Streets: A Rock Opera

by Savatage

Overview

Streets picked up where Gutter Ballet left off, taking Savatage's interest in progressive metal into a full-album concept. Based around a short story written by producer/songwriter Paul O' Neill, Streets is a diverse collection of songs about a lost soul trying to find himself in the New York City night. Although not based around real life events in the life of the band, it's obvious the group is quite attached to the material, turning out very emotional performances. Unlike many rock operas where the story suffers to further the music or vice versa, the band finds a nice compromise on Streets and is able to convey feelings of deep sorrow, elation, anger, and beauty, sometimes even on the same track. Opening with a snippet from Mozart's Magic Flute, the group quotes from a wide range of influences. "A Little Too Far" has a show tune quality to it, while the beautiful "Heal My Soul" takes its melody from an old Welsh lullaby. Both songs feature lead singer Jon Oliva alone with a piano. Savatage, who before Gutter Ballet had only written a handful of ballads, turns in several brilliant ones here, concluding with perhaps the band's greatest song, the dramatic and impassioned "Believe." That's not to say that there are not a fair share of rockers, as well. In fact, "Strange Reality," "Ghost in the Ruins," and "Jesus Saves" are among the leanest and most intense the band wrote, and Criss Oliva got more interesting as a guitar player with each successive album. While many metal guitarists seem only interested in technical displays, Oliva turns out material here that equals the heart-wrenching singing of his brother. Considering the intensity and beauty of the diverse material here, this is a fine place to start learning about this band. ~ Geoff Orens

Product Details

Release Date:	04/19/2011
Label:	Ais / Ear
UPC:	4029759040620
Rank:	6988

Tracks

1. Streets
2. Jesus Saves
3. Tonight He Grins Again
4. Strange Reality
5. A Little Too Far
6. You're Alive
7. Sammy and Tex
8. St. Patrick's
9. Can You Hear Me Now
10. New York City Don't Mean Nothing
11. Ghost in the Ruins
12. If I Go Away
13. Agony and Ectasy
14. Heal My Soul
15. Somewhere in Time
16. Believe
17. This Isn't What We Meant [Acoustic Version]
18. Morning Sun [Acoustic Version]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Savatage   Primary Artist
Abi Reid   Vocals (Background)
Johnny Lee Middleton   Guitar (Bass)
Bob Kinkel   Keyboards,Choir Conductor
Jon Oliva   Piano,Vocals
Criss Oliva   Guitar
Steve Wacholz   Drums

Technical Credits

Scott Pizzo   Assistant Engineer
Troy Chartier   Cover Development
Kurt Johnson   Technical Assistance
Bob Defrin   Art Direction
John Kayne   Engineer
Gary U. Smith   Cover Illustration
Joe Daley   Assistant Engineer
Jay DeVito   Assistant Engineer
Jakael Tristram   Assistant Engineer
Criss Olivia   Composer
Paul O'Neill   Composer,Producer
Greg Calbi   Mastering
James A. Ball   Engineer
Jon Oliva   Composer
William Hames   Photography
Criss Oliva   Composer
Gary Smith   Illustrations