CD REVIEWS
CD Reviews
Heart 'Red Velvet Car' and Korn 'III: Remember Who You Are' CD Reviews
Written by Gus Griesinger and Steve Bowe Tuesday, 13 July 2010 01:24
Heart - Red Velvet Car
Heart will be releasing their 13th studio effort ‘Red Velvet Car’ on Sony Legacy Records on August 31, 2010 in North America (August 30 in Europe.) Included on the European release are two extra tracks called “Bootful of Beer” and “Closer to the Sun.” The band still consists of rock icons Ann and Nancy Wilson, Ben Smith (drums), Craig Bartock (guitar), Debbie Shair (Keyboards) and studio bassist Rik Markmann, who contributed his talents to this album.
The acoustic driven and tambourine shaking “There You Go” is the first cut from the CD, followed by “WTF,” which serves as the record’s hardest rocking track. Drummer Ben Smith shows why he has been the backbone of Heart since 1995. He takes charge on this song and drives it where it needs to go.
Ann’s sultry voice is masterful on the title tune, “Red Velvet Car;” a song with soul and sex appeal all rolled up in one. Nancy takes over the lead vocals on “Hey You” and “Sunflower.” “Hey You” is the first radio single that just debuted in the first week of July. The track “Wheels” offers a more up-tempo experience and lives up to the title as it has a rolling feel which accompanies it. Ann showcases her one-of-a-kind voice on “Safronias Mark” while Nancy breaks out her mandolin. “Death Valley” is probably my favorite song on the disc, as the Wilson harmonies flow effortlessly in unison with Nancy’s acoustic prowess.
This CD takes a different approach than 2004’s ‘Jupiter’s Darling’ as it’s more of a melodic and easy listening release. The “First Sisters of Rock” are at a place were they are able to make the records they want to make. To me, that’s refreshing and honest. Hopefully others will feel the same way!
By Gus Griesinger
Korn - III: Remember Who You Are
Korn proclaimed to release “Korn III: Remember Who You Are” as a collection of songs that return to their roots. This is proven within the first few seconds of each song. Nothing will ever replace the moment when you heard “Blind” for the first time, and you can’t recreate magic like that 1994 release, but watching Korn progress from a struggling band into the icon they are today; it’s nice to see that a group of musicians can truly remember where they came from and display it through song. Even through the departure of 2 original members, the guys in Korn deliver 11 tunes that bring you back to what it was like when you first heard those guitars that sounded like a growling bear being put through a wood chipper.
Jonathan Davis is still able to make you feel as uncomfortable as always. He has perfected the art of sounding like a madman while telling a story though melody, and that it’s more important to be believable than to be perfect. Fieldy has defined a sound that was first heard on their debut release, and it hasn’t changed since. Rightfully so – it’s a brutal sound that makes you wonder how a bass can stay in tune for a full song while being subjected to such punishment. What was most evident to me was the fact that Munky cleaned up the pedal board and returned the guitar to the dynamics of the early days. Nothing beats his straight up raw dirty tone. I also feel the need to mention Ray Luzier and his abilities behind the kit. Diehard Korn fans from the early days may have looked down their noses at “the new guy,” but one thing is for sure – this “new guy” is an official member of the band, and is a brutal animal with the timing of a Swiss watch. Get used to seeing him.
Ever thought that it would be great to hear a band go back to their roots, mean every last bit of it and deliver the goods? I’ve heard it so many times and just wound up bummed out from a lack-luster release. Thank God a band finally held true to what they said they would do.
If you’re a fan of Korn, get your hands on “III” when it drops on July 13th. Better yet, get your hands on a ticket to see them on this summer’s Mayhem Fest.
By Steve Bowe
Filter 'Trouble With Angels' and YOSO 'Elements' CD Reviews
Written by TJ Jennings and Thom Jennings Monday, 05 July 2010 19:14
Filter - Trouble With Angels
After Filter's 'Greatest Hits' album was released fans might have thought Filter would fade into obscurity, but the bands 5th studio album, "Trouble With Angels," sends the message that Filter is here to stay, and rockin' harder than ever. "Trouble with Angels" sends you on a wild ride through the psyche of frontman, Richard Patrick, with insane vocals and blistering fretwork.
The debut single, "The Inevitable Relapse," produced by Bob Marlette,(Black Sabbath, Atreyu, Saliva) slaps you in the face with roaring chords and a bass line that leaves you with an itch for more. "Drug Boy" hits you with a heavy dose of thrash riffs that would force even the most timid of rockers into a head bang. "Absentee Father" dips into Patrick's darker side, reminiscent of their older work on albums like "Title of Record."
Track 4, "No Love" showcases Patrick's vocals and pulls at the heartstrings of disgruntled lovers. Then, Patrick soothes listeners with his comforting vocals on "Fades Like a Photograph (Dead Angel)" which was heard first on the soundtrack to 2012. If the world was in fact coming to an end, this track would help ease the pain. All the calm from "Fades Like a Photograph" is sucked away by "Down with Me" which hits you like a roundhouse kick to the face. The powerful chorus and hard driving drum beats slam the listener into a hard rock freight train. That energy is carried on through to "Catch a Falling Knife" which highlights Patrick's signature vocal growls and crooning. Then, Patrick pours out his frustration on the title track "Trouble with Angels," and brings back soothing vocals on "Clouds."
Lastly, out of the depths of Patrick's mind comes "No Re-entry" a song that deals with Patrick's struggle to push through the darker days. The minous piano chords and powerful vocals leave you wanting to put a hand on Patrick's shoulder and tell him everything will be ok.
From beginning to end this album never disappoints. In fact, Filter may need another greatest hits album, because they just put out ten more hits.
Review by TJ Jennings
YOSO - Elements
Because of its many incarnations, Yes has spawned a seemingly endless supply of "Yes-related" super-groups like Asia and GTR. A Yes family tree is a virtual "who's who" of the progressive rock era and beyond. The latest member of the family tree is Yoso, a morphing of Yes and Toto. On the surface, the combination of Yes and Toto could lead to disastrous consequences, but the combination not only works, it works incredibly well.
The Toto portion of Yoso is former Toto vocalist Bobby Kimball, and the Yes portion is Billy Sherwood and Tony Kaye. Sherwood, a member of the later incarnations of Yes and Kaye, a member during two distinct eras of Yes, the pre "Fragile" era and the 90125 era, during which Yes achieved its most commercial success.
The band's debut album, "Elements" is everything it is advertised as, a legitimate combination of the styles of Yes and Toto. There is a greater portion of the melodic sounding 90125 era Yes than the progressive rock incarnation, but that "element" is not missing. And the Toto influence is not lost either, although the songs are not as unabashedly commercial sounding as Toto's big hits.
Some songs sound more Toto than Yes and vice versa. For instance, the opening cut "Yoso" has a lot of Yes influence, while the song "Walk Away" sounds more like Toto. All throughout the album, Bobby Kimball's vocals are just fantastic. He nails the high notes and sings with incredible force on both the studio and live portion of the album. Billy Sherwood's bass playing sounds like vintage Chris Squire, something that was sorely missed during the 90125 era when Squire's bass was buried in the mix. Tony Kaye -who spent years in the shadow of Rick Wakeman- plays the best he has ever played on keyboards.
The two "non-super" members of Yoso, Scott Conner on drums and Johnny Bruhns on guitar, deserve high praise for their work on "Elements." On "To Seek the Truth," Bruhn's intro guitar solo sounds like David Gilmour, and on the live material he combines elements of Steve Howe and Trevor Rabin. Yes and Toto had some of the best drummers in music history on their albums, and Conner does a great job with some complex material.
Overall, if you love 90125 era Yes and classic Toto, you will not be a bit disappointed with "Elements." The original material sounds fresh and stands up to the classic works of the members former groups, which is clear when you hear the live portion of the album. Yoso is a great band that I hope continues on after this excellent album.
Review by Thom Jennings
Ozzy Osbourne 'Scream' CD and Black Sabbath 'Classic Album Series - Paranoid' DVD Reviews
Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 June 2010 22:14 Written by Gus Griesinger and Dee Haley Tuesday, 29 June 2010 11:01
Ozzy Osbourne - Scream
Ozzy Osbourne just released his 10th studio album on Epic records called ‘Scream.’ This is the first album without guitarist Zakk Wylde since his debut on ‘No Rest for the Wicked’ in 1988. New guitarist Gus G is best known for his work with the progressive power band ‘Firewind.’ Also rounding out the Ozzy Osbourne band are bassist Blasko and drummer Tommy Clufetos. This is the second straight CD co-written and produced by Kevin Churko (2007’s Black Rain.)
The CD starts off with the hard pounding “Let it Die” that continues in addition to a groove that new guitarist Gus G maintains throughout the song with his steady guitar work. The title track is the first single and has the ultimate words to live by: “If your gonna go down, go loud, go strong, go proud, go on, go hard or go home.” “Soul Sucker” is heavy on guitar distortion and includes sound effects throughout the track. Blasko’s heavy bass line carries this track throughout. “Diggin’ Me Down” starts off with the acoustical playing of Gus G and is then swiftly shifted into high gear. This track definitely belongs to the rhythm section of Blasko and Clufetos. It also includes the keyboard work of Adam Wakeman. Ozzy’s vocals are really tested on “Fearless.” He is pushed throughout and his voice may not be the same as it was but it still holds up as evident on this track. The famous line that Ozzy says at all of his shows has finally been put to a song. “I Love You All’ closes out the CD.
I must admit that a man who has been performing for well over 40 years has made a true effort with his latest release. This stacks up against previous efforts for sure and is a more complete album than 2007’s ‘Black Rain.’ New guitarist Gus G adds his own flavor to the CD by not overplaying on any of the tracks and being very consistent throughout. This maybe the best release since 1992’s ‘No More Tears.’
Review by Gus Griesinger
Black Sabbath - Classic Albums 'Paranoid'
In honor of the album's 40th Anniversary, Eagle Rock Entertainment's Classic Album DVD Series features the story of Black Sabbath's 'Paranoid' album. The official release date (on DVD and Blu-ray) is set for June 29, 2010, but Backstageaxxess.com was able to preview this masterpiece for you.
The Black Sabbath 'Paranoid' DVD is a 97 minute story behind the band's second album. First released in 1970, 'Paranoid' is a long standing multi-platinum classic. This documentary features video footage and interviews with original members Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums). There's also extensive commentary from various editors and journalists, including author/musician Henry Rollins. One comment made by Ozzy was that the more the critics hated Black Sabbath, the more the kids liked them.
The title 'Paranoid' was a sign of the times. This DVD illustrates that mindset with clips from Vietnam, propaganda films from America with "duck and cover" instructions in case an atom bomb explodes, and even a cartoon clip depicting paranoia over being naked.
The bonus material includes a guitar playing demonstration by Tony Iommi, illustrating how they made a three piece band (because Ozzy does not play any instruments) sound bigger. He uses "War Pigs" as an example and shows how he makes the song sound "fuller." Geezer Butler demonstrates "Iron Man" in the same fashion.
Besides the collection of interviews, demonstrations, and behind the scenes videos, the DVD also features cuts from the album. This "Paranoid" story is a must have for Sabbath fans, aspiring music historians and for guitar aficionados who want an up close and personal look into Tony Iommi's playing style.
Review by Dee Haley
The Doors 'When You Were Strange - A film about The Doors' and The Rolling Stones 'Exile on Main Street' DVD Reviews
Last Updated on Friday, 25 June 2010 01:57 Written by Gus Griesinger and Thom Jennings Friday, 25 June 2010 01:44
When You’re Strange - A film about The Doors
A film that gives the storied details about one of rocks most mystifying bands, The Doors. The movie was written by Tom Dicillo and narrated by actor Johnny Depp. It's an accurate description of how the band originated, including the late charismatic frontman, Jim Morrison. A quote read by Johnny Depp says ”Morrison is innocent and profane. He is a rock and roll poet; dangerous and highly intelligent." A description more fitting than Oliver Stone's movie depicted the vocalist. The movie starts with an individual that looks like Morrison escaping from a car wreck to hitchhike. The individual is seen throughout the movie, on a never ending journey, while the story of The Doors is told.
The Vietnam War, Civil rights, and politics were the highlights that were discussed as the background to the story of The Doors. The story about Jim’s obscenity charge and conviction from a show in Miami has been told and re-told. This movie fills in the blanks of what happened and what was still accomplished (the making of their last record LA Woman) in between that time. The movie also has many scenes never seen before and the gem of the disc maybe the bonus footage of an exclusive interview with Admiral George C. Morrison, Jim’s dad, and his sister Anne Morrison-Chewning. Until this interview, Jim’s dad never talked about his son is any public light.
This movie is a true journey of what really took place between the band, which besides Morrison included: Jon Densmore on drums, Ray Manzarek on keyboards and Robby Krieger on guitar. A complete retrospect about one of the great American rock bands!
Written by Gus Griesinger
Rolling Stones - Stones in Exile
The newly released DVD 'Stones in Exile' chronicles the recording of the Rolling Stones masterpiece 'Exile on Main Street,' a double album released in 1972. "Exile" was not just a catchy name for an album. "Exile" was a reality for the Rolling Stones in 1972 as the Stones were the first in a long line of tax exiles- a person that leaves a country for a period of time to avoid paying a high tax- from the United Kingdom. The list of famous U.K. music performers that became tax exiles includes Cat Stevens, David Bowie and Bad Company.
Watching 'Stones in Exile' may make a person wonder how the Rolling Stones could not afford to pay U.K. taxes when they seemed to have an endless supply of money and time to record 'Exile on Main Street' while they were in tax exile in France. In addition, after seeing the documentary that chronicled the bands excesses and unorthodox recording methods, one wonders whether 'Exile on Main Street' was a stroke of genius or just dumb luck.
'Stones in Exile' is undoubtedly a must for fans of the album, and for fans of rock music it lends a glimpse into an era that did not have the nostalgia of the peace and love era of the sixties and the hippies, but was marked with national strife and disillusionment. The documentary includes recent interviews with the band, and some contemporary artists. The bonus features include extended interviews and a short piece showing Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts revisiting some of the locations where "Exile" was recorded.
Written by Thom Jennings
Vince Neil 'Tattoos and Tequila' and Grimm Jack 'Partners in Crime: Accessory After the Fact' CD Reviews
Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 June 2010 03:43 Written by Tracey Lukasik Wednesday, 23 June 2010 03:18
Vince Neil - Tattoos and Tequila
Sharing its title with an autobiography to be released in the fall of 2010, “Tattoos and Tequila” serves as the musical blacktop to Vince Neil’s personal racetrack where he has narrowed down the soundtrack to his memoirs in a 9-song collection of covers (plus two new originals) that span a diverse assortment of popular songs from the 1970’s.
From Elvis to the Sex Pistols, this CD’s axles are perfectly balanced with raunch and romance, two long-standing ingredients that almost always result in a great record. There’s sure to be a song or two that’ll get your motor running. Aerosmith’s “Nobody’s Fault” and the Sex Pistols “No Feelings” drop the clutch and tear into your ear holes with loads of crunchy guitar work courtesy of Jeff “Blando” Bland, impressively accompanied by Dana Strum on bass and Zoltan Chaney on the skins. While C.C.R.’s “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and “Another Bad Day” serve as well-placed pit stops to grease the valves of heart and keep them pumping with emotion.
Giving a fuel injection to an old favorite isn’t as easy a task as one might think, and few have been able to pull it off successfully. However, when your career has been as successful and extensive as Neil’s has, you can afford the luxury of indulging in the lighter side of your craft and have some fun with it. Fans are sure to pick up on that vibe thanks to co-producers Jack Blades and Marti Fredrickson who provided the octane boost to maintain the exhilaration around every turn.
“Another Bad Day,” the first of two new tracks, was originally penned by Nikki Sixx for inclusion on the Crue’s “New Tattoo” record but was shelved following a band vote. However, Vince’s decision to dust it off, and tune it up might help drive this one straight up the charts, as it closely parallels the Crue classic, “Don’t Go Away Mad.” I’ll admit this CD is not breaking any new ground, nor is it album of the year material, but it certainly provides a fun ride for the listener and a nostalgic outlet for Neil. The second new tune, “Tattoos and Tequila” idles impatiently at the pole position as the hardest and most aggressive track on the record, and once the flag is lowered it leaves you eating a cloud of dust with nothing else to do but raise your fist and shout; leaving the devil’s ears ringing yet again! Here’s hoping the book of the same title unearths a few more layers of “dirt” for Crue fans to roll around in.
Grimm Jack - Partners in Crime: Accessory After the Fact
In the early 90’s when the music industry’s focus shifted to grunge, it resulted in unrealized dreams for many talented bands on the brink of inking a major record deal. Such was the case for Grimm Jack. Formed in the NYC area in 1985, the band attained a loyal fan following, national radio airplay and received glowing reviews in Circus and Hit Parader magazines by 1988. After touring and recording throughout 1990, the band had a reserve of unreleased material in the vault ready for a major label debut however, as stated, the music industry had moved on to a new genre leaving Grimm Jack’s future looking, well, mighty grim!
After a long hiatus, founding members guitarist Jimmy Mack and drummer Dave Leeds have recently reformed with singer Billy Kohout, guitarist Tom Lestat and new bassist G.G. Zen-Garten to commemorate their 25th anniversary with the remastered release of 1988’s Partners In Crime, an 11-song CD that contains equal parts sugar and spice that defined the era. Songs like “One Track Mind,” “Shy Boy” and “Go Down Fighting” are reminiscent of early Motley Crue, Kix and E’nuff Z’nuff. Each song brings one back nearly 20 years to a time when catchy choruses, guitar solos and harmonized background vocals ruled the charts and penetrated hearts.
Had the 80’s not been rudely interrupted songs like “Janet” and “Hang ‘Em High” would surely have climbed the charts with ease.
With shows lined-up across the NYC area and fans eager for their return, Grimm Jack is poised to knock the 30 and 40 something rockers off of their Wii fit boards and get them back into the clubs for a rockin’ good time, old school style!
Be sure to visit their website at www.grimmjack.com for more info.
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