[Heeplist] Trouble

[Mac Steagall]

I've been listening to the Trouble album Pledge download repeatedly 
for a couple of days, trying to put together my thoughts. There's no 
question that Robert is a talented singer. He's very talented.  I 
have to agree with Tapio that I would have liked to have Ken's voice 
used more often on the album but perhaps I will get more accustomed 
to Robert's voice the more I hear it. My issue with the album doesn't 
have anything to do with songs sounding like other songs. Quite the 
opposite. I think Ken has finally broken out his entire arsenal on 
this album.  The keyboards are plentiful and the extended versions of 
many songs are loaded with 70's Hensley creativity. I think I even 
hear a little Moog on "I Don't Know" and some slide guitar on the 
ballad, You Will Always Be Mine. Live Fire is a very talented band 
and i don't think I would expect a better sounding album from Ken and 
the band than this. Live Fire is kicking ass and Ken's keys are out 
front. My issue is with some of the simplistic, and childish 
lyrics  on a couple songs and even a little profanity. Why shout 
"keep your fucking distance" in the title track? It makes no sense. 
Then in a later song there's something else about  "so fucking scared 
".  No big deal though. It's not Ozzy dropping the F bomb every 5 
seconds. It's just a bit confusing the purpose of including it. The 
more annoying bits are some of the goofy lyrics... "trouble with my 
bicycle, trouble with my  hair"  Then the first bit of Todo Loco. ( 
Yes, the hammond sounds a bit like Rainbow Demon and then the Ken's 
guitar reminds me of  his tone on "Crying". Good! I like it!) Then 
comes Robert's worse vocal of the CD and some lyrics  I can't make 
out, that sound truly cringe-worthly... " I saw a dog walking a dog. 
That was no dog, that was a hog. Wish (which)  one?" Huh? The lyrics 
on the  tune just ruin some excellent music. Luckily this is the 
exception rather than the rule.  Ken has always been noted for his 
deep lyrics, so maybe I just hold him to a higher standard than 
others. Some great music on this CD! Favorite tracks.... Ready To 
Die,  It,  Please Explain and I Don't Know.

Mac


At 04:12 PM 10/10/2013, you wrote:
>Ken Hensley&Live Fire Trouble 6/10 Foreword:  If I would never have 
>heard any of the previous opuses by various bands with Mr. Hensley, 
>or was some 10-20 years younger, or never have played any musical 
>instrument, my assessment of this very CD could have been way more 
>positive. But, since my memory and ears still serve me well, it is 
>what it is, and I am bringing it over to you as detailed as see it necessary.