Yet another week and yet another onslaught of new releases. As we rapidly approach the summer there seems to be an almighty rush to release material from lots of different labels. In a curious twist, I seem to be getting a far wider variety of material than I used to ranging from the bizarre alternative to the horny throated death metal.

CD Reviews

Def Leppard: Songs from the Sparkle Lounge

I've already given a brief review of this album via the preview page released by the band a few weeks before the release. I am happy to tell you that I was not disappointed by the full product, in fact, this is probably the best release from this band since the late 80s. It has all the elements that a proper Def Leppard album should have and they are not 'trying' too hard. From the first single with Tim McGraw "Nine Lives" through to the bonus track "Love" the piano version, this is truly a great album — even touching at times.

It features contributions from the various band members including a great song written about Steve Clarke by his replacement called "Only the Good Die Young". If you are a fan of Def Leppard or ever have been, then this is an essential purchase for this Summer. Not content with merely releasing a filler with the excuse to tour they, like Whitesnake, have released a damn good album.

Night Ranger: Hole in the Sun

Like Def Leppard above Night Ranger are back with their best release in two decades. All the major players are back on board and the band is firing on all cylinders. As if to risk comparisons to their prime, the album includes two bonus tracks of their two biggest hits "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sister Christian" both acoustic versions. Whether we are talking about the major ballad on the CD "There is a life" to the tongue in cheek "White Knuckle Ride" this is a very strong release.

It is good to see Night Ranger back at their best. This is a band that many discounted but in the end their talent always wins out. A worthy companion to releases this year by Whitesnake and Def Leppard.

Rush: Snakes and Arrows Live

On the back of their most recent return to form, Snakes and Arrows, Rush release yet another live CD. Now with most other bands this would be taking the piss, how many live CD's do you really need? However, this being Rush, they give you 23 tracks of them in all their live glory. With the increase in technology, the band continued to come closer and closer to capturing their live epic sound. It is hard not to have a smile on your face when listening to the final encore of "YYZ".