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ROGER GLOVER 'Mask' Lemon CDLEM53 (2005)
It’s a funny old world out there: a label asks your advice, you recommend a
classic album dying to appear on CD and offer to do it, they say they can’t
license it, then they get it and put it out without telling you, so you end up
having to buy it. Very strange.
This is that album, and what a classic it is.
Back in 1984, between Rainbow’s dying throws and the Deep Purple
reformation, bassist Roger Glover issued what was effectively his third solo
album (the previous two being Elements and The Butterfly Ball).
This is no way a hard rock set (in fact Elements had been largely acoustic),
with Glover almost wearing a professional mask. Taking a step on from
Rainbow’s then American sound (this album also features then Rainbow pianist
David Rosenthal and drummer Chuck Burgi), this is a fine mixture of new wave
pop and AOR.
Opener 'Divided World' kicks off with some keyboards and an upbeat rhythm.
Roger’s vocal’s are good and suit the music world, but they’re a far cry
from the likes of Gillan - they do sound weak compared to the best but fit
the poppier end well. 'Getting Stranger' is another fine pop tune, and the
title track is a great listen.
It’s pretty clear on this album that after his bass playing, Roger’s main
strengths are song writing, arrangements and production.
'Dancin’ Again' is the closest we get to anything heavy, it’s a fast paced
rocker with some decent bursts of guitar and saxophone (a sound that really
works), a sound that does make you want to move.
A touch of reggae mixed with the new wave leanings on 'Fake It' give a
Police like sound. 'Hip Level' adds a nice and addictive rhythm that you
have to tap too and is one of the better tracks.
If you’re after Rainbow or Deep Purple, forget it; this is a finely crafted
and well produced mid-80s pop album with a couple of heavy nods. Take it in
context and it’s a superb album.
*****
Review by Joe Geesin
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