This ambitious German collective originally began as a studio project, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Richard Schaeffer and guitarist Dennis Rux. It evolved into something far greater that incorporates the contributions of more than 40 musicians and vocalists, and the lyrics are intended to encourage introspection and social awareness.
No two songs sound the same on Wired Ways' self-titled debut, even though I was expecting a thinly-veiled Beatles tribute after hearing leadoff track, “Ticket Tally Man.” But then came “Peacock on the Highway,” with vocals and insistent keyboards that invoke The Doors, and the pastoral melancholy of Genesis permeates “Another Sad Man.” Wired Ways embraces the feel-good psychedelic sounds of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and these songs were recorded on analog equipment to ensure warm authenticity. Supreme melodies and musicianship are evident throughout, and the cover art by Frank Grabowski is splendid and compelling -- with dichotomous images of earth and sea that bring to life such songs as “Hanoi Tramway,” “Planet 9” and “Mosquitoes.” This one is, indeed, a pleasant discovery.
(Wired Ways was made possible with federal financial assistance in Germany by Neustart Kultur and Intitative Musik.)
Track Listing:
1. Ticket Tally Man
2. Peacock on the Highway
3. Lazy Daisy
4. Hanoi Tramway
5. Mosquitoes
6. Perpetuum Mobile
7. When the Doors Are Closed
8. Another Sad Man
9. Planet 9
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