This album is simply awesome, highly recommended if you like mellow guitar based instrumental music, even if you're new to Buckethead. The quality and variation of tones are astonishing. There's even a few major key tracks which is a completely different direction for the man. I advise you to check it out at tdrsmusic.com

Here's a review from Sputnik music;

Shadows Between The Sky

Summary: One of the masked crusaders strongest albums in years. 4.5/5

It is not very often in the music world that an artist as consistent as Buckethead comes around. Throughout his long and illustrious career, the guitar virtuso has created some of the best guitar orientated albums ever to exist, whether it be the shredtacular sound of albums like The Elephant Man's Alarm Clock or the more calming ambiance of albums such as Electric Tears. With Buckethead's first album of 2010 (because he will probably end up releasing 3 or 4 more) Shadows Between The Sky occupying the more serene side of his music, the man of countless talents shows once more why he is one of most acclaimed guitarists in the instruments history.

While Buckethead is mostly known around the globe for his out of the box riffs and his quick-fingered solos, Shadows Between The Sky showcases the masked madman's softer, more calming style of playing. While one could easily draw comparisons from this to Buckethead's 2002 album Electric Tears and complain this is simply a rehash of the same worn out ideas, Shadows Between The Sky throughout its length proves to be one of the most unique and dynamic albums that Buckethead has ever released. A great example of this is the opening song, "Shadows Between The Sky", which amidst a supremely melodic clean picked guitar rhythm displays an awe inspiring Spanish guitar influenced acoustic solo. The album is also full of some great contrasting moods and tones. "City of Woe" is a brooding number, utilizing dark, and sinister melodies, while "Rim of the World" with it's almost country like twang in some sections is completely uplifting.

Of course, no Buckethead would be complete without some of his draw dropping solos. "Sled Ride" in particular stands out, with Buckethead performing a simple, yet hypnotic acoustic solo with epic swathes of atmospheric keyboard as a backdrop. The song in it's entirety will take your breath away, with excellence ringing out in every note struck. "Wax Paper" is also another standout, with a uniquely structured jazz-influenced solo. Far from being a one-trick pony, Buckethead also unleashes some magnificent rhythm guitar work on the album as well. "Chaos Of The Unconscious" layers clean guitar over acoustic guitar while playing the same chords, making for some nice dynamics, while "Centrum" features some powerful bluesy chord progressions. The drummer and bassist (who are still unknown at the time) also do a fine job of upholding the quality of the album. The percussion is usually remains on the simpler side, yet always compliments the guitar playing, whether it be a steady beat (as seen on "Cookies For Santa") or nothing more then a solitary bass drum beat ("Sea Wall").

Even though Buckethead releases albums in short intervals, Shadows Between The Sky makes it abundantly clear that the man still has quite a ways to go before his musical well is dried up. With this album Buckethead once again shows that he is much more than a bucket wearing, chicken adoring maniac. Filled with hooks, emotional song-writing and top-notch playing, Shadows Between The Sky just may be prove to become one the best albums of the year 2010 and perhaps, the best Buckethead album ever.

The review was so good I may actually give this a listen. What has my interest is the high marks for the songs. There is no denying the guy has complete control over the fretboard but outside of a few songs his music just sounded like sterile shred, this one might be different.

There's no shred whatsoever in this one mate.

Here's a taste;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plTpDZLNlM8

I have never been a fan of Buckethead I have always found his playing to be without feeling, heartless, and it all sounds the like the same blur up and down the neck.

Is this album really any different?

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

The only reason I know about Buckethead is b/c he played in Guns N Roses 4 a while...so I dont know much about the guy, only that he plays mega fast without much heart (of course you cant jugde how much heart a person puts int their playing)...

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Yes it really is *really* different.

Check out that youtube link I posted for one of the tracks. You'll swear it's a different guitarist. No shred to be found on this record.

Here's that link again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plTpDZLNlM8



Have a listen to the link above, hope the playing is not too fast for ya

I don't do the whole youtube stuff.

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Fair enough mate.

How about this one (Bucket's tribute to MJ released 3 days after he died) - completely legal and no youtube involved - this is for you too, guitargirl93;

http://www.bucketheadland.com/01_The_Landing_Beacon.mp3

Thanks. Still not that impressed with him.

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

The KFC bucket on his head wouldn't have anything to do with that would it?

No, If he wants to look like a nine piece bucket that up to him.

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

hehe

Anyway, now you know that Bucket isn't all about blurring up and down the fretboard.

Also I dare anyone to say that the MJ tribute is 'heartless' and 'without feeling'. There's more emotional pain and feeling displayed in that tune than anything I've heard in a very long time.

Yeah.

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Here it is guys for your sampling pleasure;

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p ... en+the+sky

Take a listen and let us know what you think

Thanks for the link, BubbaMC. I listened to a couple of tracks and ended up ordering the CD.
Really not what I would have expected from the guy, good surprise.