Ted Nugent - Ultralive Ballisticrock (2CD/DVD Set)

First, this review is mainly about the 2 cds and the music. I have not even cued up the dvd yet. But for $15 I spent over on Amazon, I consider the dvd a bonus.  Second I have been a fan since I bought "Tooth, Fang, & Claw" on vinyl back in '74.
So I have some "cred" regarding Uncle Ted.

Ok, here we go....
Ted has almost as many, if not more live recordings, than he does studio albums. Yes, he does rely almost exclusively on his "back catalog". Yes, his voice is not what it once was. But at 63 years of age, Ted and his band can wipe most bands 1/3 their age off the stage......literally, figuratively, spiritually and physically. Unlike several past live efforts, Ted has Derek St. Holmes back on board. While Ted has underplayed Derek's importance over the years, fans know how important Derek is to Ted's "classic" sound. Derek's presence is what really makes this recording stand out.
Not much more to write about the songs, since most are considered "oldies"; and are familiar with most listeners. I will say they are delivered with a ferocity, competence and attitude missing from many of Ted's past live efforts. The sound quality is fantastic and the mix is excellent.
I do wish Ted would turn up Derek's guitar in the mix though. Derek is an above average player and letting us hear his guitar would definitely help round out the sound. Ted's playing is pretty much spot on throughout, although in some songs, like "Fred Bear", he lacks a bit of restraint; and attempts to play at a speed a bit outside of his extensive skill set. But I digress and nit pick.

My only beef, or should I say venison, is not so much Ted's political rants, but lack of new material. I find Ted's between song chatter and guitar riffing one of the benefits of his live experience. Ted's rants are entertaining, informative and often hilarious. But, if you are going to rant and rave with such intensity and frequency, use the content for lyrics to new songs! C'mon Uncle Ted! You can do better than one average mid-tempo rocker, repeating the lyrics "I Still Believe" over & over & over & over & over again ad nauseam, almost forcing the listener to hit forward button. Finally, the previously mentioned "Fred Bear". I may be in the minority, but can Ted consider putting his "spirit" to rest? Maybe it's just the version on this recording.  Ted's playing is way out of control here  and not in a good way.  He's no Joe Satriani and should really stay outta Shredsville.  Another one where I could almost not resist the forward button. But hey, maybe it is just me.  We'll wait until the next live album to pass final judgement.

So if you are an Uncle Ted fan, this is a most worthy addition. Arguably his second best live effort behind "Double Live Gonzo".
Get ready to crank up those speakers....ear buds or overpriced headphones will not do this album justice.     Rating? 7.5/10

                                                                         












   

Motorhead "Aftershock" - Heavy and Hard Rock 'N' Roll

Okee-dokey....not much to really write here, because if you're a Motorhead fan you already have this album or will very soon regardless of what you read here.
 If you are not a Motorhead fan (you should be), and for whatever reason have made it here, you basically have two factions of the band to explore: Motorhead with "Fast" Eddie Clarke and Motorhead post "Fast Eddie".  "Ace Of Spades" is your starting point for the prior. "AOS"  may be one of the best hard rock n' roll records ever. But  I digress.... My point is with "Aftershock", you arguably have the best post "Fast Eddie" album the band has ever done; and considering there have been about 15 studio albums without him, that is saying a lot.   Phil Campbell has become one of the best rock n' roll metal players on the planet.  He can go from crushing thrash rhythms to ultra-tasty Chuck Berry licks effortlessly.
Mickey Dee is arguably one of the best rock drummers around, so have your sub-woofers ready.  Earbuds are not an option here folks.    And finally, Lemmy on vocals and bass.....'nuff said.
No track by track synopsis, because Lemmy says it best:  "We are Motorhead.  We play Rock 'N' Roll".   With "Aftershock" you have the ultimate heavy metal, hard rock, rock 'n' roll record.  So if you like in your face, ear buzzing rock 'n' roll, what are you waiting for?
Rating? 10/10

                                                                                                                                             

                                                                           

CLUTCH - EARTH ROCKER

My favorite album for the month of July.  $hit,  all summer for that matter.  Clutch's newest offering can best described as heavy metal, stoner, hard  rock, blues. I hear Motorhead, Howlin' Wolf, Aerosmith even a tinge of  Zappa  mixed in with Clutch's unique sound.  Fallon's vocals on the title track are growling with attitude and set the pace for this killer album.  Recommended!
Rating? 9.5/10

Michael Schenker - Temple Of Rock: Live In Europe Limited Deluxe Edition

First let me say I was blown away by old good the old boys sounded. Ex-Scorpions (if you can call them "ex" since the band has not been the same since they left, but I digress as usual) Herman Rarebell on drums and Francis Buchholz on bass lay down a phenomenal rhythm and bottom end allowing Schenker to perform his magic. Michael's playing has been extremely inconsistent over the years, but not here. The sound, performance and track list are all worthy of 5 stars. The last thing I wanted to mention is the video/dvd. When Michael plays his solos, you actually see Michael play the solos....no ADHD, one second view, over-editing.
Yeah a short review, but if you are a Schenker, UFO, and/or Scorpions fan, this is one of the biggest no brainers I have ever reviewed. A hard rock must have (at least get the 2 CD Set!).  I gotta get one of those Bitchin' Flying V's too!!!
Rating? 9/10