Skyscraper [CD, Original recording]

Tall Stories, Tall Stories | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 24, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: CD, Original recording
• Label: CDBY
• Run Time: 43 minutes
• ASIN: B001ZUX8TO
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #269,028 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Tomorrow

2. Clementine

3. Original Sin

4. All of the World

5. Pictures of Summer

6. River Rise

7. No Justice

8. Eternal Light

9. Stay

10. You Shall Be Free

Editorial Reviews

Tall Stories first rose to prominence upon the release of their self-titled 1991 debut album produced by Frank Filipetti (Deep Purple, Kiss, Foreigner). At the vocal helm was Steve Augeri who later would provide lead vocals for Journey following Steve Perry's departure. Formed by Augeri with Jack Morer on guitars, Kevin Totoian on bass, and Tom DeFaria on drums, Tall Stories represents a group of musicians who were exposed and inspired by diverse sounds ranging from Blues to Rock, Funk, Punk, Country and Reggae. As a result, their music isn't typical of the standard rock genre. While the musical climate in the U.S. was going through a metamorphosis of its own in 1991, Tall Stories' debut album was a breath of fresh air in the melodic rock scene at the time. The band's unique musical core immediately became a sensation with rock fans and critics alike. Tall Stories' rebirth offers their fans the opportunity to partake in what would be the band's second chapter. In addition to Tom DeFaria are a handful of stellar guest drummers: Rodney Howard (Avril Lavigne, Gavin DeGraw) contributed to "Stay" and "No Justice", Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, The Lizards) on the bombastic "River Rise", and Nir Z (Genesis, John Mayer, Chris Cornell) on "Original Sin," "Eternal Light," and "Pictures of Summer" to name a few. Produced by guitarist Jack Morer, Skyscraper stays true to the genesis of Tall Stories: music and songs that are as melodically rich and diverse as the band members themselves. From the uptempo opening track, "Tomorrow" to the final song, the Gospel inflected "You Shall be Free" the new album is a musical tapestry of different colours and textures. "Skyscraper" includes the following tracks: Tomorrow; Clementine; Original Sin; All of the World; Pictures of Summer; River Rise; No Justice; Eternal Light; Stay; You Shall be Free;

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars With Tall Stories Augeri does a great job of distancing himself from his Journey days by focusing on a more bluesey feel., September 3, 2009

By 

George Dionne (Cape Cod, MA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Skyscraper (Audio CD)

The Good
For those that don't know, Tall Stories features former Journey singer Steve Augeri. Tall Stories is not a new group by any means. Augeri fronted the band prior to his gig with Journey. Now that his "Don't Stop Believin'" days are over, Steve's gone back to his comfort zone. Meaty guitar riffs and echoed vocals create a Led Zeppelin feel on "Clementine." Augeri gets his blues on with "Superman," and does a surprising good job at it too. "Tomorrow" has one of those epic, high-energy grooves to it. "No Justice" is lead by a thick bass line that really carries the track. "Eternal Light" takes a tribal drum beat and mixes it with some heavy riffs and Augeri's great melodies. "Pictures of Summer" re-creates that warm summery feel with acoustic tones and sweet melodies.

The Bad
There's a lot of ebb and flow when it comes to the albums energy level and musical style. Seems more of a pet project rather than a focused, well-planned effort.

The Verdict
Despite being ousted from Journey for throat problems, Augeri's vocals sound great to me. Although Steve only challenges his range a few times, he still has a soulful and melodic tone. One of the voices that seem very familiar. With Tall Stories Augeri does a great job of distancing himself from his Journey days by focusing on a more bluesey feel.

The album's feel changes quite often from rock to blues, from rockers to ballads, as well as branching into other styles of rock. It's a bit much to be going back and forth like that, but at least the quality of the music is good. If you like blues rock, this album is worth a listen. If you are curious because you heard Augeri in Journey, you may want to pass.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Taking Music to new Heights and Beyond!!!!!!, August 31, 2009

By 

Bruce Held "CHROME PONY" (Midwest, America) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Skyscraper (Audio CD)

An absolutely AMAZING cd!!! After becoming a Steve Augeri fan once He was picked to supercede the infamous Steve Perry as Journey's lead singer.This cd flat out rocks and has a large aray of different styles of rock throughout it's playtime. The sound is sharper,edgier,and crisper than anything that Augeri was allowed to do with His former group Journey. This disc does not have any of that written to be a commercial hit sound that ways down many bands and stifles creativitywhether it is brought on by the record company or not. This is a truly fresh and original sounding recording that isn't immitating anyone or following any trends or fads. The guitar work is awesome with plenty of power chords right up front and lots of changing hooks and riffs throughout. Augeri's vocals are in a class no others can reach and here He has the freedom to let His voice absolutely SOAR without having to make sure He sounds comparable to Steve Perry. The songwriting is excellent and soulfull,the production and final mixing are top notch and it wasn't overpolished allowing the true natural sound to shine through. I encourage any fans of Journey,Bad English,Zepplin,The Storm,Hardline,Kevin Chalfant,Tyketto or the first Tall Stories cd to pick this crank the volume and give a listen. You Will Not be disappointed!! LIVE IT UP!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tall Order, April 14, 2009

By 

Glenn O. Kirms (Anywhere, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Skyscraper (Audio CD)

This is Tall Stories 2nd album after a much prolonged hiatus. Steve Augeri who led Journey for three albums is back at the helm. There is always more to the story as to why Steve left Journey. Health was cited, but I'm sure it was more than that. Just listening to some of the songs the album has a heavier edge to it and I would surmise that there were creative differences between Steve, Neal and John (I think Neal and John love the pop side these days as compared to Neal's roots as evidenced in their latest release 'Revelation'). But for those of you that loved Tall Stories first album and loved Steve with Journey then this is a must have and you shouldn't be disappointed.