AC/DC "Live At Riverplate" 2CD....Yes Another Live One.

Pretty much what you would expect for the "boys" only a little slower, a little less energy and a little less vocal range from Johnson than the last time out.  But what it all boils down to is Angus & Malcolm; and the bros still have the chops. So for me, any AC/DC album is worth the purchase for their guitar playing alone. Still, "River Plate" is pretty much for die hard fans who have them all and want to keep them coming. For newcomers (if there are any of those who still exist) "If You Want Blood" & "AC/DC Live" for the Scott & Johnson era respectively are your best bang for the buck

Rating? 7/10

KISS - "Monster".....Tommy, My Apologies

I have often dogged this current incarnation of the band; mainly for their attempt to copy and rehash the past with a older and different band than the one we all cherish from back in the 70's.  My biggest beef has been with Thayer's early attempts to copy Ace's style and harmonics in his playing.  He is not Ace Frehley, no one except Ace is, so past attempts have always fallen short.  Here Thayer channels Ace's influences and morphs them into his own style.  The result, some of the best guitar solos on any Kiss records since the 70's.  C'mon admit it, who didn't play air guitar to "Strutter" as a teen.  So my apologies for past criticisms, all is forgiven.  No need for a track to track detailing. If the lead guitar solos and riffs on a Kiss record rock, you know the rest of the album will follow. But I will add the song writing and lyrics on this album are surprisingly "good" and even somewhat "adult". A real rock record with a tinge of heavy metal for good measure. I think of a slicker "Creatures Of The Night" with actual guitar solos.  So if you really miss Ace, and consider the band without him a fraud, you need to give this album a chance. Pleasantly surprised and rockin' out!
Rating? 8/10

Aero$mith "Mu$ic From Another Dimen$ion" Review

If I could set the wayback machine to 1976, crank "Toys In The Attic" on vinyl again and ask myself the question "I wonder what Aerosmith will sound like in 2012?". "Music From Another Dimension" would be a  "good"  answer.
Granted,  the album still sounds like Aerosmith, but it just sounds old, contrived, weak, uninspired, digital, sterile, boring, cliched and commercial. Oh...I know what some are thinking and don't even go there!  Guitarists have been rehashing the same Chuck Berry riffs for over 50 years and some still   kick fraggin ass. Not here.   The deal breakers are the power ballads.  Is it just me or do the phrases "return to the old sound" and "duet with Carrie Underwood" seem like an obvious contradiction?    What we actually have is a  slight return to the "old sound".  Just enough 70's Aerosmith to possibly  reel in longtime fans; and then an over abundance of power ballads for the longtime "Jaded" fans.  Power ballads geared more toward iTunes
download rather than pleasing longtime fans who pray for a shimmer of "Back In The Saddle", again.  I won't go into a track by track analysis, you can get  from  other reviews.  I look at the album as a whole and it just disappoints.   Finally, there is an overall vibe these guys just don't care anymore:  don't care about the fans, the music, each other, and what Aerosmith once meant in the world of rock n' roll.  Well, they may care about their PayPal or 401K accounts.
Like a wise man once said, "If something doesn't make sense, it is  about money, someone involved  is literally crazy, or both".  I leave anyone who saw Aerosmith back at Comiskey Park in '76 to figure out which applies here.
Rating? 2/10


                                                                  Not even close!!!!!

Buddy Guy - The Very Best Of Buddy Guy

For someone on a budget who is interested in the music of this legendary artist, look no further than this single disc album. The sound and track selection here are excellent. Anyone interested in electric Chicago Blues needs to have at least one Buddy Guy album in their collection; and you can't go wrong here. There is some song overlap here with the "Chess 50th Collection" single disc compilation, but "Very Best Of" features 18 tracks over the 15 presented in the "Chess 50th Collection" cd. Plus, this disc has the great remastered sound the folks at Rhino are known for. For those of you have a few extra dollars around, I strongly suggest 2 disc set, "The Complete Chess Studio Sessions" which boasts 47 tracks!
Rating? 9/10

Iggy Pop - Live At The Avenue B

No one, I repeat, no one puts as much energy into his performance as Iggy Pop. This dvd is no exception. Iggy is much more energetic and animated than the recent DVD release with the Stooges from Detroit. The camera shots here are great and this has got to be one of the best sounding dvds I have. The show can be played in either 5.1 surround or straight 2 channel stereo (10 out of 10 soundboard recording). Anytime you get a concert dvd, one key rating factor is "rerun" value (ie how many times will you end up watching the dvd more than once). I have had this dvd about 1 week and must have cued it up at least 10 times. Even if I'm not watching, I just crank it up and enjoy the music. Even without the video, the audio alone would make this one of the best Iggy live recordings in my collection; "Avenue B" is that good. You like electric guitar? Whitey Kurst is a killer guitarist. With a second guitarist on board to handle the rhythm chores, Whitey justs rips it up throughout the show. Some of the best lead guitar you will here this side of Slash. The only beef I have is the constantly changing camera shots. The camera shot literally changes about every 1-3 seconds which can become a little annoying after awhile.
So as far as the purchase goes.... For longtime fans? A no brainer here.  For anyone, I mean anyone interested in what Iggy is all about, you can start here and be happy. This is rock, real music....not pop, not dance, not hip-hop, or yes, not even punk...this is open up and bleed rock n' roll as only Iggy Pop can do it. I love it.....        
Rating? 9/10

UFO - Lights Out (Live 1977 w/ Michael Schenker)

A bit of a departure from my album "review" format here.   I'm gonna post some of my favorite video clips now and then.  These videos are deep, layered, not veneer as Ian Astbury would say.  They move me in different ways...physically, emotionally,  spiritually, head bangingly etc, etc. Hitting you down deep is what music can do.  Music can pull you up, or take you down.  Music can console you or toss you into a dark place.  Music  can make you smile.  Music  can make you weep.
To strike those various  feelings and emotions is the purpose behind the soon to be posted videos.  Sometimes they just make you sit up and say "God damn!, kick ass! & rock on!"  So why should you watch?
Mainly because I say so; and maybe a little bit of inspiration or something like it  may rub off.  It may even smell good!
 So I give you the first installment. If you play guitar (even Guitar Hero), appreciate electric guitar or appreciate rock music in general, this is a must.  For me, it does not get any better..... divine inspiration through a Gibson Flying V.    And please, don't take off points for punctuation or poor syntax.
I give you The Mad Axeman!!!

Eric Gales - Crystal Vision

If you're a guitar player and your tastes lean toward blues, hard rock or metal adding this album to you collection is a done deal. Gale's guitar work blends together the technical expertise of Joe Satriani, the wild fury of Buddy Guy along with the soul & blues power of Jimi Hendrix & Stevie Ray Vaughn (just to name a few, you get the idea). And tone?...killer guitar tone right up front and in your face. The production job and overall sound is tremendous. I have all of Eric Gale's albums and "Crystal Vision" is by far the best of the lot. Where Eric Gale's guitar playing on previous albums has been steeped primarily in blues/rock, "Crystal Vision" blends in heavy chunks of metal and solid "crystals" of funk while still being true to his blues roots. Anyone familiar with Stevie Salas, think of a Stevie Salas album with better vocals, better songs & yes, as good if not better guitar work. My personal favorite is the cover of the old Joe South song, "Hush" (also covered by Deep Purple back in the late 60's). Gale's version here actually shows Ritchie Blackmore a thing or two.
If you're a fan of the previously mentioned artists (Hendrix, Vaughn, Satriani, Salas, Guy) or just a fan of great guitar albums, get this album ASAP!  It has been in my car cd player for about a week now and ain't goin' anywhere soon. I highly recommend it.
Rating? 9/10

  

ZZ TOP - Rancho Texicano: Very Best of ZZ Top

I own both this 2 cd collection and the "Chrome, Smoke & BBQ" 4 cd box. If you are a casual ZZ Top fan or want to add a ZZ Top album to your collection, this 2 cd set is the way to go. The sound is superb and track selection excellent. "Rancho Texicano" flat out smokes any previous ZZ Top "greatest/best of" package of 2 cds or less. Plus, I praise the "Gods" of boogie for not including ZZ Top's worst song ever, "Heaven, Hell Or Houston", here. If you are more than a casual ZZ Top fan, bordering on or crossing into die-hard territory (like me) skip this set and drop the extra cash on the box set. The Moving Sidewalks tracks are a must. And, even though disc four of the box is a little weaker than the previous three, it is still essential ZZ Top. Finally, if you have the extra cash around, buy both!

"Rancho Texicano" is much more user friendly for the car.
Rating? 10/10

The Dictators - Viva Dictators

If you've made it this far and are a Dictators fan, shame on you for even needing a review to convince you to buy this! Are you hesitating because of the price? How much have you spent on Dictators albums in the last 25 years? Maybe you're hesitating because you're concerned about terrible sound or a lousy performance. Well, the sound is suberb (a great production job by Shernoff) and the performance flat out rocks. (I'd like to add.....this is not iPod music. This is 200 watts a channel and at least 10" woofers to move some serious air music). The major bonus here is the killer versions of the "Go Girl Crazy" songs. Even the remastered version of the studio album leaves much to be diesired. The songs on this live album finally do those 25 year old tracks justice. Satisfied? So add it to cart now or go to zShops and save a few cents. If you've made it this far on curiosity & your music collection is lacking in the Dictator's department, this album is the album to get. "Viva!" is a great representation of what this band is all about. After one listen you'll be adding all the studio releases to your collection fairly quickly.
I only have a few minor "issues" to bring up. So, if you are not a fan of the band already, just skip my ranting below, buy the cd and come back to read this later. Ok? The below may be considered blasphemy and I may burn for it. But I need to get them off.
The only beef I have about the sound is the imbalance in the guitar mix. Ross's guitar in the right channel is set on about "10" while Top Ten's guitar in the left channel is set on about "7"; and this is a very picky, long time fans criticism.
Second, this is not a true live album per se rather than a collection of live songs. Songs put together with very little between song chatter and audience participation. Some songs actually fade out to silence. All this gives the album more of a "live in the studio" than audience live recording feel. The last song "Cars & Girls" was recorded at an audience free sound check and sounds no different than the rest of the album. I was really hoping to hear a few between song sermons from Manitoba and it was not to be.
Lastly, no music from "Manifest Destiny". This may be a contractual issue however and not an oversight by the band.
But the one thing that overshadow's all my nitpicking is Ross The Boss (Manowar). If you have all the albums on vinyl, then you know where I'm coming from. Ross's playing here blends the ferocity of the Stooges James Williamson with the melodic playing of "Buck Dharma" with a little bit of Ace Frehley thrown in. He's never, never, never, never, never sounded better.
That's it.....        
Rating? 10/10

Chuck Berry - Definitive Collection

The "Box Set", "Anthology", "Great 28"....I've got most of them. So, when I picked this up for the car cd player I was not expecting much, especially with the word "remastered" added to the title. Boy was I wrong. What hit me hardest about this collection is the clarity of Berry's guitar. The tone & "reverb" seem more full & upfront than other Berry collections. Also a few other sonic improvements: it seems Johnny Johnson's keyboards are a bit clearer than other releases, Berry's vocals seem a bit brighter with more range & tone, & finally 30 tracks (everyone of them a winner). Not much can be added to Berry's legacy that hasn't been said already. The songs are classics and the foundation of rock & roll. The question here is which collection or best of release to purchase. While other multi-disc collections may be a bit more in depth, this one is a sure fire winner if you only have the cash for one disc. "Definitive Collection" has the exact same tracks as "The Great 28" but adds two great songs "Promise Land" and "My Ding-A-Ling" (more of a novelty song, but hit none the less) making it the single disc compilation of choice. No way you can go wrong with this one. Rating? 10/10
Rating? 10/10

Ron Wood - Anthology: The Essential Crossexion

It is impossible to appreciate Ron Wood's music and muscianship to the fullest without the context of the original albums. Buying every single album Ron Wood has ever been part of, however, is obviously not cost effective for the casual fan. So the compilation "albums" are the next best thing. Every music fan needs to have a little Woodie in their collection. That being said, "Essential Crossexion" is arguably the best Ron Wood compilation available; & a great place to start a Ron Wood collection for someone on a budget. The track selection here is phenomenal. The songs span from his early career as a bassist with Jeff Beck to guitarist & Keith's foil in the Stones. The sound quality is very, very good and a definite upgrade if you have some of this music on the original cd releases or even vinyl. The great thing about this is you can use this album as a springboard to explore Wood's individual albums or work with his other bands. My personal favorites are "I've Got My Own Album To Do" and the best album the Stones never did, "Gimme Some Neck"; both feature Keith Richard too. For fans out there who already have some of Wood's cds, get "Crossexion" for playing in the car (especially if you are too lazy, like me, to compile your own disc from the original album cds). ****Finally, this title has been released in three versions, two import & one domestic, all relatively the same. I recommend doing a price search for all three and purchase the one with the best price.****
Rating? 9/10

Faces - Five Guys Walk Into a Bar (4CD Box Set)

"Yes, Sit On My Faces!!!!" This four disc retrospective is a must have for any Faces, Rod Stewart or Ronnie Wood fan (etc., etc.). We're treated to all the best songs as well as previously unissued tracks including studio rehearsals and superbly recorded BBC live tracks. All digitally remastered by the "masters" at Rhino. These songs have never sounded better! This set does not follow the standard chronological order of many box sets and does not fall prey to the expanded greatest hits package either. The tracklist was put together by Ian McLagan himself. Although the song order may seem a bit disjointed at first; it really keeps the listener interested and the music flowing quite well. No need to go into details about the band itself, because chances are if you're reading this you are already a Faces fan. A fan who wishes there was more Faces music out there for consumption. A fan who wishes Rod Stewart would "rock" again. A fan who hopes Ronnie Wood would quit posing and crank out the guitar again. Well this set answers at least one of those wishes in a big way. Don't let the price scare you off, you can not take the $$$$$$$ with you anyway. So you need to pick this one up ASAP and don't look back. you will not regret it! One last thing...for a Faces "newcomer", you're best bet is to purchase the single disc album, "The Best Of Faces: Good Boys When They're Asleep". If after a few listens of that disc, you want more, then opt for this box. Some of the studio jams and very raw rehearsal tracks (borderline bootleg quality) on this four disc set might be a little much for the casual Faces listener. All in all the best box sets I've ever purchased!
Rating? 10/10

Ted Nugent - Sweden Rocks: Live 2006

A great live set from Ted and his backing band, Dokken members bassist Barry Sparks and drummer Mick Brown. Some reviews here have criticized Ted's vocals. Sure, Nugent is more of a "vocal stylist" than a singer; but I don't buy Ted's albums for his vocals. I get them for Nugent's ferocious and (still) gonzo guitar playing. There is plenty of killer ax work on this live set to keep even the most dedicated Nugent fan happy. The main issue I have is the mix and production (or lack of it). Ted's vocals are set up way too high in the mix. Ted's guitar should be set at "11" not his vocals. If the vocals are indeed at "11", Ted's guitar seems to be set at "8" and the rest of the band at "6" or "7". The album also seems very under-produced leaving the overall vibe of the album a bit subdued. "Sweden Rocks" could almost pass for one of the "Instant Live" soundboard recordings ("Instant Live" shows are taken direct off the soundboard, recorded immediately to cd-r, and sold right after the show). With Ted's vocals so prominent in the mix, it is easy to see why his detractors are crying for Derek St. Holmes. (As an aside, Cliff Davies had more to do with Ted's "sound" than Derek's ever did). In short, a must have for any Uncle Ted fan. The Nuge shells out plenty of riffage and attitude to demand repeated listening. Newcomers, however, are best served adding "Double Live Gonzo" to their cart and taking a pass here. Rating? 6.5/10

Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac - Jumping at Shadows: The Blues Years

Fans of 60's & 70's British, White-Boy Blues bands like John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Savoy Brown, Ten Years After and The Yardbirds need to look no further for the summit of the genre's Mount Olympus. If you see "Fleetwood Mac" an expect Stevie Nicks and AOR orientated pop music, just hit the back button on your browser now. This is not your sister's Fleetwood Mac & Peter Green wasn't called the "Green God" for nothing. Green is arguably the best "white" blues guitarists ever, heck one of the best blues guitarist ever, period! There is not a weak track in the lot; and the sound is very good. So if you enjoy the @ss-kickin' blues of Kim Simmonds, Alvin Lee, Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor etc...you owe it to yourself to get this album ASAP. There is absolutely no way you will regret it
Rating? 9.5/10

KISS - Alive! Box Set

I was hesitant to purchase this box set since I already own the first three "Alive" albums on cd (not to mention the first 2 on vinyl). I decided to make the purchase based on the inclusion of the Millennium Concert, the great price and having all the albums in the same place. I do not believe "Alive III" was ever remastered, so the sound improvement here is very noticeable. What pleasantly surprised me was the better sound on "Alive I & II". I did a side by side with "Alive! Box Set" cds and the 2 disc remastered sets of "Alive I & II". I found these new recordings to sound clearer, brighter, louder (when played at the same volume level), and to have more concert hall ambiance and overall punch when compared to the 2 disc "remastered" versions. The differences I heard immediately were Criss's drums & Gene's bass on the "Alive!" album giving my car subwoofer a much better workout. While the sound improvement on these first two "Alive!" albums might seem like a slight "tweak" to some, the ears of dedicated KISS fans will really appreciate the improvement.

So, for the music fan who does not own any Kiss albums, shame on you! This is a great place to start; four great live cds in one collection at a very reasonable price. For any KISS fan wondering if this set is worth the money, ask yourself one question, "Do you want the best?" I thought so....
Rating? 9/10

Rainbow - Catch the Rainbow: The Anthology

Most anthology or best of collections often miss the mark. They only include a certain period of the band's career or just flat out omit some of the best songs due to lisencing & legal tangles. What makes this collection of Rainbow songs so great is it covers every period of the band's development and includes most of the best songs. The two discs offer selections from each of the great vocalists who fronted the band: Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet & Joe Lynn Turner. All three may be included in the list of top rock vocalist of all-time. Oh, did I mention Ritchie Blackmore, former Deep Purple axeman and one of the best rock guitarists ever? Blackmore's playing here may be considered a bit tame to some (from a heavy metal perspective) compared to his days in Purple, but in fact his fretboard work is no less awe inspiring and brilliant. The set includes a whopping 28 tracks. The remastering is phenomenal. These songs have never sounded better. Throw in a real nice 16 page booklet and you have a real winner here. I recommend the "Rainbow Anthology" to any rock music fan who wants to add some of this band's great music to their collection. Since most people can not afford to buy every Rainbow album, start here ASAP. Highest possible recommendation.
Rating? 9.5/10

Little Walter - His Best : The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection

For someone on a budget who is interested in the music of this legendary artist, look no further than this single disc album. The sound and track selection here are excellent. Anyone interested in the blues needs to have at least one Little Walter album in their collection and you can't go wrong here. Another option is Chess's "The Best Of Little Walter" which features only 12 tracks compared to the 20 presented here (personally I give a huge nod to this cd based on track slection, overall sound & price). But for those of you who have a few extra dollars around, I strongly suggest passing on both single disc releases and opt for the 2 disc set "Essential Little Walter" on the MCA/Chess label. "The Essential" boasts 46 tracks and is more comprehensive than either single disc release. It may be out-of-print, but well worth the find.
Rating?  10/10

Queen + Paul Rodgers - Return Of The Champions

Can the soulful & smooth vocals of Paul Rodgers fill the void left by the operatic & theatrical singing of Freddie Mercury? Can the "band" Queen, play classic Free & Bad Company songs and still be faithful to the originals? Can these "oldtimers" still kick out the jams? Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!
I was shocked and more than pleasantly suprised by how good this album really is. Paul Rodgers has been around for quite some time and his voice has never sounded better; and with so few really quality live recordings of Mr. Rodgers over the years, it is really a treat to hear him stretch his cords live (I apologize in advance to all the fans of Glenn Hughes, but Paul Rodgers is indeed the "voice of rock"). While no one on this planet can ever replace Mr. Mercury, Rodgers adds his own "touch" to the Queen songs. What you get is songs which really pay tribute to the original versions. Oh, and the band "Queen"?
They play through the entire set flawlessly, handling both the Free and Bad Company songs with ferocity & grace. Brain May is arguably one of rock's all time great guitarist and this recording only enhances his status (I apologize again to the late great Mr. Kosoff, Mr. Ralphs and yes, even Mr. Page, and this statement may border on blasphemy, but Paul Rodgers has never been backed by a finer fretboard wizard than Brian May). Lastly, the energy & emotion put into this performance is extraordinary. You would never guess these were "past middle age" men whipping out rockers like "Tie Your Mother Down" & "All Right Now".
And I would like to add, which for me, was the most "heartfelt" portion of the album. I think longtime Queen fans will agree.
Brian May states between songs, Freddie Mercury's mom in in the audience. For the song "Bohemian Rhapsody"...we here Freddie Mercury's voice singing from the original song. The band is playing live to it in the backround. When Freddie sings the words of the songs "momma, I don't wan't to die", I almost began to weep. Hey, I'm not afraid to admit it. It was one of the most emotional moments I have every heard on a rock recording.
For Queen fans, the album is a must for that single song alone.
My only minor beef, and I mean minor, but enough to give the album a 4 1/2 star rating instead of 5 is the overall sound and mix of the album. The vocals and harmonies are clear up front in the mix and truely amazing, but the instruments seem to be far back and just a little muddy. May's playing is killer and it just does not come through the way I believe it should. But hey, that's just me! Any fan of Free, Bad Company or Queen (heck any fan of rock music!) must add this to cart NOW!! I guarantee you will not be disappointed. For any newcomers who have heard of these great artists? Add this to cart now too....let these "boys" show you how rock is meant to be played.
Rating? 8/10

The Dictators - Everyday Is Saturday

This is not your usual "demos" & "unreleased" package which usually contains scraps or pieces of half finished songs and throw aways. Norton has compiled a first rate release of great and "complete" songs (yes a few radio promos too) which span the bands entire career. Yes, some of the tracks have "lo-fi" sound issues, but still would be considered very good to excellent by bootleg/Hot Wacks standards. Most of the tracks here sound phenomenal, so don't let the "small time" label release scare you away. The ultimate bonus here is the original demo recordings for the "Bloodbrothers" album.
With the exception of the Flamin' Groovies tune "Slow Death", the entire "Bloodbrothers" album is present here!
Ross the Boss & Top Ten flat out rip through the entire set; songs like "Faster & Louder" and "Borneo Jimmy" have so much energy, they may even be better than the "official" releases.
I can not stress enough how pleased I am with this album (10 stars if I could). I have been a fan of this band for over 30 years and I rank "Everyday Is Saturday" right up there with every other album. With so little Dictators material out there, ya' gotta snag this one before it goes MIA.
My strongest recommendation!
Rating? 10/10

Michael Schenker Group - Chrysalis Years 1980 - 1984 (5CD Box Set)

                                                                       
 For an introduction into Michael Schenker's early post-UFO career, this release is an excellent and economical place to start. But, due to the fact the live material is nothing special, buying the studio albums with more numerous bonus tracks, original artwork and packaging may be a better option for committed Schenker fans. If you can find the BGO remasters or want to drop the extra cash on the Japanese pressings, they are definitely the way to go.
One last thing. The packaging is TERRIBLE! The cd case is specially designed to hold all 5 discs. It is the old fashioned "fat" double jewel case with 2 additional fold out trays; and it is poorly designed and extremely fragile (The UFO "Chrysalis Years" is the same way). If the case is damaged, good luck finding a replacement. My UFO case arrived with several cracks, but it was still functional. I ordered the Schenker box from Amazon. The item was just placed in an oversized box without any packing material to protect it. The item was just banging around inside an oversized box during shipping. Consequently, every disc had come loose inside and the case was shattered in about 3-4 places. Be very careful where you purchase this and attempt to request an extra layer of protection from the shipper/place of purchase.  Rock on!

Rating? 7.5/10

The Cult - Choice Of Weapon

As a long time Cultist, a fan who owns all the bands albums and box sets, including all the Instant Live Recordings from about a half a decade back (I know, you're happy for me), I feel I can speak with some authority as well as write a excellent run on sentence. COW is an obvious return to form when you compare it to the last "pink" release, I forgot the name, in which Billy Duffy was sonically MIA, Ian sounded winded, the songs were well below par for the band and most importantly it did not respect "The Rock".
Personally, I may hear more of a rebirth, reincarnation or regeneration having listened to COW about 5 times over now (and listening at a reasonably loud volume, through real speakers. The Cult are not an earbud, mp3 player band). The songs, their sound, the mix, the lyrics and the entire vibe of the album seems to incorporate everything the band has ever done...including the early Death Cult albums. COW for me, moves the band to an entirely new level...more mature & less pretentious while still being able to rock out and have something important to say. So, if you are a Cult fan, this album is pretty much a done deal (I got mine at Best Buy yesterday for $9.99 and it is the 2 disc version). I rate it 4th in the same tier as "Electric", "Love" and "Sonic Temple". Because I have a tendency to listen with my "Electric" tinted glasses, I rate COW at 4.5 stars instead of 5. If you are more of a "Love" person, then it may rate a 5. 'Nuff said on that point if you really know this band. For new fans, this is really an excellent place to start. "Place to start" is a phrase very few older rock bands can boast on their current releases. After spending a few weeks digesting this release, you can move back in time to the 3 albums mentioned previously.
And last of all with no disrespect to Jamie or Matt, this is the best rhythm section the band has ever had.
So either add to cart or head over to Best Buy before they close up for good!
****Car experience update - Having listened on my Bose computer speakers for the first half a dozen or so listens, I did not realize how "loud" this recording is. In loud I mean sonically challenged, similar to Metallica's "Death Magnetic". I have read the dynamic range on this recording is very low and some have used the term "brickwalled". I really needed to turn the volume down in my car considerably and found my ears a bit "pissed off" after about 20 minutes of listening. Again, no slam on the music, just the overall "listening experience". I am interested to read if anyone else has noticed this or has any thoughts.....rock on!****
Rating? 8.5/10    

Motorhead - Motorizer

Just popped this in the car cd player last week and felt the need to share the Lemmy!

My Review:
Lemmy must have been into heavy doses of the Ramones while recording this album, because his love for the band is quite evident throughout "Motorizer". In fact there is a fast paced, "punk" rock vibe to many of the songs here in the "Goin' To Brazil" & "R.A.M.O.N.E.S" vein. "Rock Out" does exactly what it promises and then some. Mickey Dee's drumming propels the album from start to finish without pause (no slowed down ballads here). Dee is arguably the best drummer in rock/metal and he proves it here. And friggin' Phil, the man never ceases to amaze me; his playing just keeps getting better. Phil takes his own chops, blends in a wee-wee bit of Chuck Berry, a heavy dose of Thin Lizzy era Brian Robertson (Phil's wah wah pedal tone is killer on this album) and consequently churns out guitar solos and fills that are short, sweet and very wicked.  Then you have Lemmy.....'nuff said. I am a longtime fan dating back to the vinyl days. I would hesitate to put "Motorizer" up there with classics like "Overkill" and "Ace Of Spades", but it is darn close.
A great place to start for a newcomer to the band and a definite "add to cart" for current Motorhead fans.
Rating? 9/10 

American Dog - Poison Smile

In honor of one of the best unknown bands in America, my first post will be a re-post (from my other place) of the new American Dog album "Poison Smile".  Check these guys out if they visit your town; and support them and buy their stuff!  They rock!   Here's where you need to go....American Dog Website.

First of all, this review is based on the sound of the actual cd. A cd album which is fraggin' unbelievable. I am listening to "Old Dog" right now and how American Dog managed to channel ZZ Top, Brownsville Station, Uncle Ted and Rocks era Aerosmith with their own beer drenched twist is beyond me! This really, really rocks....foot stompin' rocks. If you prefer Budweiser and burgers over microbrew beers and sushi....this one is for you!!
The overall sonic quality and production is really great too. I hear a lot of Martin Birch type production from those classic albums by Deep Purple and Iron Maiden; and, other "old school" albums like Powerage by AC/DC and, like I mentioned previously, Jack Douglas/Rocks era Aerosmith. The guitars form a wall right in your face and you can separate each one of them. The drums are centered perfectly just behind the wall of guitars. The drummer seems to have a simple, grooving John Bonham type approach that fits in well. Hannon's vocals blend in the mix seamlessly....no to low, not too high, just right in there with the guitars.
The bass seem more subtle and deeper...lower frequency than previous albums. Yet when you single it out it is right there in your face like a Joe Frazier left hook.
All the instruments and vocals seem to be separated and mix perfectly
with none overpowering the other.
And then the songs! I love the Motorhead type guitar solo breaks! A lot more bluesy based solos and riffs. The entire album seems to have more of a bar room boogie swagger which I assume anything involving a bar suits this band just fine!
And last but not least.....after listening to the new Cult album "Choice Of Weapon" in all its brickwalled sonic glory for the last week, an album that is just way, way too loud with no Dynamic Range, this album just sounds good. 70's-80's era rock n' roll with 2012 production...if that makes sense. Great job!!
Rating? 8/10      

Dr. Woj - The Spin Off

Well, after being at this blog stuff for a week or so, I felt the need to distance my reviews and opinions on  music and the occasional book from my everyday midnight rambling.  So here it is, "Dr. Woj - The Reviews"!  Respect the rock and rock on!