Sonic Boulevard

Tomas Bodin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 13, 2004)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Inside Out U.S.
• ASIN: B0000C03G3
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #477,966 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2003 solo album from The Flower Kings keyboardist features appearances from most of his band-mates including Roine Stolt. Ten tracks. Digipak. Inside Out.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very solid, successful solo effort, May 16, 2005

By 

Squire Jaco (Buffalo, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sonic Boulevard (Audio CD)

Less quirky than his previous two solo albums could be at times, this cd is a great listen from beginning to end. Beautifully packaged with nice notes from Bodin, pleasant artwork and photos, and a cohesive feel throughout the album - almost like a concept album?

I really dig his keyboard sounds, and believe his subtle contributions to the Flower Kings songs are often what makes them so special. But this is not a "keyboard showcase" album either. He again uses the TFK rhythm section of Jonas Reingold and Zoltan Czorsz to great effect (especially on "Horses from Zaad"), as well as a variety of excellent guitarists to fill the gaps.

It's all instrumental again, with some vocal effects (chant and scat) used here and there.

The compositions range from good to great, and are occasionally in the traditional Flower Kings soundscape. But there's an almost hypnotic or "spiritual" feel to much of this album too. There's no mistaking that this is Tomas Bodin, and not TFK. You really have to listen and let your body and soul melt into the music.

It's really a very beautiful album. Very personal sounding. It should be purchased and listened to by many more music lovers.

I value interesting music that is played and recorded well. This cd's rating was based on:
Music quality = 8.8/10; Performance = 9.2/10; Production = 9/10; CD length = 10/10.
Overall score weighted on my proprietary scale = 9.0 ("4-1/2 stars")

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Master Piece In Its Genre, December 19, 2003

By 

Mario G. Mejia (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sonic Boulevard (Audio CD)

This one is a more eclectic venture compared to the excellent Pin Up Guru. Sonic Bolulevard doesn't seem to be a keyboard solo player solo album, it has a different feeling and I even thought at times that I was listening a Cirque Du Soleil soundtrack due to the contemporary feeling of the music mixed with mesmerizing vocals that go beyond of just singing lyrics.
The whole band plays an important role in the soul of this jewel and I could even enjoy some wonderful guitar solos.
Additionally, it is a very well recorded album.
Recommended.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great, interesting music, December 7, 2006

By 

A. Gallegos "Costa Rican Prog Rocker" (San José, Costa Rica) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sonic Boulevard (Audio CD)

Simply great and soothing. Nice vibe and relaxing melodies. I enjoyed it so much more than any other contemporary keyboardist. Tired of Derek Sherinian? Take a closer look to this album.