Michael Des Barres - Carnaby Street (CD) Genre: Pop/Rock Release Date: 9th July 2012 Share |

Label: Gonzo Catalogue Number: HST114CD Price: £9.99

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There is much excitement within the music press and fans alike around the world about the news of the return of glam rock icon Michael Des Barres and his forthcoming CD release Carnaby Street on Gonzo MultiMedia, UK.

Michael Des Barres has been entrenched in the rock ‘n’ roll scene for four decades now; a European noblema brought up in England, living in Los Angeles, but with an enduring love of delta blues and the rock and soul of the mid-60s beat boom, he was frontman for such seminal 1970s bands as Silverhead and Detective (featuring Tony Kaye of Yes). Jimmy Page personally signed Detective to Led Zeppelin's Swan Song records in 1975.

Michael Des Barres was also the singer with the touring and Live Aid version of The Power Station, a Duran Duran spin-off band that became one of the most iconic live acts of the mid-1980s. From 1982 to 1985, Michael was a member of Chequered Past, which included Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols. Clem Burke and Nigel Harrison from Blondie, and Tony Sales of Todd Rundgren ('Runt') and Tin Machine fame.

In 1985 Michael penned the song Obsession, which became a number one hit in 27 countries for LA new wave group Animotion; the track has been featured in numerous movies throughout the years.

Afterover 40 years of recording and performing, Michael has returned to his mid-sixties roots with Carnaby Street, his first new album in many years. Revisiting his youth in swinging London, Carnaby Street is an aural window into rock and roll's past through the eyes and mind of Michael Des Barres.

“The music I am making now is inspired by my past in the mid '60s / early '70s,” Michael explains. “As a kid I would go watch all the skinny white blues rock 'n' roll musicians in the clubs and it hit me like a hammer! I was so influenced by both the courage of these young white guys combined with the soulful rawness of the African American bluesmen, and the hybrid was so fascinating to me that it really stimulated my entire musical vocabulary. So when I got back into writing songs a couple years ago and compelled to play them, realizing that that's really the only thing I wanted to do was to write songs based on the authenticity of what I'd initially heard.”

This album may quote from the idioms laid down by Wilson Pickett, Zoot Money and The Rolling Stones, but it is no exercise in retro-stylings. This is very much a piece of the second decade of the 21st century. It may even be Michael Des Barres’s most important work to date. The opening line of the title track immediately sets the tone of the album.:“I was 19 in 1967, on the streets of London. I was in Heaven. I was Oscar Wilde in velvet jeans. Everything you've heard is everything I've seen.” He is adamant that this is not an homage to mid-sixties music, but a contemporary album by a contemporary band presenting songs about that particular time in his life: a time when as a teenager just entering manhood, the world as a whole was celebrating ‘The Summer of Love’.

“The name of album 'Carnaby Street', for me, is a metaphor for the swinging London '60s,” says Michael, “that whole youth cultural revolution that literally changed the world. So the name reflects my desire to go back to the roots, the joy and the love of the music when I first heard it.”

British born, the Marquis Michael Philip Des Barres, along with his excursions into rock stardom, is also a gifted actor and is best known for his reccurring role as Murdoc on the popular television show MacGyver. He has been featured in dozens of movies and television shows over the past 40 years (including Seinfeld, ALF, Frasier, Bones, Ellen, Nip/Tuck and Pink Cadillac with Clint Eastwood) and was also a featured actor in the '60s classic movie To Sir With Love, featuring Sidney Poitier.

Michael was formerly married to GTO's member Pamela des Barres, best known for her top-selling book I'm With The Band.

Recently, Michael Des Barres reunited with Silverhead for the first time in 38 years and performed to sold-out audiences in Japan in April 2012. The reaction from the Japanese audience was electric!

Michael is still very active acting and was featured in the US FOX television show The Finder on May 4th 2012. He is also featured in the movie California Solo, in which Michael plays the manager of Robert Carlyle's ex-rocker character, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on January 25th.

In support of Michael Des Barre's new album release, several live shows were scheduled. “The majority of the people that have come to see us play, and we've only played perhaps a dozen shows, has been 80 percent a young audience, early and mid-twenties, who consider us an indie band, ironically,” says Michael. “The music we are playing is below the waist rock 'n' roll, and I think that the audiences are kind of starved for a carnal, sensual, sexy blues music. There's nothing ironic about our music – there's nothing angry or apologetic about our music. We are there to make people happy and joyous and fall in love.”

In closing, Michael Des Barres has this to impart to his followers of the past four decades: “The message that I have to say to fans and friends, and I don't think of them as fans, I think of them as friends – and they are friends. We should all be friends, and really my belief in connection and engagement and letting people intoyour life...and I say it in the briefest possible way – LOVE EVERYONE NOW!”

For more information visit Michael Des Barres official website: www.desbarres.com

REVIEWS

“Michael Des Barres returns to his mid-1960’s roots with an incredible hard-driving rock ‘n’ roll band initiated by old school elation. (…) After listening to Carnaby Street, two things became certain …rock ‘n’ roll needs Michael Des Barres and we need more Michael Des Barres. The band is incredibly tight and Des Barres’ vocals are majestic. Des Barres embellishes the essence of a ‘British rocker’ by epitomizing Rod Stewart, Noddy Holder and Steve Marriott all in one voice. It’s an incredible musical journey back to the swinging rock ‘n’ roll days of London. Carnaby Street is a natural flow of raw rock energy reminiscent to the days when rock was king. The Brits are back and ready to rock!”

Ray Shasho, Examiner.com

For full interview go to:https://www.examiner.com/review/michael-des-barres-silverhead-rocker-tv-villain-murdoc-chats-with-examiner

Michael Des Barres Band: Carnaby Street

Michael Des Barres is a name that I'm sure most of you didn't think you'd be hearing about here in 2012, especially connected to anything musical. The British singer had his time in the limelight back in the '70s with glam rock pioneers Silverheard and hard rockers Detective, but after a brief stint fronting Power Station in the mid-'80s, we've seen very little of Des Barres other than the occasional acting stint on television or film. Well. he's back, and back with a vengeance, revisiting his '60s and '70s roots with a hot new band and CD titled Carnaby Street.

Joining Des Barres here on Carnaby Street are Paul ILL (bass, backing vocals), Eric Schermerhorn (guitars), Jebin Bruni (keyboards), and David Goodstein (drums, backing vocals). Together they form a tight unit, delivering rock solid, catchy songs that recall vintage Humble Pie, The Faces, Free, and The Rolling Stones, with Des Barres in fine form, sounding like a cross between Rod Stewart and Steve Marriott here. Obviously his voice has held up well over the years seeing as he's been relatively inactive for quite some time. Plenty of bluesy rockers to be found on the album, complete with tasty guitar licks, swirling organ, catchy rhythms, and powerful vocals. Some of the highlights include the funky "Sugar", the hard rocking "You're My Pain Killer" and "Carnaby Street", the R&B meets blues-rock of "Route 69", the sultry blues of "Please Stay" (featuring some great guitar and organ), and the supercharged hard rock of "Little Latin Lover". However, one of the best songs here is the rousing "Hot and Sticky", a tune that will take you back to the early '70s when Stewart and The Faces, and Marriott and Humble Pie were blazing around the world wowing audiences with their brand of soulful, bluesy hard rock. It's really amazing to see just how much swagger Des Barres still has, and he really brings it throughout this red hot album.

I always thought that Detective were one of the most underrated bands of the '70s, and still to this day I have a hard time trying to figure out how that band didn't become huge, considering they were on the same label and Led Zeppelin and Bad Company, and musicially were not far removed from those two behemoths. Michael Des Barres was a big part of what made that band so great, and he shows he still has the vocal chops here on Carnaby Street, and a great new group to boot. He's not reinventing the wheel, but he's put together a great homage to some vintage sounds that should please any classic rock fan out there.

Pete Pardo (Sea Of Tranquility)

Michael Des Barres has seen a lot of rock ‘n’ roll highway pass by. But he’s still itching to explore new sideroads.

A veteran of bands that included Tony Kaye of Yes, Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Nigel Harrison of Blondie and Tony Sales of Todd Rundgren and Tin Machine fame, Des Barres’s narrative goes back some four decades. Ever adaptive, he later fronted the touring edition of the Power Station, a Duran Duran/Chic spinoff from the mid-1980s, and even penned a No. 1 new wave hit for Animotion, called “Obsession.”

Yet Carnaby Street — due July 10, 2012, from Gonzo MultiMedia — is not hampered by any longing looks back. Instead, he’s returned fit, forceful and full of piss and vinegar amid bright blasts of gruff, old-school white blues.

Of course, the B3-soaked, first-take, race-record-inflected sounds on Carnaby Street are, in some ways, as “new” sounding as they can be in these days of pre-fab auto-tunery. But it wouldn’t be enough if Des Barres wasn’t smartly building upon those roots, and keeping his gaze steadily fixed on the future. While others of his vintage have turned to the gauzy safety of lounge music, Des Barres has a steel-toed boot absolutely flooring it. Carnaby Street serves up smart, below-the-waist groovers where there’s no irony, no winking — and no apologizing.

Tough, gravel-rough and honest, this is. And a template for growing old without growing soft, too.

Nick Deriso (Something Else)

Tracks:

Click above to watch video

 

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 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: Israeli review

THE MICHAEL DES BARRES BAND - Carnaby Street Gonzo 2012

The rocking nobleman revisits the place of the best threads in town to stitch a new gown for wearin' 'n' tearin'. There are several sorts of aristocrats on the scene: there are new knights like Paul McCartney and faux peers such as Lord Sutch, and then there's Michael Des Barres, a genuine marquis. With glam outfit SILVERHEAD in the early '70s and more intelligent DETECTIVE later in the decade, and the front position with POWER STATION when they played Live Aid, one might not see the wild man behind Des Barres' debonair facade, yet on stage, Michael has always been a fount of untamed energy. Those who heard him belt out "Good Rockin’ Tonight" have surely missed the singer since he changed the mike stand for acting career. But finally the "MacGyver" assassin is back with a vengeance - still rockin' good. The vim is still there, so when this ten-tracker fizzles out with the booty-shaking "My Baby Saved My Ass" one feels like having drunk from that fount, and if there's a sign of the lord's 64 years Des Barres blurs the time with the slow-burning opener "You're My Pain Killer": the shimmering soulful blues with a pulled punch in the groove that grows its weight on the organ slide and finds resolution later on in the streamlined "From Cloud 9 To Heartache". Tripping down the memory lane, to "Granny Takes A Trip" and beyond, in the Mod mode yet with sharp modern edge, Michael delivers catchy "Hot And Sticky" and "Forgive Me" that Steve Marriott would have been proud of, and then comes, his voice richer in tone than ever before, with the title piece. "I was 19 in 1967, on the streets of London, I was in Heaven... Everything you've heard is everything I see", goes "Carnaby Street": here's swinging London, its myth clad in a kaftan embroidered with guitar-and-bass rocking patterns and infectious "ooh-ooh's", before the boogie of "Route 69" spins the globe forward and gospel-infused ballad "Please Stay" picks up where the evergreen "Stay With Me Baby" left off. Class oozing out of every sonic pore, it's a high-spirited record. The marquis may have lost his locks but not his grit. Great to have his Lordship back on-stage. *****

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: Media response to Carnaby Street

Media response to Carnaby Street

“Glorious, pedal-to-the-metal riff-rocking, played with swagger and panache”
- Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Very cool guy, very cool record (…) Better than ever, in a lot of ways”
- Steven Van Zandt, Little Steven’s Underground Garage

“An incredible musical journey back to the swinging rock ‘n’ roll days of London”
- Ray Shasho, The Examiner

“Fresh and strong. The production is as clear as water and full of energy”
- grande-rock.com

“Carnaby Street is no exercise in nostalgia.
Des Barres and his band sing and play like they mean it.”
- Bill Kopp, Musoscribe

“Still the coolest guy on any street he walks down,
even with a blazing band chasing him every step of the way”
- Tony Conley, Rock Guitar Daily

“A solid album of rocking songs”
- Jeb Wright, classicrockrevisited.com

“Bursting with natural flavors only vintage 70s rock chromosomes can muster”
- Daniel Pavlica, The Rocktologist

“The sound of a band having an absolute blast”
- uberrock.co.uk

“A masterclass in Classic Rock, the way it used to be!”
- James Gaden, Fireworks Magazine

“He’s returned fit, forceful and full of piss and vinegar
amid bright blasts of gruff, old-school white blues”
- Nick DeRiso, somethingelsereviews.com

“It’s really amazing to see just how much swagger Des Barres still has,
and he really brings it throughout this red hot album”
- Pete Pardo, seaoftranquility.org

“Class oozing out of every sonic pore, it’s a high-spirited record.”
- Dmitry M. Epstein, dmme.net

“A fantastic album, full of rhythm, groove and sensuality”
- Pedro Carvalho, Via Nocturna

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: Belgian review

We know him mainly for his roles as villain in lots of movies or TV ( Murdoc in the series MacGyver in particular), and it will also be showing an episode ofNCIS soon, but Michael Des Barres is not a novice in the music community. He has released several albums with Silverhead , Detective and Chequered Past in the early '80s. When Robert Palmer left Power Station in 1985, Des Barres, who is replaced for the remainder of the tour, including the Live Aid in Philadelphia.

With "Carnaby Street" , the actor / singer returns with an album very rock'n'roll, but also full of blues influences, as the aperture range "Painkiller" . Then the tempo picks up with "Carnaby Street" or "Forgive Me" , and it takes a real pleasure to listen to that gravelly voice and the guitars sharp. "Route 69" is one of my favorite songs, the chorus hook and the entire song makes exercise. Then, "Please Stay" is in the best tradition of the blues with finesse and sensitivity. Back to bloody well rock with"Little Latin Lover" , and we can not help doing a little comparison with Rod Stewart voice side. Finally, a true blues / rock with "My Baby Saved My Ass" who do not lack humor. "Carnaby Street" is a very successful album, and Des Barres has nothing to envy to other sizes of its kind, therefore strongly recommended.

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: UK review

The Michael Des Barres Band - 'Carnaby Street' (Gonzo Multimedia)

CD Reviews

Written by Johnny H

Saturday, 04 August 2012 04:00

It's 26 long years since Lord Michael Philip Des Barres last released an album, and if you read my recent ravings right here on Uber Rock about his last but one studio album prior to this all new ten track release (his one and only release with the supergroup Chequered Past back in 1984) you'll have probably guessed that I've been like a dog on heat waiting for this baby to finally drop on URHQ door mat (in fact if you stare long enough you can probably still see my drag marks on said mat). In saying this though having also reacquainted myself with Michael's two previous solo albums via a recent bargain bin bonanza LP find at Sister Ray one rainy Saturday afternoon, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive regarding what direction 'Carnaby Street' might actually end up taking. I was never expecting an album as heavy as the aforementioned Chequered Past opus or one perhaps as raucous as anything Silverhead committed to vinyl, and never in a million years (see what I did there Des Barres fans) was I expecting a record as over budget as anything Detective ever produced, but what I was hoping for was perhaps a little bit of all of the above flavoured with what Michael is all about in 2012. So what did I get and where do I start? Well in typical H Bombz style let's rip up the rule book and start at the end of this record because that is where any fan of Michael's more rocking work will find 'My Baby Saved My Ass' a true bombastic bastard of a track that struts out of your speakers like the Rolling Stones in their prime, all cock and balls and ready to explode in your face. So why start at the end? Well in doing this you get the track you're waiting for out of your system up front and this makes what comes next (the real first track of the album) all the more pleasing, because honestly if you are a rocker just like me what I did when I first heard 'You're My Pain Killer' was double check the CD to make sure I hadn't put on a "Des Barres sings the blues" album by mistake, such is the dramatic shift in both Michael's voice and musical direction with this lead track that I was simply left stunned. But that's also what I love about Michael Des Barres as a singer, it's his ability to do pop, glam, hard rock, and here on 'Carnaby Street' blues and soul and still retain his unique identity as a recording artist. Okay the voice of old may be a few octaves lower, but the banshee wail of old now has a whiskey soaked edge to it that only age and maturity can bring. Just take one listen to the up vibe of the double time blue collar soul romps 'From Cloud 9 To Heartache' and 'Forgive Me' and tell me this isn't the sound of a band having an absolute blast (Michael is joined by regular band mates Paul ILL bass, Jebin Bruni keyboards, David Goodstein drums and Eric Schermerhorn for this record - and hence the "band" name). This is music to crack open a few cold ones to and simply howl at the moon to. Honestly Vintage Trouble should seriously watch their backs, as the old guard are most definitely not going to give up their rock n soul throne without at least a struggle. Elsewhere the feelgood spirit of 'Carnaby Street' takes a funky turn with 'Sugar', whilst 'Route 69' lyrically at least leans heavily on the excesses of the Des Barres early years and yeah that really is the sound of Michael and band crossing The Faces with Detective and loving every minute of it. As expected with an album of this musical calling there has to be a ballad, and just after the halfway mark we get the gentle refrain of 'Please Stay', and all I'll say about this tune is its simply the type of organic song/sound you get when you record and mix and album in 10 days with the only studio help coming from a few judiciously placed microphones, and you know what.... that's exactly how I like my music all rough around the edges. Of the tracks left on the album all three are the type of rock n rollers Michael Des Barres was writing long before many of us were even born, 'Little Latin Lover' is perhaps my favourite of the trio but that's not to say 'Hot & Sticky' or the album's title cut are any the lesser in the quality department. It's just that at 2 minutes and 34 seconds in length 'Little Latin Lover' is just about as perfect a tune as you'll fine anywhere in the Überverse (c/o Mark Ashby) right now. Look if Michael Des Barres wrote for Uber Rock and wrote reviews at the same pace it takes him to record music I guess he'd be out of a job right now. Thankfully he doesn't write reviews he just writes great rock 'n' roll music and for that he take as long as he bloody well likes to do it, just don't leave it another 26 years eh fella as you'd be 90 at that point and I don't think even ole bone crusher Jagger will be doing it then. Oh and before I do go if you are interested in purchasing this album don't do like I did and rush out and buy the first version of 'Carnaby Street' you see, instead click the Des Barres website link below and order the CD/DVD package (which is a bloody bargain at just £9.99) because the DVD contains a wealth of Des Barres goodies and is now something I'm going to have to shell out for all over again.... Doh!!!! https://www.desbarres.com/

 Review: LINK: I think this German Reviewer likes Michael Des Barres

https://www.stormbringer.at/reviews.php?id=8305

If you feel like snotty rock and roll the old school? Who goes to the Rolling Stones from really, loves the SMALL FACES and omits no Quireboys presence within 500 kilometers? all the feeling now be addressed, have for a treat with "Carnaby Street" by MICHAEL THE BARRES warhorse. The man leaves since the 60's footsteps into the entertainment industry, be it in the Seventies as frontman of the band SILVER HEAD and DETECTIVE, on television as MacGyver's nemesis Murdoc, or an ex-husband of the mother of all groupies - notorious Pamela Des Barres (author of Revelation booklet "In bed with rock gods"), to name a few of his stops on a bustling life. Despite prolonged hiatus Des Barres seems to stand still in full creative juices. "You're My Pain Killer" (R'n'R Topic Number 1: ... women!), "Carnaby Street" (formerly, in the Swinging Sixties, when life was really cool) or the suggestively titled "Route 69 "Telling stories of the tracks in the life of a man behind, as the deep folds in Keith Richard's face. The songwriting sits as good as the long frayed jeans on emaciated body-old rocker, the buzzing sound nice dynamic and naturally out of the speakers. A dignified authentic age-structure, to its live implementation could certainly find fallen.

Read on...

 Review: LINK: German review of Michael Des Barres

https://www.stormbringer.at/reviews.php?id=8305

Despite prolonged hiatus Des Barres seems to stand still in full creative juices. "You're My Pain Killer" (R'n'R Topic Number 1: ... women!), "Carnaby Street" (formerly, in the Swinging Sixties, when life was really cool) or the suggestively titled "Route 69 "Telling stories of the tracks in the life of a man behind, as the deep folds in Keith Richard's face. The songwriting sits as good as the long frayed jeans on emaciated body-old rocker, the buzzing sound nice dynamic and naturally out of the speakers. A dignified authentic age-structure, to its live implementation could certainly find fallen.

 Review: LINK: A Great review of Michael Des Barres

I don't think I have posted this great Michael Des Barres review before, but it bears repeating if I have...

The Michael Des Barres Band - 'Carnaby Street' (Gonzo Multimedia)

CD Reviews

Written by Johnny H

Saturday, 04 August 2012 04:00

It's 26 long years since Lord Michael Philip Des Barres last released an album, and if you read my recent ravings right here on Uber Rock about his last but one studio album prior to this all new ten track release (his one and only release with the supergroup Chequered Past back in 1984) you'll have probably guessed that I've been like a dog on heat waiting for this baby to finally drop on URHQ door mat (in fact if you stare long enoiugh you can probably still see my drag marks on said mat). In saying this though having also reacquainted myself with Michael's two previous solo albums via a recent bargain bin bonanza LP find at Sister Ray one rainy Saturday afternoon, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive regarding what direction 'Carnaby Street' might actually end up taking.  I was never expecting an album as heavy as the aforementioned Chequered Past opus or one perhaps as raucous as anything Silverhead committed to vinyl, and never in a million years (see what I did there Des Barres fans) was I expecting a record as over budget as anything Detective ever produced, but what I was hoping for was perhaps a little bit of all of the above flavoured with what Michael is all about in 2012.  So what did I get and where do I start? Well in typical H Bombz style let's rip up the rule book and start at the end of this record because that is where any fan of Michael's more rocking work will find 'My Baby Saved My Ass' a true bombastic bastard of a track that struts out of your speakers like the Rolling Stones in their prime, all cock and balls and ready to explode in your face.   So why start at the end?  Well in doing this you get the track you're waiting for out of your system up front and this makes what comes next (the real first track of the album) all the more pleasing, because honestly if you are a rocker just like me what I did when I first heard 'You're My Pain Killer' was double check the CD to make sure I hadn't put on a "Des Barres sings the blues" album by mistake, such is the dramatic shift in both Michael's voice and musical direction with this lead track that I was simply left stunned.  But that's also what I love about Michael Des Barres as a singer, it's his ability to do pop, glam, hard rock, and here on 'Carnaby Street' blues and soul and still retain his unique identity as a recording artist. Okay the voice of old may be a few octaves lower, but the banshee wail of old now has a whiskey soaked edge to it that only age and maturity can bring.  Just take one listen to the up vibe of the double time blue collar soul romps 'From Cloud 9 To Heartache' and 'Forgive Me' and tell me this isn't the sound of a band having an absolute blast (Michael is joined by regular band mates Paul ILL bass, Jebin Bruni keyboards, David Goodstein drums and Eric Schermerhorn for this record - and hence the "band" name).  This is music to crack open a few cold ones to and simply howl at the moon to.  Honestly Vintage Trouble should seriously watch their backs, as the old guard are most definitely not going to give up their rock n soul throne without at least a struggle. Elsewhere the feelgood spirit of 'Carnaby Street' takes a funky turn with 'Sugar', whilst 'Route 69' lyrically at least leans heavily on the excesses of the Des Barres early years and yeah that really is the sound of Michael and band crossing The Faces with Detective and loving every minute of it.  As expected with an album of this musical calling there has to be a ballad, and just after the halfway mark we get the gentle refrain of 'Please Stay', and all I'll say about this tune is its simply the type of organic song/sound you get when you record and mix and album in 10 days with the only studio help coming from a few judiciously placed microphones, and you know what.... that's exactly how I like my music all rough around the edges. Of the tracks left on the album all three are the type of rock n rollers Michael Des Barres was writing long before many of us were even born, 'Little Latin Lover' is perhaps my favourite of the trio but that's not to say 'Hot & Sticky' or the album's title cut are any the lesser in the quality department.  It's just that at 2 minutes and 34 seconds in length 'Little Latin Lover' is just about as perfect a tune as you'll fine anywhere in the Überverse (c/o Mark Ashby) right now. Look if Michael Des Barres wrote for Uber Rock and wrote reviews at the same pace it takes him to record music I guess he'd be out of a job right now. Thankfully he doesn't write reviews he just writes great rock 'n' roll music and for that he take as long as he bloody well likes to do it, just don't leave it another 26 years eh fella as you'd be 90 at that point and I don't think even ole bone crusher Jagger will be doing it then. Oh and before I do go if you are interested in purchasing this album don't do like I did and rush out and buy the first version of 'Carnaby Street' you see, instead click the Des Barres website link below and order the CD/DVD package (which is a bloody bargain at just £9.99) because the DVD contains a wealth of Des Barres goodies and is now something I'm going to have to shell out for all over again.... Doh!!!! https://www.desbarres.com/

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES REVIEW

https://www.69facesofrock.com/michael_des_barres_carnaby_cd.html

The Michael Des Barres Band - Carnaby Street (Gonzo Multimedia) ****1/2

Michael Des Barres is a legendary performer. Not only is known in the musical field, but he's also an accomplished actor, appearing in many productions. In the 70s', he was leading Silverhead and then Detective, with whom he released a couple of records. And he was also know for being married to Pamela Des Barres, and if you don't know who that is, then perhaps rock 'n' roll is not your thing. Never the less, it's been over two decades since there was a musical release from Des Barres, and this one just rocks, it rocks hard!

With so much more life experience behind this belt, Des Barres, really means what he says. He looks like he's been to hell and back, and is not afraid to sing about it. The album's theme is a bluesy rock with a very gutsy delivery. His voice, has that penetrating effect. Many of the songs stylistically bring back the feel The Faces had back in the 70s. And that's the feel everyone's been after for years.

Des Barres has some great players with him. This band rocks, and really allows him to shine brightly. Des Barres sings with a lot of soul and charisma. His performance is brilliant! There is a great feel all over the place. "Carnaby Street" is a real surprise, coming from a true rock 'n' roll survivor.

Mark Kadzielawa

If you have not done so already, check out Michael's Gonzo Artist Page

 Review: LINK: Michael Des Barres review

The Michael Des Barre Band

Carnaby Street

Review by G. W. Hill
Michael Des Barre has always been a pop rocker in classic style. This new disc from him shows that to still be true. While there is nothing here that’s going to create some new sound or trend, this is an extremely entertaining album from an artist with plenty of experience entertaining.

Track by Track Review

You're My Pain Killer Here we have a killer, fairly slow, bluesy number that just plain rocks.

Carnaby Street More of a straight forward classic rock jam, this is a lot of fun. It’s got energy and a catchy vocal line. It’s another strong tune on a disc that’s full of them.

Forgive Me More of a bouncy rock and roll number, somehow this reminds me a lot of the Rolling Stones.

Sugar There’s almost a Bo Diddley vibe to the chugging rhythmic structure here. It’s got more of a vibe and a smoking hot guitar solo.

Route 69 While this is definitely a different tune than anything else here, it’s in the same classic pop rock sound. It’s got a lot of energy and is a lot of fun.

Please Stay This time around we get a slow, gospel like number with a lot of great musical flavors built into the track. There is some smoking hot blues guitar in this piece and some seriously powerful vocals.

Little Latin Lover This short little rocker almost has a little bit of punk rock in it. It’s a cool tune that both continues and extends the concepts of the disc.

Hot and Sticky The Rolling Stones is definitely a valid reference on this smoking hot, bluesy rocker that’s very cool.

From Cloud 9 to Heartache The vocals on this make me think of Rod Stewart. This is another killer rocker with classic traditions.

My Baby Saved My A** Combining the Stones with Rod Stewart in a killer jam, this is a great way to end the set in style. If you have not done so already, check out Michael's Gonzo Artist Page

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES DESCRIBES THIS REVIEW AS "THE SMARTEST YET"

MICHAEL DES BARRES BAND “Carnaby Street” (Gonzo Multimedia)

Chances are you may not have heard of Michael Des Barres,but you are probably familiar with him, nonetheless. British born Des Barres started out as an actor. That’s him in sunglasses, bobbing his head as Lulu sings “To Sir With Love” in that iconic 1967 movie.

In the early 70s Des Barres formed Silverhead, the seminal, albeit under-appreciated, glam band. When that broke up he started Detective, one of the first bands signed to Swansong, Led Zeppelin’s boutique label.
By the early 80s, he was lead singer for Chequered Past with ex-Sex Pistol Steve Jones and former Blondie members Nigel Harrison and Clem Burke. Des Barres also co-wrote the ubiquitous song, “Obsession” for the band Animotion.

In 1985 when Robert Palmer refused to tour with his band Power Station, (which included Duran Duran’s John Taylor & Andy Taylor and Chic drummer Tony Thompson) they recruited Des Barres for a world
tour that culminated in a performance at Live Aid. Throughout the years Des Barres continued working as a
respected character actor appearing in a myriad of movies and television shows, including the notorious “Smelly Car” episode on “Seinfeld.”

If that doesn’t seem impressive enough, don’t forget that Des Barres was married to the infamous Miss Pamela, doyenne of the Los Angeles rock scene and author of “I’m With The Band.” Although the couple divorced in 1991, there is an affection and respect between them that remains evident when they are interviewed in the Rodney Bingenheimer documentary, “The Mayor Of The Sunset Strip.” In between the acting gigs and the Super Groups, Des Barres also managed to record two solo efforts in 1980 and 1986. He has finally released his third, Carnaby Street.

This is the album Rod Stewart might have made had he stayed with the Faces, rather than detouring into Disco and then trapping himself in the AARP landscape of Pop Standards. Des Barres vocals sandwich
comfortably between Stewart’s whiskey-soaked rasp and Joe Cocker’s authoritative growl. The record opens with the grinding blues of “You’re My Pain Killer.” The instrumentation is a down & dirty combination
of roiling Hammond organ and prickly guitar licks. The lyrics are a testament to the healing powers of love.
Des Barres is content to play the sophisticated satyr on three songs: “Hot And Sticky” is as salacious as it sounds. “Sugar” is powered by a relax-fit Bo Diddley beat and wah-wah guitar fills that wash over the melody. “Forgive Me” weds whipcrack percussion and blistering guitars. Des Barres’ mien is the typical male mea culpa: sure, I was inside a lot of other women, but I was thinking of you the WHOLE time!

The best tracks here are the title track and “Little Latin Lover.” On Carnaby Street Des Barres vividly recalls the halcyon days that gave birth to British Rock & Roll…. “I was Oscar Wilde in velvet jeans, and everything you’ve heard is everything I’ve Seen.” Guitar riffs uncoil like a menacing python, the tune locks into a swaggering groove, tambourines shimmer and cascade as backing vocals “whoo-hoo” on cue. Des Barres name checks pals like the Stones The Kinks and The Who.

It’s a riotous ride.

“Little Latin Lover” makes the political personal. Punky guitars and an insistent tom-tom beat anchor the rollicking melody. The lyrics couch the plight of Immigration and Naturalization in a love story: “She’s got the right to fall in love, the right to be free/ She’s not an immigrant, she’s a refugee.” As someone who emigrated to this country almost 40 years ago, Des Barres clearly empathizes…. “A family waits, contemplates its fate/How to stay united in the United States.”

Stax Volt and New Wave collide on “From Cloud 9 To Heartache.” Other highlights include the Otis Redding homage of “Please Stay,” and the ramshackle travelogue of “Route 69.” On the latter, hapless
lovers Larry and Suzie plot a course “from Kansas City to Sunset & Vine.” The album closes with the rip-roaring “My Baby Saved My Ass.” Recalling his decadent Glitter years, the song is a mixture of debauched braggadocio and tender hosannas for the woman who saved his soul.

This album is very much a group effort. Des Barres has surrounded himself with a cadre of adroit players: Bassist Paul ILL, Eric Schermerhorn on guitars, Keyboardist Jebin Bruni and drummer David Goodstein.
On Carnaby Street Michael Des Barres embraces his hedonist history without wallowing in nostalgia. And he does it with aplomb.

PRETTY COOL HUH!!! VIVE LE ROCK AND YOU!!

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES REVIEW

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: Israeli review

https://dmme.net/reviews/reviews51.html#desbar

THE MICHAEL DES BARRES BAND - Carnaby Street Gonzo 2012

The rocking nobleman revisits the place of the best threads in town to stitch a new gown for wearin' 'n' tearin'. There are several sorts of aristocrats on the scene: there are new knights like Paul McCartney and faux peers such as Lord Sutch, and then there's Michael Des Barres, a genuine marquis. With glam outfit SILVERHEAD in the early '70s and more intelligent DETECTIVE later in the decade, and the front position with POWER STATION when they played Live Aid, one might not see the wild man behind Des Barres' debonair facade, yet on stage, Michael has always been a fount of untamed energy. Those who heard him belt out "Good Rockin’ Tonight" have surely missed the singer since he changed the mike stand for acting career. But finally the "MacGyver" assassin is back with a vengeance - still rockin' good. The vim is still there, so when this ten-tracker fizzles out with the booty-shaking "My Baby Saved My Ass" one feels like having drunk from that fount, and if there's a sign of the lord's 64 years Des Barres blurs the time with the slow-burning opener "You're My Pain Killer": the shimmering soulful blues with a pulled punch in the groove that grows its weight on the organ slide and finds resolution later on in the streamlined "From Cloud 9 To Heartache". Tripping down the memory lane, to "Granny Takes A Trip" and beyond, in the Mod mode yet with sharp modern edge, Michael delivers catchy "Hot And Sticky" and "Forgive Me" that Steve Marriott would have been proud of, and then comes, his voice richer in tone than ever before, with the title piece. "I was 19 in 1967, on the streets of London, I was in Heaven... Everything you've heard is everything I see", goes "Carnaby Street": here's swinging London, its myth clad in a kaftan embroidered with guitar-and-bass rocking patterns and infectious "ooh-ooh's", before the boogie of "Route 69" spins the globe forward and gospel-infused ballad "Please Stay" picks up where the evergreen "Stay With Me Baby" left off. Class oozing out of every sonic pore, it's a high-spirited record. The marquis may have lost his locks but not his grit. Great to have his Lordship back on-stage. *****

If you have not done so already, check out Michael's Gonzo Artist Page

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: German review

Running time: 35:44treet

Format: CD

Label: Gonzo Multimedia, 2012

Genre: Rock

Review on 20.08.2012 Markus Kerren

When you think of the rock and roll world of the seventies and the name Des Barres thinks is a possible first the first name Pamela 's mind. However, you do so her husband Michael 's a bit wrong, even confess though the reviewer must, so far (at least consciously) any songs from Des Barres to have known. Since the late sixties a native of England is also already in the business after all. Musically, it was in recent years, in which he focused primarily on his acting career, become fairly quiet, but with his new album "Carnaby Street" logs of living for decades in sunny Los Angeles musician back with a bang. And with what kind of!

Michael Des Barres was prior to this disc deliberately returned to his roots. Go back to the blues and especially back to rock in its purest form. So what you can expect in no case of this plate, innovation of any kind and yet is what is offered on the these ten tracks to such an extent that "Carnaby Street" provided me with a very bold graphics TIP is.

Offered seventies rock is with a lot of ass in the pants. These very strong as varied song material provided by a singer who has certainly been through a lot and seen what you his address - the vocals come as powerful as loose-easy, accurate with each emphasis and placed between the lines of screaming on the point - to twitch and his rough voice and without batting decreases. Besides, he also has a very high quality companion at his side, which refines each of these compositions with just the right feel.

The album starts with a bluesy swampigen Groover ("You're My Pain Killer"), while the rapidly be ever a distinct fragrance brand. Superb comes here including the organ and electric piano playing of Jebin Bruni , the number - equip with a dense atmosphere unlikely - in addition to singing. The rock hammer is unpacked in the subsequent title song, which then really going to post. After the previously more bluesy soulful singing shows Des Barres here that it can also be a real Frontsau and his voice convinced its full length. Towards the end, the front man screams even in ecstasy, which is very engaging. Who is not excited mitwippt may, in good conscience can press the 'seemingly dead-stamp' on the forehead.

But Michael Des Barres makes quite simply in line with a good figure. The tearjerker of the disc, which again very bluesy, soulful marketed as "Please Stay" is as gripping as it also really poignant. Ultimately, one of these 'Please-forsake-me-not-ballads', but which is taken so so hot that it has led me to never-ending goose skins and still leads. Once more outstanding is the organ of Jebin Bruni . An awesome song replaces the next, and because I do not want to digress too far, I would like to mention just "Route 69", which would probably bring every single rock hut of the globe to a boil.

"Carnaby Street" for me next to Patti Smith's new work Banga been the rock album of 2012! Rock music of the old school, which is brought from a boiling hot band and a front man who seems to have no blood flow, but pure rock and roll in his veins. If you like handmade rock music in the style of the seventies, which can strike without hesitation here and will have a lot of fun with this disc. Who wants first listen anyway, which were as Anspieltipps "Carnaby Street", "Please Stay", "Route 69" and "You're My Pain Killer" highly enough to heart!

Really big tip for those who like their rock with no down-tuned guitars and with a powerful singer!

Line-up:

Michael Des Barres (lead & background vocals, guitars, percussion),

Paul Ill (bass, background vocals),

Eric Schermerhorn (guitars, slide guitars)

Jebin Bruni (keyboards),

David Goodstein (drums & percussion, background vocals)

Tracklist

01: You're My Painkiller

02: Carnaby Street

03: Forgive Me

04: Sugar

05: Route 69

06: Please Stay

07: Little Latin Lover

08: Hot And Sticky

09: From Cloud 9 To Heartache

10: My Baby Saved My Ass

If you have not done so already, check out Michael's Gonzo Artist Page

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: Review

PUBLISHED: AUGUST 18. 2012 12:01AM

Rock returns with the Michael Des Barres Band's 'Carnaby Street'

Michael Des Barres Band, "Carnaby Street" ***1/2

Michael Des Barres describes his new album as "authentic rock 'n' roll, based in American blues, R&B ... three-chord, unabashed rocking music." That pretty much nails it.

The real treat here is how well the British musician and actor and his four-man band grasp those rock 'n' roll basics, stirring echoes of the Stones and the Faces (with the rasp in his voice, the 64-year-old Des Barres sometimes brings to mind Rod Stewart). "You're My Pain Killer" begins the album on a slow burn, and "Please Stay" is a pleading, gospel-inflected ballad that sounds like a lost Stax classic. Mostly, though, "Carnaby Street" is glorious, pedal-to-the-metal riff-rocking, played with swagger and panache and -- beginning with Des Barres himself and his thoroughly unpretentious, hook-heavy songs -- plenty of heart.

-- Nick Cristiano,

 

If you have not done so already, check out Michael's Gonzo Artist Page

 

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: UK review

The Michael Des Barres Band - 'Carnaby Street' (Gonzo Multimedia)

CD Reviews

Written by Johnny H

Saturday, 04 August 2012 04:00

It's 26 long years since Lord Michael Philip Des Barres last released an album, and if you read my recent ravings right here on Uber Rock about his last but one studio album prior to this all new ten track release (his one and only release with the supergroup Chequered Past back in 1984) you'll have probably guessed that I've been like a dog on heat waiting for this baby to finally drop on URHQ door mat (in fact if you stare long enoiugh you can probably still see my drag marks on said mat).   In saying this though having also reacquainted myself with Michael's two previous solo albums via a recent bargain bin bonanza LP find at Sister Ray one rainy Saturday afternoon, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive regarding what direction 'Carnaby Street' might actually end up taking. I was never expecting an album as heavy as the aforementioned Chequered Past opus or one perhaps as raucous as anything Silverhead committed to vinyl, and never in a million years (see what I did there Des Barres fans) was I expecting a record as over budget as anything Detective ever produced, but what I was hoping for was perhaps a little bit of all of the above flavoured with what Michael is all about in 2012. So what did I get and where do I start?   Well in typical H Bombz style let's rip up the rule book and start at the end of this record because that is where any fan of Michael's more rocking work will find 'My Baby Saved My Ass' a true bombastic bastard of a track that struts out of your speakers like the Rolling Stones in their prime, all cock and balls and ready to explode in your face. So why start at the end? Well in doing this you get the track you're waiting for out of your system up front and this makes what comes next (the real first track of the album) all the more pleasing, because honestly if you are a rocker just like me what I did when I first heard 'You're My Pain Killer' was double check the CD to make sure I hadn't put on a "Des Barres sings the blues" album by mistake, such is the dramatic shift in both Michael's voice and musical direction with this lead track that I was simply left stunned.   But that's also what I love about Michael Des Barres as a singer, it's his ability to do pop, glam, hard rock, and here on 'Carnaby Street' blues and soul and still retain his unique identity as a recording artist. Okay the voice of old may be a few octaves lower, but the banshee wail of old now has a whiskey soaked edge to it that only age and maturity can bring. Just take one listen to the up vibe of the double time blue collar soul romps 'From Cloud 9 To Heartache' and 'Forgive Me' and tell me this isn't the sound of a band having an absolute blast (Michael is joined by regular band mates Paul ILL bass, Jebin Bruni keyboards, David Goodstein drums and Eric Schermerhorn for this record - and hence the "band" name). This is music to crack open a few cold ones to and simply howl at the moon to. Honestly Vintage Trouble should seriously watch their backs, as the old guard are most definitely not going to give up their rock n soul throne without at least a struggle.   Elsewhere the feelgood spirit of 'Carnaby Street' takes a funky turn with 'Sugar', whilst 'Route 69' lyrically at least leans heavily on the excesses of the Des Barres early years and yeah that really is the sound of Michael and band crossing The Faces with Detective and loving every minute of it.   As expected with an album of this musical calling there has to be a ballad, and just after the halfway mark we get the gentle refrain of 'Please Stay', and all I'll say about this tune is its simply the type of organic song/sound you get when you record and mix and album in 10 days with the only studio help coming from a few judiciously placed microphones, and you know what.... that's exactly how I like my music all rough around the edges.   Of the tracks left on the album all three are the type of rock n rollers Michael Des Barres was writing long before many of us were even born, 'Little Latin Lover' is perhaps my favourite of the trio but that's not to say 'Hot & Sticky' or the album's title cut are any the lesser in the quality department. It's just that at 2 minutes and 34 seconds in length 'Little Latin Lover' is just about as perfect a tune as you'll fine anywhere in the Überverse (c/o Mark Ashby) right now.   Look if Michael Des Barres wrote for Uber Rock and wrote reviews at the same pace it takes him to record music I guess he'd be out of a job right now. Thankfully he doesn't write reviews he just writes great rock 'n' roll music and for that he take as long as he bloody well likes to do it, just don't leave it another 26 years eh fella as you'd be 90 at that point and I don't think even ole bone crusher Jagger will be doing it then. Oh and before I do go if you are interested in purchasing this album don't do like I did and rush out and buy the first version of 'Carnaby Street' you see, instead click the Des Barres website link below and order the CD/DVD package (which is a bloody bargain at just £9.99) because the DVD contains a wealth of Des Barres goodies and is now something I'm going to have to shell out for all over again.... Doh!!!!   https://www.desbarres.com/

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: Belgian review - back to bloody well rock

I always find the auto-translate facility that gets used on some of the foreign-language reviews of Gonzo artists produces rather touching and poetic results. A sentence such as "Back to bloody well rock with "Little Latin Lover", and we can not help doing a little comparison with Rod Stewart voice side", really says all that needs to be said about, what is one of my favourite albums of the year!

We know him mainly for his roles as villain in lots of movies or TV ( Murdoc in the series MacGyver in particular), and it will also be showing an episode ofNCIS soon, but Michael Des Barres is not a novice in the music community. He has released several albums with Silverhead , Detective and Chequered Past in the early '80s. When Robert Palmer left Power Station in 1985, Des Barres, who is replaced for the remainder of the tour, including the Live Aid in Philadelphia.

With "Carnaby Street" , the actor / singer returns with an album very rock'n'roll, but also full of blues influences, as the aperture range "Painkiller" . Then the tempo picks up with "Carnaby Street" or "Forgive Me" , and it takes a real pleasure to listen to that gravelly voice and the guitars sharp. "Route 69" is one of my favorite songs, the chorus hook and the entire song makes exercise. Then, "Please Stay" is in the best tradition of the blues with finesse and sensitivity. Back to bloody well rock with"Little Latin Lover" , and we can not help doing a little comparison with Rod Stewart voice side. Finally, a true blues / rock with "My Baby Saved My Ass" who do not lack humor. "Carnaby Street" is a very successful album, and Des Barres has nothing to envy to other sizes of its kind, therefore strongly recommended.

If you have not done so already, check out Michael's Gonzo Artist Page

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: Media response to Carnaby Street

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: A review from Slovakia

https://www.therocktologist.com/des-barres-michael---carnaby-street.html

Des Barres, Michael - Carnaby Street

Review by: Daniel Pavlica

Year: 2012
Produced by: Michael Des Barres
Label: Gonzo Multimedia

Musicians:
Michael Des Barres: vocal, guitar, percussion
Eric Schermerhorn: guitar, slide guitar
Paul Ill: bass, backing vocals
Jebin Bruni: keyboards
David Goodstein: drums, percussion

Tracks:
1. You're My Pain Killer
2. Carnaby Street
3. Forgive Me
4. Sugar
5. Route 69
6. Please Stay
7. Little Latin Lover
8. Hot and Sticky
9. From Cloud 9 To Heartach
10. My Baby Saved My Ass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Des Barres is back! One time Silverhead and Power Station frontman, as well as part time MacGyver TV series assassin (!), revisits his roots with “Carnaby Street”. Yes indeed, this album sounds like something that was dug out when The Who and Zeppeling were at the height of their power. Nowadays a Lord comfortably cruising at 63, Michael Des Barres shows no sings of reinventing himself, and seriously why should he, especially when in such devastating form!

With Des Barres nursing the insignia of a bellbottomed glam rock legend, It is perhaps unsurprising that “Carnaby Street” shares a lot of its musical ground with 70s rock. Unfettered self-reference is evidently present, as the set gets burned down with powerful blasts of gritty blues rock, funk and rock & roll, at times even Rod Steward inspired soul (speaking of that “Please Stay” is definitely the number worth checking out). Still, it’s the splendid Faces like blues funk hybrid of “You’re My Pain Killer” that initially sets the whole course on fire. The real treat of the album, however, is Michael’s performance. Vocally he came of age long time ago. His low tuned delivery is shown as a prefect tool for pinning down unrefined rock. Grit found in his voice is of natural coming, adding whiplash signature wear and tear feel wherever he chooses to turn. The same amount of excitement surrounds his skilled approach to music, which reads as a no fuss no bother tackling of rock & roll, full bursting with natural flavors only vintage 70s rock chromosomes can muster. “Little Latin Lover” is a fire spitting rock & roll charger running on pure kerosene. “Carnaby Street”, sprung on an almost punk like retaliation while nursing a snaky blues riff accompanied by sputtering organ and sing along tunes, is just great. The Black Crowes like groove of “Sugar” has sexuality dripping down its fingers topped by a superbly distorted frenzy emanating from the guitar solo. “Hot and Sticky”, brimming with classic rock flavors, could as well be a Quireboys anthem. “Route 69” is another rock solid stomp; if indeed packing somewhat foreseeable tunes, it still manages to squeeze delight out of a swampy guitar riff. Also worth noting is the album closer “My Baby Saved My Ass”, with slide guitar, cheering choruses and cheeky lyrics all imbued with the same superb rock & roll swagger “Carnaby Street” will hopefully remain famed for if there’s any justice left in the world.

9 out of 10

A review copy of this album was provided by the record label Gonzo Multimedia

Check him out at his Gonzo Artist Page

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES ON AMAZON

 I am quite good at hyperbole, but I promise that I am not indulging in it now. I have been operating on the fringes of the music business for over thirty years, and I have been working with publicists and record companies for very nearly that long. I have NEVER encountered such a reaction from journalists, editors, and indeed the general public as we are getting for Michael Des Barres' smashing new album Carnaby Street.
Just check out this comment on Amazon..

 Review: MICHAEL DES BARRES: Israeli review

When I was a young hippy anarchist all those years ago, a lot was talked about the concept of the 'Global Village'. I always loved the idea that all the peoples of the world would be united through the mystick power of rock and roll, and although I never really thought it through it was a concept that stuck itself deep in my psyche. Now I am a middle-aged and fairly battered hippy anarchist I am particularly impressed by the way that Gonzo artists are loved and appreciated across the globe. I take a childlike delight in reposting all the foreign reviews I can find, like this one from Israel...

https://dmme.net/reviews/reviews51.html#desbar

THE MICHAEL DES BARRES BAND - Carnaby Street Gonzo 2012

The rocking nobleman revisits the place of the best threads in town to stitch a new gown for wearin' 'n' tearin'. There are several sorts of aristocrats on the scene: there are new knights like Paul McCartney and faux peers such as Lord Sutch, and then there's Michael Des Barres, a genuine marquis. With glam outfit SILVERHEAD in the early '70s and more intelligent DETECTIVE later in the decade, and the front position with POWER STATION when they played Live Aid, one might not see the wild man behind Des Barres' debonair facade, yet on stage, Michael has always been a fount of untamed energy. Those who heard him belt out "Good Rockin’ Tonight" have surely missed the singer since he changed the mike stand for acting career. But finally the "MacGyver" assassin is back with a vengeance - still rockin' good. The vim is still there, so when this ten-tracker fizzles out with the booty-shaking "My Baby Saved My Ass" one feels like having drunk from that fount, and if there's a sign of the lord's 64 years Des Barres blurs the time with the slow-burning opener "You're My Pain Killer": the shimmering soulful blues with a pulled punch in the groove that grows its weight on the organ slide and finds resolution later on in the streamlined "From Cloud 9 To Heartache". Tripping down the memory lane, to "Granny Takes A Trip" and beyond, in the Mod mode yet with sharp modern edge, Michael delivers catchy "Hot And Sticky" and "Forgive Me" that Steve Marriott would have been proud of, and then comes, his voice richer in tone than ever before, with the title piece. "I was 19 in 1967, on the streets of London, I was in Heaven... Everything you've heard is everything I see", goes "Carnaby Street": here's swinging London, its myth clad in a kaftan embroidered with guitar-and-bass rocking patterns and infectious "ooh-ooh's", before the boogie of "Route 69" spins the globe forward and gospel-infused ballad "Please Stay" picks up where the evergreen "Stay With Me Baby" left off. Class oozing out of every sonic pore, it's a high-spirited record. The marquis may have lost his locks but not his grit. Great to have his Lordship back on-stage. *****

Check him out at his Gonzo Artist Page

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