THE PRETTY GOODBYES – The 3 song debut demo EP, Now We Run, from the Loughborough based 4-piece band The Pretty Goodbyes was released back on August 6th, 2012. When very, very cool Alternative/Indie Rock crosses my Rockin’ path, I’m gonna bellow about it; right here on Metal Odyssey. This unsigned UK band would be signed by me in a micro second, if I had the (prestigious) ability to do so for a (knowledgeable) record label.
This Now We Run EP has unveiled 3 songs to my senses and ALL 3 are remarkably memorable, well written and downright (gulp) fun! I always appreciate the way a talented band like The Pretty Goodbyes can coalesce the beauty of 80’s New Wave, late 80’s College Radio and Early 90’s Alternative while still maintaining a balance of Post-Punk and Modern Indie Rock/Alternative sound and vibes; all the while keeping the flames of Indie Pop to a tolerable minimum (if any). Phew! I got that off my chest!
I’m digging this band and the vocals of George Evans are nothing short of terrific. Any serious fan of Alternative and Indie Rock will embrace the music from The Pretty Goodbyes. The Pretty Goodbyes have obviously learned at a very early stage, quality songs are their ticket to success; and I see nothing less happening for this band in the future. Check out The Pretty Goodbyes right now, right here: theprettygoodbyes.bandcamp.com
“So here is another video for everyone out there!” shared guitarist Pete Adams. “This was filmed while we were on tour with Meshuggah in the Spring of 2012. Some of you may recognize the footage from several of those shows and the ‘Take My Bones Away’ video as well. We were excited to be back out as it had been since December of 2010 when we had our last tour before taking time off to write Yellow & Green. You can see from the video we were happy to be back on the road. We’re happy now to have this video to share with you all. Enjoy.”
Yellow & Green was released in July via Relapse Records and debuted at #30 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart. The double-album was dubbed a “thrilling hard-rock epic” by Rolling Stone, the New York Times said the 18-track release included “a grand sprawl of riffs and ruminations” and Artist Direct, after awarding the band “Rock Band of the Year” honors said “they epitomize the spirit of the greats like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, while remaining wholly unique. It’s something we need more of. Baroness are everything that a rock band should be — and more.”
As the year came to a close, Baroness dominated year-end lists with Entertainment Weekly and Spin both naming Yellow & Green their #1 Metal release of 2012 and iTunes awarding “Take My Bones Away” the distinction of best Metal song of the year. Decibel (#2), Guitar World (#15), Loudwire (#4), Magnet (#12), Pitchfork (#3 on Metal Albums, #25 Best Albums of 2012), Revolver (#4), Stereogum (#18) and the Village Voice (#6) also gave the album top honors.
Internationally, the album fared similarly, receiving top honors from Terrorizer (#2), BBC Music (#13), Metal Hammer Germany (#4), Metal Hammer Norway (#4), Metal Hammer UK (#14), Close Up Sweden (#4) and Visions Germany (#4).
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS – I didn’t include Oceania from The Smashing Pumpkins on my 2012 Best Of Lists for Metal or Hard Rock for good reason. This 9th studio album from The Smashing Pumpkins accentuates the genius musical mind of Billy Corgan and it isn’t Metal; nor is it Hard Rock. Rock and Alternative Rock is The Smashing Pumpkins and I just didn’t compile a list of Top 10 Rock Albums for 2012… yet. I might still. Who knows?
While being in the heat of relocating my life from one state to another, writing original posts (album reviews, random blab and lists) is not entirely easy. I just had to get my thoughts out to the universe that I thoroughly enjoy Oceania; so much so, that I can easily sum up this important album by The Smashing Pumpkins in one simple word: beautiful.
If I did or was to compile a Top 10 list for Rock Albums released in 2012, Oceania would be #1.
Oceania is an album that must be heard and appreciated all the more, with the earphones on. Oceania is an album that must be heard to understand why I tag it as beautiful. The unique richness of sound and vibrant instrumentation is absolutely breathtaking. Lyrically thought-provoking is Oceania, regardless if that sounds cliché or not. Yes, Oceania does Rock like there’s no tomorrow; only this album Rocks in such a majestic way that it feels too damn special for me to overlook in writing about or acknowledging.
Sample, borrow and/or buy Oceania. Stone would never steer you wrong. Metal be thy name.
New York Native Serves up Fifth Full-Length Record
Los Angeles, CA – Rock artist Bob Pressner breathes raw emotion and honesty into every line on his new album King of Nothing, available now on iTunes. Drenched in glowing charisma, Bob shows off his versatility throughout the album as he touches on subjects like love, spirituality and retrospection. With his relatable lyrics and velvety tone, it is no surprise that Bob is becoming a magnetic force for music lovers; the official video for the title track “King of Nothing,” directed by Max Moraga and produced by Kurt J. Zendzain has already garnered more than 18 million views on YouTube!
Hailing from White Plains, NY, Bob has always been a musician at heart. Intrigued by the styles of Jimi Hendrix, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Paul McCartney, he fell in love with the guitar at 15 years old and now has a vast collection. As he grew older, he continued to practice his art and refine his skills – he even studied with the famed 1950’s beat poet Allen Ginsberg. After experiencing a traumatic event and years of being part of the workforce, Bob took a leap of faith to pursue a music career. Later, Bob moved his family to Florida where he began writing and recording heavily. The singer-songwriter soon had his first album Hard Driving Rain, followed by Riding the Wave, Summer in Illusion Land, Me and the Kid from Santa Cruz, and Honor Among Thieves. In addition, Bob was a featured artist on the album A Musical Tribute to the Olympics, which was a commemorative compilation featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Delivering an exciting mix of head-bopping songs and tear-jerking ballads, Bob displays charm and grace on his latest effort, King of Nothing, produced by Grammy-nominated producer David Grow (Michael Bolton) and Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, The Corrs). With more than three million YouTube views for the music video, “The Blue Has Left Your Eyes” is a catchy mid-tempo track that reveals a more vulnerable Bob. The singer laments the loss of his queen with sweet melodies led by a soft guitar and carried away by wailing violins in the emotional “King of Nothing.” Hoping to meet his internet crush in “iGirl,” Bob’s infectious hook is lead by major rock guitars and supported by a solid vocal performance. Each song on this well-produced album is capable of transporting listeners to different dimensions.
Receiving “Top Honors” for his outstanding YouTube views, the New York native has been cranking out live performances left and right for his fans. Bob’s performances landed him a gig at the South By Southwest Music Festival and his very own Comcast-produced OnDemand concert entitled, “Bob Pressner at Infinity Music Hall.” The concert was promoted on cable channels like A&E, AMC, ESPN, CNN, Bravo, MTV, VH1, and TBS.
With four albums under his belt, Bob has let go of all inhibitions and nothing can hold him back. The world better get ready. Keep up with Bob Pressner by visiting www.BobPressner.com or Facebook.
WISE GIRL – On Monday, December 3rd, I posted a press release featuring the 5 piece Melodic, Power/Pop Rock band known as Wise Girl. This talented band from NYC has a 3 song EP available on iTunes for just under $3 (U.S.) and it’s worth every Rockin’ penny. After I’ve listened (many, many times) to this Wise Girl EP, my only wish is for a full-length album from them… and soon! Um, please.
Sure, the lyrics of Wise Girl’s songs may not be about dragons, skulls, gore, insane keg parties and the fiery depths of hell; my Metal mind is cool with that and it’s all good. The exclamation point is that Wise Girl Rocks like yummy ear candy; while fusing an abundance of retro feel within their ultra relevant Rock sound.
There are those (not so often) occurrences when I hear a new (non-Metal) band for the first time and I wish I could be a record executive at a well-known record label and sign them on the spot. Wise Girl is one of those occurrences to my ears… and senses.
Then again… I’m the dude that feels Cheap Trick should have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame many years ago. On that off-topic note, there’s a bit-O Cheap Tricky vibe that does resonate from some of the melodies of Wise Girl, I will confidently add.
Abby Weitz
(Photo Credit: Andrew Gardner)
As I listen to the vocals and guitar of Abby Weitz, I cannot resist being reminded of my very early teen years and introduction to The Runaways (and eventual) Joan Jett solo albums. However, that was then and this is now. My appreciation for the Rock sound that Abbey Weitz is creating with Wise Girl feels so right to me. The mainstream should either move or get out of Wise Girl’s way. It’s a band like Wise Girl that clearly defines what a musically primed (underground) Power/Pop Rock band sounds like in 2012.
Abby and her band have created three songs that are clearly the welcome mat to what I believe will be an astounding Rockin’ and Rollin’ career for them. With such an over abundance of crap vocalists and bands winning the “lottery” on televised talent shows these days, Wise Girl is a solid-as-steel reminder to me that credible (Rock) musicians are out there, earning their way up the ladder and glowing with the skills to make a difference in the (severely) watered down mainstream of Power/Pop Rock.
You can purchase the Wise Girl songs Set In Stone, Wishful Thinking and Roles Are Reversed on iTunes, by clicking on the link below! Whoa!
Today popular Rock/Metal website PureGrainAudio is hosting a stream of the Dutch rock act GOLD’s entire debut LP Interbellum, in preparation of the album’s worldwide release this Friday, December 7th via Germany’s Ván Records.
Listen to the album PureGrainAudio dubbed “a collection of nine, rocking songs that will be sure to catch fire in today’s musical landscape with its catchy riffs, fresh-sounding vocals and original songwriting” now AT THIS LOCATION.
Mainstream German news site Spiegel this week posted a colossal feature on Ván Records’ new December releases — including GOLD, alongside labelmates Year of the Goat, Vanderbuyst, Attic and more — where European readers can stream the album(s) as well AT THIS LOCATION.
Previously, GOLD released a video from the album, for the track “One Of Us,” followed by a lyric video for “North,” both of which can be viewed HERE.
GOLD’s debut album will see the light of day via cult label Ván Records on the edge of the Mayan calendar. Each song on the record is a well-crafted piece of music and a story on its own, and overall is a monument to our time and to a civilization in decline. It deals with instability and the fear of things to come, yet offers a spark of love and hope in an attempt to give meaning to life in modern times. The album’s authentic tone and warmth completes the richness of GOLD’s sound, produced by Igor Wouters and Vanderbuyst main man Willem Verbuyst.
Fashion Designer Brand Kate Spade NY Features Energy-driven single “Set in Stone”
Los Angeles, CA – Driving power pop/rock band Wise Girl will soon release their self-titled three-song EP on iTunes. The New York fivesome is equipped with straight forward talent and no need for gimmicks. The WISEGIRL EP showcases the perfect combination of poppy melodies, rockin’ guitars and quirky songwriting technique all wrapped together in a no-nonsense attitude.
After two years in the making Wise Girl is the brainchild of songwriter Abby Weitz (vocals, guitar). Wise Girl includes Chris Fasulo (producer, lead guitars), Abby Lee (backup vocals, tambourine), Harry Keithline (drums) and Sean Kane (bass). Growing up, front woman Abby Weitz was such a music fanatic that she had to listen to The Beatles in order to fall asleep at night. At age 11 she started taking drum lessons which then led to her interest in learning to play the guitar at age 13.
Born to lead, Weitz started a Strokes cover band in high school followed by an original band under the name of Drella, playing basement/garage shows in her hometown of Long Beach. After dropping out of college six weeks in because “it wasn’t her thing”, she started a punk band with her best friend Liz called The Lookaways.
Photo Credit: Andrew Gardner
Determined to take over New York City, The Lookaways played notorious clubs around Manhattan such as Sin-E, Lit Lounge, Don Hill’s, including the legendary CBGB’s and on a mini East Coast tour, played a few shows on the Van’s Warped Tour. After The Lookaways split, Weitz decided to start a music publishing company called Wise Girl, stemmed from her strong belief in “Girl Power” and she ended up using the name for her current project.
Watch and listen to Wise Girl perform So Broken Live At Beta Records below! Whoa!
Elements of Wise Girl’s music can be attributed to their influences drawn from some of Weitz’s favorites such as The Ramones, The Beatles, The Muffs, Letters to Cleo, Weezer and 60’s girl groups. The band’s feisty single, “Set In Stone” is a perfect example of how the band creates a rhythmic blend of catchy melodies, gritty guitars and witty yet matter-of-fact lyrics. Produced by Chris Fasulo, the Wise Girl EP’s content centers on love gone wrong and the battles that we face when caught in the middle of it.
The internationally known designer Kate Spade featured Wise Girl on their website and blog as a runner-up in a Battle of the Bands contest to open for The Vivian Girls at their SXSW showcase. They were also chosen as one of the 15 bands to represent Manhattan in New York’s Annual “Battle of the Boroughs,” sponsored by New York Public Radio in June of 2012. Picking up a consistent following along the way, Wise Girl has performed at notable NY music venues such as Mercury Lounge, The Bowery Electric, Piano’s and The Knitting Factory.
Photo Credit: Andrew Gardner
The band has recently opened up for major pop punk band The Dollyrots and Rock ‘n’ Roll sensations, Prima Donna and performed as a part of the 2010 and 2011 CMJ Music Marathon. To add to the list, Wise Girl did a performance/interview on the national television show Beta TV and earned a mention in an American Songwriter’s article (“How Does an Independent Artists Stay Relevant While Creating New Music” – Sept. 2012). In September of 2012 Weitz scored an endorsement deal with guitar company, Daisy Rock Guitars.
With success at their fingertips, Wise Girl is ready to take it to the top! For more information, visit their website.
The clip, directed by Vincent Forcier, was shot during the band’s late October tour and features a studio performance from the quartet that includes Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard, Unsemble), Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mondo Cane), John Stanier (Battles, Helmet) and Trevor Dunn (Melvins Lite, Mr. Bungle).
Tomahawk have also added a brief February tour that kicks off on Feb. 12 in Seattle at The Showbox with Retox opening all dates. Retox, the San Diego outfit helmed by The Locust’s Justin Pearson, are currently in the studio recording a follow-up to their 2011 debut, Ugly Animals. Tomahawk will also perform at Lollapalooza Brazil and Australia’s Soundwave Festival.
Stone Letter was released as a limited edition single for Record Store Day’s Black Friday event and will be available on Tuesday as a digital single. A stream of the song, the band’s first new music in six years, is available via Spin (http://www.spin.com/articles/tomahawk-first-lp-in-six-years-stone-letter).
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Tomahawk tour dates (Retox opens Feb. 12 to 19):
February 12 Seattle, WA The Showbox
February 13 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
February 15 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
February 16 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
February 17 Santa Ana, CA The Observatory
February 19 Los Angeles, CA The Mayan Theater
February 23 Brisbane, Australia RNA Showgrounds
February 24 Sydney, Australia Olympic Park
March 1 Melbourne, Australia Flemington Racecourse
PAPA ROACH – Just in time for the holiday season, the limited edition double vinyl is now available for Papa Roach’s newest release, The Connection. Check out the Official Papa Roach US Merch Store to order today!
London, UK – Guitar virtuoso David Kilminster, best known for his work with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, has released his debut solo CD titled Scarlet – The Director’s Cut. David’s radical techniques and mesmerizing sounds have captivated fans and fellow musicians alike worldwide. Named “Guitarist of the Year” by Guitar Magazine in 1991, the recognition propelled him on a super-charged career as a multifaceted guitarist, vocalist, writer, engineer, and producer. Credited by keyboard legend Keith Emerson for inspiring him to go on the road again, David is a familiar figure worldwide to fans of progressive rock. And now, much to the elation of his fans, David is releasing an innovative new CD that will amaze all who listen!
Says David about his new CD, “I guess the album ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’ is just a reflection of all the wonderful music that I grew up listening to on the radio, along with some deeply personal lyrics. It also represents the first time that I’ve ever been let loose in a studio, so I was definitely like a kid in a candy store!!! Hence trying a whole bunch of things I’ve never done before…like singing lead vocals, playing piano and even scoring for a string quartet!”
Fans and critics agree that David Kilminster is one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge from the UK. He is a sought after collaborator, band member and solo performer. After touring for a number of years with such luminaries as John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and ELP keyboard Keith Emerson, in 2006 David went on the road with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters as lead guitarist and vocalist in the extraordinary global staging of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’. More recently David was seen atop a thirty foot wall playing guitar on Roger Waters ‘The Wall – Live’ tour, which became the highest grossing tour of the year, playing to over 3 million people worldwide!!
David’s work is in a class by itself, encompassing technical mastery and enormous power. His vast musical influences are strongly felt on his new album. Says David, “I have a very eclectic list of influences. Musically, it’s anywhere from Debussy to Bjork, Chet Baker to Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley to Queen…it’s all in there, mixed up in my own unique way…” As far as the title goes, David explains, “I really love the provocative images that the word ‘Scarlet’ conjures up in my head… it’s a very passionate color, and brings to mind characters such as ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ in ‘Gone With The Wind’, ‘The Scarlet Woman’ (the goddess from the mystical system of Thelema), Scarlet Johansson (very cute!!)… and also the Sir Conan Doyle book ‘A Study In Scarlet’, which I believe is where Sherlock Holmes was first introduced. In a way the last reference seems particularly apt, as I feel like this album is my first real introduction into the world of music…”
In closing David has this to impart to his fans and listeners, “There’s so much of my heart, soul, passion and energy in this recording… you can almost see my DNA in the grooves of the CD!!! So I really hope you enjoy the listening experience…”
New Jersey band channels rock through the ages with a modern twist
Los Angeles, CA – Expect to be captivated by a roll of basement jams and garage grooves on the debut album Running Fasterfrom post-punk/indie rock band The Antics, available now on iTunes and Bandcamp. The New Jersey-based band cooks up a cohesive rock genre toss-up featuring fuzzy guitar riffs and raw emotion that is quickly making these guys hometown heroes.
Fun-loving and gifted, the young men of The Antics are Luke Meisenbacher (vocals/guitar), DerekRosengarth (guitar), Kyle Hammerschmidt (bass) and Josh Reitan (drums). Practicing their instruments from an early age, each member grew up in different parts of NJ but play like they’ve been together all their lives. Just three years strong, the band has endured a few changes but their brotherly bond enabled them to create a staple sound that defines their vibrant personalities.
Listen to and watch THE ANTICS perform Payday below! Whoa!
The Antics’ music radiates high energy supported by crunchy guitar licks, bright melodies and toe-tapping drums. Their material often reminds fans of post-punk super groups and major influences Joy Division, The Strokes and The Smiths. The group describes their sound as post-punk influenced accented by 60’s pop, surf and garage rock.
Stellar production from RH Management Services LLC and Meisenbacher on Running Faster illuminates the lead singer’s bright, clean vocals, while enhancing the texture of each instrument. Penning the album’s lyrics, Luke draws inspiration from The Beatles and The Strokes to conjure up sing-along melodies and conversational lyrics.
“I think I’m a very honest songwriter,” Luke said. “I don’t write music that sounds exactly like something else or things that don’t matter to me.” The Antic’s heartbreak single “In The Night” is a prime example of the group’s knack for catchy rhythms with an impressive 50-second, raging guitar solo to finish off. With a track listing to cure heartache, much of the subject matter on Running Faster surrounds love, pain and happiness.
Killer hits, relatable lyrics and rock star personas – equipped with the full package, The Antics are delivering a top-notch effort of rock through the ages with a modern twist. Having entertained crowds at Connecticut and New Jersey venues The Space, Crossroads and The Stone Pony, The Antics are eager to take their masterpiece to the masses. Keep up with the New Jersey foursome by visiting their website or like them on Facebook.
SOUNDGARDEN– Below is the time-lapse of the creation of the King Animal mural at Easy Street Records in Seattle Washington. King Animal is the new studio album in over 15 years from Soundgarden. The sixth studio album overall, King Animal was released on November 13th, via Universal Republic.
The song you’ll be listening to is By Crooked Steps, as it’s featured on King Animal. I dig this song, it grooves and flows along quite excellent. Chris Cornell’s vocals are once again stellar and this band is legendary. Metal be thy name.
THE ROLLING STONES – On its release date of November 13th, I happily purchased the brand new 2CD of greatest hits from The Rolling Stones titled: GRRR! at my local Target store. Here’s a funny blunder I am guilty of while making this GRRR! purchase:
Upon seeing GRRR! stocked upon the CD display at Target, the excitement overcame me; so much so that I read the sale price (incorrectly) as $9.99 (U.S.). After buying this 2CD and a few other items, I thought to myself: “gee whiz, Stone, that amount I paid was higher than I calculated in my brain.” I paused, then came to a complete stop before exiting the store. I needed to check my sales receipt and make sure I didn’t get screwed on the price of an item (which happens more often than not).
* The Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary Logo designed by: Shepard Fairey
* The Rolling Stones tongue logo was originally created by John Pashe, back in 1971.
Sure enough, I read the price sticker wrong on the GRRR! 2CD. Instead of the price being $9.99 (like I thought I read it) it was $19.99 instead! Whoa! I had not a clue. I guess the good news is that I didn’t pay $19.99 for GRRR! after all. Nope. I instead paid the sale price for GRRR! which was: $16.99. That’s very, very cool. Heck, this is a “2” CD after all and it boasts 40 classics from The Rolling Stones! Not too shabby of a Rockin’ buy and YOLO!
The 2 NEW songs on GRRR! are: One More Shot and Doom And Gloom. Both of these songs ROCK!!! WHOA!!! Think: Hard Rock Rolling Stones, (not) Start Me Up or Harlem Shuffle. Seriously, I am very psyched-out about these 2 new songs; they signify that The Rolling Stones can certainly dig-in-deep and continue to put out some kick-ass Classic Hard Rockin’ material!
I highly recommend GRRR! to all Rolling Stones fans and anyone that digs Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Rock and the history of Rock and Roll! Metal be thy name.
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THE ROLLING STONES GRRR! – Track Listing:
(Stone Notes: This is the 40 song track listing. There are 50 and 80 track versions of GRRR! as well).
Disc one:
Come On
Not Fade Away
It’s All Over Now
Little Red Rooster
The Last Time
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Get Off Of My Cloud
As Tears Go By
19th Nervous Breakdown
Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?
Black Country Communion – Afterglow is the third studio album from the supergroup that should really be named: Classic Rock Champions. All kidding aside, this Kevin “The Caveman” Shirley produced album is so much more than I expected. With super legendary musicians joining forces with such a prominent producer, the first two BCC albums were magnificent in their own right; only Afterglow is by far the very best out of the three albums from this band, in my Rock infested opinion.
Glenn Hughes wrote the lyrics to every song, with Jason Bonham lending a pen on This Is Your Timeand Common Man. With the writing of the music for Afterglow, it’s a collective effort from the entire band, which is broken down so nicely in the liner notes. These four musicians are undoubtedly legends and they have written and recorded a wonderful album of eleven songs.
Afterglow stands out from the first two BCC albums with its unbelievably memorable songs. These are songs that just instantly stick inside my head with their melodies, rhythm, beats and (of course) vocals. Whereas the first two albums had a song or two that may sound like (just above) average offerings, Afterglow is a listening sensation of Classic Hard Rock from beginning to end. My God, I’m tickled to death by Afterglow and I’m strongly considering it to be my top Hard Rock album of 2012… and quite possibly my favorite album across the board from this year!
Watch & listen to below: The Making Of Afterglow – Black Country Communion Episode 1
The sunny skies of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple certainly shine over this album, with Big Train, Afterglow and Confessor (respectively); giving every musical indication that even legends such as BCC will give a nod to other Classic Rock sounds other than their own. Let there be no misunderstanding however, that BCC is a band as original as the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Jason Bonham doesn’t over extend on drums (and never has in his career), while Derek Sherinian follows suit on keyboards. I applaud them both for I’m so convinced that the less is more plan of attack always comes out victorious in Rock and Roll. Joe Bonamassa is such a talented guitarist it’s spooky. His lead vocals on Cry Freedom are superb and makes for an added bonus on an album filled with pure Rockin’ magic.
Lead vocals and bass are brought to you by none other than Glenn Hughes. What can I possibly write that has never been written before about this legend of Rock? Glenn Hughes is one of those vocalists walking the planet today with a captivating voice. I listen to Glenn’s vocals and lyrics on The Circle and have to pick my jaw up off the floor each time this song ends. Overall, BCC has whisked my memories back to the slower days when FM radio actually meant something to all of us; while (thankfully) reminding me that majestic Hard Rock can still be created. Metal be thy name.
* Black Country Communion Afterglow was released on October 30th, 2012, via J&R Adventures.
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION:
Glenn Hughes – lead vocals and bass guitar, (acoustic guitar on The Giver)
Joe Bonamassa – lead and acoustic guitars, (lead vocals on Cry Freedom)
Jason Bonham – drums and percussion, (backing vocals on This Is Your Time)
CANDLELIGHT RED – DEMONS, the 4 song EP from Williamsport Pennsylvania’s Hard Rockin’ Candlelight Red was released on September 25th, 2012, via Imagen Records. Produced by Morgan Rose (drummer & founding member of Sevendust), the quality of sound and overall Rockin’ atmosphere is solid. This 4 song DEMONS EP is a can’t miss for fans spanning the Rock, Hard Rock and Modern Rock genres.
Candlelight Red has been continuously gaining waves of fans and building on their potent Rockin’ momentum, ever since their famous 2010 opening gig for the iconic KISS in Pittsburgh, PA and subsequent 2011 Imagen Records debut: The Wreckage.
With plenty of riffs, a killer solo, stand-out vocals and an all-encompassing heaviness to earn my Metal respect, I’ve chosen the DEMONS music video from Candlelight Red to be: Stone’s METAL Pick of The Day!
Turn it up and watch below! Hopefully you’ll enjoy this song as much as I do! Metal be thy name.
* Candlelight Red were chosen among 22 regional contest winners by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons to open for KISS in Pittsburgh, PA, winning the Guitar Center’s 2010 “Onstage Contest.
October 31, 2012 – London, UK – The music industry is buzzing about the new concept album by former legendary Uriah Heep / Lucifer’s Friend vocalist John Lawton titled ‘The Power of Mind’. An innovative new CD, conceived, written and produced by the CGI member, Dr. Milen Vrabevski, but performed by John Lawton and Bulgarian ensemble Diana Express, ‘The Power of Mind’ is an exploration into the science of positive thinking and its applications to the subconscious mind. Featuring 14 amazing songs that showcase the soulful vocals of John Lawton and the powerful instrumentals by Diana Express will leave you wanting to hear it again and again…
“ ‘The Power of Mind’ is a concept album with positive thinking being the theme,” John explains. “In the world of today, I don’t think there are many better things to focus on. The way the songs flow into each other is really the way one would read a book or relate stories to friends. The melodies and lyrics say a lot about how we should view each other.”
John Lawton began his musical career in North Shields, UK, in the early ’60s with The Deans, a bunch of kids who decided at random that John should be singer. He then moved on to West One and later to Stonewall, which included John Miles, Vic Malcolm (later of Geordie) and Paul Thompson (later of Roxy Music). After Stonewall finished a stint at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg in 1969, John decided to stay in Germany. He is offered the job as singer with legendary German cult rock band Lucifer’s Friend (1969-1976, 1979-1995) and subsequently recorded 9 studio albums during his time with the band. In the early ’70s John also joined the Les Humphries Singers, with whom he recorded more than 20 albums and took part at 1976’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Listen to and watch the video for Fairy Tale below!
Stone Says:John Lawton has a truly amazing and timeless voice. Diana Express are certainly world-class musicians. I cannot say it any better than that. Metal be thy name.
In 1976 John joined Uriah Heep as their front man, and recorded the classic albums ‘Innocent Victim’, ‘Firefly’, ‘Fallen Angel’ and ‘Live ’79’, and toured Europe and the USA until September 1979. During his longstanding career John has worked with some big names of rock, on various projects, including Roger Glover’s ‘Butterfly Ball’ and Eddie Hardin’s ‘Wizard’s Convention II’. In late 1980 he joined German rock band Rebel on three albums, including their hit singles “Line of Fire” and “Eagles Flight”. He would record one more album with the group, now known as ZAR in the early ’90s. John ventured into the world of classical music when he recorded vocals for Volker Barber’s ‘Excalibur’. In January 1994 he formed GunHill, later known as JLB – John Lawton Band. The band recorded two albums (studio/live) and toured the UK and Europe. In August 2000 John recorded his first solo album, the critically acclaimed ‘Still Paying My Dues To The Blues’.
In December 2008 John entered the world of television by presenting the Bulgarian travel documentary series “John Lawton Presents”. Which leads to the teaming of John and Bulgaria’s Diana Express in November 2011 to record ‘The Power of Mind’ in Plevin, Bulgaria. John comments, “The involvement came via a musician friend of mine from Sofia, Bulgaria, who knows the writer and producer of the album, Milen Vrabevski. I met with Milen briefly in Sofia after an exchange of e-mails and he gave me a copy of the original ‘The Power of Mind’ CD, which had been sung in Bulgarian. I must say I liked it very much, it was very well sung, played and produced. Milen then asked me if I would consider singing the whole album again in English and after looking through the English lyrics I agreed. It was a real joy to record in the studio in Pleven, owned by the guitarist of the band, Maxim Goranov. It took me about a week and a half to complete the solo and backing vocals.”
John Lawton has built a reputation on his powerful vocals and charismatic personality and is regarded as one of the best singers around today! And now with his new CD ‘The Power of Mind’, John has reached an artistic peak. In conclusion John has this to impart to his longtime listeners, “People who know me and my background will expect something new and with ‘The Power of Mind’ they have exactly that. The album is a collection of excellent songs very well-played and produced and one which I am very proud of…so make sure you give it a good listen. Think positive and trust in the Power of Mind.”
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Available soon on iTunes, “Fairy Tale”, the first single from ‘The Power of Mind’.
Title: John Lawton and Diana Express – ‘The Power of Mind’
Germany’s cult label Ván Records is proud to unleash the opening track to Interbellum, the debut album from Dutch Rock outfit, GOLD, confirmed for worldwide release on the edge of the Mayan calendar, December 7th, 2012.
Recorded at the Amsterdam Recording Company, Interbellum offers nine hard-rocking pop songs that will enrich the contemporary Rock landscape with its fresh vocals, catchy riffing, its driving rhythms and refreshing songwriting. A world in crisis needs a Rock album full of urgency, anger and hope. Here it is.
The opening track to Interbellum, “One Of Us,” was shot on a gloomy Autumn afternoon at GOLD‘s rehearsal space at Studio SanteBoutique, Rotterdam. Check it out below!
The main drive of GOLD’s songwriting takes place between vocalist Milena Eva and guitarist Thomas Sciarone (ex-The Devil’s Blood). Longtime friends, drummer Igor Wouters and bassist Harm Haverman provide a steady yet adventurous foundation and guitarist Nick Polak completes the bunch with his talent for harmony and melody. Each song on Interbellum is a well-crafted piece of music and a story on its own, and overall is a monument to our time and to a civilization in decline. It deals with instability and the fear of things to come, yet offers a spark of love and hope in an attempt to give meaning to life in modern times. The album’s authentic tone and warmth completes the richness of GOLD’s sound, produced by Igor Wouters and Vanderbuyst main man Willem Verbuyst.
GOLD will be performing live by the end of 2012, delivering their songs to every soul that cares to listen.
Interbellum Track Listing:
1. One Of Us
2. Antebellum
3. Love, The Magician
4. Gone Under
5. Dreams
6. North
7. Medicine Man
8. The Hunt
9. Ruby
Stone Says: I dig this band! GOLD ROCKS! From the vocals of Milena Eva to the overall melodic Rockin’ sound that this band generates, GOLD is a band to keep our Rockaholic eyes and ears on! Metal be thy name.
London, UK – Much to the excitement of music fans across the planet, Dutch rock legends Focus will be undertaking a worldwide tour beginning November 2012 in support of their forthcoming CD Focus X. With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves’, ‘Focus 3’ and ‘Hamburger Concerto’, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!
After a comeback in the early 2000’s, which resulted in the well-received albums ‘Focus 8’ and ‘Focus 9’, the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is famed Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album ‘Moving Waves’ in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, completes the band’s current line-up. Recently, Focus’s biggest hit “Hocus Pocus” was used in a 4-minute Nike commercial before the World Cup broadcast. Focus music can be regularly heard on Top Gear and Saxondale TV.
A new Focus era has arrived! There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions that adorn the new album ‘Focus X’, which features a full-scale Roger Dean painting on the cover. Says Thijs van Leer, who holds the distinction of being the first ever knighted musician in Holland, “It’s a thrill to have finally completed ‘Focus X’; we are all ecstatic and looking forward to playing the new material on the forthcoming Focus X Tour.”
Features performances by members of the biggest names in Fusion and Prog including Mahavishnu Orchestra, Yellowjackets, Brand X, Soft Machine, Spyrogyra, Yes, Dream Theater, King Crimson, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Hawkwind and more!
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October 10, 2012- Los Angeles, CA – One of the most amazing collection of jazz-fusion and progressive rock legends ever to assemble on one CD has happened with the new release by The Fusion Syndicate, available October 16, 2012 on Purple Pyramid Records. Brought together by multi-instumentalist, producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, CIRCA:), who gave us the fascinating release by the Prog Collective earlier this year. Now, Billy has produced, recorded and written tracks for a new jazz-rock-fusion supergroup of musical virtuosos – The Fusion Syndicate!
Featuring!Rick Wakeman, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Jimmy Haslip, Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess, Mel Collins, Billy Cobham, Jay Beckenstein, Billy Sheehan, Gavin Harrison, David Sancious, Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian, Eric Marienthal, Chester Thompson, Steve Morse, Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, John Etheridge, Tony Kaye, Chad Wackerman, Steve Hillage, Scott Kinsley, Theo Travis, Justin Chancellor and Asaf Sirkis – Produced by Billy Sherwood
“When I was asked to write/produce a fusion record I jumped at the chance. I’ve always had a deep love of Jazz and Fusion music having grown up listening to Weather Report, Return To Forever, the Mahavishnu Orchestra among many others in the genre. The record has become a musical dream team, including some of the world’s most reknowned players in the field. The music reflects a time when virtuosity was the standard and incredible musicianship was the order of the day. Each artist sharing their talent and skill, blending it all into a bigger musical picture, creating an amazing expression of unity and purpose. I’m honored to be a part of it all and I thank all the artists who joined me on this journey, they have all lifted the music to a higher level.” – BillySherwood, producer
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Tracks include:
Random Acts Of Science – Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets/Alan Holdsworth)
Stone Cold Infusion – Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater/Liquid Tension Experiment), Mel Collins (King Crimson), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
Molecular Breakdown – Jay Beckenstein (Spyrogyra), Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), David Sancious (The E Street Band)
Particle Accelerations – Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion), Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Chester Thompson (Genesis/Frank Zappa)
At The Edge Of The Middle – Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs/Deep Purple), Jim Beard (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Randy Brecker (Blood, Sweat & Tears/Brecker Brothers), Percy Jones (Soft Machine/Brand X)
Atom Smashing – John Etheridge (Soft Machine), Tony Kaye (Yes), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa),
In The Spirit Of – Steve Hillage (Gong), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), Theo Travis (Steven Wilson Band), Justin Chancellor (Tool), Asaf Sirkis (The Orient House Ensemble)
“Always a pleasure to work with Billy Sherwood and all the other musicians he chooses. Add some great music and the combination is complete.” – Rick Wakeman
“Fusion music gave me a way to relate to jazz. I liked the rock energy, and the unexpected twists, turns and rhythms that made it fun to play. So, it’s a big influence on the direction I took.” – Steve Morse
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The Fusion Syndicate is avaliable from Purple Pyramid Records and can be pre-ordered at:
THE ROLLING STONES– The release dates for GRRR! ( a greatest hits collection) will be as follows: (as reported on http://www.rollingstones.com: GRRR! will be released on 12th November 2012 for the world, excluding North America, and on the 13th November 2012 in North America.
I’ll buy GRRR! cause quite honestly, I don’t own every album from The Rolling Stones. Not even close. I’ve got some catching up to do. Hey… wanna know which are my top two favorite songs from The Rolling Stones? That’s easy. Here you go: Emotional Rescue and Gimme Shelter. Metal be thy name.
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