Flipside

Just a fanstastic showcase of raw talent and imagination. Breaks boundries, and is compelling throughout from both music technicality and storytelling. Josh's vocal contribution is matched only by the stylistic inovation he brings to guitar. A mosaic of many influences, this album breathes new life into true artistic rock in its finest form.

Guitarist and songwriter Josh Blackburn is a new face in a rare class of contemporary alternative artists -- those that successfully combine accessible and infectious songs with big-time technical chops. The record begins with the title track, a melodic, foot-tapping tribute to the open road with a nod to Blackburn's southern roots. From there, Blackburn takes the listener on a journey through various divergent stylings and sounds, showcasing his ability to seamlessly weave together his wide-ranging influences, from Pink Floyd atmospherics to "Man in the Box"-like hard rock to reggae and pop. And about those meticulous chops --- they're prominent throughout, particularly on the albums' instrumental tracks, wherein Blackburn channels Satriani, minus the pretension and self-indulgence. Overall, Flipside is an incredibly diverse, mature record that's both challenging and fun. Most bands couldn't pull off such an ambitious effort to combine so many styles and themes into a cohesive rock and roll album. But because the songs are all anchored by Blackburn's masterful playing, it not only works . . . it rocks.

After listening to his first album 'Starting Ground' I knew this artist was gifted. Josh has an amazing ability to create stories within his music. He takes you on a journey 'inside Johnny's mind'. Some stores last one song, other stories span all of his releases. Like the story of Sylvia, If I get a chance to meet Josh I really need to ask him about this 'Sylvia' character. This mysterious character has peeked my curiosity. In my opinion, Roger Waters is quite an influence on Josh. For those of you that don't know Rogers Waters, he is a master at storytelling. It was Roger Waters who created Pink Floyds most successful album 'The Wall'. Josh's composition of 'Flip Side' is very broad, but everything plays together beautifully. Don't expect all the tracks to be spacey Pink Floyd like songs. Track 1 is the title track 'Flipside' and it's a fast moving road-song. It feels good too. Track 2 is for the dreamer is every one of us, it's called 'Real World'. That one hit home with me. Just buy it, you will see what I'm saying. Track 3 'Jump Off' drops you down a notch (or two). It talks of taking chances, of making choices, some of which are final choices. I love the 'painting in the street' line in this song, it's strong, brave. Track 4: 'The Reel' comes in clean and refreshing from the last songs more serious nature and then transforms itself into song where the idea of regret of prevalent. Josh's lyric are more 3rd person narrative on this song. Track 5: 'Exploidia'. For me, this 5th track is like the conclusion of tracks 3 & 4. The subject matter within all 3 of these songs just gels. This track is a masterpiece of combining soundbytes from news stories. Very well done Josh. It is going to bring back strong memories to anyone who hears it. This really shows that your not just a amazing guitar player with a killer voice. Track 6: 'Here you go' starts out with some clean, fast, pickin... dare i say almost Latin style. And then the song (for me) snakes back into the ideas you will find in track 5. The end of Track 6 finishes HARD, and it sets up Track 7 'I'm Dirt' perfectly. Track 7: 'I'm Dirt' starts out with Josh on the 'Talk Box', and he is rippin. This track reminds me of a Audioslave/Nickleback record. Track 8: 'Just talkin' or 'Keep talkin' is one of my favorites on the album. It feels good, it flows, all while hearing a story we all well, one of love. Track 9: "Went to a Party' has a white man's reggae beat, it brings back memories of 'The Police'. Solid track. Track 10: 'Into the Cell'. Don't do anything else here but listen to Josh play his guitar. But if you are A.D.D. like me, the last 45 seconds of the track really bring in some nice sound effects. Track 11: 'Round the bend Part 1'. Sylvia is back from the previous album 'Starting ground'. What is Sylvia? a lover, an angel of life, an angel of death. Track 12: 'Round the bend Part II'. Nice mix of guitar and effects. If Pink Floyd was making music today, this is what they would be making. This song is feels like I'm riding a wave, up and down. This is a great track to listen to when you first come home from work, put on those headphones or let those speakers loose! It's going to take you up to the clouds, or at least tree top height. Track 13: 'Round the bend Part III'. Its the short and perfect conclusion to the previous track. Track 14: 'Long Ride Home'. Josh brings you back to earth and showcases that impressive voice he has. This is a grounding song that brings you out of the tree. :-) Overall, a GREAT album. Highly recommended to all

Fab, great variety! I love that every piece is different! This album will not bore you into choosing shuffle:)

WOW! If you haven't heard Josh's music, you don't know what you're missing. Flipside has something on it for everyone--rock, a touch of country, acoustic, & far out! :) -- & is definitely a personal piece of Josh. His skills on the guitar are unparalleled in today's music world, his voice is phenomenal, and his lyrics are both insightful & inspiring. But words cannot begin to explain the magic that culminates from his mind at work. Don't believe me? Check out Round the Bend Parts I-III. Part II gives me chills! Long Ride Home has heartfelt lyrics & is a beautiful song, as is Something Pink in the Room.