Starz was one of those bands that was a bit glammy but mostly straight ahead hard rock. They were quite popular in their time and are frequently named checked by members of bands that followed them in the 80s. Hits like "Cherry Baby" are played with passion and lots of power. Fans of the band will probably welcome this excellent package and hearing this lot on CD. For the rest of us I am not quite sure. They are hard rock history but I suspect a studio release might be best for an introduction.
New England are far less glammy and a lot more heavy, but still retain a 70s feel. Some who would even say there is a touch of punk about them. They even have a song called "P.U.N.K.". As with the rest of these releases not knowing the band makes this live CD a bit hard to get into. I think its one for fans of the band only.
707 are yet another band most of you probably never heard of but are spoken of positive tones by those of the proper age in the late 70s/early 80s. They play a competent and energetic live set on this CD which I am sure will please fans of the band. Its hard rock of its time. Of the three releases this one sounded the most dated, which is saying quite a bit.
The three CDs are nicely packaged and the sleeve contains notes on the band giving a bit of history. These are not cheap and cheerful releases and MVD has done a good job at giving value for money.
DVD reviews
NEO: Broadcast, Pendragon: Past and Presence, Andromeda: Playing Off the Board
Three Metal Mind DVDs of varying types of prog played live. The reason I clumped these three all together is that they all are rather impressive DVDs with lots of interesting extras. Each CD has an interview with members of the band, extra live archive footage and even rehearsal footage plus the normal personal videos, weblinks and pics. At 140, 180 and 250 mins these releases certainly do not skimp on material.
NEO is a British prog second-wave supergroup, consisting of members of Arena, Palas, IQ, Pendragon amoung others. As with my progsters most of these guys have played on so many albums of others its rather hard to keep track of in the end. The band play songs from each of their members bands, of various vintages, but try to make them interesting by mixing things up with different lead singers or even different arrangements.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I gotta get my hands on the Iced Earth EP, been looking forward to it....
Ozzy, another one I need to get ahold off. Tesla... ditto.
I was very impressed with the Andromeda DVD, I read that it was recorded the same night as the NEO and Pendragon disks, they were on tour together.
Right now I am kind of hooked on the new Dream Theater, which is their best in years.
2 - Marty Dodge
I must get that new Dream Theater.