Songs From The Ocean Floor Alaska

Songs From The Ocean Floor

Kip Winger

Meadowlark Music, 2000

REVIEW BY: Christopher Thelen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 09/22/2000

Whatever you think about Kip Winger, you have to admit he's asurvivor.

Although he was in one of the more popular pop-metal bands ofthe late '80s, just mentioning the name Winger to those who grew upin that timeframe might produce looks of disgust -- looks which, inretrospect, are undeserved. Yet he has continued in the musicbusiness, although in a smaller, more introspective role. The deathof his wife in a car crash in 1996 was an incident that might havesent lesser men into a tailspin of grief. Yet Winger was able tolook upon his pain and loss and create a surprisingly powerfulalbum, Songs From The Ocean Floor.

If you pick this up expecting to hear the same musician whorecorded songs such as "Seventeen" and "Headed For A Heartbreak,"you're going to be disappointed. However, if you pick this disc upexpecting to hear the man behind the music, you're going to be infor a treat... as well as one hell of an emotionalrollercoaster.

The album teams Winger up with a diverse yet eclectic group ofmusicians, not the least of which is his former bandmates RodMorgenstein and Reb Beach. Also making a surprising appearance isMoon Zappa, who contributes vocals on "Sure Was A Wildflower." Thisparticular track is not one which leaps out at the listener on thefirst listen, but as you grow more comfortable with the disc, itbecomes a hidden gem.