8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Other Side of Vivian Campbell, Oct 31 2005
By Bella Cheval - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Two Sides Of It (Audio CD)
Being a fan of Mr. Campbell's from his days in Dio, I've been telling folks for years what a great guitar player this guy is. From "Messin' With The Kid" thru "Willin' For Satisfaction," this CD does not disappoint. I'm very glad Vivian has the chance to show off another side of his talent and what makes him such a great guitar player on this disc.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not just another rocker with the blues, Oct 12 2005
By BDH - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Two Sides Of It (Audio CD)
Vivian Campbell is best known as the guitarist who replaced Steve Clark in Def Leppard. He's still a member, too. 'Two Sides Of If' is his first solo release. In my opinion, it's his best playing on record. Sometimes the blues can bring out the best in people.
`Two Sides Of If' isn't dark and mysterious blues like the acoustic music of Mississippi Fred McDowell or Robert Johnson. That's the blues. This CD is blues covers done electrically, and driven by the superb drumming of Terry Bozzio. It's often quite rocked up, and it's definitely blues-rock in genre. This fact doesn't belittle the music at all, because it's excellent material. It does possess more of a blues edge to it than most, though, as a gritty, traditional emotion is present throughout, not to mention some superb musicianship.
Vivian's ability to articulate is immediately noticeable in Mel London's `Messin' With The Kid'. Rory Gallagher, Vivian's hero, would be proud to hear this cover. It rocks! The guitar tone is incredible throughout the whole CD. The presence of ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons is mere icing on the cake, as both guitarists complement each other perfectly. To top it all off, Viv's vocal ability is credible as well. Joan Osborne is wonderfully sexy in `Spoonful'.
`Two Sides Of If' isn't just another bluesy release from a rocker; it's a good one.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Who decides?, Jan 22 2006
By B&B Brothers "motorplant" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Two Sides Of It (Audio CD)
Who decides what Vivian likes? I find it humorous that the reviewers that gave this CD a poor review are stating what Vivian is. I could have sworn that Vivian decides what he is and what he likes. If Vivian says he likes blues, then let him play the blues. I guess that is the advantage of being somebody that is somebody or compared to just another pickle laying in the gutter wishing they could play guitar or sing (like a few reviewers I have read about).