Pidgeman - On The Road

Hear The Track Here

I first met Craig Matthews (aka Pidgeman) through the old MP3 Unsigned site when I reviewed a track by him called Misery Loves Company (November 2007), which btw has probably proved to be one of his most popular tracks to date. In that very first review I wrote 'An artist to watch methinks' and time has proved that a worthwhile prediction - especially if you like American tinged classic rock songs performed with drive, energy and songwriting skill. This has gained him a lot of fans. I noticed a while back that he moved over to Soundclick and I have to say I applaud the move, his music is absolutely right for this site. Nonetheless, On The Road is a snapshot of some of the characters who were MP3 Unsigned regulars because it's a three way collaboration between Pidgeman, Truj (Tommy Moonan) and iOD!NE (Rich Ramsey) where Pidgeman supplies the lyrics and vocals, Truj the music and iOD!NE one of the leads...

Errrr...maybe...

So you have a thing for classic rock and you write a song, what would be the subject matter? Couldn't be anything but a song extolling the wonders and sights of being in a rock band in their element: on the road. Pidgeman says that the song was inspired by bands that he grew up listening to mentioning Kiss and Motley Crue in particular and that is exactly the sound he has captured here. For my money the intro seemed a bit weak compared to the tour-de-force that follows but extended listening ironed out that problem and ultimately On The Road is an example of the music I love best: kickass rock songs.

I have to admit, with no hint of shame, that the whole Kiss/Motley Crue/Guns n Roses stadium rock thing passed me by, except for the odd aforementioned kickass rock song. Can't say I ever listened to a whole album. Nonetheless, Craig, Tommy and Rich do a splendid job of breathing life into a genre that has become moribund, and more power to them. Absolutely love the way Craig captures that acclaimed rock squawk favoured by the lead vocalists in these bands, and the leads (from both Tommy and Rich) are incendiary in their own right. Classic rock done right, doesn't get much better than this...

MUST HAVE rock song. Kiss, eat your heart out.