STICK MEN - SOUP - 2010

I caught the Stick Men on tour at the Magic Bag in Ferndale, Michigan not knowing what they sounded like. I figured it would be Crimson-like, but was surprised that it was much more. Not only can these guys out-Crim the Crim(at least post-Vrooom), but they can really out-fusion the best of fusion bands; or at least stand tall next to them. Catch them live if you can. The good news is that the Stick Men capture all that energy from their live show on this _Soup_ disc. I rate this as good as the 3 albums King Crimson put out in the '80s. It's a mixture of Crimso-like rock on the opener _Soup_ but a little more funk thrown into the mixture with some oddball lyrics not unlike something from a Zappa or Max Webster album. _Hands_ is very technical, so much so that Tony Levin needs a break after performing it live. More time signatures in that one than a Gentle Giant jamfest at a GORGG gathering. Worth the price of this CD is the instant prog.classic _Sasquatch_(sounds nothing like the one by Camel which shares the same name, but quite memorable). Another highlight is _Scarlet Wheel_ with amazing vocals by Michael Bernier. Quality vocals a la Adrian Belew/John Wetton at their best. Can't recommend this CD enough. The best I've heard so far in 2010...and a real burner near the end with a version of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite. The Stick Men have been touring this material for quite a while. It shows as I rate this an instant prog.rock classic. A new album that actually sparked my interest to write a review. It's a great thing that the serious listener is about to discover a world class Chapman stick player in Michael Bernier. Of course, we've got Tony Levin on here(some of his best work in a band setting which might explain why he didn't put it under his own name). I also think this is some of Pat Mastelotto's best work on the drum kit. The best part about seeing this performed live is that the band is really enjoying themselves. Run to buy this one, folks! I'd give it a 4.5, but the man won't let me. So, 5 stars it is.
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