Phil Varone: Waking up Dead

A cautionary tale of rock 'n' roll excess told in all its gory detail. Unlike most films of this nature; this one is actually told by the man himself, his shrink, and those that know him. Made up of home/tour video and interviews this is a no holds bar look at the downside to the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. You get to see the coke being done, the groupies doing their thing, and the morning after. Phil, who is attempting to sort his life out, admits that he was unwilling to show this to his older daughter until they had a "long chat".

His ex-wife features greatly in this DVD and comes across as a strong woman who cares for the man, despite what he has done or in this case not done, for her and her children. The ex-Saigon Kick and Skid Row man tells it like he has seen and done it. No gloss, glamour, or spin just the plain facts man. It makes for 90 minutes of compelling viewing.

CD Reviews

Dan Mahar: Long Stone's Throw

Imagine a combo of Robert Cray and Gary Moore at their best... a good estimation of what this guy can do. There is a tinge of country on here as well. Fourteen tracks of 100% pure blue rock glory; they have got all that you want... familiar but original. I delayed reviewing this CD one week so I could listen to it every day. It's just that good; oozing blues and classy talent. If you like your rockin' blues do yourself and get this album ASAP. It's rare I listen to a release that stuns me. Well, this is just one such CD. Absolute perfection from the kick-arse opener to "Ruthless" to end with ole style blues ode "Someday I'm gonna know." Sublime.

Well that is your lot. If you have recovered from swearing at the ticket system for the upcoming Led Zeppelin gig please head out and check out some good live music. There are guys like Dan Mahar that could use, nah, deserve you ears and eyes. Stay safe and keep rocking until next week.