I had been warned that an onslaught of new stuff is coming my way and boy was that spot on. Add to that new releases from Whitesnake and Def Leppard and you can colour me one happy reviewer. It wouldn't be a good line-up without some gothy misery as well.
CD Reviews
Def Leppard: Songs from the Sparkle Lounge
This is a bit of a preview review as, baring "Nine Lives", I have only heard partial tracks from the new one from Def Lep. However, I rather like what I hear. If you thought X was a return to form, then this one will truly please you. Def Lep are back to doing what they do best and have stopped trying to update their sound. I am rather loving the new track "Nine Lives" with Tim McGraw. You can see the video over at the new album site for the cracking tune. I found myself watching my wife, an actress, dancing to the song "Bad Actress" a few minutes ago. It's that good.
If the tidbits I have heard so far are anything but completely inaccurate then I am going to enjoy this album. Its good to have rockers like Def Lep & Whitesnake back to doing what they do best.
Diamond Head: Borrowed Time
How do you get fans of the Lars Ulrich approved New Wave Of British Heavy Metal to open their wallets and get this on CD? Well, how about doubling the number of tracks on the album with bonuses and a cracking re-mastering job. This is the one with Metallica covered classic "Am I Evil" and is a very clear example of why this band was and is still so loved/respected. This lot showed em' all how it's done and it's a crime that they were never huge. No self respecting heavy rock fan should be without this CD in their collection. It's just bliss... oh and it includes a 13 minute interview with the much-missed Tommy Vance grilling the band. Decent liner notes, complete with naff photos as well. Its a classic and essential what more do you need?
Article comments
1 - Tim Hall
Fish's album is one of those few where the phrase 'major return to form' is actually appropriate. Although some of it's an uncomfortable listen if you actually know his ex.
BTW, I've just received the pre-order edition of her band's album; that's a fantastic piece of work too, and there are a couple of songs that are her response to "13th Star".