Adrian Belew - Side One (2005)

Latter-day King Crimson guitarist and former Zappa sideman Adrian Belew hasn't released a solo album in nearly eight years, preferring to work with Robert Fripp as part of legendary prog-rockers Crimson, and with his own band, the Bears. When he hits the studio to do a little solo work, Belew does so with a vengeance, recording three -- count 'em -- three solo albums for release this year. Side One is the first of these efforts, a magnificent showcase for Belew's original and highly unique six-string skills. To put it bluntly, Belew's jagged guitarwork has more sharp edges than a broken bottle.

Belew recruited Les Claypool from Primus and Tool's Danny Carey to accompany him on several cuts, including the Hendrix-flavored "Ampersand," composed of syncopated rhythms and angular riffs, and the funky, distraught "Writing On The Wall." Belew's breathless vocals on the dreamy, drifting "Matchless Man" are supported by a fluid lead with a Moroccan flavor while "Madness" offers exactly that, a descent into darkness with cacophonic, swirling guitars and recurring riffs. The experimental "Elephants" uses found vocals and plodding, heavy leads approximating an elephant's cries to describe the plight of this endangered animal.

There are few vocals on the album, Belew preferring to let his guitar do the talking for him. At a mere thirty-three minutes, Side One may seem a bit brief, but the songs here are complex and quite intense. Side One is the work of an innovative instrumentalist not the least bit above experimenting with sound and composition. (Sanctuary Records)

(Click on CD cover to buy Side One from Amazon.com)