I will always refer to the 1980’s as the era in which the best music in the world was created. 80’s rock ‘n roll will always be my preferred music of choice. As the 90’s rolled around, grunge seemed to take over the world and all was bleak and hopeless.
Or so I used to believe. I’ve recently discovered that the 90’s was a great time of melodic rock; bands such as Pink Cream 69, Harem Scarem, Jaded Heart, Novella, and Mastedon were creating some unbelievably great music. It wasn’t the flashbang spandex big hair in your face rock of the 80’s, but a much more mature sound in which the bands took control of their music and craft.
I have recently “discovered” a band who call themselves Tall Stories. They released one self titled album in 1991 and another album entitled “Skyscrapers” in 2009. I downloaded the self titled album and was absolutely amazed. These guys were GOOD! This is an almost perfect melodic rock album.
A quick Google search reveals the following facts about the band:
Hailing from New York City, the band Tall Stories consisted of lead singer Steve Augeri, guitarist Jack Morer, bass player Kevin Totoian, and drummer Tom DeFaria. The band was generally dismissed as another slick, corporate-style rock act and had the misfortune of releasing their self-titled debut as grunge acts were breaking. The ill timing resulted in an album that sank without a trace despite garnering fairly strong support from the fading AOR format. Augeri went on to join Tyketto, but by the late ’90s, he had retired from music and was working in the maintenance department for the Gap chain in Manhattan. In 1998, he was tapped to replace Steve Perry as the lead singer for Journey.
There is some talent in this band! I’m waiting until payday so I can buy their 2009 album. If you love melodic, AOR style music, you’ll LOVE this band!!
I created a killer playlist for my run this morning, selecting some of my favorite bands covering their favorite songs. There’s nothing like listening to Dream Theater sing Iron Maiden’s “To Tame A Land”, or Killswitch Engage play Dio’s “Holy Diver” or The Showdown jam to Kansas’ “Carry On My Wayward Son”!
As I hit mile 2 on my run, Tesla’s cover of the classic Temptation song “A Ball of Confusion” started playing and really caught my attention.
“Fear in the air, tension everywhere” – what an accurate description of our society today! As I pondered the words, I was actually comforted to know that today’s problems were basically the same 35 years ago, which were basically the same problems as 100 years ago, and on and on. There truly is nothing new under the sun. God was there for past generations and is here for me today.
John Elefante’s name came to prominence in 1981 when he became the new lead singer and keyboardist for Kansas. John sang the lead vocals and performed keyboards on three multi – Platinum albums with band, giving also a major songwriting contribution.
In 1984, together with his brother Dino, he started to become involved for the first time in producing the Christian act Sweet Comfort Band. Soon the couple became one of the most renowned producers in the genre, in particular their tenure with Petra brought multiple gold and platinum albums, 10 consecutive CCM Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Hard Rock Cafe, and the only artist to ever have 4 albums in the SoundScan top-100 Christian chart.
Elefante also felt the songwriting muse and formed a Metal band with his brother, Mastedon. The band’s name was a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers’ last name. Although John was an accomplished vocalist and performer, the Mastedon albums featured multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by John’s songwriting. His brother Dino played a prominent role, contributing songwriting and handling most of the guitar work.
Mastedon’s first release was titled “It’s a Jungle Out There!” (1989). A year later, the band released “Lofcaudio”. The albums charted at #25 and #10, respectively in the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian chart. To this day, they are still considered classics in the genre.
In 1996 John started a solo career that brought him to release three successful albums more in the Adult Contemporary – Pop Rock vein. After a few years of hiatus, John Elefante decided to go back to his roots sound with a brand new Mastedon album that – contrary to the predecessors – would only feature his amazing lead vocals. Musically, the new album, simply entitled “3” harkens back to the best of Mastedon and to his work with Kansas and none other than main Kansas songwriter Kerry Livgren appears on lead guitar on the release. More famed musicians and such as Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon), Anthony Sallee (Whiteheart), Dan Needham (Michael McDonald, Neville Brothers, Amy Grant, Garth Brooks etc) and of course John’s brother Dino Elefante.
Rich melodic harmonies and melodies are the keys to a Mastedon record and “3” is clearly an instant winner in all its moments and will remain as an hallmark in John Elefante’s career for many years to come.
MASTEDON John Elefante: all lead vocals; rhythm guitar, keyboards Dave Amato, Kerry Livgren: Lead Guitars Anthony Sallee: bass Dan Needham: drums Dino Elefante: Additional guitars, acoustic guitar, backing vocals With: Tim Smith: bass on Slay Your Demons Jr McNeely: additional guitar on Questions
As a companion to this new release, Frontiers managed to acquire the rights for the re-release of Mastedon’s legendary debut album, It’s A Jungle Out There!. Released originally in 1989, it charted at #25 in the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian chart. To this day, this album is still considered classics in the genre and has reached some amazing prices in the trades on eBay. Frontiers new reissue includes full lyrics and three bonus tracks ‘Wasn’t It Love’ (from the compilation California Metal) and live versions of ‘Islands In The Sky’ and ‘Right Hand’, recorded live at Cornerstone in 1991.
The tracklisting:
‘It’s A Jungle Out There’
‘Glory Bound’
‘This Is The Day’
‘Love Inhalation’
‘Islands In The Sky’
‘Get Up’
‘Love That Will Survive’
‘Innocent Girl’
‘Shine On’
‘Right Hand’
‘Wasn’t It Love’ *
‘Islands In The Sky’ (Live at Cornerstone ‘91 )*
‘Right Hand’ (Live at Cornerstone ‘91) *
(* bonus tracks)
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