Two Sides of If

Vivian Campbell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 27, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• ASIN: B000AMWIYE
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #163,533 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Super talented heavy rock guitarist Vivian Campbell burst onto the Irish rock scene in a band called Sweet Savage. Soon thereafter in 1982 Ronnie James Dio recruited the young prodigy as the lead guitarist for the then brand new band Dio, and Vivian is featured on the first three legendary Dio albums. Via stints in David Coverdale’s Whitesnake and Lou Gramm’s Shadow King, Vivian joined mega band Def Leppard in 1992 and remains one of the 2 lead guitarists of Def Leppard, touring and recording with them to this day. A long time fan of the blues, Vivian Campbell was determined to one day record his interpretations of great American blues songs. In April 2005, Vivian and 5 fellow musicians, including the great drummer Terry Bozzio (Mothers Of Invention, Missing Persons), recorded this great electric blues album. Two Sides Of If features classics originally recorded by blues legends like Muddy Waters, Albert King and Robert Johnson as well as songs from the likes of Rory Gallagher and Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac. The album closes with an original by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and last but not least the great Joan Osborne performs sizzling lead vocals on a great cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s classic song "Spoonful."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Other Side of Vivian Campbell, October 31, 2005

By 

Bella Cheval (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two Sides of If (Audio CD)

Being a fan of Mr. Campbell's from his days in Dio, I've been telling folks for years what a great guitar player this guy is. From "Messin' With The Kid" thru "Willin' For Satisfaction," this CD does not disappoint. I'm very glad Vivian has the chance to show off another side of his talent and what makes him such a great guitar player on this disc.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just another rocker with the blues, October 12, 2005

By 

BDH (Massachusetts USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Two Sides of If (Audio CD)

Vivian Campbell is best known as the guitarist who replaced Steve Clark in Def Leppard. He's still a member, too. 'Two Sides Of If' is his first solo release. In my opinion, it's his best playing on record. Sometimes the blues can bring out the best in people.

`Two Sides Of If' isn't dark and mysterious blues like the acoustic music of Mississippi Fred McDowell or Robert Johnson. That's the blues. This CD is blues covers done electrically, and driven by the superb drumming of Terry Bozzio. It's often quite rocked up, and it's definitely blues-rock in genre. This fact doesn't belittle the music at all, because it's excellent material. It does possess more of a blues edge to it than most, though, as a gritty, traditional emotion is present throughout, not to mention some superb musicianship.

Vivian's ability to articulate is immediately noticeable in Mel London's `Messin' With The Kid'. Rory Gallagher, Vivian's hero, would be proud to hear this cover. It rocks! The guitar tone is incredible throughout the whole CD. The presence of ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons is mere icing on the cake, as both guitarists complement each other perfectly. To top it all off, Viv's vocal ability is credible as well. Joan Osborne is wonderfully sexy in `Spoonful'.

`Two Sides Of If' isn't just another bluesy release from a rocker; it's a good one.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who decides?, January 22, 2006

By 

B&B Brothers "motorplant" (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two Sides of If (Audio CD)

Who decides what Vivian likes? I find it humorous that the reviewers that gave this CD a poor review are stating what Vivian is. I could have sworn that Vivian decides what he is and what he likes. If Vivian says he likes blues, then let him play the blues. I guess that is the advantage of being somebody that is somebody or compared to just another pickle laying in the gutter wishing they could play guitar or sing (like a few reviewers I have read about).