@midnight.com Meridian MS

@midnight.com

The Spinatras

CMC International Records, 2000

REVIEW BY: Christopher Thelen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 01/06/2000

I've always wondered what happens when a legend in the world ofheavy metal decides to start a new career. But I don't think anyonewould have expected what Ross Friedman chose.

Oh - you've never heard of Friedman? Maybe you know him betteras "Ross The Boss," the guitarist for Manowar during the height oftheir popularity in the '80s. His guitar work on tracks like "BlowYour Speakers" and "Defender" are literally worshiped in somecircles.

So what's so shocking about Friedman's new band, The Spinatras?Well, it's not that they're not a metal band, and it's notsurprising that their debut disc, @midnight.com, is entertaining from start to finish. It is surprising, however, to hear that this group sounds a lotlike Cheap Trick - and that's the last thing I'd expect to hearfrom anyone who was deeply entrenched in the metal world for anytime.

Friedman seems like he wants to tone down his guitar work onthis disc - and it's a pleasant surprise to hear that it's an ideathat works (though I would have liked to have heard some moreguitar solos; often, it seems like the solo is sacrificed for theoverall song). The rest of the band - vocalist Brian Corley,bassist/cellist/vocalist Ron Giordano and drummer Richie Fazio -all add their own signatures to make sure that The Spinatras is aband effort in every way possible.