Customer Reviews

Ultra Payload

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was indifferent at first when I heard that Perry Farrell was forming this band called Satellite Party, and didn't think much when earlier this year I found out that thier debut album was set to be released in May. However, listening to "Wish upon a dog star" on the internet a few weeks ago made me look forward to this album as it was a nice upbeat song. This album is a fairly good debut album with some decent music, although it is not gonna be an all time classic, there are some good tunes and the lyrics are positive messages about love and celebration of life. "Wish upon a dog star" and "Hard life easy" stand out in my mind right now, but this is the type of album that grows on you the more you listen to it, so I am sure the other songs will catch up on me too.

The idea of Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell forming a band with Extreme's Nuno Bettencourt may seem a bit odd to some at first. After all, Ferrell is seen as an "alternative," "arty" rocker, whereas Bettencourt is mostly known for his top-40 hit "More than Words." However, the two joining forces isn't so odd if you think about it. Although Extreme is seen as a "pop-metal" band, they really were much more than that--as the band was highly ambitious, as the progressive "III Sides to Every Story" shows. Nuno and Farrell may have attracted different audiences, but their art-rock, progressive ambitions are qualities that the two share.

"Ultra Payloaded" (2007) sounds like what one might expect--Jane's Addiction meets "III Sides" era Extreme--spacey, arty, funky, poppy, ambitious, and melodic-- with a lot of cool solos. The album is highly, highly up-beat and celebratory--hence the name Satellite "party." While the album may not yield anything classic like "Been Caught Steeling" (Jane's Addiction) or "He-Man-Women-Hater," (Extreme) this album is a hell of a lot of fun. I actually think "Satellite Party" makes for a great drinking album; the kind of CD to sit back, relax, and have a few shots of JD or beers too. Some of these songs have orchestration and several musicians make guest appearances--Flea, John Frusciante (RHCP) Peter Hook, (New Order) Fergie (Black Eye Peas) to name a few, (Jim Morrison even makes an appeacrence in the closing "Women in the Window") yet none of this bogs down the album the way it could and everything works just fine.

In a nutshell, "Satellite Party" is a really fun, up-beat album that fans of both Extreme and Jane's Addiction will dig.

A great and upbeat album, however three of the songs I have already heard in different forms on other albums. I wish all the songs were new, but I can understand Perry thinking that not everyone may have heard the songs.

"Wish Upon a Dogstar" is known as "Dogstar" on Hybrid's "I Choose Noise" album. Minus the guitars and a much more electronic sound. I actually prefer Hybrid's version.

"Kinky" is almost identical to "Dreamstalker," also on Hybrid's "I Choose Noise" album. Minus the vocals and guitars.

"The Solutionists" is yet another version of a song previously released as "Revolution Solution" by Thievery Corporation, featuring the vocals of Farrell. The Thievery Corporation version doesn't have as many sound layers to it, but is much more middle eastern sounding.

Nowhere on this page is Nuno Bettencourt mentioned. That is strange, considering he's the main guitarist on this album and he's a co-producer. For those unfamiliar with Nuno, he is probably most notable as the guitarist from Extreme. To me he is the greatest musician in the world. He's a great vocalist and an all-around musician, songwriter and producer. His current band DramaGods have an album out called "Love". Check it out on iTunes.

As for Satellite Party, without Nuno this album would fail in my opinion. Nuno's brilliant playing saves this album from being boring and monotonous. I've never been a big fan of Perry Farrell, but he has his moments with Jane's Addiction. Nuno and the rest of the band, featuring the drummer from DramaGods, really funk it up and lay down some great grooves. My favorite songs are "Only Love, Let's Celebrate", "Wish Upon A Dog Star", "Insanity Rains" and "Hard Life Easy".

If you're a fan of Perry Farrell, this should be right up your alley. If you're coming to the party as a Nuno fan, you might be disappointed. But he does manage to shine on a lot of the songs, so it's definitely worth checking this out...

Sometimes when life hands you lemons you simply need to make lemonade. Due to the disbanding of his former bands, Perry Farrell found himself a star without a home but still was determined to still succeed in the alternative rock music scene when he created his new band Satellite Party . Though some artists might simply hang up the guitar and call it career, Farrell was determined to still prove to the music world that he has what it takes to continue to put out good music and a well produced album.

Satellite Party's debut album Ultra Payloaded is an intense work that is well produced and brings an enjoyable and fresh sound to the world of alternative rock. With the same emphasis paid to the intricate details of his music, Farrell's latest release perhaps proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Farrell's talent is worthy of continuing and that his new act is capable of the same greatness his prior bands had achieved.

Members of Satellite Party include Perry Farrell (lead vocals), Nick Perri (guitar), Carl Restivo (bass), Jordan Plosky (drums) and Etty Lau Farrell (backup vocals).

Hard Life Easy has a catchy and riveting sound to it. There are some pretty funky twangs of the guitar infused into the track and the pace of the track varies greatly from start to finish. A powerful electric guitar mini-solo toward the end of the track ties together the song nicely and is a great way to finish out a powerful song.

Farrell brings an almost techno sound to the track Kinky which complements his alternative sound in a unique and interesting way. There seems to be a more electronic sound to this track and hints of bands such as perhaps Blur can be heard in the music. It seems as though perhaps Kinky is the best example of what the music of Satellite Party is all about. Although it is classified as alternative music, the music if Satellite Party it is not your ordinary flannel shirt wearing, hanging out in coffee shops kind of alternative music. Rather, Farrell brings an almost danceable feel to his variety of alternative music and the fresh sounds might be welcomed by a broader audience.

Insanity Rains starts off with a very fast paced vocals coming into a hard pounding instrumental sound that relies heavily upon the symbiosis of the guitar and the drums. Although the music is perhaps the loudest on this track, Satellite Party ensures that the music still maintains a high quality and is not simply loud simply for the sake of being loud. The consistency of the polished instrumental sound whether it be on this more heavy pounding track or on a tad softer of a track is testament to the fact that the band is not willing to sell themselves short and sacrifice their professional sound for no reason at all. This track illustrates the commitment that Satellite Party puts toward not only creating music that is enjoyable to listen to but also to crafting a sound that is of the highest musical caliber.

Track listing:

1. Wish Upon A Dog Star
2. Only Love, Let's Celebrate
3. Hard Life Easy
4. Kinky
5. The Solutionists
6. Awesome
7. Mr. Sunshine
8. Insanity Rains
9. Milky Ave
10. Ultra-Payloaded Satellite Party
11. Woman In The Window


Perry Farrell certainly perhaps has made more of name for himself with the bands of his past like Extreme, Porno for Pyros and Jane's Addiction. However, Farrell is perhaps the antithesis to the theory that you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

The music that Farrell has helped to create for his new band Satellite Party and on the album Ultra Payloaded is a brilliant display of a musician that is willing to put aside what "should be done" and instead focus on "what can be done". The music on this album is certainly different and some might criticize it for not being alternative enough. However, Farrell and Satellite Party as a whole deserve much credit for putting forth an album that defies the norm and instead is solely focused on providing listeners with good music. And after all, shouldn't that be the goal of all musicians?

The album was produced by Perry Farrell, Nuno Bettencourt and Steve Lillywhite. The album is on the Columbia Records label.

For more information about Satellite Party, check out the website at www.satelliteparty.com.

Perry Farrell (Jane's Addiction / Porno For Pyros) and Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme): two names no one ever thought would be seen on the same CD jacket. And yet, here they are with one of the best releases of the summer so far. As eclectic as the line-up is, the music is even more so. Hitting the listener with everything from funk, rock, alternative and even a little "lounge" thrown in, it does not let up until it is over. Although the majority of the lyrics are some of the worst ever penned, the music itself more than makes up for it. Farrell's voice hasn't sounded this good since the first Porno For Pyros album and the addition of Bettencourt's extreme (pun intended) guitar playing is the perfect combination for a hit CD.

Besides the lyrics, the only other flaw on the CD is the song "Hard Life Easy," which sounds like another mediocre Red Hot Chilli Peppers song. However, it's no wonder since both Flea and the once-great (what happened?!) John Frusciante are both featured hear. Other than that, the CD offers repeated listenings that are sure to please fans of almost any genre.

First off, let me say I bought this for Nuno as I didn't ever listen to Perry farrell before this in any format. I thought it was creative and funky when I first listened to it but as I have listened to it more and more I appreciate the talent of Nuno with his riffs, mostly done very suttle in the background and he surprisingly turns out to be a hell of a bass player as well.

The more I listen to it the more it rocks. I am becoming very addicted to this CD. It may not be Perry Farrell's best work as I have nothing to compare it to but it is fun, infectios, and grows on you very quickly.

Sometimes i get the wrong impression i must admit. When an artist doesnt come out with product for a while i assume they are hard at work making their 'White Album' and i set myself up for disappointment.

I was disappointed. Especially after i heard that 'Nuno' was part of this. I assumed a riff filled rock record with infectious choruses and Perry Farrells whining vocals would make for an experience. It wasnt meant to be.

What this does offer is a few upbeat tracks that can work in a background of a party somewhere. A couple more enticing tracks, but none of the guitar licks i was craving so badly. I now here 'Nuno' left Probably because the CD didnt offer the riches he may have expected, seeing it didnt sell that well. Hopefully he will make a better creative decision next time out because his talent was wasted here.

Perry Farrell is a ceative guy, but this isnt his career defining-great moment. It just doesnt work. At least not with someone like me who enjoys the darker side of the 'Janes Addiction' material.

What would a party be like on a commercial space flight? What would the music sound like? These are the questions Perry Farrell would like you to answer by listening to his Satellite Party. You know when you look at the night sky with all the constellations, and there's one star apart from the rest? That's where Perry claims the party is. Ultra Payloaded collectively contains elements as old as symphony and as modern as electronic programming.

Without Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) on guitar, the music wouldn't fit the name. Nuno's style is perfect for the Satellite Party name, bringing funky riffs and radiant solos to the space flight table. As expected, Perry Farrell's voice is still unique. Featured appearances on this album which bring a poppy and alternative flavor are John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Peter Hook (New Order), and Fergie (Black Eyed Peas). Nearing the end of the album, a nice surprise is "Woman In The Window," with spoken word never before released by the late Jim Morrison.

While Perry Farrell's Satellite Party won't make as big of a splash as Jane's Addiction has, it's more impressive than Porno for Pyros and certainly worth the listen for Farrell fans.

Perry Farrell has created a fun album of funky tunes that make you want to dance. He's supported by a good group of musicians who help him bring the songs to life. Most notable of these musicians is one of the most awesome guitar players the world has ever known - Nuno Bettencourt! Nuno also helped with production duties, clearly helping to give the songs that funky groove he's well known for and adding a few great guitar riffs and solos here and there to spice things up. It's safe to say that this album is not groundbreaking in any way but it certainly offers you some good sounds and fun grooves to help liven up your next party. Favourite songs include the groovy "Wish Upon a Dogstar" and "Celebrate" which has a bit of an Extreme (Nuno's former band) influence to it and the nice mid-album ballad "Awesome". Play it loud and have some fun!