The Station: Speed of Sound

Here's the thing about jam bands: The ones that can really play their asses off usually have vocalists for whom singing isn't much of a priority. Enter The Station. This quartet not only boasts a dynamite singer, but the same guy also plays guitar and tenor sax. Dave Littrell by no means carries this band on Speed of Sound, a two-CD live set, but he ensures that The Station aren't just another progressive jam band that you'll soon forget.

When trying to conjure comparisons, Umphrey's McGee comes to mind first, but these guys don't noodle around nearly as much as their Illinois brethren. (That said, "Nothing to Hide" does sound more like UM than anything else here, thanks to delicate harmonizing and staccato improv.) Rather, The Station balances its jams on a metallic edge, adds a dash of funky machismo and even summons its Southern-rock roots to provide a fine introduction for new listeners.

Despite a running time of nearly two-and-a-half hours — all but two of these 12 songs clock in at longer than 10 minutes — Speed of Sound remains a far-from-laborious listen. The Station jams creatively while still focusing on the songs' melodies, structure and overall effect. Highlights include "Illuminator," which boasts jaw-dropping guitar and sax solos, and the heartland anthem "Midwest Moonshine." But, really, cue up just about any of these tunes, push "play" and let your opinion of jam bands likely be altered for the better.

Track Listing
Disc One:
1) Shoulders of Giants
2) Illuminator
3) The Other Side
4) Vagabond Slim
5) Another Dawn
6) Les the Gypsy

Disc Two:
1) Drop of a Hat
2) Midwest Moonshine
3) Something's Gotta Give
4) Nothing to Hide
5) Questions
6) Smile and Nod

Added: August 21st 2008
Reviewer: Michael Popke
Score:
Related Link: The Official Station Web Site
Hits: 3376
Language: english

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