The Empty Hearts (Bonus Edition)

Most musicians remember the music they grew up on with a passion that breathes new life in them as people and artists. For John Lennon, it was Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. For Keith Richards, it’s Chuck Berry. For guys who grew up on The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, it’s all that stuff and more. These guys happen to be Wally Palmar of The Romantics, Elliot Easton of The Cars, Clem Burke of Blondie, and Andy Babiuk of The Chesterfield Kings—all professional musicians who found their own voices in the music. Veteran Small Faces/Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan provides authentic keyboard work. Coming back to his roots, however, lets Easton show off his massive talents as a guitarist who can replicate almost every influence. “Fill an Empty Heart” evokes memories of the ballads often found on otherwise hard-rocking albums. On tougher songs like “90 Miles Down a Dead End Street” and “Soul Deep,” the harmonies and power chords of The Who and The Kinks meet the greater finesse of The Beatles, who were generally more complex and detailed than their peers. A triumph!