"This is an all-instrumental effort from the early-80's, a radically different, refreshing change from one of the world's most talented, under-rated guitarists. The concept is a Space Age sound, an interesting mix of rock and jazz, which he pulled off tremendously well. All of the songs are great, and they enabled him to display his talents to the hilt. I don't miss the singing at all. The instruments are very crisp, with lots of bass and drum. It's the kind of album that you pump up the volume and let it go while you're on the road.
If you buy this, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!"
Smoking Smoking Smoking!
Leo Post | Chicago, IL United States | 10/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album came out at the same time I was just learning to play electric guitar. Beck's playing was everything I wanted mine to be. Dynamic, melodic, thoughtful, smoking! This still is up there in my list of all time favorite albums that I never seem to grow tired of. I wish they would reissue this one in SACD format like Blow by Blow."
Whew - full on fusion shred
Michael J. Thorp | Jacksonville, Fl. USA | 11/08/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I saw Jeff promote this album at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. I actually snuck in by jumping the fence and sliding down the hill...jumped the small wall, evaded security, dusted myself off and found a spare seat with my sister. Gotta say that the Simon Phillips drum solo was an absolute sonic assault. I still turn the amp to 11 every time I play this album, all tracks are strong."
Hello and Goodbye
Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 03/08/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Producer Sir George Martin brought the best out of Jeff Beck in their 1975 and 1976 collaborations (Blow By Blow & Wired). And it was Beck's work with Tony Hymas and Simon Phillips on this June 1980 release that brings some of the more stylish work out of the oftentimes self-indulgent guitar legend.
Hymas (key) and Phillips (d) co-wrote four tracks (The Pump, Becko, Golden Road, Space Boogie), with The Pump one of the greatest rock instrumental pieces ever recorded. The technical aspects of Beck's work is extraordinary, with the band - including bassist Mo Foster - taking the track to brilliant heights. Beck and Hymas co-wrote the final song on the CD, Final Peace.
The trio of compositions by Jan Hammer (Star Cycle, Too Much to Love, You Never Know) are less satisfying, with his keyboards vying for space with Beck's guitar; not working as a cohesive unit. It is fusion colliding with arena rock and the results bring out a hefty dose of ego from both musicians.
This was Beck's only studio release between 1976-1985. It remains a shining star in an oftentimes frustrating and uneven solo career."