CD Review (Famous Last Words) 2003
Beyond Blonde
Famous Last Words
Self-Released
Review by Bill Copeland
This Rhode Island based band was unbelievably hot when they released this Famous Last Words CD in 2003. The singer, who still fronts the band, and the rhythm section at the time, were all gorgeous blonde women, each dripping with sex appeal and talent. Opening with “Take A Picture,” Beyond Blonde reminds of all those classic rock bands from the mid 1970s to mid 1980s. Heart, Cheap Trick, and Kiss, it’s all here in the rocking attitude. “Take A Picture” has lead singer Lisa Firda belting out a take no prisoners attitude with willful abandon. “Win You Over” is a little bit funkier with bass player Joyce Sampson bumping it along with her heft of low end notes. Here Firda belts this one out during the chorus, and she makes clear she is one aggressive singer. Lead guitarist Bill “Suckey” Suckeforth pays out the right kind of lead guitar phrase, expressive and just underneath Firda’s belt. Firda, who can hold a note forever, has a raw raspy voice that many rocker chicks can only dream of being born with. Firda wrote most of these songs with Sampson’s help. All three women wrote the arrangements. “My Interpretation” features some of Sukeforth’s best guitar playing on the CD. He’s a barn burner when the time comes, and he keeps the rhythm solid when he’s not soloing. His phrases have the kitschy cool rock guitar of party bands with sophistication in how he applies a fun vibe. “A Little Touch” is standard rock radio faire. The compact musicianship behind Firda’s belt gives this song a quiet before the storm feeling to intro the instrumental workout. Then, there’s an subtle interplay that shows Beyond Blonde’s chemistry. That is the secret formula for success. The musicians play very well together, almost as if they were born and destined to meet up and form a band. “Religion” is a forceful song in which Firda makes clear how she feels about bible thumpers knocking on her door. This song makes it on clever changes as well as on Firda’s unequivocal views and the way she twists her vocal phrases. “Somewhere Down The Line” starts with Firda’s arena strength assertiveness and Sukeforth’s gentle lead guitar playing making an appropriate atmosphere for her aggressive build up. Sukeforth can certainly whip up a nice clean guitar phrase with the greatest of ease, or he at least makes it seem easy. “Barin’ Mah Bonz” shows Sampson moving the song along with her funky bass line. Drummer Donna Compos brings in some snappy fills and from there this number just makes you want to dance. Firda’s frank attitude makes her sound like one of the toughest women in rock and roll. “Life Through Images” is indirectly about Firda’s interest in getting her thoughts down on paper and out through the microphone. It is one of her earlier songs and her lyrics are cool, twisty, and descriptive. “Get It Back” is a true rocker and close out “September Skies” is a rangy piece of art. By the time this CD is over, it is hard to imagine how the big labels missed this band. Music this melodic, catchy, with arena sized anthems, played and sung by three gorgeous, photographable blonde women could have easily found a place on FM radio.
