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M.D.G.
Aside from the mundane CD title that is marginally better than using a roman numeral
number, or a Christmas-related title (?!?)), Matthew Guarnere has a lot going for
himself on this release. He composed, arranged and performed all the tracks herein
(minus some additional musicians on various songs, mentioned below), as well as
recorded, mixed and produced the darn thing! I won't mention that he also functions
as the art director and designer as well (but, those failings can be discussed
another time, of course) and he may have even done his own hair (lol).
First impressions: Good production, nice vocal lines and melodies, an even mix
(everything seems to be at just the right volume), tasteful guitar playing, strong
song composition. I must commend Matthew on a refined sense of melody and dynamics.
There is also a slight theatrical element present amidst some of the songs here, and
the drama fits well within the acoustic songs as well as the heavier, vocal-driven
pieces. I wouldn't, for the most part, consider this progressive or metal by any
stretch of the musical imagination, but as far as the importance of song arranging
and composition, Matthew is definitely showcasing himself as a wonderfully talented
musician.
I can say this, for sure: the vocal-driven point of origin Matthew is taking is not
far removed from Kings-X or the Beatles. I know people like (some even LOVE)
comparisons to established musicians to get a better idea of what we are listening
too, so this is what I'm hearing shades of: Queen, Saigon Kick, a little Kings-X,
the Beatles, perhaps even Night Ranger (after all, Guarnere has something of a Kelly
Keagy tone) or Nelson. If this makes your life a little easier, great... it didn't
make mine any easier, especially considering I had to type as well as think (no,
they are not mutually exclusive).
Rounding things up, I don't know whether this is an actual full-length CD or an EP.
Technically, here are 6 songs but... then there is track 7, which is actually a
fairly in-depth and lengthy interview with Matthew giving us some insights into the
man, his music and his influences. Good stuff. But I would've actually liked another
4-5 songs instead!
Song highlights: A
Little Chemistry, You Never Have to Grow Old,
Chemistry Experiment.
Rating: 7/10
Reviewer: Scott Mosher
Review Date: 07/27/02
Contact: Matthew D. Guarnere
Website:
www.whatsrealunlimited.com
Additional Information
M.D.G. is not only the first self-produced CD by Matthew D. Guarnere, but it is also
the first disc to be issued on the artist’s own label, What’s Real Unlimited records
(WRCD 1132). M.D.G. is an EP or "Extended Play" formatted disc featuring four
carefully crafted songs, two eclectic remixes and a bonus interview with Guarnere
written and conducted by former radio personality, Scott Van Dusen. It all adds up
to over 50 minutes of recorded material
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