Steve Turner - Steve Turner And His Bad Ideas

  by Jon Rogers

published: 8 / 2 / 2005

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Review

'Steve Turner and His Bad Ideas' sees the second solo album from the Mudhoney guitarist take a more relaxed and 60's influenced stance than the previous hard-edged 'Searching for Melody' in 2003. Nowhere more noticeable is this progression than in comparing the different versions of 'I Want You in My Arms' that appear on both albums. The latter one sees Turner's voice mellowing (but still is rough around the edges) while the version on 'Searching for Melody' is all angular, spiky and rough and ready. And that change is present throughout his latest album. There's elements of country, blues, rock, punk, folk and hip 60's melodies. Similar influences to his previous album but with the rough edges ironed out. 'A Beautiful Winter' sees Turner team up with Holly Golightly (one of two songs they sing together) for a sweet little ditty that would be a surefire smash hit if sung by the likes of, say, Pop Idol winner Will Young and one of the members of Girls Aloud. As it's not, it will, very likely suffer the indignity of being ignored. 'I Love the Sound of my Guitar When it Sings' bounces along with a big grin on its face and manages to charm. Turner though, fortunately, can't resist the chance to shift up a gear when the opportunity arises. 'Zero On the Scale' sounds like some long-lost Stones' outtake from 'Exile on Main Street' that Jagger and co would run through to warm up. 'Steve Turner and His Bad Ideas' isn't really a bad idea at all. In fact, it is rather a good one.

Track Listing:-

1 The Grand Introduction
2 Zero On The Scale
3 A Beautiful Winter (Feat. Miss Holly Golightly)
4 I-5 Corridor
5 I Want You In My Arms
6 Dimebag Blues
7 Painting A Picture
8 Chalkie's On A Bummer
9 I Love The Sound Of My Guitar When It Sings
10 Greenback Dollar
11 Things To Give Away
12 Someday Baby (Feat. Miss Holly Golightly)
13 Move Ahead