Search - Rusty Anderson :: Undressing Underwater

Give Rusty a Try!

Jeffrey Meyers | Columbus, OH | 10/25/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sure, you could stick to the mainstream - buy Paul McCartney's new album and live a happy life, but if you are looking for some good new music - pick up this album by Paul's touring guitarist for the last few years and enjoy the new gem in your collection.



Yes - the album is good. It rocks and slides into a tasty mellowness in all the right spots. The songs are clear and inventive. Hurt Myself is a great opener, followed by 60s influenced Electric Trains which is heavily remeniscent of the Byrds. One of my faves is Coming Back To Earth which clicks on all levels, music, lyrics and meaning. The underlying line through all this is Rusty's guitar playing which is just superb. The only weak tune here, if there is one, might be Devil's spaceship and I'm not sure why. It just seemed a little thin.



I got to see Rusty perform several of these songs acoustically, at a bookstore in Columbus, Ohio during the recent leg of the McCartney tour. Rusty came with a travel Taylor in hand and was simply amazing.



Rusty - if you're listening - I would love to see an acoustic "unplugged" version of your stuff. It was great!



Cheers! - Jeff"

The Real Deal

Darin W. Toohey | Lafayette, CO USA | 09/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a pretty eclectic mix - but it's what you can expect from someone like Rusty whose career is defined by diversity. You will be rewarded if you let this one grow on you. There are some cool stories that go with many of them that Archer (now Production Director of Portland's KINK FM) aired on Breakfast with The Beatles in April 2006. "Electric Trains" was inspired by Rusty's brother, who he lost at a very young age. You'll remember this song for the great harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. "Catbox Beach" (an instrumental with a Ventures surf-rock feel) features some guy named Stewart Copeland on drums. The opener, "Hurt Myself" (probably the most instantly accessible tune with a nice hook) has a Fab guy on bass and background vocals and some other guys named Abe, Brian, and Wix. Listen to "Devil's Spaceship" if you just want to marvel at Rusty's fine guitar work. "Ishmael" is a great rocker inspired by a Daniel Quinn novel. Mushrooms and uneaten pizza resulted in my favorite "Everybody Deserves an A in This Country" (hey, what can I say, I am a college professor!). This work is worth many listens, and it's even better (harder edge) when performed live by Rusty and his band (Matt, Dusty and Todd). I'm can hardly wait to hear what Rusty does next!"

Step forward Mr. Anderson!

Joseph Norman | 01/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first solo release from American session guitarist Rusty Anderson, who over the years has worked with everyone from Courtney Love to Paul McCartney. My expectations for this CD were pretty low, often when gifted musicians make a handsome living as sidemen, it's because they lack that extra something that propels all front men to the spotlight.But pleasingly this is not the case. Undressing Underwater reveals Anderson as a fine distinctive vocalist, not bland or limited and a gifted songwriter. Anderson doesn't attempt to hide his influences, Undressing Underwater mixes British pop sensibilities with classic American rock, but it's not just a collection of carefully crafted pastiches. It benefits from a contemporary production and Anderson is no Luddite, as the latest technology is employed where appropriate. Highlights include opening track Hurt Myself a great piece of power pop, bristling with hooks and a nice Penny Lane-ish fugel horn solo, a nod to his current employer Paul McCartney perhaps, who plays bass on the track. Electric Trains where Anderson reflects evocatively on childhood memories and the eccentric instrumental Catbox Beach where surf music meets reggae.This album proves that there is much more to Rusty Anderson than just being a hired hand. He is the real deal and what is most pleasing is that his genuine enthusiasm manages to permeate every track.Anderson is due to start recording with McCartney at Abbey Road in the near future, if the former chief Beatle finds himself struggling at any point on the creative front, he could do worse than turn to his guitarist for help."