This CD arrives as a result of one man's
journey through the thickets of true love and the music industry. Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist
Johnny Mead came to Los Angeles from Britain in 1993 whereupon he formed
a group called Radford, Johnny's middle name. The band signed with RCA
records, who released their self-titled debut in 2000. The group toured
extensively, opening for Oasis, Lit and Vertical Horizon among others.
The fan base was building and the buzz was in the air when that old devil
corporate restructuring' reared it's ugly head at RCA and our boys were
out on the street.
Mead was understandably disappointed, even
to the point of forsaking music altogether when that other old devil true
love' reared it's ugly head and gave Mead a broken relationship to carry
along with the weight of being dropped by RCA. So, like all good rock and
roll boy genius', Mead took his home studio and turned his emotional upheaval
into a one-man-band demo that got him signed to Universal.
With the able assistance of Josh Freese
(GnR, NIN) on drums, Rick Markham (Chris Cornell) on bass and former Radford
guitarist Chris Hower, Mead returns to the fray with Sleepwalker", an
emotionally complex and rocking testimony to the power of self-determination.
The Brit-pop wall of guitars that march
in lockstep behind Mead's Brett Anderson-esque vocals on opener Therapy
(I Don't Need You) give rise to a heart broken, perhaps, but not yet beaten.
The hurt implied in the lyrics of this record rings true, the music swells
and ebbs as the song requires, no self-limiting genre exercises here, just
want and need and loss and pain and love and redemption and acceptance
and resolve.
Thinking person's Brit-Pop, that's what
I'd call this, Mead takes from the right scrapbooks; Bowie, Ferry/Roxy,
London Suede etc. and had crafted a work all his own. You can hear and
feel the blood, sweat and, yes, tears, he lived through to bring this record
into being. Far from letting the vagaries of corporate America still his
heart and song, Johnny Mead looked into him self for the strength, vision
and talent necessary to turn setbacks into success. Buy this CD, the guy's
already worked for it. Pay the man.
Posted by C Blade:
Well it's a style of its own, not sure if its alternative, but either way, for people who like rock with a beat and meanings in songs then this is perfect. It's kinda sad that he failed with his first CD, not sure how this went, but Radford just needs to get recognized. If they got more music on the radio or so, a lot of people would be hooked. At least 90% of the CD is top notch, and I can listen over and over. I really hope Jonny puts out another one.
Posted by feste:
I was introduced to this by my roommate, and I think they really need to get heard more. I had never heard them before, and I listen to the radio more than most. Get a copy of this CD, and see if you can get them played on your local radio.
Posted by joelbert:
one of the best albums ever made
Posted by big pappa:
This is the best cd in the entire world! If you dont buy this cd you are missing out. Radford Rocks!
Posted by k.k.:
it's the best cd ever so many good tracks, could appeal to everybody!
Posted by Richard J.:
I hadn't heard of Radford until college orientation, where the university's radio station was giving away free CDs. I got Radford's "Sleepwalker" because of recommendation. That album is so awesome. I popped it in the CD player, and as soon as I heard the intro to Therapy (I Don't Need You), I was hooked. Buy this album, nay, buy three! One for you and two for those closest to you!
Posted by cap:
I think it is generic sub par music. Recycled over and over form mediocre band to mediocre band.
Posted by Johnny Roc:
First to Tom M. What exactly is "seminefrius tublodial" mean? I have a pretty good grip on $5 words that psuedo-intellectual types such as yourself like to toss around in hopes of sounding like an authority on all subjects, lest, music. Perhaps it's some bio-phsyical term you stumbled on to cramming for a mid-term for county college, or maybe you just heard it on Ren and Stimpy. In any event, I looked it up in the dictionary and it dosen't exist. So short of knowing what it means, we'll just work off the term "buttnoise" which is a brilliant word that sure has everyone respecting your critique of the band.
Regardless of your remarks. I would like everyone to know the new Radford album is great, it's a excellent follow-up to the debut album, that every true Radford fan will play over and over
....So much for the time that we spent in my head.....so much for the life that you told me to get...
In the dog-eat-dog world of record company business politics that have killed emerging great talent such as Splender, and others. The fact Johnny Mead has come back to keep his music out there is awesome.
To bad the radio stations and music television are too obsessed with hip-hop/rap and the Britney's of the world, Talent such as Radford is largely unpromoted and under-appreciated.
Any news about a tour?
Posted by the man:
Radford rocks my world!
Posted by coz:
chris hower rocks!!
Posted by Dizzee Rascal:
The album ahsn't even come out yet, so how can you review it and either say that it's good or bad? You guys are tardz
Posted by Thomas Morellowitz:
This is garbage I tell you...garbage!!! Radford isn't music...it is seminefrius tubloidial buttnoise.
Posted by RockGURRLLL:
Saw Radford play 2 weeks ago in LA- JONNY IS SOOO CUTE!!!!
Posted by RadfordFan:
My favorite album of the year!!! Kicks ASS!!!
