Tony Macalpine - Maximum Security

It was going to happen eventually, so now I break out this album that most of you will hate, but I still like it, and that's what really matters.  Most of you might be content with only listening to ultra-simple "neanderthal" music, but I personally like to also listen to music made by legitimately skilled musicians that have a concept of tone and timing.  It's true that most Shred is completely unoriginal drivel that's just as devoid of creativity as a NOFX record, but that is not the case here.  Maximum Security is harmonically and melodically rich beyond any Vai or Satriani album, and far less "frumpy" sounding to boot.  While there are tons of solos, there's real structure and songwriting found throughout, so it never ends up sounding like repeated scale exercises (like so many do).  Tony's sophisticated yet accessible leads really do "talk" and carry this album all the way through, instead of sounding like a Metal band that's missing their singer.  Lets just say, when you sing guitar leads to yourself like you would your favorite pop song, you know that's great fucking guitar.

i have blisters on my fingers