"Listening to the Feedback" - Steve Hackett's not so new album, Feedback
86. Review by Alan Hewitt.
Having heard a bootleg (oops!) version of this album many years ago now, I
was always curious as to why the album was never released at the time (1986)
and now that I have had the chance to speak to Steve about the album (see interview
elsewhere) I am all the more mystified. An album boasting the combined talents
of Steve, Steve Howe, Brian May, Ian Mosley, Pete Trewavas, Nick Magnus, Bonnie
Tyler, and Chris Thompson should surely have been a hit?! Anyway, better late
than never so what does "Feedback" bring to Steve's repertoire? Well...
The album opens with the power rock of "Cassandra", who in legend was capable
of foretelling the future but whose warnings were ignored. This is a rock classic
featuring the glorious guitar work of both Steve Hackett and Brian May - a frightening
combination - and when taken in combination with Chris Thompson's brilliant
vocalisations, this is a sure fire, bona fide hit!
| "Prizefighters" follows, a track which was originally intended for
the second GTR album which sadly never saw the light of day, although
the live version of it featured on the GTR Live album a couple of years
ago. It is great to hear the original studio version including an impassioned
vocal from Bonnie Tyler, without doubt one of the classic lost rock anthems
of the eighties.
Of all the tracks on this album the one I was most looking forward to
hearing is the track "Slot Machine", a tribute to the persistence of gamblers
perhaps, but to me it is the Hackett rock track of the 1980's although
the waltz introduction will take you by surprise before the guitar refrain
rips the hairs off the back of your neck and Chris Thompson's vocals take
rock arias to another dimension! If you know anyone who has any doubts
that Steve can rock, play them this track and watch the reaction - it
will work a miraculous conversion, I guarantee it: and if the final "comic"
moment doesn’t bring a smile to their face, then check for a pulse because
the listener has to be dead not to be amused!
Many fans will be familiar with the next track, "Stadiums Of The Damned",
which has appeared previously on the CD reissue of "Till We Have Faces",
but as they used to say in the movies "A good cast is worth repeating",
and this one is another superb performance including what has to be one
of Steve's best ever vocals in a suitably manic style - don't turn your
back on this axeman! |
The cover art for "Feedback '86" |
"Don't Fall" has seen many incarnations including the glorious acoustic instrumental
version "Don't Fall Away From Me" on 1991's "The Unauthorised Biography". This
version however, is the full-on rock version with Steve's blues harp making
what may well have been its first appearance on record, and another impassioned
vocal performance from Chris Thompson and the gloriously atmopsheric keyboard
work of Nick Magnus which compliments the vocals and guitar perfectly - as usual!
| "Oh How I Love You", takes the pace down a few notches with a truly
wonderful combination of acoustic guitar work, piano and the stirring
vocals of Chris Thompson. Another classic love song from Steve and another
potential single!
"Notre Dame Des Fleurs" will also be familiar to fans who saw Steve
on his 1988 "Momentum" acoustic tour, where it featured in the live set.
I have always been a fan Steve's acoustic work and this track is a delight.
Listen to it, close your eyes and let the music take you to another time
and place - bravo, maestro!
Rounding off the album is another melodramatic masterpiece "The Gulf"
which has also appeared on the Camino CD reissue of "Till we Have Faces",
it is restored to its rightful place here. This is definitely a film soundtrack
in miniature and all of Steve's trademarks are there ably assisted by
"Officer" Magnus a suitably dramatic close to the album.
Don't think that that is the end of the story however, because; thanks
to the wonders of modern technology; there is still much more to see
and hear on this album. If you play it in your computer, not only will
you have a handy pocket biography [I can't fit my PC in my pocket...
-TB] of Steve's albums including MP3 tracks from them, there are also
sample tracks from the other artists on the Camino label and details about
Kim Poor's artwork and exhibitions amongst other things. The whole thing
serves as a nifty introduction to both Steve's music and the record company
that brings it all to you. |
Steve with some of the "Feedback '86" crew |
So, there you have it. As an album this does not deserve to be passed over
as an "archival" item although that is what it is. The music however, is far
from that, being another great example of Steve's talents in so many areas and
with a cast of musicians that would make many of today's bands weep! This project
took a long time coming to fruition but the results are, I am sure you will
agree, well worth the wait! Oh, and by the way in case you hadn't guessed, I
am totally biased as far as this album is concerned, I genuinely think it is
f*****g marvellous! Any more like this lurking in the archive, eh Steve?