Published on Sep 27, 2001
Over the course of the last 20 years, Billy Sheehan has proven
himself to be one of the greatest living legends of the bass
guitar. He constantly tops readers’ polls, and has played in some
of the most memorable rock bands of recent time, from touring with
David Lee Roth to being one of the cornerstones of Mr. Big. Even
Sheehan’s first band, Talas, continues to draw new fans.
So it might seem odd that Sheehan would choose this time in his
career to release
Compression, his debut solo album. Yet it also seems like
the right move – after all, Sheehan has helped to support so many
other talented musicians that it’s about time he stands in the
spotlight.
With rare exceptions (which we’ll go into shortly), Sheehan
handles all of the chores on the album, including vocals, bass,
drum programming and guitar. (Anyone who claims people who play
bass can’t handle the six-stringer obviously haven’t heard
Sheehan’s playing; he’s just as good on guitar as he is on bass.)
Admittedly, one could understand if you were a little uncertain
about such an undertaking; very few “one-man band” projects ever
sound seamless.
Ah, but Sheehan is by no means wet behind the ears when it comes
to sculpting an album, and
Compression is filled with well-written, well-executed
tracks which will keep the listener on their toes throughout the
course of the disc. Sheehan draws on all sorts of musical
influences (without, admirably, leaning too heavily on styles from
bands he’s played in) and weaves them together to create a
challenging, yet interesting sonic sculpture.
Listen to songs like “Bleed Along The Way” and “Oblivion” and
hear a nice balance of progressive and hard rock (topped with the
drumming of Terry Bozzio – I knew there was a Zappa sound to these
tracks as well!). See if you don’t pick up a Jack Bruce/Felix
Pappalardi influence on “Somethin’s Gotta Give,” both in the bass
lines and in Sheehan’s vocal. Tell me you don’t get a King
Crimson-like vibe on “Chameleon,” featuring fellow virtuoso Steve
Vai on guitar.
Compression is pleasing on every single level. I don’t think
anyone doubted that Sheehan could write good music; he’s proven
that for a long time. But he shows he’s more than up to the task of
handling all the instrumentation (with a little help from Simone
Sello – who mostly handles samples, keyboards and drum programming
– as well as the two guest appearances previously mentioned). If
you had any lingering doubts about Sheehan the guitarist or Sheehan
the lead vocalist, stop worrying, just sit back and enjoy.
The musical style changes aren’t glaring, but they are
noticeable, and some listeners might find it a little difficult to
switch gears that quickly. Personally, I think they add additional
spice to the album, and they kept me on my toes, even when I was
listening to the disc for the third or fourth time. It’s a little
more work paying attention to the changes, but it’s well worth it
in the end.
One side note: while the closing track “Feed Your Head” is an
outstanding way to wrap things up, the Japanese version of
Compression, from which I was working, includes the bonus
track “Wear Away The Stone”. Why this one isn’t also included on
the American version, I don’t know, ’cause it’s just as good.
With
Compression, Sheehan adds another layer of cement on his
already legendary status in the rock world. While this album is
absolutely enjoyable from start to finish, it gives people a few
more reasons to look up to Sheehan as a musician. Bassists have
idolized this guy for a long time; now, anyone who plays an
instrument will be joining in those ranks.