Search - Bill 'Sputnik' Spooner :: MALL to MARS

Another great effort from a founding Tubes member

08/30/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I usually don't go to the Mall. But When Bill Spooner opened one up, it was worth the trip. This shophmore release from (one of the the fromer Tubes members)is just a little slow getting off the ground.But the booster rockets engage and the flight is most enjoyable. Of special note is the title song Mall to Mars. Firm backing in all areas and a solid vocal preformance, make this kick ass. Spooner has always had a good sense for being a bit cyinical and this is eveident in the lyrics you hear throughtout these offerings. It adds additional entertainment to his story telling. Upscale Yuppie and all the following songs also present solid backing vocals. And the tremandous backing from Prairie Prince on drums doesn't hurt at all !!! Spooner does a great jobs with his vocal presentation but he could use some extra help to add some additional "body" with the presntation. Over all well worth the purchase."

Heart and soul of the Tubes makes a fine solo effort.

09/02/1998

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I think I found the funnybone the Tubes seem to have lost. It's on Bill Spooner's Mall to Mars. This is no Tubes record, but it's as close as you can get since there heyday in the late 70's. Spooner is an unsung guitar hero and emotive vocalist. Stand out tracks are "Mall to Mars", "Fryboy" and "Upscale Yuppie Seafood Restaurant Blues". A heartfelt rendition of the Richard and Linda Thompson classic "Dimming of the Day" is worth the price of the cd itself. Over all this cd has some great moments. Check it out!"

Any release by a Tubes member is a good one

John S. Harris | Memphis, TN | 11/12/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Spooner's second solo disc (following the uneven but interesting "First C.H.U.D." in 1985) finds good ole Sputnik with his sense of humor still intact. Perhaps the track "They Kicked Me Out Of The Band" is a bit of a cathartic release for him, too. Not all of the material shines, but his cover of Richard and Linda Thompson's "Dimming of the Day" pre-dates Bonnie Raitt's version by a year or two and is just as good. "Upscale...Blues" is note-for-note Sputnik, and "Hermuta" is a track from the EARLY days of the Tubes (or The Beans, or however far back you want to take it). Could have done without the "Star Trek" theme and the pedestrian "Grooves In Orbit". But to the Tubes fans everywhere this is an indispensible collector's item. Bill would release solo disc #3 "Demolicious" soon after, and see if you can track down some tunes by his sometime-band The Folk-Ups."