Stimulator

Yes, this is stimulating. This is one of the many
male/female duos where the woman (Susan Hyatt) sings
and the guy (Geoff Tyson) does the instruments with a
few guests and keyboardist Mike Oristian.
They have a nice poppy sound. Hyatt's voice has a strong girrl power attitude. Tyson provides sound that is rock backup with a bit of electronic added. The whole point seems to be to provide a good time, and it does.
On 'Let's Hook Up,' Hyatt can't remember her companion's name, can't remember her way home, and wants to do 'things' to you, and that is just on the third cut. She has admitted on an earlier song to having a thousand lovers. On the next track she asks
if you would die for her. Hey, when I was younger, I would have put my life on the line just to meet her. 


This is a stylistic CD, with the front cover picture featuring Hyatt's black-clad legs holding a phallic looking microphone. It has the songs to back up style. Each of the eleven cuts has a great melody with a driving beat.
The eighth song is a cover of 'Magic,' which was a hit for Olivia Newton-John. The band's web site explains that the eleventh song, 'Just Like a Girl,' was sung 'from the perspective of a female blow up doll. She finds happiness in the arms of a male
inflatable.'
What more incentive do you need to buy this CD? There is only one Hyatt might discipline you if you don't.

- Dave Howell
- southbound beat magazine

It’s not every day that you have a CD drop through your door for review featuring a song that’s being featured in an upcoming Disney film, Stimulator have done a cover version of Olivia Newton John’s Magic for the upcoming Ella Enchanted. Now I know already alarm bells must be ringing out loud, I mean how many good songs can you think of that have come courtesy of a Disney film. They normally bless their films with the horrific delights of Elton John, Tim Rice and Phil Collins amongst a cast of others. But reading the biography that accompanied this CD and my worries were quickly disregarded, you see Stimulator are the new band featuring Susan Hyatt, the ex lead singer of Pillbox, a band that I had the fortune to see live, a band whose CDs were regularly glued in the hi-fi. If that’s excitement enough the band also feature Geoff Tyson who used to be a member of the hugely underrated Snake River Conspiracy, who again were another firm staple on my music machine. Stimulator are a little different beast to either of the aforementioned bands, the grunge element has near enough gone and so too has the dark edge of SRC, instead we now have seductive indie pop rock full of attitude and electro melodies. Think Blondie mixed with Garbage and you’re kind of in the right direction, like those two bands the songs on here are immediate and infectious. Right from the opening number 78 Stimulator they take your hand and guide you through this world of seduction, electronics mix with guitars to form an addictive base for Susan to wrap her vocals around. Let’s Hook Up got me a little hot under the collar as Susan sings about doing things to you and you doing things to her, I’ve seen the woman in action (performing in Pillbox) and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one with lust fuelled dreams. New Vampire is a gorgeous song that’s full of keyboard melodies that entwine around your senses right from the introduction. Magic is actually a damn good re-working and hopefully will break the band to a huge audience, it doesn’t sound like your typical Disney song, it’s edgy yet utterly addictive and I’m hoping that the kids file out of the movie demanding their parents to buy Stimulator albums. I could on about this album for ages, I could tell you how Complicated Girl is the perfect radio friendly would-be hit or just how brilliant the rocker Just Like A Girl is, but I’ll leave you to find some stimulation yourself. Buy this album and prepare to be stimulated.
- Rhythm & Booze

Melodic.net Stimulator album review

There are many reasons why you should take a deeper look into this modern pop affair of a record,first of all it was a nice surprise to see one of my guitar idols Geoff Tyson behind this band.

He was formerly with the legendary and revolutionary rockband T-RIDE that released only 1 album on Hollywood records back in the early 90´s,what he,Dan Arlie-bass,vocals and Eric Valentine-Drums,producer did on that record was rock and roll history with a groove like Vanhalen spiced up with layers of harmony vocals like Queen.
It´s hard to get a hold of one copy these days but if you do see it,don´t hesitate.......it´s a must in your collection!!!-so now he´s back with a complete different sound namely a new wave pop retro style of the 80´s with STIMULATOR.
Together with female singer Susan Hyatt who used to sing in the London based Punk/Grunge band PILLBOX-they have created irresistable super catchy pop music like having Garbage and Blondie doing a lot songs for a new James Bond soundtrack,I have to admit I read that comparison in a review and I hate to use the same thing but that´s exactly what this duo sounds like.

To all Swedes who are fans of the up and rising band THE SOUNDS,go to cdbaby.com and get yourself a copy of this limited version because it won´t be officially released until April 12th.
The opening track "78 Stimulator" is my absolute fave,it´s a pretty high risk you get addicted immediately you hear it...........does it have an unforgettable chorus or what?!
The cover of Olivia Newton John´s "Magic" will be featured in the Disney film “Ella Enchanted” in theaters April 9th & on the Hollywood Records soundtrack out April 23rd,a really good version and thumbs up that they salute the beloved Olivia Newton John too.
When Tyson and Hyatt gets heavier on "Just like girl",I turn up the volume and feel like the mean guy AJAX in the classic WARRIORS movie when they are chased by the Baseball furies but gets tired of running and decides to stop and fight the pussies because in the end,those furies fight like girls anyway.

Another interesting fact is that their song "On Top Of The World" won runner-up for best rock song in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest!
The wonderful years of the 80´s are coming back and it´s a bit trendy to sound this way and sure bands comes and goes-but STIMULATOR will still be standing.
- Melodic.net

Stimulator makes their debut with this self-titled independent release. Stimulator features Susan Hyatt (ex-Pillbox) and Geoff Tyson (ex-Snake River Conspiracy), so while this may be a technical debut, they are far from newcomers. The album is produced by Geoff Tyson as well. The band has been seen around California opening for such 80's new wave resurgence acts as Berlin and Missing Persons.


Stimulator is pretty good really. In fact, I dare say they are REALLY good. The album has a distinct New Wave feel to it, yet the guitars are definitely more prominent then in a lot of 80's New Wave. The album hits you with song after song of smoothly flowing yet edgy tracks, with just enough attitude to remind you that pop sounds better with a bit of attitude. Vocalist Susan Hyatt delivers a performance definitely worth mentioning as well. Her sweet and sassy vocal delivery fits perfectly with bands suave Missing Persons meets The Pretenders style. I really dig this album, it's a stylistic throwback that sounds fresh and new. Bravo.


In short, if you thought No Doubt was "amazing" on "Rock Steady" when they went "New Wave", then check out Stimulator and get a dose of the real deal. And for fans of New Wave that are hanging on to their 80's Cars and Berlin albums, here is the first record in a longtime that will satisfy you.



Key Song: "New Vampire"

Reviewed by: Reviewed by Mark Fisher - 1340 magazine

Stimulator

The debut album by Stimulator is a beauty. It has the right ingredients in bringing a smooth-flowing pop style, yet has that tasty edge and attitude which makes it invigorating. The band is based in California and led by Susan Hyatt, whose sassy, sexy style engages the listener easily. She used to be the singer-songwriter from UK pop-grunge band Pillbox. She has that nice balance of being sweet and tough. The band has felt resurgence in new wave action in the LA area and has been busy on the live circuit. I strongly recommend having a listen to this set of tracks. A couple of standouts strike out immediately: track 3 “Let’s Hook Up”, and track 6 “New Vampire”. The former should be an instant hit. They deliver a fresh sound and Susan has the charisma and attitude that sits nicely alongside a Shirley Manson and Chrissie Hynde. The big hooks and choruses are addictive and it fits into the stylish production. One thing for Australians to note. The band covers the Olivia Newton-John hit “Magic”. It is a good version has started getting attention in the States, so much so that it features in the upcoming film “Ella Enchanted”, due for Australian release later in 2004. Such a strong and likeable presence makes this one of the best indie records I’ve heard in a while. - mediasearch.com

Named after the nastiest song on the Stooges' Raw Power album, these Stimbos take their sexual innuendo as seriously as…what's that you say? The Stooges' song was called "Penetrator"? Oh…"Penetration"!? Right then, never mind. It's still hook-ridden ‘80s power pop at it's finest with a lush John Barry feel thrown in for good pleasure. Speaking of which, someone tell the boss to get that svelte little Susie in here to pose for a CREEM DREEM. D'rool, d'rool!




—Dave Moor
July 2004 - creem magazine

Joe Satriani interviews Geoff Tyson


JS: How do you go about building a Stimulator song in the studio? All Your songs are beautifully layered and textured, so, which instrument do you use as your first "building block"?

GT: There is no one system that Susan and I use to write with. In fact, we try to mix it up as much as possible. Sometimes we start with a groove, sometimes with some chords on the guitar; sometimes it just comes from an unusual experience. There is always a catalyst of some sort. Anything from a crazy day in Los Angeles to a relationship gone bad turns into a song at some point. Suitors of Susan BEWARE: a song with your name on it is inevitable. If you’re MAN enough, it probably won’t destroy you… completely…

When arranging instrumentation around a concept, I think of things more like a classical arranger might. I love the potential power of syncopating instruments. Two completely different parts playing together can create an overall rhythmic value that is very different than if only one instrument was playing every nuance. Textural and tonal differences can make the two parts seem as if they are dancing with each other. And when the two parts play in unison, their tonal combinations make textures that no one instrument can achieve. I try to create a body of seemingly different parts and feels to create on larger picture. I also like to fistfight so maybe you shouldn’t listen to me.

JS: As far as guitars go, do you use vintage stuff, modern designs or a mixture of both?

GT: I go through a lot of guitar types much in the same way that I go through a lot of different types of musical styles. I tend to want to go against the grain as much as possible. I'm just difficult like that.

These days, I am really fond of the fender telecasters. With a fixed bridge and strings through the body, it is beefy and substantial for rhythm playing, great for slide guitar because of the high action and rounded neck, and because the pickups are low output, I can drive my amps harder to get some cool power tube distortion as well. They are super dynamic and reactive to even the slightest nuances and, since you can buy a new one for almost nothing I don’t feel bad about abusing them. I recommend tossing them on concrete.

For acoustic guitars, I found a gorgeous old Gibson hummingbird at a little hick music store in Oolitic Indiana where a lovely old woman let me have it for almost nothing. It is an amazing blend of richness, and funky old-ness that I love.

I also have a Yamaha acoustic that I keep tuned up an octave. Like the tandem strings on a 12 string, this guitar sounds more like a harp and so I use it when I want delicate acoustic nuances.

For basses, I always tune down a 4th so that the strings are B, E, A, D. I love the low intensity of an electric bass below E. for aggressive parts, I use a 1950’s Kay semi acoustic bass. For more delicate parts, I use a Gibson Blackbird (the nikki styxx model)

My sitar is a relic. I found it at a pawnshop and paid $100 for it. The bridge is ivory and I don’t think that they make them like that any more. It is hand made and is a masterful work of art. Unfortunately, it was mangled in one of my studio fires and so it is handicapped.

JS: ...and what amps do you favor these days?

GT: I use a variety of amps depending on the application.

Recently, I found an old, 1960’s Ampeg Reverberocket combo amp. I have had it for years but, because it electrocuted me 10 years ago, I thought that it was broken. I plugged it in the other day because I felt like getting a good jolt and WOW! It is the single coolest amp I have ever owned. Just turn it all the way up and you can have anything from pure Hendrix or Zeppelin crunch to Chris Isaac clean all depending on how hard you play. It is incredibly responsive to subtle dynamic shifts in my playing and it even has a great sounding spring reverb and vibrato.

For crunchy, meat-head type of playing, I use the Fender Prosonus. It is a 60-watt tube head with 2 switchable channels and a great tone. I think that they discontinued it, though. I don’t see them around much. Most of our CD is recorded with this amp.

JS: Are you putting microphones up to speakers or using speaker
Simulators like the Palmer?

GT: Since I live in an apartment in Hollywood, I have grown to rely entirely on the Palmer cabinet simulator for all of my guitar tones. The thing that I like the most about it is that I can drive my amps at full volume and take advantage of the great power-tube distortion, and yet keep it tame enough to record without having a mob of people with pitchforks screaming outside my door. (I hate it when that happens) The net effect is like recording through a speaker in a totally anechoic room.

Ideally, I would like to be able to do a combination of palmer and a live speaker mic. There is nothing quite like an ambient room mic on certain types of guitar tones. But since the entire Stimulator CD wa - www.stimulatorband.com