TeslaInto the Now
By
Mick Stingley,
Contributor
Monday, March 22, 2004 @ 11:07 AM
(Sanctuary)
Tesla is back.
Jeff Keith, Frank Hannon, Troy Lucketta, Tommy Skeoch and Brian Wheat have returned with a sensational new album of electric and unplugged material to satisfy both casual and die-hard fans. Into The Now is an instant classic.
Even the CD cover is so pleasantly familiar you might ask yourself, “Don’t I own this one?”
For those who have only heard the sensational, pounding title-track, with it’s heavy riffing and tongue-in-cheek DJ scratch break: that is only the tip of the iceberg...
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“Look @ Me” continues the fine hard rock Tesla tradition, (which they should have branded). Jeff Keith’s voice sounds simply refreshing; the clarity of the driving bass and SMACK of the drums only punctuates what’s going on with Frank and Tommy, which is heavy and beguiling. Tesla offers as many hard rockers as they do ballads, but among them, the first two here are stand-outs. Followed with “What A Shame,” “Got No Glory,” “Recognize” and “Miles Away” -- these songs are right up there with “Lil Suzy” and “Heaven’s Trail.” “Got No Glory,” track 9, is every ounce a rocker, and emblematic about what makes Tesla so great: the riffing is contagious and makes you want to move, but the lyrics and the clear fine vocal of Jeff Keith, with his slender rasp, is something anyone can sing along to -- and not feel silly doing so. Rather, Tesla provokes a feeling of excitement over and over. The measure of Tesla’s popularity may not just be the appeal of a great song… any veteran of a Tesla live show knows it is an experience bordering on a big party a la The Grateful Dead. Which is not to suggest that Tesla are “hippies,” but rather, there is a human, tangible quality to their music. This is that fine stuff that never goes out of style… and sounds as fresh and new and exciting years later.
How long has it been since their last studio effort? Ten years? It’s like they never went away… thank God.
Of particular note is Frank Hannon’s “Heaven Nine Eleven.” Written solely by Hannon,
this is a provocative, wonderfully nuanced acoustic/hard rock even-tempo number, whose lyrics are on par with “What U Give.” Referencing the horrible day in our recent history,
Hannon’s lyrics are a plaintive reflection, a poignant story and hopeful suggestion in the face of hate and loss. Not as obvious as, say, “Dear God” by XTC; it’s much more subtle and quite beautiful. “Heaven Nine Eleven” is an absolute highlight of the record; and one of Tesla’s most excellent songs.
Of other ballads herein; “Words Can’t Explain” is fine, but “Caught In A Dream”
is yet another example of what a fine group Tesla is, both as songwriters and performers.
This feels like a lost gem from the late ‘60s-era Stones, and ought to elevate Jeff Keith and Frank Hannon into the ranks of a “Jagger/Richards” or a “Lennon/McCartney.”
And then, before I forget, there is the lilting ballad, “Come To Me,” that almost demands you break out a lighter and start swaying… again: more about what makes Tesla so fantastic is that they can move so comfortably between rockers and ballads without sacrificing integrity.
Worth mentioning is that “Mighty Mouse” is not a cover. It comes across as more of a metaphor for a man seeking Divine Intervention in a world so adrift. “Mighty Mouse come down and save the day/Underdog is on his way/Superman you’ve got to kick that Kryptonite/Lord knows, we need some help tonight”… both hard rocking and sing-songy, it stands out as a funny, interesting song -- no doubt soon to be a staple of their set lists…
Their gentle easy playing, jangling acoustics and hard rock aplomb, combined with the thoughtful lyrics and fantastic production confirm Tesla’s ability to endure as a band without sacrificing their heritage.
The time has come for 30-somethings to quit bitching about the current music scene
and buy this amazing record and send Tesla to the top of the charts -- and send a message to MTV and radio-programmers: “Tesla rocks; that other crap you’re playing needs a rest. Thank you.”
chiefpontiac - 9/25/2004 12:20:27 PM Tesla Rocks!!! Just saw them at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY and they were awesome!! You could tell they were into it and are back to stay. The new album is awesome also. They rotated old and new at the show and made me realize there is still hope for radio if somebody has the balls to play music like Tesla's. Rock on!!!
urbnns - 8/9/2004 5:48:59 PM Album of the year! Oh yeah! Tesla is back! If you don't like this record, there must be something seriously wrong with you. Rock N Roll at its finest!!
waspfan13 - 5/15/2004 12:07:07 AM I think Tesla lost steam a long time ago, and should have stayed retired. This release is weak as hell. Nothing like the old stuff. They use too be so much better.
Frankies1Fan - 5/12/2004 6:48:35 AM I absolutely love this album!!!! I just saw them at the TLA on Monday night and still can't get over how AWESOME they are live!!! I LOVE TESLA!!!!!!!!!!!!
tesla4 - 5/11/2004 7:32:45 PM As you can tell from my username I'm a HUGH TESLA FAN.
Their new cd "INTO THE NOW" is so great. There are so many great songs. I keep playing the cd over and over again. the more I listen to it the more I love it. I'm so glad Tesla is back and ROCKIN.
222666010 - 4/7/2004 11:07:56 AM Gotta say the new album ROCKS and sure is the album of the year.
ranter - 4/6/2004 10:22:26 PM ticket was only 25 in Vegas...how could you go wrong?
beyatch - 4/6/2004 8:17:01 PM I saw Tesla in Phoenix last Friday, and they kicked ass! This band still has it; thankfully!!
drum_ass - 4/6/2004 1:35:18 PM I just went back and started to read all the Reader Rants and Scrapmetal made a remark about them being good but not the next Aerosmith... Exactly... Aerosmith stopped writing their own songs and being a good band a LONG time ago!
TsTm77 - 4/5/2004 7:17:39 PM The album kicks ass, and they were amazing last night at The Avalon in Hollywood. They still put on one of the best live shows without any of the special effects crap that other bands need. It's pure rock at it's finest. This album is worth every penny and so ar the concert tickets!
skankdrummer - 4/5/2004 4:48:00 PM Damm Good Album !! I saw Tesla in vegas a few years ago too at the House Of Blues
JackH - 4/5/2004 3:12:49 PM Is Tesla the supporting act for the Van Halen tour?
ranter - 4/5/2004 8:46:47 AM saw them in las vegas and they rocked...alittle too much from the new album for my taste. Jeff looked sober!to a point!
Death_Chronicle - 4/5/2004 6:21:42 AM Whoa! Album of the year?!?! Damn, sorry but no way. That Heaven 9/11 is both hysterically ridiculous and completely tasteless. Tesla's on a sinking ship; this album is their last cry for help, and it's a weak one.
cougar73 - 4/4/2004 5:31:43 PM I was just happy to see this band in the billboard top 40. Not a huge Tesla fan but I have some respect. I'm really happy that a strait up rock band is still able to sell some records and there is a market for this stuff. I'm not going to touch this album, but more power to the boys.
Tesla is back. 
