Friday New Releases – August 22, 2025

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We have a bunch of releases for you this week, so hopefully there is something you like. I have pre-ordered the Oasis box set but it says it won’t show up until next week…Boo! Amazon!!. I also wouldn’t mind hearing Three Days Grace and maybe stream The Smashing Pumpkins 25th Anniversary of Machina. What do you want to hear this week? Let me know and tell us what we missed so everyone knows. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a great weekend!!

  • Oasis – Complete Studio Albums Collection – (Big Brother Recordings)
  • Three Days Grace – Alienation – (RCA Records / Sony Music)
  • The Smashing Pumpkins – Machina (25th Anniversary) – (Virgin Records)
  • Deftones – Private Music – (Reprise Records)
  • Crowne – Wonderland – (Frontiers Records)
  • Robert Jon & The Wreck – Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes – (Journeyman Records)
  • John Fogerty – Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years (John’s Version) – (John Fogerty / Concord)
  • The Who – Live at the Oval 1971 – (UMe)
  • Jon Batiste – Big Money – (Verve Records / Interscope Records / Naht Jona LLC)
  • Ciara – CiCi – (Beauty Marks Entertainment)
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Kiss – ‘The Lost Alive II Album’ – Album Review (The Kiss Bootleg Series)

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I have been doing a Kiss Bootleg Series for years. You get a review every time I add a new one to the collection. Well, after buying 38 Bootleg CDs from John Humphrey’s personal collection, I figured let’s jump right back in and do a whole lot of reviews on the Bootlegs. Oh, if you don’t know who John Humphrey is, you need to know he is a massive Kiss collector. And he is the drummer of the band Seether. John decided to sell off his entire collection…sort of…he kept all the vinyl (like 4,000 of them). He did it through an auction at Backstage Auctions and I had to have a piece of it…and I did wind up with some things.

This is yet another live show from 1977 and I know I said I needed to pick one from a different year as I’ve done a lot from 1977, but I couldn’t pass this one up. This is another from Budokan in 1977 and was a finished mix that was supposed to be used for their Alive II album, but it was scrapped. A year later, we actually got ‘Alive II’ and it was not as quite as live as this one is. This version is more raw and rough around the edges unlike ‘Alive II’ that came out. And for that, it might be a better version, for the most part.

This version of the Bootleg I believe is a self-made CD. The reason I say that is because the pictures seem to be photocopies of another picture as they aren’t as crisp and clear. The CD cover art looks homemade and well, the back cover of the insert is simply a white page with the statement printed on it that reads “From The Collection of John Humphrey”. All that leads me to believe he had the digital version of this and decided to put it on CD. So, I guess this is a bootlegged bootleg…which is cool. To top it off, we get the studio songs that are on Side 4 of ‘Alive II’, but these are different mixes and alternate versions. Lastly, there are 4 demo songs from Gene’s solo album. That is also really cool. Now, how does all this sound?

I’ll be honest. It sounds amazing. The mix is sensational, the crowd noise is pumped in and it feels exciting and electric. The songs are edited together that make you feel this is one cohesive show…and that is how it should be. They open with “Detroit Rock City” and the energy is dripping from the speakers. Paul goes into “Take Me” and he has the crowd in the palm of his hand. The guitars are brutal and the drums are powerful. Gene meets you in the “Ladies Room” next and damn does it feel like the crowd is going nuts.

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Talisman – ‘Besterious’ (1996) – Album Review (The Jeff Scott Soto Series)

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Sometime during 1996, Jeff Scott Soto and Marcel Jacob were completely thrown for a loop when a best of album was released in Japan for their band Talisman. No one told them. The album was called “Besterious” and consisted of all songs that were previously released from the band. In response to this, Jeff and Marcel, along with Empire Records, decided they were going to release their own band approved version of a greatest hits compilation. It was called “Best of…” and it was chock full of hits plus a ton of previously unreleased tracks that any diehard fan would want to buy. I should know, I bought it!! We have previously talked about “Best Of”, so now lets go through “Besterious”.

As I noted, this was released only in Japan and there is only one version and it is on CD. No other variants of this album exist. It was released on June 12, 1996 and I have the CD. It comes with the prized OBI Strip and has 17 previously released tracks. Sometimes, a simple greatest hits is all you really want and if that is what you are wanting, then this will nicely fit that bill. The songs range from their debut album all the way to their 1995 album, ‘Life’. I don’t believe there has ever been a compilation released that covers their entire career. I think one is definitely needed.

“Break Your Chains” kicks off the album like it did on the debut album. It is one of four songs taken from that album. Jeff’s voice is like velvet as he soars through the verses and that chorus is as catchy as they come. It is a heavy song almost a cross between Dokken and due to the keyboards, Europe. The guitar solo is great with a slight flamenco sound before total shredding begins. It has all the trappings of that era that any 80’s rock fan would love.

“Dangerous” is a pure rocker. The “yeah, yeah” to start is right out of the Joey Tempest playbook. A song about wanting revenge for having his heart broken doesn’t come across too scary as Soto’s voice is silky smooth and angelic it is hard to imagine he is really dangerous, but damn it is such a great song. The guitar solo is dangerous and rips through you as they shred the skin off their fingers as fast as they are going.

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My Sunday Song – “Edison’s Medicine” by Tesla

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For My Sunday Song #446, we are talking “Edison’s Medicine” by the band Tesla. The song was released as a single back in 1991 on the band’s ‘Psychotic Supper’ album. The song peaked at #20 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart which helped catapult the album to #13 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart. The song is credited to everyone in the band, well, everyone except the drummer. Also credited is Michael Barbiero who was the producer of the album (amongst other things). Now, why would a band called “Tesla” write a song that has “Edison” in the name. Well, I’ll let Frank Hannon tell you…

Frank Hannon explained, “We raised over 100,000 signatures on a petition to get a statue of Nikola Tesla in the Smithsonian, and because they had a display of Edison in there, they felt that it would contradict that and they didn’t want to do it. We were pissed, so we wrote a song called ‘Edison’s Medicine’ about that.”

The song is about Nikola Tesla’s rivalry with Thomas Edison. And if it wasn’t obvious enough by now, the band took their name from Nikola…and not that stupid electric car by Elon Musk. The song talks about how Edison stole Tesla’s idea/works (“guilty of crime”) and Tesla was thought to be crazy when it turns out he was really a genius and way ahead of his time (“man outta time”). Edison was worried about fame and fortune while Tesla only cared about the invention and wound up broke (“Their nickels and pence/ Meant more than did sense”). The whole song picks apart Edison as and in the end the world knows that Tesla was the brains behind it all.

The opening guitar riff is freaking sick. The whole band explodes in and the song is off to the races. I love a song that opens with a guitar solo. Musically, it is electrifying. Jeff Keith’s vocals are stellar. He sings the hell out of this thing (as he always does). The chorus is really catchy and grabs hold. When we get to the second guitar solo, you get a shock to the system. The sounds they make are freaky and really add a new layer to the song. The drumming on here is pretty great as well as the fills are simply perfect giving the song a little more punch a feel. The song one of their best they’ve ever done, or it is for me. A rock & roll masterpiece.

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Friday New Releases – August 15, 2025

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Do we have some stellar stuff for you this week…Well…I hope we do. There are a couple I am super excited about with the new Will Hoge and the new Jeff Scott Soto release, Ellefson Soto, that has him and David Ellefson together again for their 2nd album. Both on pre-order. There is a new Chevelle album, new Maroon 5 and even the new Deluxe Edition for Van Halen’s Balance…yeah, I have that on pre-order too. Let meknow what you want to hear this week. I know I’ll be busy. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

  • Will Hoge – Sweet Misery – (Edlo Records)
  • Ellefson Soto – Unbreakable – (Rat Pak Records)
  • Chevelle – Bright As Blasphemy – (Alchemy Recordings / BMG)
  • Maroon 5 – Love is Like – (Interscope Records)
  • Van Halen – Balance (Expanded Edition) – (Rhino Records / Warner Records)
  • As December Falls – Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine – (As December Falls)
  • Deep Purple – Made In Japan (Steven Wilson Remix) – (Purpletuity Ltd / Rhino Records)
  • Rise Against – Ricochet – (Loma Vista Recordings / Concord)
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Inglorious – ‘V’ (2025) – Album Review

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Do you know Inglorious? I am not sure enough people do, in my humble opinion. Fronted by powerhouse singer, Nathan James, Inglorious is a hard rock band (borderline metal) out of England that was formed in 2014. Through numerous line-up changes as Nathan cleaned house after the 3rd album was recorded but prior to its release (what, is he David Coverdale??), and again after the fourth, they are now back with a new line-up yet again…sort of. I say sort of because back is original bass player Colin Parkinson and man is he all over this album as he co-wrote the album with Nathan, he was the producer and that bass is the main focus on a lot of songs.

Along for the ride this time on the band’s fifth album, ‘V’, we have Guitarist Richard Shaw and Drummer Henry Rogers. There is also some Keyboard work with Tony Draper, but he isn’t officially a band member, he is actually the engineer and mixer of the album. Though the line-up has changed, Inglorious are still the same incredible band and maybe even a little heavier this time around. The one key element is that voice from Nathan James. There are not many people with his power and range. He is the one thing that sucked me in and kept me coming back for me. And now five albums in, Inglorious is getting better and better still.

I love it when an album opens with a song that is so explosive, so engaging and so freaking killer, that it sets the tone for the album and lets you know what to expect. With “Testify”, Inglorious have checked every box. That wicked bass line that opens things up and then right in to the nastiest guitar riff and powerful drum fills only to be accompanied by the great, powerful vocals is an opening statement that grabs hold and reels you in.

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The Collection: Ep. 69 – Slaughter

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From the burning ashes of Vinnie Vincent Invasion, we get Slaughter. Singer Mark Slaughter and Bassist, Dana Strum, decide to make their own band after the end of the Vinnie Vincent catastrophe. With a quick record deal, they were off to record their debut album, ‘Stick It In Ya’. After 5 studio albums, a live E.P., a live album and various compilations, we basically have their main catalog now in the collection so why not go through it. We talk about the beginning of Slaughter, their love for Vinnie and how their career went. A short one it is, but it is a good one.

So go check it out as it will be live tonight, August 11, 2025 at 7pm. Thanks for stopping by and please click “Like” and hit “Subscribe” as it helps out the site when you do.

My Sunday Song – “America’s Sweetheart” by Elle King

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For My Sunday Song #445, this week we tackle the hit song “America’s Sweetheart” by Elle King. Released February 8, 2016 off her album ‘Love Stuff’ and written by her with Martin Johnson. The song did really well charting on 5 different US charts and two in Canada where it went Platinum. At the end of the year it was #30 on the US Hot Rock Songs of the year. A cool bit of trivia about Elle is she is the daughter of actor/comedian Rob Schneider although I don’t know if they have much of a relationship, but that is a whole other conversation for another day and by another site.

The lyrics tell the story of a strong, confident and powerful woman who is who she is. No apologies. Don’t try to change her as she will simply stomp on your heart and enjoy it. She is independent and if she wants to get drunk or get tattoos, that is her choice so get the fuck out of the way. It is basically a middle finger to the social norms and how women are expected to behave. There is no fitting her any type of conceived box. America has a definition of sweetheart and she is not it…and hurray for that. This one line sums it all up…”They said I’ll never be the poster type / But they don’t make posters of my kind of life”.

Elle’s vocals are so strong and powerful. The confidence she sings with makes these lyrics come to life and you believe what she is singing about. Don’t mess with her. The way she delivers those verses with that country twang and then that huge chorus with the great harmonies and melody…damn!! It is a country-tinged song with a lot of banjo, but it is also rock with all that attitude and there are some strong pop sensibilities to it as well. There is an electronic beat to it that almost makes it danceable, but it will definitely move you regardless. It was one of those songs that will stop you and your track and make you take notice.

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Friday New Releases – August 8, 2025

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Happy Friday!! We have another handful of releases for you this week and I’m really excited about one. The new Halestorm album is on pre-order and cant’ wait to rock out with that one. I might stream The Black Keys and Good Charlotte, but that will be it for me. What do you want to hear this week? And what did we miss? Let us know. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!!

  • Halestorm – Everest – (Atlantic Recording Co)
  • The Black Keys – No Rain, No Flowers – (Easy Eye Sound / Warner Records)
  • Good Charlotte – Motel Du Cap – (Atlantic Records)
  • MGK – Lost Americana – (Est 19XX LLC / Interscope Records)
  • Jonas Brothers – Greetings From Your Hometown – (Republic Records / UMG)
  • MercyMe – Wonder & Awe – (Fair Trade Services LLC)
  • BabyMetal – Metal Forth – (Capitol Records)
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Kiss – Madison Square Garden 1977 (2016) – Album Review (The Kiss Bootleg Series)

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I have been doing a Kiss Bootleg Series for years. You get a review every time I add a new one to the collection. Well, after buying 38 Bootleg CDs from John Humphrey’s personal collection, I figured let’s jump right back in and do a whole lot of reviews on the Bootlegs. Oh, if you don’t know who John Humphrey is, you need to know he is a massive Kiss collector. And he is the drummer of the band Seether. John decided to sell off his entire collection…sort of…he kept all the vinyl (like 4,000 of them). He did it through an auction at Backstage Auctions and I had to have a piece of it…and I did wind up with some things.

This time the bootleg is a live show from Madison Square Garden recorded on February 18, 1977. This was a historical show for the band as it was their first time playing this arena. It is also known for that great photo of the band members in full make-up and outfits surrounded by their parents and even has Bill Aucoin in the picture (see above). The set we have here was released in 2016 by Eat A Peach! and of course it is unofficial or it wouldn’t be in my bootleg series.

Included is a little 4 page booklet and even an inner sleeve like an album sleeve with some information on the show. Lastly, the CD is a cool picture disc with the I Love NY on it and the band’s faces in the heart (or the love part). This show is a soundboard recording, but it isn’t the best one I’ve heard. The sound is weak, almost hollow at times and there is a lot of tape wobble at certain parts too. However, it is a full show and even comes with 2 bonus tracks which we will discuss.

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