MIKE SLAYEN – DUDE: A Guitar CD – 12 Notes & the Truth (2018 Mike Slayen)
San Diego’s Mike Slayen crowdfunded his latest album, titled DUDE: A Guitar CD. I think Mike was born with the perfect name; after all, he’s just slayin’ it on this album.
The format is laid back acoustic instrumentals. Upon first track “Chill”, you’ll be hooked immediately. Slayen’s writing on DUDE is consistently memorable. The arrangements have just enough meat — bass, drums/percussion and occasional keys back up the main guitar melodies. The key element to each song is the lead melody. Similar to fellows like Joe Satriani, Mike writes catchy guitar melodies to take the focus. Each track is memorable for that reason.
The musicianship and recording is immaculate. The warm atmosphere is inviting for return listens. DUDE is a perfect CD for chilling and relaxing and it’ll work particularly well on the porch during summer. Mike explores different tempos, and demonstrates an intimate knowledge of the acoustic guitar with his intricate picking. Yes intricate at times, but never anything less than enjoyable. DUDE is a guitar CD but not necessarily for guitarists. DUDE is just a good CD to have for folks who enjoy relaxing and memorable music.
Check out songs such as “The Secret”, “Ice Cream” and “Chill” for a taste of what Mike Slayen does on DUDE. There are exotic and latin influences along the way, and enough variety to make the CD an easy one to listen through. There is even one fairly heavy piece — heavy for acoustic anyway — which is the title track “Dude”.
Go to MikeSlayen.com and check out DUDE. Discerning fans of instrumental guitar music are unlikely to be disappointed.
4/5 stars
Full disclosure: I first “met” Mike Slayen as a reader on this site. I believe that this review is impartial and I would have given DUDE the same score even if I didn’t know Mike.
mikeladano.com 
Thought of you guys watching the all star game yesterday Mike – though Crosby/Letang played well, Phil The Thrill deserved to be there too!
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I confess I only watched a little. I did see Kid Rock.
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And I missed his performance – by seeing the game vs. the performance, I think I might have seen the better show!
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I would tend to agree. He’s not my cup o’ tea personally!
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Wow! Thanks Mike! I had a blast writing/recording the CD. I was happy with the results…which is rare as a (self-critquing)musician. Could use a few tweaks but nothing that I cant live with!
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BTW if you or your readers like musical puzzles there are about 30 referrals to other songs buried in the music. Some super obvious some definitely not but they are in there…kind of like Megadeth’s Super Collider…which I think is a complete cover album of sorts…
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Oh man…now you’re going to get me scratching my head next time I listen!
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some are rock/metal some from other genres disco to classical
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Well shit, I totally missed it. Then again I only spun it twice before reviewing!
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I enjoyed it thoroughly and will be playing it this summer at the cottage. I think it’ll fit right in on the porch.
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Way to support independent acts Mikey!
Great read!
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Mike’s a talented guy — I am happy to support! Hey even if you put out an album, I’d give it 4/5 minimum!
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I would perfer a 2.5-3 range for the debut album Mikey as the sophomore would be stronger album …
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As an independent musician myself it’s great to see your review of Mike’s album. People like yourself are invaluable to the independent music scene. Your support of Mike Slayen’s work is really cool.
As an aside, have you heard Avatar’s new album, Avatar Country? It’s magnificent.
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I have not. I shall check it out!
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