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Jimmy Chamberlin ComplexLife Begins Again Sanctuary/Shock Arguably one of the best drummers of the nineties, Jimmy Chamberlin has found time after then demise of Zwan (and, before that, the Smashing Pumpkins) to record his solo debut. Actually, this project isn't exclusively a solo act; the album was co-written with friend Billy Mohler. 'Life Begins Again' is a well balanced collection of gorgeous instrumentals, with a smattering of tracks with vocals by such guests as Catherine Wheel's Rob Dickinson, Righteous Brother Bill Medley, and of course, Billy Corgan. The collection works fairly well, actually. More traditional songs like Love Is Real fit in right next to instrumentals with lengthy and skilful solos (like the crisp n' crunchy Cranes Of Prey). Of course, most of it comes in the form of explosive and impressive drumming. Corgan's contribution on Lokicat comes in the form of soft vocals that float gently on melodic guitars. The production is flawless, the musicianship brilliant; and it's certainly a disc that should find itself being played again and again. Chamberlin could have done much worse: he could have recorded music for the sake of the playing, rather than for the sake of the music. Fortunately the album avoids a few of the potholes I thought it might find itself in; it doesn't get too esoteric, and remains accessible, retaining a lot of rock sensibilities. It also doesn't sound much like Zwan or The Smashing Pumpkins. In a good way.  |
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