The Time Machine
Grateful Ted / SMUGGLER The Time Machine CD
Dinky Dawson produced the band SMUGGLER who appeared on Boston Rock & Roll Anthology Vol. 3. 58 minutes and 52 seconds of their music is here, released in 1999, recorded between 1982-1999.
Original review & album tracks.
Review by Joe Viglione
As musicians from the past get the urge to release new music, many are finding the additional space available on compact disc to be just the place to put previous efforts. That is a blessing for fans of good music, and Ted Solovicos of Boston's Smuggler does just that, giving the world six songs from one of Smuggler's three major recording sessions in the '80s and eight new productions for almost one hour's worth of sound. Going under the moniker Grateful Ted, the CD features a ticket stub on the back cover from when the band opened for Bon Jovi at the Paradise Theater in Boston. This was when "Runaway" was just breaking for Jon Bon Jovi and Smuggler had a bigger following than the guy who would go on to sell millions of records. Having the legacy documented on this fine release makes it that much more of a treasure. Solovicos is a more-than-competent songwriter, and with Mach Bell of the Joe Perry Projectreleasing Last Man Standing in 2002 and more music being recorded and released by Hirsh Gardner of New England and Rick Berlin from Berlin Airlift/Luna, as well as another Joe Perry lead singer, Charlie Farren, the then-and-now approach not only preserves these great sounds, it gives those who appreciate these honest efforts all the more to listen to. "Sweet and Innocent" has a nice swing with the jazzy piano from Richard Meader and some shocking lyrics: "Your sweet and innocent love/I hear your friends are all queer," and something indiscernible about lesbians; not very politically correct and not very nice, but that's part of the product. Musically it is Bachman Turner Overdrive-lite, catchy tunes from the major songwriter of an important suburban band from the Boston area's early-'80s scene. "Don't Burn the Witch" has that punch Smuggler was all about, and it is one of the CD's best tracks, a thumping, snarling cruncher. The vibe-infested "Love Is Strange" is also a highlight. Interesting new and old music makes up The Time Machine and it's a decent time capsule preserving the work of a group who made some noise by making noise. Fleetwood Mac engineer/producer Dinky Dawson recorded a Solovicos tune, "In the Long Run," released on Boston Rock & Roll Anthology, Vol. 3 in 1984, not included here. It was the only other bit of Smuggler material in release at the time of this release.
Mixed Emotions of the 21st Century
19 tracks
Review by Joe Viglione
Back in the 1980sTed Solovicos rocked out in the band Smuggler. Jump forward to the new millennium and the artist formerly known as Grateful Ted performed in a duo called Britannica, nailing down British rock, the Moody Blues being a favorite, among many others. Which brings us to this disc overflowing with original compositions – resplendent in a cover that looks like artist Hieronymus Bosch streamlining Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band succinct pop tunes “No Tomorrows” and “Together” – with its naughty backing vocals lifted from John Lennon’s “Girl,” harken back to the days of Denny Laine’s Moody Blues, the U.K. Kaleidoscope with Eddy Pumer (not to be confused with the American Kaleidoscope) and so many more. “Sorrow” is not the famous David Bowie cover of Rick Derringer’s The McCoys’ 45, it’s subdued anger at the world condition, the war in Iraq/ Afghanistan and other atrocities. Solovicos packs the compact disc with a plethora of ideas ranging from happiness to tragedy, an introspective diary of his own personal experiences along with perspectives on the present past and future. “Love Dreams,” track seven, follows in the vein of the exquisite “No Tomorrows” and “Together,” light pop songs which show this artist at his best. “I Got My Mind On You” adds some Spanish influence, the theme of love and fun going back – stylistically – to The Tokens/ Jay & the Americans. “Why” combines the heavy keyboards with Ted’s authoritative acoustic guitar and intriguing vocal work. Nineteen songs released at one time with so much music in the jungle of the wild frontier of the internet is obviously a musical statement that takes more than one sitting to absorb. 21st Century (with its three bonus tracks from the 20th Century, additional material a hallmark of Solovicos’ releases) is a diary put to tape – “Give Me Another Night” with its exploding electric guitars indicative of each element that comprises this collection of thoughts that are most personal. Mastered by Butterscott bassist and former Smuggler pal Joel Simches, it is well-crafted stuff from a veteran of the New England music scene. A cover of The Kinks “20th Century Man” would have been the frosting on the cake… maybe for the next disc.
Review by Francis DiMenno
Alongside of the Moody Blues-style pop smoothness are mostly unpretentious tunes with strong melodic values reminiscent of Love circa Forever Changes, and solid and dynamic guitar playing, as on the satiric “Kingdom Hall,” and “I Got My Mind on You.” “Pack Rats” is a deviation from the norm: a darker song which could almost pass as a type of funky heavy metal ala Black Sabbath or Steppenwolf, with an irresistible guitar line. “Bring on the Switchitters” caps the album with an intricate guitar line and tough, bluesy vocals. If you like British bands of the ’60s, and you don’t mind mostly simplistic lyrics, you’ll probably find this enjoyable.
