Stone Fury - Let Them Talk

Stone Fury – Let Them Talk

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MCA should’ve had the book thrown at them for letting the Stone Fury partnership of Wolf and Gowdy degenerate to this, both are superb musicians, ‘Let The Talk’ as a combination of their efforts is not.

Written by: gdmonline

ARTIST: Stone Fury
ALBUM: Let Them Talk
LABEL: MCA
SERIAL: MCA 5788
YEAR: 1986
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

LINEUP: Lenny Wolf – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitars * Bruce Gowdy – lead and rhythm guitars, keyboards * Dean Cortez – bass * Vinnie Colaiuta – drums

TRACK LISTING: 01 Too Late * 02 Lies On The Run * 03 Let Them Talk * 04 Babe * 05 Eye Of The Storm * 06 Doin’ What I Feel * 07 Let The Time Take Care * 08 I Should Have Told You * 09 Stay

Background

Lenny Wolf’s first introduction to America was his debut Stone Fury from 1984 called ‘Burns Like A Star’. I must admit to thoroughly enjoying that album, and his association with Bruce Gowdy. I don’t think I can say the same about the follow-up ‘Let Them Talk’,which was a huge disappointment for me.

Lenny will readily admit to its failings, as he didn’t think it was much chop either. His label, their choice of producer (Richard Landis) and Lenny – failed to come to terms for this set, hence once decisions had been made, Lenny played along but didn’t give it his all.

The raucous guitar driven events of ‘Burns Like A Star’ is lost through all the sheen and synthesized structure on ‘Let Them Talk’. I am reminded of how King Kobra went from guitar frenzy to a milder AOR between ‘Ready To Strike’ and ‘Thrill Of A Lifetime’. Despite my addiction to hi-tech AOR, Stone Fury attempt to open the door to this sub-genre, but really they should have opened another door called hard rock/metal as they are better suited to that sub-genre.

The Songs

The pumping synths and overall use of keyboards is everywhere on this album. If I hadn’t heard ‘Burns Like A Star’ I may have marginally enjoyed this, but because I have, the cat is out of the bag. My biggest bug-bear is the lack of guitar presence from well renowned six-string slinger Bruce Gowdy. He is virtually invisible on this album, his guitar parts not given any space.

Structurally, the songs are wrapped around vocals and keyboards. I didn’t like the opener ‘Too Late’. The slow tempo and clock-like metronome didn’t set my timer off unfortunately. Second track ‘Lies On The Run’ is much better, probably the best track here. Much more energy here, plus Gowdy’s guitar gets a workout – unlike anywhere else on the album. The title track is extremely weak – you wonder why they bothered!

‘Doin’ What I Feel’ and ‘Eye Of The Storm’ both sound very hi-tech in a Canadian way, with funky slap bass lines and drizzling synths everywhere. On the latter track, the chorus is kinda annoying though. Unfortunately, there are a couple of dire tunes here. ‘Babe’ is utter rubbish. What is Lenny singing this crap for?

And as for ‘I Should Have Told You’, the pitter patter drum beat and yuck bass line ruins this from the first moment you hear it. Not even a few Gowdy power chords can save it. At least the last track ‘Stay’ has some useful moments, coming off like Irishmen The Fountainhead in the copy-cat stakes. But generally, this is so un-Lenny like.

In Summary

MCA should’ve had the book thrown at them for letting the Stone Fury partnership of Wolf and Gowdy degenerate to this. Both are superb musicians, ‘Let The Talk’ as a combination of their efforts is not. Just what Richard Landis has to say about his contribution is probably best left unsaid.

As most of us know, Lenny formed Kingdom Come the following year, and by 1988 he would have a welcome return to form. Gowdy would go on to the excellent World Trade and Unruly Child.

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