TUFF JEFF SALEN
The Endless Road
Foutainbleu Entertainment 2005
www.tuffjeffsalen.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
The debut solo album from the founding guitarist of the group Tuff Darts, Tuff Jeff Salen quite nimbly steps out on his own with a collection of songs that run from fast tempo rockers, a beautiful ballad or two and a blues number thrown in as well.

Genre
Rock / classic rock / guitar rock / blues

The Good
The album is really quite a cross section of great musical sounds. You can find the great classic rock sound of the 1970’s on the song “Let The Punishment Fit The Crime.” A slightly humorous vocal take on “I Hate U” reminded me of Cheap Trick. The blues influence is on display best in tracks like “Head Over Heels.” It has that gritty blues rock vibe in the vocals and a sweet guitar lick. The song “Take This Hurt Off Me” is a great example of modern blues. The guitar work on the album from Salen and a host of guest performers, including Tommy Ramone, is outstanding. The overall music sound of the album really grabbed my ears and never let go throughout each of the 14 tracks. The best song on the album is “I’m So Confused.” It has a very commercially viable hook and Salen’s vocals shine best on this song.

The Bad
There’s nothing notable to report here.

The Verdict
I really liked this album a whole lot. It’s just a great collection of songs from Salen that brings the classic rock sound into the spotlight once again. You can add this CD to the early list of my favorite albums I’ve heard in 2006. It’s simply that good. If you listen to the album, you are going to feel the same way.

Did You Know?
Tuff Jeff Salen formerly played with David Bowie and is also a highly regarded blues guitarist. The Tuff Darts' song “All For The Love Of Rock ‘n’ Roll” that is covered by Salen on this album, has also been recorded by metal legends Motorhead.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne