Customer Reviews

Light Years

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We knew she could write (Vacation, Head over Heels); but not nearly enough music fans know what is readily apparent from listening to this CD - Kathy Valentine is a killer guitarist. Since she is mostly recognized as the bass player for the Go-Go's, one could be forgiven for not knowing about her guitar prowess - until now. Some of the remarkable songs presented show how pop should be done - intelligent and pretty, but without that annoying sugary aftertaste. Others display the thrashy-bluesy guitar licks her rock and roll fans have come to know and love. (And, if you like the last half of this CD, you'll also love the Delphines...)

What's best about the "Light Years" CD? The whole package. It is brilliantly conceived and wonderfully presented; "Light Years" shows Kathy Valentine is more than a great on-stage entertainer or upbeat bass player, as the songwriting, guitar work, backing vocals, engineering, and production are all superior. Most of which she did. Clem Burke (Blondie) is perfect on drums; Abby Travis sublime on bass. Of course, Ace Frehley's guitar solo on the last track fits perfectly. Kathy Valentine's got great (musician) friends; buy "Light Years" and have a listen - then count on becoming a great fan.

Kathy Valentine's first solo CD leaves me smiling all day, no matter which song I listened to last. Isn't that the point?

Kathy and Band truly rock on this CD! I was able to see her perform it live in Chicago and loved it even more. Rock on Kathy and Company. Kelly

Kathy Valentine's excellence as a songwriter was obvious with the Go-Go's, and I am very pleased to report that her skills have only increased as a solo performer. Switching from bass to guitar (her first instrument), KV has produced a masterful blend of catchy pop and crunchy rock. These songs should sound particularly good live, and I look forward to seeing KV in concert very soon!

I was wonderfully impressed with Kathy Valentine's solo effort. The CD reflects the fact that she is a quality songwriter and musician. Those who purchase this CD will not be disappointed whether you are a Go-Go's fan or not.

When excellent songs, musicians, and production quality come together it's a true joy to take in and Kathy Valentine's solo debut album "Light Years" is just that. From the time I first listened months ago, it's seldom been away from my cd player more than a day or two. Having been a fan of Kathy's previous band The Delphines, I fully expected exactly what this cd delivers : smoking, inspired guitar leads, thoughtful and intelligent lyrics, and songs that are effortlessly melodic. While I tend to always prefer the faster thrashier songs, all the music on "Light Years" is great in it's own way. "Getting By", a reflective mid-tempoed track is a marvelous song that excels on all levels including melody, lead / backing vocals, guitars and subject matter ... a gem of a guitar outro on it also. The finely crafted pure pop appeal songs "Light Years", "Retouch Me", and "Somewhere To Nowhere" are all underpinned by a solid rock guitar and bass foundation that really adds power to them.

Three tracks on the album, "Happy Endingless", "Until Then", and "Win" are ones which I'll admit, I didn't fully listen to for a long time because they didn't "grab me" in the first five seconds. Well had I listened just a bit longer I'd have realized what extremely good songs they are. The music from them provides a nice contrast with the more rocking songs (ok, "Win" does mostly rock) of "Light Years" while their lyrics which relate feelings of elation, disappointment, hope, and empowerment are ones anyone can identify with.

I'd like to take exception with the rather lengthy review a few before this one in which the reviewer all but accuses Valentine of trying to mimic Debbie Harry of Blondie and downplays her guitar playing ability. First, there's no doubt in my mind that Kathy's vocals are entirely her own uncontrived natural singing voice and a pleasing but not overpowering one at that. It complements the amazing instrumental work of this cd perfectly. As for her guitar skills, come on! KV's solos on "Creation Myth", "Retouch Me", "Shooting Star", and "How The West Was Undone" are all nothing short of f***in' brilliant! He's right though about her backing vocals, they're masterfully done and a delight to listen to. The thirty second song samples Amazon's provided played through a pair of lo-fi computer speakers can scarcely offer a glimpse into just how great "Light Years" sounds on a decent audio system. Very highly recommended!

Kathy Valentine is the rock & roll of the Go-Go's. Often forgotten behind Belinda Carlisle and Jane Weidlin Kathy has always been my favourite as a hot chick with a guitar takes some beating!

If you've listened to Kath's stuff with the Delphines then you'll know what's coming.

It's a shame this album will not get the commercial success it deserves but if you like your music with a bit of rock and a bit of blues this is highly recommended.

If you love Deborah Harry's voice alone, this is the CD for you!!! KV sounds so much like her it is amazing. This collection comes off effortlessly glorious... blues-rock-power-pop! "Getting By" in a perfect world would be all over the air waves!!!!

You gotta buy this one. Kathy gives a stellar solo effort on par or better than her work with the Go Go's. I don't 'buy' a whole lot of CD's but this one is SOOOOOOOOOO good that I gotta recommend you buy this one...it's awesome.
Support Kathy because she's an amazing talent and you'll love this CD.

People in the know who've followed Kathy Valentine (KV) from through the Go-Go's and beyond instinctively knew this would be a good album, and they were right. I only became a Go-Go's fan in the last 5 years or so, but right away I was drawn to KV.

Trading her Go-Go's bass for lead guitar, KV puts her songwriting, guitar and singing skills centre stage. On first listen she sounds more like Debbie Harry than Debbie Harry, but on second listen she sounds like KV. Her voice is great, and it's a shame she only ever did backups on all those Go-Go's hits.

This collection of rock songs with fabulous pop sensibilities sit very well together. Ranging from almost cutesy (Getting By) to some proper driving numbers (Guitar, Talk, Love & Drums), KV's first solo album is a delight, and I can't wait for her next one!

I really loved this CD. Kathy Valentine, the heart of the all-female sensation the Go-Go's, shines all by herself. She really rocks!!! I am glad that we still have artists like Kathy around who can sing, write, play and perform their own music and really kick ass. The music business today and its "artists", really STINKS! No one has real talent anymore, it's all about looks and MONEY! Keep Kathy close to you, and flush down the toilet no talent jackasses like Britney and her looser husband, Jessica & Ashlee Simpson, J-Lo all the stupid boy bands like N'Sync.