I'm always pleased to see a new Tesla release. This is a band who has consistently improved with each album. When they returned with "Into the Now" a few years ago I had extremely low expectations. That album, like all other Tesla releases, was better than I would have imagined. Similarly, I wasn't sure how to react at the news of a Tesla album covering classic rock songs. Come on, Tesla has written some great songs! There's no need for a cover album, right?
After hearing "Real to Reel" I'm going to change that last statement. There may not be need for a cover album, but it sure is a lot of fun. I have never thought about how unique Tesla's sound is until hearing this album. Each of these songs is recognizable. They're classic rock radio staples, and for the most part they're fairly straight, nearly note-for-note covers. Even so, the Tesla fingerprint is all over these songs. Tesla's trademark guitars, and Jeff Keith's instantly recognizable voice stamp these songs as Tesla.
So what does "Real to Reel" sound like? A party. In the hands of Tesla songs like "Hand Me Down World" become the kind of rock anthems that would make a great closing encore. The Joe Walsh Classic "Walk Away" is delivered with all the hooks and harmonies of the original, but Tesla makes it sound fresh. Similarly, Led Zepplin's "Thank You," one of my favorite Zepplin tracks retains the emotion of the original, but has a new sheen. Jeff Keith's voice has never sounded as good as it does on this album. He hits notes I would have thought were out of his range. His voice has obviously matured well over the years.
I don't usually buy cover albums. Generally, they're a let down, as the new versions seldom match the splendor or tone of the orginal recordings. Tesla has made a cover album that's a great listen from beginning to end. Not a single song is butchered. Not a single track is done a moment of injustice. Tesla has breathed new life into these classic songs. If that's not enough for you, that empty slot in the jewel case if for disc two, which is only available free with your ticket to catch Tesla live. That's a ticket selling gimmick that works on me.
Key Tracks: "Thank You", "Stealin'", "Hand Me Down World"
Reviewed by Jim McDonald |
