Welcome to October and the first Friday of new releases for the month. And what a month this will be. I already have something on order for every Friday of the month so it will be my favorite day of the week. Who are we kidding, it already is my favorite day. Now even more so. There are only 2 releases I really care about this week and they are highlighted in Blue. Let me know what has your interest peaked this week or if I missed anything. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!!
The Darkness – Easter is Cancelled – (Canary Dwarf LTD): The Darkness returns with their sixth studio album and if you love that whole retro glam rock feel, then this will be right up your alley. No one does Glam today like these guys do. From the ear-piercing falsettos to the screeching guitars, it is all a blast and this should be no different. Check them out.
Whitesnake – Slip of the Tongue (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – (Rhino Records): Whitesnake brings us yet another box set celebrating one of their big albums. This is the 3rd and the 30th Anniversary Edition of ‘Slip of the Tongue’. The other two were ‘Slide it In’ and ‘1987’ and the were fantastic. Full of live songs, rare songs and remixes and remasters and everything you could want and this one is no different. This is on order but it will NOT be home when I get there as for some reason Amazon isn’t giving me release day delivery. I’m a little pissed, but I guess I will get over it. Check out David’s unboxing video below…
When I head David Hasselhoff (or The Hoff) was putting out a new album of cover songs, I told myself that I have to listen to this for the train wreck that it is going to be. I mean The Hoff has never been popular in the States for his vocal talent and yet, I was intrigued.
David has put together an eclectic list of covers and the most interesting part is the line-up of musicians he was able to get to assist with these covers. Let’s look at the cover songs and those individuals who helped out.
Track List:
Open Your Eyes (Feat. James Williamson of The Stooges) – Lords of the New Church Cover
Head On (Feat. Elliot Easton of The Cars) – The Jesus & Mary Chain Cover
I Melt With You (Feat. Steve Stevens) – Modern English Cover
Lips Like Sugar (Feat. A Flock of Seagulls) – Echo & The Bunnymen Cover
Heroes (Feat. Composer Tyler Bates) – David Bowie Cover
Here I Go Again (Feat. Tracii Guns) – Whitesnake Cover
Jump in My Car (Feat. Todd Rundgren) – Ted Murley Gang Cover
Rhinestone Cowboy (Feat. Charlie Daniels) – Glen Campbell Cover
If You Could Read My Mind (Feat. Ava Cherry) – Gordon Lightfoot Cover
Sugar Sugar (Feat. Steve Cropper) – The Archies Cover
Mit 66 Jahren (Feat. Patrick Moraz of Yes and the Moody Blues) – Udo Jurgens Cover
Sweet Caroline (Feat. Ministry’s Al Jourgensen) – Neil Diamond Cover
I realized I have been making a lot of purchases and yet not everything makes its way on to the site. I figured I would do a wrap up each month of all my purchasing I have made even if they made it on the site during the month or even might make it on to the site down the road.
This month I ended up at a pop up sale by Noble Records at Cafe Moka over in the Waverly shopping complex in Charlotte, NC. He does these every couple months and when I get to go, I always score some great releases. However, there probably won’t be any more pop ups for a while as Noble Records is finally opening a brick & mortar store in October and I couldn’t be happier. Another place to go hangout and search for records whenever I want. This trip was no different. Major scores.
First up is The Goo Goo Dolls classic album, ‘Dizzy Up the Girl’. It is hard to find albums from around this time and I found this one and more…
And if that wasn’t cool enough, I found a 2LP Yellow Vinyl limited edition of Third Eye Blind’s album ‘Third Eye Blind’. It would have fit in nicely with my Turntables & Vinyl Post on Colored Vinyl a few weeks back.
Welcome to the last Friday of the month and the last of the September new releases. Let me tell you there are a bunch. There seems to be a little for everyone from Metal to Pop to Christian to Country to Jazz to Electronica to Soundtracks. You name it and it is probably here. I have a few I am interested in and will stream, but nothing that I am running out and buying until I have heard it first. Those choices are highlighted in Blue. Let me know who you want to hear and what I might have missed as it is known to happen (quite frequently actually). I hope there is something for you. Have a great weekend.
Hellyeah – Welcome Home – (Eleven Seven Music): The band’s sixth studio album and first since losing founding member and drummer, the great Vinnie Paul. Luckily for us, he is featured on this album so fans need to grab this for that fact alone. For me, the band is hit and miss. They are hard and heavy, no doubt, and sometimes I need it that way. It will get blasted in the car for sure (and at home).
Steel Panther – Heavy Metal Rules – (Steel Panther): Yet another release by the Steel Panther. Let me tell you they don’t hold back on this one. Their porn rock has kind of grown old for me and I really wish they would do a straight up rock record that isn’t such filth. It was funny at first, now it is old and boring. I will give it at least one listen, but honestly, not expecting much…sorry guys. Seeing them live is where the fun is really at so go check them out.
Another great Friday with another huge selection of releases. However, the selections aren’t “huge’, if you know what I mean. There a handful I am interested in hearing, but nothing I am running out and buying. Streaming for me on these…unless one is so good it warrants a purchase. I wonder if I have gotten through all the ones from last week (I am writing this two weeks out) but I doubt it. Anyway, my choices are highlighted in Blue. Let me know what you want to hear or if there is anything I missed. Enjoy and have a great weekend!!
Keane – Cause and Effect – (Island Records): Keane’s debut in 2004, ‘Hopes and Fears’ was fantastic and their second was pretty great as well. As a result, I do enjoy checking out anything they put out. Nothing has lived up to those two releases, but still find a golden nugget in each release and they hope is the same on this one. “Is It Any Wonder” why I would keep trying? Not really. Great English Pop.
Slash with Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators – Living the Dream Tour (Live) – (Snakepit Records): Let’s see…Slash √…Myles Kennedy √…both of them together √…and Live √…I don’t think I need any other reasons to “check” this out do I.
Welcome to Friday new releases on this Friday the 13th. And let me tell you this is a lucky Friday…no bad news here. There are an abundance of releases this week that I am excited about and it might be the best week in quite a long time or even all year. There are over 25 on this list and maybe 1/2 I am interested in at listening to once. How long is that going to take…it could be next September. My choices will be highlighted in Blue. Let me know what you see that you like and what I might be missing (could there be anything???). Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!
The most important…
The Defiants – Zokusho – (Frontiers Records): Man, I am super excited about this one. Paul Laine and the Danger Danger boys are back with their second release and if it is half as good as the debut, then we are in for a treat. The first 3 songs they have previewed are sensational!! So expectations are HIGH!! I don’t usually listen to songs that are previewed on albums I am anxious about, but I could wait. If you like 80’s brand rock with modern productions, you will be in for a treat.
Tom Keifer – Rise – (Cleopatra Music):The voice of Cinderella is back with his 2nd solo album. His first was fantastic and nothing less is expected on this one. His blues rock and the gravely voice is just what the doctor ordered so grab a copy and crank it up. A great weekend is ahead.
Summer is over and School is back in session, now we need some new music. Who am I kidding, I don’t need a reason to want new music. Every week is a good week for that. However, this week is a little limited on the releases. There are quite a few, but not a lot to excite my senses. There are a few I will check out and they are highlighted in Blue. Let me know what interests you and what I might have missed. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!!
Black Star Riders – Another State of Grace – (Nuclear Blast): Black Star Riders are back with their fourth studio release and I am eager to hear what is in store as well as a little apprehensive since Damon Johnson is no longer in the band. He was a big draw. I will keep an open mind and give it a try as Ricky is still on vocals and Scott is still there as well, but I hate they are only down to 2 of the 5 original members.
Lindsey Stirling – Artemis – (LindseyStomp Records/BMG): This young lady plays one mean violin. I find her to be sensational and always entertaining and I don’t expect this to be any different. A couple vocal tracks on this one as well with guest Amy Lee and Elle King which should be incredible, but the highlight is always her playing. If you haven’t checked her out, do yourself a service and do so.
Bear Rinehart is lead singer of the band Needtobreathe and if you follow my site at all you know I am a huge fan of that band. When I heard Bear was doing a solo project I was excited to see what different direction he might take. His first solo project definitely explores a different sound and style then his main job.
The name he chose is Wilder Woods which happens to be the names of his two kids, Wilder and Woods Rinehart. I think it is interesting he didn’t even use his own name on the project as he seems to want to keep it completely separate from Needtobreathe.
The album is a pure R&B and Soul album which is far from the Americana, Folk, souther rock sound of his other band. The opening track, “Light Shine In”, might the one song that sounds most like Needtobreathe with a little more of a rock edge and the track “What Gives You The Right” might have fit nicely on their album ‘Hard Love’ with its energy and alt-pop sound.
“Sure Ain’t” is classic R&B and one of the best songs on the album. He poors his heart and soul in to the vocals and there is this magical groove to pull you in. This is followed by ballad “Someday Soon” sees Bear go soulful and gives us his most heartfelt vocals.
Another R&B track is “Supply & Demand” where Bear is trying to woo his woman into a little more horizontal part of the relationship. It has a throwback sound and it is enjoyment for your ears.
“Electric Woman” might be the best song on the album with a catchy ass groove and its sultry vocal approach and seems to be another love song to his wife. And the cool thing is she is in the video with him.
Speaking of his wife, it takes balls to tell your wife that she is wrong and he does just that with “Mary, You’re Wrong” to start off Side 2. If she thinks he is going to leave her, she is mistaken as he has no desire and that is there for the long haul. “Feel” is straight out of the 70’s R&B era with the female backing vocals and the total sonics of the song.
“Hillside House” is a really slow song that seems real personal to him and I think it is another love letter to his wife who seems to be his muse for most of this album…which is really cool to see that she still pulls those feelings out of him after so many years of marriage.
The last track, “Religion”, is very church-like in its approach and you can hear his Christian upbringing in the church flow through even though it is a song that is talking about his struggles with religion. It is a little sad and the acoustic feel to the song keeps the voice as the highlight and lets you focus on the words.
It ain’t Needtobreathe and thankfully so as a solo album should be different. His first solo effort is a strong statement that he has a lot more to offer. There is a swagger and confidence in the style and his vocal delivery. I love the 70’s R&B vibes, the grooves and the soul that his heart is pouring out in his music and his lyrics. He made a modern R&B album that plays well today probably as well as it would have played in the 70’s. He has captured a sound that will hopefully resonate with everyone, young and old. My only complaint is the 2nd Side is a little weaker than the first, outside of that there are no other complaints. I would rate the album a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars.
Give it a try and let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by.
We are at the end of August and are getting ready for some huge releases that will be coming in September and October. This week has a ton of releases, but none I am eager to run out and get although one everyone is talking about (but me – well I am talking about it, but I don’t really care). My choices are limited and highlighted in Blue. Let me know what you are interested in hearing or if I missed anything as that is known to happen…frequently. Have a great week.
Sons of Apollo – Live With the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – (Inside Out Music). Sons of Apollo are releasing a huge live album/DVD and I expect it will be awesome. How could it not with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals, Mike Portnoy on Drums, Billy Sheehan on Bass, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal on guitar and Derek Sherinian on keyboards. Their debut was spectacular and this will be nothing short of that. This will get played a lot!!
Tool – Fear Inoculum – (Tool Dissectional/Voyage): Here is the album everyone is talking about. It has been 13 years since their last album and I am not sure if anyone thought they would do another album. This is going to be huge in the world of music. So why do I not care one bit. I have never found them to be anything special so maybe I am missing something. I will listen to see if this finally grabs me, but I am not expecting much as I liked nothing prior. Can someone please tell me why they are so liked…seriously, let me know.
Everclear has been around since 1991 and was started by leader Art Alexakis. When they were at their height, the main three guys included Art, Craig Montoya and Greg Eklund and this to me is the classic line-up. This was the band at its peak. All the hits you know, “Father of Mine”, “AM Radio” , “Santa Monica” and “Wonderful” just to name a few.
After the disappointing sales and reception of the band’s 2003 album, Slow Motion Daydream, Craig and Greg left the band. Thankfully, Art continued Everclear with now a revolving door of musicians. But don’t kid yourself, the band is Art’s and it doesn’t matter who the players are, you want Art’s vocals and sound as that is all that matters.
I am going to go through and rank 12 albums which does include a Covers Album and a couple albums of re-recordings as those aren’t technically compilations. I won’t review any live albums or ones listed as greatest hits. I figured these 12 best represent that band and are what should be ranked. So let’s get started and I hope you enjoy.
The Darkness – Easter is Cancelled – (Canary Dwarf LTD): The Darkness returns with their sixth studio album and if you love that whole retro glam rock feel, then this will be right up your alley. No one does Glam today like these guys do. From the ear-piercing falsettos to the screeching guitars, it is all a blast and this should be no different. Check them out.
Whitesnake – Slip of the Tongue (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – (Rhino Records): Whitesnake brings us yet another box set celebrating one of their big albums. This is the 3rd and the 30th Anniversary Edition of ‘Slip of the Tongue’. The other two were ‘Slide it In’ and ‘1987’ and the were fantastic. Full of live songs, rare songs and remixes and remasters and everything you could want and this one is no different. This is on order but it will NOT be home when I get there as for some reason Amazon isn’t giving me release day delivery. I’m a little pissed, but I guess I will get over it. Check out David’s unboxing video below…
