Wow! Already July and sadly, there are not a lot of releases this weekend and that couple that we are coming up on July 4th…Independence Day in the U.S. and maybe they know everyone is either traveling and/or spending too much on Fireworks. There is one I am excited about and have pre-ordered. Hopefully it will be here today. It is the first on on the list. Let me know what you want to hear this week. Thanks for stopping by and I hope everyone has a great and wonderful weekend!
Shinedown – Planet Zero – (Atlantic Recording Corp): My one big listen this week (and purchase) is Shinedown’s new one ‘Planet Zero’. This is the band’s 7th album in almost 20 years, so not too bad. They keep pushing themselves and trying new things and I can’t wait to hear what they bring to the table this time around.
And then we have all the rest. Hopefully you find something you like!!
Imagine Dragons – Mercury – Acts 1 & 2 – (KidinaKorner / Interscope Records)
Black Stone Cherry – Live From the Royal Albert Hall… Y’all – (Mascot Label Group)
Coheed & Cambria – Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind – (Roadrunner Records / Elektra Records)
Lit – Tastes Like Gold – (Round Hill Records): It has been 5 years since their last album and it was more tinged towards country than the pop punk they usually do. This time they are going back to their original sound…thank goodness. Here’s hoping for a return to form.
Iconic – Second Skin – (Frontiers Records): Another Frontiers Supergroup which is actually getting kind of ridiculous…but is one is featuring Nathan James (Inglorious), Michael Sweet (Stryper), Joel Hoesktra (Whitesnake), Marco Mendoza (ex-Journey, Whitesnake), Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake). It was co-produced by Michael Sweet and Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Revolution Saints). Hard to argue with a line-up like that. And the fact Michael Sweet isn’t even singing is a huge surprise. Nathan is a beast on vocals so this should be good.
Kiss – Off the Sounboard: Donington 1996 – (Universal Music / Simstan Music): We are now on the third edition of the Off the Soundboard Series and that is two for this year. Rumor has it one more will be coming. This one is Reunion Era Kiss so I am excited about this one as the original 4 are back!!
Carrie Underwood – Denim & Rhinestones – (Capitol Records Nashville / UMG)
Crobot – Feel This – (Mascot Label Group): Crobot is now on the fourth full length album and this Pennsylvania hard rock/funk rock band knows how to bring it. If you like it heavy and a little funky, five these guys a chance. I’m glad I did.
The Fixx – Every Five Seconds – (JARC Ltd): It has been 10 years since their last studio album. I guess one thing lead to another and they didn’t have time. But thankfully Cy Curnin and team are back. I don’t know what to expect, but I am eager to give it a try.
Def Leppard – Diamond Star Halos – (Bludgeon Riffola Limited / Mercury Records): There have been no new Def Leppard studio albums since I started this blog which is way way too long. I am excited about this one, but truly aren’t expecting a lot if I’m being honest. That didn’t stop me from ordering it…on vinyl exclusive from Target…on cassette and two different Japanese Edition CDs. I think that is every format. Yes, I have a problem…deal with it!!
Mark Tremonti – Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra – (JMM / Slow Down Sounds): The guitarist of Creed, Alter Bridge and lead singer of Tremonti goes soft with Frank Sinatra…or does he? I don’t know as I haven’t heard it yet as I want to take it all in at once. Here’s to hoping it is something cool.
Harry Styles – Harry’s House – (Columbia Records): I have to admit, I really like his prior two releases. I didn’t have a choice of listening to them as my girls think he’s dreamy. But little did I know I would enjoy them almost as much. Can’t wait to hear what he has in store for us with this release.
Gavin DeGraw – Face the River – (RCA Records / Sony): Gavin DeGraw has such a great voice and can write a killer pop song. They tell great stories and are catchy as hell. He can write a melody and a great chorus. Here is hoping for more of the same.
Skills – Different Worlds – (Frontiers Records): The band is one of this Frontiers band that they piece together some great musicians. This was cool for awhile, but now it is getting old. However, this one still intrigues me for one member, guitarists Brad Gillis from Night Ranger. The rest of the band is Renan Zonta, vocalist for the Brazilian rock band Electric Mob, Billy Sheehan from Mr. Big & The Winery Dogs and David Huff from David and the Giants. We will see how it it…
Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers – (Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records)
The Chainsmokers – So Far So Good – (Disruptor Records / Columbia)
Jeff Scott Soto – Complicated – (Frontiers Records): His 3rd solo released in as many years and 9th overall and he might be the busiest man in the business. I think he is awesome, but I am biased as I just got to meet him a couple weeks ago and see him and Jason Bieler in concert (sorry, was I bragging…yes I was). Looking forward to dive in to this, but don’t expect a review until the end of the Jeff Scott Soto Series we are doing.
Halestorm – Back From the Dead – (Atlantic Recording): Man, I have been waiting for a new album from Lzzy Hale and the gang and the have finally delivered. Are they one of the best newer bands out there, no doubt they are. Lzzy has one of the best rock vocals and when they deliver it, they deliver it hard and heavy!
Miranda Lambert – Palomino – (Vanner Records / Sony Music): Miranda is back with her 9th album in 20 years. I am not a massive country fan, but I do like me some Miranda. This might be first up this week.
Crashdiet – Automaton – (Crusader Records / Golden Robot Global): We’ve talked about it before that Sweden manufactures Sleaze Rock/Glam Rock bands and this is another in the long line of bands. They are back with their sixth album and I will look forward to some good rock & roll!
2 Loud 2 Old Music 