"Write Your Story", a track Ken co-wrote with Jordon Zadorozny, strays from what is heard on past Failure, ON, and Rabbit releases. Somewhere in the musical vein of Air and The Doves, the dreamy undertones of the song ... more »echo alongside luxuriant vocals. "Jordon and I have worked together a lot in the past, except with the underlying roles reversed (I was producing him in the past). We both, play, sing, engineer, and produce, so we tend to get into the nitty-gritty of things real quick. Jordon is one of the very few people I'm completely comfortable writing with for my own album. He and I share a writing sensibility that we don't talk about, it just happens. Plus, he completely understands my musical history and what I was trying to achieve on this album. His role was primarily co-producer, but he played quite a few instruments on various songs, and he co-wrote probably my favorite song on the album, "Write Your Story." "Secret Things", one of the album's standout tracks, combines tripped-out strings with a synth-bass groove creating a demanding, viscerally appeal. Live instruments (drums, piano, and guitar) mingle with electronic elements. Strong, hooky vocals keep the song on course. "In Your Way", another stylistically dynamic track pulls the listener into an eerie, enticing space/dream world.« less
"Write Your Story", a track Ken co-wrote with Jordon Zadorozny, strays from what is heard on past Failure, ON, and Rabbit releases. Somewhere in the musical vein of Air and The Doves, the dreamy undertones of the song echo alongside luxuriant vocals. "Jordon and I have worked together a lot in the past, except with the underlying roles reversed (I was producing him in the past). We both, play, sing, engineer, and produce, so we tend to get into the nitty-gritty of things real quick. Jordon is one of the very few people I'm completely comfortable writing with for my own album. He and I share a writing sensibility that we don't talk about, it just happens. Plus, he completely understands my musical history and what I was trying to achieve on this album. His role was primarily co-producer, but he played quite a few instruments on various songs, and he co-wrote probably my favorite song on the album, "Write Your Story." "Secret Things", one of the album's standout tracks, combines tripped-out strings with a synth-bass groove creating a demanding, viscerally appeal. Live instruments (drums, piano, and guitar) mingle with electronic elements. Strong, hooky vocals keep the song on course. "In Your Way", another stylistically dynamic track pulls the listener into an eerie, enticing space/dream world.
CD Reviews
Stellar!
Spacerocker | Texas | 03/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan of Ken Andrews since I heard Fantastic Planet for the first time. From Failure to Year Of The Rabbit and now solo, his skill and talent conitnue to shine through.
In a nutshell, this album is simply beautiful. Driven, relaxed, simple and richly textured, it brings everything together resulting in a well rounded audio adventure.
I would itemize the songs for quality but I honestly could not find a stinker on the entire album.
If you liked Ken's previous projects, you will love this album in that it is a good blend of them all with a solid dash of new tricks."
Solid like wood not charred
John | Lawrence, KS | 03/20/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For me, the journey of listening to Ken's career has been not only about the songwriting, but the production and engineering of the albums. While I think the songwriting peaked with Fantastic Planet, perhaps due to the involvement of Edwards, the sonic landscape of this album is sure not to dissapoint. The songwriting too is very good, not trying to put it down. It's just that it's hard to top Fantastic Planet in my opinion, and this album fails to contend with that rock opera. At the same time, this is a different type of album as it combines elements of his other solo project On, and some of the more pop-oriented moments of Fantastic Planet. Ken does make good pop.. not too sugary. Secrets of the Lost Satellite is more so than not a solid album, but it drags in the middle. Songs run into one another, sounding sorta run-of-the-mill and lacking the innovative song-craft of the aforementioned Fantastic Planet. There are moments of pure genius, but at the same time moments of 'i think it's time to skip to the next song'. The album's highlights include the very melodic and lush opener "Allergic", culminating in the harmony laced layered vocals "we set you up, we set you up and". Also standing out is "23rd boy" and "Write Your Story". However, as with the On records that rested between this outing and Failure I believe the album will grow on you, and me. It took me awhile to really enjoy 'Shifting Skin' and 'Make Believe' (his two releases as On), but now i understand. You begin to hear some of the subtle aspects of each song, and that combined with the masterful production work (although not entirely Ken this time) makes listening a pleasure. I have a feeling the same will happen with this release."
Another Platinum Gem By Ken Andrews
Martin Barken | San Diego, CA | 06/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the finest albums I've ever listened to. Ken Andrews has a true gift for singing, writing, playing both bass and electric guitar, producing, and mixing. Over the last 15 years of his life, he has put out gem after gem, starting with comfort, and this album, is one of his finest achievement. Any music fan in need of inspiration or any musician & artist in need of inspiration, should pick up this album, its very sweet, like a dozen red roses on valentines day. It hits a nerve, and still rocks out!
Ken is the finest solo artist of all time, and this is one of the best albums of all time, and a must have for any true music fan.
"
Worth the wait
booktyrant | 06/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"ken andrews, formerly of failure, on year of the rabbit, finally comes out with an album under his own name. It was a long time coming, and definitely worth the wait. I have been a fan of his since magnified first came out, and this is about as good as it gets. Every song is layered, textured, and recorded to perfection. There is not a weak spot on it, although it is a lot more laid back than his previous efforts. I would recommend this album for fans of any of ken's previous works, and for people wanting something for a midnight drive, and for anyone openminded in their music who is sick of all the [..] they play on the radio."
Evolution of a Genius
William Block | Decatur, Al | 04/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After discovering Failure, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.
And it was with this album that the angels started to sing.
How fortunate we are, those of us that can hear heaven..."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1