It has been several years
since Merrell Fankhauser released new studio recordings (he has also released
several compilations and DVDs over the years). Rockin and Surfin was a 2004 release that I enjoyed immensely, so it
was no surprise that I had a similar experience listening to the latest
release, Area 51 Suite. Please remember, music fans, that Fankhauser has
been getting it done in the recording studio since the '60s and has overcome
health issues and every other obstacle thrown his way to continue entertaining us all. Two versions of the release are
available, the CD and the CD/DVD, which feature music videos and interviews with people
from the ET and Sci-Fi community.
This
collection of tracks, called space pop, is a delightful blend of influences
with a significant surf undertone. The subject matter, revolving around space
and extraterrestrials, adds an intriguing layer to the instrumental tracks,
creating a unique and captivating hybrid of 'space pop.'
The
first and title track, "Area 51," effectively creates an air of
mystery and intrigue. Indeed, that was the intent, so mission
accomplished and a great way to open the curtain to the show.
"Signals From Zoran, " also an excellent track, takes a page out of the
surf-instrumental book.
The following track,
"Stardazed," is a slower bluesy ballad that puts you in a starry-eyed
mood and may have you looking up at the sky, wondering who is out there
watching us.
"Bimini Road," an
underwater rock formation near North Bimini Island in the Bahamas, is a very
appropriate surf-blues number that
takes you on an underwater adventure. Instrumental music, if it is terrific, takes little time to create a picture of
the track title in your mind; here
again, Fankhauser succeeds.
"Shadow
People" is a picturesque instrumental that brings those in the shadows to life. The music flows along and
rocks its way into your psyche, making it inevitable to start thinking about unexplained
phenomena and people you do not know or
why they are here. It's one of the more complex and changing tracks that takes
things to another musical level for the artist.
Then, to switch things up yet again, "Cocktails In
Space" is entirely different from all the previous tracks. It includes a
segment with a flute, giving it a new-age feel and texture.
When
"Crash Landing" comes at you with a synthesizer depicting a
spacecraft coming your way and Merrell's guitar kicks in, it forms a spy
thriller surf sound that keeps you hooked. This track was the one that reminded
me a lot of his previous surf-instrumental work. Many tracks
begin with a spacey laser or craft landing-like sound to ensure you stay with
the overall Area 51 Suite theme.
The
biggest treat for old and new fans will be Fankhauser's most prolific track,
"Calling From A Star." I go
back to 1999 with Merrell, and that is when I first heard of this fantastic track.
The title says it all, and his voice is exceptional, backed by perfectly
placed instrumentation. I don't think he could have recorded a better track in
his long and influential career. Every
track offers the listener something different, and even though the premise is
visitors from outer space, you will hear the diversity of an artist on display
at every turn. Surf, space, pop, rock,
blues, and country- about every main genre- get superb coverage on this
eclectic slice of musical excellence.
This
is a solid release and one of Merrell Fankhauser's most
exceptional releases in his career. He has made some great music over the
years, and this reminds us all once again of his importance to the history of
rock music and how his capabilities to entertain have not waned. His candle is
still burning brightly, and Area 51 Suite gives you a one-way ticket to
the stars.
5/5 Stars
Key
Tracks: Area 51, Calling From A Star, Crash Landing
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder MuzikReviews.com
May 12, 2013
Tracks:
Disc 1
1. Area 51
2. Signals From Zoran
3. Stardazed
4. Bimini Road
5. Catalina USO
6. Crash Landing
7. Aliens In The Mist
8. Shadow People
9. Cocktails In Space
10. Lost Continent Blues
11. Alien Talk
12. Calling From A Star
Disc 2
1. Area 51
2. Vitina Marcus: Interview
3. Alien Talk
4. Dr. David Jungclaus: Interview
5. Out on the Desert
6. The Little A'le'inn
7. Beyond The Rainbow
8. Calling From A Star
