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Michael Sadler
Clear
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Michael Sadler’s band, Saga is caught in this bizarre netherworld of recognition and complete unawareness. Sounds spooky, no? But look at it this way; if you knew nothing of the band and heard songs from their album “Worlds Apart” from the early eighties, you’d probably recognize “Wind Him Up” or “On The Loose”. You wouldn’t be penalized for thinking that was it for the band in the
U.S.
I was surprised myself to find that Saga was still active (with a new disc coming soon), and I usually know this kind of stuff. Most of this newfound knowledge came up due to Michael Sadler’s new solo debut “Clear”.
Actually, calling it new is a bit of misdirection. A portion of the tracks were written for a limited release through the Saga World site called “Back Where You Belong”, but that’s nitpicking. The fact is that the songs stick together well even if some of them are older than others. Another fact: this is really good stuff. I was fearing this would sound like an 80s throwback (which may be the next big trend on the horizon, I’m afraid), or worse it would sound like the standard adult-contemporary solo digression. “Clear” is not a synth-pop wind down and is closer to an adult-contemporary vibe, but doesn’t chafe like some of the obvious analogies (Phil Collins and Elton John, if you ask me in private).
I was engaged from the start by “Who’s Sorry Now”, featuring a back-up from the gospel-infused L.A. Choir. It has a driving beat and an overall attractive sound and Sadler’s voice, at times nu-romantic and at other times theatrical, finds a comfortable niche within. “Can’t Let Go” is a ballad, but it worked for me and that’s the overarching question I have about the disc. Most of the songs ordinarily would pass me by, just a little too “lite” for my tastes, but the saving grace of Sadler’s voice reclaims the entire thing. So I’m wondering if it is the disc or is it me? Perhaps it is a bit of both, but because I have the question I have to tack on a warning: if you’re not into the lighter side of rock, you might not dig this disc but I hope this doesn’t dissuade you from giving it a shot.
Release Date: October 05, 2004
Tracks: 12 - Time: 54:30
Produced by: Thomas Schmitt-Zijnen
Format: CD
Website: www.michaelsadler.com
Track Listing:
Who's Sorry Now / Who's Foolin' Who / Too Much Time On My Hands / I'm Not the Enemy / Can't Let Go / Lonely / One Minute / In the Name of Love / Why We Lie / One Heart / Surrender Your Heart / Clear.
Michael Sadler:
Thomas Schmitt - Zijnen - Keyboards
Michael Sadler - Vocals
Chris Frazier - Drums
Tim Emmons - Bass
Lino - Guitars
Marcus Deml - Guitars
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