Friday New Releases – November 28, 2025 (RSD – Black Friday)

Happy Friday, we have a few releases for you today, but the bulk is coming from Record Store Day Black Friday. I wouldn’t mind the Creed live album, the Billy Idol 12″ or the Ratt 12″, but not sure I’m going to go wait in line. Take a look and let me know what you want to get out of this bunch. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!!

  • Dream Theater – Quarantieme: Live a Paris – (Ytse James / InsideOutMusic)
  • Alice Cooper – Welcome to My Nightmare: Live at the Forum, Los Angeles 6/17.75 – (Rhino / Warner Records)
  • Madonna – Bedtime Stories: The Untold Chapter – (Warner Records)
  • Jessie J – Don’t Tease Me With A Good Time – (D.A.P.)
  • Neil Young – Tonight’s The NIght (50th Anniversary) – (Warner Records)
  • Lynch Mob – Dancing With The Devil – (Rat Pack Records)
  • Equilibrium – Equinox – (Nuclear Blast)
  • Blut aus Nord – Ethereal Horizons – (Debemur Morti Productions)
  • Excide – Bastard Hymns – (Sharptone)
  • Avdagata – The Apocalyptic Aeon – (At Dawn Records)
  • Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter – Forever, I’ve Been Being Born – (Southern Land)
  • Will O’Dusk – The Long Lasting Dusk – (Will O’Dusk)
  • Brutus – Live in Brussels – (Hassle Records)
  • Treaty Oak Revival – West Texas Degenerate – (TOR Records)
  • Romeo Santos – New Album – (Sony Music / I Love Amiguta Inc.)

RECORD STORE DAY – BLACK FRIDAY 2025:

TITLEARTISTLABELFORMATRELEASE TYPEQUANTITY
“In My Arms/Refuge”IlleniumRepublic Records7″ Picture DiscRSD Exclusive3000
Take on Me (40th Anniversary EPA-HaRhinoRSD Exclusive3000
Guidance / Sun/SonJhene AikoDef Jam7″ VinylRSD Exclusive1500
Hearts-50th AnniversaryAmericaFriday MusicLP‘RSD First’1500
Asking AlexandriaAsking AlexandriaSumerian Records2 x LP‘RSD First’1700
Europe 1964 (Box Set)Albert Ayler & Don CherryORG MUSIC4 x LP‘RSD First’1250
Wild PlanetThe B-52’sRhinoLP Picture DiscRSD Exclusive5000
Live at the Bayou: Washington D.C. July 14, 1980 / March 15, 1981Bad BrainsTime Traveler Recordings2 x LPRSD Exclusive2500
JerichoThe BandBFD2 x LP‘RSD First’1000
Chaos and The CalmJames BayMercury/Republic RecordsLPRSD Exclusive2000
Get Sunk At Union Chapel: LiveMatt BerningerConcord Records10″ EPRSD Exclusive1900
TogetherRay BarrettoCraft RecordingsLPRSD Exclusive1800
Sister SweetlyBig Head Todd and the MonstersReal Gone MusicLP‘RSD First’2400
Partie Traumatic (Deluxe Edition)Black KidsEcho BaseLPRSD Exclusive3000
Bluey the Album – 5th Birthday Zoetrope EditionBlueyDemon Records2 x LPRSD Exclusive4500
PulseBenson BooneWarner RecordsRSD Exclusive6000
The Real Janelle & The Peel SessionBratmobileKill Rock StarsLP‘RSD First’1100
CharmerBreather ResistJade TreeLP‘RSD First’950
The Very Best of Eric Burdon & WarEric Burdon & WarRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive2500
Live From The Vic In ChicagoCage The ElephantLegacy Recordings2 x LPRSD Exclusive4500
Rockology: The Liquid Vinyl Numbered EditionEric Carr from KISSCulture Factory USALPRSD Exclusive2000
Unfinished Business: The Liquid Vinyl Numbered EditionEric Carr from KISSCulture Factory USALPRSD Exclusive2000
12″ersPhil CollinsRhinoRSD Exclusive3500
Welcome To My Nightmare Live From the Forum 6/17/75Alice CooperRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive3500
Riviera ’76Larry Coryell & The Eleventh HouseCulture Factory USALPRSD Exclusive2000
Live In San Antonio (11/14/1999)CreedCraft Recordings2 x LPRSD Exclusive3000
Pilot Talk IICurren$yJet Life Recordings / Pilot TalkLP‘RSD First’2000
Written By Ronnie D’AddarioRonnie D’AddarioOmnivore RecordingsLP‘RSD First’1400
Live at the Plugged Nickel: December 23, 1965 – Second SetMiles DavisLegacy Recordings2 x LPRSD Exclusive5900
Big Lizard in My Backyard (40th Anniversary)The Dead MilkmenThe Giving Groove2 x LP‘RSD First’3000
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water (10th Anniversary Edition)John DebneyVarese SarabandeLP Picture DiscRSD Exclusive2000
The Very Best of Deee-LiteDeee-LiteRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive3000
Deltron 3030: 25th AnniversaryDeltron 3030Deltron Partners2 x LPRSD Exclusive3000
Deltron 3030: 25th AnniversaryDeltron 3030Deltron PartnersCassetteRSD Exclusive1200
Merry Something To YouDevoRhino12″ Picture DiscRSD Exclusive4000
“Under The Running Board”The Dillinger Escape PlanRelapse Records7″ VinylRSD Exclusive1600
The Singles, Vol. 2DisclosureCapitol Records‘RSD First’2500
The Last VoyageDoctor WhoDemon Records2 x LPRSD Exclusive1200
Live in Copenhagen, 1968The DoorsRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive5300
Compton (A Soundtrack by Dr. Dre) (Instrumental Edition)Dr. DreInterscope2 x LP‘RSD First’3500
“Into The Cesspool”Dying FetusRelapse RecordsRSD Exclusive1000
Masters Of War (Live in Alan Lomax’s Apartment)Bob DylanLegacy Recordings7″ 45RSD Exclusive3900
The Original Freewheelin’ Bob DylanBob DylanLegacy RecordingsLPRSD Exclusive13000
LiveBillie EilishInterscope10″ EP‘RSD First’20000
Big Top Pee-Wee (The Original Soundtrack Album)Danny ElfmanLegacy RecordingsLP Picture DiscRSD Exclusive4500
Born To SingEn VogueGet On DownLPRSD Exclusive1700
The Beat at The BBCThe English BeatRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive4000
Portraits At The Penthouse: Live in SeattleBill EvansResonance RecordsLPRSD Exclusive4000
Trail of FlowersSierra FerrellRounder RecordsLP Picture DiscRSD Exclusive2000
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots – Live at the Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City, August 30, 2024The Flaming LipsRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive4000
Fleetwood Mac: Live 1975Fleetwood MacRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive5000
Took A While/Stay Strong Play LongNeil FrancesNettwerk2 x LP‘RSD First’1500
Actual Life Piano Live (20th November 2024) IRL003Fred AgainÂ…Atlantic RecordsLPRSD Exclusive2000
Actual Life 2 Piano Live (20th March, 2022) IRL004Fred AgainÂ…Atlantic RecordsLPRSD Exclusive2000
Actual Life 3 Piano Live (22nd December 2022) IRL005Fred again..Atlantic RecordsLPRSD Exclusive2000
Fortifiedghost-noteMixto RecordsLPRSD Exclusive1500
SkeletaGhostLoma Vista RecordingsLP Picture DiscRSD Exclusive5000
Ehhthang EhhthangGloRillaInterscope2 x LP‘RSD First’5000
Good Kid 1 2 3 4Good KidMany Hats Distribution2 x LP‘RSD First’1700
The Warfield, San Francisco, CA Oct 4 & 6, 1980Grateful DeadRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive6000
The Warfield, San Francisco, CA Oct 4 & 6, 1980Grateful DeadRhino2 x CDRSD Exclusive4500
On A Back Porch Vol 2Grateful DeadRhinoLPRSD Exclusive4300
A Charlie Brown Christmas (60th Anniversary) Pop-Up Gatefold LPVince Guaraldi TrioCraft RecordingsLPRSD Exclusive4000
Live At The Jazz Record MartCharlie HadenDelmark Records LLCLP‘RSD First’1000
Living In The Material WorldGeorge HarrisonDark Horse RecordsLPRSD Exclusive5500
Ghosts In The MachineryThe Head And The HeartVerve12″ Vinyl EPRSD Exclusive2500
Chill Out (30th Anniversary)John Lee HookerBMGLPRSD Exclusive1500
I Love It (Feat. Charli XCX)Icona PopRhinoEPRSD Exclusive4400
77Billy IdolBMG / Dark Horse Records12″ Picture DiscRSD Exclusive1500
Breathing Fire – In Flames Live 2024In FlamesNuclear BlastLP Picture DiscRSD Exclusive2250
Live From Royal Albert Hall, London, 1986INXSRhinoLPRSD Exclusive3000
Jazz Sabbath LiveJazz SabbathBlacklake‘RSD First’2750
Beautifully Broken (Pickin’ Up The Pieces)Jelly RollRepublic RecordsLPRSD Exclusive8000
Live From Long IslandBilly JoelLegacy Recordings3 x LPRSD Exclusive1500
David Johansen And The Harry SmithsDavid Johansen and the Harry SmithsChesky RecordsLPRSD Exclusive1500
David Johansen And The Harry SmithsDavid Johansen and the Harry SmithsChesky Records‘RSD First’1000
Who Believes In Angels? Live At The London PalladiumElton John & Brandi CarlileInterscope2 x LPRSD Exclusive4000
Life Is Beautiful (Chopped Not Slopped)Larry June, 2 Chainz & The AlchemistThe Freeminded Records / 2 Chainz / ALC / EMPIRELPRSD Exclusive1200
Been Gettin’ Money (The Get Money 30th Anniversary 12″)Junior M.A.F.I.A.RhinoRSD Exclusive3000
The Tick OSTDoug KatsarosTerror Vision2 x LPRSD Exclusive2000
Wabash AvenueJorma KaukonenCulture Factory USA2 x LPRSD Exclusive2000
Wabash AvenueJorma KaukonenCulture Factory USACDRSD Exclusive1000
Holiday RoadKeshaKesha Records7″ VinylRSD Exclusive1750
Broadcasting The Blues: Live From Germany and SwedenB.B. KingTime Traveler Recordings2 x LPRSD Exclusive2500
No Room For BlueMarcus KingRepublic RecordsRSD Exclusive3500
Live in 24′King Gizzard & The Lizard WizardHaving Fun‘RSD First’1500
Vibrations In The Village: Live At The Village GateRahsaan Roland KirkResonance Records2 x LPRSD Exclusive1200
Seek & Listen: Live At The PenthouseRahsaan Roland KirkResonance Records2 x LPRSD Exclusive1200
Extra! Extra!La LuzSub PopRSD Exclusive1000
NightlifeLadytronNettwerk2 x LP‘RSD First’2500
Golden Flower: Live in SwedenYusef LateefElemental Music Records2 x LP‘RSD First’1750
“Trampled Under Foot”Led ZeppelinSwan Song7″ VinylRSD Exclusive6100
The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe – A Spirit Speaks (DELUXE EDITION)Bill LeeStrata-East RecordsLP‘RSD First’1500
The Minstrel Show: 20th Anniversary Deluxe EditionLittle BrotherImagine Nation Music2 x LPRSD Exclusive1500
The Complete Elektra AlbumsLoveRhino5 x LPRSD Exclusive2000
Ode to R.L. BoyceG. Love & Special SauceGL RecordsLP‘RSD First’4000
Hit ParadeMadnessThe state51 ConspiracyLPRSD Exclusive3000
Apache-Inca (Deluxe Box Set)Maitreya Kali (Craig Smith)Flatiron Recordings2 x LPRSD Limited Run / Regional Focus400
Long BedPost MaloneMercury/Republic RecordsLPRSD Exclusive5000
Briston Maroney – Live At Red RocksBriston MaroneyAtlantic Records2 x LPRSD Exclusive2500
It’s Better If You Don’t UnderstandBruno MarsAtlantic RecordsEPRSD Exclusive13000
Mad Season (Live 2001)Matchbox Twenty2 x LPRSD Exclusive3500
Curtis (Rhino Reserve)Curtis MayfieldRhinoLPRSD Exclusive2700
Dream A Little Dream of MeMister RomanticEternal Magic Recordings7″ VinylRSD Exclusive
Rolling Thunder RevueJoni MitchellRhinoLPRSD Exclusive5500
Live 1973-KSAN Radio SessionMontrose/Sammy HagarFriday MusicLP‘RSD First’1500
Home Sweet HomeMotley CrueBMG12″ Picture DiscRSD Exclusive2500
Live at Brixton ’87MotörheadBMGLPRSD Exclusive2500
We Will FallLarry Mullins & Mike WattORG MUSICLPRSD Limited Run / Regional Focus500
Massive AggressiveMunicipal WasteEarache RecordsLPRSD Exclusive1000
Tokyo Gore PoliceKoh NakagawaRecently DeceasedRSD Limited Run / Regional Focus900
Trouble in Paradise: DemosRandy NewmanRhinoLPRSD Exclusive3500
Xanadu – Live & RemixedOlivia Newton-JohnOlivia Newton-John7″ Vinyl‘RSD First’2000
Live in Reims Cathedral, 1974NicoCulture Factory USALPRSD Exclusive2000
Big Poppa (Remix)The Notorious B.I.G.RhinoRSD Exclusive3500
Live From Madison Square GardenO.A.R.ATO Records3 x LPRSD Exclusive2000
Shimmy Shimmy Ya / Brooklyn ZooOl’ Dirty BastardRhino12″ SingleRSD Exclusive3000
Live at Sonoma State – 11/4/73Old & In The WayRound Records2 x LP‘RSD First’5500
Sweaty PoolOTTTOORG MUSICRSD Limited Run / Regional Focus500
Longineu ParsonsLongineu ParsonsUbiquity RecordsLPRSD Exclusive1500
The Father of Delta Blues: Selections from Paramount Recordings, Vol. 2Charley PattonORG MUSICLPRSD Exclusive1500
What We All Come To Need & EphemeralPelicanSouthern Lord3 x LPRSD Exclusive1600
In FlightLinda PerryKill Rock Stars‘RSD First’1100
Live Anthology Album Art TeeTom Petty & The HeartbreakersWarner RecordsRSD Limited Run / Regional Focus800
The Live Anthology – From The Vaults Vol. 1Tom Petty & The HeartbreakersWarner Records2 x LP‘RSD First’7500
Around The World in A DayPrince & The RevolutionLegacy RecordingsRSD Exclusive1985
Live at CBGB, 1977RamonesRhinoLPRSD Exclusive6000
Invasion of Your Privacy (40th Anniversary)RattBMGRSD Exclusive2000
You Must Ask The Heart (30th Anniversary Edition)Jonathan RichmanCraft RecordingsLPRSD Exclusive1600
The Subway/The GiverChappell RoanIsland7″ VinylRSD Exclusive30000
Filmworks: InsomniaRobbie RobertsonOmnivore RecordingsLP‘RSD First’1800
Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye)Role ModelInterscope2 x LPRSD Exclusive3000
Their Satanic Majesties RequestThe Rolling StonesABKCO‘RSD First’6000
The Early YearsLinda RonstadtIconic Artists Group2 x LP‘RSD First’1000
A CapellaTodd RundgrenRhinoLPRSD Exclusive2500
Greatest HitsSeals & CroftsRhinoLPRSD Exclusive3000
In A Perfect WorldSeason To RiskSpartan RecordsLPRSD Exclusive1500
The Back To The Future TrilogyAlan SilvestriVarese SarabandeLPRSD Exclusive1900
TreatsSleigh BellsMom+PopLP‘RSD First’1500
Amusing The AmazingSlo BurnORG MUSICRSD Exclusive1500
Trace (30th Anniversary)Son VoltRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive3000
Ruby Vroom RemixesSoul CoughingRound HillLPRSD Exclusive1000
The End Continues [RSD Excl. Vinyl]Spinal TapInterscopeLPRSD Exclusive2000
Rattus Norvegicus (2025 Remaster)The StranglersRhinoLPRSD Exclusive2400
Copper Blue: The Singles CollectionSugarBMG4 x 12″ VinylRSD Exclusive1500
Forever, I’ve Been Being BornJesse Sykes & The Sweet HereafterSouthern LordLP‘RSD First’1300
Tentative Decisions: Demos & LiveTalking HeadsRhinoRSD Exclusive7500
Live at Place des Arts, Montreal – April 10, 1977Tangerine DreamCulture Factory USA3 x LPRSD Exclusive1500
Live From The Ash GroveSonny Terry and Brownie McGheeLiberation HallLPRSD Exclusive1200
Radio RetaliationThievery CorporationThievery Corporation2 x LPRSD Exclusive3000
Chasing Brightness: The Complete BBC Sessions 2011-2025Touche AmoreBMG2 x LPRSD Exclusive1800
T.R.U. REALigion (Anniversary Edition)2 Chainz2 Chainz2 x LP‘RSD First’1750
Flowers In the Afternoon: Late 1960’s SunshineVarious ArtistsCraft RecordingsLPRSD Exclusive1600
Jazz Dispensary: Green BulletsVarious ArtistsCraft RecordingsLPRSD Exclusive4100
Metal Machine Music: Power to Consume, Vol. 1Various ArtistsLegacy Recordings2 x LPRSD Exclusive2100
Punk Goes AcousticVarious ArtistsCraft RecordingsLPRSD Exclusive1700
Rent: Original Motion Picture SoundtrackVarious ArtistsRhino2 x LPRSD Exclusive4500
Rock The Plaza: Concert To Save The Historic Plaza Theatre In Palm SpringsVarious ArtistsOmnivore Recordings2 x LP‘RSD First’1200
What’s This World Coming To: Garage Rock From The Sun Records VaultVarious ArtistsSun Records‘RSD First’1500
Watchmen (Music From The Motion Picture)Various ArtistsRhinoLP Picture DiscRSD Exclusive3500
Wicked For Good: The SoundtrackVarious ArtistsRepublic Records2 x LP Picture DiscRSD Exclusive15000
Live at Wembley 1995Van HalenRhinoLPRSD Exclusive6000
Lost Machine – LiveVoivodLimited Run Vinyl/Brutal Planet Records2 x LPRSD Exclusive900
The Party Is Over (last call)Morgan WadeSony Music NashvilleLPRSD Exclusive1000
T-Bone Blues (Expanded)T-Bone WalkerRhinoRSD Exclusive3000
Shinola, Vol. 1WeenRhinoLPRSD Exclusive6000
If I Could Fly/Barbarella (Live)Scott WeilandScott Weiland7″ VinylRSD Exclusive2000
CR8005F-PW Pink Wicked Cruiser TurntableWickedCrosleyTurntableRSD Exclusive2500
CR8005F-EW Emerald Wicked Cruiser TurntableWickedCrosleyTurntableRSD Exclusive2500
dBpm 15Wilco/Jeff Tweedy/Daniel JohnstondBpmLPRSD Exclusive3400
Fool’s RideWitchNow-Again RecordsLP‘RSD First’1400
Live in LondonBobby WomackPrestige Elite2 x LPRSD Exclusive2000
Live in LondonBobby WomackPrestige Elite2 x CDRSD Limited Run / Regional Focus300
And Then I WroteÂ… The First Three Albums Of The ’90sDwight YoakamRhino4 x LPRSD Exclusive2745
LoftYoung Fresh FellowsYep Roc RecordsLPRSD Limited Run / Regional Focus750
Lester Leaps In: Live At Birdland 1951 – 1952Lester YoungLiberation HallLP‘RSD First’1500
Epilogue: Live At The Edmonton Folk Music FestivalWarren ZevonOmnivore Recordings2 x LPRSD Exclusive2200
Avatar: The Last Airbender – Book 1: Water (Music From The Animated Series)Jeremy ZuckermanRepublic Records2 x LPRSD Exclusive5000

Bon Jovi – ‘Forever (Legendary Edition)’ (2025) – Album Review (The Bon Jovi Collection Series)

Last year, Bon Jovi released their 16th Studio album, ‘Forever’. It was an album I wasn’t sure we would ever get. Jon had some serious vocal issues, so bad in fact he needed surgery. Back in 2022, Jon Bon Jovi went under the knife to fix his vocal cord problem that had been well documented by the cruel trolls of the internet. After watching the documentary, ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’, we got to see first hand how bad things were for Jon. It is amazing he is even able to still sing. When I did the review of the ‘Forever’ album, I asked…will we ever see them live again? We were real unsure back then, now the answer is a resounding yes. They have announced a few shows in 2026 with more to come in 2027 from what I hear.

After the release of ‘Forever’, Jon received a lot of phone calls from artists wanting to cover songs off the album. So many, in fact, he stopped and had an idea. Why have people cover the songs when they could join him and sing with him and make a duet album of all the songs from the album. And that is what he did. The album came out on October 24, 2025. The band added one new track called “Red, White and Jersey” to give the fans a little something new for buying the album again. However, that was not needed as the artists that joined Jon were enough for me to want to grab it. I mean, come on…he has Robbie Williams, Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), James Bay and Bruce Springsteen…that was enough for me. In fact, the list of artist is very diverse covering Rock, Country, British Pop and even Gospel.

Like with the last album, I bought one of every physical format including vinyl and CD. This time around though I went with the standard black vinyl instead of a colored variant. I kept it simple and save a few bucks. My vinyl collection for Bon Jovi is still complete! With format aside, how do the songs stand up as duets, honestly, I was a little surprised at how well they do. We might as well get to it and discuss.

Continue reading “Bon Jovi – ‘Forever (Legendary Edition)’ (2025) – Album Review (The Bon Jovi Collection Series)”

The Collection: Ep. 81 – Bon Jovi: Forever & Forever (Legendary Edition)

This week we are going to talk about Bon Jovi’s latest album, Forever (Legendary Edition) as well as the original Forever album. The album came out on October 24, 2025 and I figured we would walk through each song, discuss the duet partners and how much we like or dislike each song. This is the band’s 16th and 17th Studio albums and honestly, I am so happy they are still putting out new music. I haven’t liked everything this band is done, but new music is better than no music. We have vinyl, CDs and even a cassette to show off this week. I hope you enjoy.

So go check it out as it is live right now on YouTube. Thanks for stopping by and please click “Like” and hit “Subscribe” as it helps out the site when you do.

Friday New Releases – October 4, 2024

October is finally here, Fall is kicking in, temperatures are starting to cool, but the new releases are still heating up with over 50 releases. This week I have a couple of these on pre-order and a bunch I want to hear. The Wild Feathers and Texas Hippie Coalition are on pre-order. I might order the Twisted Sister one and I will listen to the new James Bay. I’m not sure I care anymore about Motley Crue as they are losing me as a fan with their behavior and the fact they came back after saying they wouldn’t. Let me know what you want to hear this week or what we may have missed. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

  • The Wild Feathers – Sirens – (New West Records)
  • James Bay – Changes All The Time – (Mercury Records / UMG)
  • Motley Crue – Cancelled E.P. – (Masters / Big Machine Label Group)
Continue reading “Friday New Releases – October 4, 2024”

The Top Rock Albums of 2022

I can’t believe we are through with another year. And what a year it was, It saw me complete my goal of one post for every day of the year and it saw me start and still not finish the massive Jeff Scott Soto Series. I still have about 6 months to go on that one. Crazy. It saw some struggles as I had a minor surgery but the two week recovery was hard and then I got sick and was miserable for another two weeks and that put a massive damper on my enthusiasm for writing. For October, I barely wrote anything. Thankfully, I keep ahead so it had no impact on my readers, you probably didn’t even notice, but for me, it was hard. But we are way past that now and all is good.

With the Soto series and the Scorpions series, I actually didn’t spend much time with new releases, but I did have a bunch that I liked and wish I spent more time with. So, we are going to go through the Top 10 Rock Albums of 2022 and of course there will be some honorable mentions, a worst of album and some of my favorite Non-Rock albums. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee if it is morning, or a beer if it is any other time of day…and enjoy!!

TOP ROCK ALBUMS OF 2022:

#10 – HALESTORM – BACK FROM THE DEAD: Lzzy Hale and the boys are back from the dead and they are rocking the hell out of you with this one. With the title track, then “Wicked Ways” and “The Steeple”, they showed they mean business and are carrying the torch for rock. Listen to this and you know Rock Ain’t Dead!! And if you want more great ones, I really like “Psycho Crazy” and the ballad “Raise Your Horns”…oh sooooo good!!

#9 – H.E.A.T. – FORCE MAJEURE: I thought there last album was amazing with Erik Gronwell on vocals, but Erik left and is now with Skid Row who also released an album this year. Original H.E.A.T. lead singer, Kenny Leckremo, returned and they released another stellar release. I like it way better than the new Skid Row…sorry Erik. Such stellar tracks as “Back to the Rhythm”, “Nationwide”, “Tainted Blood” and “Demon Eyes” to only name a handful.

Continue reading “The Top Rock Albums of 2022”

Friday New Releases – July 8, 2022

Happy Friday…I hope everyone is staying cool. Speaking of cool, we have a bunch of cool stuff for you this week. We don’t have as much as some weeks, but there are still over 30 releases this week. I have a few I am interested in hearing and some I’ll get to eventually and those will be bolded. Let me know what you want to hear this week or what we may have missed. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great weekend!

  • A1q6kVDyt3L._AC_UY436_FMwebp_QL65_  James Bay – Leap – (Mercury Records / Republic Records / UMG): James Bay is back and it has been awhile as it has been 4 years since his last one. He is a fantastic guitarists and his music leans between folk, pop, rock, Americana and whatever else he feels like playing. I am excited to get some new tunes.
  • 81zTZ0x99hL._AC_UY436_FMwebp_QL65_  Journey – Freedom – (Freedom JN / BMG): Speaking of being gone awhile, Journey hasn’t had a new album in 11 years…that’s right…11 years. It is about time. Can’t wait to hear Neal rip on guitar and Arnel sing his heart out (man what a voice he has). Even Dean Castronovo sings on one song so this should be a good listen. Can’t wait to hear it.
Continue reading “Friday New Releases – July 8, 2022”

The Top Albums of 2018

The year is almost over so it is time to look back at what was awesome in music during the year.  I have already looked back at the Top Rock Albums of 2018 (click to read).   This list will cover all other genres that I listened to over the year including Pop, Country, Christian and whatever other genre you want classify these albums.  Rock is my favorite genre and that is why it gets it’s own list, but that doesn’t take away from any of these choices as I think they are great on their own.

Note:  These albums were my favorites and not necessarily the most played on the radio (which I hate the radio) or even the biggest sellers.  There aren’t the trendy indie bands on everyone else’s top albums list.  These are just what I came across during the year and connected with me in some way.  So, we might as well get started…

The #1 Album of 2018

91OE1mUg7jL._SL1500_-2Matt Nathanson – Sings His Sad Heart:  Man, what can I say about this guy.  He is my favorite singer/songwriter out their right now and has been for sometime.  Within just a couple listens to this album I felt like I knew all the words and I was singing right along like I had grown up with these songs.  And how do you know an album is great, you keep singing it when you aren’t even listening to it.  Yes, I was and I am still singing.  The songs “Mine”, “Way Way Back”, “Used To Be” “Long Distant Runner” and “Best Drugs” are some of my favorites but there is not a bad song.  Perfect!!

Continue reading “The Top Albums of 2018”

Friday New Releases – May 18th

Happy Friday.  Not a ton of releases that have caught my attention this week.  There are two that I will be diving in to and they are at opposite ends of the spectrum for sure.  There are a couple more I will try out eventually, but the first two will get most of my attention.  All the releases I will be checking out are highlighted in Blue.  Take a look around and see what else you might like and let me know in the comments.  If you want to see all the new releases coming in the universe over the next several weeks (or months), CLICK HERE.

  • 51oKVmEQtPL._AC_US320_QL65_  James Bay – Electric Light – (Republic Records):  Finally, the super talented James Bay is back with his sophomore release.  Is the sophomore jinx in place or not, we will have to hear it first to decide.  I have heard three singles so far and the first was completely different than his last album which can be good and bad as you don’t necessarily want to alienate the fans you built off that sound.  The next two were a little more in the wheelhouse we expect.  He is a great songwriter, singer and guitar player so we will check this out.  In the meantime, have a glass of “Pink Lemonade”

  • 61bJ20whPcL  Five Finger Death Punch – And Justice for None – (Prospect Park):  Now for the other end of the spectrum, there is Five Finger Death Punch.  The music is just that, a death punch to the face.  Every now and again, I like it hard and I like it loud and this is exactly what I need right now.  So prepare your ears to be decimated.

Continue reading “Friday New Releases – May 18th”

Calum Scott – ‘Only Human’ – Album Review

Calum Scott’s debut release, ‘Only Human’, came out on Friday, March 9th. A day surrounded by albums from some Hard Rock artists such as Judas Priest, Myles Kennedy, Three Days Grace and even Jimi Hendrix, how did this pop artist catch my ear?  Easy, two years ago this former Britain’s Got Talent contestant released a cover of Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own”.  That song made me stop and take notice.  It was absolutely fantastic (more on it later).  I have been anxiously awaiting an album from him ever since.

And now, the long wait is finally over.  Calum Scott is a cross between many artists.  I would say he is a little bit Sam Smith (without the depressing ass songs), a little bit Adam Levine (his vocal stylings only), a little Gavin DeGraw (catchy pop love songs) and a little bit of James Bay (his first record and even a little of his guitar sound).  He is the best of all those people rolled into one.

There are 14 tracks on the CD version  of the album (vinyl only has 11) so I won’t go through all the songs in detail, but I will highlight several of my favorites.  First off, there are two types of songs throughout the album.  You get the love song ballads and the upbeat pop songs.  I have to admit, I am a sucker for a good love song and Calum has no short supply.  The ballads are beautiful showcases of his amazing, soulful vocal abilities.

Continue reading “Calum Scott – ‘Only Human’ – Album Review”

What to Expect for New Music in 2018!

2018 is upon us and always fun anticipating what new albums are and will come out in the year.  There are quite a few we already know about, but some haven’t been officially announced or even a date set yet.  From what I have gathered around the internet, here are the bands that should have new albums out in 2018, but no dates announced yet. The ones I want will be highlighted in Blue.

  • Godsmack
  • Exodus
  • Shinedown
  • Stone Temple Pilots (I know this is coming as they have said)
  • Jack White – Boarding the House Reach
  • Vance Joy
  • The 1975 – Music for Cars
  • Ace Frehley
  • Arctic Monkeys
  • Avatar
  • Avril Lavigne
  • Bastille
  • Borns
  • Bon Jovi
  • Bring Me the Horizon
  • Bullet for My Valentine
  • Celine Dion
  • Charli XCX
  • Cowboy Junkies
  • DevilDriver
  • Echosmith – Inside a Dream

Continue reading “What to Expect for New Music in 2018!”