Music Monday - Paul Gilbert

So it's Music Monday, not likely to become a weekly installment, but I like alliteration and it seems to be a hit in the blogosphere. Recently I wrote about "both sides" albums, and I came across another I failed to mention, thought I'd give the shout out it deserves. Most people aren't of the listening ear I am, so I don't expect a lot to find interest in this. But to those who appreciate great guitar and entertaining lyrics, while being wrapped around melody-rich power pop-style rock, Paul Gilbert is a must listen.

Paul has been part of various acts, the biggest of which has probably been Mr. Big. They did that song "To Be With You" in the 90s, though I almost hate to mention that, as it's not really representative of their work in general. The song does, however, showcase Paul's writing, as he wrote that song and still performs it now, with artful adaptations and refreshed rhythms.

His first album, King of Clubs, is such a joy to listen to. After playing with Mr. Big for a few years, he had some solo work that needed a venue, and this is definitely it. My favorites on the album are Vinyl (love the drums at the beginning, which Paul laid down himself, from what I remember reading), I'm Just in Love (a great display of power pop rock with a fantastic classically-inspired guitar solo), Bumblebee (straight-forward power pop with a serious punch), and Streetlights (has one of the best solos I've ever heard). Paul's now gone on to do many other solo albums, all of which have their merits.

And I have to make mention of one of the funniest things he's recorded. I love humor in music. Both lyrical, as well as musical. Some artists take things way too seriously; not Paul. He's pretty much the antithesis of taking himself too seriously. Well, I'm the church-going type, so I'm certainly not promoting Beelzebub here, but from his album Burning Organ, the song "I Am Satan" starts with a classic that I can't believe I never heard before.  He starts the song by counting off, 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 6 - 6. The song is very tongue-in-cheek, but makes me laugh.

So, if you're looking for some fun new music, and don't want to take it too seriously, check Paul out. He even maintains his own website, which, if he wasn't, would be a wreck of an online presence. But considering that he's not a web designer, we'll let him off the hook :)