By Shane Copher - This impressive demo is a "concept" album following the life of life of one Bobby McStone, and his ambition to become a rock star. From his school days to garage band to "#4 With A Bullet," this ambitious promotion displays all Gregory's wares. The music varies in intensity and styles, slowly progressing throughout the album to showcase the man's writing and playing talents. Much of the lyrical content is humorous, but not at the expense of the compositions. As an album, this many not hit that #4 spot, but as an ingenious marketing tool for a young singer/songwriter, this demo is certified platinum, and sure to put Mr. Vaine on the map. Very impressive, and expertly thought out.

Dear People,
Today's music is really hard for musicians. Corporate domination has created a one hit wonder machine that leaves solid bands on the side of the road because "Musicians are hard to deal with." So the industry has figured out have to bypass them and keep the money rolling in and the control on their side.
The result is music is geared towards fitting into a niche. Sometimes on the same album you see attempts at many different niches. The result is an album that is not cohesive and wanders. For me, today it seems harder and harder to find an album I can listen to through it's entirity. But now I am compelled to tell you that The Ballad Of Bobby McStone is such an album.
It tells a story.
It is much like the works "Tougher Than Leather" and "The Red Headed Stranger" by Willie Nelson. Relax, don't be frightened, "Bobby McStone" isn't country music. But it borrows the format of the story married to the music.
The story takes place in three acts. The first act tells the story of an awkward young man in search of a dream and his parents who are scared, like all parents, about the fate of their son. The second act is about self discovery and releasing one's self from other's perceived judgements. The final act is about protecting that freedom once it has been found.
The words alone are an important message for us all to hear. The music is so perfectly matched to the words its is a story you will want to hear again and again.
My three favorite songs occur at the end of the second act. The songs "Bar Band", "Watch Out For That Bus", and "I Want To Rock", define the coming of age and self dicovery that we all must go through. These rockin tunes really put the past or for some the future in perspective. The Ballad of Bobby McStone is a story we can all relate to so check it out!
Joe Zink - Los Angeles

Please send your reviews here.