Search - Billy Sheehan :: Compression

Not just for musicians! Incredible rockin' grooves.

Bill M. | MA, USA | 11/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a long-time fan of Billy Sheehan's bass work and the bands he has been in, I decided to buy "Compression", his first solo album. Billy Sheehan is certainly one of those musician's musicians; in short, a rock genre virtuoso on his instrument of choice. Of course, being a excellent player and an excellent song writer can be rather exclusive from each other. Altough I won't name any names, I've found that a lot of solo albums from such virtuosos make for a boring listen."Compression" is NOT an album of bass solos. It does NOT in the typical "neo-Classical" style of rock that we've heard from too many other bands. It IS however a collection of great songs written and performed by Billy Sheehan. Aside from some guest stars on a few tracks, Billy handles all the instruments and voices. And quite well.The music here is, dare I say it, danceable! No, not dance music, but hard rock with a real groove. "Oblivion" is a great track with fast riffs, but it just plain rocks. I especially like the majestic sounding "Chameleon" (no, not the Herbie Handcock song of the same title), the laid-back funk pentatonic funk of "Caroline", and climatic closer "Feed Your Head". If I had to liken the overall music styling to something else, I'd say it sounds similar in some ways to ZZ Top's "Rhythameen" album and the band King's X. Although Billy Sheehan has always gotten credit for his dazzling solos, he's also knows full well how to pull back and groove with his bass. And he can play more than the bass guitar. "Compression" is a testament to all this. Granted I'm a musician myself, but it's great to see somebody like Billy Sheehan make an album that people other than musicians might listen to."

Crikey!

Rob Blackett | London, UK | 06/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I went to see Steve Vai play in London last year, with Sheehan as Bassist. I had been dragged along for my friend's birthday, and didn't really know who any of the dramatis personae were. Suffice to say that I went out and bought Compression the next day. It is an exceptional, complex album that gets better every time I listen to it. There are clever musical phrases, and (not that I'm qualified to judge) some highly skilled guitar/bass playing. Sheehan's voice is distinctive, and in places mesmerising. I stumbled across this artist by happy accident, and would recommend him unreservedly."

Who knew Billy could sing so well?

RXCSLC | TX USA | 09/04/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am astonished by Billy's voice! Great tunes, and his voice is somewhat reminicent of Rob LaMothe of the Riverdogs. If Billy does another vocal CD, he will have the singing down pat. Lets also not forget that Billy plays guitar here as well. Steve Vai solos on one tune, and Terry Bozzio drums on two songs. The rest of the songs are done on drum machines, and while I'd rather hear a drum kit instead, it is handled really well. Drummer-less musicians could learn a lot from this CD. The last tune has some questionable additional precussion on it, though. I bought this CD thinking that it would only be accessable to bassists- boy was I ever wrong about that! Check out the sound samples above!"