Record Reviews

ASAF AVIDAN / MOJOS ~ LUCKY MAN TELMAVAR 003-2 (Barcode: 7290013013118) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 2nd album by Israeli singer / songwriter Asaf AvidanFind albums by this artist and his band The MojosFind albums by this artist, recently snatched and singed by SonyFind albums on this label where this album will be released internationally in a few months from now. It was pretty obvious that one of the Majors will sign Avidan, as he obviously is now one of the most original singers in the entire world – a bold statement, but true nevertheless. His debut album left critics and audiences around the world stunned and sold a staggering number of copies, even though it wasn´t quite "easy" music at all. But Avidan´s incredible and completely unique voice and his unusual approach to vocal expression simply make him stand out like a beacon of light in the deep of the night. As good as the debut album was this one surpasses it magnificently, mainly due to the strength of the new material – all penned and composed by Avidan – which is much more mature, developed and diverse than the material on the debut album. Add to this the intelligent and perfectly executed musical arrangements, which involve both acoustic and electric instruments, and you get a monster album, which should satisfy any true music lover regardless of his usual music preferences. There is a bit of everything here: Blues, Rock, shades of Alternative and even shades of Prog, all beautifully amalgamated together, creating an enchanting listening experience. But words are not adequate to truly describe this music, simply get a copy and enjoy! Satisfaction guaranteed! Note: This album was released under two different titles – "Poor BoyFind albums with this title" and "Lucky ManFind albums with this title", with different packaging, but the musical content is identical! Slightly confusing, but a lot of fun!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ASAF AVIDAN / MOJOS ~ POOR BOY TELMAVAR 003-1 (Barcode: 7290013013132) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 2nd album by Israeli singer / songwriter Asaf AvidanFind albums by this artist and his band The MojosFind albums by this artist, recently snatched and singed by SonyFind albums on this label where this album will be released internationally in a few months from now. It was pretty obvious that one of the Majors will sign Avidan, as he obviously is now one of the most original singers in the entire world – a bold statement, but true nevertheless. His debut album left critics and audiences around the world stunned and sold a staggering number of copies, even though it wasn´t quite "easy" music at all. But Avidan´s incredible and completely unique voice and his unusual approach to vocal expression simply make him stand out like a beacon of light in the deep of the night. As good as the debut album was this one surpasses it magnificently, mainly due to the strength of the new material – all penned and composed by Avidan – which is much more mature, developed and diverse than the material on the debut album. Add to this the intelligent and perfectly executed musical arrangements, which involve both acoustic and electric instruments, and you get a monster album, which should satisfy any true music lover regardless of his usual music preferences. There is a bit of everything here: Blues, Rock, shades of Alternative and even shades of Prog, all beautifully amalgamated together, creating an enchanting listening experience. But words are not adequate to truly describe this music, simply get a copy and enjoy! Satisfaction guaranteed! Note: This album was released under two different titles – "Poor BoyFind albums with this title" and "Lucky ManFind albums with this title", with different packaging, but the musical content is identical! Slightly confusing, but a lot of fun!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ASAF AVIDAN / MOJOS ~ THE RECKONING TELMAVAR 002 (Barcode: 718122809523) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 The debut album by Israeli singer / songwriter Asaf AvidanFind albums by this artist (born in Jerusalem and aged 28) and his group the MojosFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly the most sensational Rock album ever released in the country. Apparently we had to wait for 60 years to get some real Rock happening here. Israel has produced some superb music over the years, but none of it was “real” Rock. We had plenty of excellent Pop, Art and Alternative Rock, even Progressive Rock, but nothing as gutsy, bluesy, smoky and throaty as this, ever! Imagine a hybrid between the young Robert PlantFind albums by this artist and Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist (if you can) and you get an idea how Asaf’s voice sounds. When I was first told about this album, I naturally thought the enthusiasm is a gross exaggeration. But the minute I heard the first sound uttered from the singer’s throat I understood this is real. His voice is not only unique in Israel, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s universally special. I have not heard anything like this anywhere. Add to this the fact that Asaf sings in English, completely without a trace of any foreign accent, as if he was born somewhere between West Bromwich and Texas. And of course he also wrote all the tunes and lyrics present on this album – all fifteen on them. I have no idea how to explain all this; it’s a bit early for genetic engineering so karma and reincarnation will have to do in the meantime. The fact is that this guy takes us all back 40 years when Rock really rocked. The material - all excellent with great melodies, non-trivial lyrics and intelligent arrangements – can be basically divided between two categories: hard-rocking up tempo tunes a la Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist (first album) and quiet introvert acoustic ballads Janis so wonderfully spilled out of her heart on PearlFind albums with this title. The band (the Mojos) support the singer all the way, with scorching lead guitar solos and rock-solid backing on the up-tempo numbers and delicate (acoustic guitar, cello, etc.) accompaniment behind the ballads. I know all this sounds just too good to be true – well, you won’t know unless you try it, will you? An instant classic!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend