Customer Reviews

Salad Days

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After losing himself in the moody bitterness of 1994's "Here" and the inarticulate, half-finished "Op Zop Too Wah", Adrian Belew returns to the optimism and skillfully crafted pop of his older work with the acoustic album, "Salad Days". Taking the better songs from his King Crimson days and a bevvy of work from his masterpiece "Mr. Music Head" and the near perfect "Young Lions" and "Inner Revolution", Belew's vision seems to have returned intact. His songwriting is wonderful and creative, his voice hasn't been this powerful in a long time and his guitar work, even in an acoustic capacity, is stunning. Lyrically, Belew tackles subjects ranging from a rhino's perspective in his cage, a narrative given by a dead dinosaur, and most touchingly, a narration by a railroad worker who is watching his beloved trains, and himself, become obsolete. There are also live versions of the Crimson song "Three Of A Perfect Pair" and "Fly", a stunning track that outdoes the original studio version. Belew's artistic talent had been waning as of late, so it is a pleasure to hear him reworking some of his older material. "Salad Days" isn't his best work, but it comes close. Personal Favorites: the aching simplicity of "The Rail Song", the beautifully rendered live version of "Fly" and the lumbering Crimson song, "Dinosaur". Representative Lyrics: "All around us the rules are changing/ taller walls and stronger cages/ nothing is sacred or too outrageous" ("Cage"); "I gave her my best years/ well what can you do but laugh/ I don't expect she'll ever be coming back" ("The Rail Song")

At a time when everbody is unplugged it only seems fitting that Adrian Belew should do it. More than just being unplugged one really gets the sense that many of these songs are being presented as he first played them; at the conception stage. Other songs, such as "Men in Helicopters" are stripped of a larger production yet added is a moving string ensemble that is perfect. An acoustic version of "The Rail Song" makes me think of why I love Belew so much; it is the lyrical message and musical simplicity that are combined to make touching songs. Two live songs round this CD out and make it a collectible item for a Belew fan. This CD is great !

This is really exceptional stuff. Adrian shows just how great a songwriter he is by presenting his music wih as much simplicity as possible, and all-acoustically! "Never Enough" is an excellent pop tune in the traditional sense, and "Men In Helicopters" shows what a really creative artist can do with pop music forms. And the two sound-collage pieces on the album show just how inventive he can be in a different way. And I'm sure King Crimson fans will get a huge kick out of hearing his live, solo acoustic rendition (in Argentina!) of "Three Of A Perfect Pair." I wonder if maybe people who think of Adrian as being kind of a technically-oriented musician will be encouraged to realize that it's his personality that is what draws you in the most, and it really comes out here in his excellent lyrics, singing and unique approach to life in general. Pretty darn charming! I would think if you didn't really know much about Adrian Belew, this would be a good place to start.

This is a wonderful collection of Adrian Belew's talents. A great choice for anyone who would like a good intro to this amazing musician. For those long time fans, it is surely a must.

It's a wonderful album, probably more geared towards the mainstream, who are not familiar with Belew. Mostly because of the near lack of newly released tracks, only two new ones here. But all in all, it's a real great album. Keep in mind this is not an electric album, it is a totally acoustic album, although it's amazing how heavy it gets at times. Well worth the listen.

You can't beat it: Just Adrian Belew and a guitar - includes some great songs. Amazing how much emotion comes through on these tracks as compared to original studio arrangements.
Funny thing is, I originally admired Adrian Belew for his eccentric and totally original guitar riffs and solos, but this CD has none of that.
Listen to Salad Days to appreciate his talent as a song composer and lyricist.

While he can shred with the best of them, unlike so many technically proficient axe-men, Belew isn't melody-challenged, nor does he limit song structure to shameless excuses for interminable pyrotechnic soloing. He knows how to pen a song. Hendrix did too - a lot of electric guitarists forget that. In any case, here's proof of Belew's knack for songwriting. Not only does he keep his Strat in its case, even the acoustic doesn't get an airing on a few tracks. Again, these are songs. To be sure, there's some noodling, but it's brief and actually kind of fun. The same can be said of the Beatlesque proclivities. As any Belew fan would expect, the lyrics on this recording are quirky, lonely, poignant, joyous; and the vocals - dependably earnest - exhibit Belew's ability to ache and soar. The two concert tracks are a real treat - the man doesn't need a band to get his music across, and the Argentinean audience is right there with him. This is a rewarding assortment of songs from a very special and versatile talent.