The Chess Hotel * by Elms (The) (CD, May-2006, Universal South Records)

Being the harsh music critic I am, I just gave an album FIVE stars [keep this in mind, folks!]. OK, so when I first popped this CD in, the first track absolutely SUCKED. Not only did it fall flat, but there is nothing catchy about it. However, I did enjoy the classic/southern rock vibe throughout, which gave me more hope.

Now, when the first track on a CD is good, that's when you have to worry. So I wasn't too worried yet. And then, bam - it happened. The second track kicked in, and I literally felt chills run down my spine. When the song went over, the hair on the back of my neck stood straight up and said, "MORE, MORE!!".

And The Elms's "The Chess Hotel" delivered. Every song after the first is the work of a genius. And we're talking about somebody who isn't even a christian here [myself]. So with the odds, the lyrics, and the first song against me, this CD and I spend more time bonding than my new Infected Malignity CD has spent with me - and that's a DAMN good album.

So all in all, this is not only the longest and most enthusiastic review I have written here so far, but this CD has captivated me and made me an "every song on the album is stuck in my head" prisoner unless I listen to it daily.

Buy this CD right now, or you are going to regret it, when your friend shows up at your door and brags to you about how much it ROCKS. So my suggestion to you would be to be THAT friend, and pick this CD up now!!