Mr. Big ...The Stories We Could Tell review

Three years after the solid "What If..." offering, Mr. Big returns this week with "...The Stories We Could Tell", a natural continuation of its predecessor blending equal amounts of 70's groove with classic Mr. Big attitude. It took a few listens to flesh out some of the melodies, many of which lend themselves to some digestion before becoming apparent.
Immediately, I was struck by the rich, full tone Paul Gilbert employs throughout. I've always felt his sound was a little metallic and tinny, but here, he reaches for a more rotund, bottom end tone that really fits the overall mood.
The second thing that stands out is the excellent vocals of Eric Martin. While age has sapped him of some of the screechy high end from the 90's, EM none the less can still belt out a solid vocal.
Out of the gate we get the opening heavy, brooding riff of "Gotta Love The Ride", that rips into a galloping verse riff before hitting a nice mid-tempo chorus. Overall, a fine way to introduce the listener to a band that still sounds hungry after 25 years. Right away, listeners will recognize the patented Gilbert string-skipping in the solo section, but, again, that tone is so full it's hard to believe it's PG's.
"I Forget To Breathe" employs a machine gun kick drum throughout the verses that may turn some off. This was one of those chorus melodies that I needed some time with. I'm not sure if it's the intonation or the flow that makes this one a little less accessible. A good rocker, with some amazing playing, which isn't surprising as the entire band played a part in it's creation.
Next up is "Fragile", a grooving mid-tempo rocker, reminiscent of some of Eric Martin's solo material. He penned this one with long time collaborator Andre Pessis (Huey Lewis, Journey). Lyrically, about the deception of outside appearances and how they differ from what one feels inside. So far the rhythm section of Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey has laid a solid foundation for the others to shine. Fans who haven't heard Mr. Big in years will enjoy this song immediately.
"Satisfied" has an immediate brother in "Alive & Kicking" from Lean Into It. Light, fun, and with some excellent guitar work doing some call & answer with the vocals. Sheehan finally makes an announced appearance with his legendary walking bass lines. Solid start to the album. The band really seems to be in the pocket.
Ballad time... in "The Man Who Has Everything" the band steps aside somewhat to really let Martin's emotive voice take center stage. Additional orchestration gives the chorus a nice soaring quality. Perfect placement in the track listing.
"The Monster In Me" is quite reminiscent of "Take Cover" in the verses. I really enjoyed the attitude in this song, especially the syncopated rhythms in the chorus. This one allowed for an excellent outro jam that PG really takes home. One has to start wondering if the success Billy is currently enjoying in The Winery Dogs has given the band an additional spark. They are really firing on all musical cylinders.
"What If We Were New?" recalls the days of Foghat, Bad Company, and Free, all well-known influences of the band members. Good time, groove rock really driven by the drumming of Torpey. PG, again, playing some of the most tasteful licks of his career here. This tune slithers through the headphones.
When "East/West"first started I sat up instantly: That's the start of "Here's To Everything", the B-side of Shine. Just an outstanding reworking of the latter. EM sings his behind off here, in front of some beautiful acoustic passages. It's here that I really feel the difference in Paul Gilbert's playing. Always known as a shredder, he throws out some amazing licks that almost become part of the vocals and really bring the emotions of the lyric together. Easily a song worth buying the whole disc for, it's that good.
"The Light of Day" could be the twin of "Wind Me Up", with its driving snare and cleaner guitar tone. Uptempo rocker that should be familiar to Mr. Big fans of old. Solid breakdown section, but, again, Sheehan is really keeping his playing in the background. He's still his usual busy self, but he's really playing for the songs.
Ballad time part deux... and this one should go right up there with their best. "Just Let Your Heart Decide" is a very well written song, done up by James Dotson & Pat Torpey. The melody is immediate and doesn't let go throughout. Paul really goes all out here to create some special moments. And, again, that warm, rich, soaring tone comes shining through. Very impressed with what he's done to his sound the last two records.
Next up "It's Always About That Girl" starts off with some nice choppy riffs, before settling quickly into that Free groove again. Once again, the band sounds like they're confident, hungry, and really into the material. Stripped down tune that lets the instruments shine through.
"Cinderella Smile" doesn't immediately jump off the record, but with a few listens, the mid 70's influence really comes out. Laid back verse riffs that are reconciled nicely into the chorus. They certainly own the land that mid-tempo rockers were built on.
We finish the journey with "The Stories We Could Tell", fittingly, as they've certainly told one to me. Plodding, moody verse riffs, with a hint of April Wine influence. Some very solid guitar work highlights this song, especially the epic solo section. Great way to finish up the album.
...The Stories We Could Tell is a fine addition to the Mr. Big catalogue, featuring a little bit from each era, a little bit for each taste. Again the highlights included the strength and power of Eric Martin's voice and Paul Gilbert's stunning axe work. Now I've rarely mentioned Sheehan and Torpey throughout, but their contributions are not to be dismissed. It sounds like there was a concerted effort to feature the songs and maximize the vocal/guitar relationship. But the bottom end is still there in all its glory, creating a solid foundation for the songs to really shine through. I highly recommend making this an addition to your collection and listen from beginning to end. Multiple listens will reveal new and exciting avenues to enjoy.

Friday/Saturday golf times all booked up. Kind of a "brothers birthday weekend" as we're only 5 days apart. Very excited that my brother has gotten the golf itch. The only problem is I think he's gonna pass me by in this sport like he has in all the others. For a guy who rarely plays, his short game touch is most impressive.

Now if I could just find a place with Milwaukee Bucks club head covers in stock...

Ryder Cup 2014

Very disappointed by the USA Ryder Cup showing. Granted, I already felt the assembled team had many weaknesses when stacked up against the Europeans. A healthy dose of solid players, but very few next-level types.
And, yes, I know the Euro team held 4 of the top 6 ranked players in the world. All the more reason to be a little more selective in the process. I do think that the US team found a future stud in Patrick Reed.
Kudos to Phil Mickelson for being open, honest, and pretty blunt in his assessment of the recent US failings. That's the stuff of locker room leaders so let's hope the message was received by all.

Sat front row by the dugout for the final Brewer game today. Snapped this pic of dugout reporter Sophia Minnaert. Later she walked by me about two feet away... boy, if you don't believe there's a God, I think seeing her in person could change your mind. Goodness...

Caught her at an odd moment, but she is absolutely mesmerizing in real life.