Raef N. (Budgie) from GAITHERSBURG, MD Reviewed on 2/20/2008...
Possibly the freshest album of the past decade with guitar superhero Blues Saraceno doing a great job on vocals.
The Beatles meet Blues' unique sounds.
An undiscovered jewel!!!
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CD Reviews
A very impressive debut album
Daniel A Berry | Trabuco Canyon, CA USA | 11/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Blues Saraceno has been around for a while and is well known for his guitar playing, but this Transmission OK CD showcases his singing and songwriting as well. The very pleasant result is a collection of great songs that are quite addicting to listen to. The music has a decidedly contemporary/pop feel to it, but it is hard to put it in a distinct musical category. The musicianship is excellent, and Blues does add some tasty guitar riffs on several of the tracks. If you are just looking for guitar shredding, look for Blues' solo releases, but if you want to hear the voice and the songwriting behind that great guitar talent, look no further."
Very high quality stuff from Blues and Co.
Garrick Hanson | 09/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"We all know Blues Saraceno as a guitar god (well, at least the few of us who have had the privilege to hear him do), but now he has reigned in some of the shredding and incorporated it into a great pop album (by "pop" I mean something that actually has a chance of making some money). I admit that the idea of Blues doing a popular album sounded a little dubious to me, but I am very pleasantly surprised with what I hear on this album. The song writing is great, and the musicianship is unquestionable. I might put the style somewhere between the Barenaked Ladies and Everclear (with a little bit of Steve Vai thrown in), but don't let that scare you. Just buy it. If this thing gets a little exposure, it could really do something impressive."
Solid record, but...
bluesinchicago | Windy City | 06/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Blues Saraceno somewhat broke out as a young and up and coming guitar player with a string of solo guitar albums in the late 80's early 90's. After laying low for much of the 90's and a brief stint in Poison, Blue's attempted in shed the "instrumental guitar soloist" label by forming Gorgeous George, later named Transmission OK.
Fans of Blue's earlier records may be disappointed in this effort because it's not a "guitar" kind of record. What it really is, sort of a modern rock, slightly pop record. Blues really goes out of his way to focus on his song writing abilities as well as showcase the other guys in the band. Not to say there is not guitar on the record, when Blues decides to let go, he can really tear it up!
Unfortunately, according to Blues on his website, the label never really promoted it and it sort of fell into obscurity. Hardcore Blues "Guitar" fans didn't care for it much, and with limited exposure to the masses, pop and modern rock fans probably never new it existed.
It's tough sell to sell pop music to the masses I guess. You probably need a hook, good timing, and lots of luck. This record although solid, probably had none of the three.
It too bad the story of this band ended they way it did, because I would really enjoyed a follow up record and to see this band live. Even if I would have preferred a few more solos here and there, I really enjoyed the direction he was taking musically. Sadly, Blues has no plans to continue the band and is currently pursuing other interests.
"
Multi talented Mr. Saraceno
Douglas L. Taylor | Boise, ID | 06/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great album. I've purcahsed several for friends to share with them a great collection of catchy tunes. I'm amazed at the vocal abillity of Blues as well as his strong song writing craftsmanship. He proves on this project that he's not just a great shredder. This music seems to cross into many tastes, offering a little something for nearly everyone. I'm still amazed at the lack of publicity this project has received and hope they will cut another album."