When Irish Eyes Are Smiling...

Blarney Castle - County Cork, Ireland

In an effort to understand the drinking brigade that is St. Patrick's Day... I thought I would look up what the actual facts are surrounding the day...and find some really good Irish music to complement it...

7 Facts About St. Patrick's Day...

1) St. Patrick, contrary to popular belief, was not Irish...He was born in Britain, and didn't lead a religious life until his teenage years...

2) When St. Patrick was 14, he was captured and taken to Ireland, where he was kept in slavery for six years and made to herd sheep.  After he was freed, He returned to Ireland in his 30's when he was part of a missionary of Celtic pagans.

3) In order to achieve sainthood, St. Patrick had to have miracles attributed to him.  He is said to have driven serpents out of Ireland.  Skeptics argue that there never were snakes in post-glacial Ireland.

4) Green was not the original color associated with St. Patrick... In Ireland, green was traditionally considered to be an unlucky color and the hue that was associated with St. Patrick was blue...

5) St. Patrick is said to have died on March 17, 461 AD, which is why the holiday is celebrated on that day.  It is a national holiday in Ireland and the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean...

6) Popular Irish toast for St. Patrick's Day... "May the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends beneath it never fall out"...

7) The first St. Patrick's Day parade in the United States took place in 1762 in New York City.  Now there are over 100 St. Patrick's Day parades throughout the country.  The city of Chicago is known for their festivities and has been dying the Chicago River green since 1962...

So... there you have it... some fun facts for your brain to devour...now... in the music department... here are some things Irish you may want to give a listen to in honor of the day...

This could be our mini "Sonic Flashback"...released March 26, 1976 it's the record that broke Thin Lizzy in America and contains the title song and the hit "The Boys Are Back In Town"... A deluxe edition was released in 2011 with a second disc of remixes, live recordings from the BBC and some rough mixes of earlier tracks...

Admittedly...not a fan of U2...but you can't argue with the success of this record released in March of 1987... It was the record that turned this Irish band from international touring act to bonafide superstars... It has sold more than 10 million copies in the US alone... 

Former Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore made a name for himself as a premier blues guitarist, but really is a master at any genre he plays... I chose this record because it contains his commentary on all the bands [such as Kingdom Come...] who copied Led Zeppelin's sound.  It also has Ozzy on vocals.. this is "Led Clones"...

Hands down...one of the most photogenic families on the planet...the Corrs are Irish siblings Jim [guitar, piano, keyboards, vocals], Andrea [lead vocals, tin whistle], Sharon [violin, vocals] and Caroline [drums, percussion, bodhran, piano and vocals]... They can all sing and play and I have been a fan since the release of their debut "Forgiven, Not Forgotten" in 1995...  I chose "Home" which was released in 2005 because it pays tribute to their Irish roots..

You could celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Northern Ireland's favorite son Van Morrison... His is a mix of jazz, blues, R&B and Irish influences throughout his work... Always a favorite...

One thing I did learn in my research was that St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador, the easternmost province of Canada... and that gives me great pleasure to add to my list the outstanding Newfoundland group Great Big Sea...combining traditional Irish songs and rock using modern and traditional instruments very successfully this band really should be bigger than it is... Nonetheless... Give 'em a listen...

Another favorite for the Irish holiday and our last entry... Riverdance, written by Limerick native Bill Whelan, began as an interval performance at the 1994 Eurovision song contest and went on to become an international sensation [and also made dancer Michael Flatley famous...].  The theatrical show consisted of Irish stepdancing set to music in traditional Irish style... It was an amazing show and I had the fortune to see it on Broadway many many years ago... The music is uplifting and definitely will complement what ever it is you raise to toast today...

And Now...For This Week's Sonic Flashback...[And Since St. Patrick Was British...Here's One Of Britain's Most Famous Bands...]

Pink Floyd - The Final Cut

Roger Waters - Bass, Lead Vocals
David Gilmour - Guitars, Vocals on "Not Now John"
Nick Mason - Drums, Percussion

Released on March 21, 1983, Pink Floyd's follow up to "The Wall" featured a trimmed down line-up [Keyboard player Richard Wright was no longer a member of the band by then, as he was sacked before "The Wall" tour...] and became a hinge pin to the falling out of band mates Roger Waters and David Gilmour, as they reached a point where they could no longer work together.  Roger Waters was credited solely for all material on the album, and would leave the band after it's release.  No tour would materialize for the album.  Waters would also sing lead on all but one of the tracks, leading some to comment that it was more of a Waters solo record and not a Pink Floyd record.

I remember when MTV was doing their "World Premiere Video" thing and they did a big build up for a song called "When The Tigers Broke Free" from "The Final Cut"...but I couldn't understand at the time [I was 14...and without the internet...oh the shame...] why it was never on the album... What I found out later was that "The Final Cut" was intended to be a soundtrack to the film "Pink Floyd The Wall" with re-recorded tracks and original songs from the movie [of which "Tigers" was...].   The working title was "Spare Bricks"... They remastered and re-released the album in 2004 and the song appears on this release.

Roger Waters used "The Final Cut" to criticize England and in particular, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for the conflict in the Falkland Islands, citing the conflict as unnecessary.  Waters dedicated the album to his father, who died in World War II.  The focus is also on Roger Waters obsession with his father's death in that war.  The record is considered an "anti-war concept album"...This was the heart of the discontent for the band as Waters had a singular vision for the record and Gilmour and Mason weren't really excited to get on board with it.  This led to separately recording the parts of the album and having the producers [James Guthrie, Michael Kamen and Roger Waters] piecing it all together.  

Reviews of the record are certainly polarizing... ranging from very positive to absolutely horrendous and everything in between.  To be fair, it did start out as a "soundtrack" album for "Pink Floyd The Wall" movie, so it's not a traditional album in it's use of dialogue and sound effects.  It is a very well recorded and produced record, and there are some really good songs on there ["Not Now John" is a favorite of mine...] but in order to appreciate the album and the history surrounding it... you need to dust this one off...

David Gilmour would go on to his solo work starting with "About Face" in 1984, and Roger Waters' "The Pros And Cons Of Hitchhiking" also came out that year.  Pink Floyd [essentially David Gilmour and Nick Mason] would return with "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason" in 1987.  Sometimes the best music comes from difficult circumstances... 

Better Late Than Never...Sometimes The Budget Only Allows For So Much...

For the record...I purchase every album I promote and talk about...gone are the days where promos would find their way into my collection...That said...sometimes the budget doesn't always allow for me to pick up everything I want on their release date... [bills do have to be paid you know...]... So here is this week's pick...

Seventh Key - I Will Survive

Billy Greer - Bass, Lead Vocals

Mike Slamer - Guitars, Keyboards, Programming

Chet Wynd - Drums

[with an uncredited appearance by David Ragsdale - Violin]

Seventh Key is a band formed around Kansas/Streets bassist Billy Greer and City Boy/Streets/Steelhouse Lane guitarist Mike Slamer.  After working on two albums in Streets with Kansas' original singer Steve Walsh, Greer joined Kansas with Walsh when Walsh returned to the fold for their "Power" record in 1986.  Slamer went on to to do TV scores and formed another band Steelhouse Lane which produced two outstanding melodic rock albums and did a solo record with Terry Brock on vocals called Slamer... Got it?...

Seventh Key released their self-titled first record to rave reviews in 2001 and continued the trend with the follow up "The Raging Fire" in 2004.  Production and writing on the new record started in 2008 but do to other commitments it took a little longer finish and record.  The style is pure melodic rock at it's finest, and the third record maintains the quality of the first two, as Mike Slamer is a studio perfectionist and wouldn't release the album until he was satisfied with it... and the results are excellent.  

The sound of Seventh Key is definitely influenced by Greer's association with Kansas and the debut record actually contained some songs that were demo'd for the "Power" record, but not used.  On the new record Greer enlists Kansas band mate David Ragsdale for a few of the songs, but he remains uncredited for some [contract?] reason...Mike Slamer is an outstanding musician and in keeping with the style the guitar solos are tasteful and not over the top.  Songs have a melodic rock feel with a progressive edge to it.  And at no time does the musicianship get in the way of the song.

Overall if you are a fan of Kansas, melodic rock, or just a fan of great songwriting and playing this record will satisfy your needs.  Overall the response to "I Will Survive" in the melodic rock community has been overwhelmingly positive and this record is definitely worth seeking out.  This is one of those records I wish I had grabbed when it was released [If my memory serves... I picked up the deluxe package of Dream Theater's "Live At Luna Park" and that broke the budget that week...].  But...sometimes better late than never.  Another challenge when picking up new releases is finding the time to sit down and absorb it all... and the timing on this one since I was late in procuring it worked out great... Enjoy...

New Releases...Coming Soon To A Medium Near You!!...

UFO - The Complete Studio Albums 1974-1986

A release that would make Eddie Trunk proud...the Complete UFO album collection from 1974-1986.  This collection is something that if you have the original first 10 albums...you will want to pick this one up for the 40 b-sides, rare bonus material and live tracks.  From "Phenomenon" to "Misdemeanor" and all the UFO classics in between... [Rhino Records] [Out 3/18]

Saxon - The Complete Studio Albums 1979-1988

Rhino Records gives similar treatment to the Saxon collection with their first 10 records remastered and expanded with bonus material on "The Complete Studio Albums 1979-1988." Covering "Saxon" from '79 through "Destiny" from '88... I have a been a fan of Saxon since seeing them live at my very first concert as the opener for Sabbath... [Rhino Records] [Out 3/18]

Gus G. - I Am The Fire

Ozzy/Firewind guitarist Gus G. releases his first solo record this week with a host of guests [Therion/Yngwie's Mats Leven, Megadeth's Dave Ellefson, Winery Dogs/Mr. Big's Billy Sheehan and W.E.T./Talisman/Yngwie/ Journey vocalist Jeff Scott Soto among them...] and a classic rock/vintage metal direction that will showcase Gus G.'s songwriting and and playing.  [Century Media Records] [Out 3/18]

Also out this week is the new single from Lacuna Coil from their followup to "Dark Adrenaline"... Their latest "Broken Crown Halo" will be out on April 1st.. This is new Lacuna Coil with "Die & Rise"...

And Now...For This Week's 80's Irish Flashback Video...

The Boomtown Rats - I Don't Like Mondays...

[Singer Bob Geldof played Pink in Pink Floyd's "The Wall"...]

Thanks For Coming Along For The Ride...

J.

Always Something There To Remind Me...

If you're wondering who these fine people are in the photo above...they are my mom and dad... While I was working on the blog this week it weighed very heavy upon me that Sunday March 9th is the 5th anniversary of my mom's passing from cancer... so while putting together parts of it were easy, I found getting the main blog written was impossible... You see, I couldn't get mom off my mind and I finally figured out why...  She was a major influence on my strange and wonderful musical obsession... 

Now you're thinking...how is that?... well it's not like she spoon fed me heavy metal and hard rock [or any music I love for that matter] from birth or anything...she just simply let me...be me... When I was growing up we always had music in the house.  Dad with his country music and mom with her Bobby Vinton and Tony Orlando... So when we got a turntable for Christmas and cranked up Boston's first album...or Styx's "Grand Illusion"... she simply smiled... politely asked me to turn it down because I was making my grandmother crazy...and went about her business knowing that I was in my own world and that was ok.  I never did drugs or got in a lot of trouble and she knew the more I got involved in the music the less she would have to worry about me...

Sometimes the best way to nurture someone is not to constantly interfere or criticize, but to be more of a peripheral force in their journey... my parents bought the turntable [which gradually became mine over time] and didn't complain a lot when I came home with albums...and then tapes..and then cd's... She probably never really liked what I listen to but she only complained a little if the chandelier above the dining room table [my room was above it...] shook too much.  She had that look that said "You're making me crazy...but I love you anyway..."

So... I would like to take the opportunity to say Thank You to my wonderful mom... for allowing me the latitude to be me... for not freaking out that my first concert was Black Sabbath and my friend Bill's dad really was going to be there to chaperone... [and for letting me go to the hundreds more after that....] For tolerating the [sometimes VERY] loud music... the mullet... the earrings... and random singing that came along with it... For welcoming my musical friends into our home... and for supporting all of us... Thank you for your guiding hand... because I know if you didn't support it... things would have been a lot different... Love You Mom... And every time I put on those records, you are with me...

And Now... For This Week's Sonic Flashback:

Asia - Asia

John Wetton - Bass, Vocals

Steve Howe - Guitars, Vocals

Geoff Downes - Keyboards, Vocals

Carl Palmer - Drums & Percussion

One of the first "supergroups"... Asia defied all expectations and created an album that still resonates... The debut, released March 18, 1982 went on to become the #1 album on the Billboard chart for that year... not bad for a bunch of "Progressive" rockers that the critics chose to either ignore or deride... Called "pompous"... these guys came to play...and had the songs and the musicianship to pull it off.  Combining the "prog" with more rock sensibilities and toning down the solos, this record went on to sell over 4 million copies...and helped provide the soundtrack to the summer of 1982...

Let's see...take 2 parts of Yes [with 1 via The Buggles]...add some UK/King Crimson and then top it off with 1/3 of Emerson, Lake & Palmer and you have a concoction that on paper should have made the most awesome progressive rock album ever... One would expect long, drawn out themes about magic and fairies and literary references to Dostoevsky and Tolstoy.. and yet...that's not what's here...  

Kicking the album off is the first single "Heat Of The Moment" which right off the bat lets you know that this is not a record of 70's stalwarts slogging through some off-timed concept... [Siberian Brain Salad Starless Radio Star perhaps...] It's meaty and it cuts right to the chase... Although the amazing Steve Howe is playing here the direction is more straightforward and less "Roundabout"...he's not over playing... but playing all over it... John Wetton's voice never sounded better on these recordings.  Arguments have been made that the poppier sound is due to Buggles/Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes, and to some degree I see the point, given his work with Trevor Horn was more prog/pop in The Buggles.  After the initial breakup Downes would continue the brand with a new singer and various players, and the band would eventually regroup for the album "Phoenix" in 2008...

The second track and second single also made famous from it's constant rotation on MTV is "Only Time Will Tell"...[Asia really did utilize the video format to broaden the impact of the record...even down to the coordinated white outfits...] Once again upbeat and commercial, the harmonies really come out and Downes' keyboards take center stage.  Carl Palmer's drum solo in the middle of "Wildest Dreams" and the beautiful piano coda from "Cutting It Fine" titled "Bolero" show that each member has a chance to come out front.  

John Wetton really shines on "Without You" and Howe's "One Step Closer" shows the guitar player using the textures he is known for instead of simple bombast,  He's playing all over the song...you just have to sit back and listen... The album closer "Here Comes The Feeling" actually feels as if it was written to tie it all together...It must also be noted that the production on this record courtesy of Mike Stone [R.I.P.] really brings out the best of all of the players involved.  [Stone engineered Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and became known for his layering of vocals...] Sonically it sounds great 32 years later... And let's not forget they borrowed Roger Dean [creator of the Yes album covers] to create the iconic water dragon painting and lettering that don the cover.  

It truly is one of those rare albums that had no filler on it... and even the b-side "Ride Easy" [released on the compilation "Anthologia: 20th Anniversary Geffen Years Collection 1982-1990"] is a strong song they still play in concert.  They would continue for their second, less successful record "Alpha" in '83. John Wetton would be fired before their "Asia In Asia" concert for MTV for that tour, replaced by Greg Lake, and then brought back in the fold for their third record.  Steve Howe saw less and less of his compositions making the albums and left after "Alpha" and was replaced for "Astra" by Cobra/Krokus guitarist Mandy Meyer.  Howe would resurface with Steve Hacket from Genesis in GTR...

The history of this band is well documented, and while there became various incarnations and several future albums... This record stands the test of time and shows 4 guys who the rock world thought "might" do something memorable hit a home run... And as MTV embraced them so did the world...  "Now you find yourself in '82..."

Part IV Of 2013 In Review...
October...

Flying Colors - Live In Europe

Flying Colors is the supergroup made up of Mike Portnoy [Winery Dogs/Dream Theater/AX7/Transatlantic/Adrenaline Mob], Steve Morse [Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple, Kansas, Steve Morse Band], Neal Morse [Spock's Beard/Transatlantic], Dave LaRue [Dixie Dregs/Steve Morse Band] and Casey McPherson [Alpha Rev]... They released their outstanding eponymous debut in 2012 and this record is the document of the European tour for that record.  These are some of the most talented players in rock today and the results are outstanding.  They mix the album with some solo material from each band and the result is extremely well done... [Mascot Records]

Def Leppard - Viva Hysteria!

Def Leppard took up residence at the The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in March of 2013 and this live recording is taken from those performances.  They played all of Hysteria in order and then tackled the other hits they are most known for.  On the second disc they opened up for themselves and played some older tunes under the moniker of "Ded Flatbird"... [Buy it  for disc 2, which actually opened the show] You can get it either with a standard dvd or Blu-Ray... [Frontiers Records]


Halestorm - ReAniMate 2.0: The CoVeRs eP

Lzzy Hale and Halestorm love to pay tribute to their heroes, and also aren't afraid to go out on a limb either... ReAniMate 2.0 is the second covers record and this time out they tackle Judas Priest [Dissident Aggressor], Daft Punk [Get Lucky], AC/DC [Shoot To Thrill], Pat Benatar [Hell Is For Children], Fleetwood Mac [Gold Dust Woman] and Marilyn Manson [1996]... A heavier take on the pop of Daft Punk and the classic from Fleetwood Mac... an all out aural assault on the other four tracks... great stuff... [Atlantic Records]

Kill Devil Hill - Revolution Rise

Kill Devil Hill hit with their sophomore release "Revolution Rise" and hasn't lost a thing from their debut... Very heavy but melodic, vocalist Dewey Bragg really sounds at home here... great riffs and grooves from Mark Zavon, and you can't beat the rhythm section of Pantera bassist Rex Brown and Dio/Heaven & Hell drummer Vinnie Appice... [Century Media]

Maxx Explosion - Forever

Otherwise known as 3/4 of the current line-up of House Of Lords, Maxx Explosion is the other project from bassist Chris McCarvill, Jimi Bell and B.J. Zampa.  McCarvill takes over vocals and the results are an excellent hard rock record replete with the outstanding Jimi Bell tearing it up on the guitar.  Great songs, great hooks, and a really great record... I hope we hear a lot more from these three... [Kivel Records]

November...

Rush - Clockwork Angels Tour

Rush used to do a live album after every four records... now... I think it's after every one... Not that it's a problem, given they are one of the premier rock bands in the world... Clockwork Angels is one of the best records the band has done [and it's Neil Peart's favorite...] and the live record really showcases it well.  A 3-disc set... They dug into their 80's catalog with tracks like "Grand Designs" and "Body Electric", played the entire "Clockwork Angels" album [minus BU2B...which they did on the last live record "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland"] and contains three different drum solos... The band also took the "Clockwork Angels String Ensemble" on the tour to properly augment the "Clockwork Angels" songs and re-arranged some of the other songs to add the strings... I actually saw the concert at the movie theater...and having seen them many times live, came away very impressed... You will be too... [my only minor complaint is more a sin of omission...they had the string ensemble on the tour and it would have been a perfect opportunity given they targeted their 80's output to play "Losing It" from "Signals"...]... [Roadrunner Records]

Dream Theater - Live At Luna Park

My other all time favorite band [next to Rush obviously...] released the amazing "Live At Luna Park" just two months after their self-titled release... to be fair it was supposed to be released in the Spring but they held it back to complete the final touches on it and the results are excellent.  Showcasing new drummer Mike Mangini and over the course of 3 discs playing all of "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" this live record finds the band in top form.  The song selection of the other tracks is an excellent cross section of material and vocalist James LaBrie sounds great.  Virtuoso performances all around... [Eagle Rock Entertainment]

Daughtry - Baptized

With each successive record, Daughtry seems to be less rock and more pop... On this, their fourth record, it seems like pop won out.  It's more of an acoustic rock/country/pop record... my thoughts... It's still an extremely strong record.  The songs are really good and Chris Daughtry's voice is in top form.  I think they could have gone with a real drum sound, but overall the songs still hold up well... [RCA Records]


Apocalyptica - Wagner Reloaded: Live In Leipzig

In celebration of composer Richard Wagner's 200th birthday, Apocalyptica joined with the MDR Leipzig Symphony Orchestra and choreographer Gregor Seyffert to stage a brilliant and moving theatrical production as a tribute to the master.  Performing original songs based on Wagner's body of work they really have outdone themselves on this record.  It's dramatic and heavy and really showcases what this band of three cellos and a drummer can do, melding classical and heavy metal music seamlessly... An outstanding choice for any collection... [BMG Music]

The Letter Black - Rebuild

Pennsylvania based Christian band The Letter Black return after 3 years for their second record...and the results are worth the wait... Heavier than the debut and uplifting without being too "preachy" the album takes this band up a few notches... Vocalist Sarah Anthony sounds great here and if you are a fan of Halestorm, give this a chance, you won't be disappointed... [Tooth And Nail Records]

Stryper - No More Hell To Pay

Finishing up November are the Godfathers [seriously...no pun intended] of Christian hard rock/heavy metal... Stryper's "No More Hell To Pay" find the band revitalized and vibrant... really hitting on all cylinders here.  It's their heaviest to date and the hooks and melodies really come through.  It's a nice return to the dueling guitars of vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet and Oz Fox... and could theoretically be the follow up to "To Hell With The Devil"... [Frontiers Records]

December...

Scorpions - MTV Unplugged In Athens

I must admit I'm an unabashed fan of the Scorpions [I even found things to like about "Eye To Eye"...] and they sound great here on "MTV Unplugged In Athens"... Klaus Meine really has a voice that belies his age [65] and the whole band does a great job re-arranging their classics for the acoustic environment.  For a band that was planning on retiring... I look forward to any and all music they will still create... [Sony Music]

2013 Woulda Shoulda Coulda...

There were a few releases last year that had me scratching my head... Why weren't they better...what were they thinking... Here they are...

Boston - Life, Love & Hope - The first record I ever bought was Boston's debut...so it pains me to finally say this... the horse is dead... put down the stick... the record really isn't that bad but I was hoping for so much more from Tom Scholz and friends... recycling of songs from "Corporate America"...the underused David Victor [from Velocity] and no matter how much I try...I can't accept a female vocal in Boston [sorry Kimberly Dahme...]  And for the love of God... you've made a fortune off the first two records, and all your patents... could you PLEASE hire a drummer and retire the damn drum machine... [Frontiers Records]

Queensryche w/ Geoff Tate - Frequency Unknown - I have mixed emotions about this record... On one hand I really like it, and given that I liked the last one [Dedicated To Chaos], I expected it to sound like this does... However...next to the self-titled record with Todd LaTorre on vocals this pails in comparison... The songs were rushed [It was completed in six weeks...], the production was rushed and the result is a record that almost makes it, but falls short... just so that it could be released first... If the judge is going to give naming rights to the band with the better record... This group needs to find a new moniker...

Sammy Hagar - Sammy Hagar & Friends - Sonically sound... stylistically all over the map...and rock?... missing... Maybe next time...

New Releases!!... Coming Soon...To A Format Near You!...

Chicago - Live In Japan

Recorded in June of '72 in Japan and finally available again on CD in the US... This concert showcases the albums "Chicago Transit Authority" through "Chicago V" and features the original line-up [Terry Kath, Peter Cetera, Danny Seraphine, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow and Walter Parazaider].   A great sounding live record and out of print for more than a decade... [Rhino Records] [Out 3/11]

Kansas - Kansas/Song For America/Masque

Friday Music continues to release the Kansas catalog on 180-gram audiophile vinyl and these three records are the latest on their slate... 1974's "Kansas" and the two releases from '75 "Song For America" and "Masque"... All remastered with original gate-fold sleeve with graphics, lyrics and liner notes... Kansas and Masque out 3/11 and Song For America out 3/18.

And Now...For Our Flashback 80's Rock Video

The Sherbs - We Ride Tonight

Thanks For Coming Along For The Ride...

J.

He Said..Then He Said...Then They Said... More R&RHOF Drama...

Kiss are back in the news this week regarding their performance at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Shame... or more succinctly, how they are not performing... There apparently was some debate as to which version of the band would perform.  Both original former members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss expressed interest in putting the make-up back on and performing with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as the original quartet. Simmons and Stanley however, wanted to opt for the current lineup with Tommy Thayer on guitar and Eric Singer on drums.   

The statements were as follows:

Ace Frehley: [quoting from his appearance on Q104.3]

"The last time I was on [this radio show], it was a very exciting and happy call.  And the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was very excited about having the four original members who are being inducted perform at the ceremony.  And that was shot down by Paul and Gene... I'm not gonna get on stage with Tommy wearing my make-up.  That's absurd," Frehley went on to say that it was Stanley and Simmons who were the ones who did not want to perform with the original line-up.  

Peter Criss:  [from a statement on his website] told his fans that both he and Ace were not offered a performance alongside Simmons and Stanley. "I want to make sure that fans understood that no original performance, in or out of make-up, has been offered to us.  This is disgraceful and I feel bad for the fans who were looking forward to the four of us being inducted together"

A statement was issued by the band via Kissonline that states:

"To All Our Fans In Regards To The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame:

Out of respect, Ace and Peter's recent statements demand a quick response to you, our fans.  Our intention was to celebrate the entire history of KISS and give credit to all members including long time present members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, and additionally Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr all who have made the band what it is, regardless of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's point of view.  Although KISS has moved forward far longer without them, Ace and Peter are the very foundation of what we have built and this would all be impossible had they not been a part of it in the beginning.  It is over 13 years since the original lineup has played together in make-up and we believe the memory of those times would not be enhanced.  Contrary to claims made through the media we have never refused to play with Ace and Peter.  

We have spent 40 years dedicated to building KISS without quitting or wavering as the band has moved forward with huge tours and platinum albums through different important lineups for 40 years, to this day.  KISS has always been a band unlike any other.  That is why we started KISS.  That is why we continue KISS.  Being unlike other bands also means making choices and decisions unlike other bands.  This is understandably an emotional situation where there is no way to please everyone.  To bring this to a quick end, we have decided not to play in any line-up and we will focus our attention on celebrating our induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.  We are excited and are looking forward to seeing you all on the KISS 40th Anniversary worldwide tour."

Gene Simmons has been quoted as saying "To the KISS Army, Ace, Peter, Eric Carr, Vinnie [Vincent], Mark [St. John], Bruce [Kulick], Tommy [Thayer] and Eric [Singer], Bill Aucoin, Doc McGhee and to my partner of 40 years, the ever youthful Paul Stanley...and all the members of the KISS family, this honor is for you.  40 years of rockin' and still going strong"...

I guess my take on all this is that I'm in the middle somewhere.  I think that acknowledging all the incarnations of the band during the induction is admirable, as they have resurrected this band several times.  But... I think that the original 4 should be the ones performing as the core of their reason for being there was the era from 1974-1978 when KISS became one of the most successful bands in rock history.   I'm actually surprised they mentioned Vinnie Vincent as he had quite a difficult history with the band, and also the late Mark St. John who played on the Animalize record.  

Regardless of what the politics are this band has lost a moment to truly celebrate why they were inducted in the first place.  Do I think that they could have performed in make-up with the original members?... Yes, I do, and I don't think anyone out there would have thought it was a slight to Thayer or Singer, given they took over existing personas.  If they had created new characters for them [as they did with Vinnie Vincent], perhaps the outcome would have been different.  However given their upcoming 40th Anniversary tour I don't think that Stanley and Simmons want to deal with the constant barrage of "Why don't you have Ace and Peter on this tour"... The rest...remains to be seen...and for all we know, they could pull of a major PR coup and have the original four perform anyway... We shall see...

And Now...For This Week's Sonic Flashback...

Geddy Lee - Bass, Vocals
Alex Lifeson - Guitars
John Rutsey - Drums

On March 1st, 1974, with little fanfare and only 3500 copies pressed, Rush released their eponymous debut on their own label, Moon Records. Having played every high school gymnasium in the Toronto area it was time for them to enter the big leagues.  It wasn't however, until a radio station in Cleveland, Ohio [WMMS] and DJ Donna Halper started playing "Working Man" that the record started getting traction... 

The record was picked up by Mercury Records and re-mixed by Terry Brown.  The band would stay with Mercury all the way through 1987's "Hold Your Fire" and Brown would stay up until '82's "Signals'... Drummer John Rutsey would last only the one album, leaving during the first tour due to complications from diabetes.  [Rutsey passed away in 2008 from a heart attack due to complications from his diabetes.]  He would be replaced by Neil Peart and the rest is history...  

Getting back to that first album, original reviews remarked it's closeness in sound to Cream and Led Zeppelin, which were definite influences on Lee and Lifeson.  Geddy Lee's wailing vocals were often compared to Robert Plant.  The songs are pretty straight forward, as the progressive elements hadn't really found their way into the band just yet.  What you couldn't argue however, was the raw talent that could be heard on this record.  It was a stripped down and simple.  Just guitar, bass, drums and vocals.  Rutsey obviously didn't have the chops that Peart would bring on the successive records, but in context of this record he does a great job, and the sound is very cohesive...  

While later reviews insist new Rush fans stick to some of the later records [Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, 2112], I recommend you start at the beginning and work forward.  It's a great slice of rock 'n roll, and definitely tells of greater things to come.  One thing this band has done throughout their career is keep setting the bar higher, and on this record they were off to a great start.  If you are a casual fan, and haven't dug into this one yet...add it to your playlist... If you are a lifelong fan...dust this one off and appreciate where it all started... 

Part III Of 2013 In Review...

July...

The Winery Dogs - The Winery Dogs

2 parts MK 2 Mr. Big and 1 part Portnoy = One of the best records of the year.  Bassist Billy Sheehan and guitarist/vocalist Ritchie Kotzen are joined by drummer extraordinaire Mike Portnoy to form the power trio The Winery Dogs.  Having been a fan of Mr. Big [and really liking the two records with Kotzen], I wasn't surprised as to their sound.  Portnoy takes the monster prog drumming he is famous for and tones it down to fit into this power trio with great success.  Great straight-ahead rock and roll and each musician gets to show off their chops while working well within the songs.  There's no grandstanding, just great players working together.  Originally John Sykes [Thin Lizzy/Whitesnake] was supposed to be the guitar player in this outfit, but I can't imagine it being as well done without Kotzen.  Great vocals, great hooks and phenomenal chops... Worth taking the time... [Loud & Proud Records]


Fight Or Flight - A Life By Design?

When your bassist is playing for the Adrenaline Mob, and your singer starts up Device...what are you left to do if you are the other two guys from Disturbed... The answer... create Fight Or Flight with Evans Blue vocalist Dan Chandler... Guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren really made a concerted effort to not play or write like this was a Disturbed record, and the result is a good mix of both Evans Blue and Disturbed.  It's a great slice of modern hard rock, and Chandler sounds great as usual.  Think of it as the love child of both bands.  The DNA is there...but the offspring is different enough to make you sit up and listen... [Warner Bros. Records]

James LaBrie - Impermanent Resonance

Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie is back with his third solo record [not counting Mullmuzzer] and as a fan of the first two and a lifetime fan of DT, I came away thinking that LaBrie and company have knocked this one out of the park.  As the underrated member of DT, [and given the 4 virtuosos who play with him there, no surprise...] LaBrie doesn't get a chance to stretch out.  On this record his vocals and melodies are top notch and the songs really carry.  The keyboards remind me more of a metalcore approach and the band really fires on all cylinders.  And while this may sound strange...its sounds heavier than DT but is more radio-friendly... And definitely worth your time to listen to it... [Inside Out Records US]

August...

ReVamp - Wild Card

Floor Jansen is one of the busiest women in heavy metal... She took over for Anette Olzon on Nightwish's North American Tour, recorded Showtime/Storytime with them and then was named the new lead singer... all the while releasing outstanding heavy metal with her own group, the Dutch progressive band ReVamp...which brings us here... A classically trained soprano, Jansen started with After Forever and upon their demise, formed ReVamp.  Textured, complex songs complete with the strength of Jansen's voice.  Arrangements from simple voice and piano to orchestra and choir.  She truly has one of the strongest and most emotive female voices in hard rock/heavy metal and uses her instrument to full force on this record.  Not a bad song to be found...and highly recommended... [Nuclear Blast Records]

Tarja Turunen - Colours In The Dark

The saga that is Nightwish has been very polarizing...as stated above they just hired Floor Jansen as their new lead singer...Anette Olzon sang on the last two...but some fans refuse to acknowledge anything they have done since the departure of their original singer, the wonderful Tarja... Her latest "Colours In The Dark" showcases the vocalist at her best with more of a lean toward the symphonic than the rock/metal she did with Nightwish... She's operatic, dynamic and her voice really becomes it's own instrument on this release.  Fan of Nightwish...check this out... Fan of female fronted hard rock/heavy metal...check this out... Interested in hearing one of the best female voices in modern hard rock... Check This Out... [Eagle Rock Entertainment]

Rainbow - Black Masquerade

Finally available on CD, this show is culled from a Rockaplast video release from 1995 in Dusseldorf on the "Stranger In Us All" tour.   Vocalist Doogie White sounds great on the Dio/Joe Lynn Turner/Graham Bonnett Rainbow tracks as well as the Deep Purple tracks.  White shines on the "Stranger" songs which he sang on in the studio.  Blackmore is...Blackmore...he is truly one of the most gifted players in the game...and since departing from Rainbow to play minstrel music this record is a great reminder of just how good he is.  This is one show I wish I had seen live... [Eagle Rock Entertainment]

September...

Dream Theater - Dream Theater

Ok... this is hands down my favorite record of 2013 [sorry Winery Dogs...]... The second record featuring new drummer Mike Mangini is a monster.  All five guys are firing on all cylinders and the songwriting is outstanding [much like "A Dramatic Turn Of Events"].  This record does have two ballads to counterpoint the virtuosity... "The Bigger Picture" and "Along For The Ride" are both very well done.  The album also contains the excellent instrumental "Enigma Machine" [and the instrumental opening track "False Awakening Suite"] and the 22 minute + epic "The Illumination Theory"... the lead track "The Enemy Inside" was nominated for a Grammy award [and also lost to Black Sabbath...] and deals with post-traumatic stress disorder... a few of the tracks ["The Looking Glass" and "Surrender To Reason"] have a definite Rush vibe to them... and overall an outstanding continuation for fans who enjoyed the direction of "A Dramatic Turn Of Events"... Now if I could just get them to tour anywhere near the state of Florida... [Roadrunner Records]

Fates Warning - Darkness In A Different Light

Fates Warning returned after a 9 year absence with "Darkness In A Different Light"... With new drummer Bobby Jarzombek [Riot/Halford] and returning guitarist Frank Aresti joining guitarist Jim Matheos, vocalist Ray Alder, and bassist Joey Vera, Fates Warning put together one of the strongest records of their careers.  Technical prowess combined with great songwriting make this record strong on all fronts.  The musicianship continues to be top notch and it's not just progressive for the sake of being progressive...the songs breathe and evolve rather than having ten thousand notes shoved down your throat... Make no mistake...they are able to shove ten thousand notes down your throat...but they don't...they don't have to... Fates Warning has always allowed the song to develop naturally while all the while playing their asses off... Fates were an influence on Dream Theater and former DT keyboard player Kevin Moore provides lyrics to the song "O Chloroform'... A triumphant return to form...and always developing... This record does not disappoint... [Inside Out Records]


Eklipse - Electric Air

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing this group perform live as an opening act for Kamelot on their "Silverthorn" tour. [They also played parts on the album..] and these four women [Miss E., Scarlett, Viola and Helena] are simply amazing live, and their talent translates to their latest release "Electric Air"... Re-arranging pop, rock, classical, and even video game soundtrack songs Eklipse puts a fresh touch on a wide range of familiar songs.  An excellent addition to any collection... [The End Records]

Portnoy Sheehan MacAlpine Sherinian - Live In Tokyo

After playing two shows, one for the Guitar Center Drum Off, and the other for Sabian Live, PSMS toured Europe and Asia culminating with the live performance in Tokyo... PSMS are Mike Portnoy [Winery Dogs/Adrenaline Mob/AX7/Flying Colors/Dream Theater], Billy Sheehan [Winery Dogs/Mr. Big/David Lee Roth/Talas], Tony MacAlpine [MacAlpine/Vinnie Moore/Planet X/Ring Of Fire] and Derek Sherinian [Black Country Communion/Alice Cooper/Platypus/Dream Theater]... Live In Tokyo shows these powerhouse musicians playing some of their own individual material and songs from Billy Cobham, Jeff Beck, and one of Portnoy's other supergroups, Liquid Tension Experiment... If you are a fan of any of these four guys... or if you are a fan of extremely talented players showing off their outstanding musicianship...this record is for you... [Eagle Rock Entertainment]

Megadeth - Countdown To Extinction Live

A live document of the 20th anniversary tour for the record "Countdown To Extinction", this album was recorded at the Fox Theater in Los Angeles.   The band played the record in order and then went on to play some of their classic material... the band rips through all of it as if it were 20 years ago... Mustaine, Ellefson, Drover and Broderick score again... It's raw and loud and a great addition to my Megadeth catalog... [Capitol Records] 

New Releases!!...Coming Soon To A Medium Near You!...

Vanishing Point - Distant Is The Sun

Australian progressive metal band Vanishing Point release their fifth record "Distant Is The Sun".  Having toured with Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Black Label Society, Sonata Arctica, Helloween and Joe Satriani... this band has the chops to break out... Fans of Dream Theater, Symphony X, and Kamelot should give this one a listen...and then discover the catalog... [AFM Records] [Out 3/4]

Vandenberg's Moonkings - Moonkings

Former Vandenberg/Whitesnake guitarist Adrian Vandenberg is back with "Vandenberg's Moonkings"... After 13 years with Whitesnake he semi-retired to focus on his painting and watch his daughter grow up...now he's back with an outstanding band of players and a straight ahead rock sound... From what I've heard I already love this record... [Mascot Records] [Out 3/4]

Please Click Here For The Moonkings Video

Miracle Master - Tatooed Woman

German/Danish metal band Miracle Master was formed out of the ashes of the band Pump with new vocalist Oliver Weers... it's great hard rock/melodic metal and Weers does an excellent job on vocals... [GoldenCore Records] [Out 3/7]

And Now...For This Week's Gratuitous Hair Metal Video...

Thanks For Coming Along For The Ride...

J.