Mike Keneally albums
	2004                                                           The Universe Will Provide -  7/8   Imagine a jazz-rock-classical orchestra, with a great solo guitarist leading it on, for about fifty minutes. Ok, now you may have a glimpse of what this album sounds like. When the European Metropole Orchestra and former Frank Zappa guitarist Mike Keneally team up on this album (that Keneally composed), a fusion beyond anything I could personally imagine was formed. It kind of sounds like an orchestra behind a guy soloing at times, but also very musical at times, truly a unique listen. I first read about this album form an allmusic.com list telling of all of the "best albums of 2004", and it was the only album I saw that got a five star rating! To me, that was worth checking out, and I am glad I got it. Is it as big a masterpiece that allmusic.com said it was? Well, just going from my opinion, not quite. But it IS on to something, and worth hearing for the curious listener. As of now, I can't really find any other reviews on this record, but maybe in the future it will be more well known.   There are definitely some standout pieces that anyone would like. "Room" has a bass line to die for, backed by many different soloists coming in at separate times, and that song is truly worth the price of admission alone. "Worrywart Spoonguy" is the most dramatic piece, at times reaching an orchestral chorus that takes you into outer space! "Archaic Peace Strategies" is a short, but rocking piece that switches gears several times. Speaking of that, that seems to be the theme to this record: switching themes. I've listened to this album about seven times now, and I am just gathering the strands of the music honestly! Songs like the twelve minute "Four Slices of Toast" and the closer "Bullies" are so improved and all over the place structurally that it is almost impossible to get a solid grip on how the song goes. On pieces like that, the album is more like classical music or jazz, and I must give kudos to Keneally for mixing all of these styles so well.   This is not your typical jazz-rock fusion or anything, this is something completely different (and it is easy to tell this guy worked with Zappa in the past). The writing is complex and incredible, and maybe dare I say too complex at times, with some lulls in the longer songs. Then again, running in my circles, I could just be more used to the rock stuff (if I didn't mention it before, there are NO WORDS on the record). Based on the complexity and the sheer joy I get out of hearing these "songs" (at least the ones over 1:30 I can consider songs), I would have to give the album a 7/8 for consistency, though a low one. My rating could change in 5 or 10 years though, seeing how the album grows over time. Keneally has created many works since the early 90's, and this might be his summit, but might not be. Someone who is this experimental and creative though is worth keeping an eye on, and should be getting more credit then he gets. Well, here is some light shed on him. Sit back an get ready to listen to a completely absorbing experience. - Trevor e.y. 1.blue 68- 4 2.all of them were quiet- 3 3.room- 4 4.insert here part 1- gf 5.archaic peace strategies- 4 6.four slices of toast- 3 7.mwah 2- 3 8.worrywart spoonguy- 4 9.when drums dream- gf 10.insert here pt. 2- gf 11.not just flutes- 2 12.quiet?- gf 13.bullies- 3