Description
Full Circle is the third solo album by the American singer and songwriter Mike Stand of Altar Boys fame, released on Galaxy21 Music in 2002. (This album was released under the moniker “Mike Stand and Clash of Symbols“.) The album was recorded by Bob Hartry, Peter King of Dakoda Motor Co., and Gene Eugene of Adam Again fame at The Green Room, Cat Beach, Peter King’s Studio, and Fuzz Factory, with Hartry and Eugene producing. Mixed by Hartry, Paul Dexter, and Rich Renken.
It was 20 years ago that Mike Stand and the Altar Boys started giving the rebellious youth-group crowd something to sing about with their Southern California, punk new wave rallying anthems such as «GLM», «I’m into God», and «When You’re a Rebel». After a brief solo career in the early nineties and two critically-acclaimed modern rock albums with his new band Clash of Symbols, Stand hung up the microphone in 1995 and had remained out of the music spotlight since.
Stand and Clash of Symbols have returned with a pop-flavored, upbeat offering called ‘Full Circle’. Fourteen band members are listed in the liner notes, and production credit is given to Gene Eugene, who died in March 2000, but not before lending his expertise to most of the tracks on the disc.
Stand has described the music of the Altar Boys as “Beatles sped up,” and in that sense he has indeed come full circle as the band has forgone the heavier sounds of the past two Symbols albums for a record that is replete with summery hooks and poppy melodies.
Full Circle starts off with the upbeat «Live». Expressing a longing to live a deeper life, Stand sings: “So mark the road I’m walking/ Wisdom when I’m talking/ Something when there’s nothing, to live is to You.” This is followed by «When You’re Listening», a possible radio single that was made to fill car speakers on a summer day.
Stand has always been fond of writing songs that defiantly proclaim his faith in the midst of skepticism. «Always on My Mind» is no exception to this, as Stand sings “They say in time, I’ll outgrow it/ Like a phase of mine, wrongly chosen… But I’ll listen to the voice that was always on my mind.”
The title track is melodic and smooth. Here we find Stand introspective and examining his life and how he’s been led back to the essentials: “These are the things important to me now/ Ring around my finger/ toys on the ground/ ninos wait for their favorite song/ tu conteras y yo cantera.” A string section is provided in this song by J’anna Jacoby and Beth Balmer. Musically, the listener is reminded somewhat of the John Lennon song, «Jealous Guy» (but without the whistling).
«Song You Can’t Tune Out» should appeal to fans of Stand’s work with Altar Boys. Another summery song, this track features some classic Mike Stand vocal straining. The Beatles’ influence continues with «Heaven to Heart», which features a Harrison-esque guitar.
Full Circle’s last listed track is a subdued tune titled «The Hill». Balmer’s lush cello fills out this song, which would be appropriate for an Easter morning service. This is followed by a hidden track tacked on the end, an acoustic version of «Full Circle».
It’s great to hear Stand’s bold vocals on a brand new record. From the sound of things, he hasn’t lost a step, and has matured as a songwriter. Full Circle should appeal to those who enjoy a good musical ride, and is a must for any Mike Stand fan celebrating 20 years of rock from this legend. [Dave Kerschbaum, The Phantom Tollbooth, 7/14/2002]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/full-circle-feat-altar-boys-altar-billies/461012680)
CD tracklist:
01. Live – 2:34
02. When You’re Listening – 3:29
03. Always On My Mind – 3:11
04. Full Circle – 4:58
05. Song You Can’t Tune Out – 4:25
06. Bound To The Unknown – 3:18
07. Rocket To The Moon – 4:51
08. If There’s Any More To Life – 4:45
09. Heaven To The Heart – 3:56
10. This Day Is Mine – 4:09
11. The Hill – 12:49
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