Life in the Foodchain by Tonio K. (CD, Mar-2005, Gadfly Records)

I bought this record new way back in the day, and I remember thinking that it was okay. I hadn't thought about it in the last 10 years or so, but for some reason the opening of "H-A-T-R-E-D" crept into my thoughts and wouldn't leave. I think I relate to it better now then I did way back then. "The Funky Western Civilization," "How Come I Can't See You In My Mirror?" "American Love Affair," and "H-A-T-R-E-D" all stood the test of my memory and the increased fidelity of my CD player, and I've been playing it continuosly for the last three weeks. There are a couple of clinkers, but with my cd player, I can skip them!
I wish there were a bonus track or two, but otherwise it matches up fine to my memory.

For those of you who may not have heard of Tonio K, Warren Zevon's 70's work, David Johanson with a more California sound, or "On the Border" era Eagles all come to mind. I guessI'd forgotten how good Earl Slick's guitar playing is, and he sounds great throughout. The sound is really good, too.