Search - Talas :: If We Only Knew Then What We Know Now (Live)

The Boys from Buffalo are back and better than ever.

12/23/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was a long time coming in making this CD. Fourteen years to be exact. That is how long it has been since Talas has performed together. The power-trio that once ruled the bar scene in Buffalo were hailed as superstars in the Western New York area. People came from near and far to catch a glimpse of the band which would soon become a Buffalo icon. Talas was always ready to give the people exactly what they wanted and the people loved it. Billy Sheehan (bass,vocals) soon became recognized for his ability to bend and mold the notes into his own style of playing. His "lead playing" technique soon gained him world-wide attention and eventually he left Talas to join David Lee Roth and from there he helped to form Mr. Big. Dave Constantino(guitar,vocals) and Paul Varga (drums,vocals) continued their musical quest in various projects. Rock 'n roll was in their soul and they couldn't resist the temptation to experiment with their own style of playing. There is an old saying that says, "You can always go home." And home is where they went. For one magical night, the boys got back together and we as listeners are fortunate enough to be able to relive what many of us thought would never ever happen again. A Talas reunion. Billy Sheehan's musical abilities seem endless. As producer of this CD he has been able to seize this moment in time and bring it straight to the listener. The music pours out of the speakers and takes on a life of it's own. Every note (and believe me, there are a lot of them) is captured and delivered in the manner in which it was intended, live and loud. And once again Talas gives the people what they want. Songs like "See Saw" and "Thick Head" from Talas' first album became regional favorites and quickly got added to the rotation of local radio stations. Their second release spawned such hits as "Sink Your Teeth Into That", "High Speed On Ice" and the song "Shy Boy" in it's original form. "Tell Me True" makes it's debut onto the CD. What makes this, and many other songs, so unique is the way Dave and Paul take turns singing the lead. In fact all three of the boys take on the role of lead singer as well as their respective instrument. The result is a blend of three part harmonies that will have you singing along in no time. While listening to King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man", you can't help but think, "How did they do that?" The trademark Billy Sheehan solo leads you into a cover of "Battle Scar" a well known favorite from the Canadian-based band Max Webster. It may have been fourteen years but you would never know it. These three talented musicians took on what may seem to many as an impossible task and have risen to the occasion. "If We Only Knew Then What We Know Now" surpasses any and all expectations and stands on it's own making it the best Talas CD so far. Many of us were lucky enough to see Talas in their heyday and we always knew then what we know now... Talas is the King of the World!"

Sink Your Teeth Into This!

05/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD was way cool. What an unbelievable trip back to the 80's to hear some real pioneers of rock. Hearing all the old tunes was just great and the performace was wonderful, you could even hear the guitar! I really wish these guys would stick together to give us some more Talas music. The set included both Talas releases and captures the essence of the original Talas. Dave Constatine's voice holds up nicely after all these years,the three part harmonies were great, Paul Vargas drumming was steady, and of course there's Billy. The only thing missing was the long bass solo, but does Billy really need to do that to prove himself? No! He works his chops perfectly into the songs. If you like 80's rock with the spirit of the 60's and 70's captured in it, Get This CD!"