Disco de Cheap Trick: “The Latest”

THE LATEST IS THEIR GREATEST

Cheap Trick has outdone themselves on their latest recording "The Latest." At times criticized for being a "fun" band without substance, Cheap Trick proves to the critics and naysayers that they are capable of producing exceptional pieces of deep, meaningful music- while still rocking out as much if not better than the numerous younger bands they've influenced along the way. "The Latest" is certain to become a classic in the Cheap Trick canon, without a doubt one of the best things they've ever done.

Starting off like "Sleep Forever," a beautiful, almost too-short elegy, Robin Zander demonstrates that he is hands-down one of the greatest vocalists in rock and roll history. It's nothing like you've ever heard before from the Rockford gang, and just when you're captivated by this song, Bun E. Carlos kicks up a blast-from-the-past, ELO Kiddies-based drum march into...

"When The Lights Go Out," a cover version of the 70's song from Slade. Rick Nielsen's guitar work, as it is through much of the recording, is fluid and uplifting. The glam-rock feel, the soaring vocals, and the foot-tapping charm of this song hearken back to an era when music was about "the beauty of the melody," as Chuck Berry aptly described it.

"Miss Tomorrow" is power pop music as its best, the type of song that CT is best known for throughout their underappreciated career.

"Sick Man of Europe" is the type of song that makes you scratch your head and go, "How can these guys be rocking this hard at this stage in their career?" THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE BEST SINGLES RELEASED SO FAR THIS YEAR. It is worth buying this CD for this song alone. Tom Petersson's bass work rivals John Entwistle on this one.

I could go on and on, but you get the point. Look out particularly for the songs "Everybody Knows" (a tour-de-force), "Alive," "Times Of Our Lives," and "Closer." The recording demonstrates a distinct Beatles/Lennon influence, particularly on songs like "Miracle" with its explicit reference to Lennon's "Mind Games" and "Everybody Knows" that recalls bits of "I Am The Walrus." Cheap Trick even faintly recalls their classic "Dream Police" in the song "Alive." But rather than exploit these influences and songs from the past, the band uses them sparingly and tastefully as if to acknowledge the past without being trapped by it. Additionally, the production is excellent- Julian Raymond truly understands how to bring out the best from this multi-faceted band, and the orchestral elements are crisp throughout several songs.

It's high time that Cheap Trick is recognized for being one of the most influential, talented, and creative bands in rock and roll history. Unfortunately, they are sometimes saddled with the "lightweight" moniker based on a few songs like "I Want You to Want Me" and "The Flame." Last time I checked, suicide, domestic violence, war, drug abuse, psychosis, and mental illness are hardly safe topics, and Cheap Trick has tackled all of them and more throughout their career, in addition to their takes on love and relationships ("Way of the World" and "Standing on the Edge" may be about love on the surface, but there's something else, there, as well). Their songs don't just satisfy, they captivate and move listeners like very few bands have been able to do, through uplifting anthems like "Surrender" and heartfelt ballads like "Shelter." Now, 35 years from its inception, Cheap Trick continues to produce music that turns fans into fanatics and casual listeners into converts. Robin, Bun E., Tom, and Rick- you've done it again. On behalf of your countless fans worldwide, I extend a heartfelt "thank you" for making music that matters.

Two and a half months later after this was first posted, after many listenings and flip-flops on favorite songs, whether it is really a classic CD, whether I was just caught up in the "brand-new recording" thing, my opinion hasn't changed one bit. To me, like Achtung Baby, Born to Run, and Kick, you can listen to the entire thing straight through and enjoy every single song. Fantastic.

AFFECTED MY LIFE IN A POSITIVE WAY

** How did it make my life better? It's a weird phenomenon. Since I've been listening to this CD, I have experienced a great deal of success with my business in the midst of a struggling, downturn economy. Can music actually do this? Can a single CD facilitate this type of change in one's life? It makes no sense whatsoever, but perhaps it can, even though it sounds somewhat preposterous. I feel that inspiration for improving one's life can spring from a variety of different sources. Religion, career, nature, family, and- yes- art. Before I open up shop in the morning, I play a song or songs from The Latest. For the rest of the day, I enjoy my work, I feel confident in my job, I maintain excellent customer relationships, and I achieve my goals for the day without fail. And this has carried over into my personal life, as well. For some odd, inexplicable reason, The Latest works as a motivational tool. Maybe it's the power of the music, maybe it's the themes of the lyrics. All I know is that our business has reached its highest peak in its 10-year history, and it started the same time that The Latest came out and I began listening to it. I can only draw the conclusion that The Latest makes a difference. The magic of music.

(Yes, this is a Three Moon Wolf T-Shirt reference, but it really is a very good CD)

I defy anyone to name another band that broke big in the 70's that is making music as good, as challenging and as FUN as Cheap Trick has been the last 10+ years. THE LATEST is no exception here - Cheap Trick continues their musical resurgence that has marked their last 4 albums or so - great songs, big hooks...they are a band who is creating music they way THEY want to.

And the results are fantastic!

First off, like the best of Cheap Trick, Bun E. always plays what the song NEEDS, Tom's bass work, especially the 12-string thunder, is always melodic and fluid and adds that extra element. Rick, of course, is Rick...referencing The Beatles, various obscure English bands, and himself on many of the songs. "Sick Man of Europe" is pure aggresive fun, then "Miracle" is just simple beauty with Rick's soloing echoing various later era Fab Four. This track will give you chills. A few songs later "California Girl" tips its cap to harder-edged rockabilly; "Alive" is loud and proud with some great riffing. Is there a more underrated guitarist in rock???

The MVP on THE LATEST is Robin. There's no doubt - this man is one of the greatest vocalists in rock. Certainly the most versatile. Every song is a tour de force...screaming fun rock like "Sick Man..." or "Everyday You Make Me Crazy" to the beautiful and dare I say intimate ballads, especially the openning track "Sleep Forever."

CT has worked with some heavyweight producers, including George Martin, Jack Douglas, Roy Thomas Baker and Tom Werman, to name a few. But on "THE LATEST" Julian Raymond shines...he's worked with CT before and gives a perfect sheen and edge to every song.

I could go overboard without a life raft here...but THE LATEST is FANTASTIC. If you haven't listened to CT since "Dream Police" you won't be disappointed. If you wonder why everyone and anyone in rock reference, mention, adore Cheap Trick, this is why. BUY IT!

I have been a Cheap Trick fan since 1978--when I was in elementary school. Yes, I grew up on Cheap Trick--from Live at Budakon to the present; I have seen them live only twice, but was blown away by their enduring youthful energy and creativity. The Latest, however, is a wonderful surprise. Unfortunately, I did not rush out and buy it back in 2009; I didn't even know it was out. I just picked it up on a whim in early 2011. The Latest is a departure from past Cheap Trick albums--a more thoughtful, carefully written, and yes "mature" album. The music is beautiful, varied, and deceptively simple--despite the complex layering in some of the songs. I am blown away at Zander's powerful voice and vocal range. All musicians play extremely well and tight. This is a must buy!

Firstly, I am a huge Cheap Trick fan. I haven't loved everything they've done and certainly have been critical of many of their previous releases. However, The Latest, to me, is by far their best and most complete record in recent history. I like it more than CT97 and their last release Rockford. That's saying allot because generally I like the heavier, louder, more aggressive side of Cheap Trick. (and allot of bands) Sick Man of Europe, Everyday U Make Me Crazy, Alive, Califonia Girl and Lights Out are the upbeat rockers. The rest if the CD is mid tempo.I'd say Smile is the only real "ballad" here. All of the songs shine here and are all well written/ flow so well. The orchestration/production is top notch. Julian Raymond really did a great job here producing this. Robin Zander's vocals are just insanely good. He is truly in a league of his own. Really, all of the members are.

I think this record has a great sense of maturity to it that showcases where Cheap Trick is in their lives both musically and personally. They're not trying to be anybody but themselves here which is a great thing. Maybe that's because this is released on their own label and they didn't have record execs prompting them to do things they wouldn't necessarily want to do.

Either way, this just confirms for me what I already knew. Cheap Trick is the greatest American rock band of all time. As one other reviewer said, hopefully The Latest is not the last for Cheap Trick.

Been a fan since 'In Color'...sure the band has had ups and downs since then but by God this CD is their best in 10+ years!

Rocking and cool all at the same time. This is the lost Beatles LP---OK it's a stretch but it shows CT's history and influences. Robin's voice is in prime condition, Rick actually tones it down, Bun E. and Tom are more solid than ever. Production values are an A+

sure after playing out for 35+ years, this CD might get lost in the mix of current crap which is being released, which is why it should get even more recognition for the great CD it is

BUY BUY BUY