What is there to say about Artie Tobia/5 O'clock Shadow?  He seems to have a knack for effortless combining genres, and forming a new style that EVERYONE will like.  Great guitar riffs and killer solo's, intricate but disciplined drum beats, skilled and funky bass grooves, and sincere vocals combine to create body moving rock/folk/blues/jazz/funk music.  the only bad thing I have to say about 'still in the way' is the lyrics are certainly less complex then on 'the parade'.  However, simple though they may be, you WILL find yourself singing along after only your first listen.  All in all, an A+ album, which everyone with even the smallest amount of musical sense should listen own!  Its been in my cd changer non stop since I got my hands on it 2 days ago, and I dont think there is a chance it will be coming out any time soon.
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After hearing this cd and seeing this band live at their recent New York show, I must say that 5 O'clock Shadow has found an intense rock funk sound with amped up jazz overtones that frankly, well, jams. These gents have not only hit on a unique sound but explored a cool groove and discovered all sorts of unexpected blues nuances. Each song moves into the next with a consistency so that the overall album feels solidly produced. "Sweet Young Thing" initiates a series of deeply soulful but upbeat tunes about love that always feel relevant, especially with Artie Tobia's gifted voice, Rob Garcia's fluent percussion, Bob Petti's uber-bass, and Tim Fitzgerald's focused and creative lead guitar. "Crazy Mary" is an impressive showcase of Tobia's profoundly emotional voice that Bruce Springsteen should envy. Perhaps what is most admirable about this project is the chemistry between the members. The guys are clearly having a good time on tightly packed songs that, in places, lead into extended jams, yet somehow their music never seems derivative. All the songs come full circle and Still in the Way satisfies from start to finish, especially the title track. Great to see a band getting along, making badass music and putting a lot of honest depth and spirit into their outstanding songs. And it all sounds new. Keep getting the way.
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With the recent release of this CD, Artie Tobia and 5 O'clock Shadow have managed to accomplish the impossible - they've proven that the best art survives the test of time. A new release that has held up well? How did that happen?

The band originally recorded the material back in 1991 and it's still in groove (or is that now "in byte?") because it is a most varied collection of styles that will appeal to all. 

The CD's title tune is a knockout and Artie Tobia easily works his way around lyrics that could tounge-tie many. "Catch Me" benefits from the soaring lead guitar of Tim Fitzgerald as well as Tobia's vocals and Bob Petti's work on bass guitar stands out on all tracks, with "Sweet Heat" and "Nasty Little Girl" being especially demonstrative. Drummer Rob Garcia always compliments the music without being overly flashy but still properly driving and evident.

The first cut is wisely chosen - "Sweet Young Thing" will pull you in and "Girl I Loved" (another personal favorite) will keep you interested. Most likely you won't be pushing to the next track and will remain interested to the end. That's about as high a compliment as can be given - can you say that about the last CD that you purchased?
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This is a great CD! It's got a mix of blues and funk; all the songs are very catchy and you get a live feel from the production.  If you are into blues and dont care for over produced records, I would strongly recommend it.
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