St. Jude, Frederick Michael

***From beneath history’s landslide come so many previously unknown treasures. They are from the past, but once rediscovered, they belong to today. This is undeniably the truth about FREDERICK MICHAEL ST. JUDE’s Gang War. Derived from a storm of pure inspiration, this 13-song journey into the future came together quickly when it first struck FM St. Jude in 1982. Based on one song’s dark vision, Gang War was a prophecy of destruction that promised great things. St. Jude’s ear for pop music and the sound of teenage rebellion had been sharpened over the years since he first started playing in dance bands across the northeast U.S. in the mid-’60s. His first solo album was released in 1977. A bandleader by trade, FM had an astonishing presence when making personal appearances—and even though Gang War is a studio recording, it captures entirely his incendiary vibe. FM St. Jude’s musical concept for Gang War formed a synthesis of different rock styles then in vogue, played expertly by studio pros capable of generating the sound of the radio in all its forms. Marinated in the sounds of Rush, ELP, Styx, Journey, Halen, and yes, even the mighty Zep, FM and the band are remarkably supple, providing each mood in their rock opera with a musical style to match it. Yet, these were changing times. The ‘70s were giving way to the ‘80s in 1982, and things would never be the same. No matter—FM St. Jude strides fearlessly forward throughout Gang War, not trapped in any era. Before album’s close, one may even sense flakes of primal Paisley Park glittering in the air! Atop these divergent sounds, FM’s emotes with expert theatricality, evoking the depth of Bowie, Ferry, Plant, Pop, the Ians (Gillian and Hunter)—all the great lead singers of the day. This powerful combination lent itself well to a grim vision of the near future, a time in which gangs and despair rule over the country. (STREET DATE - 3/24/2015)