jack's soul & rock corner

Out of the Silent Planet (1988)
192

In 1988 Kings X release one of the finest debut albums in rock and roll's brief history. OUt of the Silent Planet went where no 80's metal band dared to tread. Drawing upon the coolest styles rock had to offer (Hendrix, the Beatles, the Beach Boys) Kings X offered up a plethora of diverse tracks that made it hard to pigeon-hole the band into one type of genre. From the opening track "In the New Age" with its spaced out arrangements and soulful vocals to the next track "Goldilox" with its beautiful melody and tasteful guitar work the band plows through 8 more songs , each one unusual and totally original, even with its obvious roots. The album carries a totally positive vibe with lyrics easily digestable and plenty on bone crushing guitar work by Ty Tabor. A trio, Kings X still give wonderful harmonies Brian Wilson would be proud of and melodies that even Lennon/McCartney would be proud of as well. It's a wonder that this band didn't explode on the scene, but in retrospect it's a good thing because it allowed the band to produce several more enchanting efforts without the pressures of big-time stardom. Check this out, please.

1. In The New Age
2. Goldilox
3. Power Of Love
4. Wonder
5. Sometimes
6. King
7. What Is This?
8. Far, Far Away
9. Shot Of Love
10. Visions



Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (1989)
192

An intelligent blend of melodic and heavy rock, Gretchen Goes to Nebraska is arguably King's X's finest album. It's more exciting than the followup Faith Hope Love, with the heavy opener "Out of the Silent Planet" (C.S. Lewis fans take note), and the hard rock "Fall On Me" and "Over My Head" (a single from the album). There are ballads as well, such as the beautiful "Summerland." The inclusion of the organ, the sitar, and the dulcimer in the arsenal of instruments adds a nice touch. Heavy metal fans may grow impatient with this one, but fans of melody-oriented progressive rock will definitely want to check it out.

1. Out Of The Silent Planet
2. Over My Head
3. Summerland
4. Everybody Knows A Little Bit Of Something
5. The Difference (In The Garden Of St. Anne's-On-The-Hill)
6. I'll Never Be The Same
7. Mission
8. Fall On Me
9. Pleiades
10. Don't Believe It (It's Easier Said Than Done)
11. Send A Message
12. The Burning Down

links in comments