BARTON, STEVE - Tall Tales & Alibis (Sealed) (3CD)

Tall Tales & Alibis is the sixth solo album from Steve Barton, founding member of the great rock band Translator (from LA/San Francisco; founded in 1979, signed to Columbia, and best-known for Barton's songs Everywhere That I'm Not and Sleeping Snakes). And Tall Tales & Alibis packs a knockout punch! A tour de force, this is a triple-CD album filled with Steve's brand new recordings, his first under his own name for 8 years. Recorded in Portland and Los Angeles, with two discs produced by Steve Barton, and the third produced by Marvin Etzioni (co-founder of Lone Justice) and Willie Aron (of The Balancing Act). There are four Steve Barton co-writes with Marvin Etzioni. Steve was inspired by his move from Los Angeles to Portland. Each of the 3 discs has its own unique feel_ Album One (13 tracks, subtitled: Star Tonight) is filled with upbeat songs, and the first of three piano songs. It begins with the sheer brilliance of How Can I Believe? and concludes with heartfelt tribute to Bowie You're A Star Tonight. Album Two (12 tracks, subtitled: Shattered Light) captures a moody vibe sung in Barton's lower vocal register. Steve Barton plays and sings everything on these first 2 discs. Note that Steve is a superb guitarist as well as singer and writer. Album Three (12 tracks, subtitled: Before I Get Too Young) is the 'band album', recorded in Los Angeles with a hand-picked group and mastered by Bernie Grundman. Three's musicians include: Dave Scheff from Translator on drums, and Pete Thomas from Elvis Costello & The Attractions on drums for three songs, plus Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson band) on percussion, Derrick Anderson (The Bangles) holding down the bass, and the co-producers of the third album Marvin Etzioni and Willie Aron on guitars, keyboards and background vocals. Steve is a man fully rejuvenated! And this is a very special treat indeed