The Olympian
Olympia, Washington
Thursday, June 07, 2007
New music on the shelves
PERRY FARRELL'S SATELLITE PARTY "Ultra Payloaded" (Columbia Records, ... )
The latest project from the Jane's Addiction front man presents an eclectic mix of rock, electronic, and orchestral elements. "Satellite Party" creates such an energized sound that it's entirely fitting the band made its first live appearance at the 2007 Winter X-Games.
"Ultra Payloaded," a concept album reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "The Wall," relates the dream of an unknown musician who ascends to heaven, where souls drink the "essence of sexual pleasure" and party with the Heavenly Host: a dude named Jim. After witnessing the melting polar ice caps of Earth from above, the sleeping artist vows to change the world.
An array of styles enriches the mood. On "Awesome," a full orchestra directed by Harry Gregson-Williams, the prolific film composer ("Shrek"), supports the acoustic guitar of Pete DiStefano. Fergie sings backup on the swanky rocker "Wish Upon a Dog Star."
The songs, particularly "Celebrate" and "Hard Life Easy" are solid and catchy. There is an awful lot of background noise to process on these tracks, but somehow it all fits together. "Ultra Payloaded" launches Satellite Party into a trippy and terrific orbit.
http://www.theolympian.com/music/story/128127.html