Monthly Archives: October 2009
CLASSIC ROCK – Guitarmageddon Vol. 2
Classic Rock – Guitarmageddon Vol. 2 (September 2009, Future Publishing)
1. “Fight! Smash! Win!” – Street Sweeper Social Club
2. “White Room” – Jeff Healey
3. “A Rite of Passage” – Dream Theater
4. ” Missing You” – Oli Brown Band
5. ” Baby Better Lady” – Swanee River
6. ” Still Unbroken” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
7. “Striding the Valleys of Skullumus” – Sons of Merrick
8. “Going Home” – Joanne Shaw Taylor
9. “Head Crusher” – Megadeth
10. “Powerful Thing” – Philip Sayce
11. “The Last Door” – Jack Bruce & Robin Trower
12. “We’re All Insane (By the End of Tonight)” – Hippys on the Hill
13. “The Last Journey Home” – DragonForce
14. “Unspoken” – Symphony Cult
15. “Mr. Toomey” – Bitches Sin
Another solid freebie compilation from Classic Rock magazine with quite a range of genres from rap-rock to ’60s rock to blues to bar bands to southern rock to thrash metal. So we’re definitely not dealing with “15 tracks of fret melting ferocity”, but there are still a few winners here. Obviously, people are familiar with Dream Theater, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Megadeth, but a few of these other bands sound like they’re worth checking out like Street Sweeper Social Club and Sons of Merrick.
Highlights: “Fight! Smash! Win!”, “A Rite of Passage”, “Baby Better Lady”, “Still Unbroken”, “”Striding the Valleys of Skullmus”, “Head Crusher”, “The Last Journey Home”, “Mr. Toomey”
www.classicrockmagazine.com
www.myspace.com/classicrockmagazine
HELLOWEEN – Treasure Chest
Helloween – Treasure Chest (2002, Sanctuary Records/Metal-Is Records)
Disc One
1. “Mr. Torture” … 3:28
2. “I Can” … 4:39
3. “Power” … 3:28
4. “Where The Rain Grows” … 4:46
5. “Eagle Fly Free” … 5:08
6. “Future World” … 4:02
7. “Metal Invaders” … 4:10
8. “Murderer (Remix)” …4:33
9. “Starlight (Remix)” … 4:13
10. “How Many Tears” … 7:15
11. “Ride The Sky (Remix)” … 6:43
12. “Halloween” … 13:18
13. “A Little Time” … 3:59
14. “A Tale That Wasn’t Right” … 4:42
15. “I Want Out” … 4:41
Disc Two
1. “Keeper Of The Seven Keys (Remix)” … 13:50
2. “Dr. Stein (Remix)” … 5:03
3. “The Chance” … 3:46
4. “Windmill” … 5:12
5. “Sole Survivor” … 4:30
6. “Perfect Gentleman” … 3:53
7. “In The Middle Of A Heartbeat” … 4:30
8. “Kings Will Be Kings” … 5:08
9. “Time Of The Oath” … 6:56
10. “Forever And One (Neverland)” … 3:50
11. “Midnight Sun” … 6:19
12. “Mr. Ego (Take Me Down)” … 7:07
13. “Immortal” … 4:04
14. “Mirror Mirror” … 3:43
Band:
Andi Deris – Lead Vocals
Michael Kiske – Lead Vocals
Kai Hansen – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Michael Weikath – Guitar
Roland Grapow – Guitar
Markus Grosskopf – Bass
Uli Kusch – Drums
Ingo Schwichtenberg – Drums
Helloween is a very well respected band in the power metal community, but I’ve had a hard time getting into them. From what I’ve heard, they seem like a campy and lighter version of Iron Maiden. But…
I’m a sucker for power ballads and Helloween has done two of the best power ballads I’ve ever heard with “In The Middle Of A Heartbeat” and “Forever And One (Neverland)”. They were the two main reasons I bought this compilation album (which features remixes and remasters), though I also wanted to give the band another chance after disappointing me a few years earlier with Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II.
After listening to this album, I have a greater appreciation for the band, but I’m completely content with owning this compilation and not delving into the band’s catalog unless I get an extremely strong recommend from someone.
A limited edition box set was also released featuring a third CD showcasing the band’s B-sides.
Highlights: “Mr. Torture”, “I Can”, “Power”, “Eagle Fly Free”, “Future World”, “How Many Tears”, “Halloween”, “I Want Out”, “Soul Survivor”, “In The Middle Of A Heartbeat”, “The Time of the Oath”, “Forever And One (Neverland)”, “Mr. Ego (Take Me Down)”, “Immortal”
LYNCH MOB – Smoke and Mirrors
Lynch Mob – Smoke and Mirrors (2009, Frontiers Records – German Import)
1. “21st Century Man” … 4:55
2. “Smoke and Mirrors” … 5:00
3. “Lucky Man” … 4:29
4. “My Kind of Healer” … 3:33
5. “Time Keepers” … 6:54
6. “Revolution Heroes” … 4:01
7. “Let The Music Be Your Master” … 6:19
8. “The Facist” … 4:10
9. “Where Do You Sleep At Night” … 3:50
10. “Madly Backwards” … 4:12
11. “We Will Remain” … 4:37
12. “Before I Close My Eyes” … 4:43
BONUS TRACK
13. “Mansions In The Sky” … 4:19
Band:
Oni Logan – Lead Vocals
George Lynch – Guitars
Marco Mendoza – Bass, Backing Vocals
Scot Coogan – Drums, Backing Vocals
Producer: Lynch Mob, Bob Kulick, Brett Chassen
After only hearing Lynch Mob’s debut Wicked Sensation and read so many negatives about the later experimental George Lynch/Lynch Mob albums, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one. I was thinking it would probably be a less rocking, more melodic affair, but I still expected to hear some fiery George Lynch solos.
Well, I can say that album is not as chest-thumping as Wicked Sensation (an album that was pretty much a full-force “hair metal” release), but it is no soft AOR album either. In fact, what the returning Lynch Mob brings us is a solid bluesy melodic hard rock album where George is decidedly a band member and not the band himself. Even Oni Logan’s voice has changed. Whether by choice or by time, he sounds richer and deeper and doesn’t wail as he did on the band’s debut. His voice definitely suits the bluesier sound of this album.
I wasn’t immediately into this album, it’s a definite grower. Nothing jumped out and grabbed me like some songs on Wicked Sensation did and Smoke and Mirrors can’t compare to it, but this is still a very good release for fans of Lynch Mob and melodic rock in general. The opener “21st Century Man” is a great way to kick things off because it almost sounds like the Lynch Mob of old and “Smoke and Mirrors” is a really bluesy rocker that reminds me a lot of Bad Company (Logan especially sounds like he’s doing his best Paul Rodgers). Those two songs would be my favorites.
This is only Oni Logan’s seconding outing with Lynch Mob. After Wicked Sensation, he was replaced by Robert Mason (now in Big Cock and Warrant). While Marco Mendoza (Blue Murder/Whitesnake/Ted Nugent) and Scot Coogan (Brides of Destruction) are new to the group, the original Lynch Mob line-up tried to reunite a few years ago, but they didn’t get past the writing stage and Robert Mason stepped in again.
This album supposedly was released in the U.S., but I had to go through CDUniverse.com and order the German import (which was available on their site the day the U.S. version was released) for about $14. Everything is printed in English, but what’s really funny is when I put the CD into my computer to play, Windows Media Player lists the album and song titles in what I assume to be Japanese. I gotta keep the track list on hand for this one! There is no difference between any of the imports or the U.S. version. They all feature the same “bonus track” – “Mansions In The Sky”. So again, is it really a “bonus”?
Highlights: “21st Century Man”, “Smoke and Mirrors”, “My Kind of Healer”, “Time Keepers”, “The Facist”, “Where Do You Sleep At Night”, “Mansions In The Sky”
DEF LEPPARD – Yeah! Bonus CD with Backstage Interviews
Def Leppard – Yeah! Bonus CD with Backstage Interviews [Walmart Exclusive] (2006, Mercury Records/Island Records]
1. “American Girl” – Tom Petty … 3:34
2. Backstage Interview #1 … 3:12
3. “Search & Destroy” – The Stooges … 3:27
4. Backstage Interview #2 … 2:01
5. “Space Oddity” – David Bowie … 5:28
6. Backstage Interview #3 … 2:43
7. “Dear Friends” – Queen … 1:28
8. “Heartbeat” – Jobriath … 2:45
Band:
Joe Elliott – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Percussion (“American Girl”, “Space Oddity”, “Heartbeat”)
Phil Collen – Guitar, Lead Vocals, Bass, Drums (“Search & Destroy”)
Vivian Campbell – Guitar, Backing Vocals (“American Girl”)
Rick Savage – Bass, Lead Vocals, Guitar, Drums (“Dear Friends”)
Rick Allen – Drums (???)
Additional Musicians:
Marc Danzeisen – Drums (“American Girl”)
Jesse Sheely – Backing Vocals (“American Girl”)
Producer: ?
I considered updating the entry of Yeah!, just tacking this on at the end, but the more I thought about it the more I thought Walmart’s exclusive bonus CD to Yeah! deserved its own entry. Despite being called a “bonus”, it was sold separately for $6 and was released the same time as Yeah! and it is basically an EP that features 5 additional cover songs plus a three-part interview regarding the album and the band’s recent tours. I didn’t realize this bonus CD even existed until after buying the main album at Target, but a few months back, copies of this CD appeared at Walmart for only $3 (What, did they come across a forgotten box of this CD in their stockroom?) and I couldn’t pass it up.
For some weird reason, none of the songs here were recorded by the whole band. Joe Elliott and Vivian Campbell collaborated on “American Girl” but as for the rest, only one Def Leppard member appears. Kind of odd. Information as to who played what seems to be limited.
For what they are though, the songs are enjoyable. “American Girl” is fairly faithful, but I’m sick of everyone covering this song. I’ve never heard of Jobriath, but Joe Elliott’s cover of their song “Heartbeat” is my favorite song here.
Nothing essential here really and the interview is fairly standard stuff giving the album some back story, but since I’m a big fan of Yeah!, this was well worth the $3.
Highlights: “American Girl”, “Space Oddity”, “Heartbeat”
STEEL PANTHER – Feel the Steel
Steel Panther – Feel the Steel (2009, Universal Republic Records)
1. “Death to All But Metal” … 2:30
2. “Asian Hooker” … 4:02
3. “Community Property” … 3:39
4. “Eyes Of A Panther” … 3:37
5. “Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)” … 4:38
6. “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’” … 3:50
7. “Party All Day (Fuck All Night)” … 3:03
8. “Turn Out the Lights” … 4:24
9. “Stripper Girl” … 3:35
10. “The Shocker” … 4:10
11. “Girl From Oklahoma” … 3:57
Band:
Michael Starr – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Satchel – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Lexxi Foxxx – Bass, Backing Vocals
Stix Zadinia – Drums, Backing Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Justin Hawkins – Co-Lead Vocals (“Party All Day (Fuck All Night)”)
M. Shadows – Co-Lead Vocals (“Turn Out the Lights”)
Allison Robertson – Lead Guitar (“Party All Day (Fuck All Night)”)
Scott Ian – Rhythm Guitar (“Asian Hooker”)
Corey Taylor – Backing Vocals (“Death to All But Metal”, “Asian Hooker”, “Eyes of a Panther”)
Matt Nelson – Backing Vocals (“Eyes of a Panther”, “Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)”, “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’”, “The Shocker”)
Brett Anderson – Backing Vocals (“Eyes of a Panther”)
Joe Lester – Backing Vocals (“Community Property”, “Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)”, “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’”, “The Shocker”)
Producer: Jay Ruston
Steel Panther is a band that is a satire of my favorite rock genre — glam metal. At various points in their career, they have been known as Danger Kitty (in a popular Discover card commercial), Metal Skool and up until a few years ago — Metal Shop (under this name they self-released an album called Hole Patrol in 2003). Having signed with Universal (What? A major label signing ANYTHING that has to do with glam metal ?!), the band once again changed their name, deciding on Steel Panther. Definitely a cool glam band name, but I think I like Danger Kitty most!
Steel Panther has been an extremely popular L.A. club band for years, many big name celebrities have come to their shows and sung along with them on all kinds of ’80s hair metal songs (a number of musicians cameo on this album). They were initially a ’80s rock/metal cover band, but as you can see, they have moved on to original material. The music is spot on and the production is great. The album covers the bases well and sounds like an actual ’80s band and I mean that in a good way. This is a parody, but the music itself is never really the punchline, only the lyrics are… which are sexist, macho, filthy and perverted. Just like any good glam band’s lyrics would be!
Guitarist Satchel (real name Russ Parrish) really shines on this album and Ralph “Michael Starr” Saenz is an amazing vocalist. Plus, he knows a thing or two about hair band excess having briefly been the lead singer of L.A. Guns in ’97 and ’98. Ralph also fronts the Roth-era Van Halen cover band The Atomic Punks and throughout the album, you can definitely hear why he’s a great fit to cover the Roth tunes.
I see a lot of reviews saying this album has no staying power, Steel Panther is a one night joke, blah blah blah. Look, the lyrics are intentionally juvenile. Even after years of being familiar with some of these songs (the band has rotated them on their MySpace page for a number of years), I still think they’re funny, but I have a genuine love for the genre so if you aren’t a huge hair/glam fan, then I could see where this could get old fast for some people.
Forget the lyrics though, the most important thing is the actual music and it is great. I would put Steel Panther up against any glam band in their prime. That’s just how good this music is, which seems to be a blend of Poison, Motley Crue, Warrant, Whitesnake, Bon Jovi and Van Halen. As much as I’m defending the lyrics though, I would love to hear another album from this band dropping the intentionally humorous lyrics but keeping the same exact sound because I hate the fact that this band is getting labeled as “just” a comedy act.
Highlights: “Death to All But Metal”, “Asian Hooker”, “Community Property”, “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’”, “Stripper Girl”, “Turn Out the Lights”, “The Shocker”
www.steelpantherrocks.com
www.myspace.com/steelpantherkicksass
BLACK SABBATH – Forbidden
Black Sabbath – Forbidden (1995, IRS Records)
1. “The Illusion of Power” … 4:54
2. “Get a Grip” … 3:59
3. “Can’t Get Close Enough” … 4:28
4. “Shaking off the Chains” … 4:04
5. “I Won’t Cry for You” … 4:48
6. “Guilty as Hell” … 3:28
7. “Sick and Tired” … 3:31
8. “Rusty Angels” … 5:00
9. “Forbidden” … 3:49
10. “Kiss of Death” … 6:09
Band:
Tony Martin – Vocals
Tony Iommi – Guitar
Neil Murray – Bass
Cozy Powell – Drums
Geoff Nicholls – Keyboards
Additional Musicians:
Ice T – Vocals
Producer: Ernie C
Forget what you’ve heard — this is NOT a bad album! Listen to this album with an open mind like I did when I first heard it — chances are, if you’re a fan of Tony Martin Black Sabbath, you’ll enjoy this album. It isn’t best from that period, but I like it. I’m not sure where I would rank it though with the other Martin albums. Quite possibly, I would put it on level, or maybe even above Tyr (Headless Cross, The Eternal Idol and Cross Purposes being my top three).
People like to focus on Ice T and Ernie C being involved with this album, it’s an odd choice, sure, but it’s not quite as serious as some people like to make it out to be. Ice T shows up on “The Illusion of Power”, during the middle of the song, says a few words, then leaves. THAT’S IT. There is not a drop of rap-metal or rap-rock here at all. Ice T doesn’t even rap, he’s really just talking.
To this day, the album continues to be blasted, right down to the cover art (which I think is kinda cool). Give me a break! The album continues to see Martin in fine form and Iommi is busting out some great riffs.
As for Ernie C, I’m not sure why Iommi chose him. He and Ice T were in the rock band Body Count together at the time, but I think Ernie was already signed up as producer before Ice T came along.
This was one of the other Black Sabbath CDs I had ordered used from an Amazon.com seller and it never arrived even though the seller said they sent it. Thankfully, my metal brothers are looking out for me as a message board buddy was able to snag me a used copy from his local music store (thanks Shiney!!).
This album quickly followed 1994′s Cross Purposes as a way for Iommi to finally be free of his deal with IRS Records. According to whichever source you listen to, Iommi also had his eye on reforming the original Sabbath group long before the completion of this album as well. Only time will tell if this will be the last Black Sabbath album… Given that history is so prone to repeating itself, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some sort of falling out with Dio and then Iommi turning to Martin once more!
Highlights: “The Illusion of Power”, “Get a Grip”, “I Won’t Cry for You”, “Sick and Tired”, “Forbidden”, “Kiss of Death”
www.blacksabbath.com
www.heavenandhelllive.com
www.myspace.com/heavenandhelllive
www.tonymartin.net
www.myspace.com/officialtonymartin
BLACK TIDE – Light from Above
Black Tide – Light from Above (2008, Interscope Records)
1. “Shockwave” … 3:38
2. “Shout” … 3:25
3. “Warriors of Time” … 5:53
4. “Give Me a Chance” … 3:34
5. “Let Me” … 3:30
6. “Show Me the Way” … 3:59
7. “Enterprise” … 4:31
8. “Live Fast Die Young” … 3:01
9. “Hit the Lights” … 3:42
10. “Black Abyss” … 4:06
11. “Light From Above” … 5:46
Band:
Gabriel Garcia – Vocals, Lead Guitar
Alex Nuñez – Rhythm Guitar
Zakk Sandler – Bass
Steven Spence – Drums, Percussion
Producer: Johnny K
One of 2008′s best new bands was Black Tide, a band made up of teenagers! These guys are total old school heavy metal, you won’t hear any thing “nu” or alternative from them. They proudly will tell you their idols, not that you need them to — it’s obvious by listening to this album that the band was heavily influenced by the likes of Metallica (they cover “Hit the Lights” after all), Megadeth and Iron Maiden. They band is able to fuse thrash, NWOBHM with Maiden-esque solos, hard rock and catchy choruses and melodies into one fantastic package.
Despite being signed to a major label (which itself is a great achievement for a group of teenagers playing a classic metal style), Black Tide kinda came in under the radar. I remember reading a blurb about them in a magazine, may have been Rolling Stone and that’s actually how I came across them. I album was released at the beginning of 2008, I had owned it must of that time, but I was just lazy about reviewing it, otherwise, there’s a good chance this would have made my top ten list for ’09.
This is definitely a band to watch. I can’t wait to hear something new from them because they’re only going to get better.
Highlights: “Shockwave”, “Warriors of Time”, “Give Me a Chance”, “Let Me”, “Show Me the Way”, “Enterprise”, “Light from Above”
BOSTON – Boston
Boston – Boston (1976, Epic Records)
1.”More Than a Feeling” … 4:45
2.”Peace of Mind” … 5:02
3.”Foreplay/Long Time” … 7:48
4.”Rock & Roll Band” … 3:00
5.”Smokin’” … 4:20
6.”Hitch a Ride” … 4:12
7.”Something About You” … 3:48
8.”Let Me Take You Home Tonight” … 4:13
Musicians:
Brad Delp – Vocals, Guitar (“Let Me Take You Home Tonight”)
Tom Scholz – Guitar, Clavinet, Organ, Bass
Barry Goudreau – Guitar (“Foreplay/Long Time”, “Let Me Take You Home Tonight”)
Fran Sheehan – Bass (“Foreplay”, “Let Me Take You Home Tonight”)
Sib Hashian – Drums
Jim Masdea – Drums (“Rock N Roll Band”)
Producer: John Boylan and Tom Scholz
This album is a juggernaut in terms of achievements. ALL EIGHT SONGS receive radio play on rock stations to this day, it was the fastest selling debut for its time (going gold in two months, platinum in three) and by my count, it currently is the #12 best selling album in the U.S. with 17 million copies sold.
It is that very commercial success that has lessened the impact of this album. I knew these songs for YEARS along with everyone else before ever buying this album (which I think I only did to fulfill my Columbia House requirements). I believe this is a must-own for any fan of rock ‘n’ roll. These are great songs, truly classic rock, but to be honest, having been exposed to these songs my whole life, I could carry on just as well never hearing them again.
Highlights: “More Than A Feeling”, “Peace of Mind”, “Foreplay/Long Time”, “Rock and Roll Band”
DIO – Stand Up and Shout: The Anthology
Dio – Stand Up and Shout: The Anthology (2003, Rhino Records)
Disc One:
1. “Hoochie Koochie Lady” … 5:34
2. “I’m Coming Back for You” … 3:28
3. “Carolina County Ball” … 4:47
4. “Man on the Silver Mountain” … 4:39
5. “Starstruck” … 4:07
6. ” Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” … 4:21
7. ” Neon Knights” … 3:53
8. “Children of the Sea” … 5:34
9. ” Heaven and Hell” … 6:58
10. “Turn Up the Night” … 3:42
11. “The Sign of the Southern Cross” … 7:45
12. “The Mob Rules” … 3:15
13. “Voodoo (live)” … 5:30
14. “Sacred Heart (live)” … 6:28
Disc Two:
1. “Stand Up and Shout” … 3:18
2. “Holy Diver” … 5:51
3. “Don’t Talk to Strangers” … 4:55
4. “Straight Through the Heart” … 4:32
5. “Rainbow in the Dark” … 4:16
6. “We Rock” … 4:35
7. “The Last in Line” … 5:45
8. “Egypt (The Chains Are On)” … 7:01
9. “King of Rock and Roll” … 3:51
10. “Hungry for Heaven” … 4:12
11. “Dream Evil” … 4:24
12. “All the Fools Sailed Away” … 7:13
13. “Lock Up the Wolves” … 8:33
14. “Strange Highways” … 6:52
Musicians:
Ronnie James Dio – Vocals
(No, I’m not listing 30+ years worth of musicians. You know the bands, you know who played what.)
Spectacular career retrospective of Ronnie James Dio and it isn’t just his solo work that’s featured. This two disc collection covers his work in Elf, Rainbow and Black Sabbath as well. All that’s missing is a few doo-wop songs from his days with the Red Cap and the Prophets! Disc one covers his time in Elf, Rainbow and Sabbath while disc two focuses entirely on the band Dio.
This is hardly the first Dio compilation, but to my knowledge, it is the first to not focus exclusively on his solo career. All of the original songs by the original bands are here (meaning these aren’t re-recordings by Dio and his band), which is awesome. Getting the Sabbath songs on the album probably wasn’t too hard because Rhino is a part of Warner Bros. (the longtime label of Black Sabbath), but Elf was released under Epic Records (owned by Sony) and Rainbow comes from Polydor Records (owned by Universal). So Kudos to Rhino Entertainment for working with three separate labels to give us a truly wonderful career overview of one of rock’s most amazing singers.
It’s evident from “Hoochie Koochie Lady” to “Strange Highways” that Ronnie’s voice has not faltered through the decades. Ronnie James Dio defies time itself! In fact, if anything, his voice has better more rich and powerful as time soldiers on. The only gripe I can have about this album is that “Computer God” is the only song from Dehumanizer. That album was great! “Voodoo” is from Sabbath’s Live Evil and I’m assuming the live version of “Sacred Heart” comes from Intermission.
I wanted to pick this album up when it was first released because I was just then beginning to take an interest in Black Sabbath and Dio, but I held off because I think the album was $25-30 at the time and I wasn’t sure if I would even like it. I picked it up a year or two later at Walmart for $13. I’m sure this album can probably be found for that same price or maybe even less these days.
Sometimes referred to as The Dio Anthology: Stand Up and Shout or Stand Up and Shout: The Dio Anthology.
