Miss Crazy II CD Review By Brett Sites

I'd been anticipating this CD ever since I heard all the tracks from the last CD. I'd also been fortunate enough to hear some of the riffs and ideas Markus was working on this so I couldn't wait. Here's my track by track review.

II - I love artists that hearken back to their previous work as they let you know they are building on the past, not forsaking it. This keyboard and vocal intro sets the mood!

Mow - There are those fortunate enough to know this term of affection and what it means to Markus. This song come kicking and screaming out of the gate to kick this CD into high gear. Markus' guitar work has always been tight and rhythmic and very accurate. I love the guitar riff and the dynamic changes he adds to this song. It's a great rocker with heart as he questions "Do you still believe?" We do, Markus.

The River - The pace is more mid-tempo on this rocker. It's so heavy while marching in time. Markus' use of his lower register makes for great dynamics and when the band joins in to harmonize, it gives the melody added kick. The drumming on this song is very reminiscent of something I remember from hearing Chris' audition package last summer. This guy hits like a sledge hammer! There is so much power in some of the simplicity of the groove. It takes a powerful drummer to pull that off. Brandi and Chris are instrumental in making this song groove. The tempo is slower and they never let it feel like it is plodding along. They play crisply and sharply together. This song truly shows this was recorded by a band.

Livin' Without You - I didn't expect that keyboard at the very beginning, but love how it gives you a beat to prepare for a razor sharp attack on guitar. Markus' keeps all of his songs catchy and interesting. The guitar break on this isn't really a solo so much as a great rhythm break that adds some melody to what is going on in the background. The harmonies are Def Leppard huge as always. The rhythm section of Brandi and Chris are tight and crisp here as well as everywhere else. I can't wait to see this one live!

Don't Walk Away - Markus has that Tom Keifer sound down pat here! His voice sounds even stronger here than on the last CD. If anything, he seems to have added some more melodic touches in his range that add a lot of emotion. This song bleeds emotion. "I wish you were here..."

How Long Now? - This is currently my favorite track on the CD. I remember Markus, Kim, and Kip in my basement working on this. As Markus played the guitar for the others, the comments flowed that it sounded like it needed multiple time signatures. Just like Van Halen's Finish What Ya Started, sometimes you just have to lay down the 4/4 and let Markus command the stage. I am so glad to hear how this turned out. It shows what a rhythmic genius Markus truly is. The song is fast, relentless and forces you to answer his question. The lead is trademark Markus squeals just like the girls do when he plays live. When the song ends abruptly, you really want more!

When It's Over - This song has a classic Def Leppard feel. Remember when the electric guitar helped propel the rhythm under the catchy melodies? These days too many bands use acoustic guitars and simple strumming. The guitar work here makes way for some great double bass and reminds the listener of the days when musicians played in bands. The harmonies are big and tight.

Make You Mine - When I first heard this song in rough mix through M!SS CRAZY's My Space site, I thought it might sound like a cluster with the guitar and drum tracks racing along. The melody and huge vocal chorus let me know this was a great song in the rough. I'm glad to say that the final mix really defines the rhythm very well. Yes, the instruments are racing along, but they are in a tight precision and still make you wonder which one is going to get to the finish line first. The rhythms propel this song forward from start to finish. The build on the chorus almost relinquishes in orgasm as the vocals all chime in on "mine". This is a "top-turned-down-racing-on-the-highway" track.

Left Me Here To Die - When M!SS CRAZY slows things down a bit, the power and range of this band really shine through. Brandi's melodic bass line underscores a brilliant melody as Markus emotes from the heart. The guitar solo isn't a flashy flurry of notes, but a passionate crying out in confusion over being left alone.

Can't Sleep - The AM style intro of rhythm guitar gets you excited so that when the band cranks it up together you are ready to rock! This is a fist pumping song, fast and furious. "I'm getting loose..." While the rhythms demand tight musicianship, it's a real player that can make this teeter close to the edge with a loose feeling. Brandi's accents propel the beat and dynamics. Chris' drums provide the upbeat groove. While it feels like a 4 on the floor song, there are rhythmic parts that require more punch along the ride. I love driving on the highway with this one going, too! I just have to check my speed on occasion.

I Know What I Know - "I got a feelin' for ya." Yes, Markus let's us know that the past isn't gone, but we have moved into the present with honest progression. The drums provide a real swing under the rhythm and bass. Chris has a very huge sound and he parlays it brilliantly here. Markus shows his power and aggression in his vocals here. As he did live last summer, he takes the occasional note and bends it upward for more passion. The gang vocals and harmonies are again huge on this song. I love how Brandi's voice seems to be heard among the guys. I can see her in my mind just strutting across the stage on this one as Markus is laying it down.

I'm In The Mood - "You got the lotion..." I think I remember hearing someone talking about words that sounded like motion... I love that line, though! The lyrics are brilliantly sexual in this one. Think about it. "I know you see it every sunrise..." Are we talking morning wood? It's almost deceptive as you get swept away in the melody and catchiness of this song. The guitar solo really stands out on this one to me. As with the others, the rhythms are tight and there is a real different drum feel for these tracks as compared with the last CD. It's all about the feel. Of course, it will put you in the mood.

Say You Will - BIG VOCAL INTRO! I love accapella vocals that kick off songs. Markus really gets the melody rolling on the voice and you can just picture him on the edge about to teeter over. The melody and lyrics truly match up here as you can see Markus telling someone that they are on the edge and they better not blow it. Of course, he won't take your...

My Shining Star - I did a double take the first time I heard this track on the CD. I thought that another CD got put in while I wasn't paying attention. Markus pulls out a very catchy melodic track here, but not in the typical M!SS CRAZY vein. This one puts his voice into more of a softer falsetto territory. The guitar work is more of a clean sound than the rock distortion M!SS CRAZY is more known for. The rhythm and lead both have a clean sound. The drums are crisp, the bass is melodic and punchy. You will find yourself singing along and then have to stop and realize as I did that M!SS CRAZY is showing you some real range.

This CD is rich, full, and produced brilliantly by Ronnie Borchert once again. I think it's his best production, yet. The songs average a 3 minute run time and grip you from start to finish. The tracks are listed in such a way that you get some real dynamics here as opposed to a brutal beating from start to finish. This is truly a great second CD from M!SS CRAZY and a natural progression that takes everyone along for the ride. M!SS CRAZY has it down pat! I can't wait to hear more!

Speaking of more...

M!SS CRAZY just put up a free download of their cover of Def Leppard's Tear It Down. Of all the Hysteria B-Sides, this was my favorite. I love this song and I'm glad Markus chose it to cover. Absolutely brilliant! M!SS CRAZY makes this sound like one of their own while paying respect and tribute to one of the best. It's also good to see that M!SS CRAZY is still recording as they prepare for their 2008 tour!

As with the last CD, this one is highly recommended. There aren't many CD's I'd put in full on an iPod, but anything by M!SS CRAZY gets play! Now go get yours at www.misscrazymusic.com and if you haven't got the first one, get it, too!