Rides - Pierced Arrow

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 29 / 7 / 2016

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Review

'Pierced Arrow' is the second album of the Rides, the current band of Stephen Stills, who following on from the success of 'Can't Get Enough' has decided to carry on with this much acclaimed blues project. Also along for the journey is five times Grammy-nominated guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd while Chicago-based musician, Barry Goldberg, adds keyboards. Stills is no stranger to the world stage having been on it since the mid 60s. With long term friend Neil Young, he fronted first of all the short-lived Buffalo Springfield. Afterwards he was in Crosby, Stills and Nash and when that trio eventually broke up and all went off in their own musical directions, Stills chose to follow his heart and, after a private jam session in 2007, formed the Rides. Unlike the Californian sunny soundscapes of Crosby, Stills and Nash, which made the band multi-millionaires, this finds Stills, one of rock's long term survivors, moving in a completely new direction. 'Pierced Arrow' kicks off with 'Kick Out of It', which is a heads-right-down blues boogie that shines brightly and shows that Stills, whose guitar slides elegantly all over it, has lost none of his edge. 'Riva Diva' is as addictive as 50's rock and roll, when it turned that first bunch of teenagers away from their straight parents and lead the first musical rebellion. 'Virtual World' is slow and calming, full of showmanship, which echoes Stills' recent and not so recent past, while the vocals are shared between Stills and Shepherd. 'By My Side' turns the volume down, and in doing so sounds like Stevie Winwood fronting 60's Cream. 'Mr Policeman' has a party feel, a get-up and be-happy-to-be-alive that does the trick. 'I've Got to Use My Imagination' in contrast is a soulful number. Originally written by Goldberg with the late Gerry Goffin in the early 70s, it has already been a hit. This version is infectious backed by a guitar solo that melts into your very heart itself. 'Game On' is an old school good time boogie number, while 'I Need Your Lovin' and 'We Are At It' are both are both full-on numbers that will leave you with another smile on your face. 'There Was a Place' is gospel-infused, with smooth acoustic guitar which slowly rocks your very soul. It ends with' My Babe', a Willie Dixon timeless classic, which leaves you feeling that the band are having so much fun that album number three isn't far behind at all.

Track Listing:-

1 Kick Out Of It
2 Riva Diva
3 Virtual World
4 By My Side
5 Mr. Policeman
6 I've Got To Use My Imagination
7 Game On
8 I Need Your Lovin'
9 There Was A Place
10 My Babe
11 Same Old Dog
12 Born In Chicago
13 Take Out Some Insurance

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/theridesmusic
http://www.theridesband.com/
https://twitter.com/kwshepherd
https://www.instagram.com/kennywaynesh