Search - Walter Egan :: Walternative

Walter's Back With A Vengeance

Jef Fazekas | Newport Beach, California United States | 06/06/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It may have taken seventeen years, but we finally have a new Walter Egan album, and that could only be a good thing. But wait....there's more! Not only is "Walternative" Walter's first release since 1983's "Wild Expectations", it's his best since his 1977 debut "Fundamental Roll". While I enjoyed all four albums after "Fundamental", there was something missing from each of them. "Fundamental" was like a top-notch, delicious ten course meal; the follow-up four all seemed tasty, but they were missing an entree or sidedish. "Walternative" is a return to the full feast. Walter has never sounded better, and this is a great, diverse batch of songs. My favorites include the rockin', retro "Vergin' On Tears", the happy-go-lucky "Happy Home" and the fun "Waitin' For Fred". Other strong songs include "Let Go", the reggaesque "There Goes My Girl",the thoughtful "Land Of The Living", the almost rockabilly "Beats The Devil" and "Get Out Of The Kitchen". If I have any single complaint about this album it's that it goes on a little too long; one or two songs could have been shaved off. But after seventeen years, hey, he probably had a stockpile, and too many is better than not enough! So....pick up this album; it's one of the best surprises of the new year!"