Toronto singer-guitarist Betty Moon is “driven to making powerful age-defying rock”. She has been on the scene since the late 80s, starting in a band called Bambi, and then releasing her self-titled major label debut on A&M Records in 1991. She has won numerous awards and has a loyal following of headbangers up north.
A respected veteran in the classic hard rock scene, Betty Moon has been able to attract some big names to contribute to her fifth recording opus, “Rollin’ Revolution”. Guests include guitarist Yogi Lonich (Chris Cornell, Wallflowers, Buckcherry), Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins), Scott Warren (Heaven and Hell, Type-O Negative), and many more. The one thing that jumps out loud and clear on her latest is that Betty Moon is in her element, and genuinely loving each second of what she does.
Betty Moon is heavily influenced by 70s classic rock, but you’ll also hear some modern rock influences percolating to the surface on “Rollin’ Revolution”. Her voice is strong, with a darkened tone not too unlike Ann Wilson from Heart at times. She writes honest lyrics and attempts to match them up appropriately with the musical mood. While I love the attitude and buy into her sincerity, the main dilemma I face with “Rollin’ Revolution” is that the songs are not exceptionally memorable. However, first single, “My Stupid Dream” is terrific – I wish there were more tracks like this one. “My Stupid Dream” injects plenty of melody without compromising her rock edge. There is also a superb cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody To Love” that would make Grace Slick proud. The album’s beginning and end are fairly strong, but the middle is kind of like going through quicksand – full of murky alternative rock tracks that are either too gloomy or irritatingly monotonous. “Elegy” is an unexpected jazzy track that showcases another side of her talents, but on this record it sticks out like a sore thumb and will probably leave many rockers scratching their heads and going for the fast forward button.
“Rollin’ Revolution” is available online now and will be available in stores January 28th, 2011. She will also hold the album release party that day at the famed Whisky A-Go-Go in Hollywood. Recommended if you like 70s-era Heart, Led Zeppelin, or Puddle of Mudd.
iPOD-worthy: 2, 10
Betty Moon on MySpace. Official site.
Listen to “My Stupid Dream”
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