This is my second attempt at playing my role as a participant in MattA75's awesome write-off, If you show me yours, I'll show you mine, Part Deux. The purpose is to pair up with another reviewer, exchange CDs, and review them. Sounds simple enough, but it wasn't so easy when I was asked to review an out-of-print Peter Gabriel CD, and I completely botched it (http://www.epinions.com/content_30195814020).

That wasn't a highlight in my Epinions career, if I may so call it one, but my courteous partner Buffoonery has forgiven me and asked me to review Joe Satriani's Crystal Planet. So, that's what I'm here to do. Enough story-telling.

Write-off Cast Members: keithpruitt, kristinafh, buffoonery, ad-dollars, repulsemonkey, aggiebrett, shilmafone, kidhendrix, brotherman, e_burrell, kcfoxy, thevoid99, danielrf, adjensen, sleestakk, obiwanjabroni, saxguy, fm_hunter, chezon, pezking, matta75, phixed, dchefsours, annexation, monssfisch, kuuleimomi, flamepillar, dantesguide, sordid-1, magenta321, jennifernorth, jennjoy, gamblinfamily, vemartin, sparkospunky, kris-kochanski, given2flymike, roheblius, divad23 and monnie1976

Please read their reviews, especially my partner's review of Paul Oakenfold's Tranceport @ (http://www.epinions.com/content_30237101700)

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I was rejuvenated with write-off excitement when buffoonery asked me to review this CD. First of all, it's readily available at music stores, and second, Joe Satriani is a prodigy, a virtuoso, a master, a GOD even, of the electric guitar.

Although I had owned none of The Satch's albums prior to this assignment, I was able to see the man responsible for 20 years of musical excellence live in Chicago in 1998. It's unfortunate that its been three years since and this is my first purchase of his music. He is an unbelievable live performer, is respectful of his backup musicians and of his fans, and is dedicated only to music. Seeing him once, for only an hour, will confirm my overall analysis of Joe Satriani as a musician.

But, Crystal Planet, his 1998 album could only bring that fact home.

1.Up In The Sky
2.House Full Of Bullets
3.Crystal Planet
4.Love Thing
5.Trundrumbalind
6.Lights Of Heaven
7.Raspberry Jam Delta-V
8.Ceremony
9.With Jupiter In Mind
10.Secret Prayer
11.Train Of Angels, A
12.Piece Of Liquid, A
13.Psycho Monkey
14.Time
15.Z.Z.'s Song

The album cover, Satch (as his fans routinely refer to Joe as) standing tall with an electric guitar, explains his music, him, and this album. Crystal Planet is purely instrumental guitar rock. In fact, its 67 minutes 37 seconds of thrilling, inventive, melodious, masterly, etc, etc, etc, guitar soloing with light background instrumentals. Satriani doesn't throw any left hooks, so to speak - this album is all about the guitar, and unless I'm mistaken, I doubt his prior catalogue of music varies from this.

Crystal Planet in it's entirety could be considered chill music, I'm tired so let's relax music, let's whip out my air guitar and mime along music (my style as referenced in title), or even the let's go cruise around in red convertible with arm out the window, shades on, hair flying in the breeze, and right arm around your woman type of music.

In respects to his talent, he could easily defeat any of metal's heavy hitters in a duel, and will go down in history, if not already considered (though it seems you have to be dead to be a legend), as one of the best solo guitarists ever. The guitar is my favorite instrument, and Satriani does it for me so far.

Why you may ask? Well, not only can he play, but his ability to compose represented on Crystal Planet puts him above the rest, and next to Hendrix, Kravitz, Santana, B.B. King, and whoever else you want to add to this list. I'm not a huge collector of guitar solo albums, but thanks to buffoonery and this CD, I might be convinced to dabble into a new genre.

Overall, Satriani spins you through a funnel cloud of emotions with his music on Crystal Planet. His varying styles and speeds control your mood when listening, proof of his musicianship. From the very start, his ability is apparent with the funky opening riffs on "Up In The Sky". The fast-paced guitar rock continues until track 4, "Love Thing", a sensitive and slower piece, yet still a instrumental piece critics will drool over. This song for one captures the album's overall happy tone. Satriani, while heavy and fast, does not produce pieces fitting to speed metal and stays far away from morbidity.

Although Crystal Planet is constant and sometimes repetitive guitar riffs, Satriani keeps listeners attentive with the described roller coaster of paces and emotional transitions. Plus, many of the tracks are catchy enough to stick inside your head for days despite their lack of vocals. In fact, two very familiar tracks are on this CD. Without knowing it when I bought this CD, I knew "Ceremony" and "A Train of Angels" from frequent air play on Chicago's late radio station Rock 103.5.

I'm not sure what else to add, except that I want to thank my partner for blessing me with this write-off choice. Joe Satriani is a really amazing guitarist, and he holds all the respect I am able to give if it means anything. Crystal Planet receives 4 stars on my meter of enjoyment.

-1 stars for:
+ my lack in knowledge and experience with the artist's music
+ there are no lyrics - this might not appeal to the every day music fan

My Recommendation
If I have convinced you to also dabble into a new genre, start off with this album. It's readily available and is a must for any aspiring musician or fan of the electric, or air, guitar.

I'm on my way to the store for more Satriani (any suggestions? drop a comment).

Goodnight Cruel World,
Metal Swami Steve

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving