| Bob Dylan ... Back to Top |
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Bob Dylan
Highway 61 Revisited
Columbia Records
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Rock Reviewed 8/17/10
Bob Dylan
Highway 61 Revisited
1965 was a year when bullets flew all over southeast
Asia, as well as up the charts at home. The waves being made were
largely from a group of singers and bands who shattered the ideals
of the past, rewriting the rules, breaking them, and writing new
ones just for show. That would be a fair assessment of "Highway
61 Revisited."
The second of Bob Dylan's twin masterpieces released
that year, "Highway 61" brought forth a generation of
artists no longer afraid to have little more than a dream and the
desire to see it through. His lyrics gave new hope to the masses.
No longer was nothing impossible, people were begging for somebody
to tell them they couldn't do it, just to prove them wrong.
"Like A Rolling Stone" is the best American rock song
of all time. Covered by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to The Rolling
Stones themselves, it's message resonates just as clearly as it
did during the paranoid era that was the Johnson administration.
The days of finding a college or avoiding the coffin were filled
with day to day struggles for most, and "Rolling Stone"
provided the soundtrack to keep chins up and feet moving.
I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in a home with a vault
of music to choose from. Call me crazy, but nothing ever made more
sense to me than Bob Dylan. If you really can't hear what Dylan
has to say, on this or any other album, "don't think twice,
it's alright." Thank you, Bob, for creating works of art that
have withstood the test of time.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams 
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| Notorious B.I.G. ... Back to Top |
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Notorious B.I.G.
Ready To Die (15th anniversary reissue)
Bad Boy Records
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Hip Hop Reviewed 8/9/10
Notorious B.I.G.
Ready To Die (15th anniversary reissue)
In 1994, the Best In the Game wasn't playing.
Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace grabbed a mic on a break
from slinging on Bed-Stuy corners and changed the hip hop landscape
in the pro9cess.
It's hard to imagine a bigger debut track than
"Juicy," B.I.G.'s first major hit. A song of survival like none
other, it is the alpha and omega of hip hop rebirth. Regardless
of whether or not you've done a bid, if you can't relate to the
words within, hell, put in another album.
Shining brighter than any other cut from "Ready"
has got to be "Big Poppa." Still a floor filler to this day, B.I.G.
brought swagger and style to the plus size thug set with the beats
and lyrics of this opus of smooth.
Stolen from us far too soon, Christopher Wallace apologized for
nothing. He made his way by a certain code, and it cost him his
life. Like so many before and since, his legend lives on in the
dreams and beats of every kid with a notepad and a good set of headphones.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Wallace, and thank you.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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| Sheryl Crow ... Back to Top |
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Sheryl Crow
100 Miles From Memphis
A&M Records
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Pop Reviewed 7/20/10
Sheryl Crow
100 Miles From Memphis
After getting her start in the business on Michael
Jackson's "Bad" tour, Sheryl Crow has enjoyed a career
filled with hits and great karma for a generation. "100 Miles
From Memphis" is her latest gem, sure to challenge all comers
for next week's Number One spot.
With an album-closing homage to the king of pop on "I Want
You Back", Crow takes a minute to thank the artist who gave
her a helping hand in the industry with a terrific rendition of
the Jackson Five track.
"Long Road Home" stands out as the album's best, reminding
the world what a briliiant songwriter Sheryl Crow is. Get ready
to see this video for the rest of the summer all over TV. "If
the kingdom comes, don't wanna be the one that is standing in the
way."
Make an easy call today. Stop by your local Starbucks, grab you
favorite frothy beverage, and a copy of "100 Miles From Memphis."
Let everyone else wonder why you're smiling.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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| Yuko Ito ... Back to Top |
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Yuko Ito
Mania De Voce
Funny Baby Face Record
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Soul Reviewed 6/21/10
Yuko Ito
Mania De Voce
Authentic soul can come from all corners of the
globe. Regardless of the language spoken or instruments played,
soul has survived the ages and is alive and well in the music world
today. Yuko Ito is here to share her gifts with the world, and "Mania
De Voce" is head and shoulders above the rest.
Featuring all the best elements of international music, "Mania
De Voce" is a sonic explosion on the summer charts. Certain
to place highly on both traditional soul/R&B charts as well
as digital downloads, this album is likely to have a very good year.
Without a weak song throughout, "Mania De Voce" is a great
example of a complete album from an artist that has their audience's
ear and heart in mind when laying down their music. Give Yuko Ito's
"Mania De Voce" a listen today.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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| Kathy Mctavish ... Back to Top |
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Kathy Mctavish
Cello Dreams
Kathy Mctavish
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Classical Reviewed 6/21/10
Kathy Mctavish
Cello Dreams
The timeless sounds of cello are echoing from
the shores of Lake Superior as Kathy Mctavish shares her "Cello
Dreams" with the world.
A true sculptor of great sounds, Mctavish has the ability to involve
all of her audience's senses in the listening experience, and the
tact to do so with grace and style.
"Cello Dreams" would be a welcome addition to any music
student's "off to school" care package. It gives budding
artists just the right mix of inspiration and good vibes.
Do your karma a favor, and grab a copy of "Cello Dreams"
by Kathy Mctavish the next time your music shopping has you taking
a peek up Highway 61.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams 
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| Bonnington Truce ... Back to Top |
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Bonnington Truce
Bonnington Truce
Bonnington Truce
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POP
Reviewed 07-07-10
Bonnington Truce
Bonnington Truce
Bonnington
Truce's self-titled album is a collection of fair to middlin' heavy pop
songs one might hear at a fraternity rush party. The problem is, the
point of a rush party is to meet the brothers, and the band, if there
is one, is just background noise.
"Something to Believe In"
gave me hope of hearing a Poison cover, but no, it's a pretty fast
paced number that people might hear and remember some of the tunes
playing at a roller disco night in 1984. It just doesn't make a real
effort to distinguish itself as worth listening to, and the mediocre
lyrics show that the writer doesn't particularly care.
"Mississippi" would be the track that turned an average album into a
disc that is currently serving as a coaster for my bottle of Mountain
Dew. The line "always had an ugly smudge on our history" makes me doubt
any members of the band were on the Gulf Coast, helping residents of
Pascagoula and Gulfport make due with the Katrina assistance that came
late or not at all. To cut up an entire state, a la Neil Young, just
shows how little the band is interested in selling records.
"World Falls Away" tries too hard to be cynical with rhythms on pace
with Bangles music. The line "You have nothing to say when the world
falls away," is nice, but it would have made more sense as the finale
to the album, as in they have nothing else to say, awesome!
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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| Cavo ... Back to Top |
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RATT
"Infestation"
Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud Records
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ROCK
Reviewed 2010
RATT
"Infestation"
Back in 1984 Ratt was one of the most popular hard rock Glam bands in the world... The
band enjoyed significant commercial success during the decade with hits
including “Round and Round” and “Wanted Man”. They shifted an estimated
18 million units worldwide and was put on the VH1 list of the 100
Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. However, with all things new they also became ol news and Grunge sent their record sales spiraling... By 1990 with a backdrop of out of control substance abuse and loss of focus it was evident that the band was starting to implode from the inside. And for the first time they were not to achieving platinum certification with each new Album, nor has any Ratt album released since.
Now we have a reunion album... Ratt - with
Stephen Pearcy - is back together with a new album titled Infestation.
The guys have put their past issues aside and have gotten back to ol'
skool Hard Rock. Infestation is an album that absolutely fits with the classic hairband Ratt sound. It's tight, melodic, and catchy, with just the right amount of sleaze.
Master Pearcy supplies the bad boy charisma and sleaze appeal, and DeMartini supplies the awesome guitar work. These songs are very catchy... Pearcy
and DeMartini together create exciting arena rock. Former Quiet Riot
guitarist Carlos Cavazo is a great addition as well, supplying killer
rhythms as well as some lead work. Of course, Bobby Blotzer is
rock-steady on drums. Listening to these tightly produced tracks
takes me back to the day when I'd speed around Austin, Texas in my
little Red Fiat Spider 2000 Convertible while crankin' my Jenson
cassette player while my BoseŽ Speakers were screamin' nothin' but Ratt.
Yes indeed!!! I have been once again infested....
RATT is back and I truely believe this is one of their 3 best albums.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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| Eminem ... Back to Top |
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Drake
Thank Me Later
Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republic
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HIP HOP
Reviewed 8/5/2010
Drake
Thank Me Later
Canadian hip hop star Drake is taking over the globe on the
strength of "Thank Me Later", his latest album. With white hot momentum
from the success of his "Forever" collaboration with Kanye West, Lil
Wayne & Eminem, Drake isn't short on swagger, and he doesn't need to
be.
Bringing forth some of the best hip hop in a while, Drake
seems made for the top of the charts. His work has caught the attention
of fans worldwide that have already packed full houses to see him shine.
No modest man here, Drake got things off on the right foot with his
opening line in "Forever" with "Last name ever, first name greatest."
His new album is filled with songs likely to keep the video
directors busy for the next year and a half. I can't wait to see what's
popping next on BET from Toronto's answer to Jay-Z.
Give this guy some time, and he may well dominate the hip hop
world like his mentor, Lil Wayne used to. For now, he is front and
center, eager to showcase his skills now that the mic is his.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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| GHS ... Back to Top |
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GHS
The Best of GHS
TONE CENTER RECORDS
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EXTREME FUSION JAZZ
Reviewed 07-14-10
GHS
The Best of GHS
The
Best of GHS is one Album that will leave you breathless... This
Shrapnel Records Group CD is all about an infamous power trio that
wanted to turn the Jazz Fusion World on it's ears. I think this album
has done just that. All 9 tracks on this energetic instrumental album
showcases the awesome talent and high caliber technical abilities that
each of these monster players possess. Stu Hamm's precision bass
playing and tone are mind-boggling... Frank Gambale's guitar solos are
from another world and not of this earth. Steve Smith's drumming is the
tightest and most intricate drumming I think I've ever heard... All
three of these musicians can fluently speak several languages w/ their
instruments too.
The first few songs out of the chute are
energetic and definitely fusion barn burners for sure. The first three
songs alone will make others musicians put their instruments down to
take inventory.
Each one of these top recording artist have
their own respective solo careers, as well as time spent with high
profile bands and recording artist like Chick Corea Elektric Band, Jean
Luc Ponty, Journey, Vital Information, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and
others. Since 1998, when Mike Varney established Tone Center Records as
the jazzier alternative to Shrapnel Records, one of the signature acts
on the label has been GHS, comprised of these three highly sought after
players.
On the tune "Sink", the band steps back with a more
warm laid back melodic 'Wes Montgomery / Mike Stern' styled jazz
approach. Then there is the stop, listen and take note drum solo called
"Spirit of Dun Dun" which highlights Mr. Smith's chops and impeccable
timing. The tune "Katahdin" sounds like 'Al Dimeola meets Eric
Johnson'... "Yang" is an uplifting and inspirational fusion jam with
allot of peaks and valleys... Master bassist Stu Hamm's solo on
"Nostalgia" is very reflective and peaceful in nature... What an
amazing and gifted player. And let's not forget Gambale's sweet
acoustic solo spot "Isle of Few" .. Very Mellow Indeed !!!
The rest of the music on this album follows in good suit as with the
first half... Even tho' these compositions have lots of odd meters and
exotic sounding tonalities, it all gels together into a bundle of
tightly woven grooves that can easily get under your skin. The problem
is music like this is not accessible to an 'average' music fan...
That's to bad because this music is like a secret special blend of
distilled whiskey... It gets better as it ages and is only served to
those who are worthy...
Track Listing:
1. Bad Intent 2. Dangerous Curves 3. Sink 4. Spirit of Dun Dun (drum solo) 5. Katahdin 6. Yang 7. Nostalgia (bass solo) 8. The Throne of Savitar 9. Isle of Few (guitar solo) 10. All In Your Head 11. Geo 100 12. The Challenger
Scott Thomas
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| Hilario Duran Trio ... Back to Top |
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Hilario Duran Trio
Motion
ALMA Records
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JAZZ
Reviewed 8/5/2010
Herb Alpert & Lani Hall
"Anything Goes [Live]"
When I think of uptown music, I think of
folks like Bert Bacharach; Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, Dionne Warwick,
Sade, Johnny Mathis, Barbra Streisand, Tom Jones and the like... I grew
up with this music during the 60's. I remember holding mother's hand as a
toddler listening to music like this in the Grand Way
department store while she leisurely shopped. Even as a kid, I knew
these folks had something special going on with their music and
production of it. Iconic trumpeter and bandleader Herb
Alpert and his wife, renowned singer Lani Hall, present original
arrangements of classic American standards with the color of Brazilian
music scattered throughout. Remember the old black and white Sidney
Poitier beatnik movies... The music fits well... Or how about the NEW
A&E Series "Man Men"... The music here is perfect for that whole
series. While Herb Alpert is an ace of a trumpet player and one of the
best musicians in the industry, Lani Hall possesses one of the most
beautiful satin-like voices in the biz too. This wonderful CD shows
their artistry is still burning bright after 5 decades of musical
excellence indeed... And, one performance is Grammy-nominated.
"Anything Goes" is a jazzy mixture of bossa nova, funky piano, and pop standards wrapped in a Brazilian tortilla.
"This is a live CD w/ brilliant
musical conversations going on between the band members and their
instruments. You can hear the fun and feel the sparks flying in these
pleasurable, chilled-out grooves. It's a special place a live band
reaches... Exposed and Vulnerable.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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| Kim Beggs ... Back to Top |
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Frightened Rabbit
The Midnight Organ Fight
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FOLK
Reviewed 07-14-10
Frightened Rabbit
The Midnight Organ Fight
From across the ocean comes folk's newest sensation, Frightened Rabbit.
Tailor made for sing-a-longs at the pub this summer, this band is ready
to help get you smiling and stay that way for a while.
"The Midnight Organ Fight" is the latest from this popular European
act. Touring all over t6he continent, this band is expanding an already
huge fan base with their brand of classic folk from great artists.
Any follower of early 1960s folk will adore this album, a throwback
to the days before the world turned electric and everything seemed to
go commercial.
Give your favorite aunt or uncle a gift they'll
really get a kick out of by picking up a copy of "The Midnight Organ
Fight" today. Let their smiles be your reward.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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| Mike Campese ... Back to Top |
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Tone Center Presents
Long Live Me
Brannick Records
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NEO CLASSICAL, PROGRESSIVE HARD ROCK, METAL
Reviewed 8/5/2010
Tone Center Presents
Long Live Me
The Screamin Lords Long Live Me CD Review
- You know what the best thing about having your own guitar website is?
It’s meeting new exciting artists and awe-inspiring bands. This can be
really exhilarating when you are working with some of the best musicians
in the business.
Just to bring everyone up to date… as of late, I
have been working with guitar virtuoso instrumentalist Prashant Aswani
with some promo things, and he turned me on to this band the Screamin’
Lords out of L.A. I asked who they were and he told me that Jose Ferro
(former Agentz bass player and songwriter) was looking for some exposure
and was wondering if I would give his album a review. I was like “Yeah…
Let’s do it!” I had no idea what I was in for. I didn’t know the music,
the artist, nothing.
So I got in touch with Jose, we had an upbeat
chat, and I gave him my address where to send the CD. On his return
note, Mr. Ferro also gave me a link to his Screamin’ Lords page on CD
Baby.com to take a listen to the short clips listed. Man… was I in for a
surprise. I remember thinking… “What the f@#k is this?” I just stumbled
upon a pure hard rock jewel and a “for sure” classic gem. Unfortunately
however, you can only hear short clips of each song. Excruciatingly, I
had to wait over a freakin’ week to get the actual CD. I even had the
tracking hounds out searching for it. I remember getting home from work
seeing the red, white and black CD in my office and couldn’t wait to
tear it open and slap it into my CD player.
I impatiently scratched at the plastic wrap from
the really cool looking CD cover. The eye-candy artwork is of an
artistically designed crest with wings. On the crest is drawn a old
English cross, a four-point star, and a Kiser Cross that all over lap
each other perfect harmony. I put the CD in and hit “Play >>>”
on my ol’ faithful and trusty boom box. From the first note to the last,
I was just in metal bliss. “Finally, a band that brings back screamin’
vocals, guitar oriented songs, and lead solo driven riffs… and that’s
been missing far too long.”
This debut CD, Long Live Me, came together with
an extremely talented core band and impressive selection of guest
artists, which includes guitarists George Lynch (Lynch Mob, Dokken),
Chris Poland (OHM, Megadeth), Gus G. (Firewind, Dream Evil), Loren
Molinare (Little Caesar, The Dogs), and lead vocalists Robin McAuley
(Survivor, MSG) and Kelly Keeling (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Lynch Mob,
MSG). The results of this venture speak for themselves—outstanding
musicianship, exceptional performances, and most importantly, a
collection of excellent tunes which spotlight each of the players.
Song 1 – “Long Live Me” (Guitar Solo – Gus G.)
The bell rings, the gates shoot open… a-a-a-and
their-r-r-rrr OFF! And the first song out of the chute by a long nose
is…“Long Live Me.” Jose’s writing and bass playing on this tune are
exceptional. The song kicks in full force with some awesome double pump
bass pedal drumming and fearsome electric rhythm guitar reminiscent of
ala Judas Priest’s “Screamin’ for Vengeance” has that KK Downing, Glenn
Tipton feel… real powerful… with a thumpin’ bass that relentlessly hits
you in the chest like a rapid-fired shot of burning gasoline. The
percussions are cleverly played, fresh and new sounding. Kelly Keeling’s
voice is as Jose puts it in his credits, “True icing on the cake.”
Kelly is known for being the front man and collaborator with several
established artist and bands such as, Alice Cooper, John Sykes, Yngwie
Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Don Dokken, and Roger Daltry to say just a
few. The lead solo on
this (hold on for dear life) tune is played by Gus G, from the band
Firewind. Gus has played with Arch Enemy, Mystic Prophecy, Nightrage,
and Dream Evil. He is one of the younger players in metal who has
reached an awesome proficiency in metal guitar technique. If this first
song is a sign of things to come, then I know I surely have a winner on
my hands.
Starting out like most players who have a vision
of becoming a successful artist, bassist Jose Ferro worked his way
through the New York music scene, making his mark as a musician and
songwriter while holding down day jobs in music stores, and then later
going on to work for musical instrument manufacturers. Being at the
center of the industry only helped the bassists find better players and
opportunities for his musical outlet. Like others, Jose was always
pursuing his musical dreams, and never gave up, no matter how tough it
was—and still is—to make and break a band.
Song 2 - “Halo” (Guitar Solo - George Lynch)
Simplicity
can be bliss… Foot-Stompin’, head shaking, R-O-C-K!!! As the song
suggests, “How Does it Feel?” I really dig the crunching rhythmic
Furious George-ism riffs and kick ass lead solos to boot! Mr. Scary
really knows how to find the groove and give the song exactly what it
needs. He knows how to milk a motif for all it’s worth and then when
he’s done with that; he’ll shred it all to pieces. The beat on this tune
is infectious. What’s more, the energy given off is enough to supply
the neighborhood’s power grid for a week. It’s almost like Jose is a
melodic historian of hard rock metal music. “He knows how to bring the
past and the future together in one sweeping moment, leaving you
breathless and gasping for air. That's when you realize that… You are in
the NOW!”
After playing with several New York-based cover
acts, Jose formed Agentz, which grew in popularity through gigging and
self-promotion, and eventually recorded an album of original material
called Stick to Your Guns, released in 1987. The album was recently
remastered and released on CD (see www.myspace.com/agentztheband
for more info). Although the group was recognized as one of the top
bands in the area, musical trends were changing at the end of the
decade, and many metal bands found themselves having a more difficult
time than ever trying to get ahead as the grunge movement quickly took
over. Jose saw this as an opportunity to make a change for himself and
wanted to do something a bit different. Agentz split in 1990, when Jose
moved west to California.
Song 3 - “Evil” (Guitar Solo – Jason Gile)
This
song has a dark and mysterious feel to it… Kelly’s vocals and lyrics
conjure up images of dark streets, shadows, wrong turns, talking
backwards, and upside down signs. My man can definitely tell an
aural/visual story… The middle part of this tune picks up the pace and
just rocks with some really cool Zep type riff-romp… Witty indeed! Jason
Gile plays some incredible and remember-able lead guitar work on the
solo… the arrangement on the break down progression and the lead solos’
ending is very creative. In addition, the phrasing is superbly done
showing us the high caliber of musicianship that we’re dealing with
here.
It was there in California that Jose met up with
guitarists Jason Gile, Dustin Boyer, and drummer Chris Collier.
Eventually, the four musicians joined forces, and it was clear from the
start that this mixture of players had something special together. The
seeds were planted, and the Screamin' Lords were born.
Song 4 - “Fire In The Blue Sky” (Guitar Solo – Chris Poland)
This song talks about New Orleans and all the
crap that has happen to that city in recent years. What has happened to
the coastal metropolis has and will continue to effects us in one way or
the other for years to come. The crime, the floods and destruction,
lost lives and broken families has left an appalling mark on our
countries history. Kelly’s lyrics say, “Taking matters in your own
hands. Nobody cares, No one ever hears. They’re making other plans, you
gotta understand. IT’S ALL LEADING BACK TO YOU!” Chris’ solo on the tune
is fearsomely melodic with awesome tone and fast runs. Chris is a
former member of Megadeth, and now has his avant-garde fusion rock band
Ohm. Does Jose know how to pick a line up or what?!
Well… So far this album has many different
facets to it. Each song has its own vibe and feel going on… There are so
many different rock influences that I hear, you want to make the CD
part of the family right away. “This is the CD that stays in your
multi-disc player awhile just incase you need that fix for your metal
health.”
Song 5- “Out of Control” (Guitar Solo – Dustin Boyer, Loren Molinare)
The intro to this song really gives you that
AC/DC feel. Yes… fist in the air, and singin’ “Little movie star you
drove me out of control.” This is the perfect Gentlemen’s Club anthem…
Good time, feel good rock and roll. Dustin’s lead work really shows off
his awe-inspiring riffing. I really dig his phrasing too… Dustin really
knows how to make that guitar say something. And let’s not forget his
kick-ass guitar tone on top of all that… The Screamin’ Lords are from
the real School of Rock.
Song 6 – “Say What You Will” (Guitar Solo – Jason Gile)
Yeah, that’s right… “A blast from the past rock
classic…” Remember the early 80’s hard rock band Fastway? I actually saw
them open up for AC/DC during the headliners Flick of the Switch Tour
and they rock our faces off. Talk about the real deal… yes sir, Fast
Eddie Clarke, also former member of Motorhead’s classic line-up wrote
this song. Jason Giles guitar antics breathe new life into this all
ready flawless rock song. And Kelly definitely hits all the marks when
it comes to those throaty vocal screams. Jose’s thumping base keeps a
steady quick pulse, so if you’re driving… don’t forget to glance at your
speedometer. You don’t want to get a speeding ticket.
Song 7 – Gladrags and Limozenes” (Vocals Robin McAuley, Guitar Solo – Jason Gile, Loren Molinare)
Very Catchy… The song starts out with Loren’s
signature bounching rhythm guitar playing between the channels, and the
rock drumming in the intro is very smartly executed. Chris Collier is
somewhat of a rock historian too. He really understands the concept of
playing for the song. Chris really gives this collection of songs
vibrant dynamics, energetic beats and last but not least… CLASS! I’ve
always been a sucker for a hit song, so if I was to bank my money, this
would be the one for rock radio. As the song goes, “Yeah! We did Sunset
on our heels.” Robin’s lyric suggest… “We made it…” we survived the
party scene, now we can look back and laugh. McAuley sings this song
with such conviction on the chorus that he’ll have you singing along to
it too! I had to stop and play this feel good melody twice.
Song 8 – Sail On
Sail On… And that is exactly what the acoustic
guitars and vocal harmonies do… Every great hard rock album has its
ballad, and “Sail On” was saved for last in perfect fashion. The song
reminisces the easy listening side of the Eagles. What a way to end a
fantastic, brilliant album.
On a scale from one to ten… I give The Screamin’ Lords CD “Long Live Me” a ***4.5*** I would have given it a 5… However, I had to shave a half a point off for only having 8 songs. Damn, I wanted more!
Scott Thomas
|
| Reilly ... Back to Top |
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Lightswitch
Holy
|
GOSPEL
Reviewed 07-14-10
Lightswitch
Holy
From the hallowed halls of the gospel genre come Lightswitch, a breath of fresh air on the music scene.
From their forthcoming album, Lightswitch have released "Holy", a
single destined for both chart success and positions in faith heavy
iPods nationwide. A bona fide hit from a band on the way up, "Holy"
should get major airplay on gospel and college radio throughout the
Midwest this summer, with the sky the limit as the band prepares for a
major tour.
Giving back to the community that raised you is always held in high
regard, and Lightswitch reward their audience with great work on the
single. I eagerly await the release of their album on October 10th.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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| The Fractals ... Back to Top |
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Eric Gales Relentless
Tone Center Presents
Blues Bureau Int'l |
ROCK
Reviewed 07-14-10
Eric Gales Relentless
Tone Center Presents
ERIC GALES RELENTLESS - Eric
Gales grew up in a musical family with four brothers, two of them who
learned to play the guitar upside down and left handed in the same
fashion that Eric does. Eric's brother Eugene Gales played bass in the
Eric Gales Band and his brother Jimmy King had a thriving career as a
blues artist before his untimely death. Eric released his first record
at Age 16 for Elektra records to an amazing response from the media and
music fans around the globe.
Guitar World Magazine's Reader's Poll named Eric as “Best New Talent,” in 1991.
Eric Gales - New CD “Relentless” arrived
several days ago and what a real treat it is. No kiddin'! This album has
all the makings of a stellar Blues / Rock CD for the masses. Mr. Gales,
a guitar prodigy at the age of 16, and Memphis native hit the world of
heavy, blues/rock running and to this day still shows no signs of
slowin' down. His licks can be extremely fast, and accomplished while
his slow hand phrasing can be very mature & emotive. His tone is
supremely heavy.
After recording a second record for Elektra,
all three brothers teamed up for The Gales Bros. “Left Hand Brand”
which was recorded for the House of Blues label in 1996. Through the
years, it would not be unusual to look out in the audience and see
artists like Carlos Santana, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, B. B. King,
and Eric Clapton, looking on with interest as Gales took his God-given
talent and worked crowd after crowd into a frenzy.
The new Millennium presented new
opportunities for Eric and he was signed to a deal with Nightbird
Records which was affiliated with the Hendrix family and distributed
through MCA/Universal. Under this deal, Eric recorded the critically
acclaimed record “That's What I Am” in 1991 and hit the road,
mesmerizing fans around the world with his uncanny connection to his
guitar. Two years ago Eric recorded the critically acclaimed CD “Crystal
Vision” for Blues Bureau and set the stage for his incredible Blues
Bureau follow-up, “The Psychedelic Underground.”
The first song "Bad Lawbreaker" has that
"Red House" vibe going on. "When You Got No Place To Go" and "On the
Wings of Rock n Roll are also slower blues tracks, the latter being a
moody minor blues with spiritual quality . Nonetheless, I was riveted
to my chair thinking that I was listening to the second comin' of Jimi
Hendrix. Yeah, I know... You've probably heard that he does sound like
Hendrix and or Stevie Ray. However, don't let that stop you from
enjoying this disc. Gales has much more going than that on this Killer
CD. He can divinely take you "Home" with his muse and there are
glimpses of Eric Johnson in his playing add further dimension to Gales'
style.
As both an African-American left-handed
guitarist of extraordinary ability and an expressive vocalist, it is
natural for people to compare Eric to Hendrix but Eric has developed a
unique hybrid blues/rock sound that also draws upon influences as
diverse as Albert King and Eric Johnson. A unique amalgam of styles,
Eric Gales stands head and shoulders among other guitarists in his
genre. Eric's third Blues Bureau record “The Story Of My Life” took the
next logical step in Eric's career and was rooted firmly in the blues,
further establishing Gales as one of the rare musical talents of his
generation. “Relentless” is the next logical step in this prolific
artist's career as it it is deeply centered in the blues but played
with the edge and aggression of a young guitar hero.
I luv it when Gales breaks into some of his
euphoric, soaring solos while leaning expressively on that wah-wah pedal
of his. For instance, the hard rock tune "Block the Sun.", Gales
displays his psychedelic guitar prowess and my man ain't afraid to use
his blistering hard rock rhythm and lead attacks either. And, his guitar
tone is just amazing. This record was cut with his new Two Rock guitar
amp, the same company that makes amp for John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa and
Carlos Santana. Wow!!! The tune "Draggin' Me Down" is a hard rock song
that stands up and says "recognize". I totally dig the songwriting on
this track... It reminds me of King's X 's. The lead guitar solo on this
will blow your pentatonic induced mind fo' sure. And let's not forget
another rocker called "The Liar"... My oh my., This one will make the
hair on the back of your neck stand-up. The tune's middle section has
this really kool syncopated guitar,
drum and bass riff that's infectious, and the guitar solo just burns a
hole right thru ya.
CAUTION: If you listen to this one in your Ride,
don't get a ticket ! I promise you your foot will turn to lead while
listening and you'll find yourself doin' 90 in a 55 mph zone... I can
see the flashing lights in my rear view mirror now... Shiz-niz-it ! Not
another speeding ticket...
In the fall of 2008, Eric Gales made
headline music news when he performed on the bill with Eric Johnson,
Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Los Lobos' David Hidalgo
and blues legend Hubert Sumlin on the 2008 Experience Hendrix USA tour,
in tribute to Jimi Hendrix. This tour put Gales in front of thousands of
guitar fans every night. In addition to his own nightly performances he
also took the stage with Eric Johnson for part of the show in an
amazing version of Hendrix' “Waterfall”. Gales has been a familiar face
on the Experience Hendrix tour, having been featured on several of these
prestigious tours.
The song "Spice" reminds me of another
bluesman named Ian Moore... Blues / Rock ROMP all the way any day, hey,
hey, hey with this baby... If this trax don't give you a "mean lean"
than nothin' will... "Change in me" is a hot rocker in the style ala ZZ
Top's La Grange.... Foot tappin' music all the way... Lastly, we have
one of my favorites, an AWESOME Instrumental Guitar Tune in the Style of
Satriani, Eric Johnson, called "Universal Peace Pipe". This tune is so
uplifting and heartfelt and a twist away from the rest of the CD's
style... I call this one "Modern Instrumental Guitar Rock". Eric Gails
has totally got my head spinnin' with this enjoyable, sweet, feel good
tune... Yeah Baby!!!!
The Blues Bureau label has developed a
strong following for its superior blues rock recordings. Eric Gales
takes his place among artists in the label's legacy that includes such
blues/rock legends as Rick Derringer, Pat Travers, Chris Duarte, Stoney
Curtis and Leslie West.
Eric's masterful guitar and vocal
performances on “Relentless” portend a great response from loyal fans of
blues/rock as guitarist/singers of this quality and intensity are few
and far between.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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The Sojourners
The Sojourners
Black Hen Music
|
GOSPEL
Reviewed 07-07-10
The Sojourners
The Sojourners
Most
great singers have a background in religion. The faith and perseverance
of gospel is a sound not heard enough in modern music. It's my pleasure
to share with you the gospel according to The Sojourners.
Coming to you from Black Hen Music, The Sojourners' self titled album
is a masterpiece in modern gospel. Bringing together the sounds of soul
mixed with traditional gospel themes, their music is both uplifting and
highly marketable. I could see Sojourners tracks climbing the gospel
charts very quickly.
Demonstrating a versatility like few
other acts, The Sojourners have a broad range of songs on their album.
Their take on Los Lobos' "The Neighborhood" breathes new life into this
tale.
Material possessions come and go. When you truly give
is when you give of yourself. The Sojourners not only have remarkable
gifts to share, they also embrace their audience with the efforts of a
career spent taking the high road. Welcome The Sojourners into your
home today.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams
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