Killing The Magic (Oranguitwang)
If you've been around the Tucson music scene for a while, you'll remember Dircks' band Gila Bend. They were real big back in the 90s, a hit with the kids! Then he sort of backed off to pursue his job which allowed him to raise a big family of some fine, healthy kids.
Now, he's been getting back into the music again and he's been engaged in a veritable flurry of activity. All of which is good for him, and us.
I have known Dircks for decades and I think he is THE BEST guitarist in this town. He also knows how to write a catchy song that'll stick in your head long after you've heard it.
Dircks knows the true meaning of rock 'n roll: that it's meant to be fun above all else. His own songs are filled with hooks and a sense of goofy humor - that is nada if not infectious.
This solo CD exhibits the best of Gila Bend material plus taking some musical chances.
Gila Bend played both kinds of music - country and metal - and this album takes off from there. The first tune has a French horn part! The next one has sort of a modern R&B groove.
Guitar Hero Gone is the centerpiece of the disc, and there's a great video on YouTube that will make you choke from laughter. Dircks seems to think that the doofy game is the source of all musical evil in the world. Genius.
In You're Making Me Move, there is a guitar hook that lodged in my mind for a solid two days after I first heard it. On and on and on it goes.
This puppy's a real Tucson classic!
Pick it up at Toxic Ranch Records or online at LorenDircks.com. Loren plays on February 19 at The Hut.
