Brian Ray
Mondo Magneto
© 2005 Brian Ray (634479078583)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
It's a pop record that rocks and rock record with pop radio sensibility.
tracks
- 1 Good For Nothing
- 2 Vinyl
- 3 Goin' Down Swingin'
- 4 Soft Machine (Featuring Etta James)
- 5 I Liked You Better
- 6 All I Know
- 7 Coming Up Roses
- 8 Sub Atomic
- 9 If You're Leaving Me
- 10 Anywhere But Home
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"MONDO MAGNETO" - A ROCK RECORD THAT POPS
When Brian Ray decided to record his first solo CD, he didn't have to look far for a supporting cast. The award winning songwriter for Smokey Robinson, guitarist and musical director for Etta James, now on tour as guitarist and bassist with Paul McCartney simply asked some of his mentors and friends to help him out.
When he asked the legendary blues singer Etta James if she would sing with him on the CD her answer was simple - and immediate - "I'll do anything for Brian." Not surprising considering the bond the two had developed over the years Brian had spent as her musical director and guitarist. "She's family to me, really," he explains. The rest of the players were a few more of his best friends - Scott Shriner from Weezer, Davey Faragher from Elvis Costello's band, Abe Laboriel, Jr., Wix Wickens and Rusty Anderson from Paul McCartney's band all appear on the album with Brian. The collaborators? Oliver Lieber, Adam Cohen, Tonio K.
The resulting album, Mondo Magneto, is filled with fresh, stylish songs, lyrics and catchy melodies that stay with you long after your first listening. It's a pop record that rocks and a rock record with pop radio sensibility. "What was really fun for me about making this album," Brian explains, "was that every person involved came into the studio and brought their own personality to the sessions. And that shows on the CD."
Mondo Magneto is available now on Whooray Records.
BIO
Brian Ray has spent his entire career performing, writing and recording with a who's who of musical artists. Now, finally, the guitarist/songwriter/singer/producer is releasing his first solo album, Mondo Magneto. The multi-faceted, multi-talented musician has worked either performing, writing or recording with an impressive and diverse list of artists, from R&B legend Etta James (with whom Brian toured and served as musical director straight out of high school) to penning Smokey Robinson's award winning "One Heartbeat", to his current gig playing guitar, bass and singing with Paul McCartney. Opportunities to write and record with a myriad of successful artists came easily to Brian, and one can find his resume in the racks at any major record store in the world. Add scoring for television and film to his long list of collaborations both onstage and off, and it's easy to understand how someone takes this long to get around to writing, producing and recording his first solo CD. "People have always asked me when I was going to do my own thing," Brian laughs, "I guess I was just busy."
On Mondo Magneto, the fresh, modern songwriting blends perfectly with the more traditional, classic rock, pop and R&B influences from Brian's years of listening to and working with some of music's most legendary artists. Finding the musicians to perform with him on his own CD was easy - he called on his friends Abe Laboriel, Jr., Wix Wickens and Rusty Anderson, all from Paul McCartney's current band, along with Weezer's Scott Shriner and Davey Faragher from Elvis Costello's band. Etta James' special guest appearance on the sexy "Soft Machine" adds even more to the exceptional line-up that Brian pulled together for this record.
Since Brian is known primarily as a guitar player, one would expect his own album to rock hard, as it does on songs like "Goin' Down Swingin'" [written with Oliver Leiber, son of Jerry Leiber]. A great songwriter such as Brian Ray is able to use his songs to tell tales that the listener relates to, and that is the case with all the tracks on this CD. The opening track on Mondo Magneto, "Good For Nothing", kicks the CD off with a fresh, smart rocker with strong radio potential. Vocal harmonies and an upbeat tempo put us in the mood to listen to the rest of the songs on the album. Another, "I Liked You Better" [written with Oliver and Adam Cohen, son of Leonard], is a tongue in cheek foray into those relationships we get into when we are under the influence, and shows the harder rock edge to Brian's music. "Vinyl" shows off his story-telling talents in a modern rock setting, and one feels they are listening to a biography of someone who grew up in the rock era. The two ballads, "All I Know" and "If You're Leaving Me", reveal the inner life of a true artist.
On Mondo Magneto, Brian Ray offers up a contemporary rock album built around his years of experience playing and writing with some of the biggest names in music. He has taken the lessons of a career and put them into a debut album that only someone with Brian's knowledge and talent would be able to do their first time out.
reviews
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You will not be disappointed!
author: Larry GravesRemember the "good old days" of actually listening (and enjoying) an entire cd from start to finish? Bring back memories from the past by listening to this, as that is what you will be doing every time you put it into your player. Great hooks throughout that will stay in your head for days on end. Trust me...
Just buy it!
author: GrazeI'm a big McCartney fan and bought this on spec from his website. I've had this album in my car for about 6 months maybe longer. Even my kids love it! My daughter's fave is "Vinyl". At 3 she knows all the words to he chorus..that's how catchy it is. Her brother's (they're twins) is "Sub Atomic"...mine..."Anywhere But Home" The rest of the album is fantastic.....We listen to the whole album without skipping a track. In the past 10 years this has been one of my most listened to (top 3) cds! I'd say it's in my top 10 fave albums ever...and for the record..I'm 45 Just buy it!!!... I can't wait to see him live!
"I'll disappear without my Vinyl"
author: KimseyI am proud to finally have Brian Ray's first solo CD in my record collection! Mondo Magneto is a superb, joyous album, by a fantastic, sensitive, multi-talented artist who perfectly knows how to make his audience cheerful! If I had to choose just some of his songs on the album as my favourites would be All I Know (I can listen to this song endlessly. It sounds as if the Beatles played there with John singing lead!:) , Vinyl (which sums up the feelings of a true rock fan, something that those not involved in rock music cannot understand. You can hear the sounds of a vinyl in the intro.), Goin' Down Swinging (I love those "extraordinary noises"!!!), If You're Leaving Me (a beautiful, sad love song, with moving lyrics that many of us can relate to), Coming Up Roses (great protest song ;) with awesome lyrics!!) The artwork is beautiful too, eye-catching. If you didn't understand what the great telling title means then you sure will if you open the CD and glance at the big magnet in the pickup!:) So if you want to listen to a modern rock record that takes you back in time to the Sixties, that is full of interesting, fascinating intros, amazing guitar playing, fast rhythm, humorous lyrics by a great storyteller musician, then all you need to do is get Mondo Magneto!
I Love it!!
author: LaurenThis is a great CD. It's been on my mp3 player constantly since it came out and I never get tired of it. I love the booklet with the lyrics, and the artwork is so cool - with a very retro feel. Brian Ray is a great guitarist and his guitar work truely shines on this album. Brian's lyrics range from personal, to smart, to fun, to funny! Overall, Mondo Magneto is a ton of fun. It's one of those albums where you can find something new every time you play it and it just keeps getting better and better.
Very Good,
author: TorrisThe Album Mondo Magneto is great. I hear it in my Car, when I drive over Germanhighways in this Weather (snow & rain).And I dream, I sitting on the Beach from California in the sun. I like it very much. It's good California-Rock. Brian I wait of the next Album. Bye and Rock On.
So much beautifully sonorous instruments in Brian's hands makes the right atmos
author: Lenka''Guitar''Rock 'n'roll KubesovaThere are to feel much different music styles:California surfing rock,rock,blues pop.This is something different than here in the West(Europa).It is inspiring,interesting rock from Us-Cali for us Europeans and others people. Not any commercial single-shot pop from Bever.Hills. My favourite song is ''VINYL''.That's as from sixties.. I love the intro and outro!Whole composition, the interplay between guitar and drums,(as well as ''Coming up roses'')the measurable time there.The voice in Great note.Everything that it is ride!! 'Goin' down swingin'-let's go rock!Wow.. ''Coming up roses'' -Damn Guy!How are you getting the sound of your guitar???!!!!I ask you still and still.. ''Soft Machine''Great R'n'B song ,wicked game rock voices. ''I liked you better ''let's go surfing..Remind of surfing in Santa Monica. ''If you're leaving me''beautiful,sad,but good to listening to.Oh my God there is acoustic Gibson from 63's!!It sounds interesting so naturally,originally with B3 organ and next instruments..I like it.I feel there's such poetry..from a distance.. That is gladness for your soul.. ''Anywhere but Home''good rockin'!Wow 12 strings Acoustics,very wild composition,but it has a really zest! I lift one's hand I so much love ''All I know''(nice lyrics),the measurable movement of drums,guitars and of all song.It has really the effect!When you listen to his voice you can hear the right feeling there!§ Great production!!!!! 'Good for nothing'-amazing guitars,great voice output but It seems to me that the drums-the dynamics is such rather weak. ''Sub Atomic''this is good rock composition,there is used Strat from 57's,Great! Final words:I don't think I really know HE is Great KING of GUITARS.Great songwriter,musician,composer,singer too.Yo,and all his cool team is smashing too!! (This album)-it is the case ,this or that you can listen to round and around and it will be still have the efect!! I love Abe jr.! xo rock
Great Buy! Very Awesome!
author: HollyThis cd is awesome! Brian is very talented! Every song is great!
Great CD from a very versatile musician!
author: Scott S.Brian proves himself a masterful songwriter and musician on this CD. He has an impecable pedigree and now I know why. His versatility and soulfulness are evident on every song!
Mondo Magnifico!!
author: Scott DawsonAs a fellow CD baby singer/songwriter I applaud Brian's writing as well as his musicianship. This is a great modern rock album. "Vinyl" is my personal favorite. All classic rock fans have a carboard box full of old lp's tucked away in the basement ready for an impromptu trip down memory lane. CD's are wonderful but they don't possess the warmth of analog, of needle contacting vinyl. This song connected with me as did "Coming Up Roses". I am always looking for new inspiration and I have found it in "Mondo Magneto"! Thanks Brian!
ce disque est magnifique
author: JEAN PIERRE IN PARISvery great!!!! thank for this CD ....when i see you with johnny and mylène in paris i knew that you are a big musician and since maca i know that you are become a good singer. and congratulations for the pink sleeve for me it is difficult to write in english but i am very fan to this disc - BRAVO!!!!!!
Hollywood made Rocker
author: MihoThis Mondo Magneto is awesome album. All songs have colorful characteristics. Soft Machine is powerful sexy song, Etta James and Brian Ray, their souls are sparkling! Notable thing is Brian's gorgeous vocal. He was dedicated as a guitalist for years, but this CD proves Brian Ray is a wonderful singer! His vocal on rocking numbers reminds me of Jon Bon Jovi and Steven Tyler.. So Cool!
A Brilliant Album
author: CarolineBrian Ray’s debut album, Mondo Magneto, is a fantastic piece of work. So many different instruments, so many different sounds. So many different emotions conveyed through the lyrics. Each song has its own story; some funny, some sad. Brian has a very versatile voice, able to express pain, longing, wit, irony and lots more besides. All the songs are terrific but stand out tracks are IF YOU’RE LEAVING ME – a beautiful but sad song where the guitar, reflecting the lyrics, sounds so lonely. ANYWHERE BUT HOME - very strong vocal and poignant lyrics. SOFT MACHINE - a duet with the legendary Etta James. You know before the verse starts that this is going to be a great song. The voices blend perfectly. GOOD FOR NOTHING - when you hear the music, it feels like it’s going to be an upbeat, happy song but it isn’t…I like that contrast – it kind of reflects the mood of the lyrics and the use of the word ‘good’ in a song that isn’t really about ‘good’. I like the fact the lyrics are part of the packaging. The booklet is informative as it tells you which guitars are being played for each song – obviously, with Brian’s background, the guitar work is outstanding throughout the album, whether it be subtle and soft or at its rocking loudest! Mondo Magneto is a brilliant album. It has been created with care and dedication and it comes from the heart. It will appeal to anyone who likes classic rockers, fresh sounding pop/rock or sentimentalists who just love a good ballad! I can’t recommend it highly enough. Brilliant!!
Mondo Magneto...A great CD.....Awesome !
author: DawnMondo Magneto is definitely a cd you'll want to play over & over again ! With great rocking tracks like "Goin'Down Swingin'" to the humorous "I liked You Better" [which i'm sure lots of people will relate to that one!] to "Vinyl" it has a great intro ,and takes us all back to our own LP collections ! , this one will definitely stay in your head. To the beautiful ballads "All I Know" & "If You're Leaving Me" which have such heartfelt lyrics.To "Soft Machine" which includes the amazing voice of Etta James , such a great song ! And finishing up with "Anywhere But Home" , i love it ! It's so hard to pick a favourite, with many more great tracks i haven't even mentioned . Brian Ray's first CD shows what a talented Singer/Songwritter/Producer/Musician he really is ! Well listen for yourself.....I'm sure you'll love it .
A Brian RAY Of Light!
author: Tim JacksonThis cd just gets better each time I play it! From track 1 to track 10 Brian takes us on a great musical adventure not to be missed. Brians electric guitar shines on 9 tracks but my fav is the acoustic track IF YOUR LEAVING ME where Brian shows us his inner self and his '63 Gibson Dove acoustic. The songs are great stories that most of us can relate to in one way or another such as VINYL or I LIKED YOU BETTER. Brian shows us his wit and his talent and maybe just one day he can open for that band he plays with on occasion to show off his other side--his best side--his MONDO MAGNETO side!! Buy it--Play it--Love It!!
Fantastic rock album!!
author: FionaI’m extremely picky about the music I listen to and it takes something really amazing to get my attention, but Mondo Magneto has barely left my CD player since I got it. The entire album rocks from start to finish. It’s loud, melodic, vibrant, honest, raw, witty, powerful… The playing is fantastic throughout – you can tell the best of the best worked on this album, using the greatest gear. Brian’s lyrics are honest and meaningful, and you just know that the words come from his heart. I love every single song on the album, but here are a few highlights... VINYL: This song tells the story of a guy who drives across America in his dad’s old car with his record collection in the trunk, only to have them all stolen away one night. It’s a very retro sounding song that kicks off with a cool guitar intro. SOFT MACHINE: This is my overall favourite track. I love it!!!!! It's a very sexy song. Etta James sings on it with Brian and her voice gives it a slightly bluesy feel. I can’t describe how good this song is, you have to hear it. Strong lyrics with a sinister edge. SUB ATOMIC: This is a great rocker with manic guitars and slick, punchy lyrics. “Where’s my medication, liquid patience, for all occasions”. Yeah!! This song is firmly stuck in my head! IF YOU'RE LEAVING ME: Beautiful. Heart-breaking. Perfect. I get goosebumps listening to it. ANYWHERE BUT HOME: This one gives me goosebumps, too. It’s a very atmospheric song and actually made me cry the first few times I listened to it. The lyrics are very evocative and the guitars are heavy and loud. One of the best songs on the album. Finally - the packaging with the CD is outstanding!! The warm pick colour is so eye-catching and the case and booklet have a luxurious and sexy feel. It adds the perfect finishing touch to a wonderful record!
Very good job with production ,words and music iarerefreshing
author: AlBeing a producer and and engineer I find the quality of the cd to be fantastic. It holds it's own and I'm happy that this wasn't a rush job to get it on the market.
FANTASTIC
author: RonnaThis long-awaited CD was certainly worth the wait! Every song on it tells a story and the music is brilliant! Vinyl has been at the top of my list of favorites for a while, but If You're Leaving Me is on the fast track to the top now. From the rockin' I Liked You Better to the anguish of Anywhere But Home, Mondo Magneto has me hooked! Well done!
- author: tug
very good cd--worth a listen! (and Brian is nice to his fans)
excellent music
author: tugRockers that rock and emotional ballads...what can I say, this is a wonderful cd. Love the lyrics. Brian's recorded a winner! (and he's nice to his fans)