"The Wow Signal" Wowed Me!
Christine Bode | Scarborough, Ontario Canada | 03/28/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
""The Wow Signal" is Pat Ortman's first foray into a concept album as it explores the acrid desert in which our souls are now starving for communication in the 21st century. It's about reaching out, beyond this familiar plane of existence for life, intelligence and love in the universe. I won't explain the Wow Signal's inspiration or genesis because other reviews have already done that. I will say that this CD is to me, obviously influenced by the late, great George Harrison and also has a distinctive California flavor. The ear appreciates it more and more upon repeated listening. Pat plays guitars, bass, drums, and piano on this recording as well as vocals and he has a very strong, clear and pleasant voice that will only garner more passion and strength from performing live. He received assistance with drums and spoken word from Mick Fleetwood; George Pendergast contributed drums and trumpets and Bill Whitehouse created and performed noise collage. My favourite tracks include the gorgeously ethereal "More", the redemptive "Learning To Forgive" and the passionately political "Selling Hate". I've also found that I like the song "Victim" more every time I hear it. I enjoy all of the songs on "The Wow Signal" but if I had to pick one throw away track, it would be "Grape Jelly", as I don't feel it fits with the overall theme.Pat Ortman is what is real and relevant about music in the 2000's and he is blazing the trail for other independent artists by his example. With passion, ambition and commitment, anyone who has talent on this level WILL succeed as long as you don't ever lose sight of what matters most, and that's being true to yourself and the music."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1