Tesla is without a doubt one of the finest American hard rock exports. They were a band that the UK took to their hearts thanks to their no frills and no gimmicks brand of rock. Their story reads like many bands that began in the eighties. They enjoyed huge success with their albums “Mechanical Resonance” (1986),”The Great Radio Controversy” (1989) “Five Man Acoustical Jam” (1990) and “Psychotic Supper” (1991). By the time they released “Bust A Nut” (1994) the winds of change blowing in from Seattle changed everything and after a US tour the band decided to “hang it up”.

For many bands this would have been the end of what could be classed as a worthwhile and productive career. Thankfully for Tesla fans the band reunited on October 25^th 2000 for what was meant to be a one off show but which turned into a small-scale rebirth thanks to the reception from the fans. The band embarked on a seven-month tour, recording every show with the best bits being released as ”Replugged Live” (2001). In Autumn of 2001 the band released their studio album “Into The Now” which saw the band back flexing their considerable rock muscles in both classic rock fashion but with an eye on modern rock trends.

The idea for “Real To Reel” came about whilst the band were on their “Electric Summer Jam” tour in 2006.The band road tested some of their favourite classic rock tracks live and found the reception was so positive that it was decided to record their interpretations in the studio and make them into a full blown release.

“Real To Reel” features thirteen classic rock tracks from the sixties and seventies and for those fourty-something rockers out there it is a real treasure trove with songs by Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Robin Tower, The James Gang, UFO and Derek And The Dominoes. The album has been recorded through a vintage Neve console directly to Ampex analogue tape to capture the purity and vibe of these legendary songs.

Without a doubt the album sounds sonically brilliant. It has warmth and the guitars have bite but sound syrupy all at the same time. Guitar effects like phase and wah sound gorgeous.

When I found that Tesla’s new album was all covers I have to be honest and say that alarm bells started ringing. Was the band going through a creative slump and was this a quick fix to get sales moving? After listening to the album many times I have the feeling that this is not the case. The songs are performed with sincerity and real love for the style and arrangements that have so obviously inspired the band in their formative years. The care and attention that has gone into every track shows that Tesla has given these classic songs real respect.

Any classic rock fan will look at the track list and instantly get a warm feeling inside. Each track will bring back memories I’m sure of what were great times for lovers of rock music.

Of the thirteen tracks there are some real standout performances. ”Thankyou” (Led Zeppelin) is fabulous and has all the charm and whimsical vibe of the original. Jeff Keith’s vocal performance shows Robert Plant without doubt influenced him. He nails all the inflections and phrasing perfectly.

“Day Of The Eagle” (Robin Trower) has all the groovy urgency of the original and the guitar sounds are truly magical with that on the edge fizzy distortion dripping with wah wah pedal.

“Ball Of Confusion” (Jimi Hendrix) is deep and attitude laden. The vocal arrangements are well put together and there is slinky slide guitar adorned with classic echoes giving the track real authenticity.

I am a huge Clapton fan and Tesla's version of “Bell Bottom Blues” (Derek And The Dominoes) is truly exqusite. The angst ridden and whiskey soaked vocals are perfection and the chiming rhythm guitars and solo guitar parts are right on the money.

“Honkey Tonk Women” (The Rolling Stones) keeps the classic rock party rocking along and the guitar tones are warm and pokey. Many bands have tried to recreate the music of “The Stones” with varying results but Tesla's take is the closest I have heard to any one coming close to that good time vibe that the “Stones” inject into their music.

“Real To Reel” is a fine album containing great music and superb performances. The fact that it’s a compilation may have some people turning their noses up at it, remember the furore when Toto released their “Through The Looking Glass” album. Many journalists gave them short thrift but look what happened after that album. We got “Falling In Between” their best album for years. Maybe that going back to their roots helped them to look to the future. Sometimes you have to go back to the beginning and find that spark that inspired you in the first place as it becomes too easy and tempting to follow musical trends. I think Tesla may do exactly what Toto have done and will follow this album up with a classy studio album of originals.

The vibes coming from the music on “Real To Reel” tell me that Tesla are still very much in love with creating classic rock music and if this album helps them to return to the form that endeared them to millions it should be hailed as a success.

Even if you are unfamiliar with Tesla but love classic rock music you could do a lot worse than checking this album out. It may in time become an album that you just dip into but for the present enjoy what is a very classy rock n roll release.

Let us know your views on Real To Reel

Track Listing

Space Truckin'
Walk Away
Hand Me Down World
Bad Reputation
Thank You
I've Gotta Feelin'
Day Of The Eagle
Ball Of Confusion
Rock Bottom
Stealin'
Bell Bottom Blues
Honky Tonk Women
Dear Mr. Fantasy

Line Up

Jeff Keith - Vocals
Frank Hannon - Lead Guitar
Brian Wheat - Bass Guitar
Troy Luccketta - Drums
Dave Rude - Guitar