http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Wed, 24 Aug 2005 04:12:58 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. 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Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/08/24/041258.php JasonRTAMRAH AERYN Typical Girl Massacre Records (2005) website Tamrah Aeryn is a singer/songwriter from the US who will delight fans of Kate Bush as her vocal phrasing and the backing arrangements are very similar to Kate Bush, although not direct copying. Of interest to rock fans as well is that Balance of Power's drummer Lionel Hicks produced this album. The album has a crystal clear production with lots of vocal and harmony arrangements. Highlights are many but the title track and 'Over You' highlight her vocal range and the wonderful musical arrangements contained within the album. Along with Anna Nalick and Lyza Wilson this is easily one of my favourite female vocal albums of the year. Tamrah is a real find, possessing a fine voice and has produced a very enjoyable debut album. As mentioned previously fans of Kate Bush will certainly enjoy the music on offer on here. Music34702@blogcritics.org Wed, 24 Aug 2005 04:12:58 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/08/24/041019.php JasonRREO SPEEDWAGON The Essential Legacy (2004) REO wesbite A double CD set containing 33 tracks from one of the US giants of AOR/melodic rock. It has never been trendy to like REO Speedwagon, certainly in the UK where the press wrongly dismiss them as a bland ballads band but hey what do the press know? The ballads in question are all on here including the truly awesome 'Can't Fight This Feeling' and 'Take It On The Run'. It also includes two of my favourite REO ballads 'One Lonely Night' and 'In My Dreams', both which see vocalist Kevin Cronin on top form. But the band knows how to rock out and guitarist Gary Richrath certainly laid down some smokin' solos on the likes of 'Roll With The Changes' and 'Say You Love Me Or Say Goodnight'. This collection covers all eras of the band right from the early days with vocalist Tery Lutrell right up to the 'Ballads' collection the band released a couple of years ago. There are informative sleeve notes penned by Kevin Cronin and all in all it is a pretty essential collection for fans of the band and those willing enough to ignore all the clichés surrounding this band. Music34701@blogcritics.org Wed, 24 Aug 2005 04:10:19 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/08/16/053814.php JasonRSACRED HEART, TARA'S SECRET Stripes Bar,Brentford 12 August 2005 First off a rant - Despite handing out over 1,000 flyers at gigs by Styx, Kansas, Y & T and a local blues festival plus endless plugs on music and non-music websites, after football matches, listings magazines like 'Time Out' etc the turn out was still very low. Okay Brentford isn't Central London but then again it's hardly the Scottish Highlands when it comes to public transport coverage! Apathy really is killing live rock music as even some big rock bands aren't selling out at present. Go out and see a live gig is all I and many other bands/promoters ask. Right, rant over onto the music! Tara's Secret had travelled down from south Staffordshire and played a good mix of numbers of their debut release 'Spectrum Wheel'. Sadly no 'She Wears A Rainbow' but perhaps that was to stop me saying they had hints of folk in that tune! Live they certainly pack a punch and fans of melodic hard rock would enjoy 'Wild Frontier' and the prog leanings on 'Calmer Karma'. They got a good reaction and Aussie vocalist John Trowbridge was gracious enough to keep very quite about the cricket score. He really does put his heart and soul into his singing perhaps a bit too much as he has a voice suited to melody rather than metal styled screams which occasionally happened in the set. A fine set closed with my personal favourate track 'Venice Of The North' - a very Magnum styled number and even better live than on CD (not just because bass player Chris Tomlin has a groovy set of green lights flashing up and down his bass). Sacred Heart played a blinding gig. They certainly get better each time I see them, concentrating on the music (there were plenty of fellow musos in the crowd who always form a sterner test than fans) and winning over the crowd with ease. With songs like 'Lost' (this would be a hit single if it ever got mainstream radio airplay) and the rifftastic 'Rock 'N' Roll Away' you can't go wrong. Some new numbers as well including 'Promise' which, pardon the pun, showed much promise. Vocalist/guitarists Paul Stead has an easy manner on stage and thankfully like some other melodic rock bands steers clear of the stage clichés. (On a side note the best ever had to be Japanese rockers Vow Wow, who to be fair struggled with their 'k's', when I saw them back in 1987 said proudly from the stage 'We are ready to lick your ass Hanley' - quite). Sacred Heart are made for the live arena and with just one lucky break as a support to a name band could win more new fans they so richly deserve I'd heartily recommend seeing any of these bands live. Okay you may not know the tunes before you see them but I'd be surprised if you don't leave a gig with one of their CD's and a convert to their music. Good to see UK melodic hard rock is still thriving, but only just so go out there buy the CD's, attend the gigs and above all enjoy the music. Music34227@blogcritics.org Tue, 16 Aug 2005 05:38:14 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/07/08/040917.php JasonRWALTHAM Ryko Disc (2005) www.rykodisc.com Waltham released this album under their own label and now it gets a big label release with added tunes. If you like quality, power pop rock this is a MUST! Simple as that. They combine highly catchy melodies with power riffs and glorious harmonies - just listen to opener 'Cheryl (Come And Take A Ride)' for proof. If you like the Cars, Cheap Trick, Butch Walker, Bowling For Soup et al. Other stand outs include 'Joanne' (surely destined to be a single), 'Be With Me' (featuring a catchy synth effect) and 'Hopeless', something this band certainly aren't. Another secret of this album's success is that Waltham successfully combine the classic 80's sound of power/pop rock with a modern, header edged feel. Many bands try to meld classic and new style and fail, but this band carry it off in style Great to see this type of music alive and well, so what are you waiting for? Go and buy a copy now... Music32236@blogcritics.org Fri, 8 Jul 2005 04:09:17 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/06/13/092300.php JasonRKANSAS Shepherd's Bush Empire, London 12th June 2005 How long have I waited to see this band play the UK? Too long! After discovering the delights of this band back in 1985 whilst at school, I have been waiting for a chance to see then live ever since. Bar shows at US air force bases (which are of course private gigs) the UK hasn't seen the band play live since 1980. It was a packed Empire - great to see such a good turn out. But first up we had a young three piece blues rock trio called Divided By Three. They played a good set of solid rock with the odd slow blues number thrown in. Not earth shattering by any means but enjoyable and they went down well with the crowd. Kansas took to the stage to rapturous applause and the line-up still features four members of the classic 70's line-up - Steve Walsh (vocals/keyboards), Robby Steinhardt (vocals/violin), Phil Ehart (drums and Rich Williams (guitar). Joining them are `new boy' bassist Billy Greer, whose been with the band now for nearly twenty years. Not a song recorded after 1980 was aired (shame really as they made some damn fine albums in the 80's & 90's) with some of my personal favourites on display like `Opus Insert' and a truly stunning version of `Miracles Out Of Nowhere'. The epic `Magnum Opus' went down well with the crowd and you just sat back and marvelled at the sheer musical skill on display. Robby Steinhardt in particular took the front man role well (looking uncannily like a long haired Oliver Reed!), with Steve Walsh content just to belt out the songs and add his distinctive keyboards. Sound wise it was good although the keyboards did get drowned out in parts but hey this was a memorable gig and I am over the moon to finally get to see the band live. Encore time was `Dust In the Wind' and a truly magnificent run through `Carry On My Wayward Son'. After a finale like that you couldn't really follow it with another song. Sadly they only played for just over 90 minutes but hopefully they won't leave it so long next time as I will be near retirement age and the band will be in their 80's!Belexes Paradox Opus Insert Miracles Out of Nowhere Icarus Magnum Opus Song For America The Wall Bringin' It Back Portrait (He Knew) Point Of Know Return Encores - Dust In The Wind Carry On Wayward Son Music30937@blogcritics.org Mon, 13 Jun 2005 09:23:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/05/24/113939.php JasonRPRESTO BALLET Peace Amongst The Ruins Inside Out This is the new band put together by former Metal Church/Vanderhoof guitarist Kurt Vanderhoof. But the music is nothing like the metal assault of Metal Church or the more hard rock leanings of Vanderhoof. Instead the music takes a distinct retro path and tips a nod to the classic years from Kansas, Styx, Rush and the underrated Roadmaster.If you long for Moogs, mellotron's and some simply stunning harmonies than this album will be a delight and one to treasure. Just listen to the vocal arrangements on "The Fringes" (vocalist Scot Albright is ably suited to the big, bombastic arrangements on the album) or the classic Hammond organ/Moog sounds used on 'Seasons' and "Find The Time." The guitars don't take a backseat either as the soloing thorough out is high in the mix and you get some blissful acoustic playing on"'Bringin' It On'" Hopefully this band will tour and continue to release albums as good as this debut. Wonderful album and recommended to all lovers of classic 70's pomp/prog rock. Music30070@blogcritics.org Tue, 24 May 2005 11:39:39 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/27/092655.php JasonREZIO 'Live Cambridge' A Label (2005) Ezio Ezio are based around singer /guitarist Ezio Lunedei and acoustic 12-string guitarist Mark 'Booga' Fowels. Ezio are a massive draw and sellers in mainland Europe but have a cult following in the UK. This live show was recorded in the band's hometown of Cambridge in front of a very appreciative audience. The songs range from poignant ballads dealing with love and the darker side of life, to a few bouncy rock 'n' roll numbers. The playing of Fowels is a definite highlight as he is a very skilled and dextrous player. '59 Yards' is an album highlight with its witty lyric wrapped in a subtle and catchy melody. Ezio are one of many bands/artists that produce damn fine music but never seem to get the airplay as they don't have the current image or sound wanted by labels and mainstream radio stations. Shame, as they deserve a wider audience particularly here in the UK. Good live sound throughout on the album and it makes for an enjoyable listen. Music28714@blogcritics.org Wed, 27 Apr 2005 09:26:55 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/27/092434.php JasonRJOHN WETTON & GEOFF DOWNES 'Icon' Frontiers (2005) Frontiers This album marks the return of the partnership that provided so successful for Asia in the 80's. There will doubtless be a lot of interest in this album and rightly so. Geoff Downes did guest on John Wetton's last solo album 'Rock Of Faith' but now we get a whole album's worth of their collaborations! Joining the two main men are guitarist John Mitchell (Arena/Kino/John Wetton) and drummer Steve Christey (Jadis/John Wetton). Overall the sound does hark back to those Asia albums 'Alpha' and 'Asia', especially on 'Let Me Go' and 'I Stand Alone' which feature layered harmonies and tight guitar soloing. Elsewhere, 'God Walks With Us' features a moving vocal delivery from Wetton coupled with Downes in full flight on keyboards and church organ. Former ELO cellist Hugh McDowell adds greatly to the sound on a few numbers, whilst Wetton's former King Crimson colleague Ian McDonald guests. 'Please Change Your Mind' again has Wetton in a heartfelt plea, whilst the closing track 'In The End' has Annie Haslam (Renaissance) adding her distinctive vocal talents and good to see she is still in fine vocal form. The album certainly lives up to expectations and if you're an Asia fan I highly recommend you add this album to your collection. The only slight disappointment is the lack of a real guitar led, rock anthem like the Asia classics 'Don't Cry' or 'Heat Of the Moment'. But hey this is still a damn fine album. Now all we need now are some live shows Music28713@blogcritics.org Wed, 27 Apr 2005 09:24:34 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/12/045557.php JasonRTHE LEVELLERS Truth & LiesEagle Records (2005) Eagle RockAmazingly the Levellers have been going now since 1988 and have had considerable chart success in both album and singles terms. "One Way Of Life" and "It's A Beautiful Day" are certifiable classics! Now they are back with a new album and one that keeps all the band's key elements - rousing anthems, superb violin and a punk twist to the overall sound - but adds a few modern touches mainly in the production and the use of a few dance loops here and there. Vocalist Mark Chadwick still has a fine voice and when the harmonies kick in like on the rousing opener "Last Man Alive" you know you are onto a good album. The single "Make U Happy" isn't bad at all and could easily give the band another chart placing. Elsewhere "Confess" starts with an Eastern tinge before panning out into a ballad, whilst "Wheels" sees the violin playing of Jon Sevnik going into overdrive and with its catchy chorus this track could easily be the next single. A classic album and one that will keep the Levellers in the limelight and rightly so. They are like the a modern day Fairport Convention in that they attract legions of loyal fans and can have considerably success outside of the music mainstream (and also like Fairport they have their own annual festival in August). Simply a wonderfully enjoyable album. Music28047@blogcritics.org Tue, 12 Apr 2005 04:55:57 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/11/115955.php JasonRMTM Music (2005) MTM Music This is a collection of previously unreleased songs recorded between 1983 and 1989. Overall it is a very strong collection with only the two tracks featuring vocalist Tommy Heart failing to get my attention. Personally I much prefer the soaring vocal talents of Michael Flexig - just check out the pomp rocker 'On My Way' with its harmony vocals and keys/guitar 'wall of sound'. 'Call Of The Heart' is easily as good as any track on the band's stunning debut album - one of those trademark Zeno rockers that build and build throughout the song. Flexig's falsetto vocals can be off putting but boy can he belt out the tunes and with Zen Roth's symphonic backing arrangements you really can't go wrong. Pretty damn essential then for fans of the band and unlike many other collections of unreleased tracks by other bands this one is worthy of release. But the best news is that there is a Zeno studio album in the works! Music28004@blogcritics.org Mon, 11 Apr 2005 11:59:55 EDT