New reviews…Patsy Matheson, Royal Hunt & more…

Some recent reviews…

More over at the new GRTR! reviews and interviews blog http://reviews.getreadytorock.com/

PATSY MATHESON ‘Stories Of Angels & Guitars’ (2012)

Former Waking the Witch member Patsy Matheson returns with her new album, her first in nearly four years. Mind you not that she hasn’t been busy touring relentlessly including some very well received gigs with folk legend Clive Gregson. Patsy plays most instruments on here (including the xylophone!) with Jon Short on double bass and former Housemartin Hugh Whitaker on drums.

This is an album for concentration and enjoyment – with a wine/beer (or tea in my case) in hand along with the lyrics sheet. The vocals are simply stunning, from ‘Under Your Wing’ with a heavenly high vocal part midway through to ‘So The Same’, where Patsy joins her herself on harmonies, something her former band Waking the Witch excelled at. Lovely mandolin solo on ‘Water Is Over The Weir’ and again another song you can lose yourself in. The moving ‘Sylvia Jean’ closes the album, a tale of two young lovers whose romance is cut short after the young man dies in a flying accident.

What makes this album special? The smoothly melodious voice draws you into a song; add a little acoustic guitar and what more can you want? We all have our musicians and singers we like to rave about and I would urge lovers of singer/songwriter and folk music to buy this album.

****1/2

ROYAL HUNT ‘Show Me How To Live’ Frontiers (2011)

Royal Hunt are back after their last album ‘X’ seemed to disappear without trace but now they are back on Frontiers for their new album. Since the last album gone too are vocalist Mark Boals and guitarist Marcus Jiddell, with vocalist DC Cooper returning (he was the band’s vocalist in the mid-90’s) and new guitarist Jonas Larsen.

Now for the majority of Riyal Hunt fans the return of DC Cooper is like Ozzy back in Black Sabbath or Slash returning to Guns ‘N’ Roses. I however, must be one of the few who really enjoyed the John West fronted albums! This album is a back to basics one after the disappointment of ‘X’. It is not a concept album and Andre Andesen’s keyboards set to ‘stun’ along with DC Cooper on fine vocal form. ‘An Empty Shell’ contains wondrous keyboard runs coupled with just the right amount of guitar. A gentle harpsichord intro (not often you read that in a rock review) gives way to catchy ‘Hard rain’s Coming, a song chosen as the lead song of this album. The band’s use of layered choir backing vocals is used to good effect on this song. ‘Another Man Down’ brings in the band’s skill at creating a story set to music and again those keyboards are swirling all over the place creating a keyboard’s heaven. Again the band shows they haven’t lost the skill of penning catchy melodic metal. Those seeking some OTT guitar solos may feel short changed on the album but then this band has never dues them as a foundation of their sound.

A returning key member doesn’t always mean a return to form, (just ask Megadeth) but in Royal Hunt’s case they are back on form. Now for some live dates and a juicy big concept album next time…

****1/2

THIS IS FREEDOM ‘Welcome Home’ (EP 2012)

Debut EP that has been a work in progress since 2010. Now I am not ‘up’ on the band’s name-checked in the press release like You Me At Six and Francesqa, but This Is Freedom sound like the rockier end of Hard-Fi. Highlights are spiky rocker ‘Bitter’ complete with a nice synth intro and the slower ‘Hurricane’, adding some variety to the EP. Expect to see them in Kerrang! and becoming one of next year’s next big things…

****
Jason Ritchie

SAVATAGE ‘Handful Of Rain’ Ear Music/Edel (2011)

The Savatge re-issue campaign continues apace with the band’s 1994 release, their first after the death of Criss Oliva. Although the band are credited it is Jon Oliva playing all the instruments with Alex Skolnick on guitars (his only Savatage album).

Listening to this album you can see where the TSO came from, especially as Paul O’Neill helps on production. The title track is one of the band’s best for me, along with the epic refrain of ‘Chance’. This song has it all, the massive backing, OTT guitar solos and counterpoint vocals (one of the first Savatage songs to use these) so beloved of bands like Queen. For some straight ahead metal you have ‘Symmetry’ and ‘Taunting Cobras’ (great song title). The album closes with a tribute to Criss Oliva ‘Alone You Brethe’, again the band pulled out all the stops on the music and vocals.

The two bonus songs are acoustic versions of ‘Summer’s Rain’ and ‘Believe’ by Jon Olivia recorded this year. Both are full production numbers with keys/drums/acoustic guitar and in the case of ‘Summer’s Rain’ it sounds like a whole new song as it is played at a slower pace than the original.

One of my personal favourate Savatage albums as the band melded their prog metal leanings with big production values.

****1/2

CRAIG FINN ‘Honolulu Blues’ (CDS 2011)

Craig Finn is of course the singer in the Hold Steady and this is his debut solo single ahead of his album ‘Clear Heart Full Eyes’. Obviously being the vocalist of a band it is hard to escape the sound of your band and in this case it happens partly. Mind you, when your band are the Hold Steady that’s not really a problem. The song has less urgency and guitar than the Hold Steady but the storytelling lyric is still there, along with a vocal that sounds like singing and talking at the same time – if that makes sense! Based on this Craig Finn will have another hit on his hand.

****

INTENSE ‘The Shape Of Rage’ Pure Legend Records (2011)

Intense are back and also on a new label, German based Pure Legend Records. We’ve been waiting four years for this new one but it has been worth the wait. If you wanted to sum up the band’s sound it is intense (excuse the pun), classic metal with a vocalist, Sean Hetherington who can match the powerful music around him. Too often metal vocalists disappear under the metal bombast of their band colleagues.

If a song like ‘The Elemental’ does not get you air guitaring and riffing then you can’t call yourself a metal fan. This is a tune I am sure Judas Priest would love, both lyrically and musically. One of the band’s best songs to date. ‘Skull Of Sidon II (The Final Stand)’ shows off the band’s prog metal leanings building from a steady intro into neither mighty metal tune. An interesting diversion on ‘For The Fallen’, an almost ballad like song with a moving lyric and acoustic guitar. ‘One Man’s Word’ is one of those atmospheric metal songs so beloved of classic Iron Maiden and Iced Earth.

Three albums into their career and Intense, despite obstacles set in their path, continue to deliver powerful and enjoyable metal. It is about time they enjoyed a lift in success they so richly deserve.

****1/2

Estrella ‘One Love’/'Party’ (CDS 2011) http://www.facebook.com/Estrellarocks

The band comprise of brothers Paul Gunn (vocals), Luke Gunn (guitar) and Nathan Gunn (bass), with Leo McPherson (drums). They have been building up a decent following in their native Scotland and recorded their debut album with producer John Sinclair (Ozzy Osbourne/Uriah Heep).

‘One Love’ is a perfect arena rock anthem with a big, catchy chorus and a nifty keyboard riff. The sound is not overly slick either, like Def Leppard meets Shy. Not so keen on ‘Party’ which as the title suggests sees the band going all 80′s hair metal and Sunset Strip. They don’t quite pull it off plus they come from Aberdeen, hardly a sunny spot!

On the strength of ‘One Love’ this band have enough to leave you wanting more. Roll on the debut album release in March…

****

PAUL GILBERT & FREDDIE NELSON ‘United States’ Mascot Records (2009)

This album seemed to have slipped past me on its release but I am glad I read about it on a forum. It features Mr Big’s Paul Gilbert along with relative unknown singer Freddie Nelson. You may gleam a clue about Freddie Nelson’s vocal hero and style from his first name…

This is an album for Paul Gilbert not only to show his undoubted guitar prowess but he gets to play some tasty riffs. There isn’t really a bad song on here and for Queen fans check out ‘Paris Hilton Look-Alike’ or ‘I’m Free’ (marvel at those high notes and the frantic guitar solo) for some simply stunning Queen approved harmony vocals. But it is not all Queen as ‘Pulsar’ has a real Thin Lizzy flavour in the guitar parts and a Billy Sheenan like bass line. ‘The Answer’ features some beautiful acoustic playing from Paul Gilbert, adding variety to musical pot.

If I could travel back in time this album would make 2009 best of with ease. Not sure why this album didn’t make a bigger splash on its original release but you can remedy this now if you like Mr Big/Paul Gilbert, Queen, classic rock get this CD now!

****1/2

JOSH TAERK ‘Never Look Back’ (2011) http://www.joshtaerk.com

Josh Taerk is a twenty year old Canadian singer/songwriter who releases his debut album on the back of a recommendation on his work from E-Street Band drummer Max Weinberg, plus Terry Brown (Rush) produced the album.

‘Start Again’ is the album’s big rock anthem and naturally was released as single. Think Keith Urban with a bit more clout. ‘Smell The Roses’ is another strong song and features Styx’s Lawrence Gowan on piano. Much of the rest of the album is made up of reflective pieces that bring to mind Hootie & the Blowfish. Easy on the ear and stand up to repeated plays.

I do feel his success will lie in the US and Canada where this style of music does so well, sadly not here in the UK. Josh Taerk has produced an impressive debut album, so get in early and enjoy this album as he will get bigger and more well known as his career progresses.

****

TOMMY EMMANUEL ‘All I Want For Christmas’ Favored Nations Acoustic (2011)

Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian acoustic guitarist famous for his picking style of playing, based on one of his main influences Chet Atkins. This is his seasonal offering featuring fellow guitarist John Knowles, who along with the other players recorded this album by Skype and downloads.

This is a wonderful instrumental Christmas treat, up there with the Californian Guitar Trio’s classic Christmas album from 2002. The musical styles incorporate a little jazz, some blues, plenty of classical guitar playing and a lot of good music. Hard to pick highlights but ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’ (lovely playing on this one), ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ (nice, gentle jazzy feel to the music) and the only new song on here, ‘One Christmas Night’, stand out.

Christmas music is often naff and thankfully only played for a short time each year but don’t let this little gem slip you by. Buy it for your loved one/parents/grandparents and then sit back and enjoy over the Christmas period.

****1/2

JON AMOR BLUES GROUP (2012) http://www.jonamorbluesgroup.com

The highly talented Jon Amor is back with a new album with a line-up featuring two fellow members of the Hoax (the Doherty brothers), the band he rose to prominence with and drummer Simon Small. Recorded in a fortnight it means the album has a proper live feel to it and the band would have no trouble reproducing the music on here in the live arena.

This is good old fashioned blues rock album with some modern twists. There is much to enjoy on here from the blues rock stomp of ‘Juggernaut’ through to the Muddy Waters influence on ‘The Underdogs’. ‘Repeat offender’ may have a simple refrain but it is one that sticks in your head and won’t let go.

Mention must be made of the drums and percussion, some wonderful fills and crystal clear percussion on the album which really help to give the songs an earthy feel. The guitar solos are kept concise, never extending their welcome into one of those endless blues rock solos that leave all but the hardened blues fan bored.

If like you me you only dip into the blues now and then, make sure you get this album as it will keep you in blues heaven.

****1/2

My musical Best of 2011…

Another good year for music and again a delight to discover new bands/artists as well as discovering some established names. Not in any order…

Night Ranger ‘Somewhere in California’ Frontiers – they have certainly rediscovered their mojo and then some!

Foo Fighters ‘Wasting Light’ - a fine return to form with the emphasis on the heavier side of the band’s sound.

White Widdow ‘Serenade’ AOR Heaven - more pomp for your pennies! Plenty of glorious harmonies and keyboards as the band surpass their debut and then some.

Shy ‘Shy’ Escape Music – a fitting tribute to Steve Harris who sadly passed away shortly after this album was released. Quite possibly their best album.

Mr. Big ‘What if…’ Frontiers - hopefully we’ll get another album out of them but if not this is a great way to sign out.

Newman ‘Under Southern Skies’ AOR Heaven – for top notch AOR/melodic rock look no further. Steve Newman never fails to deliver the goods.

The Answer ‘Revival’ Spinefarm – they have upped their game and produced an album to match their mighty debut.

House Of Lords ‘Big Money’ Frontiers – another fine effort and contains a couple of cracking hard rock tunes.

Eden’s Curse ‘Trinity’ AFM Records - builds on their earlier albums and with Michael Eden now out of the band be interesting to see where they go from here…

Glyder ‘Backroads To Byzantium’ SPV – new line-up including a new vocalist sees the band stretch their musical wings to good results.

Credo ‘Against Reason’ F2 Music – quite possibly their best album to date. Lovers of bands like IQ, Fish, Pallas et all would do well to get this CD pronto.

Within Temptation ‘The Unforgiving’ Roadrunner - melodic rock meets symphonic metal as the band really find their commercial angle. Some fans might not like it but given airplay the band can become bigger than Evanesence!

Uriah Heep ‘Into The Wild’ Frontiers - a real classic Heep album that melds their 70′s sound with a modern commercial edge.

Neal Morse ‘Testimony 2’ Inside Out  - never a duff album from this highly talented musician. Highly accessible prog rock.

Airrace ‘Back To The Light’ Frontiers  - it may have been twenty five or so years since their debut but this album rocks! One of the finest melodic rock albums released this year.

Robin George’s LovePower & Peace Angel Air  - its been a long time coming but well worth the wait as Robin George and his musical pals produce a varied and enjoyable album. All this and it is for various children’s charities as well.

Neonfly ‘Outshine The Sun’ Rising Records  - debut of 2011 without a doubt. Not since hearing the mighty Power Quest first time around has a melodic/power metal band grabbed my attention.

Power Quest ‘Blood Alliance’ – the Quest goes on and sadly with vocalist Chitty Sompala who left shortly after this album was released. If anything slightly heavier than their recent couple of albums.

Pagan’s Mind ‘Heavenly Ecstasy’ SPV -only discovered this band with this album and boy what have I been missing? Immense power metal with some damn fine melodies.

Arena ‘Seventh Degree Of Seperation’ Veglas Music  - new vocalist Paul Mani and John Jowitt back on bass, Arena have produced one of their most accessible albums to date.

Sacred Heart ‘Propaganda’ Indie – they keep improving with each album. Lots to enjoy on here.

Doogie White ‘As Yet Untitled’ Metal Mind Productions – fans of his Rainbow album will love this and check out the classic Rainbow intro by Tony Carey.

Grand Illusion ‘Prince Of Paupers’ AOR Heaven  - the Kings of Harmonies are back. Not quite as instant as previous releases but stick with it.

Evergrey ‘Glorious Collusion’ SPV - how this band are not bigger is a mystery. More commercial edge on this release.

Royal Hunt ‘Show Me How To Live’ Frontiers  - DC Cooper is back on vocals and the keyboards are set to stun! One of their strongest releases for some time. Now how about a concept album next…

Cold ‘Superfiction’ Eleven Seven – impressive modern rock and novel use of electronics/programming to beef up the sound.

Magnum ‘The Visitation’ SPV  - Magnum continue their fine form of late with another ‘must have’ album for their fans.

Intense ‘Shape Of Rage’ Pure Legend Records - classic metal riffery and some of the finest metal songs you will hear this year.

Journey ‘Eclipse’ Frontiers – only just got a copy! Certainly their heaviest album for a long time but misses a real stand out ballad.

Mentioned in dispatches…

Queensryche ‘ Loud & Proud/Roadrunner – this band never stop exploring musical avenues and much better than most reviews would have you believe.

Voyager ‘The Meaning Of I’ Sensory Records – back to form and includes a fitting tribute song to Pete Steele.

Pendragon ‘Believe’ – Nick Barrett & co. never fail to deliver, although I don’t like this as much as the past two releases.

Fullforce ‘One’ - classic power metal, nothing more, nothing less and very enjoyable.

Jimi Jamison & Bobby Kimball Frontiers - a great pairing and they are given some great songs to perform.

Styx ‘Regeneration Volumes 1 & 2’ Ear Music/Edsel – re-recordings with one new song.

Disappointments…

Dream Theater could have been so much better, it is good but not good enough by their own high standards.

Megadeth a lot was expected of the return of Dave Ellefson to the band but the album whilst a solid one, lacks a classic tune or two.

Re-issues:

Queen re-issues Island/Universal

John Waite ‘Rover’s Return’ BGO Records

Paul Sabu ‘Call Of The Wild’ Z Records

Damian Wilson ‘I Thought The World Was Listening 1997-2011′ – a stunning two CD round-up of his solo career to date.

Gigs:

Night Ranger Islington Academy – been waiting many a year to see Night Ranger and they were superb. Now can we have Survivor and Boston over next?

Big Country Shepherd’s Bush Empire – Mike Peters is a perfect fit for Big Country and the whole band seem to have a balst on stage.

Power Quest + Neon Fly The Purple Turtle – sadly the only time I saw Chitty Sompala fronting the mighty PQ but at least I discovered the delights of Neonfly.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Hammersmith Apollo – simply stunning, from the music through to the stage show. Really hope they come back soon and be nice to see the Christmas show on UK soil.

Yes Hammersmith Apollo – Benoit David looks comfortable on stage and fingers crossed this line-up can record another new album & tour again very soon.

Black Stone Cherry Wembley Arena – you must see this band live – they exude so much energy and good time music.

Karl Demata interview…

Karl Demata has a rather good blues rock album out now called ‘Cross The Mountain and is working on a new Crippled Black Phoenix album…

1. What are you currently up to?

I am currently working on the new Crippled Black Phoenix CD. We should finish recording in early september and release before the end of the year. Also, on September 12th I will release my solo cd called ‘Cross The Moutian’. in between other commitments I am also performing shows and festivals with an Oxford based band called The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm band. It’s great stuff. If you can imagine 1940′s jazz played with a punk and drunken attitude you would not be far off.

2. Could you take us through your new album ‘Cross The Mountain’?

”Cross The Moutian’ was conceived in a very natural and spontaneous way. I have been playing this sort of blues-rock for many years mainly performing in local venues and festivals (in Oxfordshire) for years. I thoroughly enjoy playing and touring with Crippled Black Phoenix but In the last couple of years I started writing original material and I found myself with a good number of tunes clearly showing that rock blues influence, late sixties / early seventies bands like Cream, The Allman Brothers, early Fleetwood Mac etc, – which was the kind of music that made me start playing guitar in the first place. So it felt like a natural development to book a studio and records these tunes.
Taken as a whole the CD shows a good number of different hints and influences but which is the result of the total freedom to explore whatever felt natural to play.

As far as songwriting goes i constantly collect and pile ideas and little parts of songs. Every few months i’ll just got through all of them, bin some ideas and work on developing the chosen few. Once the core ideas are more developed i turn my attention to try to listen with a more detached and objective mind. There’s a point where you have to ask yourself ‘where does this song wants to go’ rather than ‘where do i want it to go’. That is also a good time to work more in-depth on vocal lines and to think about what the lyrics should be about. I was very lucky to work with a friend called Chris Hood who used to be a screenplay and novels writer (and a blues-rock fan too). So we got together few times listening to demos, drinking tea and talking about themes and subjects for the lyrics, and vocal lines. The rest came by just playing together with the band and arranging the final bits in the recording studio with Chris (heilmann, bass player) and Merijn (Royaards, on drums).

3. How different was it writing and recording a solo album as opposed to being in a band environment?

Playing in a band as the ‘guitar player’ carries less responsability and in a way you work is much easier. I have room to bring my ideas and suggestion to all the bands i am in. In Crippled Black Phoenix I arrange all my parts. It’s a great position to be in as it comes natural to me to listen to songs and ideas and bring my own styles and influences along the way. Working on your own material might be a little more tricky as it require to go through a stage of detachment from your own ideas, and of course there’s more pressure. But then the rewards are all there.

4. How did you get Hugh Flint (John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers) to guest on the album?

I have been knowing Hugh for a long time. I used to see him often in local folk jams. He is pretty much retired from professional playing and now plays mainly percussions in local folk sessions. We talked few times about jazz, country and blues. His knowledge of music is extremely vast and I always though it would be such an amazing honour to play with him as he was as his drumming was pretty much outstanding. He played on some of my favorite albums ever, from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton to The Blues Band to The Blues Band. So when we were going through the production process i aksed him to listen to some of the tunes and he really enjoyed few of them, mainly the song Crpss The Mountain. so we thought why don’t try to include his contribution. again it came all in a natural way,

5. In this age of downloads and declining CD sales has the internet helped you get your music out there or has it in some ways hindered it by websites offering free downloads?

well, no matter what musicians think about it, we have to live with it. Overall I think the technology developed around the internet is a very good thing for musicians. We all have the opportunity to reach our listeners and even communicate on a more direct way. To some extent the great divide between the artists/bands and the audience is drastically reduced. And to me this is a good thing. On the other side the audience too has to make an effort and understand the work ethics of single artists/bands. If people recognise the sincere and true musicians and artists from the manufactured ones they will be more keen on supporting them, coming to the shows, buy the cds and even meet and shake hand. Plus, at the end of the day, nothing will eliminate the experience of a live show. And that will always be there and untouched by technology.

6. What made you want to start playing guitar and who have been your musical influences?

I think I started playing when I was about 11 years old. Early influences as mentioned already was the blues revival of the late sixties/early seventies, plus my father and brother record collection. Just the usual classic, early Floyd, Stones, some early prog. etc.
Since then i went through loads of different kinds of music and to this day i am finding and discoverying new things. I believe there’s bad and good music in every section of your record store so i enjoy classic rock, blues, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, you mame it

Influences? just too many to mention. From Duane Allman to Johnny Winter, from contemporary jazz players like Bill Frisell to contemporary bluegrass players like Tony Rice. On the more contemporary scene I really like bands like Gov’t Mule, Borth Mississippi Allstars, Derek Trucks, Drive By Truckers. As I said, too many.

7. If you could create a fantasy band line-up who would be in it and why?

I love great skilled players, especially drummers and bassists, who can combine high technical skill with a very vast knowledge of different kinds of music. I believe good musicians should be able to corss boundaries and styles in a totally natural way. So if I think about this I would say my dream line up would involve musicians like Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Victor Wooten, Steve Smith. Again, too many to mention.

8. What have been the live highlights so far and why?

Well this actually is a hard question. I had the pleasure of playing some great festival including in far countries like China – Crippled Black Phoenix played there last June – which was brilliant, or in very cool festivals in Europe. But the difference between a good show and a memorable one has more to do with your state of mind on and off stage, There’s an elusive element of the live performance which has to do with the rational side of your brain totally shutting down. In those moments the performance comes directly from a far deeper level, which is the more creative one. This can happen literally everywhere, on a small stage or on a large festivals in front of thousands of people. And those are the most memorable moments.

9. Is the rock and metal scene still in good shape or do you think there maybe to many bands out there now competing for an audience that isn’t growing that much?

I am not I can properly answer this question. As a musician I never think in this way. And of course music should not be seen as any sort of competition for a sections of market. That’s business talk that should be left to bankers and business execs. I only want to play the music I love with the people i like and respect and hopfully create something interesting and meaningful along the way .

10. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from music?

My wife! I also like to read books, a lot about music of course, but also about politics and society in general. I also enjoy good movies or tv series. When I can I also follow Italian football. Napoli is the team i support. Go guys!

Rising Star – This Is Freedom

This Is Freedom’s debut EP ‘Welcome Home’ has been a work in progress since early 2010 and as it gets its release we catch-up with the band…

What are you currently up to?

We are planning lots of new gigs and our first tour in early 2012, we are also writing our new single which will be up with a new music video in early 2012!

Brief history of This Is Freedom and how you all met…

We met at school in Bucks and all still live here, we have been playing music together for around 4 years, and have been in TIF for 2 years.

Have you seen an upswing in interest in rock music over the past few years? How easy/hard has it been to get the music of This Is Freedom out there?

We have had some great opportunities that have really helped us in terms of getting our music out there, but even with those it proves very difficult! We have watched Pop Rock bands that have been around for years and years finally gain some recognition in the past few years which is a great thing to see.

How did you manage to get your music onto ‘Chalet Girl’ and Channel 4’s ‘Fresh Meat’?

We got in touch with the music supervisor for both of these and turns out he wanted to use our music which was great!

What have been the live highlights so far for the band and who ideally would you like to tour with & why?

Playing with ‘Futures’ at the o2 Academy in Oxford was definitely a highlight for us! Ideally we would love to tour with the upcoming UK rock bands like ‘Deaf Havana’ ‘Futures’ but really right now we would tour with anyone, we want to get our music out as much as possible so anyone who would have us we would be grateful for!

Who have been influences on the band musically?

We all have different personal influences, but as a band we have mainly been influenced by the likes of ‘Jimmy Eat World’ ‘Kings Of Leon’ ‘Foo Fighters’ and the more poppy 90’s bands we grew up listening to.

Read the full interview here

‘Bitter’ video

Hear Me Out…Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart’s new album ‘Propaganda’ is out now and here is the latest video:

To order the CD pop over to www.sacredheartband.com

 

Karnataka news

DATE VENUE ADDRESS BOX OFFICE ONLINE TICKETS 20-1-2012 Norwich Arts Centre Norwich 01603 660352 cick here 26-1-2012 High Barn Great Bardsfield 01371 811 291 cick here 28-1-2012 Montgomery Hall Wath-Upon-Dearne 01327 310088 cick here 03-2-2012 The Astor Theatre Deal 01304 381134 click here 10-2-2012 The Stables Milton Keynes 01908 280800 click here 12-2-2012 The Wharf Tavistock 01822 611166 click here 15-2-2012 Chequer Mead Theatre East Grinstead 01342 302000 click here 17-2-2012 Colston Hall 2 Bristol 0117 922 3686 click here 19-2-2012 Robin 2 Bilston 01902 401211 click here 23-2-2012 The Met Bury 0161 761 2216 click here 25-2-2012 Lowdham village Hall Lowdham 0115 9663596 click here 29-2-2012 Pontardawe Arts Centre Pontardawe 01792 863722 click here 02-3-2012 Queens Hall Edinburgh 0131 668 2019 click here 03-3-2012 Brewery Arts Centre Kendal 01539 725133 click here   Announcement soon! London

Hi all!Karnataka are very pleased to announce the New Light Tour 2012! The band is embarking on a 15 date touracross the UK starting in January.The band has made a concerted effort to reach as many areas of the country as possible, and in particular to reach those towns and cities missed on previous tours. The band is also attempting something fresh and new by performing at some of the most unique and beautiful venues in the country from traditional theatres and unique art centres to a stunning 14th Century converted barn. The band will be playing a special set comprised of favourites old and new, alongside a few surprises and perhaps even some new material – a taste of what to expect from the follow-up to the award winning album ‘THE GATHERING LIGHT’. The New Light Tour also marks the first live outing for a line up which now features Hayley Griffiths on lead vocals. Many of you may already be familiar with Hayley though her solo work and her time spent as lead vocalist with Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s Lord Of  The Dance. Hayley’s debut solo album ‘Silver Screen’ won her the Best Classical Crossover Artist Award in 2010 and her recent release, ‘Celtic Rose’ sees Hayley paying her musical respects to the genre that has brought her to the attention of a world audience.     From Istanbul, Turkey we bring you the sublime keyboard talents of Cagri Tozluoglu. Cagri has already made his mark on the Karnataka sound matching his immense playing skills with a penchant for experimenting with new sounds and technology. What does that button do? Cagri will show you! For the very first time Karnataka have taken on a sixth permanent musician and band member in the very talented form of multi-instrumentalist Colin Mold, whom some of you, once again, may be familiar with through his solo work and many collaborations, including his time as the driving force behind folk rockers Kara. Colin will be playing additional lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars, violin and keyboards… and he’s not a bad singer either!     Returning to the drum seat is Louie Palmer, now gaining a richly deserved reputation as a world class drummer who is very much in demand. You may have seen Louie drum with Karnataka on previous tours or possibly with some of the other artists he has performed with including Barclay James Harvest.               The band will be filming select tour dates in High Definition for a forthcoming release – your opportunity to be part of an exciting new project! Further details to follow soon. Tickets are on sale now and we will shortly be announcing the date and location of the London show, which we hope will be something very special indeed!

Hear me out…Luke White

Another song of his EP, Luke White has a lovely, melodious voice and he’s not half bad at all on the piano! Keep an eye out for him as he has the songs and voice to go far…

Sacred Heart’s new single ‘Nothing At All’ out now!

Reviews…

Some recent reviews and all these below are worth a listen…but do approach with caution the new John Wetton album which is very disappointing and avoid the Worst Album of the Year – Sanchez. Truly woeful melodic hard rock, listening to an electric drill would be more enjoyable and tuneful…

CHRIS DIFFORD ‘Cashmere If You Can’  ****1/2

Before you even get to the music on this latest solo album from Squeeze’s Chris Difford you can but marvel at the album artwork. Based on the Penguin books logo the song titles are shown on spines of books on a bookshelf and the inlay sleeve replicates the old advice found on vinyl about ‘care for of your record.’ One of the most impressive album covers I’ve seen for a long time. Even better the music is simply wonderful.

Chris Difford is in reflective mode on this album, harking back to his starting out in music on ‘1975’ and looking forward to making sure he avoids an old folk’s home in ‘Cotton Tops’. His lyrics really are spot on and tell short stories that stick in your mind. ‘Like I Did’ is a sure fire hit single if mainstream radio could be bothered. A wonderful pop tune, looking at how a dad can’t really tell his kids off because they are only doing what he did back in the day. How true that sentiment is…

‘Goldfish’ is a mellow song and features a lovely duet between Chris Difford and Kathryn Williams. ‘Sidney Street’ pays homage to his dad and others who fought in a war. ‘Passion Killer’ is a bit of fun as parents try and snatch some hanky panky whilst avoiding their kids.

A fine collection of beautifully crafted tunes – a lesson in how to create long lasting and enjoyable pop tunes. Along with Ray Davies a national treasure when it comes to telling life’s stories through music.

SUZI QUATRO ‘In The Spotlight’ Cherry Red (2011) ***1/2

Suzi Quatro’s first new album since 2006’s ‘Back To The Drive’ and it sees Mike Chapman back producing the whole album (as well as writing four songs on the album). Chapman was her producer in the 70’s when she had her biggest success.

As you’d expect with Mike Chapman back at the helm the music has a 70’s classic rock feel. The Goldfrapp cover ‘Strict Machine’ has a classic Suzi Quatro backbeat and the song bears an uncanny resemblance to ‘Can The Can’. You can compare for yourself as a snippet of ‘Can The Can’ features towards the end of the song. Another modern cover is ‘Breakin’ Dishes’, a hit for Rhianna. The original was awful but this version is saved by Suzi Quatro’s vocals.

Not so keen on the cod reggae of ‘Hurt With You’ and it feels out of place with the rest of the album. Luckily a rocker like ‘Hot Kiss’ more than makes up for this song. ‘Turn Into You’ is an instant hit on the ears and her tribute to Elvis, ‘Singing With Angels’ rounds the album off in style.

She may be old enough to qualify for a free bus pass but Suzi Quatro still knows how to rock. Good choice of a couple of recent chart hit covers that she makes her own. Her fans will love this album that’s for sure.

INFINITY ‘Infinity’ MelodicRock Records (2011) www.melodicrockrecords.com ****

This album was recorded back in 1986/87 and finally gets a release some 25 years later. Damn shame it never got a full release back in 1087 as the musical scene then would have lapped this album up. Also for once it is a lost melodic rock gem and not like a lot of other so called melodic rock ‘lost gems’, many of which should have stayed lost!

The band was formed around Mitch Malloy (before his successful solo career kicked off a couple of years later) and ex-Rainbow keyboards player David Rosenthall (later to be part of Red Dawn). Also on guitar a very young Reb Beach of Winger/Whitesnake fame.

The music is very keyboard heavy as you’d expect with David Rosenthall being involved and Mitch Malloy shows even at this early stage in his career what a voice he has. He sounds a bit like Max Bacon (GTR) on ‘She’s On Fire’.

Lots of keyboards to enjoy, as Rosenthall lays down some nifty synth and Hammond solos. Check out ‘Christine’ and ‘Secrets’. ‘Promise’ is a lovely ballad that back in the 80’s would have been a US radio hit I am sure and again Mitch Malloy puts in a fine vocal performance. ‘Over You’ wouldn’t sound out of place on a Toto album from the same period.

Finally it gets a release, a real gem for fans of Mitch Malloy and 80’s AOR/melodic rock.

JAMIE ALLEN ‘The Storyteller’ www.jamieallenrocks.com **** 

Jamie Allen is a Poison tribute frontman and he does look like Brett Michaels in the promo photos but the music on here owes more to classic Bon Jovi. This is doubtless in part due to the album’s producer, one Johnny Lima, who has released a string of fine albums under his own name that blow anything Bon Jovi have done since the early 90’s out of the water.

This is a damn fine album be it the good time 80’s influenced melodic rocker ‘She Gets Around’, the more reflective acoustic based ‘Ghosts Of My Hometown’ or the album’s heavier end represented by ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ (Allen has a real Bon Jovi feel to his vocals on this one). Lyrically the songs do tell stories as the album title suggests, be it tales of lost love, looking back to better days or simply reflections on life in general.

Perfect for lapsed Bon Jovi fans like myself and Johnny Lima fans. Jamie Allen should be justly proud of this fine collection of songs, which will hopefully get the attention they deserve.

SIMON JAMES WHITE ‘Moments Of Magnitude’ http://www.bassface.co.uk/ ****

Simon James White returns with a new album, his first since 2008’s ‘A State Of Delirium’. In between times he’s been busy touring, working with other musicians and working on this new album. He is hard to categorise dipping his musical toes into classic rock, indie guitar pop and more aggressive vocals/music in the Pixies mode.

Songs like the instant ‘The Hero & The Tragedy’ and ‘Constant Motion’ are songs that would do well with some airplay. Hip enough for the younger listeners but with enough subtle tips to classic/indie rock to keep older listeners onboard. ‘Is This’ features a damn fine chorus, whilst ‘We Pretend’ deftly mixes nifty guitar with another string chorus. Simon James White’s vocals can take a little while to gel with as he has a higher pitch than many, not quite Justin Hawkins of the Darkness, more latter day Jon Anderson.

Another good album from an artist who deserves a wider audience. Plenty here to enjoy for rock and indie music lovers.

ROB MORATTI ‘Victory’ Escape Music (2011) www.escape-music.com **** 

Vocalist Rob Moratti made his name firstly in Final Frontier – think highly catchy Journey style AOR with high pitched vocals – and then Saga, who he recorded one album with, ‘The Human Condition’ in 2009. Since the return of original vocalist Michael Sadler to Saga Rob Moratti has been working on this rather good solo album. There are some name guests such as Reb Beach (guitars), Tony Franklin (bass) and Saga’s durummer Brian Doerner.

One thing that hits you about the album is that it sounds like a band, as you have for the most part the same musicians throughout. Reb Beach really lets fly with some great solos and even adds a little latter day Whitesnake to ‘Life Time’. Then there is the 80′s AOR-tastic ‘Life On The Line’ with a massive synth hook and ‘Standing On Top Of The World’ is another radio friendly tune. ‘Take It All Back’ is a strong ballad, whilst fans from his Saga days have ‘On And On’, the only song to have any real prog feel to it.

An album that has a good balance of melodic hard rock, ballads and a touch of Saga approved prog. Don’t expect Final Frontier or Saga but do expect an album of quality songs and Rob Moratti has launched his solo career in style.

FULLFORCE ‘One’ SPV (2011) www.spv.de ****

A new melodic/power metal band but with some familiar names in the line-up, namely vocalist Mike Andersson (Cloudscape), guitarists Stefan Elmgren (ex-Hammerfall) and CJ Grimmark, Hammerfall drummer Anders Johansson and bass player Tommy Larsson.

Their sound is not like Hammerfall, who are much like Marmite in that you either love or loathe that band. Instead Fullforce play catchy, melodic metal that stands up to repeated listens. The real stand out for me is ‘Father Spirit’, a brooding number that reminded me of the mighty Kamelot and Evergrey. ‘Oblivion’ is another good one, starting with a bit of tabla before picking up a few tasty riffs and a big, melodic chorus. The backing does remind you of Whitesnake at times.

‘Bleed’ and ‘Mythomaniac’ (great title) see the band adopt a more heavier sound but never losing sight of a good, catchy melody. Vocalist Mike Andersson really has a blast on this album, having a nice melodic touch when needed and some metal steel for the heavier songs. There are keyboard passages on the album, adding touches of musical variety as and when required, but I am not sure who played these.

Fullforce are certainly streets ahead of many bands in this genre, helped no doubt by the experienced musicians in the line-up. An accomplished debut and here’s hoping Fullforce remain a force for years to come…

SARAH JAROSZ ‘Follow Me Down’ Sugar Hill Records (2011) www.sugarhillrecords.com **** 

This is Sarah Jarosz’s second album, released as she turns twenty yet the music she records has its roots many years in the past. Like the excellent recent Tommy Shaw (Styx) album this is another one with a strong bluegrass and country feel. Sheesh must be my age but I am really enjoying this style of music of late. Like the aforementioend Tommy Shaw album, this one has plenty of top draw guests including Bela Fleck (the Jeff Beck of the banjo), Shawn Colvin and Vince Gill.

Jarosz has a lovely, soothing voice and also plays guitar, banjo, piano and mandolin. This talented at twenty imagine what she will sound like in another five, ten years or more. ‘Come Around’ is one for all, regardless of whether you have listened to/enjoy country music. It features a simple chorus that is just so damn catchy. The two instrumentals on here easily hold their own against the vocal tracks and are not just here to make up the numbers. ‘Annabelle Lee’ is one of those wonderful songs with a tale to tell, helped of course by the fact it is based on an Edgar Allen Poe poem.

Special mention to two covers. Bob Dylan’s ‘Ring Them Bells’ you’d assume and be right in thinking would work well given a more traditional air. Vince Gill adds harmonies on this song. However, Radiohead done with mandolin, violin and banjo? Bizarre as it may sound it works, in this case it is ‘The Tourist’ and what a version. She damn near makes the song her own! A stroke of genius and in many ways a gamble to cover this.

Sit up, take note of Sarah Jarosz as America already has and with an album this strong it is easy to see her charming her way into the UK and beyond.

HANSON ‘Shout It Out’ (2011) ****

Hanson for many people will be the trio of brothers (Isaac, Taylor and Zav) who back in 1996 had a massive hit with ‘MMMbop’. Since then they have continued to tour and record although never quite reaching the massive hit status of ‘MMMbop’. You could also argue they paved the way for another brothers band the Jonas Brothers, who are massive in the US thanks to exposure on the Disney channel, although Hanson are much more palatable on the ears.

This, their latest album is a pop rock treat, although it was released last summer in the US and only seems to be getting a UK release now. The band leans heavily on the piano, drums and big horn section for this album, a rocked up Chicago! ‘Waiting For Time’ opedn the album with a catchy piano riff before the song bursts into life with guitar and a damn fine chorus. Although ‘Thinkin’ ‘Bout Somethin’ was the lead single, ‘Carry You There’ complete with some gorgeous gospel/soul harmonies and ‘Voice In The Chorus’ could also easily grace daytime airplay. The band do ballads as you’d expect, with the album’s closing track, the plaintive ‘Me Myself And I’ showing how a teeny band can grow up into a decent and respected pop rock/AOR outfit.

Leave your preconceptions at the door and enjoy this upbeat album full of classy pop rock, soul and a sprinkling of blues.

KANSAS ‘Vinyl Confessions’/'Drastic Measures’ Rock Candy (2011) www.rockcandyrecords.com  

Two interesting Kansas re-issues in that they are not always the most liked amongst some fans, mainly due to the fact that original vocalist Steve Walsh had left the band. Also these two albums have a lot less prog rock elements on them, particulary by the time of ‘Drastic Measures’, one of the band’s most commerical sounding albums. ‘Vinyl Confessions’ ***1/2 has much of the classic Kansas prog rock sound and ‘Drastic Measures’ **** is one of their most commercial/AOR albums.

Turning to ‘Vinyl Confessions’ this was the first album without Steve Walsh, who was replaced by John Elefante (whose brother Dino co-wrote four songs on the album with John). The band’s sound bar the vocals, kept the classic 70′s sound but with a more melodic rock sound creeping in, none more so than the excellent opener ‘Play The Game Tonight’. For those fans after a longer musical workout that the band do so well ‘Cross Fire’ nicely fits the bill. There are a couple of not so good songs including ‘Diamonds And Pearls’ – it’s poppy air doesn’t sit well with the rest of the album.

By 1983′s ‘Drastic Measures’ vioilinist/vocalist Robbie Steinhardt had also left the band and with him went much of the band’s distinct prog rock sound. Having said that this album has some top draw melodic rockers in ‘Fight Fire With Fire’, ‘Everybody’s My Friend’ (the ‘Hello, hello’ opening was used by Alan ‘Fluff’ Freeman on his rock shows) and ‘Mainstream’.

‘Going Through The Motions’ and ‘Incident On A Bridge’ tipped their hat to the band’s prog/pomp roots though. By now it was very much the Elefante brothers becoming established in the band as between them they wrote six of the albums nine songs. The lyrical content on both albums was more overtly Christian, as not only were the Elefante brothers commited Christians but so was the other main songwriter Kerry Livgren and bassist Dave Hope.

The band called it a day after this album with both Hope and Livgren forming A.D. (their albums are worth tracking down) and the Elefante brothers would form Mastedon, who released two ‘must have’ albums in the late 80′s. That band then disappeared until a comeback album on Frontiers released last year. As for Kansas they returned in 1986 with the excellent ‘Power’ album (after fans criticising the Elefante albusm for being too commercial this album is prime time melodic rock!) and Steve Walsh back on vocals.

Both albums are worth having and being Rock Candy not only are they remastered but have lengthy sleeve notes as well. No bonus tracks though. Now can we have ‘Power’ and ‘In The Spirit Of Things’ re-issued next please?

More at: www.getreadytorock.com

WIN a signed copy of Lewis Clay’s new album

Thanks to Lewis Clay you can win a signed copy of his excellent new album ‘Something About You’. Simply answer the following question:

Who duets with Lewis on ‘If I Never See Your Face’, is it:

a) Myth Costello

b) Elvis Costello

c) Magic Costello

For a clue click here

Email your answer to papa_bear70@hotmail.com 

Entries welcome worldwide; one entry per household and the closing date is September 14th. Good luck!

Guilfest this weekend!

Guilfest this weekend and you can see the full line-up here

A more pop orientated line-up this year although still some gems for rock fans in Adam Ant, Echo & the Bunnymen, Draven, Saint Jude, Roger Daltrey, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Pure Reason Revolution, Hugh Cornwell and for aging punks Anti-Nowhere League, UK Subs and more on the new Vive Le Rock! stage.

The Kids Zone always proves a hit with my kids and this year I know a certain young man will be thrilled to see Bob the Builder in his own show, ‘Never Mind The Breezeblocks’.

As a medium sized, family friendly festival it can’t be beaten!

Past reviews…

2010

2009

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

New release round-up…

Some mighty fine albums just out/coming out over the next few weeks…

GMT ‘Raw – Live’ (Cadiz Music), a ‘must have’ for fans of the band and as it says the recording is very raw, no studio messing on this one. LIONVILLE (Avenue Of Allies) is one for lovers of high quality AOR and it includes the musicians behgind last year’s excellent Shining Line album.

BLACK VEIL BRIDES ‘Set The World On Fire’ may look like Motley Crue’s offspring but they have an album full of catchy anthems but a tad more modern than their hair metal look would suggest. DEF LEPPARD ‘Mirrorball’ (Frontiers) is a live album with three new songs, one of which is an overblown homage to Queen!

NIGHT RANGER ‘Somewhere In California’ (Frontiers) an absolute gem of an album and a real return to form by the band. Can’t recommend this album highly enough!

INFINITY ‘Infinity’ (Melodic Rock Records ) the name may not mean much but the two musicians will…David Rosenthal (Rainbow/Red Dawn) and Mitch Malloy. The album was recorded back in the early 90′s and finally gets a release. Prime time melodic rock and if you like Mitch Malloy’s late 80′s output this is one for you.

REECE-KRONLUND ‘Solid’ (AOR Heaven) as the album title suggests a collection of solid and enjoyable hard rock tunes. Prefer this to last year’s Bangalore Choir album. Rob Moratti (Ex-SAGA/FINAL FRONTIER) ‘Victory’ (Escape Music) with Reb Beach (Winger/Whitesnake) on guitars you know you’re in for a treat. Perfect meldoic rock/AOR for a summer’s day.

QUEENSRYCHE ‘Dedicated To Chaos’ (Roadrunner/Loud & Proud) has been getting on the whole, poor reviews but after a few spins I am enjoying (most) of the music. Queensryche have never been afraid to progress their music – the sound on here is akin to Geoff Tate’s solo album. AIRRACE ‘Back To The Start’ (Frontiers) it may be their second album in nearly thirty years but what a joy! Massiv keys, choruses and riffs abound – close your eyes and your back in the mid-80′s. The production is modern though and Keith Murrell still has his vocals. Expect this one to pop-up on a few year end ‘best of’s’.

Lots of gig reviews now online…

…including Night Ranger, Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band, Nils Lofgren, Download and Journey/Foreigner/Styx. Enjoy!

New release round-up

Five more Queen re-issues from Island including ‘News Of The World’, ‘Jazz’ and my all-time fave Queen album ‘The Game’. Some decent live bonus tracks plus a couple of B-sides. Pagan’s Mind are new to me listening wise and their new album ‘Heavenly Ecstasy’ is a right good melodic/power metal romp. Sits nicely along with Power Quest’s new album.

Tommy Shaw (Styx) has a new solo album out, ‘The Great Divide’ but it’s a bluegrass/Americana one, still with his voice and some name musicians it is very enjoyable indeed. Sarah Jarosz ‘Follow Me Down’ is another wonderful bluegrass/Americana album and features an inspired Radiohead cover.

Hanson ‘Shout It Out’ yes those US boy pop rockers have grown up and produced an enjoyable set of pop rock tunes. They have added a horn section to many of the songs, a modern day Chicago anyone? Williams/Friestedt is one for lovers of Toto circa Joseph Williams (no surprise given he sings on this album!) fronting the band. Perfect AOR for a summer’s day.

Styx have a ‘best of’ collection out in time for their UK tour and it leans nicely towards the heavier end of their catalogue. Pendragon ‘Passion’ will again feature in my year end best of as it is another enjoyable slice of progressive music. Includes some of their heaviest music to date. Credo ‘Against Reason’ shows the band keep getting better and better. A perfect mix of classic 80’s UK prog with modern touches.

The Trews ‘Hope & Ruin’ is another good album form these underrated Canadians and one that seems they dip their toe into a little country rock with good results. Black Stone Cherry are back and they have got some sure fire crowd pleasers on their new album none more so than lead single ‘White Trash Millionaire’. In Legend ‘Ballads ‘N’ Bullets’ sees a band led by a pianist and no guitars in sight! Sounds bizarre but it works and it is very heavier in places as the piano almost works like a lead guitar solo.

New releases round-up

A fair few great albums coming out of late…

Power Quest ‘Blood Alliance’ sees them on top form with new vocalist ‘Chitty’ Sampola. Eden’s Curse ‘Trinity’ is their best album to date and will take some beating. They are the natural successors to Queensryche in my book…

Credo ‘Against Reason’ sees the band reach album number three and it is their ebst effort to date. Some lovely Pink Floyd like guitar, plenty of keyboards and stronfg lyrical themes show there is life in the neo-prog scene.

The Alarm revisit some ‘lost’ classics on their upcoming album (out on June 6th)  ‘The Sound And The Fury’.  The band are always good live and on record, withmthe spirit and music of the band kept alive by Mike Peters. He has also just finished touring with Big Country who have a decent two CD collection out now via Universal/Spectrum.

Foo Fighters ‘Wasting Light’ sees the band back to their best, chock full of metal with a pop/punk edge.

Big Life is a new project featuring Steve Newman and Mark Thomson-Smith. Classy hard rock with an AOR edge, very good indeed. As is the upcoming Williams-Freistedt, a West coast meets Toto delight featuring former Toto vocalist Jospeh Williams and guitarist Peter Freistedt (LA Project). Extremely catchy AOR perfect for a summer’s day!

Not so great is the new Whitesnake ‘Forevermore’, I like most of the album but it is not the classic some reviews would have you believe. But the new Uriah Heep ‘Into The Wild’ is well worth a listen as the band continue their recent rich vein of musical form.

Hear Me Out…Will Kevans

Will Kevans I was lucky enough to review his wonderful ‘Everything You Do’ album released in 2009. It includes some cracking songs including ‘Sand Makes A Pearl’, ‘Believe’ (marvel at the high notes he hits on this one) and ‘Dialing Tone’ (featured below). Perfect pop rock bliss…

Hear Me Out…Lewis Clay

Hear Me Out… is a new feature where I will bring you artists worthy of a listen and at the very leats hear them out on the selected songs.

First up Lewis Clay, who I first came across in alt rockers the Heal and now he is forging a solo career as an acoustic singer/songwriter. He has done some good covers and his own songs are very strong indeed. Check out ‘Whatever Gets You Through’ and ‘Fall’. Have a listen to his YouTube page…

New releases round-up…

It maybe on January but already 2011 has seen some ‘must have’ releases, none more so than Magnum’s latest ‘The Visitation’ (SPV). Easily their best since they reformed and one of the best since their 80′s output. Ignore the ‘Classic Rock’ review they are talking twaddle.

TNT’s new album ‘A Farewell To Arms’ sees them return to their more hard rock roots and good to see Tony Mills back in action after his recent health scare.

Another 80′s band back are Mr Big with ‘What If…’ (Frontiers). I was never a huge fan of theirs finding a ‘Best Of’ enough to keep me satisfied but this new album is a real comeback in style and very heavy in parts.

Pushking (Ear Music/Edel) are a Russian band who enlsited producer Fabio Grossi and he in turn enlisted some of his musical contacts to re-record some of the band’s songs. Previously the majority of their albums had been recorded in Russian only. The guests include ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, Joe Lynn Turner, Glenn Hughes and many more. It works very well and is well worth checking out.

Gary Hughes and his band Ten are back with ‘Stormwarning’ (Frontiers) and it is upm with their best. Gone is the substandard drum sound of their last album and back are the big symphonic arrangements. If you like Ten this is destined for your collection…

Great to see the reinvigorated Evergrey (SPV) back with an album that includes all their next qualities plus a more commercial sound on a couple of songs as the new line-up comes together nicely.

High Voltage announce more bands…

Some more good additions including Jethro Tull, the Enid and MSG.

Download have added Mr Big, Buckcherry, FM…that’s looking like a good line-up and this year’s Firefest announces its line-up (17 bands, four have appeared before) on Sunday 30th January on ARFM.

Guilfest only has James Blunt announced to date…oh dear

GRTR! Featured artists of 2011

 The ten artists we have chosen are featured on a launch show this Sunday 23rd January on Assume The Position on www.getreadytorockradio.com

The featured artists are:

FEBRUARY: LARRY MILLER

MARCH: EDEN’S CURSE

APRIL: POWER QUEST

MAY: THE LAST REPUBLIC

JUNE: VOODOO VEGAS

JULY: TOXIC FEDERATION

AUGUST: CHANTEL McGREGOR

SEPTEMBER: TOUCHSTONE

OCTOBER: SAINT JUDE

NOVEMBER: FOUR WHEEL DRIVE

Plus this Sunday as well your chance to hear an exclusive first play of a new song of the upcoming Power Quest album.

Best of 2010

 Here is my selection, not in oder (possibly subject to slight change when I remember a good album I’ve forgotten!)…

             1. FREEDOM CALL ‘Legend Of The Shadow King’ SPV/Sony

Power metal how it should be done. Gloriously OTT.

2.      GIANT ‘Promise Land’ Frontiers

First of three albums this year to feature vocalist Terry Brock and although it may not quite meet the band’s classic debut album it certainly deserves the Giant name.

3.      BRIAN HOWE ‘Circus Bar’ Frontiers
Former Bad Company singer comes good with a solo album ideal for lovers of melodic hard rock.

4.      FOREIGNER ‘Can’t Slow Down’ Ear Music/Edel
Although the US were lucky enough to get this album last year it was well worth waiting for. Not a duff song in sight and good to see the band tapping into their more rockier side.5.      FM ‘Metropolis’ AOR Heaven
FM are back and with possibly their strongest album of their career. Happily gone  is the plodding blues rock of the Andy Barnett era and instead we get a mix of top notch melodic rockers and blues rockers.6.      BELLOWHEAD ‘Hedonism’ Navigator Records
A band recommended for those who think they won’t like folk but will be converted by this album. Good mix of ballads and sing-a-longs all backed by their wide musical instrumentation including brass, accordion and some stunning sax.

7.      ARK ‘ Wild Untamed Imaginings’ ProgRock Records
Ark comeback with a wonderfully diverse album that encompasses then 80’s neo-prog sound, folk and more modern proggers like Kino.

8.      NELSON ‘Lightning Strikes Twice’ Frontiers
Billed as follow-up to their smash hit 1990 album ‘After The Rain’ (they have released albums in-between times but sadly not with much success sales wise). The harmonies and radio friendly tunes are here.

9.      PHIL CAMPBELL
Singer/songwriter who recorded most of this album himself, which surprises the listener given how much is going on musically. ‘Vodka Milk’ and ‘ are two of the songs of the year.

10.     DOWN ‘N’ OUTZ
Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott hooks-up with some of the Quireboys to produce an album of covers from Mott, Ian Hunter and British Lions. Quite possibly the best things Joe Elliott has sung on since the glory days of Def Leppard. Great songs and great fun.

11.     AVANTASIA ‘The Wicked Symphony’ Nuclear Blast
Tobias Sammet gathers together another all star ensemble and this time it is spread over tow albums. Bob Catley and Jorn Lande are amongst the vocal highlights.

12.     ASIA ‘Omega’ Frontiers
Easily the best album they have done since reforming.

13.     MASS ‘Sea Of Black’ Escape Music
Another 80’s band producing some of the best music of their career. They have turned up the guitars and rock out big time.

14.     GLYDER ‘Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow’ SPV
If this is indeed the band’s swansong it is a strong way to finish.

15.     PRETTY MAIDS ‘Pandemonium’ Frontiers
They don’t release albums that often but when they do they are essential. This new one is no different and they are one of the few bands who can successfully meld classic metal riffs with their more melodic rock side.

16.     GRAND ILLUSION ‘Brand New World’ AOR Heaven
So good to have this band back! The pomp and vocal harmonies are still in place as ‘157^th Breakdown’ proves.

17.     LAST AUTUMN’S DREAM ‘A Touch Of Heaven’  Escape Music

Amazingly the band’s seventh album in as many years and easily one of their best.

18.     CHRIS SINGLETON ‘Lady Gasoline’ Indie
‘Twisted City’ was a great album and this new one pips it. A delightful pop rock journey from start to finish.

19.     STAR ONE ‘Victims Of The Modern Age’ Inside Out
Arjen Lucassen is always a busy man and good to have the second studio album from Star One. More straight ahead metal than Ayreon with a SF background.

20.     TONY HARNELL & THE MERCURY TRAIN ‘Round Trip’ Frontiers
Ex-TNT vocalist Tony Harnell revisits some of the TNT classics he recorded plus songs from his
other bands including Westworld. All are redone in an acoustic setting and the songs take on a whole new slant.

Re-issues:

1. JACKDAW4 ‘Retrospectables’ The band’s first two albums and a veritable aural delight for those who like their pop rock with a barbed edge.

2.      RICK SPRINGFIELD ‘Venus Exploding’ Frontiers
Quite possibly his best album to date and great to see it get a full release.

3.      SAVATAGE ‘Still The Orchestra Plays – Greatest Hits Volume 1 & 2′ Ear Music/Edel
Never tried Savatage before? There is no excuse now with this best of and you can see where the massively popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra got some of their musical ideas from (along with band members!).

4.      URIAH HEEP ‘On The Rebound: Best Of’ Universal
Like Motorhead and Saxon there are many ‘best ofs’ littering the market by Uriah Heep but this one is the best for successfully straddling the band’s classic 70’s Byron fronted era, through to the underrated n80’s line-up featuring Pete Goalby on vocals and bang up to date with the Bernie Shaw years.

5.      JIMI JAMISON & JIM PETRIK ‘Extra Moments’ Melodic Rock Records
The two Survivor pals present an album of ‘demos’, whose production puts many ‘finished’ albums to shame. Needless to say this is a ‘must have’ for fans of Survivor and it includes the song Jimi Jamison used in his Survivor audition back in the day.

Gigs:
FOREIGNER
They blew Europe of the stage at the ITunes gig. Kelly Hansen is the consummate frontman – like a younger version of Steve Tyler minus the big lips.

FM
They are back and sounding on top of their game.

SAINT JUDE at GUILFEST 2010
First time I had heard anything by this band – female fronted blues/classic rock. A must see live.

JUDIE TZUKE
A name I knew a lot about but not heard much by before. She has lost none of her powerful voice and one of the gigs of a lifetime, never mind the year!

DAN REED
An acoustic gig backed by a very talented band including Tommy Denander this gig combined his newer solo material plus some Dan Reed Network classics. His rendition of ‘Rainbow Child’

DVD:
I watched a few this year but ELO’s ‘The Early Years’ (Eagle Vision) wins hands down as it shows the band just about to hit the big time. It also features the late Mike Edwards and of course Kelly Groucutt who sadly passed away last year.

Let downs…

A fair few albums failed to deliver…Strangeways (tried to appeal to fans of both styles of the band but failed), Allen/Lande (good album but mushc too similar to what had gone before), Y&T (a couple of cracking songs but the rest is pretty average by this band’s high standards).

New release round-up…

For a change I am going to focus only on singer-songwriters and there have been some very strong new albums of late…

First up PHIL CAMPBELL ‘Saviour’s Song’, www.philcampbellmusic.co.uk I’d recommend this one for any one after an eclectic mix of tunes. ‘Vodka Milk’ is a definate ‘must hear’.

DAVID MINASIAN ‘Random Acts Of Beauty’ ProgRock Records www.progrockrecords.com okay its prog but the keys and melodies are very uplifting. Plus it features the first new music to feature Camel’s Andy Latimer, after his health issues.

BAT KINANE ‘A Lifetime To Kill’ is the debut solo offering from the Glyder guitarist. A good mix of blues, folk and acoustic tunes. ‘Light Of My Life’ even features a prog rock approved keyboard solo – nice

RED BOX ‘Plenty’ Cherry Red return of the 80′s pop band although they are now more akin to the mighty Talk Talk. The soundscapes and instrumentation on this album are something else, highly recommended for lovers of thoughtful, well crafted pop music.

AL LEWIS ‘In The Wake’, neat mix of folk and pop rock helped by the duets with Sarah Howells.

One last quick recommend for now is the Outcast Band whose album is perfect for lovers of the Levellers and the Waterboys. I would imagine they are even better live as this type of music is just made for a lively festival.

New interviews with the Posies and Kamelot…

New interviews with Kamelot and the Posies (including how Jon Auer made his guitar sound like snoring for William Shatner aka Captain Kirk!)

http://www.hotdigits.co.uk/cgi-bin/diary11/journal?user=jason

Reviews time…

For 100′s more reviews pop over to http://www.getreadytorock.com/album_reviews.htm

FIRST SIGNAL featuring HARRY HESS ‘S/T’ Frontiers (2010) www.frontiers.it  

Nothing much from the former members of the much missed Harem Scarem then they come along like buses! First two appear on the excellent new album by Jon Fellane and now the vocalist of the band, Harry Hess makes his return. Former drummer Darren Smith pops up on backing vocals and Dennis Ward handles the production, so you can rest assured the sound will be spot on.

All the songs for this album have been collected mostly from the current top writers of the melodic rock genre, like the Martin brothers (writers for Khymera/Sunstorm/House of Lords), Erik Martensson (W.E.T./Eclipse), Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon/Place Vendome) and Robert Sall (W.E.T./Work of Art). Some of the songs have been recorded by other artists including Richard Marx.

The idea was to recreate the classic AOR sound of Harem Scarem so you’re talking the ‘Mood Swings’ era. For the most part this album does this and ‘When You Believe’ is as good as any Harem Scarem classic.

The ballads are top notch with ‘Feels Like Love This Time’ and ‘Crazy’ both blowing Bon Jovi’s recent paltry efforts out of the water. Harry Hess is on good vocal form backed by those trademark Harem Scarem harmony vocals.

The good thing about this album are the variety in music al styles from the funky vibe of ‘Goodbye To Good Times’ and the title track that is one of the heaviest songs on offer. Don’t worry though Harry Hess hasn’t gone all melodic metal on us despite the presence of Dennis Ward!

A real treat for melodic rock fans and especially Harem Scarem fans who have been hankering after an album like the classic ‘Mood Swings’ album. Hopefully this won’t just be a one-off as it is too good just to have one album to its name.

****1/2

JON MULLANE ‘Shift’ Escape Music (2010) www.escape-music.com  

Jon Mullane has already had success in his native Canada as well as the US most notably with his song ‘Make Your Move’ (included on this album). He is joined by two members of Harem Scarem, namely drummer Creighton Doane (who also produced and co-wrote all bar one of the songs on the album) and guitarist Pete Lesperance.

Bizarrely the album really hits its stride by track four, the synth pop rock flavoured ‘Missing Time’ which is swiftly followed by another 80’s flavoured tune ‘You Get What You Get’. These two songs are like Harem Scarem meets Duran Duran! The ballad ‘One That Got Away’ will delight Coldplay fans if they got to hear it. There is a very strong melody on this song. ‘Go The Distance’ could be Harem Scarem in their pop rock mode and listen carefully to the guitar riff midway through as it sounds like the distinctive riff of Blue Oyster Cult’s ‘Don’t Fear The Reaper’.

For some foot stomping, sing-a-long-a-Def-Leppard ‘Here We Go’ deserves to be a hit single as it is just so damn catchy. The album closes with a danced up mix of ‘Make You Move’ and I have to be honest I prefer this version to the original one that starts this album off.

A thoroughly rewarding listen and the only downside is the album only lasts just over thirty minutes! Whether you like pop rock or 80’s synth pop you will find something to enjoy on here.

****

Tony Harnell & The Mercury Train ‘Round Trip’ Frontiers (2010) www.frontiers.it  

Former TNT vocalist Tony Harnell on this release decided to revisit his past not only in TNT but Westworld as well and reinvent the songs, most of which are done acoustically. The album certainly produces some interesting twists on old favourates and it works better as well using musicians who on the whole are not familiar with the songs previously and are not from a rock/metal musical background.

TNT’s ’10,000 Lovers’ takes a jazz/Doo Wop route, not normally something I’d personally like but with Harnell’s voice and the fact it is a TNT song it works for me. Staying with the TNT songs ‘Northern Lights’ becomes a gentle ballad with a suitably lush, atmospheric musical backdrop. ‘Lonely Nights’ still sounds like TNT on the chorus but the rest of the song is done in an enjoyable acoustic mode.

Two Westworld songs actually beat their originals! ‘Shame’ is helped by the fact Sandi Saraya is guest vocalist whilst the Alanis Morrisette cover ‘Uninvited’ is simply jaw dropping. Tony Harnell’s impassioned vocal and the sparse musical backdrop make for a winning combination that beats the original version, which is no mean feat as that was one of best songs to come out of the Westworld albums.

There is one new song ‘Anywhere But Here’, a bright and breezy number that fits nicely into the album’s musical mix.

This was never meant to be a rehash of Tony Harnell’s back catalogue, so those expecting newer versions of the TNT and Westworld songs will be disappointed. But for fans of Harnell’s voice this album is a must have and hopefully it can bring in some new listeners. An album of the year contender with ease.

****1/2

UFO ‘Best Of A Decade’ SPV (2010) www.spv.de

A useful taster for those who may not be familiar with the recent UFO output, who have been revitalised with the addition of guitarist Vinnie Moore. In amongst the songs from the band’s recent albums you have some live classics to tempt in those who may not know the newer songs…you can’t go wrong with bona fide classics like ‘Doctor, Doctor, ‘Let It Roll’ and ‘Lights Out’.

Good sprinkling of songs from the band’s past decade including ‘Baby Blue’ and ‘Hard Being Me’, two shining examples that vocalist Phil Mogg is still on top of his game. Aside from Mogg and Moore, the current line-up includes a couple of members from their glory days in the 70′s – Paul Raymond and Andy Parker – something other bands from that era often lack!

At a budget price it is a perfect CD for those lapsed UFO fans who haven’t bought anything since the ‘Headstone’ compilation/live album back in the 80′s.

****

SPOCK’S BEARD ‘X’ Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Records (2010) www.spocksbeard.com  

Spock’s Beard return with their tenth album, hence the title and the first part-funded by fan contributions, something Marillion have been doing sucessfully for many years now. They are also on a new label, Music Theories Recordings, a prog rock off shoot of Mascot (they have also signed up Pallas another band like Spock’s Beard who were on Inside Out). Thankfully though the line-up stays intact.

Former member Neal Morse pops-up co-writing opener ‘Edge Of The In-Between’. This one, not surprisingly has a distinct early Spock’s Beard feel to it mainly in the harmonies (very similar to Neal Morse’s solo output) and some amazing instrumental duelling between Alan Morse and Ryo Okumoto (surely one of prog’s most underated keyboard players). Ryo Okumoto gets a showcase on the next song in, ‘Kamakaze’ mixing classic Keith Emerson styled Hammond organ runs mixed with some spacey synths. An exhausting but very enjoyable air keyboard workout!

The one song that really threw me is ‘The Quiet House’, whose heavier passages reminded me so much of Threshold. Again some stunning guitar/keys interplay and a water tight rhythm section. The other song worthy of note (although all seven songs are worthy!) is the closing sixteen minutes of ‘Jaws Of Heaven’. This one shows the band’s symphonic and epic side with more emphasis on building soundscapes with keyboards and acoustic guitar.

When Neal Morse quit the band many thought Spock’s Beard would be a former shadow of themsleves, but they have gone on from strength to strength and this latest album is one of their best. It may take a few plays to fuly appreciate but when music is this good it is well worth the effort.

****1/2

Joe Elliot’s Down ’N’ Outz ‘My Regeneration’ Mailboat Records (2010)

Def Leppard’s Joe Elliot has been a lifelong fan of all things Mott the Hoople and Ian Hunter related. After supporting Mott the Hoople on their 40th anniversary gigs last year an album made-up of Mott, Ian Hunter and British Lion covers comes next. The Down ‘N’ Outz looks set to be a long term project for Joe Elliot who in recent interviews ahs already stated that he will be doing an album of Mott the Hoople covers next and then after that perhaps an album of original songs in a Mott the Hoople/Ian Hunter vein.

Joining Joe Elliot are most of the Quireboys, less vocalist Spike obviously and the band’s bass player. Ronnie Garrity handles bass on the album. Now these side projects can often turn out to be not very good at all but I am happy to report this album is very good. Be it the simple rock refrain of ‘England Rocks’ or ‘Overnight Angels’, which starts slowly before building to a hook-tastic chorus. Special mention to keyboards player Keith Weir who really gets to strut his stuff on the intro to ‘Golden Opportunity’ and the Mott song ‘Shouting And Pointing’.

The songs prove instant hits and have you wanting to track down the originals, surely one the main reasons behind this album? It sounds as though Joe Elliot had great fun recording this album and taken as a whole it certainly beats Def Leppard’s last few albums. Great fun and crank it up!

****1/2

JIMI JAMISON & JIM PETERIK ‘Extra Moments’ Melodic Rock Records (2010) www.melodicrockrecords.com  

Andrew McNeice, the man behind MelodicRock.Com and spin-off festivals/compilation CD’s, now turns his hand to launching a record label. As well as featuring established names the label plans releases from newer bands.

The labels inaugural release features two giants of the melodic rock genre, former Survivor members Jimi Jamison and Jim Peterik and a collection of unreleased songs, some in demo form. Some didn’t make the final cut of Jimi Jamison’s ‘Crossroads Moment’ album and others include the song that Jimi Jamison sang at his Survivor audition, ‘Cry Of The Wild Heart’.

Now normally demo/unreleased song collections are firmly meant for the hardcore fan base of bands but this album is a good place as any to start for those new to the music of Jim Peterik and the vocal talents of Jimi Jamison. We have the Survivor like ‘Cry Of The Wild Heart’ and ‘Chiselled In Stone’ (the riff reminds me of Jefferson Starship’s ‘Jane’), a co-write with Tommy Denander on the album highlight for me ‘Life #9’ (on here twice with a Jamison vocal and a demo version with Peterik on vocals). ‘Dream Higher’ is a very tasty rocker and another co-write this time with Night Ranger’s Kelly Keagy. The cheeky ‘I Wanna Touch You There’ you could easily picture Shania Twain having a hit with.

Well if this is a taste of things to come on the Melodic Rock Records label then it is going to be a winner. Needless to say fans of Survivor, Pride Of Lions and Jimi Jamison should grab a copy pronto and anyone whose not sampled the joys of these two melodic rock legends make up for lost time by getting this.

****1/2

KENS DOJO ‘Reincarnation’ AOR Heaven (2010) www.aorheaven.com

The main man behind this album is guitarist Ken Ingwersen. Maybe not a name you’d recognise but he produced TNT’s ‘Transitor’ album and has toured with many artists including Dan Reed, Ken Hensley (who guests on the album) and Rick Springfield to name but a few.

The album is a mix of songs and instrumentals, none of which are fillers and in the case of ‘Soundcheck Bonanaza’ (a bizarre yet enjoybale mix and match of guitar solos) and ‘Momentos A Solas’, these are stand outs on the album. Glenn Hughes lends his quiter side to the ballad ‘I Surrender’ whilst 80′s pop hero Chesney Hawkes proves he can rock out on the title track (well it’s a damn sight more rock than his solo stuff!). ‘Keeping The Flame Alive’ is very strange with a traditional hard rock start before adding all manner of vocal samples and backing. It just about works but may put some listeners off.

Overall not a bad little album and a good choice of guest vocalists make for plenty of variety.

****

MYSTERY ‘One Among The Living’ Unicorn Records (2010) www.unicornrecords.com  

Mystery’s last album was a real ‘must have’ and included one of my all time favourate songs in ‘As I Am’, a simply stunning mix of vocals and music. Since that album vocalist Benoît David has replaced Jon Anderson in Yes (fellow Yes member Oliver Wakeman guests on this album), a move that will divide fans of the band like any vocalist change (see Queen, Van Halen, Journey et al). With the increased exposure of David’s vocals interest is bound to pick-up in Mystery and about time too!

This new album sees a slight reigning in of the previous symphonic prog rock and a bigger focus on melody, with a real rocker in ‘Kameleon Man’. This one brings to mind Rush in parts whilst Styx come to mind on ‘Wolf’ and ‘Till The Truth Comes Out’. David has hints of Geddy Lee, Dennis De Young plus his own melodic style (I don’t hear much Jon Anderson though to be honest!).

‘Through Different Eyes’ allows the band to release their creative selves as it is a multi-part song clocking in at over twenty two minutes. This song has everything really – pomp rock, stunning guitar solos (including guest Daryl Stuermer), vocal harmonies, quiet musical passages. This band know how to press the old prog rock buttons with their listeners that’s for sure.

Yet again I am pleased to report this is another ‘must have’ album. What I like about this band is that they play very accessibale and melodic progressive music. If you like Styx, Pendragon, Rush and Yes then add this CD to your shopping list pronto.

****1/2

ED KOWALCZYK ‘Alive’ Era Music/Edsel (2010)

Live frontman Ed Kowalczyk releases his first solo album, although many music fans may not even know much by his ‘day’ band Live (I’d highly recommend tracking down a copy of their double CD best of released a few years ago). Live have called it a day after the rest of the band had a dispute with Kowakczyk, so a solo album seems very timely.

The music is very simialr to Live at times, mainly due to the vocals and the uplifting nature of the lyrics, which have a strong spiritual edge to them like ‘Just in Time’ and the superb ‘Drive’ (that is also the lead single of the album). But the songs are mellower and lack the real post-grunge bite some of Live’s songs had like ‘Alone’. The ballad ‘Drink (Everlasting Love)’ hits the spot nicely showcasing Kowalczyk’s vocal talents and proving he can do the slower moments just as well as the more rock and passion fuelled songs. Top noytch production allowing the musical arrangements equal billing with the vocals – a pefect balance.

Definately a ‘grower’ of an album as only ‘Drive’ hits the spot after one play of the album but hang in there as it is a real treat. If Live are over as it seems, then the solo career of Kowalczyk will nicely fill that musical void.

****

‘Radio Head’ by John Osbourne

John Osbourne’s book ‘Radio Head’ is a book for all lovers of radio. What a joy it must ahve been researching for this book whereby each day you try a new radio station to listen to whilst at work doing a fairly boring data entry job (shame I can’t listen to radio at work – lucky man). The book has a chapter on each station he listened to from the formula musical pap of Capital FM and Virgin (now improved as Absolute Radio), Virgin’s old saying used to be ‘you’re never more than an hour away from a Queen song.’ But he discovers some new joys like BBC Asian Network, 6 Music and Resonance, a station that you never know what’s coming up next.

There are also interviews with some of the author’s radio heroes including Mark Radcliffe, Tommy Boyd (who I am pleased to report is still on radio via a weekly podcast) and Nicolas Parsons. A enjoyable and easy read that certainly relighted my interest in radio surfing…

This got me thinking about my childhood days in the late 70′s and 80′s trying to get radio stations via  medium wave on a transitor radio. Bearing in mind a) there were far fewer statiosn then and b) we lived in the countryside just outside Stoke-on-Trent I was amazed to to pick-up Liverpool based 194 Radio City, although the reception was poor; Wolverhampton based Beacon Radio which was very boring I seem to recall and Radio Luxembourg. It only broadcast at night but had a decent playlist most of the time.

I was overjoyed when Stoke got its IRL (Independent Local Radio) station in the shape of Signal Radio which first broadcast in 1983. It was a thrill to have something better than BBC Radio Stoke. Many of the original radio DJ’s had worked stints at Manchester’s Picadilly Radio including the controversial James Stannage, who attracted Stoke’s more loony fringe and often had to cut them offas they went into various rants. Other DJ’s included the late Mel Scholes, John Evington, Doug Wood, Digby Taylor and Absolute’s Geoff Lloyd, who started off reading the traffic and travel then hosted an evening show. It is now known as Signal One and is still goign string, albeit with your bog standard daytime airplay list.

Albums of the year so far…

It’s been a good six months so far and for me the best to date, in no particular order are…

1. SERPENTINE (young band with Tony Mills on vocals; very decent AOR)

2. WIG WAM ‘Non Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll’

3. BRIAN HOWE ‘Circus Bar’ (ex-Bad Company singer produces an album full of melodic rock delights)

4. FREEDOM CALL ‘Legend of the Shadow King’ (one of the best power metal bands out there)

5. GLYDER ‘Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow’ (this band keep their classic rock roots but keep adding new twists to their sound – this time its more keyboards and more epic guitar solos)

6. FOREIGNER ‘Can’t Slow Down’ (yes it was released last year in the US but its European release was in March. A fine return to form)

7. FM ‘Metropolis’ (they took their time making this comeback album and boy did it pay off – simply a delight from start to finish)

8. AURAS ‘New Generation’ (Brazilian band does Journey!)

9. CHRIS SINGLETON & THE DISTRACTIONS ‘Lady Gasoline’

10. ASIA ‘Omega’ (much, much better than the ‘Phoenix’ album. This album sees the band recapturing their glory days)

11. MASS ‘Sea Of Black’ (good, solid hard rock and then some)

12. GRAND ILLUSION ‘Brand New World’ (the pomp rock lords are back and better than ever!)

13. PRETTY MAIDS ‘Pandemonium’

14. WICKED SENSATION ‘Crystallized’ (one of the best melodic metal albums of the year so far)

15. AVANTASIA ‘Wicked Symphony’

16. SHINING LINE S/T (Italian AOR band with some top name guest vocalists)

New releases round-up…

New releases worth a listen…

Glyder are back with possibly their strongest set of songs to date on ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ (SPV) which includes a guest spot from Y&T’s Dave Menketti. They have used keyboards more for the first time which has greatly enhanced their sound. Fellow SPV stablemates Stormzone’s new album is a real hark back to the NWOBHM and may put off those expecting an AOR/melodic rock treat like their debut album was. But it is still a damn fine album and doubtless will win the band a whole new set of fans.

Drive, She Said release a ‘best of’ with two new songs via AOR Heaven. A band that never quite broke the big time mainly as they came out just as grunge was hitting but for harmony filled AOR with lashings of keyboards this is for you. Grand Illusion are also back on the same label and I am glad to report their pomp led rock is still in place none more so than on ’157th Breakdown’ which includes a guest spot from Mike Slammer.

The Storys release their latest (and supposedly final) album on Angel Air but for me this is beaten by the solo album by the band’s guitarist Rob Thompson whose album is also out on Angel Air. Listen to some of the guitar parts and you’d swear you were listening to a Dave Gilmour solo album.

Universal Music release some good back catalogue this month including possibly the best Uriah Heep compilation to date ‘On The Rebound’. This covers every studio album by the band and features the band’s more hard rock moments. The band’s classic ‘Live In 1973′ is re-issued as a two disc set as well. Wishbone Ash have a double CD ‘best of’ of the MCA years out on the same label. They are a band I like some songs by but can never fully get into despite many attempts to do so.

Shining Line (Avenue Of Allies) are an Italian based melodic rock band who have roped in a series of guest vocalists including Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Michael Voss and Robin Beck. A very strong album and perfect for the summer!

Not so taken by the latest Molly Hatchett album ‘Justice’ (SPV) which sounds just like their other albums and for me lacks any killer songs. That said it you like the band you’ll want this one.

GRTR! Ten for 10

Get Ready to ROCK! has consistently supported new and independent artists since 2003,  reflected – for example – in our ‘Rising Stars‘ section, related podcasts, and the CD of that name released in 2007.

In 2010 we are looking to support 10 new (or established) bands we think deserve wider attention, hence “Ten for 10″.

We’ll support the selected artists with regular news items, features, reviews and exposure via our radio channel.

In January, we shortlisted 25 bands selected by GRTR! reviewers and a GRTR! Panel reduced this total to 10.

The 10 bands reflect the diverse range of musical interests at GRTR! giving a voice to those seeking to gain a new foothold and those new artists who seek to widen their audience.

The final selection was based on a number of criteria including web activity as a result of our promotion, current album/tour activity and fit with GRTR!

Readers and listeners voted for their favourite and one of the ten – GMT – won the popular vote in January and was assured a place in our final selection.

Get Ready to ROCK! Ten for 10 (Final selection) (In alphabetical order) 1.  EDEN’S CURSE Eden’s Curse … should … gain a greater audience for their infectious blend of metal and melody. A great band that – if there is any justice – should get greater. (David Randall) 2.  FM FM seem both contemporary and relevant again (David Randall) 3.  FURY UK For those of a certain age, this Manchester based trio will evoke happy memories of sweaty rock clubs, heavy riffs and serious air guitar. (David Randall) 4.  GMT If you like hard rock, punk, metal and a little blues this is the band for you.  (Jason Ritchie) 5.  HEAVEN’S BASEMENT …full of attitude, power, addictive riffs and catchy hooks that just lock you in, forcing your feet to tap along and your head to bounce … (Sonia Waterfield) 6.  JADED SUN … top notch blues based hard rock – turn it up and enjoy! (Jason Ritchie) 7.  LEAFHOUND Mr French can still blues wail with the best of them (Stuart Hamilton) 8.  PANIC ROOM Perfect progressive pop rock. (Pete Whalley) 9.  POWER QUEST …this new line-up … certainly lives up to the high standards of Power Quest’s musical legacy so far. Roll on the new album and the Quest must go on… (Jason Ritchie) 10.  CHRIS SINGLETON … if you love any of the three B’s Chris names as his main influences, namely ‘the Beatles, Bolin and Bowie’, then do check out Chris and his band’s music. (Jason Ritchie)

Voice In A Million update

Voice In A Million Featured On BBC Radio Wales Today

The Students of the Tredegar Comprehensive School

were featured on BBC Radio Wales today to talk about their forthcoming appearance at the 02 Arena event for Voice In A Million

The group also performed “That’s What Friends Are For” – Live on AIR across Wales

Here’s a permanent link to the story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/southeastwales/hi/people_and_places/music/newsid_8472000/8472272.stm

And here’s how it’s currently being promoted on the BBC Radio Wales (note that this page will probably change with a new lead story tomorrow)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/southeastwales/hi/people_and_places/default.stm
Stars and Politicians Show Their Support For Voice In A Million˜It’s really good to see so many talented young people coming together to support the fantastic work being done by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering. I’d like to congratulate the organisers of Voice in a Million for setting up this event, and I hope all the children taking part have a wonderful evening.
- Schools Minster, Vernon Coaker

˜The most valuable resource on this earth is our children, and the most valuable thing to a child is to have a home! All children are our responsibility and must be given every opportunity to have access to everything needed for them to become the great people they already are! And this is not about flesh and blood! It’s bigger than that! These children have an assignment and it’s our assignment to assist them on there life’s journey, and the nurturing ground; the fertile soil is a home! That’s what every child deserves! That’s the difference between life and death for them. We can not allow any child to be deprived of “a place called home!” And it’s up to us to get these kids where they are supposed to go…just like me! Just like Byford and Bannah McDaniels did for me.
- Legendary Hip-Hop Pioneer, Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC)

˜I am delighted to support the Voice In A Million event. Good luck to everybody who is performing tonight and keep up the good work.
- Philip Hammond MP (Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury)

˜There is nothing more precious in life than a child. What better gift can you give it than a loving home and family. A chance, hope and peace. This evening alone could change the life of a tiny being. Forever. My love goes out to all the wonderful people who give these beautiful little children a chance for happiness, and to the children themselves, who deserve all the good things that life can bring. Have a wonderful and successful evening. – Bernie Nolan

Additional Hosts Confirmed To Co-Present The 02 Arena Concert

>Clare Grogan

Scottish born Clare Grogan first shot to fame for her role in the 1981 hit movie ˜Gregory’s Girl™. She subsequently launched a successful music career as the lead singer in Altered Images, releasing a string of hit records with the band in the early 80′s.

Although Clare has since continued to pursue her music career, she is also a regular face on television appearing in various shows, including her role of Kristine Kochanski in the British comedy series Red Dwarf. In recent years, Clare adopted her daughter, Lucia, with her husband Stephen Lironi and written a children’s novel called ˜Tallulah and the Teenstars”.>Zara Phillips

Singer-songwriter Zara Phillips has led a charmed musical life. Having began her professional career working as a backing vocalist for Bob Geldof, the Live-Aid creator recruited Phillips for his first solo projects after he departed the chart-topping UK band The Boomtown Rats and toured the world extensively, appearing on countless television shows and recordings.

Zara’s musical career quickly blossomed from that point working with artists such as Matt Bianco, Nick Kamen, David Essex and the solo project from Dire Straits’ John Illsley. Additionally, she toured in support of Bananarama with Perfect Day, the most successful British girl group in pop history, which eventually led her to shift her focus to a solo career.

Zara has finished directing and producing an adoption documentary entitled “ROOTS: UNKNOWN”. This educational and informative film focuses on the emotional influence adoption has on the adoptee and their families. In addition, Zara is also an author. Her book, ‘Mother Me’ is about her personal journey to motherhood from an adoptee’s point of view, published by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering in 2008.

“It seems that birthing my children was also a birth for my whole self,” Zara writes. She regularly talks and facilitates workshops and events related to adoption issues, along with performing her music at clubs in NYC and New Jersey. Zara has just finished recording a song “I’m legit’ with DMC about adoption and open records in the US (available on iTunes).

Check out Zara’s video featuring DMC here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZbKNJUyGQ0

Voice In A Million Soloist Matthew Crane Featured In The Press

Matthew, you will be performing You Raise Me Up with The Hot Gospel Choir, The Spirit Choir and The Voice In A Million Choir has been featured in many newspapers this week including The Gravesend Reporter and The Medway Messenger and will soon be posted on our website.

Pre-Order The Voice In A Million 02 Arena Concert (CD)

Click HERE to Pre-Order your copy of the Voice In A Million Choir and Special Guests CD for the London 02 Arena concert on 28.01.10.

GRTR! Ten for 10

http://www.getreadytorock.com/ten_for_10.htm

Get Ready to ROCK! has consistently supported new and independent artists since 2003,  reflected – for example – in our ‘Rising Stars‘ section, related podcasts, and the CD of that name released in 2007.

In 2010 we are looking to support 10 new (or established) bands we think deserve wider attention, hence “Ten for 10″.

We’ll support the selected artists with regular news items, features, reviews and exposure via our radio channel.

We have shortlisted 25 bands selected by GRTR! reviewers and a GRTR! Panel will reduce this total to 10 by February 10 and the final selection will be announced on February 12.

The 25 bands reflect the diverse range of musical interests at GRTR! giving a voice to those seeking to gain a new foothold and those new artists who seek to widen their audience.

Readers and listeners will be able to vote for their favourite and one of the ten will be assured of a place in the final selection based on the public vote.

You can vote at our home page (or below) from Thursday 14 January.  (Closing date: January 31)

Get Ready to ROCK! Ten for 10 Nominations (In alphabetical order with external links to official websites) 1. MARCUS BONFANTI With vocals and a delivery well beyond his tender years, anyone who can’t wait for Seasick’s next release could do a lot worse than investigate What Good Am I to You. (Pete Whalley) 2. CODEJAK 3. DEATH SOUL TRIBE The mood is set by down-tuned guitars, a bass section that carries and brings together all the instruments with effortless precision and Adel Moustafa’s now unmistakably recognizable tribal beats. (John Stefanis) 4.  EDEN’S CURSE Eden’s Curse … should … gain a greater audience for their infectious blend of metal and melody. A great band that – if there is any justice – should get greater. (David Randall) 5.  FM FM seem both contemporary and relevant again (David Randall) 6.  FREEDOM CALL Fans of … Helloween, Gamma Ray and Rhapsody Of Fire will love this…. (Jason Ritchie) 7.  FURY UK For those of a certain age, this Manchester based trio will evoke happy memories of sweaty rock clubs, heavy riffs and serious air guitar. (David Randall) 8.  GMT If you like hard rock, punk, metal and a little blues this is the band for you.  (Jason Ritchie) 9. GOTTHARD No band has delivered more consistently in the field of melodic hard rock over the last decade as Swiss outfit Gotthard. They have enjoyed huge success on the European mainland, and yet in England still remain something of a well kept secret. (Andy Nathan) 10.  HEADRUSH This band are like Motley Crue should sound today, big guitar riffs, a vocalist with a real raw power in Andy Law and of course tunes that refuse to leave your head after one play. (Jason Ritchie) 11.  HEAVEN’S BASEMENT …full of attitude, power, addictive riffs and catchy hooks that just lock you in, forcing your feet to tap along and your head to bounce … (Sonia Waterfield) 12.  AUDREY HORNE 13.  JADED SUN … top notch blues based hard rock – turn it up and enjoy! (Jason Ritchie) 14.  THE JOKERS If you want some good time rock and roll this is the place to go. (Neil Daniels) 15.  LEAFHOUND Mr French can still blues wail with the best of them (Stuart Hamilton) 16.  MILLION$RELOAD 17.  PAIN OF SALVATION … progressive guitar passages and straight-forward melodic refrain … will definitely bring shivers to your body and make you feel proud, for once, to be part of a race that can express itself in such beautiful and intimate ways. (John Stefanis) 18.  PANIC ROOM Perfect progressive pop rock. (Pete Whalley) 19.  POWER QUEST …this new line-up … certainly lives up to the high standards of Power Quest’s musical legacy so far. Roll on the new album and the Quest must go on… (Jason Ritchie) 20.  RHAPSODY OF FIRE It is very easy to mock bands like this and Manowar but that is to do them a disservice as they really believe in their music and they are very competent musicians. Buy with confidence! (Jason Ritchie) 21.  CHRIS SINGLETON … if you love any of the three B’s Chris names as his main influences, namely ‘the Beatles, Bolin and Bowie’, then do check out Chris and his band’s music. (Jason Ritchie) 22.  SKIN Guitarist Myke Gray, bassist Andy Robbins and drummer Dicki Fliszar created an aggressive but lean sound that was as taut and muscular as one of Myke’s personal fitness clients. (Andy Nathan) 23.  SPIT LIKE THIS …a cross between KISS, Meat Loaf and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Nikk Gunns) 24.  JUDIE TZUKE …you have to ask yourself, why is it that nobody else is stepping up to the mark set by this very special artist? In Olympic terms, it’s like holding the world record and after 30 years there’s still no one getting close. (Pete Whalley) 25.  VOODOO JOHNSON … this 5-piece, with their roots firmly in the twin-lead sound of NWOBHM, laced with more than a hint of mid-80′s West Coast sleaze, and all freshened up with more modern subtleties … (Ian Pollard)