Hull 2-1 Stoke City

The Tango Clown lives to fight another day as we implode - Faye sent off, Beattie looking a shadow of last season and Colins & Huth all over the shop. But Etherington was a star again, Kitson looked good and Tuncay came on although at the expense of Fuller. Even a former player scored, yes Ollyfinjana.

Onwards and upwards…Pompey after the international break.

Albums of the Year Part One

2009 has been another great year for albums and comebacks. There will be albums released this year I haven’t heard yet (eg Foreigner) which could have made my list. Where to start?

Melodic rock wise Places Of Power (Frontiers) was a stunning start to the year – an album to keep Foreigner fans happy that’s for sure. Lovers of Def Leppard look no further than Grand Design (Metal Heaven) who set out to create an album paying homage to the Mutt Lange era Def Leppard and they did in in style.

House Of Lords ‘Cartesian Dreams’ (Frontiers) is their best album since they reformed and harks back to ‘Demon’s Down’, hardly surprising as the co-writer on that album features on this new one.

For pure AOR try 101 South’s ‘No U Turns’ (AOR Heaven), this shows how AOR should be done. Bad Habbit (AOR Heaven) also produced a highly polished and enjoyable set of AOR/melodic rock tunes with some stunning ballads.

Covered Call came from nowhere to produce an album that is not only melodic hard rock but managed to add a couple of  moments of classy pop rock. Speaking of pop rock the masters returned with their best album since the 80’s, yes Cheap Trick ‘The Latest’ (Indie) is a delight with never a dull moment. This leads nicely into one of Cheap Trick’s biggest fans, Ginger and his band the Wildhearts released a real return to form with ‘Chutzpah!’ This has the band really firing on all six with catchy choruses, massive riffs and err some thrash metal.

Of the debut albums the Jokers really hit a chord with me and if you like 70’s Aerosmith and the Stones, in fact classic 70’s rock, this band will appeal to you. Draven also made a splash with another album steeped in classic rock influnences although they do have some more modern rock songs in their armoury. In a more melodic vein, Firenote give bands like Brother Firetribe and the Poodles a run for their money. A very accomplished debut ad looking forward to the next one already.

I do like a varied listening base and thanks to Bill Leslie over at the excellent Rock Of Ages I discovered Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy’s latest work, the Duckworth Lewis Method. It is all based around cricket and is simply wonderful – ‘Jiggery Pokery’ and ‘Test Match Special’ should be on everyone’s IPod/MP3 player.

One band whose last couple of releases I have not been that taken with are Dream Theater but their new album ‘Black Clouds And Silver Linings’ (Roadrunner) is one of their best. The musicianship is top notch as you’d expect but now the band have found their melody again rather than drift off into endless solos.  Staying prog the Sine Star Project sounds like Muse but they add their own melodic and weird spin on the music. IQ’s ‘Frequency’ (GEP) is another band back on peak form and if you have never tried an album by this band this is a recommended starting point. Lots of big production and lush musical arrangements, sheer bliss. Roswell Six ropes in a whole host of musical stars including John Payne (Ex-Asia), Erik Norlander and James LaBrie (Dream Theater) amongst others. Based on a bestselling fantasy novel series and it is great fun to listen to!

Giant are back!

Medlodic rock legends Giant release a new album early next year and they have announced their line-up. Joining original members David Huff (drums) and Mike Brignardello (bass) are vocalist Terry Brock (Strangeways/The Sign/Seventh Key) and former Winger guitarist John Roth. Dan Huff is still involved in the writing and production side. With Terry Brock on vocals this could well be a monster album!

Stoke City 2-2 Wolves

Stoke threw away a two goal lead in a classic case of a game of two halves. Stoke dominated the first half with two goals – an own goal aided by James Beattie and a lovely goal by Matthew Etherington. But the second half belonged to Wolves as Jody Craddock bagged two goals and it could have gone either way as Ab Faye missed a sitter late on. Wolves fan Robert Plant was spotted in the away end….

The Tango Man steps closer to the Order of the Golden Boot as Hull lost 2-0 at Burnley and who do they play next? Us

10Q’s with MARTY PARIS

Guitarist Marty Paris is one half Paris Keeling (that’s vocalist Kelly Keeling of Baton Rogue fame)  who have just released ‘End Of The Ride’. An album well worth a listen. 

1. What are you currently up to? (recording, gigs, plans)

Right now I am in the studio working on a new album with the band Permanent Reverse. The line up includes Corky McClellan (Baton Rouge) Maxx Mann (Trans Siberian Orchestra) Greg Cerenzia and Mike Arrington. The music is progressive – rock – soul. Really cool stuff. And of course I’m promoting the new Paris Keeling album!

2. Could you take us through the songs on ‘End Of Ride’ (e.g. ideas behind the songs, songwriting process etc)?

‘Life’ is a song I wrote about a time in my life where I was looking for something and I didn’t know just what. I had an affair on my wife and it’s kind of an apology to her. ‘Morning Song’ is a song that Kelly brought to the album. He told me he wrote it while spending time in a temple in San Diego. I wrote ‘Tears of Heaven’ on September 11th 2001 – I knew a lot of people that worked at the World Trade Center. I can’t understand the thought processes of terrorists – so it just kind of came out with a lot of emotion. When we got in the studio to record it Kelly and Don added the brilliant chorus that was missing.

‘Color Blind’ was written on the spot at 3:00 AM in the morning one night Kelly and I were hanging out in the studio – pure magic! ‘End of Ride’ is three songs. Kelly brought the intro that he recorded in his studio as well as the ending. We wrote and recorded ‘Middle of the Road’ and then stitched it all together with the help of Erik Norlander. We brought in Corky McClellan (from Kelly’s band Baton Rouge) on drums and finished the track shortly after. That song was A LOT of work, but came out miraculously. ‘These Days’ was a song that Kelly worked on with George Lynch while touring with George Lynch. We wrote the lyrics for that one on a Saturday afternoon while completely sober – pretty ironic huh? It’s a message about addiction and where addiction leads.

‘I Learned From The Inside’ is a song that I recorded a couple of years before we started working on the album. It took nine guitar tracks to accomplish that one and it is one of my best instrumentals. I ended up licensing that one to ESPN – but they haven’t used it yet. ‘Free’ is a song idea Kelly brought to the project. We decided that it needed strings so I got Matt Goeke (my cello guru) to score the string parts and we recorded it in New York City on May 5th 2006 – coincidently the same day Kelly auditioned for TSO. We dedicated that one to the troops, and it is probably KK’s best vocal performance on the album. ‘She Was’ is a song I wrote for a movie soundtrack completely on spec. ‘I’ve Found’ is a Kelly and Don Dokken collaboration.

‘Head Straight’ came straight from Kelly’s head – does that make sense?? ‘Feel’ was a song that we considered on the first release. It’s all Kelly – I just scored and produced the cello tracks – one of my KK faves. I wrote and recorded ‘Alive’ as a tribute to all of us who have been able to do what we love to do – at any price. Al Pitrelli played lead guitar on that one and it is a favorite of mine. It goes over really well live.
 
3. How did you first hook-up with Kelly Keeling? 

I met Kelly in 2005 shortly after he recorded Furious George with Lynch. I heard the album and reached out to his manager. It was my first exposure to his unbelievable pipes.
 
4. Who decided on the cover of ELO’s ‘Telephone Line’? Did the band record any other cover versions?

No that’s our only cover. Kelly and I were drinking Grand Marnier one night after a show and I told him that we should do a cover of an old song that we both loved. And I swear that we simultaneously said Telephone Line. We recorded the piano that night and Kelly actually played the drums that night too. I recorded the synth later and we started tracking vocals separately. That song almost killed me as a producer. It took so many tracks to get that song right. But I think it was worth it.

Full interview will appear soon on Get Ready To Rock!

10 Q’s with CARMINE APPICE

Drumming legend Carmine Appice is currently touring with his own drum show Slamm! plus going on the road with Vanilla Fudge and Cactus. His Guitar Zeus Project albums have just been re-released as well.

1. What are you currently up to? (recording, gigs, plans)
I’ve been doing gigs with my drum show slamm! 
http://www.slammusa.com

  2. How did the whole Guitar Zeus idea come about? How did you decide which guitarists to approach and how much freedom were they allowed in the song for their own ideas/soloing?
I GOT THE IDEA BECAUSE DRUMMERS NEVER GOT TO DO SOLO ALBUMS ..ALWAYS THE GUITAR PLAYERS AND SINGERS…SO I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE COOL TO DO A GUITAR ALBUM BY A DRUMMER…IT WORKED..ONLY THE GUITARISTS WERE USED TO BRING ATTENTION TO GREAT SONGS, PLAYING AND EAR CANDY AS WELL AS GREAT SOLOS.
I HAD GUITARISTS I LIKED AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD DO IT. THEN AS WORD GOT AROUND ABOUT THE ALBUM. IT GOT EASIER. SOME PEOPLE CALLED ME. EACH GUITARIST PLAYED WHAT THEY WANTED TO…
 
3. The compilation is out now but will there be any future Guitar Zeus albums at some stage in the future?
DON’T KNOW AS THESE ALBUMS BOTH COST OVER $100,000  DOLLARS EACH. I WOULD NEED A BIG BUDGET FOR IT. LABELS DON’T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY ANYMORE UNLESS YOUR A POP IDOL OR RAPPER !!
 
4. Turning to Blue Murder…is there any chance this band will get back together especially now John Sykes has left Thin Lizzy? Why did the band call it a day?
WE CALLED IT A DAY BECAUSE THE FIRST ALBUM  DIDN’T SELL THROUGH IN THE USA AS IT SHOULD HAVE AND IT TOOK AWHILE TO RECOVER EVEN THOUGH IT BECAME A METAL CLASSIC…SO WE WEREN’T PREPARED FOR THAT..BY THE TIME WE FIGURED IT OUT, GRUNGE WAS IN AND ALL METAL WAS OUT…YES WE’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT DOING IT AGAIN BUT NOTHING CONCRETE. IT WOULD BE AWESOME THOUGH…

5. What have been the most memorable live shows form you and why?
ACTUALLY THERE ARE TOO MANY..6 NIGHTS AT THE FORUM WITH ROD,  CENTRAL PARK WITH VANILLA FUDGE, BBA IN NYC FELT FORUM..EACH ONE IS SPECIAL…BUT LUCKILY I’VE BEEN FORTUNATE TO STILL HAVE MEMORATIVE SHOWS EVEN WITH SLAMM !!!

6. Could you tell us a little more about your work with Little Kids Rock?
WELL, I ENJOY WORKING WITH THESE KIDS BECAUSE THEY GET SO LIT UP AT MY SESSIONS WITH THEM..THEY REALLY HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT THE WORLD OUTSIDE THEIR NIEGHBORHOOD..IT IS A GREAT FEELING GIVING THEM DRUM SETS AND ENTERTAINING THEM AND WATCHING THEM LIGHT UP..I REALLY ENJOY IT AND THEY ARE LEARNING THE ARTFORM OF ROCK MUSIC..
LKR  GIVES THEM INSTRUMENTS AND TEACHERS AFTER SCHOOL IN THE INNER CITY SCHOOLS TO KEEP THE KIDS OFF THE STREET..IT IS GREAT!!
 
7.  How did you get your first break into the music business? What piece of advice would you pass onto budding musicians?
TIMES ARE DIFFERENT NOW..MY USUAL ADVICE WOULD BE GET A BAND, CREATE A FOLLOWING, RECORD A RECORD..SELL THOUSANDS  OF RECORDS, THEN A MAJOR WOULD PICK YOU UP..THAT’S WHAT VANILLA FUDGE DID…AND MANY BANDS AFTER THAT…BUT TODAY I REALLY DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO AS THE LABELS ARE SO DIFFERENT..INTERNET HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING..I DON’T KNOW HOW BANDS TODAY MAKE IT WITHOUT RADIO…IT USE TO BE RADIO SOLD YOUR RECORDS. TODAY IT’S NOT THAT WAY..

8. Cactus – how was the ‘V’ album received given the last studio album was released back in the 70’s? Has the band attracted a younger set of fans to the shows now?
WELL  UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN V CAME OUT, THE LABEL WENT OUT OF BUSINESS…WE GOT GREAT REVIEWS ..BUT DON’T KNOW HOW MANY CDS WE SOLD. I DO KNOW THE YOUNGER FANS HAVE EMBRACED CACTUS. THE RHINO DOUBLE CDS HAVE SOLD OUT. AND THE CACTUS LIVE DVD SOLD THOUSANDS. I THINK IF WE HAD A BETTER LABEL, IT WOULD HAVE SOLD WELL. BUT WE ARE REMIXING IT AND RELEASING A 2 DISC PACKAGE CACTUS V PLUS BONUS TRACKS WITH A LIVE DVD COAST TO COAST …TOGETHER THE PACKAGE WILL BE CALLED  “CACTUS MUSIC”  RELEASED ON FUEL 2000 RECORDS ALSO [LIKE GUITAR ZEUS]

9. Who have been the biggest musical influences on you and do you hear your influence on any modern drummers?
MY INFLUENCES WERE BUDDY RICH,GENE KRUPA,JOE MORELLO AND MAX ROACH..THESE WERE JAZZ DRUMMERS. YES, I SEE MY INFLUENCE AROUND IN ROCK DRUMMING AND KNOW FAMOUS GUYS LIKE JOEY FROM SLIPNOT SAND OTHER LIKE THAT WHO WENT THROUGH MY DRUM BOOK REALISTIC ROCK !!

10. Message for your fans…
ALWAYS MAKE A GOAL FOR YOURSELF  AND STRIVE TO REACH THAT GOAL. THAT IS ABOUT ANYTHING IN LIFE YOU TRY TO DO……. AND PRACTICE YOUR INSTRUMENT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN…PRACTICE DOES MAKE PERFECT…

THANKS FOR THE INTERVIEW, JASON

CA

GMT live

GMT – Bernie Torme, John McCoy and Robin Guy:

FRI 6 NOV 2009: THE GAFF CLUB, Holloway, London
382 Holloway Rd London, N7 6PN, Venue 020 76071555, thegaffclub@hotmail.co.uk,
Support: ACHILLA, CATFIGHT, BANGTOY
Info and Tickets from Venue, (text 07869249706 for personal delivery)
Online Tickets www.ticketweb.co.uk

SAT 7 NOV 2009: MUSIC LIVE, NEC, Birmingham
National Exhibition Centre Birmingham, B40 Venue 0121 780 4141
GMT Onstage @ 2 pm.
Info and Tickets www.musiclive.co.uk

SAT 14 NOV 2009: YARDBIRDS Grimsby,
Yardbirds Rock Club, Church Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN32 7DD Venue: 07771520374
Support: The Virgin Marys,
Info and Tickets www.myspace.com/yardbirdsrockclub

SUN 15 NOV 2009: The Tut N Shive Yeadon, Leeds,
The Tut N Shive, 11 Kirk Lane Yeadon Leeds, LS19 7 EP
Venue: 0113 250116052
Info www.myspace.com/thetutnshive

SAT 28 NOV 2009: THE DIAMOND, Ballymena, N.I.
Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill, Ballymena, Antrim, Northern Ireland BT42 1JZ Venue 07989588931
Info and Tickets www.myspace.com/thediamondbar

THURS 3 DEC 2009: HARD ROCK HELL III, Prestatyn, North Wales
HRH III, Pontins, Prestatyn, North Wales, LL19 7LA
GMT headline HRHIII VIP Party Thursday 3 Dec 2009
Info and Tickets www.hardrockhell.com

Best of the Noughties

Looking back at the best of the first decade of the 21st century and first up are GRTR! reviewer & photographer Ian Pollard plus a few album selections from singer/songwriter Chris Singleton…

Best of the decade in… Albums – I’ve thought about this one for ages, with many fine albums invading the thoughts, but I always somehow managed to come back to one album which is absolutely 100% awesome from start to finish, so the winner is… Uriah Heep’s “Wake The Sleeper“

Gigs – So, album was hard, this was nearly impossible! I am going to go for a festival performance that is unlikely to be repeated, never came to the UK, and was an absolute privilege to see… Tobias Sammett’s Avantasia at SRF 2008

Films/DVD’s – going to keep this one simple, Magnum’s “Livin’ The Dream“. Easy choice

Books – Anything not written by Dan Brown

Comebacks – The Boston Red Sox in ‘that’ ALCS vs the Yankees. Simply amazing!

Sadly missed – All the British service personnel who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sporting events – England beating Australia in the 2003 RWC final. Never expended so much nervous energy in my life.

Person of the decade – Clare, my wife… at least that is what she told me to say!

Chris Singleton’s album choices (check out his ‘Twisted City’ album, a definate highlight of the past decade music wise)…

Soulwax ‘Much Against Everyone’s Advice’

Aimee Mann ‘Magnolia’

Supergrass S/T

Eloy return and the Faces reunion rumours rumble on…

German prog rockers Eloy return with their first new album in ten years. ‘Visionary’ is released via Laser’s Edge Records on January 12th. A band worthy of a place in any prog rock fans collection.

Rod Stewart has said he wants to reunite with the Faces next year as this on/off reunion rumbles on…

Peter Gabriel finally releases a new album due early next year. Looking forward to this one!

Portsmouth 4-0 Stoke City (Carling Cup 4th Round)

Oh well back to the league…

Ten changes to Saturday’s line-up and we were by all accounts pants. Tuncay started as did Dave Kitson with Big Mama Sidibie back after a long injury for a second half appearance. Lets hope we get back to winning ways against the Dingles….sorry Wolves on Saturday.

Sacred Heart’s new album ‘Darkness Falls’

SACRED HEART’s new album/CD “Darkness Falls” will be available for pre-order from MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2009.

Prices start at (UK) £10, (Europe / Scandinavia) €13 & USA / Rest Of World $17 – with postage & packing/shipping & handling INCLUDED, and….. …to be shipped – with EXCLUSIVE FREE PRE-ORDER GIFT!!! (Other SPECIAL OFFERS & prices will also be available!)

Features 17 tracks:

1. DOWN 2. BEST IN ME 3. LAY IT ON THE LINE 4. NO-ONE KNOWS (WAR) 5. TV MOVIE 6. WHAT IT TAKES 7. TOP OF THE CLASS 8. FOREVER 9. EVERYBODY 10. ON MY WAY 11. MUSIC MAN 12. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE 13. ROCK ‘N’ ROLL AWAY

bonus track (the original 2004 demos): 14. LAY IT ON THE LINE* 15. WHAT IT TAKES* 16. FOREVER (acoustic)* 17. ROCK ‘N’ ROLL AWAY* *only available on CD – not as part of digital downloads (iTunes, AmazonMP3, Spotify etc)

Release date for “Darkness Falls” is MONDAY 7th DECEMBER 2009 (just in time for Christmas!) – you will receive your copy on or before this date! You will be able to pay/pre-order the album at www.sacredheartband.com from MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2009.

Listen to samples at www.myspace.com/sacredheartshakes

Signed drumsticks finish at £103

Thanks again to Claire Lee and drummer Harry James (THUNDER/MAGNUM) for the signed drumsticks which finished at £103 on Ebay and all monies go to the Donna Louise Trust.

Spurs 0-1 Stoke City

What an amazing win for Stoke and so late in the game – Glen Whelan scored in the 84th minute. Wilkinson started for the suspended Huth and Steve Simoneson was in goal after Thomas Sorenson fell ill during the warm-up. Good to see Tuncay get a decent run out although Kitson again stayed on the bench.

Loanee Ryan Shotton was sent off at Barnsley and Stokies will be adopting Denmark in the World Cup after they qualified with Thomas Sorenson in goal.

John McCoy (GILLAN/MAMMOTH/GMT) charity auctions

Signed Mammoth t-shirt…

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300359304899&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

and a sigend copy of his anthology CD…

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300359228311&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Both kindly donated by John McCoy (GILLAN/MAMMOTH/GMT) and all funds raised go to the RNIB.

New Steve Thorne CD

Artist: STEVE THORNE

Album title: INTO THE ETHER

Release date: 19 OCTOBER 2009

Record label: FESTIVAL MUSIC (www.festival-music.co.uk)

Tracks: Kings Of Sin [4:54] / Feathers [4:05] / Paper Tiger [4.05] / Into The Ether [4:13] / Granite Man [6:14] / Black Dahlia [4:45] / Sons Of Tomorrow [6:45] / Valerie [3:21] / Victims [5:53] / The End [5:00] / Curtain [5:14]

You can listen to ‘Granite Man’ from Into The Ether at www.festival-music.co.uk

This is Steve Thorne’s third album, his first on the Festival Music label. Steve achieved critical acclaim with his first two CD’s ‘Emotional Creatures 1 & 2′, but ‘Into The Ether’ takes his songwriting abilities to a whole new level. As with ‘Emotional Creatures’, Steve has assembled an amazing list of accomplished and well know musicians to enhance his songs, including Pete Trewavas (Marillion / Transatlantic / Kino), Nick D’virgilio (Spocks Beard / Genesis), Gavin Harrison (Renaissance / Porcupine Tree / King Crimson), Tony Levin (King Crimson / Peter Gabriel / Liquid Tension Experiment), John Giblin (Peter Gabriel / Brand X / Fish / Jon Anderson / Alan Parsons / Kate Bush), John Beck (It Bites / Alan Parsons Project / Kino), John Mitchell (It Bites / Kino / John Wetton), Gary Chandler (Jadis).

The production, songwriting and presentation of ‘Into The Ether’ is a significant step up from the first two albums. Thought provoking lyrics, very strong melodies and lush arrangements are all used to great effect, more so than ever before. The CD comes with a 28 page booklet and ‘O’ Sleeve packaging, and is of particular interest for fans of Spocks Beard, Marillion, Porcupine Tree and It Bites, but if you love great music and memorable lyrics and melodies, this is one that will not disappoint!

101 South ‘No U-Turn’

This little beauty is out via AOR Heaven on 20th November but I have a review copy and can happily confirm it is the best yet by this top notch AOR band. Featuring Harlan Cage’s Roger Scott Criag and vocalist Gregory Lynn Hall, this album has it all – passionate vocals, layers of keys, stunning guitar solos and catchy melodies. Full review soon but for lovers of classy AOR get this one next month…

Stoke City 2-1 West Ham

Great win today with James Beattie netting both Stoke goals. Robert Huth could face a three game ban after striking West Ham’s Matthew Upson.

Tuncay still on the bench (much more of this and surely he will want away come January?) and Kitson also started on the bench despite a decent scoring rate of late.

Wig Wam new album coming soon…

Easy ladies…the new album is called ‘Non Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll’ and Frontiers are releasing it.

Quo & Muse Share The Love

Quo & Muse Share The Love

Shared via AddThis

Kiss debut in the US at no.2

Kiss made their highest ever US album debut at no. 2 after selling 108,000 copies of their new album ‘Sonic Boom’. Canadian easy listening  star Micheal Buble took the no. 1 spot. Having heard the Kiss album it is as good as the reviews are saying and one of their best for me (mind you I am not a big fan).

Journey’s ‘Revelations’ re-enters the charts at no. 63 whilst Steel Panther break the top 100 moving up to no.98

The new Europe is also very good and continues their recent sound of mixing classic rock with some modern rock twists. Good to see the keyboards get a bit more prominence again. But the album I can’t stop playing of late is the new Mastedon. Yes it maybe only John Elefante handling lead vocals but the songs are as good as the previous two albums and many sound like Kansas when the Elefante brothers were in the band.

Signed Harry James (THUNDER/MAGNUM) drumsticks

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300357432705&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Raising funds for the children’s hospice in Stoke, the Donna Louise Trust. Plus the second signed David Readman (PINK CREAM 69) CD also now online raising funds for the Parkinsons Disease Society.

More soon and as ever any contacts for signed items for charity auctions please let me know.

Kiss make UK album charts top 30

Kiss debut at no. 24 in the UK album charts, a stunning result for the band. Chris Rea’s ‘Best Of’ comes in at no. 8.

Classic rock bands having a ball in the Billboard 200

Kiss are expected to debut at no. 1 in the US album charts next week and this week Lynyrd Skynyrd debut at no. 18 and Foreigner make no.29. Excellent news for Foreigner whose last studio album ‘Mr. Moonlight’ didn’t fare too well.

Paramore are no.2 (they are a very young but very good US emo/punk band who made their name on the ‘Twilight’ movie soundtrack); the reformed Alice In Chains also made the top 10 and Steel Panther make their debut slightly lower down the chart at no. 123.

Govt. Mule ‘By A Thread’

Warren Haynes (The Dead, Allman Brothers Band) Govt. Mule are now amazingly releasing this their eigth studio album. One  line-up change with a new bassist Jorgen Carlsson joining Haynes, drummer Matt Abts and Danny Louis on guitar/Hammond/keys. If you like jam bands mixed with southern rock, a hint of 60’s psychedelia and blues rock then this album will be right up your street.

The blues rock stomper ’Broke Down On The Brazos’ starts the album off in fine style with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons guesting. This is a tune I am sure ZZ Top would have loved to have doen themselves. ’Railroad Boy’ highlights the band’s good use of harmonies on the choruses (like Widespread Panic at times) and this blues rock wouldn’t look out of place on a Free album. There is a ballad on here, ‘Frozen Fear’ that allows Warren Haynes to shine vocally as his guitar playing gets a very good run out throughout the album. Ther shortest song on the album ‘Gordon Jones’ is the most instant driven by a lovely Hammon organ refrain. ‘Monday Mourning Meltdown’ allows the band throw in all sorts of musical wonders from a bit of jazz rock through to some psychedelia.

Great album and one that will keep the band’s existing fans happy and hopefully rope in a few more. Classy playing, good songs and emotive vocals – what more do you want?

****1/2

‘And She Laughed No More’ by Stephen Foster

The follow-up to ‘She Stood There Laughing’ sees Stephen Foster continue his love hate relationship with Tony Pulis, although now we are in the Premiership he has more, albeit grudging respect for Mr Pulis. Maybe more for Stoke fans due to the ‘in’ jokes about various Oatcake message board members (the Stoke City MB and very good it is too) but the general fan of footie books will relate to fans frustrations, joy and despair as the season progresses. It is our first season in the Premiership (we were of course regulars in the old First Division but not since the mid-80’s).

Rory Delap and his longthrow get mentioned plus a very amusing rant one of the most useless players ever to wear a Stoke City shirt, Vincent Pericard, We have had some utter shite players down the years but this lad really is useless. He is to football what the Benny Hill Show was to women’s rights…

Well worth a read and a must for all Stokies but obviouisly not Vale fans as we all know they can’t read or write

Read interviews with Stephen Foster 2009 and 2008

Lynyrd Skynyrd ‘God And Guns’

Lynyrd Skynyrd keep on rolling despite personal tradegies, the latest being the passing of  original member and keyboards player Billy Powell and bass player Ean Evans, both earlier this year. In their place come the aptly named Peter Keys and Cry Of Love founding member Robert Kearns. This leaves Gary Rossington as last man standing of the band’s original line-up although Ricky Medlocke was in an early incarnation of the band before going on to enjoy success with Blackfoot. They also have a new label in the shape of Roadrunner’s heritage offshoot Loud & Proud (who also feature fellow 70’s survivors Kiss on their roster). John 5 also contributes guitar on the album.

The album starts off with the best song ‘Still Unbroken’, written by another sadly late band member Outlaws founder Hughie Thomasson. This is classic Skynyrd as the lyrics deal with overcoming life’s setbacks and still carrying on. They certainly dig out their Republican views on  the title track, a dig at the President Obama and ‘This Ain’t My America’. The lyrics may not still well some but will certainly hit a chord with the band’s core US audience in the southern states.  The band’s knack for a good story continues on the tale of a moonshine smuggler on ‘Floyd’, which Rob Zombie guests on and shows all the good things in the band including some top draw guitar solos.

‘Southern Ways’ and ‘Unwrite That Song’ see the band dip their toes once again into a country sound, but thankfully more Charlie Daniels Band than Dolly Parton! For some no nonsense rock try ‘Skynyrd Nation’, the band’s tribute to their fans and the triple guitar assualt really comes into its own on this one. There are however a few duds as there have been on all their albums since reforming back in the 80’s and this time around ‘Storm’  and ‘Little Thing Called You’ keep the skip button busy.

A solid album from the band, certainly one of their best since coming back but not the classic return to form some reviews would have you believe. For me a little more rock ‘n’ roll and a little less country would have been good.

***1/2

Jason Ritchie

The Duckworth Lewis Method review

Named after a method of scoring in cricket the Duckworth Lewis method is in fact Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon and Thomas Walsh of Pugwash. This collaboration is a concept album based on cricket (sadly though the band announced in September they were finishing) and put simply it is rather wonderful. If you like the Divine Comedy, a touch of Noel Coward, Jellyfish, some Jeff Lynne/ELO inspired production and a catchy pop tune then this album is made for your collection.

The stand out song has to be ‘Jiggery Pokery’ which features the use of the English language to its full. It is a song dedicated to a then unknown Aussie bowler, one Shane Warne and the lyrics are simply superb. If that wasn’t enough miday through Neil Hannon and his piano are joined by the full band along with a crowd chorus that features amongst others comedian Phil Jupitus. ‘Test Match Special’ is another instant hit of summery pop and the lyrics skillfully capture everything that is indeed great about listening to cricket on the radio.

You don’t need to be a cricket fan to appreciate the music, as the almost musical hall ‘Meeting Mr Miandad’ is simply a damn fine at the end of the day. ‘The Nightwatchman’ tips a nod to ELO/Jeff Lynne mainly on the rich production. ‘The Age Of Revolution’ starts with a 1920’s sounding brass arrangement before adding a more modern funky undertone. ‘Gentleman And Players’ is perfect piece of whimsy, the most Divine Comedy sounding moment on the album plus you get a potted history of cricket in the lyrics.

A truly splendid album and one that like Divine Comedy albums I am sure I will keep coming back to play again and again.

****1/2

Rick Wakeman & ELP reviews

RICK WAKEMAN ‘The Six Wives Of Henry VII Live At Hampton Court’ Eagle Rock (DVD 2009)

The DVD companion to the already released CD from the concert held earlier this year at Hampton Court. The big bonus on the DVD version is you get narrator Brian Blessed in his full, booming glory including doing a brief ‘Gordon’s alive’ from the cult film ‘Flash Gordon’ he starred in. That and the lightshow which looks stunning set against Hampton Court as a backdrop. What would have been good would be the ability maybe to have different camera angles as part of the bonus features as sometimes the camera shots arte too far away from the action on the stage

The set list is the whole six wives suite plus the piece on Henry VIII ‘Defender Of The Faith’ which never made the original album and two newly composed pieces to bookend the concert.

Extras wise you get an interesting and humorous interview with Rick Wakeman, complete with backstage tour of the rehearsals. That aside there are no other extras which is a missed opportunity as they could have had a brief history on Hampton Court and Henry VIII to set the scene, interviews with some of the band and backstage crew, etc. Nicely packaged, complete with a facsimile of the programme from the concerts and a lasting reminder of a unique concert.

****1/2

ELP ‘Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends’ Universal (2009)

Of the big four 70’s prog rock bands – ELP, Yes, Genesis and Pink Floyd – ELP along with Genesis never really gelled with my musical tastes being to self-indulgent even for a prog rock band. But upon hearing this remastered version of the band’s live album recorded on their 1973/74 world tour I am more of a fan. Time has obviously been a great healer in this case, although Genesis still remains off my musical menu.

The first disc has the band’s shorter pieces including wonderful versions of ‘Hoedown’ and ‘Toccata’. ‘Take A Pebble’ includes ‘Luky Man’ one of the band’s best songs for me and shows the band aren’t all about displaying their undoubted musicianship through a series of endless solos.

Keith Emerson takes centre stage for the ‘Piano Improvisations’ on disc two although don’t go expecting gentle music all the way through as after all this is the man who regularly stabbed his keyboards on stage with knives! ‘Karn Evil 9’ is the other highlight and contains the immortal lines captured in the album’s title (and also used on BBC TV’s ‘Generation Game’ when it was revamped by ELP fan Jim Davidson).

For the fan this is of course remastered along with added essay on the band but perhaps adding a DVD of some live highlights would have made it a real ‘must have’ for fans.

****

Jason Ritchie

Reviews

URIAH HEEP ‘Celebration’ Ear Music (2009) www.edel.com

Uriah Heep celebrate 40 years with this release of re-recorded 70’s era classics plus two new songs. This is not the first time the band have re-recorded their older classics with Bernie Shaw at the mic having done so a few years ago for a now defunct record label. Guitarist Mick Box is the only original member although vocalist Bernie Shaw, keyboards player Phil Lanzon and bass player Trevor Bolder have all clocked up over twenty years each in the band.

Turning to the new songs first both follow the sound of their last album having a distinct prog leaning and a definate hark back to the band’s 70’s sound. ‘Only Human’ is a very strong and fits nicely in with the 70’s songs. ‘Corridors Of Madness’ is not too bad but is not a patch on the classics. Bernie Shaw and Phil Lanzon on Hammond organ are the two real stars of the re-recorded songs as they are both very high in the mix with Lanzon’s pounding organ riffs driving along ‘Easy Livin’ and ‘Gypsy’. The version of ‘Stealin’ is stunning and the famous Heep choir really comes to life on this song, one of my personal favourates as it encompases everything the band are good at. Some fans may have wanted the originals in a compilation but to be honest this band like fellow 70’s rockers Nazareth have been done to death in the compilations sector.

The band’s idea to revisit the songs that made the band is a much more rewarding idea and listen. Shame they didn’t tackle a few 80’s songs from the Pete Goalby era though. Hopefully this will win them a few new fans.

****1/2

PUGWASH ‘Giddy’ Ape House Ltd (2009) www.pugwashtheband.com

Pugwash are the brainchild of Thomas Walsh who can be heard on the rather excellent Duckworth Lewis Method album that features Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy. This CD gathers together tracks from albums released in his native Ireland plus two new songs of the band’s new album due early next year.

The songs on here feature some lovely pop rock melodies that have hints of the Divine Comedy, Jackdaw 4, Lightning Seeds and XTC, the latter not so surprising as XTC’s Andy Partridge and Dave Gregory guest on a couple of tunes plus this is Andy Partridge’s label. ‘It’s Nice To Be Nice’ is a good a pop tune as you will hear with a Beachboys approved chorus. ‘Cluster Bomb’ wraps a serious lyric in a sweet pop tune and ‘1lb Chocs’ would be a hit if played on the radio. A couple of songs lack the classy touch of the rest of the album but even these are still easy on the ear.

What a great discovery this band is and along with the Duckworth Lewis Method album will satisfy lovers of high quality pop rock music.

****1/2

KYLE VINCENT ‘Where You Are’ Song Tree Records (2009)

Kyle Vincent may not be known to many music fans, which in itself is a damn shame but with his new album I am sure he will pick up many new listeners. If you have a liking for well crafted and produced soft rock/pop/AOR then this album will delight you from start to finish. Bar the bass and drums everything else on here is played by Kyle and you can but marvel at the arrangements on some of the songs like ‘Petals Of Peace’, which is so busy musically you’d swear a whole host of musicians were involved. ‘It’s Gonna Be A Great Day’ is a perfect pop song, breezy chorus and damn catchy, streets ahead of Ben Folds any day of the week. Given some airplay this would be a shoe in summer hit single. ‘Emily Standing’ is the only co-write on the album with Parthenon Huxley, an accomplished solo artist in his own right plus being a former member of ELO Part II/Orkestra (current ELO Part II/Orkestra drummer Gordon Townsend guests on this song). Again a lovely melody underpins a divine pop song. See you don’t need these manufactured boy bands or solo girl singers with attitude, that’s not pop or melody this is. ‘It’s A Lonely World’ reminded me of XTC around the time of their ‘Oranges and Lemons’ album, cracking stuff.

Kyle adds some very tasty sax playing on a few songs as well, making for a 70’s US AOR radio feel, which is reinforced by the CD having side one and side two listed just like the old records did. Hard to pick out good songs as to be honest they all are and if you enjoy artists like Ben Lee, Ben Folds and 70’s AOR/soft rock this album should be top of your shopping list.

****1/2

Mastedon are back!

Having heard this I am happy to say it is just like the first two albums – lots of guitar, harmony filled choruses and a big production sound. This will definately m ake my year end top 20…

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the European release of the brand new MASTEDON album “3” on November 6th 2009. Mastedon is the Hard Rock band put together by ex KANSAS singer John Elefante, together with his brother Dino in the late 80’s. The band’s name was a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers’ last name. Although John was an accomplished vocalist and performer, the first two Mastedon albums featured multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by John’s songwriting. His brother Dino played a prominent role, contributing songwriting and handling most of the guitar work. Some of the collaborators in the band’s first two albums were Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon), Stef Burns (Y&T), bassists John Pierce (Richard Marx) and John Patitucci plus guest vocalists David Pack (Ambrosia), David Robbins (X-Sinner), Tom Bowes (Tower of Power), James Dean Longacre (Life9) and Perry Lee (Tracer Fox).

In 1996 John Elefante started a solo career that brought him to release three successful albums more in the Adult Contemporary – Pop Rock vein. After a few years of hiatus, John decided to go back to his roots sound with a brand new Mastedon album that – contrary to the predecessors – would only feature his amazing lead vocals. Musically, the new album, simply entitled “3” harkens back to the best of Mastedon and to his work with Kansas. None other than main Kansas songwriter Kerry Livgren appears on lead guitar on this new release, collaborating on a 11 minute piece of music that any Kansas fan will surely love! More famed musicians and such as Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon), Anthony Sallee (Whiteheart), Dan Needham (Michael McDonald, Neville Brothers, Amy Grant, Garth Brooks etc) and of course John’s brother Dino Elefante contribute to the performance of this superb new release.