Customer Reviews

Sonic Boulevard

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

 

 

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")

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.

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.

My introduction to the music of Tomas Bodin came via his work with the Flower Kings. Had it not been for the fact that I am pretty keen on the Flower Kings and lead guitarist Roine Stolt, I might never have heard Bodin. Anyway, last time I was in one of my favorite San Diego County music stores I grabbed three of the four solo CDs Bodin has released to date. Here I write my first review of his music.
When you hear Tomas Bodin for the first time, don't expect Flower Kings Lite. Despite that many FK musicians are featured here, it is Bodin who decides what musical direction Sonic Boulevard takes. With all due respect to the last two reviewers, I don't hear a five star CD here, but I do hear one that is better than the average solo effort of a prog musician.
Bodin's music seems to borrow heavily from three genres: classical, jazz, and progressive rock. In order to give the music its proper due, you have to take the time to relax and really listen to it.
Sonic Boulevard begins with what to me are a series of obnoxious vocal exercises called The Prayer that quickly segue into a soaring progressive instrumental with a churchy organ interlude. That part, entitled Hero From Clad City, I like. Other pieces I found most enjoyable are Walkabout, with its jazzy vocal noodling; the smooth A Beautiful Mind; the mellow and jazzy Morning Will Come with its enticing melody, excellent keyboard and masterful guitar work; and The Night Will Fall, the eerie and dreamy instrumental that closes the CD.
Overall, I say good work Mr Bodin, and I look forward to hearing and reviewing the remainder of your work.