CHRIS BRAIDE – Fifty Dollar Planets And Twenty Cent Stars (2014)

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Last year Chris Braide and Geoff Downes released an album that may forever be termed ‘one that got away’; DBA’s ‘Pictures Of You’ was arguably one of the best albums of the year combining sublime pop-rock sensibilities and highly accessible melodies (presented at 0dayrox HERE).
Now CHRIS BRAIDE has the opportunity for his solo CD, released by Cherry Red Records under the curious title “Fifty Dollar Planets And Twenty Cent Stars”.

Few will have heard the name Chris Braide, as few (sadly) DBA’s ‘Pictures Of You’, but probably you have heard Braide’s work in the hand of others.
He has an interesting songwriting pedigree, working behind the scenes for artists like Kylie, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce and Britney Spears. Yes, he is part of these Record Company endless teams contributing arrangements, suggestions and at times full songs. Also, Braide has written songs for many soundtracks, such as for the feature film The Great Gatsby to name one.
More recently Braide was a member of super-group The Producers with both Downes and Trevor Horn, which album was posted HERE.
“Fifty Dollar Planets And Twenty Cent Stars” is his opportunity to step into the limelight although it’s his third solo album. Born in Cheshire, UK, he decamped to L.A. towards the end of 2010.

Chris Braide emerges as a stellar Rock&Pop craftsman on tracks such as “Beautiful”, “Let Me Love You” and “What’s Going On In Your Head?”, all with classic Pop sensibility but always with a Rocking melody as a main core. As a performer he reminds me of a rockier, less sugary, Richard Marx.
He cites as influences classic names from the ’80s British scene such as Squeeze, Yes/Trevor Rabin and XTC, but I can hear throughout many of the 11 songs on the CD a strong American affection, recalling ex- Journey Steve Augeri recent work, and why not at places, Tall Stories.
Something is made in the blurb of a strong T-Rex / Marc Bolan influence but this only appears to be evident in the title track.
With most tracks supremely radio-friendly, Braide has a chance to stretch out on the longer “Agent Wilde & The Speedway Dancers” which is another standout.

Essentially “Fifty Dollar Planets And Twenty Cent Stars” could have been produced at anytime since the late-seventies or the ’80s, the perfect antidote to much that purports to be quality music these days and certainly far more durable.
Artists that work that incredibly unforgiving singer / songwriter side of the street often languish in anonymity. While Braide’s critical acclaim and career are both in great shape, this is a damn fine album.
It would be criminal if this masterclass in songwriting, and Chris Braide’s solo work in general, gets overlooked.
Very Recommended.

01 – Fifty Dollar Planets
02 – This Is For The Girl
03 – Fascinating
04 – Beautiful
05 – Let Me Love You
06 – It’s Not Too Late
07 – What It Does To Me
08 – Sophia
09 – Take What You Can
10 – What’s Going On In Your Head?
11 – Agent Wilde & The Speedway Dancers

BUY IT !
www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4622
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