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Tall Stories: Skyscraper

Tall Stories: Skyscraper

Melodic Hard Rock
Rating: 3.75/5.0

Frontiers
www.tallstories.us
www.myspace.com/tallstoriesamerica
Added March 14, 2009
Review: Craig Hartranft

'Skyscraper' is a resurrection of sorts for both Tall Stories and their singer Steve Augeri. The band released a generally well received, but soon to become a relatively unknown, self-titled work in 1991. This was more the fault of the times, the rise of grunge and the demise of all things 80's, than it was their talent and creativity. Many bands sucker punched by the fickle public and mainstream music industry. 'Skyscraper' proves almost 20 years later that they were a very creative and promising band.

On the other hand, Augeri went on to fame and fortune (or misfortune, depending upon your opinion) as a replacement for Steve Perry in Journey. His contribution was a good one, but he succumbed to a throat infection and was released of duties in 2006. Now, with 'Skyscraper' there is no doubt that Augeri's voice is back and strong as ever.

Listening attentively to 'Skyscraper,' I'm still not sure by what I was most impressed. The range of song composition is great and varied with strong melodic hard rock (Stay, Tomorrow), AOR (All Of The World), and West Coast (Pictures Of Summer). Some songs are just strange including the plodding and distortion driven 'Original Sin' and the bluesy, but clumsy, interpretation of the Gospel number, 'You Shall Be Free.' For each song, Augeri impresses with simple strength and expert adaptability. Thankfully, we hear him and not that other guy he was supposed to be with that other band. Augeri is particularly moving on 'All Of The World' and 'You Shall Be Free.' Finally, guitarist Jack Morer, practically MIA since the first incarnation of Tall Stories, is fret force to be reckoned with. He's solid and steady throughout, but kills on 'Rivers Rise,' 'No Justice,' and 'Stay,' for highlights.

Tall Stories's 'Skyscraper' is pleasant and promising rebirth for both Tall Stories and singer Steve Augeri. There's no shadow of the past for Tall Stories or a shadow of Journey for Augeri with which to contend. 'Skyscraper,' though eclectic in composition, shows talent and creativity; it's fine melodic rock.

In Short

Tall Stories's 'Skyscraper' is pleasant and promising rebirth for both Tall Stories and singer Steve Augeri. There's no shadow of the past for Tall Stories or a shadow of Journey for Augeri with which to contend. 'Skyscraper,' though eclectic in composition, shows talent and creativity; it's fine melodic rock.

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