Debut CDs can be a chancy proposition for rock bands with a small local following at best and not a lot of practical production experience. However, Michael Dean and the Timeless Band are proof that the odds can occasionally be stacked in favor of same. Other than some extremely scant technical issues, their disc "Time For These 8" is most often a wonder for the ears to behold. Dean, known for hardly being a slouch as a vocalist during his childhood stint on the iconic 1970s television show "ZOOM," proves that some voices only mellow like fine wine and grow better with age. As it would be difficult to pigeonhole the gentleman into a known category (he very often comes off rather like a cross between Don Felder of the Eagles and Broadway-rock vocalist Adam Pascal of "Rent"), so would it be difficult to pigeonhole the Band; their 1960s essence is in clear abundance, but their stylistics are a little too hard to sound like the Grass Roots and a little too soft to sound like Jefferson Airplane, instead occupying a blessed and definitive middle ground that nestles itself into a bounteous territory on the musical globe, at once both unique and comfortable. This is by no means oppressive rock; rather, it's like slipping on a favorite robe for a good relaxing hour.

The songs (most often penned solely by Dean, but occasionally co-written with Joe Ward, David Malekpour or D. Dunn) are at all times masterful examples of composition. The easy standout is "Walking Through Your World," a personal anthem of angst, followed closely by "I'll Never Understand," with its ponderance of life's more difficult questions. Musically, one has to admire the Band's use of horns and organ on such songs as "Striking Out On My Own" and "Hand Over Fist" (deftly executed by Larry Luddecke), and the percussion supplied throughout by John Sands is at all moments absolutely sensational. One must also give very honorable mention to Tina Busa's backing vocals on the splendid "A Simple Bit," along with Joe Ward's effective use of handclaps to add percussive drive.

If one might find anything with which to quibble, it's that the disc might be well served with a modicum of additional sweetening to sharpen the lyrics, just for the sake of increasing the intelligibility of Dean's marvelous words and imagery. Similarly, the cover photo of Dean in the studio is far too dark. However, his cityscapes of Boston utilized in the inside and back covers (the gentleman is also a very fine studio artist) almost outweigh this small obstacle.

That said, there is absolutely no reason why Michael Dean and the Timeless Band's "Time For These 8" shouldn't at least have major success on college radio if not in the mainstream. One can only hope that this very talented group of people will get their due in the music industry, both in New England and beyond.
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Michael Dean digs deep into the soul and with a driving force pushes the heart of the audience with a field of emotionally charged songs that show the wealth  of human experiences this reviewer has never seen before. With lush  backing harmonies that reminds one of the days of the Beach Boys, Michael commands elements of the Beatles in stating it just as he feels and he carries each song to new levels of excitement  or sorrow. The band itself is a force of nature that has been unleashed upon the human ear, with a mix of hard pounding electric guitars and percussion that builds to a crecendo. Michael also mixes in organs, piano, horns and even handclaps to drive home the message.
 
Among the selections:
 
Walking Through Your World tells of a man torn between the place he wishes to be and the hell in which he resides.
 
Striking Out On My Own expresses a point everyone reaches in life, a low point at which one decides to take charge in this world on his terms.
 
I'll Never Understand just answers its' own questions to life: why do some get burned and some get tanned. It just is and well, damn.
 
All songs written or co-written by Michael Dean.
 
Also a note to those who buy this CD, the interior artwork by Michael is incredible.
 
This collection is awsome, exciting and recommended to all who read these words.
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