I really didn't intend on reviewing another CD. I wanted to do a movie or concert or something different for a change. I'm sure I will get to that soon as I have seen some pretty good movies and there are some very good concerts coming to town in July. But right now, I want to talk about this new band from Memphis Tennessee. SALIVA. A little news that you might not know. Due to the play of "Your Desease" (which by the way, without the verses, is Melodic Rock) on Alternative stations, many may have the wrong connection with the band Saliva (www.salivanet.com). Don't be fooled! This is a modern day version of a Melodic Rock Band. Think I'm kidding? Check out the CD and you will find that if the song is not completely right out of the 80's early 90's (like the songs "Hollywood" or "My Goodbyes"), most of the tunes are a blend of modern hard rock and melodic rock of days gone by. Radio can put any kind of twist they want on this band, and that might be bad when it comes time to release a song like "Hollywood" (which sounds like it could have been a hit by Mötley Crüe 10 years ago). At least here in Pittsburgh, the rock stations won't play it because they might already be labled Alternative/Heavy rock. And "X-style" stations won't play it because it is not their "style" of music. Other popular "non-segregated rock" radio stations such as Tampa's 98Rock might be a good fit for the tune. But let's face it. How many "non-segregated rock" radio stations are there? Instead, they might lean more toward a very radio playable tune, "Click, Click Boom". If we start hearing tunes like "Greater Than/Less Than" and "Lackluster" on the radio, that means that the trends are starting to change. And that's a good thing. These songs give the heavy sound that has been getting bigger these days, but offers something more. A great melody line and a guy who can sing, harmonize and scream (or at least belt out some very strong notes) all in one song. There have been many discussions about 80's rock coming back but with a different twist. This band may just be that incarnation. If you get a chance, you gotta check out the CD. Hell, even long hair and guitar solos have found their way into this band. What's next, a great stage production on their tour? Don't just listen to partial tracks that you can hear on the net, it won't do the full songs any justice.

(Check out the article on them in July's edition of Metal Edge magazine).

I rate this CD a huge 9