Customer Reviews

Mondo Magneto

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brian Ray's debut album, Mondo Magneto, is a fantastic piece of work. So many different instruments, so many different sounds. So many different emotions conveyed through the lyrics. Each song has its own story; some funny, some sad. Brian has a very versatile voice, able to express pain, longing, wit, irony and lots more besides.
All the songs are terrific but stand out tracks are:
IF YOU'RE LEAVING ME - a beautiful but sad song where the guitar, reflecting the lyrics, sounds so lonely.
ANYWHERE BUT HOME - very strong vocal and poignant lyrics.
SOFT MACHINE - a duet with the legendary Etta James. You know before the verse starts that this is going to be a great song. The voices blend perfectly.
GOOD FOR NOTHING - when you hear the music, it feels like it's going to be an upbeat, happy song but it isn't...I like that contrast - it kind of reflects the mood of the lyrics and the use of the word `good' in a song that isn't really about `good'.

I like the fact the lyrics are part of the packaging. The booklet is informative as it tells you which guitars are being played for each song - obviously, with Brian's background, the guitar work is outstanding throughout the album, whether it be subtle and soft or at its rocking loudest!
Mondo Magneto is a brilliant album. It has been created with care and dedication and it comes from the heart. It will appeal to anyone who likes classic rockers, fresh sounding pop/rock or sentimentalists who just love a good ballad! I can't recommend it highly enough. Brilliant!!

I found this album to be fun to listen to from the first playing. There is a throw-back sort of sound to it, and though of a different style, the clever twists of phrase built into the lyrics reminded me a bit of Tom Petty. And the guitar is great, as expected from a musician of this level. (Includes great drumming throughout as well.)

Stand outs for me included:

"I liked you better" (who hasn't sobered up and then wondered how they were ever attracted to someone the night before?)

"Going down swingin' " : this one is a lot of fun, about a `bad to the bone' couple, who live hard and fast --in the great traditions of hard rock, with maybe a touch of rockin' redneck thrown in...

"Soft machine" : I assume that this is a reference to the book of the same title(?) by one of the Beats. Etta swirls her earthy sexy magic around this and raises it to another level. Great blend of voices.

"Anywhere but home" This is my personal favorite -- again, who hasn't just wanted to take off and run away from all of the tangled relationships that sometimes go hand in hand with "home"?

One note: another review spoke of the song "Coming up roses" and seems to have missed the point -- the prince is obviously George W. and it's a political satire.

Overall, a really good listen that bears a lot of repeat play very, very well!

Brian Ray (Paul McCartney's rhythm guitar/bass player) has given us a very good first effort. He has a sense of humor which produces interesting twists ("I Liked You Better" - my favorite song on the album). He is an outstanding guitarist and an excellent song writer. His songs rock! He has a nice singing voice but can be a bit "breathy" at times. Definitely worth listening to...

I'm extremely picky about the music I listen to and it takes something really amazing to get my attention, but Mondo Magneto has barely left my CD player since I got it. The entire album rocks from start to finish. It's loud, melodic, vibrant, honest, raw, witty, powerful... The playing is fantastic throughout - you can tell the best of the best worked on this album, using the greatest gear. Brian's lyrics are honest and meaningful, and you just know that the words come from his heart. I love every single song on the album, but here are a few highlights...

VINYL: This song tells the story of a guy who drives across America in his dad's old car with his record collection in the trunk, only to have them all stolen away one night. It's a very retro sounding song that kicks off with a cool guitar intro.

SOFT MACHINE: This is my overall favourite track. I love it!!!!! It's a very sexy song. Etta James sings on it with Brian and her voice gives it a slightly bluesy feel. I can't describe how good this song is, you have to hear it. Strong lyrics with a sinister edge.

SUB ATOMIC: This is a great rocker with manic guitars and slick, punchy lyrics. "Where's my medication, liquid patience, for all occasions". Yeah!! This song is firmly stuck in my head!

IF YOU'RE LEAVING ME: Beautiful. Heart-breaking. Perfect. I get goosebumps listening to it.

ANYWHERE BUT HOME: This one gives me goosebumps, too. It's a very atmospheric song and actually made me cry the first few times I listened to it. The lyrics are very evocative and the guitars are heavy and loud. One of the best songs on the album.

Finally - the packaging with the CD is outstanding!! The warm pick colour is so eye-catching and the case and booklet have a luxurious and sexy feel. It adds the perfect finishing touch to a wonderful record!

This is a great CD. It's been on my mp3 player constantly since it came out and I never get tired of it. I love the booklet with the lyrics, and the artwork is so cool - with a very retro feel. Brian Ray is a great guitarist and his guitar work truely shines on this album. Brian's lyrics range from personal, to smart, to fun, to funny! Overall, Mondo Magneto is a ton of fun. It's one of those albums where you can find something new every time you play it and it just keeps getting better and better.

Mondo Magneto is definitely a cd you'll want to play over & over again ! With great rocking tracks like "Goin'Down Swingin'" to the humorous "I liked You Better" [which i'm sure lots of people will relate to that one!] to "Vinyl" it has a great intro ,and takes us all back to our own LP collections ! , this one will definitely stay in your head.
To the beautiful ballads "All I Know" & "If You're Leaving Me" which have such heartfelt lyrics.To "Soft Machine" which includes the amazing voice of Etta James , such a great song ! And finishing up with "Anywhere But Home" , i love it !
It's so hard to pick a favourite, with many more great tracks i haven't even mentioned .
Brian Ray's first CD shows what a talented Singer/Songwritter/Producer/Musician he really is !
Well listen for yourself.....I'm sure you'll love it .

It has been a month since I've got this cool CD and it really R_O_C_K!!!! I recommend all of you to buy Mondo Magneto because I'm fall in love with this CD! It has gorgeous packages also. Whoooo Ray!!

I was absolutely thrilled when I purchased this disc...it is a great listen, from start to finish...it remains of one of my favorite discs from the past few years...Inventive, great guitar tones and lyrics. It is fun, clever...this dude is way more than just one of Sir Paul's guitarists...more to come, I can't wait for the next release!!!

The album wasn't released yet.. but it's a guaranteed MUST HAVE! From listening to his two songs on MySpace "Good For Nothing" and "Comin Up Roses".. I can say this album will be amazing. The opener Good For Nothing is a pure rocker filled with magical lyrics. If the opening song is of that high quality, I don't even know what to expect of the rest of the album! Comin Up Roses is a heavy, mystical and mysterious song, taking you on a magical journey of a fairy-tale prince who grew up in a lap of luxury. The strong drumms of Abe Laboriel Jr make this song a powerful one, and the chorus "Everything is Comin Up Roses" will reach out to your heart in a matter of seconds!

With the experience that Brian Ray had working with Etta James, Smokey Robinson, Shakira, The Bangles, Adam Cohen and Paul McCartney, this album will be a deffinite hit. Some of the backing musicians in this work are Paul "Wix" Wickens, Abe Laboriel Jr and Rusty Anderson from the Paul McCartney Band, Scott Shriner from Weezer, and Davey Faragher from Elvis Costello. If you don't have this album, then you are missing out on one of the best rock artists in years!

This is a very well produced rock album with irresistible guitar hooks and a vocal that gets to you at first listen. It's not only that. It also holds that special vibe of joy and electricity that makes me wanna listen to it over and over again. You know that feeling when you just can't have enough? Then you know it's good.