Take cover, indeed. What is it about a cover albums that make them simultaneously attractive, with a "can't wait to here their version of x" chaser, and completely frightening to the point of not wanting to go anywhere near it? Inevitably, fans and the overly curious will take the plunge and immediately add said album to their collection. They may possibly go so far as to make up stories to justify liking the album, even if its contents falls to the decidedly lackluster side of the coin. We have already seen a few cover albums come out this year, most notably Poison's Poison'd and Tesla's Real to Reel (which was a two parter released a few months apart). Now Queensrÿche takes up arms and takes their stab at cover song immortality.
I was really looking forward to this. Anything with the Queensrÿche name on it is definitely worth spending some time with. Even if the initial listen yields mediocre to poor results, give it some time. I have found that most of their releases since Promised Land need, perhaps even require that you step away from it for a few months to a year after your initial listen to build some respect for it. I am not trying to say that everything they do is great, but there tends to be a "getting to know you" period following your first listen. I am wondering if Take Cover is the same way, however I suspect that I will have the same reaction in a year. That reaction is, meh.
The whole of the Take Cover experience is mediocre at best. Not exactly what I was hoping for. There was something about the eclectic choice of songs to cover that led to the creation of a seed of hope for something special. Artists such as Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Black Sabbath, Queen, The Police, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young get the cover treatment. There is even a show tune covered, from Jesus Christ Superstar, not to mention an Italian opera song.
Some of those artists seem like a perfect fit for a band like Queensrÿche. They have proven their skills over and over again for years, and while it is true that their best is well behind them, I refuse to believe that they are running on empty. However, Take Cover begs to differ. Now, it is not an awful album, but one can only hope that it does not prove to be the last studio effort from a band that has produced such fine work over the years.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
I think this is a further sign that they may be creatively spent. Don't get me wrong, live they are supberb, but Mindcrime II was a disappointment and instead of following it up with a new studio album, they put out a greatest hits collection (which has poor track selection) and now this cover album. Sounds to me like a band that has a hard time writing songs like the quality ones that made them famous in the first place. I haven't given up on these guys and would see them again in a heartbeat, but I'd like to hear some excellent new songs.
2 - Chris Beaumont
They were really hurt by Chris DeGarmo's departure. It would be great if he came back to do at least one more album with them.
3 - Tom Johnson
Well, your reaction is about the same as mine, only I can't really bring myself to listen to it again after trying a few times - and that's a rarity. I really pride myself on giving things a chance and I just can't with this one. Heck, I'm even a fan of Tribe and I can't find much to like about this. It's just unpleasant to listen to. It sounds forced and uncomfortable. After the few listens I've given it, all I can think is, "I can't imagine ever wanting to listen to this again." Where Tesla and Def Leppard turned out some seriously fun and engaging covers, this is exactly what people think of when it comes to covers albums - boring and bland, which is not what you'd expect looking at the track listing. What a shame.
4 - Chris Beaumont
I forgot about Def leppard's cover disk. I should go pick that up. For that matter I am still interested in the Tesla releases too.
5 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Sorry to say but all these cover albums mentioned suck and only proves as evidence that those bands,imo,lack the musicianship & creativity to produce any worthwhile material. Whatever the reason, it is a sure sign of decay.
Queensryche had an opportunity around the time Empire was released to cover some Pink Floyd tunes especially with all the apparent references to said band in their song Silent Lucidity but even back then I felt their decisions were based on record sales because Empire didn't hold up musicially to
OM:1. Sure, it would've been a balsy move and they could've even done it on their Unplugged session but they chose a f*cking Neil Young song.How much more proof do you need? Pearl Jam had already knocked that one out of the park on their taping. Ultimately, it shows their real lack of progression (in all usage of the word) as a supposed Prog-Rock band.
For f*cks sake, this shit gets all the limelight but the four full length cover albums from Dream Theater (Master of Puppets,Dark side of the Moon,Number of the Beast & Made in Japan)which, if I remember correctly, were all official bootlegs of live shows & still kicked some serious a$$, do not get any mention especially against these weak a$$ releases. On top of that, James Labrie can still hold a note.
6 - Chris Beaumont
Been awhile, Brian. Was wondering when you would pick up on some of me recent music reviews. You know, I need to track down those DT boots. I have only heard Damage Inc from an old fan club release.
7 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Well, Chris, you don't have to track them down because the link I posted takes you right to there YsteJam website where those official bootlegs are available for sale unless you can score them through other channels..*No Comment*