This is the final release in the Side series from avant-garde rock guitarist, Adrian Belew. His old fans, especially those of King Crimson and Frank Zappa, will find it fascinating. Belew played most of the instruments on the CD, save a few tracks where friends sat in.

I found this CD to be very listener-friendly, even more so than the first two, which I liked as well. Of course, knowing what to expect, in conjunction with the fact that I'm an Adrian Belew fan, had much to do with that. The album is loaded with fine, yet peculiar music and sounds. Besides the ingenious guitar work I'd come to expect from Belew, electronic and computerized clamor are aplenty, though done tastefully and not annoying. If you're familiar with the Side series, you already know that guitar sometimes takes a back seat to whatever else is happening. However, when guitar soloing is brought to the forefront, it's giant, intense, and exciting. His stereo rhythms and dynamic arpeggios are invigorating throughout.

A few of the tracks, as he has done in the past, have that familiar Zappa flavor to them. I still listen to the great music they once made together, so that resemblance is welcomed. This is good, because even though the humorously cynical lyrics and unconventional melodies are present, the guitar expertise, song character, and electronic additives make it uniquely Belew. Though he and Zappa may have learned from each other at one time, and were a lot alike even, both were innovators of the instrument and its music, and much too good to be considered anything even remotely labeled mimicry. However, it's possible that one or two of the tracks are very Zappa-like, in a 21st century way. Listen to 'Incompetence Indifference' and 'Whatever'.

Some of the tracks are laden with interesting sound effects that are pleasing to the ear, and with charming melodies and rhythms played in unison, vocals (all done by Belew) as well. 'Water Turns To Wine' is one of these. It resembles King Crimson a bit, especially the woodwind sounds. The melody is very 60s, and extremely listenable. 'Drive' is nicely percussive and rhythmic, in a smooth and mellow mode. 'Cinemusic', a minute and a half of dreamy sound effects, segues nicely into 'Whatever'. As I had mentioned previously, this one is Zappa-like, and rocked up with a chic offbeat rhythm. Danny Carey handles the drums here. 'Men In Helicopters version 4.0' is strangely George Harrison in flavor, the vocals as well. 'Beat Box Car' is a hodge-podge of Belew guitar sounds and rhythms. Mel Collins saxophone pushes the limits nicely near the song's end. 'Truth Is' is an acoustic number, again reminiscent of King Crimson. There's no need explaining 'The Red Bull Rides A Boomerang Across The Blue Constellation'. Think of the title and then think of Belew. That's exactly what it sounds like.

Last, but not least, is '&'.

Side Three isn't for everybody. But like a bizarre movie or an abstract painting, it would be boring if it was. This album is far from boring. Once again, Adrian Belew mixes incredible guitar proficiency with tasteful electronic sounds and rhythmic noises, and some interesting vocals as well. It's a diverse and interesting CD. If you liked the previous two, in my opinion, Side Three is even better.

Side Three Track Listing
Troubles
Incompetence Indifference
Water Turns To Wine
Crunk
Drive
Cinemusic
Whatever
Men In Helicopters v4.0
Beat Box Car
Truth Is
The Red Bull Rides A Boomerang Across The Blue Constellation
Ampersand

All instruments and vocals by Adrian Belew except for: Les Claypool plays bass and Danny Carey plays drums on 'Whatever' and 'Men In Helicopters v4.0'. Robert Fripp plays flute guitar on 'Water Turns To Wine'. Mel Collins plays saxophone on 'Beat Box car' and flutes on 'Truth Is'. The Prophet Omega is the voice on 'Troubles'. The voice of the telephone message on 'Incompetent Indifference' is Martha Belew.

Sanctuary Records - April 2006

Links
Adrian Belew
Side Three at Amazon.com