Oxygene8: Freak of Chance
A nice little prog album that could have snuck by you unless you were really paying attention. Featuring the talents of the mighty journeyman bassist Tony Levin, this a clever 5 track album that is really rather good. Linda Cushma, vocalist who features on all the tracks, brings a Portishead like feel to this music, especially on the title track, that otherwise feels a bit Jean Michele Jarre. This might explain the name.
This will probably be waxed about nostalgic by those in the know in a few years time. Seek it out if you like atmospheric electronic tinged prog. This is very much a grower of an album. The catchiness just grows and grows.
Sugar Cane's Got the Blues
Almost 50 minutes of blues/jazz guitar wanking spread over 4 tracks. This was recorded live and is hard to take for all but the most diehard. That's not to say it's not quality music on here. It just doesn't strike me as much of a daily listen. It's digitally remastered from the early 70s master-tapes, so worth buying if you have it on vinyl. Not really a release for the easily bored.
Three Miles Out: Nobody
I really like this modern sounding rock album. Tracks that stood out for me started with the rather cool title track. This lot have realized that a good album requires some good singing and have not relied on the uber-heavy screamo singing so prevalent these days. They have been clever to make sure their songs do the talking for them. Catchiness abounds lashed with oodles of class like on the track "Reaching Out". This lot should be huge. Let's hope they get the right breaks.
It oozes a certain level of quality that is so lacking in many modern rock releases.
Your Highness Electric: The Grand Hooded Phantom
A couple of bands that came to mind while listening to this lot were the White Stripes and Wolfmother, with a touch of the great The Tea Party out of Canada. This lot peddle that 70s retro-feel heavy pop that seems to emerging these days. The band are back after fizzling due to lack of interest, took time out in other bands, and waiting until the time was right.
Article comments
1 - BD
Concerning Arnel being a dead ringer for STEVE PERRY. Try listening and watching a live performance by both and you will see that he is not a dead ringer. Having seen Steve Perry years ago and having seen the "NEW Journey" this past weekend, Arnel can't begin to match the way Steve sings with his body and soul. Arnel was a great showman trying to please everyone. He has his English down much better and their performance made for an enjoyable evening. But there will never be a better front-man for Journey than STEVE PERRY. Who cares if he doesn't run around the stage or possibly can't hold the notes as high or long. Hopefully he will be putting out some new music soon for us to enjoy.
2 - Metalloid
"a DVD of a live show at the House of Blues"
To the author, for your information since you did not watched the credits part of the DVD. That live DVD was taken last March 08 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas!
3 - matilda swanson
I agree that Arnel is not a dead ringer for Steve Perry for he has his own style. He may sound a bit like Perry and most of time better (since Perry cannot hit the high notes anymore). Arnel has showmanship, powererful pipes and he is so charismatic. He is humble in hiw way and accepts all criticism with a smile.
4 - matilda swanson
BD, you are still living in the past. You should open your ears and mind and admit that Arnel is much better than your Steve. Why can't you adapt to change?