Shaw Blades - Hallucination (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

An Underrated Gem!!!!

Chris Bock | Wilmington, DE USA | 07/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm so glad I found this CD on Amazon.com! This had been stolen from me a few years ago and I've been searching for it in second hand CD stores and bargain bins rather than paying ful price again for it, but I miss the blend of meoldy and harmony that I have to give in and get it!
There is just an aura of good fun on this CD. It always seemed to me that Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw were just sitting across from each other smiling at how easy it seemed to do this. Like two old friends jamming on a porch to old Beatles tunes, such as the song "My Hallucination" mentions.
My personal favorite though was "This Is the End", The Doors had a morose and maudlin song of similar title and this song was such a contrast to me that it has always stuck with me. I got the feeling that eventhough they were saying goodbye, it wasn't the last we'd be hearing of them."

For any fan of Night Ranger

L. B. Ivarsson | Rock City | 03/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Tommy Shaw (Styx) got together and formed a super group under the name Damn Yankees, together with Ted Nugent. After two very good albums the band called it a day, but Shaw and Blades went on and recorded "Hallucination", a very strong album built on melodic (soft) rock á la Night Ranger. In my opinion this is a great album and the material is very strong, especially in the shape of "My hallucination", "I'll always be with you" and "Down that highway" to name a few. Blades and Shaw are clearly very talented song writers and on this album, they have combined the melody from Night Ranger with the harmony from Damn Yankees. You won't find any steamy rockers on this album but if you're a fan of Night Ranger, I'm sure you'll not be disappointed in this release. My advise is - Get it!"

Excellent! Great! And did I mention very melodic

Chris Cormier | canada | 03/26/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Why are there not more albums like this? It's like the good old days before mass marketing. The music speaks for itself - and these are mostly acoustic songs (apart from the excellent My Hallucination) - big production not needed. Every song has originality, insistent hooks, and a real emotional connection (or at least - well-faked sincerity). In my opinion, this is better than anything done by Styx since Paradise Theatre, or anything by Night Ranger, Damn Yankees, etc. (Though it's not a direct equation). The lyrics are heartfelt (especially in My Hallucination and the haunting Don't Talk To Me Anymore). The feel is relaxed, de-hyped, de-egoed, just music for its own sake. This is a one-off album, like Blue Jays or Travelling Wilburys. Sequel neither necessary nor desirable, but for one album, it's music heaven.

"

A Different Sound Than Their Damn Yankee Days

Jeffrey T. Munson | Dixon, IL | 05/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw, along with Ted Nugent and Michael Cartelone combined to form Damn Yankees in 1990. After two very successful albums, the group unexpectedly split up. But Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades produced this very fine collection of songs that has a very different sound than their Damn Yankees efforts.

Gone is Ted Nugent's screaming lead guitar, having been relpaced by a much more melodic sound. Tommy almost exclusively plays acoustic guitar on this CD, although he does pick up his trusty electric six string a few times as well. Jack handles most of the lead vocal responsibilities, and his bass playing is as good as ever.

All of the songs on this CD are very good, but "My Hallucination", " Come to be my Friend", and "Don't Talk to me Anymore" are a few of the best. In addition, "Blue Continental" and "Down That Highway" provide a classic southern-rock style that will surely please the listener. This CD is a definite departure of ways for both Tommy and Jack, who grew their reputations on loud guitar rock. But this CD is very special because it shows off the multiple talents of both Tommy and Jack.

I've been a fan of Styx, Night Ranger, and Damn Yankees for many years, and this CD deserves a place with these other great groups. Listen to this great CD and hear how two great hard rockers "mellowed out" and produced a very good CD."

Ear Candy!

D.R. Koontz | Orange County, CA | 08/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had never heard of this duo, so I came to them with no preconceptions. My adoration of them is entirely due to their astounding vocal and lyrical performances on Hallucination album. The song to get me hooked was the catchy, Beatles reference heavy 'My Hallucination'. In fact, the Beatles influence is strong throughout the whole album. My particular favorites are 'Don't Talk To Me Anymore' (which anyone having lived and loved can appreciate) and 'Down That Highway' (which showcases some star guitar playing). 'Blue Continental' is irresistable. This is the album you pick up when you're in the mood to hear music but can't figure out WHAT you're in the mood for. Shaw and Blades is guaranteed to fit any mood. They're just that GOOD. I'm sitting on my hands waiting for the next album! I play the album frequently in the bar where I run karaoke, and am always questioned about it. It's got something for everyone. Five stars."

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	Shaw Blades Hallucination Genres: Pop, Rock, Classic Rock, Metal Track Listings (11) - Disc #1 My Hallucination I'll Always Be With You Come To Be My Friend Don't Talk To Me Anymore I Stumble In Blue Continental Down That Highway How You Gonna Get Used To This The Night Goes On I Can't Live Without You The End
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