Robert Urban's "Rock Widow" is a terrific contribution to rock!
author: Bob Young, KCLA-FM, American Radio Network, Hollywood, CA
"Makes me feel like grabbing people on the street, shaking them by the lapels and shouting in their faces, "Listen to this man, you fools! This is what rock can still be!" Okay, so here's the problem: How ya gonna top this, Urban?
Flat out faves, so far: "Waiting for Rome to Fall" - Most amusing vision of the apocalypse on record, with a really catchy tune. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - Best flat out rocker I've heard in a while, especially considering the lyric. Like hell it's confined to the military. Foolishness pervades all levels of society! "Compulsion" - Stunning. All those beautiful, unexpected guitar & drum riffs tied to a brilliant lyric line. Robert Urban's "Rock Widow" is a terrific contribution to rock" - BOB YOUNG, KCLA-FM, American Radio Network, Hollywood, CA
Read more...
Rock Widow is a powerful and innovative collection
author: JEREMY BLUE, DreamBorn Productions, Pawling NY
"Robert Urban’s new release, Rock Widow, is a powerful and innovative collection. Weaving in and out of the traditional sounds of rock, it allows for Urban’s intricate mastery of the song as an art form to create an exciting and provocative juice. Full of high-energy performances by Urban himself, and a collection of other first-rate musicians, I listen to the program thankful that rock ‘n roll is far from dead in Urban’s able hands. You wanna rock when you hear this. And yet, with meaningful tracks like “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, be prepared to go on some well-crafted, journeys as well. Robert is a musician’s musician who makes music for those willing to think."
Read more...
You've got a great sound on this one, nice guitar work
author: RICK RAY, Neurosis Records, Cleveland, OH
WAITING FOR ROME TO FALL - "Sounds like Ziggy Stardust goes AWOL and takes refuge at Eno's house! You've got a great sound on this one, nice guitar work"
Read more...
a masterpiece of intricacies, a bouquet of sonic compassion.
author: SCOTT FREE, Leather/Western Records, Chicago, IL
ROBERT URBAN, a leader in today’s burgeoning New York music scene
with his "Urban Productions BOLDLY Presents" rock shows & concerts, has released his fourth CD, entitled ‘Rock Widow’. He has, once again, created a masterful melodic epic, but this one is a more painful search for meaning amongst rock & roll’s ruins.
The opening track - ‘You Don’t Wanna Know’, a pure pop gem.
This seductive song, in fact, could have been called ‘Rock Widow’,
with its painfully honest lyrics about a gay rocker in the straight world of rock & roll. But ‘Rock Widow’ also refers to Robert’s view on the state of rock today. This CD is solidly grounded in the progressive rock of the 1970’s, complete with rolling r’s and keyboard arpeggios. It is a grandiose style, yes, and one that is rarely heard today, but its grounded lyrics and careful production make the CD touching, compelling, and human. And, although progressive rock and jazz are its starting points, Robert’s ability to write brilliant pop hooks makes this a timeless CD. Shining moments of brilliance are discovered in segues, bridges, and even song fade-outs. Each song is meticulously crafted, which shows a love and respect for the music. This is a masterpiece of intricacies, a bouquet of sonic compassion.
The highlight of the CD is the triumphant ‘Ode to Central Park’, a musical tribute to the anonymous sexual encounters in the core of Manhattan Island that have continued unending for centuries. This gem, soon to be a queer classic, is treated with utmost reverence, a musical homage to desire which crescendos to an emotional climax.
One of the most interesting additions to the CD was the inclusion of two songs written by Charles Ives, ‘The Cage’, and ‘Serenity’. Robert’s handling of these two completely unique songs shows the mastery of his art – his ability to bring out the right emotion through careful instrumentation and production.
This impeccably produced CD was done in Robert’s own Urban Productions recording studio, where musicians Yolanda, Marshal Zarne, and Rainbow Flava have recorded their music.
With radio’s obsession with boy bands and forced rap, you may have forgotten the joys of the power-rock anthem. When done correctly, as ‘Rock Widow’ is, it is thrilling
Read more...