Blogcritics Author: MuzikMan

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, 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. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

Music Review: Dream Theater's - Systematic Chaos, Best Album Yet

MuzikMan — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 08:18:40 EDT

The last time I listened to an album repeatedly, I mean twice a day for a stretch of two weeks, began the day I picked up Black Sabbath’s 1973 album Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. It became a permanent resident on my turntable and drove my parents crazy. History does repeat itself and for many reasons I could not stop listening to Dream Theater’s most recent release Systematic Chaos. I have long wondered if they could possibly release an album as good as Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence; now I am elated to discover they have surpassed that 2002 release for consistency and overall excellence in production, musicianship, lyrics, and storytelling - this is their best effort to date.It may have something to do with the fact that last year offered the band their first vacation in 10 years. They were obviously in dire need of a break, and it probably saved them from self-destruction. Additionally, following their emancipation from Atlantic records and a brief stint with Rhino, they have found a home at Roadrunner Records - a label that I would consider a major indie with a very independent attitude and approach. A band of down-to-earth gents like Dream Theater can finally thrive with a label like this and they deserve to. They returned to the studio, reinvigorated, in 2006 and began recording this dazzling session.I have never had any doubt about this band’s ability to perform with excellence at all positions on stage and in the studio. Incredibly, they feel they have more to prove to themselves and to the world of music, as James LaBrie comments on the 90-minute bonus documentary on the included DVD. LaBrie is the consummate showman and his vocals, as always, are incredibly strong on this release. He reaches deep within himself to bring each character to life on every track, and he makes it all real in your mind’s eye. Then when you see him do it all in a live performance you find yourself falling into his overpowering web of influence. He mentions in the documentary he has not had this much fun since the band recorded their 1994 release Awake; that’s a long time to wait to get that euphoric feeling back - doing what you love in the studio.Each musician is an undisputed star in his own right, holds a respective position within the band, and contributes to Dream Theater’s quality and uniqueness. John Petrucci (guitar) has made the Ernie Ball six-string, The MusicMan®, his friend over the years. He becomes one with his guitar on this release and his writing has reached another level as well. Jordan Rudess (keyboards) is phenomenal in setting the tone for the rest of the band to jump in and launch into each track in typically grand style. By letting his versatile, classically trained fingers do all the talking, he draws upon his palette of moods to paint extraordinarily rich atmospheres. Moreover, Mike Portnoy (drums) and the reserved John Myung (bass) are arguably the best rhythm section in the universe. Their positive attitudes shine throughout, even in light of the fact that their music is dark and full of fantasy. The opening track, ”In The Presence Of Enemies”, sets the stage for the entire album by leading in with a long instrumental break that builds into a mountain of music… then LaBrie’s vocals come in – it’s vintage Dream Theater. My favorite track, “Forsaken”, is a story about a woman vampire who visits an unknowing soul during the night and leads him to believe she is taking him to paradise. All the while, his lifeblood is being sucked from his body, renewing her life and making him her possession for eternity. Petrucci plays some very heavy and melodic riffs during the run of the song and LaBrie takes you there scene by scene in a passionate and dramatic fashion.Every track offers an intriguing story with incredible music driving it along, sometimes at hyperspeed then geared down when necessary so you can visit each setting, and become intimate with each character. It all develops inside your head, and with several listens following along with the words, you suddenly find yourself living each role. This is potent stuff - the kind of music that is impossible to forget.The Special Edition of Systematic Chaos includes a DVD that features this epic recording in awesome 5.1 surround sound. Once you hear it, nothing else will suffice. You also get an inside look at the recording process via a 90 minute documentary hosted by drummer Mike Portnoy - the man is a riot and a total nut, and I loved his commentary and interaction with fellow band mates. Interviews with all the band members except Myung are interspersed between segments of studio footage.I could go on ad infinitum about this release, but it is time for you to get your own copy. You can be certain of one thing; this album features some of the best progressive metal you will ever hear - bar none. From one corner of the planet to the next, the Dream Theater machine reigns supreme.Artist: Dream TheaterTitle: Systematic ChaosFormat: Special Edition-Enhanced 5.1 Surround Sound CD/DVDGenre: Progressive Rock-MetalLabel: Roadrunner RecordsWebsiteTracks:1. In The Presence Of Enemies (9:00)2. Forsaken (5:35)3. Constant Motion (6:55)4. The Dark Eternal Night (10:43)5. Repentance (10:43) 6. Prophets Of War (6:00)7. The Ministry Of Lost Souls (14:57)8. In The Presence Of Enemies- Part II (16:38)

The content provided for Blog Critics after 9/05 are independent of the services provided by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck. Keith Hannaleck, known as "MuzikMan," is a Journalist specializing in independent and major music reviews and the promotion of artists via the various media outlets flourishing online. He has worked closely with artists, management, publicity directors, and webmasters to provide some of the best and far-reaching coverage on the Internet.

Music Review: Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full

MuzikMan — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:30:28 EDT

Paul McCartney has reached another crossroad in his life with the end of a long-term relationship, a divorce from his wife Heather. Surely, this hurt at this stage of his life but it could not hold a candle to losing Linda, his soul mate and lifetime friend. Leave it to an outstanding artist like McCartney to take his life experiences and turn them into some great music.Memory Almost Full revolves around a man that has lived a full life but has regrets like us all. The title is very ‘today’ referencing our technological mindset. This is a very personal album for the artist and it becomes very evident after hearing the first few tracks.If you had any inkling that Paul was heading into retirement and his best years were behind him, think again, he is back stronger than ever. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard was good but forgettable; it lacked the energy and spirit of this effort. The irony of that is he was recording this album prior to that release then circled back to finish it. I cannot stop playing this album; I listened to it 4 times within a two-day period. It is like the old Beatles and Wings recordings; every time you hear it, you like it more.“Dance Tonight” kicks things off with a snappy melody and Paul is in good voice. He sounds inspired and full of the same energy found on some of his best work. “Ever Present Past,” a lock for a hit single, while a great tune musically, tells his story, a then and now view. It comes across loud and clear. I felt sad hearing what he had to say but then again always feel warm and tingly inside after hearing a song by any Beatle regardless of the subject matter. “House of Wax” features some great piano and an outstanding emotional vocal performance followed by a rockin’ guitar around the middle section - it is a prolific track and certainly should find its way climbing up the singles charts if it gets that opportunity. “Nod Your Head” also rocks… both tracks are reminiscent of the Wings at their peak. I could not help but think back to his classic Band On The Run album. All of this taken into consideration, it is all good for Sir Paul. The fans will be very pleased.“End of the End” is Paul’s ode to his mortality, although most of us consider him an icon, a legendary figure that will never die. He sings how he wants bells to be ringing and people singing when he dies. When that day comes, it would be only appropriate to celebrate his incredible life and all the joys he has brought to millions of people through music.Paul plays all the instruments on the recording, with the exception of some help on a few of the tracks. After being a big label figurehead for a majority of his career, he is now showing the indie world how to do it. You have to believe he has something else up his sleeve right around the corner. On an interesting note, he leaves it up to the listener to come to his website to get the rest of the lyrics for each song, each listed in the CD sleeve, but only a teaser as only a few lines for each are provided. The cover has a built-in crease on the right-hand corner so you can fold it and see Paul in pink. The instructions are on the site but I passed on the origami lesson. Smart marketing I do say so myself. Of course, once you get to the site you will spend time there and end up buying something else. There is nothing wrong with a little entrepreneurial spirit now is there?McCartney has found a groove, a second wind to reignite his career to another level, if that could possibly exists for someone of his stature, and that should carry him along for several more years. Welcome back Paul, your music heals you and all the rest of us listeners along the way. As I look at my own mortality in the mirror, I can feel some relief and become 18 inside all over again when I listen to this extraordinary music.Tracks:01. Dance Tonight02. Ever Present Past03. See Your Sunshine04. Only Mama Knows05. You Tell Me06. Mister Bellamy07. Gratitude08. Vintage Clothes09. That Was Me10. Feet in the Clouds11. House of Wax12. End of the End13. Nod Your Head

Music DVD Review: Kenny Wayne Shepherd - 10 Days Out (Blues From The Backroads)

MuzikMan — Mon, 5 Feb 2007 09:21:22 EST

This is one impressive DVD. Kenny Wayne Shepherd, the teenage phenomenon of the '90s, is now a veteran of the blues and still truckin’ right along. He finds himself on a 10 day road trip with Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) and the Double Trouble rhythm section of Chris Layton (drums) and Tommy Shannon (bass) filming a documentary in the south. The group visits some blues legends along the way as down the long road they travel. Featured are unencumbered performances with influential figures such as Etta Baker, Neal Pattman, Cootie Stark, Gatemouth Brown, and of course the man himself, B.B. King. Engrossed by this footage from start to finish, I found myself spellbound by its simplicity and gut level honesty. But that is the blues and the people that make the music, and that is the reason why I continue to enjoy it every time I hear it or watch a documentary that tells the true story. There are no mysteries here; it is like a down-home cooked meal, the real deal. This DVD was like watching history in the making right before my eyes. It gave me further evidence of how much I really do love the blues and all the great personalities that shaped the genre into what it is today. The young bloods like Kenny Wayne Shepherd will carry the torch for the blues once players like B.B. and the like are long gone from this earth. Five of the album's participants (Neal Pattman, Cootie Stark, Gatemouth Brown, Wild Child Butler, and Etta Baker) passed away before the album and documentary film were finally completed and released this year. This is a shame but I also feel a sense of gratification and joy for all of them in the fact that they had the opportunity to participate in this landmark event and to find some vindication for their lives and art in the process before they passed on.Kenny Wayne is not the star in this footage and there is no flash or loud monster solos. Its all very laid back and understated compared to sitting and listening to a studio album by Shepherd or Stevie Ray for instance. If you stop and think about what went on here, and the reason it all transpired to begin with… this is why these cats played the blues in the first place. It is because of people like King, Pinetop Perkins, and all the rest that the blues matured into what it is today. Kenny Wayne was taken aback by this experience and you can see the love and respect he has for the music and the people he plays with, on stage, in their living rooms, backyards, wherever they end up, it all sounds the same-tight, original, and pure unbridled blues from the first to the last note played.I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this experience of watching this DVD. Kenny definitely was not a fish out of the water and the old timers seemed to embrace him and the reason he was doing the documentary. Having Layton and Shannon on hand made the transition much easier-as Kenny said during one of his conversations with Jerry Harrison, that rhythm section knows the blues, they can play anything. If you love the blues this is a necessary item for your music collection that you will cherish for years to come.Tracks:01. Prison Blues - Neal Pattman, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Cootie Stark 02. Potato Patch - Jerry "Boogie" McCain, Kenny Wayne Shepherd 03. Honky Tonk - Buddy Flett, Kenny Wayne Shepherd 04. Thrill Is Gone - B.B. King, Kenny Wayne Shepherd 05. Tina Marie - Bryan Lee, Kenny Wayne Shepherd 06. Born in Louisiana - Kenny Wayne Shepherd 07. Chapel Hill Boogie - John Dee Holeman, Kenny Wayne Shepherd 08. Tears Came Rollin' Down - Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Henry Townsend 09. Knoxville Rag - Etta Baker, Kenny Wayne Shepherd 10. Bigg Daddy Boogie - Kenny Wayne Shepherd 11. U-Haul - Kenny Wayne Shepherd, 12. Red Roster - Henry Gray, Howlin' Wolf Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd 13. Sittin' on Top of the World - Howlin' Wolf Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Hubert Sumlin 14. Spoonful - George "Wild Child" Butler, Howlin' Wolf Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd 15. Grindin Man - Pinetop Perkins, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Muddy Waters Band

Music Review: America - Here & Now

MuzikMan — Thu, 1 Feb 2007 08:06:17 EST

Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley were America, one of the most famous rock-pop trios to ever record. Bunnell and Beckley remain, with a host of other veteran recording artists to help them record the studio and live segments of their new CD set Here & Now.I was watching their PBS special prior to Christmas and was surprised how good they sounded live. The special revolved around promoting this new set, which they offered for PBS memberships. I suspected that this band was yet another dinosaur act trying to make the past come back and they would sound terrible live. I am glad that they proved me wrong. They sounded wonderful actually and I was very intrigued as to how the new studio portion of the set would sound, with all new songs. The last time America released a studio album was the 2002 title Holiday Harmony. I had lost track of the band long ago and once in while would give their greatest hits a spin and reminisce about the '70s and growing up but that was the extent of my interest in America.Funny how things change and how one album can spark your interest in a band and set you on path to start digging around for more of their recordings. Well, I have not started to do that yet with America and probably will not but I have to admit that the more I hear this set, the more I enjoy it. Am I surprised? No doubt, it caught me off guard. I had no idea that this band would be capable of producing such a high quality consistent studio recording to accompany a standout live performance. Who knew? Well I do now and I hope many others find out soon that America is back and ready to steal your heart away again with folk-rock imagery, lyrics, and those amazing harmonies.Disc 1 consists of all studio tracks. It is a strong and consistent effort that will remind fans of their string of five albums starting with the letter H in '70s. Tracks like “Ride On,” “Chasing The Rainbow,” and “Indian Summer” are most likely picks for singles in my estimation. They were the three tracks that reminded me mostly of the America I remember hearing on the radio back when I actually listened that from of entertainment and it was important for artist to have that kind of exposure. The second disc covers all the live tracks, which is a greatest hits compilation played live essentially. They do a nice job considering they are missing Dan Peek. The do have some very capable backup on stage to make their old magic return.I thought it was very clever of them to release a package like this; it generates interest in their back catalog while introducing the new recordings at the same time. This is of course a double shot for the fans and the band at the same time (i.e. their wallets). I enjoyed every bit of this great set. I wish America all the success in the world now and in the future.Disc: 1 01. Chasing The Rainbow 02. Indian Summer 03. One Chance 04. Golden 05. Always Love 06. Ride On 07. Love & Leaving 08. Look At Me Now 09. This Time 10. Work To Do 11. All I Think About Is You 12. Walk In The Woods Disc: 2 01. Ventura Highway 02. Don't Cross The River 03. Daisy Jane 04. I Need You 05. Tin Man 06. Muskrat Love 07. Woman Tonight 08. Only In Your Heart 09. Lonely People 10. Sandman 11. Sister Golden Hair 12. A Horse With No Name

Music Review: John Lee Hooker - Hooker

MuzikMan — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:02:33 EST

When I heard Shout! Factory was releasing a four disc John Lee Hooker boxed set I almost jumped through my monitor, man I wanted it now! This label reminds of one that was once a flourishing indie label as well, Rhino. They do things in a very distinctive way that separates them from all the rest.I have been listening to Hooker's music for several years now and always found his sound to be unique and just as important as legends like B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters. He ranks very high on the list of all time great bluesmen and made a prolific difference for their respective genre and music as a whole.One thing I always mention when I cover Hooker's music is the time I saw him play live in a beat up back alley nightclub in Oakland, California. I was sitting a table away from Carlos Santana, and I knew when I saw him we were all in for a very special evening with two great guitar god's exchanging licks. Carlos and John Lee were friends, soul mates of the blues, and this night would prove that fact to me beyond a shadow of a doubt. Since that night I have never heard music in the same way.All of these factors made hearing this box set a very important experience for me personally, and it expanded my understanding of Hooker's recorded artistry more in one sitting than ever before. This box did serve that purpose very well indeed. Along with the four CDs that are jam packed with Hooker gems there is also a comprehensive booklet that outlines the importance of what the man did for music during his time on this earth. He touched countless lives with speak from the heart blues and distinctive guitar playing. He single handedly created the Detroit Blues sound and the rest as they say, is history. Bits and pieces of that legacy are right here on this superb box set.I have thousands of CDs, some are organized, and some are not. My Hooker collection is all over the place, not clumped together like some favorite artists I have a literal catalog of to access. The funny thing about that isI do not seem to have a problem finding any of the many titles that encompass my collection with Hooker's name on it. Maybe its my internal radar that scopes it out amongst the countless CDs spread all over my music room. Whatever it is, it does work and I know deep inside its my connection to Hooker's soul, his music, and his life. Everyone has special artists that leave a lasting impression and certainly, John Lee did this for many people. Even though his time has passed from this realm of existence, he continues to make an impact unlike most recording artists past and present. If you listen to bands like ZZ Top and others you can hear the influence of this incredible talent everywhere.I have to say now that the fire has been reignited within and I find myself wanting to gather all of the music of John Lee Hooker that I have in my collection, and that includes CDs and vinyl, and then seek out more music from this eternal blues icon. This box set accomplishes what it sets out to do and then some. If you are familiar with the John Lee magic this is a must, or if you want to start somewhere and learn more about his accomplishments in the world of recorded music this is not a bad place to start.Artist: John Lee HookerTitle: HookerFormat: 4 Disc Boxed SetLabel: Shout! FactoryWebsite

Music Review: Yes - Fragile

MuzikMan — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 08:29:00 EST

The pinnacle of the Yes cannon was the Fragile and the Close To The Edge albums. Never has any incarnation of Yes ever reached such a creative zenith and it doesn't look as though they will ever surpass those two masterful progressive rock classics. I personally have enjoyed every studio album they ever recorded but that is because the band has been and remains one of my all-time favorites. So does that make listening to the latest installment of Fragile any easier? Well of course it does! After hearing the original version, the remastered series from Rhino a few years back, and now this - I have to say this Gold Utradisc II easily reigns as king of the mountain. It was easily identifiable on my surround sound system how Mobile Fidelity chose the right album to remaster their way, and the outcome is a spectacular interpretation of a timeless prog-rock classic.As I listened to each track, I couldn't help but notice things I never heard before and subtle nuances that made all the difference in the world to my ears. “Roundabout” and “Heart of the Sunrise” are exceptional compositions to begin with but now it is as if they are reborn with a crisp, clean, and stronger bottom end than ever before. These complex tunes find a new life through your speakers and your own perceptions. Whether you are listening to Steve Howe’s prolific guitar playing or Chris Squire’s incredibly powerful and rhythmic bass lines, or all of it at once… as you turn your head towards each speaker then collectively put it all together, it is an amazing thing to hear unfold before you.I am never surprised with the quality I hear coming from the Mofi Sound Labs but this one really just blew me away beyond all expectations. I knew I had to have it in my collection and be one of the first to hear it. Now I feel vindicated. The importance of Yes is a given, the incredible significance of Fragile takes another step forward in claiming its place as the best work Yes has ever done. Previously I thought Close To The Edge was in a dead heat with this album, not anymore. One listen to this version of Fragile will have you feeling the same way. This is as close to prog rock perfection as it gets!Tracks:1. Roundabout (8:29) 2. Cans and Brahms (1:35) 3. We Have Heaven (1:30) 4. South Side of the Sky (8:04) 5. Five Per Cent of Nothing (0:35) 6. Long Distance Runaround (3:33) 7. The Fish (2:35)8. Mood for a Day (2:57) 9. Heart of the Sunrise (10:34)Artist: YesTitle: Fragile (1972/ 2006)Format: Original Master Recording-Ultradisc II GoldGenre: Progressive-RockLabel: Mobile Fidelity Sound LabsWebsite

Music Review: Blackmore's Night - Winter Carols

MuzikMan — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 07:53:17 EST

Blackmore’s Night has struck gold once again with Winter Carols. Candace Night and Ritchie Blackmore and their troupe make beautiful music together. One of their niches is the old-fashioned traditional carols and some of their own nifty originals like “Winter (Basse Dance)” and “Christmas Eve” make this recording a very special holiday treat this year.The renaissance sound is all part of the Blackmore’s Rainbow repertoire and Candace Night has the perfect high angelic voice to accompany Blackmore’s folk and electric (although seldom) guitar journeys.I feel in love with the music of Blackmore’s Night all the way back to their first album and now this holiday gift just melted my heart and made me feel all warm and spiritual. I know it may sound all squishy and fluffy but it is true. This is one the best Christmas albums I have ever heard and it will remain one of my yearly favorites for years to come.This particular promo copy gave me offerings of “Christmas Eve” the radio edit version and full version along with the full version of “Wish You Were Here,” which is also part of the main album’s sequence. I also received a promo copy for the album including four tracks and the video version of “Christmas Eve,” which is as enchanting as the song itself.This one is a real keeper so get it. 01. Hark The Herald Angels Sing / Come All Ye Faithful (3:37)02. I Saw Three Ships (4:20)03. Winter (Basse Dance) (5:04)04. Ding Dong Merrily On High (3:15)05. Ma-O-Tzur (2:20)06. Good King Wenceslas (4:45)07. Lord Of The Dance / Simple Gifts (3:33)08. We Three Kings (4:48)09. Wish You Were Here (5:04)10. Emmanuel (3:30)11. Christmas Eve (4:20) 12. We Wish You A Merry Christmas (1:25) Artist: Blackmore’s NightTitle: Winter CarolsGenre: Rock-Folk Label: Locomotive MusicWebsite

Music Review: Al Di Meola - Consequence of Chaos

MuzikMan — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 08:27:30 EST

Consequence of Chaos is Al Di Meola’s first studio album in four years. The sticker on the front of the CD advertises that it’s a return to the solid-body electric guitar. This statement is only partially true. Certainly it was put on the CD to attract the fans of Di Meola who enjoyed the electric albums early in his career.I have enjoyed Di Meola’s music over the years. Literally, everything he has recorded I have taken pleasure in at different levels of intensity, dependent on the styles covered. This album covered bits and pieces of everything Al has been as a solo performer since he left Return To Forever to pursue a solo career. Interesting enough, Chick Corea reunites with Al to play acoustic piano, and another name you will recognize readily, John Patitucci is on bass.This album has a consistent flow yet it comes at you with varying speeds and textures. You will not hear the blazing guitar licks, as on Elegant Gypsy or Electric Rendezvous, those days seem to be gone forever, although I still have hope that he will return to that format for another album someday. As much as I can appreciate all the styles Di Meola covers, I think his electric phase is the most exciting and The Al Di Meola Project album Soaring Through A Dream, although a departure from everything he had done at that point, was one of the more interesting musically. Regardless of personal preferences, the man never ceases to amaze me with his command and virtuosity on the guitar, acoustic or electric. He is one of those artists that you always anticipate hearing great things from every time a new album comes out. From my experience, since I started listening back in 1981, I have never felt any disappointment.With Chick Corea, drummer Steve Gadd, keyboardist Barry Miles, bassists John Patitucci and Victor Miranda, and percussionist Kornel Horvath there for stellar support, Di Meola easily transitions from one style to the next, stretching out and pushing himself to the edge of every genre, finding a home for each style within his own to create memorable compositions. Di Meola is indefinable and when you hear his music, you know it instantly; there is nobody in the world that plays the distinctive brand of jazz, rock, world, and Latin style guitar as he does. He is a like Segovia plugged in. There was only one Segovia and to compare anyone to him would be unfair, however if Di Meola lives until he is 90 something like Andre did, I am sure he will be remembered with reverence like his predecessor. My only complaint is that I had to wait four years for a new album, hopefully the next one will come much sooner.Artist: Al Di MeolaTitle: Consequence of ChaosGenre: Jazz-Rock-World FusionLabel: TelarcWebsite 01. San Marco (moderna) (4:55)02. Turquoise (7:28)03. Odyssey (0:56) 04. Tao (6:00)05. Azucar (7:44) 06. Sanctuary (2:09) 07. Hypnose (4:46) 08. Red Moon (4:26)09. Cry For You (4:14)10. Just Three Words (1:20)11. Tempest (9:00)12. Storm Off-Shore (1:04)13. Black Pearls (3:07)14. Africana Suite (4:47)15. San Marco (Vecchio) (1:49)16. Untitled

Music Review: The Pretenders - Albums I & II (Remastered)

MuzikMan — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:28:15 EST

Some good bands came out of the '80s but few great outfits come rolling off the tip of your tongue with relative ease when discussing that particular decade. It is funny, when I think about the Pretenders I think of the '70s. The only problem is the band did not exist then. They had a classic rock sound with enough grit and punk to fit right into that era so it is easy to envision them in that timeframe. Whatever it is about this band I know one thing, the first time I heard them I loved their sound. I would think most longtime fans hang on to the first two albums as the holy grail of their catalog. And so they should because they were never better. Once James Honeyman-Scott was gone so went the Pretenders sound into a more straight-ahead rock formula. It was good but not the same. This is what separates their first two releases from everything else they have ever done, hence Rhino’s choice of reissuing these two great recordings with a truck load of bonus material, the cardboard cases and sleeves to emulate the old LP gatefold format, and in addition to all of that, booklets with some great pictures and fine informative write ups. So when you put it all together it is a great package. I love when CDs come in cardboard packaging, they do not scratch or crack nor require replacement all the time, you just take care of them and store them carefully as if you would collectable vinyl LPs, and there are no worries. It is debatable which album is the best. I think they are on equal ground, each one has its moments, and they rate five stars in my view. Honeyman-Scott was special and there is no telling how far he would have gone, just like many others before him. The good thing is he left behind some masterful guitar licks on these two classic albums.I liked they way they arranged each CD with the original album cuts then threw in a mixture of demos, outtakes, and live material. It never gets to the point where you are saying-“Why did they put that song on this, it’s horrible.” Thankfully, we are spared that nonsense. That never happens and it keeps the band’s stellar reputation in place, and actually enhances it with the crackling crisp remastered sound. Welcome to the original Pretenders 2006.The Pretenders recorded many great tracks and “Brass In Pocket” quickly became their signature song. My favorite is the rocker “Mystery Achievement,” with its pounding and thumping rhythm section, Chrissie’s vibrato vocals at its very best, and Honeyman-Scott wailing away on lead guitar; it just did not get any better than that. There was the tough as nails “Tattooed Love Boys” and slap-in-the-face reality check of “Precious.” It all added up to a band that was already great after their debut album and it came right at the aftermath of the punk wave and just before the age of the synth driven English pop-rock and ‘hair’ bands that hit it big. So this was excellent timing for the Pretenders, they had one foot in punk and the other in rock, the best of both worlds, and they did it all very well to create their own little niche. Pretenders 2 picked up where 1 left off by starting with the kick ass “The Adultress.” As if to say to their fans - we are back and with some more of what we offered up the first time, just a little more refined but still raw and rockin’ from start to finish. “Message of Love” was their answer to “Brass In Pocket.” It had all the same catchy hooks and unbridled energy as the tracks from their debut album. I have to say all the bonus material was quite good as well; it served as a true bonus to two incredibly good recordings.They Pretenders sounded like a hot band in total sync with each other on both albums and this package is a great reminder of that and then some. Artist: Pretenders Title: I & II Label: Rhino E-Card Website Pretenders I Disc: 1 01. Precious 02. The Phone Call 03. Up The Neck 04. Tattooed Love Boys 05. Space Invader 06. The Wait 07. Stop Your Sobbing 08. Kid 09. Private Life 10. Brass In Pocket 11. Lovers of Today 12. Mystery Achievement Pretenders I Disc: 2 01. Cuban Slide (outtake) 02. Porcelain 03. The Wait (demo) 04. I Can't Control Myself (demo) 05. Nervous But Shy 06. Swinging London 07. Brass In Pocket (demo) 08. Kid (demo) 09. Stop Your Sobbing (demo) 10. Tequila (demo) 11. I Need Somebody (live BBC) 12. Mystery Achievement (live BBC) 13. Precious (live) 14. The Phone Call (live) 15. Tattooed Love Boys (live) 16. Sabre Dance (live) Pretenders IIDisc: 1 01. The Adultress 02. Bad Boys Get Spanked 03. Message Of Love 04. I Go To Sleep 05. Birds Of Paradise 06. Talk Of The Town 07. Pack It Up 08. Waste Not Want Not 09. Day After Day 10. Jealous Dogs 11. The English Roses 12. Louie Louie Pretenders II Disc: 2 01. The Wait (live) 02. The Adultress (live) 03. Message of Love (live) 04. Louie Louie (live) 05. Talk Of The Town (live) 06. Birds Of Paradise (live) 07. The English Roses (live) 08. Up The Neck (live) 09. Bad Boys Get Spanked (live) 10. Stop Your Sobbing (live) 11. Private Life (live) 12. Kid (live) 13. Day After Day (live) 14. Brass In Pocket (live) 15. Higher And Higher (live) 16. Talk Of The Town (demo) 17. I Go To Sleep (guitar version--outtake) 18. Pack It Up (radio mix--outtake)

Music Review: John Mayer - Continuum, Candidate For Album of The Year

MuzikMan — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 10:40:02 EDT

John Mayer has a deep abiding respect for the blues, and never has it been more apparent than on his superb album Continuum. When Mayer made the switch to the blues, some folks seemed caught off guard and confused, nevertheless his true fans knew better. Personally, I have heard a lot about this artist but never sat down and listened to any of his work. Now I am sorry I missed so much. I was glad to hear he shook all the comparisons to Dave Matthews and developed his own identity and unique sound.Continuum is easily in my top ten albums for 2006. After listening several times it has continued to grow on me with each listen. Make no mistake about it; Mayer is a very talented and real individual with nothing but a great future ahead. He knew exactly what he was doing when he hooked up with some blues legends and played his six-string right alongside them (check out his tear-out-your-heart version of the Hendrix classic “Bold As Love.”) Not only did he learn his chops, he exposed himself as a legitimate contender to take his place alongside the legends he was playing with. If he continues to release albums like this his place in history is secure. Even if he suddenly stopped recording today, his impact would still be felt for many more years to come.Out of the 12 tracks, I did not hear one that I couldn't identify with or thoroughly enjoy for the musicianship, vocals, and lyrics. This recording oozes with a strong feeling of confidence and maturity at every turn. Mayer owns who he is, unlike that ditzy blonde he was dating recently. He called it as he saw it and told her to take a hike. I say right on brother! You are the real deal and your music tells the story beautifully who you are deep down in your soul.The lead off track “Waiting For The World To Change” is so prolific, musically and lyrically. You have to love what Mayer says in the fourth verse.Now, if we had the powerTo bring our neighbors home from warThey would have never missed ChristmasNo more ribbons on their doorAnd when you trust your televisionWhat you get is what you getCause when they own the informationThey can bend it all they wantNow if that doesn't make you look in the mirror and question who you are and the world we live in, well you just are not hearing this young man’s message.Mayer’s guitar playing is clean, sharp, and biting all at the same time. His vocal style is relaxed yet very effective because of the way he brings each word from his toes to his lips; it all comes rolling out with meaning, like something he holds very close to his heart. I especially enjoyed the irresistible hooks and rhythms of “Vulture.” And oh the words, my oh my does it hit you square between the eyes. This album is so good you could choose any one of these tracks and make it a single and it would zoom up the charts. Yes, it's that good.Continuum is a true classic of our time, a sparkling and memorable production that deserves all the gushing and media attention it has been receiving and will continue to get many years from now. John Mayer arrived a few years ago but this time out he has made a statement that he is here to stay and expect more of the same in the future. As we are waiting for the world to change, we can listen to good music and do our part to change it.Artist: John MayerTitle: ContinuumGenre: Rock-Blues-PopLabel: Columbia Artist's WebsiteTrack Listing01. Waiting on the World to Change (3:21) 02. I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You) (4:52) 03. Belief (4:02) 04. Gravity (4:05) 05. The Heart of Life (3:19) 06. Vultures (4:11) 07. Stop This Train Mayer (4:45) 08. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (4:02) 09. Bold as Love (4:18) 10. Dreaming with a Broken Heart (4:07) 11. In Repair (6:09) 12. I'm Gonna Find Another You (2:43)