Mike Keneally's tenth album contains some of the pop innovator?s most elegantly adventurous music, set in a largely acoustic soundscape. A multi-instrumentalist with an unmatched pop cunning and an unrelenting gift for ear... more »-twisting harmony, Keneally first rose to prominence as Frank Zappa's "stunt guitarist." His previous album, the critically acclaimed "Dancing," debuted on three Billboard charts in 2000. "Wooden Smoke" combines Keneally's own multi-tracked virtuoso performances with several of his catchiest tunes. "At the end of last year," reports Keneally, " I started playing a whole lot of acoustic guitar, sitting on the floor in the living room. The sound of the instrument and the physical sensation of playing it formed the bedrock of "Wooden Smoke;" it's not your typical acoustic album, though there is a lot of interesting sound happening, generated in some fairly unorthodox ways," In a characteristic departure from his previous releases, Mike has crafted a work that's courageous, yet soothing and evocative. A number of songs on "Wooden Smoke" feature dramatic and highly precise vocal arrangements, but the remaining material showcases Keneally on a variety of surprisingly unusual instruments, particularly for a record which sounds as familiar and fittingly accessible even as it challenges the listener.« less
Mike Keneally's tenth album contains some of the pop innovator?s most elegantly adventurous music, set in a largely acoustic soundscape. A multi-instrumentalist with an unmatched pop cunning and an unrelenting gift for ear-twisting harmony, Keneally first rose to prominence as Frank Zappa's "stunt guitarist." His previous album, the critically acclaimed "Dancing," debuted on three Billboard charts in 2000. "Wooden Smoke" combines Keneally's own multi-tracked virtuoso performances with several of his catchiest tunes. "At the end of last year," reports Keneally, " I started playing a whole lot of acoustic guitar, sitting on the floor in the living room. The sound of the instrument and the physical sensation of playing it formed the bedrock of "Wooden Smoke;" it's not your typical acoustic album, though there is a lot of interesting sound happening, generated in some fairly unorthodox ways," In a characteristic departure from his previous releases, Mike has crafted a work that's courageous, yet soothing and evocative. A number of songs on "Wooden Smoke" feature dramatic and highly precise vocal arrangements, but the remaining material showcases Keneally on a variety of surprisingly unusual instruments, particularly for a record which sounds as familiar and fittingly accessible even as it challenges the listener.
CD Reviews
My favorite Keneally disc. Buy it, you'll love it.
Christopher Ingalls | Massachusetts | 02/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mike Keneally's music is hard to pin down. As a multi-instrumentalist with Frank Zappa's 1988 touring band, he definitely has an eclectic sound that leans toward 70s prog rock, but there's much more to it than that. An admitted fan of artists ranging from Yes to Bjork to XTC to Radiohead, Keneally's music covers a huge amount of sonic territory. Not surprisingly, this makes for a discography in which nearly every release is different. Mike can be drastically experimental ("Nonkertompf") or unusually accessible ("Dancing"). "Wooden Smoke" definitely has its experimental side, but also a warmth that is curiously inviting. Largely acoustic, the disc draws you in with intimacy. But don't be fooled...there are some startlingly complex musical passages, in tracks like "Dee'n'A." There's a quasi-Radiohead incoherence to "Nanny-Ass Crow." The gorgeous "2001" sounds like Steely Dan meets Joe Jackson meets Todd Rundgren. Keneally played most of the instruments himself, juggling acoustic guitar, keyboards, bass, kalimba, mulilayered vocals and more to make a unique sound. This is not your typical Keneally album...or is it? Keneally's calling card is his ever-changing style. So if that's the case, this is quite a typical release after all. It's soothing and jarring at the same time. It's folky, but a little noisy too. It has large chunks of instrumental splendor, but the lyrics (sparse as they are) are both revealing and a little mystical.Confused yet? Intrigued? Buy this disc. I guarantee you there's nothing else quite like it in your collection. One more thing...if you love music and love to hear it played well, SEE THIS MAN LIVE. Without major label support, his tours aren't too extensive, but those who are lucky enough to witness Keneally on stage are always satisfied. The music sounds great, and you can tell just by looking at him that he's having a blast performing it. Mike's also unusually accessible to his fans and loves to talk to them before or after a show. In a world of lip-syncing and choreography over musical ability, Mike is a breath of fresh air."
Like a comfortable pair of pants
North Idaho Dad | 09/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music on this CD just seems to fit whatever it is you might be doing while listening. It's warm and inviting, clever and melodic. This is my first Keneally disc, and I am definitely hooked. As I approach the age of 40, I look for music that challenges my mind but not my eardrums. Wooden Smoke fits the bill perfectly."
Stay away from neo prog bull and listen to the real stuff
miguel hiraldo | miami, FL United States | 02/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this really surprised me because even though Dancing is quite good i felt that Keneally was starting to get into more comercial kinda stuff, which is sad because he is such a gifted and original writter...but thank god i was wrong...It is harder and harder to find creative music these days where Ricky Martin and Eminem are supposed to be the must creative exponent in music...So, if you are craving for good imaginative compositions and excellent playing from talented musicians, this comes highly recommended! It even has bits that sound like Albert Marcoeur! and That is saying a lot!"
Warm, Cozy, and Thought-provoking
miguel hiraldo | 01/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've had the special edition since it was released, so I've had several months to absorb this beautiful album. When I need something warm and cozy to wrap up in at the end of the day, I reach for Wooden Smoke. I always come away feeling refreshed. Compared to Mike's other works, either solo or with his band Beer for Dolphins, I find this one more soothing, harmonious, and positive-energy inducing. I love all his albums, but this is the one that winds up in my player the most. I often play it in the car for the commute home - by the time I walk in the door, all the toxins from the office are gone. Whether or not you're a musician, this CD will inspire you. It's full of vivid imagery, painting pictures with both word and sound. Mike's playing and singing are captured at their best. I've played it for many friends and family members, who collectively run the gamut of tastes in music, and everyone has enjoyed this album, even my mom. The sound bites above are just enough to whet the appetite. Good stuff!"
Mikey has done it again!
Funky Kikuchiyo | Fairfax, VT USA | 01/16/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For all of you who are already fans of Mike Keneally, you probably don't need to read this. Mike never disappoints, and his albums are always overflowing with creativity. So to all of you, I will say that this album is no different (although he admits himself that it isn't as long as say, Dancing or Nonkertompf). This album has progressed from earlier stuff in its recording quality, though. Many of us might remember that his first recording Hat was a little on the crude side (which is fine, it has a charm and style all of its own), but this album, like Dancing is fairly well polished. This might also make it a good introduction to the world of Keneally for those who are unfamiliar.As for those who may not know him, Mike Keneally is an incredible musician, probably best known as being great sideman to Frank Zappa and later Steve Vai as being an instrumentalist to end all instrumentalists, on both guitar and keyboards. Anyone who has seen the video Zappa's Universe will recognize him as the front man in that concert. He has had a solo career in the works since the early nineties that I wouldn't hesitate to call the best music in the indie world. He plays mostly a rock style, with loads of influences from other genres (I guess its called prog rock, who knows) which leaves him a little difficult to describe. He gets very jazzy, but never loses the passion of rock. Each album has a certain character of its own.As for Wooden Smoke, its 'theme' is the acoustic guitar. This is not an Adrian Legg or Leo Kottke style album, though. To compare it to something else of Mike's I'd have to say that its closest to nonkertompf, although it really is quite different. The individual songs are lovely, but I would certainly call it a concept album - the songs flow into each other, and their placements are very intruiging. It sounds as though there is a story to it (which Mike says there is, but that we can't figure it out). It is also a fairly light hearted album as opposed to Boil That Dust Speck, which is a little sultry at times (although is still a wonderful album). Speaking of Dust Speck, '1988' might give you an idea of what this rekkid sounds like. The instrumentals will showcase some very intricate guitar work, and the vocal songs are very passionate, which remind me a little bit of 60s folk/rock, although I might be way off of this one!Keneally is tough to describe, because he has so much style of his own. He can't easily be compared to anything existing because he's so original. I don't necessarily mean this simply as mindless praise, but as a way of saying that you'll just have to find out for yourself. If you like music that goes beyond conventional music (hence might be classified as 'weird') I really doubt that you'd be disappointed by this album, or by Mike in general. This is music that sticks in your head and that you think about after you stop listening. 'Rich' is a word that often comes to mind when I think about his music, it is so dense that you lose yourself in it very quickly."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1