Russ Stedman - "Cracked" (CD, 1999)
RUSS STEDMAN - "CRACKED" : (AUTOreverse 9, Winter 1999) - "My Soul Has Risen" opens with an absolutely classic 15 seconds of wailing guitar feedback, which leads to a gentle piano bit with brushed drums and slap bass. The song is a classic autumn pop gem. Totally unexpected! "Just Wasn't Feeling Right" is a 1970's arena rocker complete with cowbell on the intro plus fifty guitar harmonies. Hard rockin' like fuckin' BILLY SQUIER or something. Awesome. Or FOGHAT. "Remember Me" is a happy pop song about, eh, stalking somebody. Lyrically, STEDMAN definitely got it goin' on. "Nobody Home" is a STINK FLOYD cover that may or may not sound like the original. "Howard Hughes" sounds like a left-over from STEDMAN'S band STICKLER, uptempo pop punk. "You're In My Dreams" is an odd atmospheric ballad type deal with acoustic guitar, synths and a drum box plus, uh, feedback guitar. Hmmm. "Lime Slurry" is something of a glam rock dirge, if that makes sense. T. REX at half speed. This CD is fucking crazy and that is definitely to its credit. (Ian C. Stewart)