The Ann Wilson Thing! CD Review

[TageRyche]

The Ann Wilson Thing!

#2 - Focus

Rounder Records - 2015

http://www.theannwilsonthing.com

After my initial disappointment with the first EP from The Ann Wilson Thing!, I have to say that the project kind of fell off my musical radar to the point that I didn't even know this second EP was even being released until the day it came out.

This EP features two live cuts and two studio tracks. The disc opens with a live rendition of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Manic Depression". This is a superb cover of the track, which comes as no surprise given Ann Wilson's penchant for picking the perfect classic rock tracks to cover. There's a raw feel to the performance and Craig Bartock's guitar work is (obviously) strong. Wilson's vocal is fantastic, kicking in with a very aggressive and ballsy take.

Unfortunately, I was left kind of wanting on the track "Fighten Fer Life". Lack of proper spelling aside, the track kind of meandered from beginning to end with a mild tone that seemed like it just didn't want to slip out of gear to kick things up a notch. Instead of a lively tune, it was just flat.

The other live cut, "Don't Give Up", was an interesting twist on the Peter Gabriel/Kate Bush duet. Instead of a duet, Wilson sang both parts. The song was a slow burning 7 minute track featuring some subtle guitar work.

One of my complaints with the first EP was the studio magic employed on Wilson's vocals. That ugly feature reared its head once again on the disc's closing track "Anguish". I said it before and I'll say it again...I don't understand why anyone would feel the need to put layers of unnecessary effects over Wilson's vocals. She has one of the best voices in rock and it should be allowed to shine through on its own. "Anguish" is the more aggressive track of the two studio cuts, but my issues with the vocals on this track meant it is hard to give it a thumbs up.

I did end up liking this disc a bit more than the first one, but for the life of me I don't understand why Ann Wilson doesn't try to rock out a little bit more often. The slower middle of the road material isn't BAD, but it doesn't really stick with you after the disc is over either. But when she puts the rock and roll queen hat on and just decimates a high energy rocker, she has few peers.

The two live cuts are the cream of the four cuts on this EP.

Rating: 2 1/2 out 5.