Extreme - Saudades de Rock

Extreme is a US Rock band that achieved popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some of Extreme's influences, Queen and Van Halen (the latter of which Gary Cherone would eventually join and later leave), are readily apparent from their music's multi-part vocal harmonies and electric guitar tone and instrumental techniques. The band lends the listener a sound that blends the genre of glam metal with the shredding guitar work of thrash metal. Being asked about their style, Extreme categorized their music as 'Funky Metal'. Extreme has released four studio albums, two EPs (in Japan) and two compilations since its formation. The band was one of the most successful of those from the early 1990s, selling over 10 million albums worldwide. Extreme rose to fame with its 1990 release Pornograffitti, which peaked at #10 on the Billboard 200. Album Description

Well Worth The Wait ... TENFOLD!!!

Though it unfortunately took 13 years, Extreme seems to have continued to evolve and grow like they did on each of their previous 3 releases (I, II, III, and now Saudades) - all the while never losing their core identity.
First, Saudades has that all important essential ingredient that almost all great music has to possess - the need to grow on you through a number of runs through the whole track list. I remember the first few runs through III Sides after being high on Porno - almost a feeling of disappointment that it wasnt simply an extension of Porno ... it wasnt long until III Sides became "better" than Porno ... likewise, the same with Punchline versus III Sides - though I do believe they may have went *slightly* too raw on Punchline.
I would have given Saudades 6 stars if available, and its still growing on me every run through.
Actually, Saudades is somewhat bittersweet for me ... as much as I'll definitely enjoy the hell out listening to this for some time, the more disenchanted I will become with where the whole music scene is today - because I know in today's music climate, it will be almost impossible for Saudades to get the exposure it absolutely deserves in the general mainstream public ... I feel sorry for the folks who will not be exposed to this music, and I feel sorry for the band not being able to reach all those who most likely would be turned on with this music.

THANK YOU EXTREME ... August 27, 2008

13 years...worth the wait! Extreme is back!

If you love Extreme, Dramagods, Nuno, Population 1, Satellite Party, heck if you love music, you'll love this album. August 24, 2008

Extreme's Diminished 5th

I really really wanted to like this album. I am a big fan of Extreme and Nuno's solo work. Schizophonic was a FANTASTIC album. On first listen I really liked it, and it grew on me. Crave - one of the best songs (if not THE best) Nuno has written. I loved Mourning Widows, I thought Population 1 was good even though it was an emotionally charged album with Nuno's personal issues and the current world events which I think had an impact on the overall quality. Drama Gods was excellent and grew on me.

Why didn't Nuno continue down this path? I dont know the exact detail but my guess is money talks and a reform of Extreme with a guaranteed world tour and publicity is impossible to turn down. The cynical f**k in me would also think that Nuno is already preparing his solo material for his next album, which is of course going to sell more records if Extreme 5 does well.

Saudades De Rock has issues. Gary Cherone has not in any way improved since Extreme. Bettencourt on the other hand has improved as a singer and I actually rate his voice above Cherone. What Extreme now have compared to DramaGods is the same songwriter (Nuno) now deciding not to sing his own songs and give them to a singer he has spent years with and knows exactly what his limitations are. So the album is Drama Gods 2 but with a weaker singer and weaker songs based on these limitations. Listen to Last Hour - Cherone just kills the chorus with a vocal that is way way OTT.

Nuno has reused Interface from his previous outing with DramaGods. Its OK, but not really much different to the original. I would say that I thought Interface was one of the weakest songs on that album so heaven knows why they chose that - I would have gone way back and picked a Widows song or even something of 'Phonic but with a new vibe rather than almost make an identical version with Cherone singing and a new guitar solo.

The rest of the album is a very mixed bag and has a disticntly uninspiring feel to it. Its not awful but I think it would be WAY better with Nuno on the vocal, and better mix and a more contemporary feel to the songs. Extreme should have moved on by now. The fans have had a good dose of Nuno for a few years now and I would say on the whole have been well looked after. This is just a step back to the dark ages.

The title of the album really says it all. Saudades De Rock roughly translates into 'A yearning for rock'. What does that really mean? You telling me that rock is not what Nuno or the industry have been doing for the last 14 years since Extreme split? Or is it a get out clause for an album with a 'rock' singer that doesnt venture past the (almost) mundane?

Of course saying all this, it might grow on me like DramaGods did and i'll love it in 10 listens but 3 listens later I'm struggling!



August 24, 2008

You can never go back home...

If you love Extreme from the late 80s - early 90s than may I suggest that you avoid this incarnation.

I recall Extreme as edgy guitar, underrated bass playing, catchy lyrics, and big vocal harmonies. The guitar and harmonies are here, but they are simply layers on a pile of cheezewiz.

Guys glad to see that you're back, maybe the next studio effort will be up to the level of your prior work. August 23, 2008

Extreme rock out again in 2008!

What a great year for fans of rock music! Just when you thought it couldn't get better here comes Extreme with a rocking new album. Nuno Bettencourt is a guitar wizard and this album showcases his awesome skills in riffing, soloing and songwriting. The whole band sounds really good and the album has a positive vibe throughout. The production is similar to "Waiting For The Punchline" with it's raw but clear and live feel rather than the polished sound of "Pornograffiti". As you would expect on an Extreme album there's a great mix of tunes and even a couple of unexpected styles (hillbilly?!) but you always get your money's worth with this band. This is not their best album but it is a great Extreme album for 2008 and highly recommended to fans of this awesome band. August 23, 2008

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