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http://www.russdwarf.com/

RUSS DWARF “WIRELESS” – An Acoustic Rock Prize… From Start, Middle To Finish

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags acoustic rock albums, classic rock, killer dwarfs, rock albums 2013, russ dwarf, russ dwarf wireless, wireless album review on May 2, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

RUSS DWARF – The legendary Russ Dwarf, (most famous as the frontman/founding member of Killer Dwarfs) has taken me on an acoustic Rock journey; one that is so memorable, it’s like being given a prize! The prize is Wireless and it’s the new Acoustic Rock album that Russ Dwarf has released, filled with songs from his Killer Dwarfs catalog and featuring some of the finest musicians in the industry today. (See musicians listed at end of post).

I am now convinced that Russ Dwarf has become equally famous as a solo artist; now that he’s excelling in such quality musical fashion during his post-Killer Dwarfs era. Transforming Heavy Rock songs into acoustic versions of themselves can be a risky move for any famous name within said genre; Tesla, Mr. Big, Nirvana and Foreigner (to name a few) have all succeeded with an unplugged stopover and Russ Dwarf can be rightfully added to that grand list, in my respectful opinion.

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On Wireless, the vocals of Russ Dwarf are as engaging as they’ve ever been, with his immediately identifiable voice reminding me of an era when Heavy Metal was loud, proud and unequivocally colorful. With that said, the atmosphere of Wireless is upbeat and gives way to a feel-good listening experience. Wireless and its ten songs comes across as such a natural progression of acoustic gladness, that it’s undeniably refreshing to even my Extreme Metal soul.

Once I listened to the album opener Keep The Spirit Alive, the realization had set in that Russ Dwarf hasn’t lost a micro step as a veritable Rock star; he has brought his Rockin’ past into the present with a confidence that I both hear and feel. Wireless isn’t the acoustic Rock album to wind the party down to; it’s actually just the opposite! The animated vocals of Russ Dwarf, coupled with the vibrant acoustic tones that blankets Wireless, makes this album one of the foremost of its kind that I’ve listened to in years.

WIRELESS – Track Listing:

Keep The Spirit Alive

Stand Tall

I’m Alive

Startin’ To Shine

Doesn’t Matter

Comin’ Through

Dirty Weapons

Look Around

Four Seasons

Driftin’ Back

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Musicians:

Russ Dwarf – vocals

Glenn Belcher – guitars, sitars, banjo, wood

Rob “Zaks” Zakojc – bass, all backing vocals

Additional Musicians:

Kevin Simpson (guitar), Dan Lear (guitar), Kevin Reid (guitar), Fred Duvall (bottles of anger), Cosimo Crupi (keyboards), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (guitar) and Glen Drover (guitar).

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* For more info on RUSS DWARF, click on the links below!

facebook: Russ DWaRf

LONG LIVE RUSS DWARF.

Stone.

http://russdwarf.bandcamp.com/album/reunion-of-scribes-live-2001

RUSS DWARF Of KILLER DWARFS – How To Get His Autographed “Wireless” CD Plus His “Reunion Of Scribes Live 2001” CD And/Or DVD!

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags classic rock, heavy metal news, killer dwarfs, killer dwarfs reunion of scribes live 2001, rock music news, russ dwarf on April 20, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

AUTOGRAPHED BUNDLES ARE AVAILABLE AT A LIMITED QUANTITY!

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RUSS DWARF – The legendary KILLER DWARFS frontman, Russ Dwarf, has recently made available: Reunion Of Scribes Live 2001 as an autographed CD, DVD or both if you so desire! Metal be thy name!

Click the link below to order you copy NOW! WHOA!

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In case you’ve been living inside a hollowed out swamp log, RUSS DWARF has a NEW CD out, Wireless. It’s an acoustic gem of his songs that spans his career with KILLER DWARFS! Plus Wireless is a #1 best-selling CD on Bandcamp.com! If you even remotely consider yourself a Rockaholic then you’ll pick up these CD’s mentioned on this (fabulous) post! Metal be thy name once again!!

Get your autographed copy here: http://russdwarf.bandcamp.com/

OR (If you like):

Get your MP3 version of Wireless here: Wireless

RUSS DWARF – Autographing his Wireless CD’s – 2013

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* Russ Dwarf photo credit: Russ Dwarf Facebook

* For more info on RUSS DWARF, click on the links below! Whoa!

facebook: Russ DWaRf

http://www.russdwarf.com/

LONG LIVE RUSS DWARF.

LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF KILLER DWARFS.

Stone.

http://www.russdwarf.com/

RUSS DWARF – Hits #1 With “WIRELESS”

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags acoustic rock albums, classic rock, killer dwarfs, rock albums 2013, rock music news, russ dwarf, russ dwarf wireless on March 30, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Canadian Rock legend Russ Dwarf’s new WIRELESS album has landed in the #1 spot on Bandcamp.com’s best selling rock CDs, only one week after its release. The album celebrates Russ’ thirty plus year musical legacy with a fresh acoustic perspective on his best known songs including ‘Keep The Spirit Alive’, ‘Stand Tall’, and radio staple ‘Doesn’t Matter’.

“I am over the top with the response I have been getting from press, the media and most importantly the fans,” says a very pleased RUSS DWARF and adds, “this is just the start of a number of new releases I will be delivering this year including a great “Lost” Killer Dwarfs album called Start @ One.”

Wireless is available at iTunes stores worldwide as well as Amazon.com or directly from RUSS at: http://russdwarf.bandcamp.com

**The track listing for Wireless is:**

01. Keep The Spirit Alive

02. Stand Tall (with Glen Drover ex- Megadeth and Testament)

03. I’m Alive

04. Startin’ To Shine

05. Doesn’t Matter

06. Comin’ Through

07. Dirty Weapons

08. Look Around

09. Four Seasons

10. Driftin’ Back (with Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Bumblefoot)

Bandcamp.com hosts over six million tracks and over 800 000 albums from artists spread amongst 183 countries. It’s one of the premiere sites for artists to sell their music directly to fans in this new Do It Yourself era of Rock.

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(Source: Michael Brandvold Marketing)

* For more info on RUSS DWARF, click on the links below!

facebook: Russ DWaRf

A ROCKIN’ CONGRATS TO RUSS DWARF!

LONG LIVE RUSS DWARF.

Stone.

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RUSS DWARF – RELEASES NEW ALBUM “WIRELESS” ON MARCH 18TH

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags acoustic rock albums 2013, classic rock, hard rock news, killer dwarfs, rock music news, russ dwarf, russ dwarf wireless on March 5, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

RUSS DWARF, the two-time Canadian Juno Award nominee and founding member the Killer Dwarfs, is pleased to announce the release of his latest album, Wireless, on March 18th. Having stripped back ten of his most recognizable hits from his thirty plus year career, Russ has delivered an album high on raw emotion and inner beauty. Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Bumblefoot, lends a hand with a blistering solo on the album’s closing track, Driftin’ Back.

To support the new album, Russ has launch the all new website, www.RussDwarf.com where fans can pre-order the album and be kept up-to-date on all his latest news. The album is available worldwide as of March 18th via iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and all other distribution channels.

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The track listing for Wireless is:

1. Keep The Spirit Alive

2. Stand Tall

3. I’m Alive

4. Startin’ To Shine

5. Doesn’t Matter

6. Comin’ Through

7. Dirty Weapons

8. Look Around

9. Four Seasons

10. Driftin’ Back

Russ is currently on tour supporting the new release and is hard at work on a documentary film about his life tentatively called Tall Tales. The movie with an accompanying book of the same title is set to be released in early 2014.

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(Source: Michael Brandvold Marketing)

* For more info on RUSS DWARF, click on the links below!

facebook: Russ DWaRf

LONG LIVE RUSS DWARF.

Stone.

CONNY OCHS – Sophomore LP “Black Happy” From German Singer/Songwriter To See Release Via Exile On Mainstream

Posted in acoustic rock, Guitar, guitarists, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags acoustic guitar albums, acoustic rock, conny ochs, conny ochs black happy, rock albums 2013, rock music news on February 7, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Following his debut solo album, as well as a collaborative LP with Doom legend Scott “Wino” Weinrich, German singer/songwriter CONNY OCHS is now gearing up to release his second solo studio full-length, Black Happy, once again via Exile On Mainstream. Having produced music for over a decade, local fans have endorsed and worshiped the man’s efforts for years. Yet, it was OCHS’ album co-written with Wino and the heavy touring across Europe and North America in support of the record that put him on the international map.

This leads into this new album Black Happy, the title an absolute indication to the atmospheres CONNY OCHS is able to create. Deeply rooted in the blackened parts of the human soul he carves a mixture of melancholy and catharsis into the rough edges of songs that come out so natural, so organic and sonically sparkling. While keeping his approach pure to the heart and the creation limited to just him and his guitar, OCHS reaches a stark authenticity that can only be worshipped. It draws you in, makes you a part of the music and leads to a deep admiration of the tunes, the pain and beauty relatable to everybody who hears them.

Bound to a tradition and history of great acoustic craftsmanship drawn from but not limited to the American continent, CONNY explores the realms of what of your inner self can sonically portray once you are on your own and armed with a guitar and voice. The path has been walked by many before, but that doesn’t make it a worn-out road.

Just like his previous solo album Raw Love Songs and the Heavy Kingdom album with Wino, Black Happy was engineered, mixed and mastered by Thommy Krawallo in Berlin in pure analog fashion. The album is set for official release in Germany on March 1st, throughout the rest of Europe on March 4th, and in North America on April 2nd, on LP, via digital download, and limited wooden box CD. Preorders are available here.

CONNY OCHS is currently embarked on a European tour in advance of the album’s release, with many more live excursions to be confirmed in the coming weeks. View the current list of dates here.

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Black Happy – Track Listing:

1. Exile

2. No Sleep Tonight

3. Die In Your Arms

4. Faces In The Crowd

5. Stable Chaos

6. Trust In Love

7. Borderline

8. Phantom Pain

9. Lead-Out

10. Blues For My Baby

11. Mouth

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on CONNY OCHS, click on the links below!

http://www.connyochs.com

facebook: Conny Ochs

LONG LIVE CONNY OCHS.

Stone.

CORRECTIONS HOUSE – Premiere New Song/Video On Pitchfork.TV

Posted in acoustic rock, experimental music, Hard Rock, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags corrections house, corrections house tour dates 2013, experimental music, Metal News, rock music news on January 18, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Hoax The System, the first track from CORRECTIONS HOUSE — the new collective featuring Mike IX Williams (Eyehategod), Sanford Parker (Nachtmystium), Scott Kelly (Neurosis), and Bruce Lamont (Yakuza) — has debuted on Pitchfork.TV. The video, created by Mortichrome Productions, can be seen HERE.

As previously announced, the band will kick off a stretch of rare live shows on January 21, 2013 in Brooklyn, New York. Shows will feature each of the four members doing solo sets of spoken word, acoustic and experimental music with an end times collaboration as CORRECTIONS HOUSE to close out the night. Full dates are below.

CORRECTIONS HOUSE recorded one additional track, Grin With A Purpose, that will be released with Hoax The System as a limited edition 7” and will be out on Parker and Lamont’s own label, War Crime Recordings, soon. Further details to be revealed soon.

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CORRECTIONS HOUSE – Winter Tour 2013

1/21/2013 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY

1/22/2013 Great Scott – Boston, MA

1/23/2013 BAR – New Haven, CT

1/24/2013 DC9 – Washington, DC

1/25/2013 Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD

1/26/2013 Strange Matter – Richmond, VA

1/27/2013 Kings Barcade – Raleigh, NC

1/28/2013 The Atlantic – Gainesville, FL

1/30/2013 Churchill’s – Miami, FL

1/31/2013 Crowbar – Tampa, FL

2/01/2013 529 – Atlanta, GA

2/02/2013 Bottletree – Birmingham, AL

2/05/2013 Spanish Moon – Baton Rouge, LA

2/06/2013 Siberia – New Orleans, LA

2/07/2013 Walter’s Downtown – Houston, TX

2/08/2013 Korova – San Antonio, TX

2/09/2013 Red 7 – Austin, TX

2/10/2013 Bryan Street Tavern – Dallas, TX

2/11/2013 Opolis – Norman, OK

2/12/2013 Hero’s – Fort Smith, AR

2/13/2013 Slowdown – Omaha, NE

2/15/2013 Moon Room – Denver, CO

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on CORRECTIONS HOUSE, click on the link below!

facebook: Corrections House

LONG LIVE CORRECTIONS HOUSE.

Stone.

RuSS DWaRf “WiReLeSS” TeaZeR – Video Streaming Now!

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags acoustic rock albums 2013, classic rock, Hard Rock, killer dwarfs, rock albums 2013, rock music news, russ dwarf, russ dwarf wireless on January 15, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

RuSS DWaRf WiReLeSS TeaZeR

The legendary Russ Dwarf (Killer Dwarfs) is currently in the mixing stages of his new all-acoustic album: RuSS DWaRf WiReLeSS. This new album will feature acoustic versions of Killer Dwarfs hits! Listen and watch below the TeaZeR for WiReLeSS! Metal be thy name!

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* For more info on RUSS DWARF, click on the links below!

facebook: Russ DWaRf

LONG LIVE RUSS DWARF.

LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF KILLER DWARFS.

Stone.

1 Comment »

NIGHT RANGER – To Release Live CD/DVD Package: “24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC” Due Out In October Via FRONTIERS RECORDS

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags 24 strings & a drummer, acoustic rock, classic rock, hard rock news, night ranger, rock albums 2012, rock music news on September 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As a celebration of the 30th anniversary of their debut album, DAWN PATROL, and hot on the heels of their 10th studio album, SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA, Night Ranger will release a very special newly-recorded live “greatest hits” CD/DVD package: 24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC is due out on October 19th in Europe and October 22nd in North America via Frontiers Records.

The album and DVD were recorded live in an intimate, all-acoustic setting with a select number of fans at TRI Studios in San Rafael, CA in May, 2012 and features some of their greatest hits such as “(You Can Still) Rock In America” and “Sister Christian” with refreshing new acoustic arrangements. The result is a testament to Night Ranger’s stellar live show and the strength of their songwriting abilities. Please see below for the full track listings.

Night Ranger’s profile has been particularly high of late, with the band recently appearing on an episode of ABC’s “Bachelor Pad” during the final challenge and Night Ranger frontman Jack Blades performing live during the Republican National Convention. Night Ranger’s legendary hits “Sister Christian,” “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” are songs that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band’s inception thirty years ago.

Over the years, the band’s music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture. Night Ranger’s songs can be heard in the Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games; Rock of Ages hit Broadway musical and film; the Oscar-nominated film Boogie Nights; FOX’s hit TV Show American Dad; JBL’s “Hear The Truth” campaign; and many more! To date, Night Ranger has sold 17 million units worldwide and boasts several platinum- and gold-certified albums.

Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass guitar, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm guitars), Joel Hoekstra (lead & rhythm guitars) and Eric Levy (keyboards).

24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC CD track listing:

This Boy Needs To Rock
When You Close Your Eyes
Sing Me Away
Growin’ Up In California
The Secret Of My Success
Sentimental Street
Four In The Morning
Let Him Run/Goodbye
Forever All Over Again
Don’t Tell Me You Love Me
Sister Christian
(You Can Still) Rock In America
Boys Of Summer – bonus track

24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC DVD track listing:

This Boy Needs To Rock
When You Close Your Eyes
Sing Me Away
Growin’ Up In California
The Secret Of My Success
Sentimental Street
Four In The Morning
Let Him Run/Goodbye
Forever All Over Again
Don’t Tell Me You Love Me
Sister Christian
(You Can Still) Rock In America

Bonus Features: Night Ranger All Access/Growin’ Up In California video/Making of the album SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA

DVD Stereo Mix 2.0/5.1 – Screen 16:9

Total DVD length approximately 100 minutes

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(Source: Frontiers Records)

For more info on Night Ranger please visit:

www.nightranger.com

www.frontiers.it

LONG LIVE NIGHT RANGER.

Stone.

http://twitter.com/ronkeel

RON KEEL “Alone At Last” – Solo Acoustic Album From 2006 Is Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags acoustic rock, alone at last, alone at last album review, classic rock, keel, rock music news, ron keel on June 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RON KEEL – The first solo album from Ron Keel, Alone At Last, was released back in 2006. This is an all acoustic album. For me, Ron Keel displays a sincere and inspiring performance on Alone At Last, with both his voice and acoustic guitar. One of the most renowned Hard Rock vocalists from the 80’s (and back at it again in 2010) with his band Keel, this album showcases a lighter side to Ron’s voice and approach to his music.

I bought Alone At Last on iTunes a few years ago and with 0% regret. This is an album of 12 songs to simmer down to or retool your spirit with. Does Ron Keel come across as sappy on Alone At Last? Nope. If anything, he shares his voice and guitar with eloquence and reverence for the song… his songs. With Ron Keel’s vocals giving a nod towards his affection towards Rock, Hard Rock and Country, Alone At Last has always kept me listening. This isn’t an album to pull out the tissue box for and it isn’t going to light up the keg party either.

I would imagine it takes a ton of guts for any Hard Rock hero to make an acoustic album; the door opens for criticism from Heavy Music loyalists that don’t want their music tempered down. That old mellow is for an aging fellow school of thought can easily creep in, once the “A” word (for acoustic) is uttered. However, with the album closer Die Fighting, Ron Keel reminds any doubters that he still can’t restrain his strong vocals from airing out its natural-born Hard Rock persona (even on an acoustic album).

Revisiting his bands Keel and Steeler on an acoustic welcome mat with (Calm Before The Storm) and (Serenade), respectively, Ron Keel proves that the song never remains the same. Any song can become an acoustic creation, only Ron Keel gives these two songs an acoustic overhaul that makes them shine on with newfound emotion. If I’m to choose my favorite song from Alone At Last, it’s Dreams Are Not Enough. I strongly feel, Ron Keel lets it all pour out from his soul on Dreams Are Not Enough, a captivating vocal performance it is.

Back in February of 2010, I had the opportunity to interview Ron Keel for Hard Rock Hideout. As expressed to me during that interview, here are Ron Keel’s most personal thoughts on Alone At Last:

“It was the biggest and most personal music achievement of my career. I sang the best of my career on Alone At Last. I want my next generation to listen to it and know that grandpa gave this to them, to know that I am at my happiest when by myself with a guitar and song. Alone At Last was the single most demanding project that I have ever done in my life. My fingers literally bled while making that album. Alone At Last is driving at night songs, through the desert.”

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ALONE AT LAST – Track Listing:

Private Lies

The Time Of My Life

Hillbilly Heavy Metal Rock N Roll Soul

Dreams Are Not Enough

Give Me All Your Love Tonight

Serenade

Haunted Saloon

Here Today Gone Tomorrow

Calm Before The Storm

Last Call

You Can Have What’s Left Of Me

Die Fighting

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* For more info on RON KEEL, click on the links below!

http://ronkeel.com

LONG LIVE RON KEEL.

Stone.

Rodrigo y Gabriela, My Battle With Bronchitis and Go Get ‘Em Lehigh University

Posted in acoustic rock, Guitar, guitarists, latin rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news, sports with tags area 52 album, c.u.b.a., guitar instrumentals, latin rock, lehigh university, ncaa tournament, rock albums 2012, rodrigo y gabriela on March 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

I’ve been putting up with a doozy of a cold this past week, coupled with a nagging cough that spells: bronchitis. I wanted to write another album review or two these past days as well, only trying to “concentrate” on writing when you’re coughing up a storm doesn’t help matters! With today being Saturday, it has been eight days of feeling under the weather, regardless, I feel like I’m getting a ton better.

I’ve been listening to Rodrigo y Gabriela and C.U.B.A. – Area 52 quite a bit lately. This guitar duo are amazing players and the Cuban musicians that they recruited for their new album are superb. Just a thoroughly cool listen is this entire Area 52 album. Honestly, the tones that resonate from the guitars of Rodrigo y Gabriela along with the rhythms from their songs have made me feel pretty damn good this past week, especially when I needed that necessary “lift” in spirits.

C.U.B.A. stands for: Collective Universal Band Association. Again, I cannot emphasize enough, what an excellent sound that this Cuban orchestra gives to this Rodrigo y Gabriela album. If you’re looking for a must Summertime album to chill, dance or Rock out to, then Area 52 is one damn fine candidate. Hopefully, I will write a more detailed review for this Rodrigo y Gabriela album in the near future. For now, get it, especially if you appreciate instrumental guitar and/or Latin Rock.

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I very rarely write about sports on Metal Odsyssey. I “use to be” a sports nut. Do I still follow sports? Of course I do. The difference now is, after spending years of watching entire games on television, I am now content to catch a minute of action here and there, while getting updated scores via the internet whenever I feel like it. Congratulations to Lehigh University!

Ha, ha Duke. Ha, ha again. Every year, the NCAA Tournament “committee” finds it necessary to seed Duke at either #1 or #2, then they place Duke within a 60 mile radius of their home campus for tournament play. Favoritism. It’s been going on between Duke University and the NCAA for decades now. Well, Lehigh University let Duke know just how “great” they are this past Friday.

On Friday, March 16, 2012, the #15 seed Lehigh University defeated the #2 seed Duke 75 to 70. In Greensboro, North Carolina, the backyard of Duke, Lehigh University got it done. Ha, ha Duke. Ha, ha NCAA. The “brain-trust” of the NCAA probably thought that Duke would “roll” Lehigh University too. Think again NCAA. Don’t worry, next year that same NCAA “selection committee” will have Duke at #1 or #2 again, only next year they won’t have them paired up against Lehigh Universtiy.

Long Live Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Go Get ‘Em Lehigh University.

Stone.

MR. BIG – Live From The Living Room – Is An Acoustic Ride To Revel In

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags acoustic rock, billy sheehan, classic rock, eric martin, Hard Rock, live from the living room, mr. big, pat torpey, paul gilbert, rock albums 2012 on February 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MR. BIG – Releasing on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America, via Frontiers Records, is Live From The Living Room from MR. BIG. This album documents the first ever live acoustic performance from MR. BIG, which took place back in late January of 2011, at the WOWOW TV Studios in Tokyo, Japan. With the idea of an acoustic performance already in place, MR. BIG also embraced a string quintet to add to the overall ambiance of this live acoustic production. The arrangements were provided by Takashi Miyazaki.

If there are two bands from the world of Hard Rock that can pull off a live acoustic set, one is Tesla and the other certainly is MR. BIG. Too often the word acoustic can send shivers down a Hard Rock die-hard’s spine, the mere thought of MR. BIG (gulp) watering down any of their songs surely can bring tears to my eyes. For Metal sakes, this is MR. BIG and they did receive my personal pick of “Best Hard Rock Album of 2011” with their ultra-fabulous What If…

Undertow psyches me out. This acoustic version um… psyches me out too. Is it the overall melody? Can it be the groovy acoustic strings that Paul Gilbert is playing? Billy Sheehan’s signature sound on bass? I don’t know exactly, it’s a cumulative thing happening here and it sounds very cool. Eric Martin never sings in any “acoustic sort of way” either, therefore there is an underlying Hard Rock backbone that is ever-present from his vocals.

Yes Virginia, them Hard Rock dudes that play acoustic sure can shred. Paul Gilbert doesn’t hold back on Still Ain’t Enough For Me. Eric Martin sounds fantastic throughout this entire performance and really shines on Voodoo Kiss, Stranger In My Life and As Far As I Can See. Take Cover just resonates the undeniable richness of sound that translates from an acoustic version. MR. BIG makes it sound just too easy… and fun too. To Be With You doesn’t stray far from its original package and is an acoustic showstopper.

Even if you are not a fan of MR. BIG, this just might be the album to make you one. You will hear four top-tier musicians in their prime, playing their songs in celebratory fashion, courtesy of an acoustic approach. Despite any lack of Hard Rock power, these songs still play-out as MR. BIG and sound like the band I’ve admired for many years counting. Yes, take this acoustic ride with MR. BIG and don’t be afraid to sing along to the songs either.

Okay, there is one drawback about this live acoustic album from MR. BIG. I’m very disappointed that these guys didn’t choose my living room to perform and record in. Maybe next time.

MR. BIG:

Eric Martin – lead vocals

Billy Sheehan – bass & backing vocals

Paul Gilbert – guitar & backing vocals

Pat Torpey – drums, percussion & backing vocals

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LIVE FROM THE LIVING ROOM – Track Listing:

Undertow

Still Ain’t Enough For Me

As Far As I Can See

Voodoo Kiss

Take Cover

Around The World

Stranger In My Life

All The Way Up

To Be With You

Nobody Left To Blame

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* For more info on MR. BIG, click on the links below:

http://www.mrbigsite.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE MR. BIG.

Stone.