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20/20
Saga / Eagle Rock Entertainment
Released: August 28, 2012 / Reviewed: August 26, 2012
Canadian progressive rock band, SAGA, releases their 20th studio album, 20/20, in the U.S. on August 28th. While noteworthy in its own right, added excitement accompanies the release with the return of the band’s original singer, Michael Sadler.
Founded in 1977, SAGA has toured the world multiple times, racking up over 8 million in album sales worldwide and winning oodles of awards. Their signature sound is marked by brilliant guitar riffs that are often harmonious with a synthesizer and incredibly intricate keyboard arrangements.
The title, 20/20, is an obvious reference to the album being the 20th release by SAGA. Parallel to that, it is also meant as a good luck wish to keyboardist/vocalist Jim Gilmour, who had to undergo an eye operation during SAGA’s latest European tour. Oh, and, yes, his eyesight is, now, 20/20.
The album is packed ten brand new, brilliantly written and performed songs laden with SAGA’s distinctive sound. The three randomly picked Boomerocity favorites from those ten are:
Without a doubt Anywhere You Wanna Go is a tune that definitely captures the mind as one listens to it over and over again. I love, love, love this song! It may just be me but I think the song has a vibe to it not too unlike Robert Plant’s Heaven Knows. I’m sure that, when performed live, this will be a definite crowd pleaser.
Second on the list is the Queen-ish, Spin It Again. I can almost envision Freddie Mercury leaning over the rails of Heaven, wanting to come down one more time to sing along with Sadler on this one. Ian Crhichton’s guitar work is better than ever. I catch myself pulling the song back to his solo to listen to the brilliance of his playing. This is one phenomenal tune! If this song doesn’t get radio play then there’s not justice in this world.
Finally, the rockin’ Show and Tell, rounds out the randomly chosen Boomerocity top three. Tight harmonies, intricate guitar and keyboard work, this sound will blow crowds away when performed live.
So, SAGA fans, take my word for it when I say that you’ll not even need to listen to samples of this CD. You’ll definitely want this CD so just buy it.
Written by Randy Patterson
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