"The modern day virtuoso refuses to die." That's what the liner notes say in Steve Vai's latest masterpiece, "Alien Love Secrets." And judging by the way he plays his ass off on this CD, I'd have to agree with him.

"Alien Love Secrets" features some of Vai's best playing to date. For those who stumbled onto Mr. Vai in the movie Crossroads (he played the Devil's guitar slinger), you won't be dissappointed. The first track on the record marks "the return of Jack Butler," the character Vai portrayed in the aforementioned movie. "Bad Horsie" is the tune, and Vai grinds his way through it like never before - in pure Jack Butler style.

Another song that is sure to get your attention (and wins my prize for absolute musical genius) is "Ya-Yo Gakk." Sounds sort of childish right? Right. He took old recorded tape of his son babbling, and edited it together until there was some form of vocal. The song is incredible--it actually sounds like his son following the tune!

There are several awesome tunes on the record, and if you're a true fan of Steve Vai's, it's hard to cover all of his attributes in a single record review, but my favorite was the last tune. "Tender Surrender," is a brilliantly shinning example of the sheer power that Steve Vai possesses. Effortlessly drifting from blues licks to fluid 32nd note showers, Vai is always in total control of his gift. And it shows.

Reviewer:  Michael Doyle, courtesy of Flash Magazine.