Yet another week and yet another onslaught of new releases. As we rapidly approach the summer there seems to be an almighty rush to release material from lots of different labels. In a curious twist, I seem to be getting a far wider variety of material than I used to ranging from the bizarre alternative to the horny throated death metal.
CD Reviews
Def Leppard: Songs from the Sparkle Lounge
I've already given a brief review of this album via the preview page released by the band a few weeks before the release. I am happy to tell you that I was not disappointed by the full product, in fact, this is probably the best release from this band since the late 80s. It has all the elements that a proper Def Leppard album should have and they are not 'trying' too hard. From the first single with Tim McGraw "Nine Lives" through to the bonus track "Love" the piano version, this is truly a great album — even touching at times.
It features contributions from the various band members including a great song written about Steve Clarke by his replacement called "Only the Good Die Young". If you are a fan of Def Leppard or ever have been, then this is an essential purchase for this Summer. Not content with merely releasing a filler with the excuse to tour they, like Whitesnake, have released a damn good album.
Night Ranger: Hole in the Sun
Like Def Leppard above Night Ranger are back with their best release in two decades. All the major players are back on board and the band is firing on all cylinders. As if to risk comparisons to their prime, the album includes two bonus tracks of their two biggest hits "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sister Christian" both acoustic versions. Whether we are talking about the major ballad on the CD "There is a life" to the tongue in cheek "White Knuckle Ride" this is a very strong release.
Article comments
1 - PJ
Agreed on all counts about Snakes & Arrows Live being the best live Rush disc since Exit Stage Left..., it smokes A Show of Hands, Different Stages, Rio, and R30. The reasons vary as to why whether it be sound, crowd, set list, or just overall vibe from the entire package.
It is worth it for Digital Man, Mission, Circumstances, Entre Nous, Between The Wheels, Witch Hunt, A Passage To Bangkok, Subdivisions, and Malignant Narcissism alone.
Too bad nobody really knows the disc is out there and won't pick it up because Rush has so many live packages out already.