Strange Change Machine

Description

Double albums have always been tricky. For every Quadrophenia or Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness there are doppelgangers such as Metal Machine Music and Sandinista. Thankfully, Strange Change Machine, the new Grip Weeds double CD/LP collection, falls into the category of the former. Written and recorded while the band were ensconced in reissue projects (2007's reworking of their debut House Of Vibes Revisited, and the 2008 career-spanning Little Steven Van Zandt-sponsored compilation Infinite Soul: The Best Of The Grip Weeds) and outside studio production jobs (Singer/Drummer Kurt Reil recorded three albums with the legendary Smithereens, along with another three solo projects by Smithereens lead singer Pat Dinizio, among his other studio work), Strange Change Machine is a 24-song tour de force that sees the band perfecting their classic sound while also diving into uncharted musical territory. While self-important musos have debated the validity of the double album for years, the format has allowed the Grip Weeds to deliver the boldest recording of their career. Just when you thought guitar rock was dead, guitarists Kristin Pinell and Rick Reil turn in career-defining performances, while drummer Kurt Reil's controlled chaos is the perfect foil for Michael Kelly's aggressive yet melodic bass work. The other major weapon in the Grip Weeds utility belt is their vocal harmonies. Whether the band is belting out intergalactic rock ('Speed Of Life'), a lilting west coast groove ('Be Here Now') or a folk ballad that fuses the Peter Green and Lindsey Buckingham eras of Fleetwood Mac ('Mistress Forest'), the vocal harmonies add an emotional depth that few bands have ever been able to achieve. Lots of bands can rock, and lots of bands can harmonize - few can do both. The greatest revelations for long-time fans occur when the band takes a detour. Whether it's the brutal garage rock of 'Don't You Believe It', the Manchester beat tale of a bridge jumper 'Mr. X', or acoustic guitar/flute instrumental 'Love In Transition', the band deftly jumps from style to style without losing their identity or giving the listener whiplash. As if it wasn't enough to perfect their trademark sound and dismantle it all on the same record, The Grip Weeds have also reinvented the Todd Rundgren classic 'Hello It's Me'. While the original is a much-loved 1970s classic, The Grip Weeds replace the song's slicker elements with Nuggets-style grit. As major record labels circle the drain, the Grip Weeds lead the D.I.Y./indie rebellion on Strange Change Machine. Every inch of this album- from the writing and performing down to the recording, engineering and artwork - was created by the Grip Weeds and the Grip Weeds alone. With Strange Change Machine the Grip Weeds have aimed their vision for rock and roll beyond the reach of the telescopes, so grab hold and enjoy the ride.