Search - Rick Vito :: Rattlesnake Shake

A Whole Lot Of SHAKin' Going On!

Jef Fazekas | Newport Beach, California United States | 02/06/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There's something about Rick Vito's latest, the blues-soaked RATTLESNAKE SHAKE, that doesn't quite match up to his past work. Unlike his stand-out efforts of years past (starting with his sterling debut, 1992's KING OF HEARTS, and continuing on thru his three most recent releases - 2000's LUCKY DEVILS, 2002's CRAZY COOL and 2003's BANDBOX BOOGIE), it's almost as if Vito is trying to fit his sound into a specific style, instead of visa versa. You could almost say he shaved the edges off his musical square pegs in order to fit them into the album's round holes; while the playing is top-notch throughout, the lyrics are less thoughtful, the vocals less heartfelt, than on past releases. That said, keep in mind that a GOOD Rick Vito album is still on par with a GREAT one from just about anyone else! (Having bought both this version and the US version, which is completely remixed, with four tracks removed and three new ones added, I'll mainly be concentrating on the original European version). Opening the disc with the classic Fleetwood Mac title track, Vito's vocal is honest and gritty, his playing stinging yet succinct. You can tell he has a deep passion for this song, a certain affinity for it that just shines thru (He would have been wise to leave this as the opening cut on the US version!). "Going To Las Vegas" is a fun, toe-tapping nunber about Sin City being the cure-all to any and all ills. Vito's guitar work is razor-sharp throughout. Next up is "It's 2 A.M.", probably the Euro-version's best cut. There's an unforced feel to the song that just allows it to flow, resulting in a loose, easy-going lead vocal from Vito and a snappy, yet tight, arrangement. It's lyrics - about possible infidelity - aren't overthought ("Yeah, I looked at the clock and I saw the time/I heard a voice ring out from the back of my mind"), resulting in the kind of complete package we've come to expect from Vito over the past few years. "My Baby's Hot" is a blues number, through and through, from it's blistering guitar chords to it's smoldering lyrics ("Ya know she's hot like Venus, hot like Mars/Hot like the fins on a Cadillac car/She's hot like the devil in nylon hose/Setting five alarm fires wherever she goes"). It's with "The Glory Road" that things seem to start repeating themselves, coming across forced and unauthentic. Yes, this ode to faith and hope is touching, but with it's slightly cliched lyrics and some what run-of-the-mill solos, it's nothing we haven't heard during the first quarter of the disc (The "shuffle" of the rhythm section is infectious, though!). There's a soothing quality to Vito's version of "Albatross" that nicely brings things down a notch or three. No one can really make this Peter Green classic their own but, once again, Vito takes on an old favorite, lovingly caressing it with a style that radiates both appreciation and admiration. VERY nice! "Walk Another Mile" is the first of two rerecordings - this one from KING OF HEARTS - that were (wisely) taken off the US disc. The original 1992 version was one of KOH's best tracks, but this version's lost all of it's initial charm, morphing from an edgy rocker to a drawn-out blues jam. Do yourself a favor and pick up the original! Another high point of the Euro disc is "Jump Little Sister Jump", also left off the US version. There's a classic, retro vibe to the cut that seems organic, real and timeless. Anchored by an....undercurrent....of boogie woogie piano, the rhythm section is tight, while Vito's guitar playing is simple and to the point. Add to this a lead vocal that is both fresh and free, and you have a true gem! By the time the song ends with it's giddy jam, you can't help but feel that this is what RATTLESNAKE SHAKE needed more of....an unforced spontaneity, the freedom for Rick Vito to just be himself. There's a unique groove to "I Am Not Alone"....part Southern gospel, part Creedence Clearwater Revival, this song about faith and/or love slinks out of the speakers like a musical sidewinder, hypnotizing you with it's quiet beauty and power. Vito's vocal is heartfelt and honest, while his playing is understated and to the point. Another high point! While this is the first time Vito has actually recorded "Devil Love", it has seen the light of day before, originally appearing on Rosie Flores' brilliant 2001 SPEED OF SOUND CD, which Vito produced. While O.K., this version lacks the slinky heat of Flores' original take, and was rightfully dropped from the US disc. There's a lazy, drowsy quality to "Sliding The Blues" (rechristened simply "Slide The Blues" on the US disc) that is both haunting and mesmerizing. Things wrap up with "Hole In My Shoe", another winner. With it's easy-going groove, unaffected vocal and down-to-earth lyrics ("I got a space in my soul/A pain in my heart/Baby, say it ain't so/Can we make a new start"), this oh-so-sad song actually ends up putting a smile on your face! Sooooo......if you're already a Rick Vito fan, pick RATTLESNAKE SHAKE up - there's more than enough here to enjoy. If, however, you're new to Vito's many talents, go with CRAZY COOL or BANDBOX BOOGIE instead (High lights of the US version - available at Vito's website - include "The Lucky Devil" and "A Change Is Gonna Come", as well as far-superior cover artwork. As with all my reviews, I'm giving the discs an extra half a star for both including the lyrics)."