Above Beyond's new cd is a double collection - 14 vocal songs - over 75 minutes of rock&roll with a little blues, folk, alternative and extended guitar soloing scattered throughout. The creative force is Russ Schulz who is a Nebraska Music Hall Of Fame guitarist from his work in a group called The Grapes Of Wrath. It's difficult to name any particular artists to compare as originality is part of the goal. The best thing to say is that it's a culmination of listening to artists of many genres and styles such as: old rock&roll standards, Beatles & British invasion, the 60's acid rock bands and folk artists, progressive rock of the 70's, new wave of the 80's, rhythm&blues, jazz/ rock fusion, indie/ alternative of the 90's to recent. All have played a roll in the musical thought and performance process. You will find a bit of these influences in the various songs in this collection. Add that Russ was nuts about guitars/guitarists of any style since he was a kid and maybe that will give an idea of what went into the music. (And possibly his mental state as well). So let's say that it's guitar driven rock&roll, a mellow ballad or two, topical and sometimes metaphorical or tongue-in-cheek lyrics containing a few 'hooks' reminiscent of O Henry. That probably sizes it up fairly well. About the individual tracks and a brief description: Track 1 is Absent Without Love - dealing with the realities of loneliness. 2. Clandestine Rendezvous - a love affair that must be kept secret. 3. Bone Of Contention is a musing of the political and worldview divisiveness that's driving a wedge on society. 4. Lady In Waiting. A soldier about to deploy wonders if his girlfriend will wait for him until he comes home. 5.On The Western Edge is a story of revenge in the old West. 6. Five'll Getcha Ten - a rock'n blues theme about love gone wrong. 7. In The Not Too Distant Future, written for Earth Day, is a pessimistic view of the life to come if events proceed in the direction they appear to be headed. 8. Race Against Time - a lament on aging. 9. Livin' For Two - after life throws you a bunch of lemons how great it is to have someone love and care for you! 10. Down For The Count - a boxing match as a metaphor to portray life's hits and misses. 11. Forbidden Pleasures - pride comes before a fall. 12. Changing Lanes is an analogy on life from the viewpoint of a competitive driver. 13. Stylin'- an afternoon joyride fling with one's friends. And finally, Read'em And Weep - a little friendly advice to a friend in need. The influences of the past and contemporary as well. Also, you can check out the Russ Schulz rocknfusion instrumental albums Transition and Ulterior Motifs as well as other Above Beyond albums.