Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Valery Shapovalow - Nostalgie
 | This LP features many nice tracks from Russian guitarist Valery Shapovalow, who was a daring player in the underground scene when such activities could get you in real trouble. The music is produced with drum machines and the like, but is very well executed and very pretty. |
Picks: Mustang, Dance, Danger, Nostalgie, Guitar, Moonlight, Surfing, Sail, Flying, Friend, Train, Work, Ce la vie
Track by Track Review
Rock (Instrumental)
The drum machine accompaniment does not detract from the excellent guitar work and well suited backtrack. The keys are pretty tame, but the guitar work shows quire a bit of flair. This is the Shadows' "Mustang."
MOR Rock (Instrumental)
Bouncy Euro guitar pop with shiny guitar and a fluid melody in the MOR mold. The backtrack is a little bit carnival, while the lead is Anglo-rock.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Danger" is a little moody, though it's mostly pretty and optimistic. The break is the moodiest part.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Nostalgie" is a soft piece with a melancholy melody and light weight backtrack. Tasteful in a Euro guitar vein.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Guitar" reminds me of a softened and matured "Dance On," with a kind of post rock feel. Very pretty.
Rock (Instrumental)
Hinting of uplifting Caribbean island pop, "Moonlight" is rhythmically interesting, and floats a romantic melody. Very pretty.
Rock (Instrumental)
Though the song is titled "Surfing," there's nothing about it that connects it with the genre. Having said that, the echoed guitar lines do present a kind of ocean image. An enjoyable song.
Rock (Instrumental)
Soft and romantic, maybe a little sad, "Sail" sports a very nice melody riff. If you like the Euro adult pop sound, surely this will please you.
Flying Rock (Instrumental)
The haunting melody line of "Flying" brings forth images of a pond with reeds swaying in a soft summer's breeze. It also has just a touch is island vacation about it.
Friend Rock (Instrumental)
"Friend" is a slow and romantic piece, all set for a sunset liaison. Pretty and flowing, with a fully relaxed sound.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Train" is a faster song with a basic rock riff structure that works well for the melody. Not aggressive, but fast paced and fun.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Work" is a little bluesy, a little playful, and sports a nifty guitar riff. Well written, with an infectious hook.
Ce la vie Rock (Instrumental)
This is a soft song with a breezy feeling abut it, perhaps a lazy afternoon. Very pretty to the point of almost fluffy.