Nothing beats live music. Hands down, the live experience trumps any audio or video recording I've ever seen of an artist performing. That said, the next best thing is a concert recording, preferably video so you can see the actual performance instead of simply listening to it.
I have never seen Heart live other than the occasional performance I've seen on television. It's on my list of things to do. But their album Red Velvet Car is probably more intimate than I could possibly be, even if I was sitting in the front row. From beginning to end, I felt each track like it was recorded in my living room. It might have been a LOUD living room at times where the windows rattled, but you know what I mean...
The sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson have been queens of rock and roll ever since Dreamboat Annie hit radio waves in 1975, but Red Velvet Car is their first release in six years. This album manages to capture the classic Heart sound - from the style of "Barracuda" to "Dog and Butterfly" - while adding a new dimension that only age and experience can provide. From the duo's voices that sound as good as 35 years ago to the guitars, songwriting, and harmonies that only they can create, it's damn good to hear them rocking out again with some new tunes.
And with ten new tracks, we got a lot of new music to enjoy. I don't know whether it's the quieter tunes like "Hey You" and "Sand" or the rocking tunes like "There You Go," "Wheels," and "Death Valley" that echo most in my mind long after listening. But whether you enjoy the fierce energy of electric guitars or the solace of getting lost in acoustic guitars and voices emotionally telling what can only be personal tales, there's something for anybody who enjoys good music on this album.
The opening track "There You Go" tells a cautionary tale about losing control and being burned. With guitar melodies and rhythms sounding barely under control, you feel like the train is rushing forward only to crash in a ball of flame... "There you go again / Walking straight into the freezing flame / There you go again / There you go in the media insane..." The band is telling some poor innocent soul to be wary of the whirlwind of fame, to watch out for herself.
Article comments
1 - tom crisler
Couldn't have written a better review myself!! U listed every song that touched me in an emotional or raw way. I have a similar connection to 'sand' which is such an incredible song. As much as I love Hearts 2004 album 'jupiters darling' , I have to say I love this one even more...brilliant music
2 - Rocker
All the RVC songs that they've put out for us to hear BORED THE H3LL OUTTA ME! It lacks that unique creativity of the ORIGINAL MEN of Heart!!!
3 - Daybreaq
I pretty much agree with most of this review; but Ann sings lead on "Sand." I do agree it's an awesome song though. I'm getting used to the new arrangement. I'm still a bit partial to the original version which Ann and Nancy released with their "other band." It's cool though that they are giving it another spin: the song *deserves* some attention! I'm totally impressed with the whole album: totally fresh and new but still speaks to me the way Ann and Nancy always have through the years.
4 - Crimson
RVC is a great CD. Original songs performed by the band. Not purchased songs performed with studio musicians. BTW- Ann sings lead on Sand.
5 - John
The album is great, the type that you can't put down. Heavy, bass rich accusticals everywhere, lyrics that will worry you when you lie down to sleep, rockers with the origional 70's sound. No filler tunes in this one people.