Music Reviews: Journey, Kansas, Oxygene8, Sugar's Cane, Three Miles Out, Your Highness Electric, Straight Line Stich, War Tapes, Zebra and Ted Nugent
Published August 04, 2008
It works better when you are drunk, but there is nothing wrong with that either. Stuff the pseudo-dance-goth being peddled these days and go for some of the real thing.
DVD reviews
Zebra: The DVD
Not exactly the most original name for a DVD, it has to be said. This is a celebration of the band that is Zebra, with nostalgic tributes and documentary sprinkled between their most famous tracks. Released to celebrate 30 years of the band, it features the original members playing live and commenting. It's rather too bad they did not include a CD of just the tunes, as there does not seem to be a way to just play the music without the comments (other than picking things individually).
The oft-repeated mantra is that the band were "better than Zeppelin" which strikes one as plainly daft in the light of day. Randy Jackson's Mickey Mouse-falsetto does get tiring at times. The musicianship on here is quite high, one has to admit. This lot are a good band but not to the level of legends. Still, after all these years, I don’t get what the huge fuss was about. This DVD package is rather basic to be honest. One for the Zebra fans only methinks.
Ted Nugent: Sweden Rocks
Companion to the rather iffy-sounding CD, this is visual testament to his gig at Sweden Rock several years ago. As you would expect with Ted, who is rather good at taking care of his fans, there is plenty of bonus material on here like three extra lives tracking including the Amboy Dukes "Journey to the Centre of the Mind" from Ted's pre-solo days. There are interviews from the recording of the album "Love Grenade"; his latest return to form.
As it's Ted you also get "Bow Hunting with Ted" and "Ted on the Gun Range" just in case you thought he had become some mellow vegan. Of the two releases, I would recommend this DVD over the CD. This is a far better testament to what is Ted Nugent.
Well, that is your lot for the week (ish). I shall be promptly diving back into the pile of stuff kicking around the house. Oh, one last thing before I go. It's a single release from a decent New Zealand reggae band called Fat Freddy Drop and its called "The Camel". They are releasing it to celebrate their tour of the UK.
As always be careful out there and check out your local live scene.
Marty's band, Growing Old Disgracefully, can be found at: Disgraceful Music. His Cthulhu tales can be found at Temple of Dagon. 
- Music Reviews: Journey, Kansas, Oxygene8, Sugar's Cane, Three Miles Out, Your Highness Electric, Straight Line Stich, War Tapes, Zebra and Ted Nugent
- Published: August 04, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Electronica, Music: Hard Rock, Music: Metal
- Part of a feature: Marty's Musical Meltdown
- Writer: Marty Dodge
- Marty Dodge's BC Writer page
- Marty Dodge's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
"a DVD of a live show at the House of Blues"
To the author, for your information since you did not watched the credits part of the DVD. That live DVD was taken last March 08 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas!
I agree that Arnel is not a dead ringer for Steve Perry for he has his own style. He may sound a bit like Perry and most of time better (since Perry cannot hit the high notes anymore). Arnel has showmanship, powererful pipes and he is so charismatic. He is humble in hiw way and accepts all criticism with a smile.
BD, you are still living in the past. You should open your ears and mind and admit that Arnel is much better than your Steve. Why can't you adapt to change?
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(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/79666)
Concerning Arnel being a dead ringer for STEVE PERRY. Try listening and watching a live performance by both and you will see that he is not a dead ringer. Having seen Steve Perry years ago and having seen the "NEW Journey" this past weekend, Arnel can't begin to match the way Steve sings with his body and soul. Arnel was a great showman trying to please everyone. He has his English down much better and their performance made for an enjoyable evening. But there will never be a better front-man for Journey than STEVE PERRY. Who cares if he doesn't run around the stage or possibly can't hold the notes as high or long. Hopefully he will be putting out some new music soon for us to enjoy.