Search - Detective :: It Takes One to Know One

Nice Complement to the First

Michael Thomas Roe | Atlanta | 04/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Detective's second l.p. "It Takes One To Know One" was certainly a step in a more predictable direction, if not a "full frontal assault" direction. Perhaps the thinking was that the first l.p. was a little too "soft" and maybe even too "classy" for the masses. It was time to put the pedal to the metal. And there's certainly much metal, not to mention mettle, on this one.

And if anyone is still insisting that vinyl l.p.'s sound better than CD's, then FINALLY here is proof that this person needs to have his ears taken out of his bum. This CD sounds positively blistering and Jon Hyde's drums have never sounded so thundering. Galloping stampedes, anyone? Wild horses unleashed? Bluesy guitars, jazzy interludes, keyboards turned tastefully down (uh oh, here we go again, Detective showing some class), funky-a** bass playing and THE VOICE. Yep, you know what I'm saying. It's that Michael Des Barres guy again, clearing the air with his diesel fuel pipes.

If "It Takes One To Know One" didn't live up to the diversity and astonishing clarity of the first effort, the second is every bit as astonishing in its sheer "rock-ing-ness". Tracks like "Competition", "Fever" and "Tear Jerker" are amazing shards of heavy funk riffing. And there is a more than a passing resemblance to John Bonham and Led Zep in the drums. Man, this stuff is potent.

But wait, there are some gentle moments. "Something Beautiful Has Died" is every bit as heartfelt as "Nightingale" was on the first l.p. And the follow up track, "Warm Love", is every bit as positive and love-affirming as "Something Beautiful Has Died" is not.

"

Classic Arena Rock.

Edward Anthony G. | Sherman Oaks, Calif. USA.. | 02/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Now were cooking, I saw these guys when this album was out and what a great live show they had. First let me say that Michael Des Barres is from the old school of Hollywood rock, sunset strip days with Silverhead and if anyone knows he was later with 'Power Station' after Robert Palmer departed. From the start he was always a showman as vocalist and in his early days he was acting and can be noticed in the movie "To Sir With Love" with english singer LuLu. Guitarist great Michael Monarch from the legend band "Steppenwolf", Born To Be Wild, The Pusher, Magic Carpet Ride, has got riffs that were ripped off by many future players kicks this Cd with his unique style and is still to this day out there with his solo music. Keyboard player Tony Kaye from "Yes" and "Badger" has always been way ahead of his time and his effort here does not fall short with his playing. The song "Help Me Up" is a fast tune that will get you in the mood to rock and the big beat of "Competition" does remind some of a sort of Zep Robert Plant type sound. I waited a long time for this to be on CD and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed with your purchase here, well worth the money!"

Detective, "It Takes One To Know One"

Nokomis Turner Jr. | California, United States | 04/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great band, highly underrated. This band received the full Swan Song sonic treatment, big drum sound and live ambiance sound. Michael Des Barres sings like a true "rock & roll" crooner on par with Zep's Robert Plant or early (Jeff Beck/Faces) Rod Stewart. Michael Monarch plays guitar with great style and confidence. Very tight but loose sound. This band rocks."