Artist:
Merrell Fankhauser
Title:
Area 51 Suite
Genre:
Space Pop
Release
Date: 4th March 2013
Label:
Gonzo Multimedia
Source
Link:
It
has been several years since Merrell Fankhauser released new studio recordings
(he has released several compilations and DVDs over the years as well). Rockin
and Surfin was a 2004 release that I recall enjoying immensely so it came as no
surprise that I had a similar experience listening to the latest release Area 51
Suite. Keep in mind music fans that Fankhauser has been getting it done in the
recording studio since the 60s and has overcome health issues and every other
obstacle thrown in his way to continue to entertain us all. There are two
versions of the release available, the CD and the CD/DVD which features music
videos and interviews with people from the ET and Sci-Fi
community.
This
collection of tracks is referred to as space pop. A lot of it as one would
suspect if you are familiar with Fankhauser’s work, is influenced by surf. The
subject matter is about space and extraterrestrials but I would classify most of
this recording as instrumental with wide range of influences coming together at
once to form this hybrid of the referenced “space pop.”
The
first and title track “Area 51” effectively creates an air of mystery and
intrigue. Certainly that was the intent so mission accomplished and a great way
to open the curtain to the show. “Signals From Zoran’” which is also an
excellent track, takes a page out the surf-instrumental book. The following
track “Stardazed” is slower bluesy like ballad that puts you in a starry eyed
mood and just may have you looking up at the sky wondering who is out there
watching us. “Bimini Road” which is an underwater rock formation near North
Bimini Island in the Bahamas, is very appropriately a surf-blues number that
takes you on an underwater adventure. Instrumental music, if it is very good,
takes little time to create a picture of the track title in your mind, here
again Fankhauser succeeds.
“Shadow
People” is a very picturesque instrumental that brings those people in the
shadows to life. The music flows along and rocks its way into your psyche making
it inevitable that you start thinking about unexplained phenomena and people on
this earth that we have no knowledge of or why they are here. It one of the more
complex and changing tracks that takes things to another musical level for the
artist. Then to switch things up yet again “Cocktails In Space” is entirely
different than all the previous tracks and it includes a segment where a flute
comes in giving it new age feel and texture.
When
“Crash Landing” comes at you with a synthesizer depicting a spacecraft coming
your way and Merrell’s guitar kicks in it forms a spy thriller surf sound that
keeps you hooked throughout. This track was the one that reminded a lot of his
previous surf-instrumental work. Many of the tracks begin with a spacey laser or
craft landing like sound to make sure you are staying with the overall Area 51
Suite theme.
The
biggest treat for old and new fans will be Fankhauser’s most prolific track
“Calling From A Star.” I go back to 1999 with Merrell and that is when I first
heard this amazing track. The title says it all and his voice is exceptional,
backed by perfectly placed instrumentation. I don’t think he could have recorded
a better track in his long and influential career. Every track offers the
listener something different and even though the premise is visitors from outer
space you will hear the diversity of an artist on display at every turn. Surf,
space, pop, rock, blues, and country, just about every main genre, gets superb
coverage on this eclectic slice of musical excellence.
This
is a solid release and I have to say one of Merrell Fankhauser’s most
exceptional releases in his career. He has made some great music over the years
and this gives us all a reminder once again of his importance to the history of
rock music and how his capabilities to entertain have not waned. His candle is
still burning brightly and Area 51 Suite gives you a one way ticket to the
stars. Don’t you give up hope down there; they are coming back
again…
5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Area 51, Calling From A Star, Crash Landing
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder MuzikReviews.com
May
11, 2013
©MuzikReviews.com
Tracks:
Tracks:
1.
Area 51
2.
Signals From Zoran
3.
Stardazed
4.
Bimini Road
5.
Catalina USO
6.
Crash Landing
7.
Aliens In The Mist
8.
Shadow People
9.
Cocktails In Space
10.
Lost Continent Blues
11.
Alien Talk
12.
Calling From A Star
Disc
2
1.
Area 51
2.
Vitina Marcus: Interview
3.
Alien Talk
4.
Dr. David Jungclaus: Interview
5.
Out on the Desert
6.
The Little A'le'inn
7.
Beyond The Rainbow
8.
Calling From A Star
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO
