Customer Reviews

Scars

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Firmly blues based...but make no mistake, this is maximum hard rock of the first order. Gary has strapped the Strat back on and has formed a true power trio that owes more to Hendrix, Trower and Stevie Ray than any of the "Kings"( BB, Albert and Freddie). Fans of "Still Got The Blues" hoping for something more in that vein are going to have to wait a bit longer. This disc is raw, blistering, earthy, albeit bluesy rock and roll as only Gary can do it. On "Back To The Blues" you could kind of get an inkling as to where some of this was coming from, but Gary is such an incredible virtuoso that you never really know what direction he's going to head in. This disc takes the seeds of Hendrix's genius to its full fruition by one of the only people on the planet talented enough to pick up on wholly original musical ideas and run with them.My hat is also off to the awesome rhythm section of Cass and Darrin who inject a nice burst of energy to compliment all the guitar pyrotechnics.

A previous reviewer lamented that this release was not in Moore's class blues realm. This is blues rock as the term should be defined. It certainly bears no resemblance to grunge rock. He borrows from Hendrix ("World Of Confusion" starts out almost note for note just like "Manic Depression"), and SRV, and maybe even a little Kenny Wayne Shepherd. This is not a rock release, although it is being billed as that. The first 2 songs on the cd are outstanding and grab you right by the throat. Gary Moore is constantly changing styles, as evidenced by the aptly titled "Different Beat", and if you want to hear nothing but straight blues by this too often overlooked guitarist, then don't buy this. This is a blues rock cd, pure and simple.

Gary Moore has become one of the great rock/electric blues guitarists of all time. The man can play that Les Paul!! But, with the release of "Scars" it seems that Gary is trying to please the grunge generation or whatever "weird rock" is called today! Gary can really sing, but on this album he's pretending again? His singing sounds pathetic! The guitar work is almost great, but not 100% up to par. This cd makes one to believe that Gary Moore has run out of ideas? I'd be in favor of an instrumental album next!

The first time I heard "Scars" I couldn't help but think that Gary Moore has been listening to way too much Jimi Hendrix. A few of the songs are dead on in his writing style. It's like he's decided to re-write "Voodoo Chile," and "Manic Depression" to suit his needs.

With multiple listenings I hear something deeper than a Hendrix tribute. There's a "This is what I do," "Get outta my face" feel that comes across on this disc. Some of the tunes echo Cream era Clapton, early Peter Green, Robin Trower, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, but it's 100% Gary Moore. He consistently plays guitar like guitar players wish they could. With authority and conviction. While he's been slammed in the past for genre hopping, he's no different than any blues man who tirelessly regurgitates his influences over and over again. Moore simply has a broader pallet from which to paint his musical pictures.

"Scars" has a freshness, a vibrancy, and a real sense of urgency to it. A youthful hard rock edge with a stripped down, three guys playing in a big room together, feel. Like a mean, funky, blues rock garage band that can actually play their instruments like seasoned pros. Not as slickly produced as previous releases, it rocks with a hard contemporary edge. Cass Lewis previously of Skunk Anansie, and Darrin Mooney of Primal Scream, provide the earthy grooves on bass and drums respectively. A funky, less traditional addition to the current Moore sound.

Listening to Gary Moore is like watching Al Pacino in the movie "Scar Face." You can't help but shake your head and question his acting choices, but you can't take your eyes off him because he's such a great actor.

this CD is full of true gary moore'isms. strong rock blues here by one of the best in the business. been in love with gary moore's playing since 1985. if you really like robin trower you'll be surprised at how these two paths have crossed now. gary seems to be using a Strat for most of the album along with fairly extensive use of the Wah Wah...so with the blues based songs here you can't help but draw a parallel. if you are looking for another straight blues standard album that Gary just blows off the map...think twice. but you have always enjoyed Gary's writing and playing then you will like this album.

This CD is excellent! I have been a Gary Moore fan for quite sometime and he sure hasn't let me down with this CD.He has mixed his blues and hardrock formulas and produced an excellent CD.Great guitar playing on great songs. This guy can just play the guitar great. This CD is just good raw blues and rock played excellently.It's great to buy a CD from some artist and not be disappointed. Gary Moore is one of those artists.Truly a class act and an underated guitar legend.

Gary has out done himself again. The first 4 songs are hard rock songs with a blues twist, the Guitar on "Rectify" is Godly and then the album mellows a little with song 5. After that he plays with your mind on 6 & 7 playing a tasteful tribute to Stevie Ray and Jimi. "My baby" for Stevie Ray and "World on Confusion" for Jimi which will remind you of "Manic Depression" Song 8 "Ball&Chain" is just a great 12 minute jam session. 9 and 10 are cool also. It's just to bad the U.S. does not know how great Gary is. I wish I could give it ten stars. Just as great is John Sykes Just proving that Thin Lizzy will always remain the greatest Guitar Band ever.
BUY IT!!!

I wasn't sure when I ordered this if I was gonna like it or not. But I ordered it anyway, and was totally consumed by Garys guitar tone. I love his 80s sound, but I have to admit, this sounds awesome!!! From the first song you can tell it's Gary behind the guitar. it sounds like he has gotten away for his standard Les Paul sound and opted for the grittier pounding of the Strat. His voice sounds as strong as ever, sweet one minuite, and full of blues the next. Stand up is my favorite track. But they are all excellent. Wasn't born in Chicago starts out with a great little Drum/bass groove. all I can say is buy it and see for yourself!!!Gary won't let you down!!!!

If you love "Still Got the Blues", "After Hours", "Blues Alive", "Back to the Blues", and "Blues for Greeny", don't expect "Scars" to be like these.....it's not. I was truly disappointed.....bright spot may be the cut, "Ball and Chain".
I'm really at a loss on how to descibe this CD...not Gary's past rock blues, not his earlier hard rock.....his singing here leaves something to be desired.....time to trade it in.

There isn't that much Gary Moore here. Sure, the playing is breathtaking at times, but it's too much like "I can play like Jimi Hendrix". Gary does a good Jimi, but if I want Jimi I'll listen to him and not Gary.
If I want Gary Ipick up Power of the blues, Still got the blues or Victims of the future or We Want Moore to name a few. Those show how great he can be. Not this one.