Many people who actually criticise musicians such as Vai don't actually realise that his compositional skill has entered their ears within films, and they HAVEN'T minded at all.

WIth this disc, one of 10 to be released, we hear his film scores (if you want to call them that) and it's a wonderful showcase into the work of someone considered the worlds most eccentric guitarist.

I bought the secret box set personally, but if you haven't got all the cash to spare then I would suggest picking this one up anyway.

"Vai" deny yourself something wonderful?!!

Cool down a little bit, guys
Review date: 2002-07-21 Rating: 6 out of 10

First off: I like Vai, I adore his chops and all that stuff...
Anyway, this CD has got some 40 tracks on it, and rating it 5 would in my opinion be wrong. Sure as hell, the duels from Crossroads are perfect, brilliant, flawless, you name it. The same goes for the Reaper-tracks.
But this CD also contains lots and lots of small, in-movie sounds, you know, those who nobody notice but it would still be kinda empty without them. Well, I don't think it's really a 5 star record when 25-30 of the tracks are shorter than 30 seconds, and they're not really songs.
I can't listen to this CD without skipping some tracks, but I suppose it's more of an archive than a "real" CD. Anyhow, I guess it's up to each and everyone if they like to hear this kind of music. I don't, and to be honest I bought it because of the Crossroads-duels...
Overall, a good record, but not brilliant. I'd recommend Freak Guitar by IA Eklund for some serious guitarchops, as this is only for the die-hard Vai-fan. I would have liked some more songs instead of short clips. Over and out!

Brilliant !!
Review date: 2002-06-23 Rating: 8 out of 10

This CD is a compilation of the work Steve Vai has performed over the years to be used in a variety of films. While "Celluloid Heroes" which kicks the album off is dreadful, the complete Vai contributions to Crossroads are fantastic !! Likewise "The Reaper" from Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey is one the best things he's ever done - check out the harmoised solo arpeggio section mid-way for (almost) the ultimate Air Guitar widdle !!

There are lots of highlights for guitar players - you'd think that as a regressive piece of work this wouldn't contain anything not heard before in terms of high-speed runs, taps and the like. Prepare to be (very) pleasantly surprised !!

Hearing is believing!
Review date: 2002-06-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

Where to Start. The album begins from track one with vai doing what he does best. Unrivalled the guitar god himself reaches the impossible. The duel from crossroads was one of the real highlights for me. It begins with blues meets metal and as the duel progresses so the standard of vai's outstanding technique. It ends with a climax that cannot be explained by any words of mine. You must hear it to believe it. As the album progresses snippets of amazing guitar genius are added and the overall effect is unreal! Parting Steve Vai from his guitar would be like parting the sun from the earth!

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