they love each other. They are the greatest. They never cease to amaze me. If you know what's good for you, you'll get this right quick. Everything about is right on. I love you guys. I'm so glad I found you when I was 12. As long as you keep making music this good, I'll never let go.

Hard to believe that the median age of Cheap Trick is now in their upper 50's. They continue the hot streak they've been running for the last three albums with "The Latest." While not quite as good as Rockford but better than Special One, this CD again shows The Trick to be a master of their art, and again prove just why so many current bands (Fall Out Boy and even The Jonas Brothers spring to mind) sounds like they were mining their parents' copies of Dream Police.

"The Latest" is a short and sharp collection that packs the wallop that Trick's classics always had. After opening with a brief, ethereal tribute to a lost friend on "Sleep Forever," the album bursts open a cover of Slade's "When The Lights Are Out." Robin resurrects a great song from his long overlooked 90's solo CD, and a pair of older songs are dusted off. Both "Sick Man Of Europe" and "Alive" finally make proper CD appearances, with SMoE ripping like The Hives.

The bands' affinity for the Beatles - CT is about to launch a Vegas gig where they play Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in its entirety - comes out on "Miracle" and "Everybody Knows." There's still plenty of old time rock and roll, as "Alive" and "California Girl" both provide the whiplash. Cheap Trick still have plenty to offer, with "The Latest" being a fan's current bridge to Heaven Tonight.

"The Latest" is an excellent album by an excellent band. Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, Tom Petersson, and Bun E Carlos really shine on this album. Although some may say the songs are too short (I originally thought this when I saw the times before the album was released), it's not the case. The songs start, get done what they need to do, and get out of the way for the next awesome track. There is no filler on their latest album (pun delightfully intended.) Highlights off this album are Miss Tomorrow, These Days, Miracle, Everybody Knows, Times Of Our Lives, Closer The Ballad Of Burt And Linda, and Smile. Overall a very solid release by Cheap Trick. Everybody should have a copy of this album in their collection.

Firstly, I am a huge Cheap Trick fan. I haven't loved everything they've done and certainly have been critical of many of their previous releases. However, The Latest, to me, is by far their best and most complete record in recent history. I like it more than CT97 and their last release Rockford. That's saying allot because generally I like the heavier, louder, more aggressive side of Cheap Trick. (and allot of bands) Sick Man of Europe, Everyday U Make Me Crazy, Alive, Califonia Girl and Lights Out are the upbeat rockers. The rest if the CD is mid tempo.I'd say Smile is the only real "ballad" here. All of the songs shine here and are all well written/ flow so well. The orchestration/production is top notch. Julian Raymond really did a great job here producing this. Robin Zander's vocals are just insanely good. He is truly in a league of his own. Really, all of the members are.

I think this record has a great sense of maturity to it that showcases where Cheap Trick is in their lives both musically and personally. They're not trying to be anybody but themselves here which is a great thing. Maybe that's because this is released on their own label and they didn't have record execs prompting them to do things they wouldn't necessarily want to do.

Either way, this just confirms for me what I already knew. Cheap Trick is the greatest American rock band of all time. As one other reviewer said, hopefully The Latest is not the last for Cheap Trick.

Trick is at its best here when it rocks - the tracks that rate for me (4 stars or better) are When the Lights are Out, Sick Man, California Girl and Alive. The rest of it? ehhh, a number of John Lennon-esque power ballads that really don't do it for me. Incidentally, 1994's Woke Up With a Monster had a classic song kind of in this vein called Tell Me Everything, but none of less rocking songs here match up to that.

As far as best CT disc ever?? Not even close; if you like this, as good as this is in places, just give Cheap Trick (77) a spin and that will put things in perspective pretty quickly. As far as comparing TL to other later era discs, after a few listens I rate this about as good as Special One, but not as good as Woke Up With a Monster, CT 97, or Rockford. Nonetheless, I admire the guys for continuing to do what they and will always be a fan.

The career arc of Cheap Trick is well known by their fans: brilliant early albums followed by out-of-nowhere commercial fame and success ("Budokan") which led to a period of misguided record company interference and meddling that, while intended to extend the Trick's market share, ironically only served to cook the golden goose (see most of their 80's albums which feature numerous songs by outside songwriters and hacks, boomy and inappropriate 1980's style production, etc.) Most Cheap Trick fans, like me, longed for Nielsen, Zander, Petersson, and Bun E. to re-establish their creative control over their band, assuming this would set things right again.

And so it did. In 1997 Cheap Trick issued "Cheap Trick" on the little Red Ant label. Right out of the gate, you knew this disc was the best they had issued in a very long while. Is it just coincidence that this happened once they were outside the clutches (and interest) of a major label? I think not.

In any case, the subsequent discs "Special One", "Rockford" and now "The Latest" have continued their hot streak. The band puts their own unique twists on their readily acknowledged influences The Beatles, The Move, and others, but uses these as stepping off points to create their own sound and feel. The disc is power pop thru and thru, but with a great amount of variety, occasional unexpected arrangements, and an attention to detail that sets this disc apart. Also, long time fans will enjoy spotting the musical and lyrical references to Cheap Trick's past sprinkled throughout.

In short, whether you liked "Rockford" or are a fan from "the old days", you will find this disc very enjoyable and a worthy addition to you Cheap Trick library (everyone should have one....)