Customer Reviews

Radiolarians II

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

 

 

MMW simply don't seem able to produce a lackluster studio (or live) album - not that they ever should or would if they could. "Radiolarians II" doesn't necessarily build on "Radiolarians I," but like each successive effort from these guys, unquestionably three of the best musicians on the planet, it complements "I" and the rest of their ever-growing library of albums and sounds. Those looking for signature MMW all-out jams will make do with "Riffin' Ed" and "Amish Pintxos," both of which induce a fair bit of head-banging (I just can't dance). "Baby Let Me Follow You Down," which closes out the set (and which is the only non-original song here), is classic MMW blues, with the first M expertly riffing over W part-walking, part whole-note holding and the second M carressing the drums with his smooth brushes. I didn't want it ever to end, but after a too-short 6 minutes, it did; in fact, after a second and third listen, I wanted to give this album more than a measly 5 stars. MMW never really show off, especially in the studio. One often gets the feeling that they're holding back, building the anticipation so that when they do let loose (especially live) it's really something special. Only these three guys can create so much out of so little, and do it with such a down-to-earth attitude. "Radiolarians II" is a pleasure to listen to, and I feel that the meaner/rawer tracks that don't automatically make me want to move will only grow on me with (not too much) time. MMW have created a gem of musical landscapes that are a blast to wander in and out of, and for good measure (becuase how could they not?), have thrown in a bit of the funk, jam (not jelly) and laid-back panache only a band as cohesive as they are can create.

Medeski, Martin & Wood seemed to hit a creative wall with "End Of The World Party (Just In Case)". Since then they've successfully mixed things up with John Scofield, John Zorn, and now recording songs only after they toured with them. The first disc in the Radiolarians series unfortunately petered out after a strong beginning. This one stays strong. Beginning with the fuzz-toned "Flat Tires", this CD follows different sounds, keyboards, and moods to the bluesy end. "Chasen vs. Suribachi" is irresistable, "Riffin' Ed" sounds Sonny Clark-eque, and others sound sludgy, trancey, and/or experimental. Highly recommend to MM&W fans, it's one of their better discs.

Radiolarians II was simply excellent. Although recognizable as vintage Medeski Martin & Wood, the work departs from the old and moves toward new and interesting destinations. I thoroughly recommend Radiolarians II.

I must say that Radiolarians 1 was the first MMW release that I was disappointed with. I can't put my finger on the reasons but something was missing. The performances were not up to par and the grooves a bit weak.

Well, they have made the proper adjustments for this 2nd installment of the series. Looks like they have figured out how to get the most from this experimental song writing process.

For example, the first track "Flat Tire" instantly kikcs off the enjoyment with it's crazy introductory bass line before going into a killer keyboard theme with Martin gleefully thrashing away on the drums. The song then makes a suprising shift into a click tempo rim shot piece reminiscent of Miles Davis's "In a silent way" era. The song ends gloriously with a reprise of that catchy, rocking keyboard theme.

There are wonderful piano grooves and lines throughout the entire disc and wood puts in a much stronger performance than on Radiolarians 1. I always enjoy Martin's work and he is in top form here.

Don't be discouraged by Radiolarians 1, pick this one up!

Now this is what I'm talking about! I gave Radiolarians I the benefit of the doubt, and it did have a few awesome tracks--but Radiolarians II is soooooo much better. All but one track are good ("ijiji" just doesn't do it for me), and there are multiple standouts. I really missed Medeski on piano on the last CD, but he is all over it on this one.

Flat Tires: Chris Wood's bass riff segues into a heavy progression from Medeski, and Billy Martin rips up the drums. A moody, mysterious breakdown after 1 1/2 minutes allows Medeski to stretch out on the piano, before returning to the previous progression. A fun, loud track.

Junkyard: a funky Les Claypool-esque jam. Not sure what Medeski is playing, but it definitely sounds "industrial." I have mixed feelings on this one, but it's good for sure.

Padirecto: awesome acoustic trio track, reminds me of Mami Gato in some ways. definitely a standout.

ijiji: all about dissonance, but doesn't really go anywhere. Not a great track, in my opinion.

Riffin Ed: a swinging riff develops into an awesome chorus-progression, another awesome acoustic trio track. reminds me of The 3 Sounds

Amber Gris: piano riff explodes into a chorus that reminds me of Where's Sly? Wood takes over the riff, and they expand on it a little...sort of the same format as Flat Tires (riff, chorus, riff, chorus, etc.) But still a cool track

Chasen vs Suribachi: The jury's still out on this one. On the one hand, there's awesome IllyB drumming, but the rest of band doesn't do much. Plus there's these weird audio samples, not really part of their usual aesthetic.

Dollar Pants: another acoustic trio track, not as interesting as the others. Medeski continues with a riff during the entire track, a bit repetitive but cool. Sounds like Vince Guaraldi (in a good way)

Amish Pinxtos: Not sure what to say about this one, except i like it! We hear some funky soloing by Medeski with wah-wah, and on Melodica!

Baby let me follow you down: don't let the intro fool you, this is a fun ballad, in acoustic trio format--but with some funky wah-wah soloing! A great closer, and another standout track.

So in closing, just get this CD!