Search - Steve Hackett :: Feedback 86

Flashback 1986

T. Tennard | NJ | 10/29/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"What an interesting release. After Steve Hackett recorded one album and toured with the "supergroup" GTR, he seemed to disappear off the face of the Earth. Thankfully he resurfaced in 1993 with the absolutely wonderful release "Guitar Noir". So where was he between 1986 and 1993? He was active in music, however according to Mr. Hackett GTR dismantled and he was unable to secure a record contract. This did not deter him from recording. "Feedback 86" gives us a clue as to what Hackett was up to during part of those "missing" years. An interesting collection of songs appear here. Steve Hackett has always recorded solo albums that vary stylisticly and this release is no different. The songs range from intrumental acoustic guitar, bluesy rock, to blistering hard rock. This release is a double pleasure for me. Steve Hackett and Brian May, from Queen, are my absolute favorite gutiar players. I am treated to two songs that feature the wonderful fret work of Hackett and May, and the tracks do not disappoint. The track "Slot Machine" is the high light of the CD. To those who are avid Stev Hackett fans, some of the songs will sound familiar. A few of the songs have appeared on other releases in reworked, remixed, or rerecorded versions. "Cassandra" appeared on "Guitar Noir" with Steve Hackett handling the vocals. I prefer the latter version, however the version from "Feedback" does feature many different guitar solos. "Prizefighters" appeared on the live GTR release. The "Feedback" version has Bonnie Tyler on vocals and features some wonderful backing vocals. "The Gulf" and "Stadium of the Damned" were featured on "Till We have Faces". In my opinion those songs are among the very best that Steve Hackett has written. "Don't Fall" features some music that was later reworked and included in the song "Solid Ground" From "Blues With A Feeling". There is also a riff or two here and there that Hackett included in latter tracks over the years. As a whole "Feedback 86" is not a great Steve Hackett release. I do not believe that when these songs were recorded they were meant to be grouped together on one release. For that reason this CD can not be compared to what I feel are Hackett's best releases, "Guitar Noir", "Spectral Morning", "Defector", "Please Don't Touch" or "Till We Have Faces". That said this is still an excellent addition to one's Hackett collection. As a diehard Steve Hackett fan I would wholehearted recommend this release to all Hackett fans. Perhaps this will hold me over until his next CD is released! God Bless!!"

Hackett Shines

Budman | El Dorado Hills, CA United States | 10/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's a nice collection of music. Steve Hackett, erstwhile lead guitarist of 70's era Genesis, has pulled together material (some previously available, some not) from the mid-1980s. Following the one album and one tour of GTR (the prog super-group that co-starred Hackett and Steve Howe of Yes fame), these tracks hold up well, and could have been GTR 2. The opening track "Cassandra" is very GTRish, and features Brian May of Queen in the Steve Howe role. May reappears on the track "Slot Machine", and other guest appearances are made by Bonnie Tyler and members of Marillion and Manfred Mann's Earth Band. In typical Hackett fashion, the styles on display here range from the arena rock stylings of the aforementioned "Cassandra" and "Slot Machine" to the harmonica flavored bluesy "Don't Fall" to the beautiful ballad "Oh How I Love You", one of those songs that is a hidden gem, a joy to find. Add in some acoustic tunes reminiscent of "Horizons", and now you have one terrific collection of tunes. If you like Steve Hackett, get this, you won't regret it."