All the Pain Money Can Buy (CD - 1998)

Additional personnel: Poe (vocals); Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick (cello); Doug Norwine (tenor saxophone); Greg Smith (baritone saxophone); Dennis Farias, Rick Braun (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Walt Vincent (piano); Bennett Salvay (electric piano); Kim Bullard (organ, keyboards, programming); Guy Fantasy (background vocals).

Recorded at A&M Studios, Hollywood, California.

"The Way" was nominated for the 1999 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or A Group With Vocal.

Personnel: Miles Zuniga (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Tony Scalzo (vocals, keyboards); Poe (vocals); Erika Duke-Kirkpartick (cello); Doug Norwine (tenor saxophone); Greg Smith (baritone saxophone); Rick Braun, Dennis Farias (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Bennett Salvay (piano, electric piano, organ); Walt Vincent (piano); Kim Bullard (organ, keyboards, programming); Joey Shuffield (drums, percussion); Guy Fantasy (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Chris Lord-Alge.

Recording information: A & M Studios, Hollywood, CA.

Illustrator: Petronio Ortiz.

Photographer: Howard Rosenberg.

When compared to their previous album (the 1996 debut Make Your Mama Proud), Fastball's All the Pain Money Can Buy shows that the group was steadily improving and honing its AAA/roots rock sound. The biggest difference between All the Pain Money Can Buy and their debut is that by spicing up their songs with horns and classic synthesizer sounds, Fastball created an album with greater musical variety. Produced by Julian Raymond and the band, the disc recalls the sound and approach of classic '70s rock, with the group stressing feel over precision. That doesn't stop the band from updating its vintage rock with '90s technology and sounds, however, as proven by the presence of a beatbox in the album's opener, "The Way." One of the best tracks, the laid-back and groovy "Which Way to the Top?," is a duet between Fastball's Miles Zuniga and female solo artist Poe. The horn section featured on the upbeat "G.O.D. (Good Old Days)" recalls early-period Chicago, while the band tackles the singer/songwriter genre of days past on "Out of My Head" with a mellow organ sound and introspective lyrics. If you like your classic rock with a little more grit and experimentation, Fastball are wholeheartedly recommended. ~ Greg Prato

Fastball is nothing if not resourceful. They've obviously done their rock & roll homework, and their aural arsenal includes a wide range of influences they can call upon at will. The jangly "Fire Escape" comes off like a cross between Dylan's "All I Really Want To Do" and Dada's "Dizz Knee Land." The minor-key melodic twists and sarcastic bite of "The Way" suggest Freedy Johnston fronting Cake. "Better Than It Was" is prime power-pop, and could have been an outtake from the late, lamented Posies. The most impressive thing, though, is the way the band brings their inspirations to bear in a cohesive, original way. minimize