Belew Your Mind.
Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 04/28/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Adrian Belew is still not a household name, but in some music circles he is one of the most exciting and respected guitarists of his day. He has worked with David Bowie, Talking Heads, Paul Simon, Mike Oldfield, Nine Inch Nails and many others. He's made solo albums since 1981's "The Lone Rhino". He's worked as a member of King Crimson and The Bears. Yet, mention his name and most people will look at you with a perplexed brow and say, "Never heard of him." On his latest outing, "Coming Attractions", Belew compiles new, old and redone songs for our listening pleasure. This is good since he hasn't released anything in America since his 1998 compilation "Salad Days". Here we find Belew writing, singing and playing songs he does best like "Inner Man", "Predator Feast" and "117 Valley Drive." Also included are some live recordings of "Inner Revolution" and "Time Waits". An interesting demo of King Crimson's 1995 song "People" is included. All in all, Belew has put together a fairly smooth and entertaining compilation of songs here. While not as great as 1989's "Mr. Music Head" or 1992's "Inner Revolution" or even 1990's "Young Lions", "Coming Attractions" is by no means unworthy. If you like experimental guitar with a David Byrne sounding voice and clever and insightful lyrics, Adrian Belew might interest you. Recommended for Belew fans and non-fans alike."
Inner Revelations
Chris Ryan | Brooklyn, NY | 03/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Belew offers a preview/review of some seriously innovative pop tunes and a few unusual and pleasing guitar pieces. What is particularily outstanding about this record is that it is a true anti-greatist hits compilation. It a rare artist indeed that has the courage to give us such a personal look at his work. This CD is top notch start to finish. high lights- live cuts from Argentina/House of Cards."
That's right, he's not just a great guitar player
Rich P | New York, NY United States | 10/13/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If most of America hasn't heard of Adrian Belew, they've certainly heard his playing with Paul Simon, David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Talking Heads, et. al. This CD allows the world to see what a talented singer, songwriter, arranger and producer Adrian Belew is. Hearing the pop mastery of 'Valley Drive' gives one the feeling that Belew could have easily sold himself as a genius popsmith all these years, but he decided to make music for himself as well as us. Witnessed by the iconoclastic performers who have hand picked him through the years (Zappa, Robert Fripp, etc. etc.), we can truly say that he's a true original."