Time Machine

by Phil Carter

Time Machine is an excellent double-CD set providing something for just about everyone who's interested in Joe Satriani's music. Disc one reprints four tracks from the 1984 Joe Satriani EP, while also showcasing nine new studio tracks and a loose jam session, and disc two is a collection of 14 of Satriani's best live performances. Included among the new material is the booming "Time Machine," the straightforward but slamming "Mighty Turtle Head," and the hammering "Dweller on the Threshold," as well as "Banana Mango II," a new companion piece to the re-released "Banana Mango." Also of note is "Speed of Light," yet another of his trademark "surfing songs," and "Baroque," a beautiful acoustic piece. The 16-minute "Woodstock Jam" is interesting for a short time but tends to ramble; all the same, this set of recordings makes an excellent starting point for new fans and will give longtime fans something new as well.