Artist: Marty Friedman
Title: Tokyo Jukebox
Type: Album
Label: Mascot Records

Famed for his part in some classic Megadeth albums, Marty Friedman released some stunning solo releases before that period in music, namely ‘Dragon’s Kiss’ and albums with another guitar great Jason Becker in a band named Cacophony. In fact, the song ‘E.S.P.’ is still one of my favourites. Fast forward to 2010, Marty has always had a passion for Japan and resides there most of the time. So why not be influenced by the countries music? I remember when he brought these guitar scales to the Megadeth sound in 1990, as a young guitar player, you always wanted to play the most exotic notes you could, Marty Friedman was and still is pretty much a musical master.

What makes this instrumental album different from the others I have heard in the past is the real drum sound and earthy production. It does not sound like, nor is for that matter, a one man show in the studio. The opening tune ‘Tsume Tsume Tsume’ blasts from my stereo, elevating my ears to a hybrid of thrash and speed metal with those wonderful riffs. The track itself is Marty’s interpretation of ‘Maximum the Hormones’ song, which are part of the current Japan-pop circuit. This is the main theme about this album it is all based on the J-pop scene and music, but metalized in only a way a good guitarist can. Still, there are no vocals unlike Marty’s last album ‘Future Addict’. Whilst there are many fast fretboard moments ‘Story’ is a sweet ballad with Marty taking the R&B out of the tune and slamming against a wall of guitar noise, the best thing you can do to R&B in my opinion anyway! Metal lovers will enjoy ‘Ashita He No Sanka’ a wonderful buzzing close to the album.

I really thought this would be another shred-fest of an album. This is much more than that, it’s almost a soundtrack to ones life, full of shredding, relaxing tunes, soulful arrangements then kicking you around the room again, the heavy metal surfaces. What a ride this album is, I really do hope you lot go out and buy this (you need to for the liner notes and story behind each tune anyway), a fantastic product of an interesting concept, kudos to the musician.

http://www.martyfriedman.com/
http://www.mascotrecords.com/index.php

Paul Maddison

MTUK HOME