Paul Raymond Project 'Terms and Conditions Apply' Album Review by Lolly Hotwheels

Terms and Conditions Apply is set to be released on January 28th 2013 on Cherry Red Records’ new hard rock imprint label Hear No Evil and marks Paul Raymond Project’s sixth album. Originally formed in 1989, this album’s line up consists of Paul Raymond, (UFO, Savoy Brown, Chicken Shack, Michael Schenker Group, Waysted) –lead vocals/lead & rhythm guitars/keyboards. Andy Simmons – lead rhythm guitars/keyboards. Mark Coles – bass/backing vocals and Tony Steel – drums/backing vocals. The album also features guest appearances from Michael Schenker (MSG, UFO, Scorpions) and Rueben Archer (Stampede, Wild Horses, Lautrec, Lionheart).

When I was a kid in the 80’s I would sit in my bedroom listening to music wishing I didn’t have to go to school so I could just play albums all day. I’d look over the rooftops of London thinking about what all the people were doing, imagining that they were listening to the same thing as me and embarking on all kinds of exciting adventures. The rest of my musical education was gained on family trips in the car, at house parties and gigs. The day hadn’t started until dad and his mates had decided to “play some proper music”.  Born and Raised on Rock ‘n’ Roll (track 1) triggers my thoughts on those moments and makes me think ‘Yep!’

Remember a time when music was entertaining without being ironic? When even theme tunes were rock based? A time when people heard a good song, got up and danced and it felt good. The songs provided hope, told stories, offered you an escape to good times and then delivered.  For a booster of well structured and superbly executed songs, have a listen to Terms and Conditions Apply and enjoy!   Having said that, don’t be misled, it’s not stuck in the past, the lyrical subject matter is very of the moment and musically top class.

The riffs, steady tempos and unity of the band remain abundantly apparent. Great instrumentals, amazing breaks, added situation sound effects that enhance the narrative, Terms and Conditions Apply is packed with statement lyrics, which comment on current situations without preaching – just relaying what has been observed, putting it out there or, as is de rigueur  at the moment, “jus’ sayin’!”. As with all pearls of wisdom, you can only impart, not impose them and Paul Raymond has the proverbial ‘oyster’ down pat with this offering. Track 4 C-List Celebrity 

With tracks like End Of Life As We Know It, Deeper Shade of Blue, We Will Be Strong, Bright Lights, Still the Same and Partners in Crime  it’s hard to choose a favourite, as each time I listen a different track becomes the new best one. At this precise moment in time my favourite is Driftin’ Apart which is just magnificent.  

Terms and Conditions the title track, is very apt with regard to the current financial situation of the world, maybe via the music people will think it through?

Whisky Mac. Named after the cocktail? Swap the whisky for riffs and the ginger wine for rhythm and you get the formula for a cracking jam/instrumental piece.

Reach Out ( I’ll be there) featuring Michael Schenker,  is a rocked up cover of the The Four Tops’ 1966 Motown hit, bringing it marching in to the 21st  Century. A mystical intro that grabs you straight away then whacks you with riffs courtesy of Michael Schenker (Scorpions, UFO, Michael Schenker Group). You think it’s over then the bass leads you back in an outro of pristine musicality.

Love is Blind featuring Rueben Archer. This is the one that gets you wiping away that little tear after being absorbed in the beautiful piano, guitar parts and voice of Rueben Archer (Stampede, Wild Horses, Lautrec, Lionheart).

If You Gotta Make A Fool of Somebody. This was my initial favourite, a bit of shuffle progressing to a kind of rock waltz with Hammond and cheeky drum fills, a great lead guitar lick with extra little trills, nice travelling bass and a bit of harmonica at the end.

I can’t think of any songs on this album that don’t offer a little moment to reminisce, reflect, lighten your heart, rock your soul and make your mind tick over to thinking ‘everything is going to be haalright!’

Terms and Conditions Apply is an album that holiday memories are made of, the type of album that you can listen to in a full car and everyone falls silent. Hands tap the armrests and heads nod in time. Eyes soak up the world flashing by and a contentment of calm captures the space between. Smiles form as the lyrics are processed, and a million memories are triggered along with those thoughts of ‘thank the stars someone else is saying what I was thinking’.  Now, if you imagine that feeling in a large venue with thousands of people, I think that’s how magic is made! I can visualise a sea of people singing along.

If you were the kid, are the kid, or now have kids in the back seat of the car you should play this. If you love your Dad, give him this for Father’s Day, he’ll then realise you really were listening when you were growing up.

I can’t wait for The Borderline on February 1st to hear the tracks live, along with some UFO classics and special guests.  

Tickets for the London show at The Borderline on Feb 1st are available here:

http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/paul-raymond-project-tickets/24085

'Terms & Conditions Apply' Track Listing:

1. Born & Raised On Rock ‘N’ Roll
2. End Of Life As We Know It
3. Deeper Shade Of Blue
4. C-List Celebrity
5. We Will Be Strong
6. Terms & Conditions
7. Whiskey Mac
8. Bright Lights
9. Reach Out (I’ll Be There)
(featuring. Michael Schenker)
10. Love Is Blind (featuring Reuben Archer)
11. If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody

Bonus Tracks:

12. Still The Same
13. Drifting Apart
14. Partners In Crime

Links:

For further info please visit:

www.facebook.com/paulraymondproject

www.paulraymond.info

www.cherryred.co.uk