"Open Up and Say" Issue 18 (music newsletter)
todd
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OPEN UP AND SAY...
Discussions About Music That Matters
Issue Eighteen: November 2, 1996
http://comp.uark.edu/~tcraven/openup.html
to subscribe or submit, send mail to: Todd Craven (tcr...@comp.uark.edu)
(please mention if you want the issue sent in one or two parts)
send poll/contest answers to: Wes Royer (wro...@osf1.gmu.edu)
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If you know a local band or are in one yourself, send me a tape,
and I'll include you in the "local talent" section. I'm always looking
for more good music.
This issue was produced by Todd Craven, Wes Royer, Kevin Villines,
Brian Balich, Brian McLean, Eyal Oren, Wolf Child,
Thanks to everyone else who sent me bits of stuff.
If you'd like to send me anything to review, or just send me
something, mail to:
Open Up c/o
Todd Craven
3005 Dorothy Jeanne #6
Fayetteville, AR 72704
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ALBUM RELEASE DATES
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(Note: All release dates are US, are compiled through various sources,
and, therefore, can be completely wrong.:)
November 5
CARCASS "Wake Up & Smell the Carcass"
CATHERDRAL "Supernatural Birth Machine"
CULT "High Octane Cult" (greatest hits)
PRESIDENTS OF THE USA "II"
VARIOUS "Beavis and Butthead Do America Soundtrack"
(featuring White Zombie, RHCP, Butthole Surfers, Ozzy, Rancid, more)
VARIOUS "Lost Highway Soundtrack"
(featuring Billy Corgan, NIN, Marilyn Manson, Lou Reed, more)
November 12
BLIND MELON "Nico"
DOKKEN "One Live Night" (US release, CMC)
IN THE NURSERY "Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (Caroline)
POISON "Greatest Hits 1986-1996"
November 19
BUSH "Razorblade Suitcase"
PRINCE "Emancipation" (3 discs, NPG Records)
November 26
POISON "Greatest Hits 1986-1996"
SMASHING PUMPKINS "The Aeroplane Flies High" (single boxed set)
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OPEN UP AND VOTE...A CONTEST <wro...@osf1.gmu.edu>
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PLEASE...send responses to this column to Wes Royer at
<wro...@osf1.gmu.edu> with the subject: VOTE or TRIVIA
PLEASE...send responses before Friday, November 11
-------------------
*This week's trivia questions:...twice over covers...
#1) W.A.S.P. covered the song "I Don't Need No Doctor" on their 1986
"Inside The Electric Circus" album...what other hardrock band recorded
this cover-tune in 1986 along w/ 4 other cover-tunes for a live&covers
release? (1pt.)
#2) Exodus covered Elvis Costello's "Pump It Up" on their 1992 "Force Of
Habit" album...what hardrock band recorded this cover-tune in 1994 for a
independently released 8-song covers EP? (1pt.)
#3) Ace Of Base's 1993 hit song "Don't Turn Around", actually written by
Albert Hammond & Diane Warren, was earlier recorded in 1990 by what Jeff
Scott Soto band? (1pt.)
#4) Babylon A.D. recorded the song "Desperate", actually written by Jack
Ponti & D. Davis, for their 1989 selftitled debut...what other hardrock
band recorded this song for their 1991 EastWest/Atlantic release? (1pt.)
*Last week's poll questions:
#1) Are you a bigger fan of Van Halen or Extreme? Do you dislike
either band?
#2) Now that Gary Cherone is the vocalist of Van Halen, do you think Van
Halen will play an any Extreme material when they go on tour w/ Gary?
(After all; they did play Hagar songs, and one is even on "Live: Right
Here, Right Now.")
#3) If yes to question #2, what do songs might they play? -(please limit
response to 3 songs maximum)
#4) Of the three Van Halen vocalists, who would you most like to see
fronting Van Halen at the present moment in time? -(not five or ten years
ago; but now, taking into consideration the current music scene)...
***From: Scott Miller <smi...@corp.cssi.net>
1. Van Halen, though I don't dislike Extreme.
2. I hope that Gary doesn't play any Extreme songs while on tour. I
don't think any of the Extreme music would fit.
4. Sammy
***From: Tim Wadzinski <tswad...@amoco.com>
1) Tough question...at their best I think Extreme is better than either
"old" VH or Van Hagar. But since, IMO, Extreme only released 2.5 album's
worth of good material I'd have to say I like Van Halen better. I don't
dislike either, although WAITING FOR THE PUNCHLINE came close...
2) Yes, I think Van Halen Mach III will play Extreme songs.
3) "Kid Ego", "Flesh & Blood", and/or "Decadence Dance"
4) Gary Cherone, hands down. I never liked Sammy Hagar and DLR, at this
point, has no voice left and a live show with him would suck.
***From: FROSTEDMUG <sred...@lakefield.net>
1) I love Van Halen. I like the first Extreme record but didn't care for
the rest.
2) I think they may play one song in concert.
3) I think it will be one of the two hit ballads, "More Than Words" or
"Hole Hearted". While I know Extreme has some much better songs.
4) I would love to hear Sammy. The music got stronger with each album he
was with them. With Roth the music was getting weaker and wimpier with
each album. If he continued they would probably be playing polkas by now.
***From: bal...@PCIMSG.PCI.UPMC.EDU
1) It depends on what time period you're talking about. I'll take old Van
Halen over Extreme any day of the week but Van Hagar is a piece of junk
next to Extreme so that's where I stand on that.
2) I do not think Van Halen will play any Extreme songs. Halen has a long
history and the thing we have to remember is Sammy had one also when he
joined Van Halen and I think they filled out the set with some of his
stuff because he refused to play old Van Halen tunes. I think that with
Gary willing to sing old Van Halen that the band will begin playing
tracks that they haven't played live in awhile.
3) If they DID play any Extreme I would think it would be something like
"Get The Funk Out" or "Play With Me", ie. something uptempo and rockin...
4) I definitely would NOT want Hagar in the band - he sucked with Van
Halen and frankly, (IMHO) hasn't made a really good album since the 70's
(or at least since HSAS). The guy is a wimp...
Dave WOULD be great but by all reports he can't cut it live. So, as
much as I'd LOVE to see them with Dave I think that Gary is the man for
them now. It would be sad if they did a tour or record and couldn't live
up to their legacy with Dave. Plus, i really don't care for the songs
they did with Dave.
***From: Tara Widner <tara....@etak.com>
1) VAN HALEN
2) I HOPE NOT. I THINK THAT VH DOING EXTREME STUFF WOULD NOT BE A GOOD
IDEA
3) HOPEFULLY NONE
4) DAVID or SAMMY
***From: "Mr. Scary" <jan...@sun.iwu.edu>
(1) I'm a bigger fan of Extreme. I hate Van Hagar, but Van Halen was a
pretty cool band.
(2) I'd be really surprised if they played any Extreme. *Maybe*
something off the first album, for a laugh, but I can't see it really
happening.
(3) I really can't think of any. Maybe something like "Little Girls"
(4) I guess Gary outta be interesting. If Dave could still sing, though,
I'd rather have him singing. But he can't sing, so the point is moot I
guess.
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NEWS
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- The big news this week is the departure of Slash from Guns N' Roses and
the return of Ratt. Instead of trying to summarize these two historic
events, I've included press releases and news pieces on the matters.
Check them out below.
- My apologies. I've been listing a new Circus of Power album that was
supposed to come out on the 29th. Well, my source for release dates is
evidently faulty because what came out was an album by a new group called
Circus of Pain. Circus of Power has no album due anytime soon. Sorry
about that. I was quite disappointed myself.
- Warrant will hit the road soon with LAGuns and Bang Tango in support.
In case you don't know, Bang Tango know features only one original member,
singer Joe Leste. He's backed by a changing band that is supposedly in
more of a blues vein. Should be great show. I'll post dates when I get
them.
- Rob Halford's new band is called Gimp. Nice name, Rob. :)
- Brother Cane's Damon Johnson has written two songs with Sammy Hagar
for Sammy's upcoming solo album.
- Silverchair's second album, "Freakshow," is due in February.
- English band The Stone Roses have called it quits.
- David Bowie is in the studio mixing the follow-up to the weird and
pretty decent "Outside." "Earthling" is due in early 97.
- Crowded House will get back together for one free, final farewell
concert in Sydney, Australia on Saturday, November 23, 1996.
- Jon Bon Jovi's solo album is due next fall and Richie Sambora's is due
this spring. Bon Jovi will begin a new album in 1998.
- Cinderella will be reuniting for a benefit concert in New Jersey on
November 10. There is talk of a permanent reunion, but nothing is
definite. A greatest hits album is planned.
- New side band: The Last Hard Men featuring Skid Row's Sebastain Bahc on
voclas, the Breeders' Kelly Deal, the Frogs' Jimmy Flemion, and
ex-Smashing Pumpkins'drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The group recorded a cover
of Alice Cooper's 'Schools Out' for Wes Craven's new horror film
"Scream." While in the studio to record the track, the group cranked out
eleven more songs and hope to have an album out next year. The single
will be out this Christmas. Sounds cool.
- On related news, Sebastain said Skid Row will begin their new album "as
soon as they get their shit together," so expect late 97 or 1998.
- Elvis Costello will be releasing a five ep boxed set on December 3.
Each disc will feature 5-6 live tunes from his US tour this year where he
was accompanied only by pianist Steve Nieve.
- The great Afghan Whigs are on a break until Spring 97. Frontman Greg
Dulli is working on a solo project called the Twilite Singers with guest
appearances from Shawn Smith, Harold Chicester, and Jarrod Olman.
-Ex-Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt's solo album, "Schizophonic," is
still set to be released on January 14, 1997, and the first single,
'Gravity,' is said to be hard-sounding with some industrial/experimental
overtones, and should be on the radio by the end of the year. The album
was written by Nuno (although 2 were co-written with Gary Cherone),
produced and played by Nuno, and Nuno sings on every track. Track listing
is as follows:
Gravity/Swollen Princess/Crave/What You Want/Fallen Angels/2 Weeks In
Dizkneelande/Pursuit Of Happiness/Fine By Me/Karmalaa/Confrontation/Note
On The Screen Door/I Wonder/Got To Have You/You/Severed
Nuno has also put together a band to tour with. Expect to see them on
the road in early '97 (with some surprise warm-up dates in Boston around
December).
- Sponge is hitting the road on a headlining club jaunt. Go catch these
boys. You will not be disappointed. Sponge knows how to put on an
energetice, crowd pleasing show that evokes the late 80s. These guys are
one of the best bands I've ever seen and I urge you to see them if you
can. SPONGE FALL/WINTER 1996 TOUR DATES:
Date City/State Venue
11/21 Rochester, New York Water Street Music Hall
11/22 Boston, Massachusetts Axis
11/23 New Brunswick, New Jersey Rutgers University
11/24 Providence, Rhode Island Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
11/26 Danbury, Connecticut Tuxedo Junction
11/27 Poughkeepsie, New York The Chance Theatre
11/29 New York, New York Tramps
11/30 Old Bridge, New Jersey Birch Hill Nightclub
12/1 Scranton, Pennsylvania Tink's
12/3 Virginia Beach, Virginia The Abyss
12/4 Raleigh, North Carolina Marrz
12/5 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Ziggy's
12/6 Charlotte, North Carolina The Sound Factory
12/9 Orlando, Florida Embassy
12/10 St. Petersburg, Florida Jannus Landing
12/11 Fort Lauderdale, Florida The Edge
12/13 New Orleans, Louisiana House of Blues
12/14 Shreveport, Louisiana Midtown Hall
12/15 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Diamond Ballroom
12/18 Minneapolis, Minnesota First Avenue
12/20 Chicago, Illinois Club Metro
12/21 Kalamazoo, Michigan TBA
12/22 Grand Rapids, Michigan The Orbit Room
12/30-31Detroit, Michigan Ritual
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MORE NEWS
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>From "Addicted to Noise":
"SLASH AND BURN"
Addicted To Noise staff writer Gil Kaufman reports: Not that we're so
terribly surprised, given the numerous times he's hinted at it in the
press lately, but it's official, guitarist Slash has finally severed
ties with Guns 'n' Roses. ABC reported that the faceless ax-grinder
has vacated his spot in the volatile band, who've been largely dormant
since releasing their double "Use Your Illusion" set way back in 1991.
The band, who are reportedly in the midst of recording an album set
for a summer '97 release, have not named a replacement, and no word
yet on whether any work Slash laid down on the album will appear on
the final product. Although the split was reportedly by "mutual
agreement" between Slash and singer Axl Rose, it seems safe to assume
that this band, which stopped mattering sometime around 'November
Rain,' is now free to stumble off into the heavy metal aria direction
the frequently court-bound singer was last seen pushing it uphill.
Slash is reportedly ready to start auditioning singers for his equally
inconsequential solo project, Slash's Snakepit, since Eric Dover is
busy with his band, Imperial Drag.
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PRESS RELEASE: RATT BACK FOR MORE
Better than the best of!!!
RATT - One of the essential hard rock bands of the 80s are ready to infest
the world again as we know it. Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, RATT went
public playing local L.A. clubs and releasing their self-titled EP, "RATT" in
1983. Then came the year of the RATT in 1984 when they released their first
full album, "OUT OF THE CELLAR," and top ten records and singles followed
with sold out arena tours around the world. The releases "INVASION OF YOUR
PRIVACY," "DANCIN' UNDERCOVER," "REACH FOR THE SKY," and "DETONATOR" followed
with much success. Their last record in 1991, the best of album "RATT 8191,"
marked the end of that era. The group played over a thousand shows worldwide
and sold over 12 million records in the U.S. alone, not taking into account
what happened internationally. The band was never concerned with the latest
fads, just the music they wanted to create. They played to play, and whoever
wanted to listen...listened.
In 1991, after all the tours and recording the band needed a break...so a
break they took. Now in 1996, after all that has come and gone we will soon
see one of rock's biggest bands in the last decade back for more. With the
release of "Collage," their next best of collection, the Ratt Pack just might
be back again. "We're releasing past, unreleased, live cuts and MTV
Unplugged, which we've been wanting to get out there," frontman Stephen
Pearcy says. "We decided for now this is an idea we like and agreed upon."
"It's been over five years," drummer Bobby Blotzer says. "We owe it to the
fans."
As for a studio release or a tour in the near future? Pearcy says, "I don't
know...maybe in another form...we'll see. Some members want to, some don't.
We just want to get something out there for the true Ratt-n-Rollers." In the
meantime, stay tuned for a release date in 1997.
###########
For fan club info: The Ratt Pack
12400 Ventura Boulevard #352
Studio City, CA 91604
(Actually since this press release, Ratt has announced that they
are going to begin working on a new album. Juan Croucier will not be
involved and will instead be replaced by Rudy Sarzo of Quite
Riot/Whitesnake fame. Surprisingly, Robin Crosby will be involved in the
writing but will probably not tour behind the new album. The boys hope to
have something ready by early 1997. A good day for Ratt fans. A poor
one for GNR fans. - tc)
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FEEDBACK
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1. From: Eyal Oren <eyal...@uclink2.berkeley.edu>
Subject: re: counting crows review
I just wanted to make one correction/comment on your counting crows
review. The reason that "Wiseblood" and "Four More Reasons" (both
excellent songs in my opinion) did not make the new album is that they are
both covers. In fact, Adam Duritz once said in a concert that they are
hoping to do a full album of these songs from unknown artists that no one
gets to here. Overall, it was a good review and I agree with you that
'Recovering the Satellites' and 'Long December' both have some incredible
lyrics.
2. From: Wolf Child <JNe...@a-o.com>
Subject: Re: Kiss
> I also have trouble believing people are upset about the departure of
> Kulick and Singer from Kiss. These guys were more or less just a back
> up band for Paul and Gene. They were on salary, so I doubt they lost
> anything when the album got shelved. I also think COS/Head is the worst
> album Kiss has ever done (not a melodious tune on it). The album is
> heavy, but it is a big departure from previous Kiss albums. Sometimes
> albums that are shelved are shelved for a reason.
Finally -- someone who agrees with me regarding Kiss' CARNIVAL OF
SOULS! I've heard about half the album, and going from what I heard so
far it's one of the worst piles of shit I've ever listened to -- and I'm
a HUGE Kiss fan! It's definitely their worst. I would gladly take
MUSIC FROM THE ELDER any old day over COS. It sounds as if their trying
to fit in with the "doom and gloom" crowd, if ya ask me . . . and that
is CERTAINLY NOT what Kiss is about.
God, why can't people just be happy -- and ROCK -- anymore?
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ARTICLES AND SUCH
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From: "Brian Mclean [Parcel Plus]" <par...@interwebb.com>
Subject: Stuff
Oct 29 marked 25 years since the passing of Duane Allman. One of the great
guitar players of all time and THE best slide player ever. Snuffed out at
such an early age (24) what he accomplished is truly remarkable. If I were a
guitar teacher The Allman Brothers Band 'Live at Fillmore East' would be
required listening.(I'll admit bias, ABB is second to none for me.) Fillmore
East is the best 'Live' album ever, The Who 'Live at Leeds' a distant
second. [I'd love to do a review of the album, if there's any interest I
will] Duane Allman was the most sought after session man in the late 60's.
The list of performers who sought him out is legendary: King Curtis, Arthea
Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter and more. He was the number one
cat at Muscle Shoals studios in Alabama. If you were big in R&B and didn't
record at Motown you recorded at Muscle Shoals. This is a long haired, pot
smoking, drug taking white boy that all these black performers wanted on
their records. A chap from England came over saw Duane, got blown away and
said I want you on my next record, his name Eric Clapton. Layla and Assorted
Love Songs was the result and it's Clapton's best album (IMHO).
Late 80's hard rock and glam is my favorite genre of music, but the
Allman Brothers Band is my favorite group. One listen to Fillmore East and
you'll know why. You'll also be wondering why this guy doesn't get the press
that Jim or Jimi gets.
Eatin a Peach for Brother Duane
Brutha Bri
--------
OZZY OSBOURNE is starting his own label, but will NOT release his own records
through it. The label, appropriately called OZZ Records, will 'combat
corporate rock'. The first release promises to be unreleased BLACK SABBATH
recordings. As for fresh material, inside reports say that he wants to do a
really heavy, more along the lines of his earlier material. He is also
getting tired of co-writing material with other writers. Watch for
Epic/Sony to release Ozzy Osbourne's Greatest Hits sometime in early 1997,
containing new music, currently being constructed with guitarist Joe
Holmes. There is no word as of yet whether the remainder of his colourful
touring band will be contributing. The Oz-Man has also been asked to
contribute music for the Beavis & Butthead movie out in December... RUSH
are expected to hit the Gardens in Toronto in mid-December (rumour has it
that a pair of shows may be booked), while there is even talk of a summer
show at the Molson Ampitheatre. as always, the Rush live event promises not
to disappoint - two sets (pre and post Moving Pictures), split by a short
video highlighting the band's history...
GROUND is the name of a new band featuring bass player Phil Soussan
(OZZY/BEGGARS & THIEVES), singer Terry Illous (XYZ), guitarist
Jeff Northrup (KING KOBRA/NORTHRUP) and drummer Matt Luneau...
TESLA do indeed break-up but guitarist Frank Hannon and bassist Brian Wheat
intend to continue working together...
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BRIAN'S MISCELLANEOUS OPINIONATED CRAP
by Brian Balich (Bal...@PCIMSG.PCI.UPMC.EDU)
First some brief comments on issue #17
On Shooting Star - maybe if Shooting Star had written more songs like
"Last Chance" and "Tonight" and less filler like "Sraight Ahead" and
"You've Got What I Need" they would have been more popular. To me
they were a trult talented band who wrote a couple of GREAT songs
("Last Chance" is one of my favorite prog/hard rock songs EVER) but
lacked the songwriting ability to write MORE than a couple of great
songs. As dated as anything from the 70's Shooting Star's material, as a
whole, never did it for me. On the other hand the material of Thin Lizzy,
Starz, UFO, Tommy Bolin, Kiss, and Angel (among others) DID.
On KISS - Kulick, who co-wrote nine of the projected tracks for the
album (and sang lead on one of them) is getting screwed out of
songwriting royalties. He and Eric may have been salaried, but what my
gripe with Gene and Paul is is that they held up their careers and
deprived the public of hearing a great piece of work which I'm sure Eric
and Bruce busted their balls for. How would you feel if you spent
two-three years writing and recording an album that was never
released? Anyone who thinks there's NO melody AT ALL on this album
should check the batteries in their hearing aid. "I Will Be There" is one of
the better ballads Paul has written, plus his vocal lines to "The Jungle"
and "It Never Ends" are melodies I certainly can't get out of my head...
Yeah there's some heavy stuff like "Hate" but this material is far from
unmelodic....
Just one man's opinion.....
Here's a little poll for you ( a randomly selected respondent will receive a
cassette copy of Shooting Star's "Touch Me Tonight" plus an ANGEL
anthology put together by yours truly)
1) Do you think that KISS should get off its ass and just release
"Carnival Of Souls" ?
2) Who would you rate as the better band all-around Shooting Star or
Angel ?
3) What hard rock bands do you think should have made it big but didn't ?
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REVIEWS
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INANE REVIEWS
from the editor
Danzig "Blackaciddevil" Hollywood Records
7th House/Blackaciddevil/See All You Were/Sacrifice/Hint of Her Blood/
Serpentia/Come to Silver/Hand of Doom: Version/Power of Darkness/Ashes
Man, this album is disappointing. After the pitiful COC album, I
was all ready for a really rocking album, but "Blackaciddevil is just a
let down. I had heard that Danzig had gone in a more industrial
direction, and while he does, he can't really pull it off. I was
expecting stuff at least as good as 'Cantspeak' off "4," but this
is just weak. Instead of mixing his aggressive gothic metal sound with
mechanics, Danzig just reverts to drum machine driven beats with some
guitar. Pretty cheesey and shitty.
The album's sound falls somewhere between lame Nine Inch Nails and
Lords of Acid, though it doesn't rock as much as either of those bands.
(Which is pretty pitiful considering the Lords of Acid are a techno band.)
One of the problems could be that Danzig plays everything on here except
drums. (He even produces.) A few of the tracks feature some extra guitar
by Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell, but they're nothing special. In fact
only three songs on here are really that aggressive: '7th House,'
'Sacrifice,' and 'Power of Darkness;' and the latter isn't even that good.
Another problem with the album is that Danzig buries his vocals
under distortion for much of the album. 'Sacrifice,' the fourth song and
single, is the first song on the album that you can even understand what
Glenn's saying. One of the highlights of previous Danzig discs is
Glenn's great bass voice and covering it up on here is just a crime.
'7th House' is a pretty rocking tune with some crunchy guitar
work, but it runs on a bit long and never varies riffs. That is a problem
with all of the songs here; none of them offer anything interesting after
the beginning of the song and they just carry on for what seems like
forever (but actually turns out to be around five minutes.) 'Sacrifice'
varies from a rip off of NIN's 'Closer' to an aggressive chorus that's
enjoyable. '7th House' and 'Power of Darkness' both evoke Lords of Acid
vocal lines. 'Come to Silver' is a pretty decent tune, mixing acoustic
guitar with drum machine and a good electric lead by Cantrell. The song
was originally written for Johnny Cash, so it has a bit of a
folk/country-ish feel.
The other songs are pretty much forgettable. The cover of Black
Sabbath's 'Hand of Doom' features an interesting acoustic and electric
mix, but that's all it is: interesting. 'Ashes' ends the album on a real
slow note, and after listening to the disc, I don't feel anything except
that I've wasted my money.
If Danzig doesn't fix something, I would say he's washed up. This
album is poor, and there's nothing even close to the catchiness of singles
like 'How the Gods Kill' or 'Her Black Wings.' This album is just very
medicore and completely forgettable. I would advise you to stay away
unless you're just a Danzig fanatic.
Highlights: 'Sacrifice,' '7th House,' 'Come to Silver'
Rating: C
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD
by Brian Balich (bal...@PCIMSG.PCI.UPMC.EDU)
TYPE O NEGATIVE - "October Rust"
Love You To Death/ Be My Druidess / Green Man / Red Water (Christmas
Mourning) / My Girlfriend's Girlfriend / Die With Me / Burnt Flowers Fallen /
In Praise of Bacchus / Cinnamon Girl / The Glorious Liberation of The
People's Technocratic Republic of Vinnland By The Combined Forces of
The United Territories of Europa/Wolf Moon (including Zoanthropic
Paranoia) / Haunted
Type O Negative is back after a TON of touring opening for the likes of
Ozzy, Motley Crue,Queensryche, Pantera ! The question one must ask is
was this album worth wait seemed like an eternal wait ? The answer is
absolutely, 100% yes !
Type O returns with a bolder, more varied release than previous efforts.
Fans who view "Slow, Deep, and Hard" as the band's best effort may be
a little disappointed in that this record leaves behind most of the
hard-core aggression of that album and "Bloody Kisses" tracks like "Kill
All The White People" and replaces it with a more gothic, ambient style.
The disc starts off with a little joke from the band - a few minutes of
static/noise and a spoken intro from the band before segueing into my
favorite track "Love You To Death". Classic Type O through and through
the track is similar to a "Christian Woman" kind of song. It has a lot of
drive yet remains melodic and ambient at the same time. Josh Silver has
really outdone himself on "October Rust" - the mixing of keyboards with
heavy guitars works well for the band, giving the album an even more
gothic flavor than previous efforts. In "Be My Druidess" Peter tells his
love that "I'll do anything.... to make you come" in that low, low vocal
range that makes Barry White sound like Barry Gibb ! "Red Water" is
another classic tale for fans of the song "Bloody Kisses" - slow and
dark, it speaks of those no longer with us at the holidays and drinking to
drown our sorrows. Very depressing stuff - I love it ! "Die With Me"
shows a different side of Type O who break out acoustic guitars for the
tune. "Cinnamon Girl" continues the proud tradition of "desecrating"
another artist's "sacred tunes" as Peter would say - this, surprisingly is
the heaviest moment on the CD. Type O really knows how to make a
cover their own.
The only weak spots to me occur when the band sounds like it's trying to
force a "hit" with "My Girlfriend's Girlfriend" or when the writing isn't up
to par with the rest of the album on "Green Man".
Overall, the album is not as dark as "Bloody Kisses", at least not lyrically.
But, musically this album is as depressing as most CDs you'd be likely to
hear. Picture The Cure and Black Sabbath thrown into a blender with a
hint of the Beatles and I think you'll have a pretty accurate idea of how
"October Rust" sounds. I give this album an A/A-. It's their best work to
date and I can't wait to see them live this Sunday. I'll bring you a full
report next issue.
Along with C.O.C. 's new album (I must STRONGLY disagree with Todd
who thrashed "Wiseblood" last issue) I'd say that this is THE must have
CD so far this year. Enjoy !
---------
VAIN - "All Those Strangers" unreleased second album
Wake Up/Freak Flag/Shouldn't Cry/Wait 4 You/Do You Sleep With
Strangers/Looking Glass/Love Drug/Planets Turning/Shooting Star/It's
Too Bad/Faraway
Anyone remember when it was actually cool to have the biggest hair
on the block ? When lipstick and leather were THE fashion statement ?
When people actually got dressed up for concerts instead of pulling out a
dirty flanel from the bottom of a laundry pile ? I do and though all things
must change I really miss those days and the attitude that glam metal
bands brought to rock and roll.
Vain released their debut LP "No Respect" in 1989. It did very little and
I actually never even heard then LP all the way through until a few years
ago (the guitarist in my old band was a big Vain fan). It was an LP that
would soon grow on me like fungus. From the title track to "Icy" to
"Laws Against Love" , "No Respect" was a glam masterpiece and if
Davy Vain doesn't have one of the most unique voices in hard rock than
I'm a Pearl Jam fanatic (which I most certainly am NOT !!!). Fast forward
to 1992 - Nirvana is huge, Pearl Jam is huge, the Chili Peppers are huge,
and hard rock is dying seemingly overnight. Platinum plus bands like
Warrant, Slaughter, etc. are lucky to see their albums sell at all, let alone
go gold. Labels begin dropping hard rock bands like hot potatoes and
avoid signing and promoting new metal/rock bands. Vain who were set
to release their second LP become one of the casualties as "All Those
Strangers" is delayed and eventually shelved.
Some albums are shelved because they suck. This is not the case
with "All Those Strangers". This is an album that got caught in the wrong
place, at the wrong time. No big surprises on the album for Vain fans - it
sounds much like the debut and takes few risks and in Vain's case this is
a good thing. It builds on the strengths of the debut and is a more
cohesive, better written set of songs. "Wake Up" gets the album off to a
rousing start with a "Who's Watching You" kind of feel. "Freak Flag" is
an uptempo song that is propelled by a driving bass line. "Jimi Hendrix
used to say gotta do things you're own way" is the line that sums up
what this tune is about. "Shouldn't Cry" and "Wait 4 You" are more
laid back and similar to "Smoke and Shadows" and "1000 Degrees" from
the debut. The rest of the record follows typical glam metal formulas
and some of these tracks would eventually turn
up on "Move On It", Vain's 2nd official release - "Planets Turning" and
"Shooting Star". "Faraway", a rockin' track originally written and demoed
by the band in 1988 closes the album in fine Vain fashion.
What appeals to me about Vain is that while most newer glam bands
were trying to climb on the Poison/Warrant bandwagon (Trixter et al.) or
the Guns 'N' Roses/Aerosmith influenced bad boy rock they did
something fairly against the norm. Yeah, they looked like a lot of bands
who looked like chicks. Yeah, they wrote about typical glam metal things
(partying, getting laid, etc....) But, in Davy Vain they had a voice which
was seductive and original (and an acquired taste I will admit) and a
songwriting style all their own. 1992 was not kind to bands like Vain and
obviously times still aren't but it's almost criminal that this LP wasn't
released. Record labels have never had any balls and it would surprise
me if they ever took any real risks.
Vain eventually mutated into Roadcrew with Steven Adler (formerly
of G'N'R) on drums and when that project fell through became Vain again
for the "Move On It" CD. Actually at least four Roadcrew tracks have
turned up on "Move On It". Maybe there will eventually be a CD issue of
"All Those Strangers" and I hope there is. For the Vain fan it would be
cool and for the glam fan in general it would be cool. It's an album filled
with melody and which rocks relentlessly.
Highlights: "Freak Flag", "Do You Sleep With Strangers", "Faraway"
Rating: B+
(Vain kicks ass. That's all there is to say. Davy Vain has one
of the highest, coolest, most unique voices I've ever heard. I fucking
love this band, and Vain are the epitamy of glam. You must get "No
Respect." Their second official release, "Move On It," is only available
through import, but their third release, "Fade," is available through
Perris Records mail order. Get them all. - tc)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEW
by Brent Gordon Jones <bgj...@acs.ucalgary.ca>
One of your readers requested a review of Shooting Star. Here is
one I did for the SFK newsletter a while back. It's going again
for those that are interested. I usually review progressive rock
and the like. Most of the readers of this newsletter will enjoy
SFK. Contact s...@ix.netcom.com if you're interested.
(In case you don't know, SFK is a newsletter devoted to "AOR," and along
with Phil Wilson's defunct "Hard Rock Newsletter" is the prototype for
"Open Up and Say." Kurt Torester, the man who runs SFK, put it on hiatus
about the time "Open Up and Say" started but has recently reactivated it.
It's no longer available through mail, though, and can only be read at the
SFK Homepage. The SFK Homepage can be reached through the Open Up
Homepage, the address of which is at the beginning of this newsletter. I
don't have the SFK Homepage address on me right now, but I suggest you
check it out. - tc)
The Best place to start with Shooting Star is the Best of CD.
"Silent Scream", reviewed below, had no tracks on the "Best of",
but is a great album. Other albums, that they have besides those
mentioned below include "III Wishes" and "Burning" with the
original lineup and "It's Not Over" with a slightly revised
lineup. INO was also their last album of new recordings.
I'm not sure what they've doing now, I hope they release more
stuff. On to the review
Shooting Star: Silent Scream (Rating: A)
These guys are best known for their first two albums, the self
titled debut and Hang On For Your Life, most of the tracks from
their greatest hits were from these two. I picked this one up
cheap in the 'Bargain Bin" and was it ever worth while. It's so
good I can't believe that none of the tracks made the best of
album. Shooting Star was (is?) a great AOR band, they have
everything, good songs, guitars, keys and vocals. What separates
them from many is that they sometime employ vilolin to great
effect.
Giuffria did better with House of Lords and his own self named
band, the style though not quite the same as on the first two
Angel albums is closer than the later 3 and sounds more natural.
t the sometimes employ violin to great
effect.
Stand out tracks on this album are the opener "Summer Sun", "I'm
Getting Out", "When You're Young", and "Don't Walk Away", but
there's not a weak track on the whole album. If this is one that
you may have overlooked when it came out, like I did then, check
it out, you're likely to find it one of those used record stores.
With the Angel argument, I don't think it should happen without
Gregg Giuffria or Punky Meadows. The first two albums are
great. The later albums try to go more pop rather than the
pomp/prog style they started with and are not nearly as good IMO.
Giuffria did better with House of Lords and his own self named
band, the style though not quite the same as on the first two
Angel albums is closer than the later 3 and sounds more natural.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEVIN'S CRAP
by Kevin Villines <kv...@flash.net>
FIREHOUSE-GOOD ACOUSTICS 1996 Epic 43:39
1) You Are My Religion 2) Love Don't Care 3) In Your Perfect World 4)
No One At All 5) Love Of A Lifetime 6) All She Wrote 7) When I Look Into
Your Eyes 8) Don't Treat Me Bad 9) Here For You 10) I Live My Life For
You 11) Seven Bridges Road
Rating: B+
Well, I guess the first question is "Did we really need this?" My answer
is "Of course not, but we got so we might as well enjoy it!" The boys of
Firehouse really look different, but sound the same. Of the first three
albums, I enjoyed about half the material on each album, and was pretty
indifferent to the rest of the material on those albums. This is a
little different because it is basically a greatest hits album w/ 4
new/old songs (Seven Bridges was originally done by the Eagles. You
should know that anyway!) and they are all done acoustically.
The new songs are kind of an acoustic/electric mic. The first
song, 'You Are My Religion,' is the best of the four newer songs. It kind
of has a nice up-tempo rythem with your typical Firehouse sound and is
all acoustic. 'Love Don't Care' is not anything that really stands out.
Would have fit in with the less bland material on "3" and features a
good mix of electric and acoustic guitars. 'In Your Perfect World' is a
decent song. I do like these three songs as much as most anything on
their last album, which was better than most people think, then again,
what do I know? The last song on the CD, 'Seven Bridges Road,' is a
travesty. The Eagles should be pissed. Sorry, but Travis Tritt did a
better cover of an Eagles song, 'Peaceful Easy Feeling,' than Firehouse
(I hate myself for mentioning anything country, but I do live in
Arkansas so you have to account for the redneck factor!). The fact is,
Snare should not ever allow fellow band members to share in any lead
vocal responsibilities. THEY SUCK! This song proves that Firehouse
should avoid any lead vocal harmonization whatsoever! OK, so I made my
point clear.
Onto the previously released material. I'll just list those
songs and what I feel about them being acousstasized!
'No One At All'- Pretty much like the original though. Hell, it may be the
original.
'Love Of A Lifetime'- Bad idea. This is not a country song. Don't attempt
this at home. It may be fatal to thine ears! I guess it's ok, but I
think I would have taken it in a different direction. The Slide guitar
is just not one of my favorite sounds in the world.
'All She Wrote'- I like this. I like it when bands take a big rocker and
make it acoustic. That's why I loved Tesla's Five Man Acoustic CD.
'When I Look Into Your Eyes'- Not much different than the original. But
still ,it's nice to have an additional version of this sappy love song.
I'm a sucker for metal ballads.
'Don't Treat Me Bad'- Cool. This is and will always be my favorite
Firehouse song and I never thought I would hear it acoustic. And they do
a great job translating it over.
'Here For You' & 'I Live My Life For You'- Both from "3". All three songs
on this CD that were from their last album were pretty much acoustic in
the first place and were only slightly touched over for this CD. But,
sometimes the subtle differences are the best.
Overall, I would definitly suggest this CD to anyone who enjoyed their
last CD. If you didn't like their direction on that album, you may only
want to get this for the acoustic versions of the songs from their first
two CDs. I do applaud them for making a pact with Satan themself. How
the hell they are still on Epic and were allowed to release this is
beyond me. I for one am glad to see that some of the hair bands do live
on and are putting out a CD that I wish others would. What if Warrant or
Poison had re-recorded all their hits acoustically for their greatest
hits CDs (Poison's is out in November)? I know there aren't quite as many
Firehouse fans out there as many other bands fans, but they're fans are
lot happier right now than the fans of bands from that same era/genre.
(Say that five times, quickly!) This CD is a nice pick up for anyone
who has enjoyed some of their songs, but never bought a CD of theirs.
(I quite enjoyed this cd. I think it's the second best Firehouse
cd ever, next to their debut album. In response to Kevin: yes, 'Seven
Bridges Road' sucks, I really like the new 'Love of a Lifetime' - very
refreshing, and my favorite new track is 'In Your Perfect World.' I
thought "3" sucked, but I recommend this one. All of the rockers sound
cool acoustic, though I would have liked to have heard 'Sleeping with
You,' one of my favorites, or 'Shake & Tumble.' Is it just me or are
Firehouse's lyrics becoming scarey. Their ballads are moving from the
realm of love to obsession: 'I Live My Life for You' and 'You're My
Religion' are a bit too much to handle. You may want to keep those ideas
to yourself, CJ. - tc)
--------
JOURNEY-TRIAL BY FIRE COLUMBIA 71:14
1) Message Of Love 2) One More 3) When You Love A Woman 4) If He Should
Break Your Heart 5) Forever In Blue 6) Castles Burning 7) Don't Be Down
On Me Babe 8) Still She Cries 9) Colors Of The Spirit 10) When I Think
Of You 11) Easy To Fall 12) Can't Tame The Lion 13) It's Just The Rain
14) Trial By Fire 15)Babe, Im Leaving You-(Not Very) Hidden Track
Rating: A+ (A VERY BIASED, BUT JUSTIFIABLE OPINION)
Hello Journey! It's extremely nice to get something out of an
all but defunct Supergroup that manages to put a 90's touch on 80's
music. It's been ten long years since their last release and they
re-formed with their best hit-machine line-up. With Steve Perry, Neal
Schon, Jonathon Cain, Steve Smith, and Ross Valory, you get the group
from the early 80's, easily the most creative Journey members. And it
sounds like they haven't missed a step in the 13+ years since this
formation of Journey was last together.
"Trial by Fire" has all the typical Journey ingredients. Soaring
vocals, Schon solos, and your obligatory Journeyesque ballads. This is
the kind of record that the nineties was needing. With the slow demise
of grunge and the growing anticipation of what the next "popular music"
is going to be, this CD gives me hope that maybe we as a society can
somehow move in a musical direction that involves talented groups. I
think this is the most important reunion of them all, because they are
going about it the right way. Release some new material and then tour.
Why is that so hard for these people to figure out. I for one would not
want to be in the studio when Kiss starts recording, because they're
going to hate each other when the "Give us cash, we are the essence of
Greed" tour is over in 1998.
And the new material from Journey is as refreshing as it is
nostalgic. It starts out with the cool rocker "Message of Love" that
certainly rivals any previous rockers from the early eighties era. Perry
can still sing his ass off and Neal Schon, one of many underrated
guitarists in the world, is on top of his game. As a side note, Neal
Schon released a solo album last year called "Beyond the Thunder" that
is one of the finest acoustical guitar CDs ever. If you liked Friedman's
"Scenes" and "Introduction" CDs or those songs I've listed as having
Schon's solo album sound, check this one out. One More is a good song
that reminds me more of Perry's solo material. When You Love A Woman is
the Journey ballad that has been getting a ton of airplay on the Adult
Contemperary stations and has "Wedding song of the decade" written all
over it. It's a powerful ballad, but there are better ones on here. "If
He Should Break Your Heart" has a future as an AOR staple. Great song
that should be a hit, but I'm apparently not a member of the gullible
general public who thinks MTV is a god-send.
"Forever in Blue"-Great guitar sound on this. Another song with
AOR single written all over. I guess that the record company must love
this because just about any song on here could be a single. "Castles
Burning" seems to be a lot of peoples favorite, but I feel that is only a
decent song. Probably the hardest song on here and certainly the most
nineties sounding song due to it's somewhat angry tones. "Don't Be Down
On Me Baby" is another ballad (surprise, surprise) that shows off Steve's
vocals best. This song soars throughout and is Mr. Perry's personal way
of saying "We're back!" One of the better musically constructed ballads
I've ever heard. Good coordination of all the instruments and vocals.
Love the guiter solo! "Still She Cries" has the vibe that was evident on
Schon's solo release. Very laid back guitar work and nice slower song.
Another single possibility.
"Colors Of The Spirit" has an indian overtone and has a drum loop
that gives it a nineties feel. Not sure I'm overly crazy about this one,
but still, semi-great material from Journey is a hell of a lot better
than what you'd hear on the radio this day. "When I Think of You" gets
best ballad of the CD award. Certainly nice to find great songs at the
end of a CD (and throughout for that matter) for a change. "Easy to Fall"
is another ballad, but an excesse of Journey ballads is not a problem
for me. Love this song as well.
"Can't Tame The Lion" has an awesome guitar reverb sound to it and
is the best rocker on the album. "It's Just The Rain" is another
ballad (so many ballads, so little time). Definite radio potential (have I
said that about every song?). "Trial By Fire" also has the Schon solo
sound to it and is also a great song. The hidden track, "Babe I'm Leaving
You," is a nice short little reggae song that is very interesting, but I
doubt Journey will ever give Mr. Bob Marley much of a run for his money
(What the hell mon, Bob no longer need no money. He be in the great Bong
in the sky, mon :-)
This CD is an Adult Contempory station director's wet dream come
true, an AOR fans album of the nineties, and, as many a Journey fan has
pointed out, the best damn love-making album ever made. Clocking in at
70+ minutes, I doubt too many people can last the enitire album, but if
so, more power to them. I expected something much less than this and
have been well compensated by Journey for there absense of ten years.
Get this CD unless you just hate Journey. (Sorry for the long review,
but I had to justify my A+ which I used to never give until recently-kv)
Questions,comments, mid-evil ass whippings? kv...@flash.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WESSMAN'S REVIEWS...W.E.T.
Wes Royer <wro...@osf1.gmu.edu)...George Mason University
...Northern Virginia/Washington D.C.
Please feel free to send any questions, requests, comments, corrections,
recommendations, complaints, label/band e-mail addresses, & scandals to
<wro...@osf1.gmu.edu).
*QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Stress...
...it's what we live with, want to live without, have too much of.
Love...
...it's what we live for, can't live without, never feel enough of.
-Yet, love can be so stressful!" -WRR96
*NOTE; Reviews in upcoming weeks:
Fiona Apple "Tidal", Bang Tango "Love After Death", DeRock Record's
"Jeffology"
WARRANT "96; Belly To Belly Volume One" 1996 CMC/BMG (44:06) A
(1) In The End (There's Nothing) (2) Feels Good (3) Letter To A Friend
(4) A.Y.M. (5) Indian Giver (6) Falling Down (7) Interlude #1 (8) Solid
(9) All 4 U (10) Coffee House (11) Interlude #2 (12) Vertigo (13) Room
With A View (14) Nobody Else
-featuring: vocalist Jani Lane, bassist Jerry Dixon, drummer Bobby Borg
(Left For Dead), guitarists Rick Steier & Erik Turner
Track 1 starts off where "Ultraphobic" left off, but w/ some
extra groove. "Feels Good" has a very alterna-rock sound at first, but
quickly has you reaching to turn the volume knob up another level.
"Letter To A Friend" is the highlight of this CD for me; not a "Heaven"
style ballad by any means, but the lyrics are just as sweet and the song
carries even more emotion. "A.Y.M." is an aggressive track directed
towards generation-X and its "angry...it all sucks by the way" attitude.
"Indian Giver" starts off with some sitar-sounding notes, than becomes
another mid-tempo yet heavy tune w/ some more great lyrics. "Solid" &
"Vertigo" sound like they had some influence from Bobby Borg's other band
Left For Dead; which is a very good thing! "All 4 U" is a sweet & mellow
tune w/ additional help from Periel Marr's pretty voice. Then there's
the moody & aggressive "Coffee House". The 2 "interludes" are simply
several-second long coffee-house guitar instrumentals. Every other track
on this CD is stellar, yet sometimes too short. It may take a second
listen to fully appreciate every song, but the lyrics keep getting
better, Bobby Borg is absolutely incredible behind the drum-kit, and this
music is hardrock that can easily stand its ground next to modern
radio-rock. More mellow & less bass-pounding than "Ultraphobic", this CD
is a must for Warrant fans, and is recommended to any non-believing
alternative/mainstream listeners.
WARRANT "The Best Of" 1996 Legacy/Sony (57:09) *no grade*
(1) Down Boys (2) 32 Pennies In A Ragu Jar (3) Heaven (4) D.R.F.S.R. (5)
Big Talk (6) Sometimes She Cries (7) Cherry Pie (8) Thin Disguise (9)
Uncle Tom's Cabin (10) I Saw Red (11) Bed Of Roses (12) Mr. Rainmaker
(13) Sure Feels Good To Me (14) Hole In My Wall (15) Machine Gun (16) We
Will Rock You
Many of you either have this, read the bad comments about it, or
at least looked it over at your local Tower Records. The good things:
includes the b-side "Thin Disguise" (one of their best tracks ever),
Jani's acoustic version of "I Saw Red", and the Gladiator soundtrack
cover of Queen's "We Will Rock You". The bad things: less than 1 hour
long, no acoustic version of "Blind Faith" that appeared as a b-side for
"We Will Rock You", only two tracks from "Dog Eat Dog", and while Gerri
Miller's liner notes are praising & interesting, she failed to mention
that Warrant was still recording some great hardrock today w/out the "big
hair, stylized clothes, and party-hearty image." While the 6 tracks from
"D.R.F.S.R." are the 6 i would have chosen, i think that "Sure Feels Good
To Me" should have been replaced by "Song And Dance Man" or "Love In
Stereo". And since "Blind Faith" was a single/video, it should have also
been included. And where's "The Bitter Pill" & "Bonfire" from "Dog Eat
Dog"? Warrant says not to buy this corporate compiled creation...i'd say
if you don't have the 3 non-album tracks, it's your call.
*INDIE BOOTH: Xenon
-visit the Xenon website at: http://www.intac.com/~xenon
-contact Xenon at: xe...@intac.com
-[Simple] available at Perris Records: http://www.perrisrecords.com
XENON "America's New Design" 1989 Vision-America (43:05) B/B+
(1) Tip Of My Fingers (2) Here When I Need You (3) So Hard (4) Maybe (5)
Safe (Till The Morning) (6) On And On (7) A Night To Remember (8) Thru
The Rain (9) Holding On (10) Cry In The Night
-featuring: vocalist Joey Fiamingo, guitarist Bob Specht, bassist Irene
Wohlman, drummer Tony Capobianco
Turn that clock back just a little...now this is a great CD. At
first, this hardrock gallery of melody might sound dated, but after a
second listen you'll see the similarities to "Simple" recorded 6 years
later: in fact "So Hard" & the heartfelt "On And On" would fit very
nicely w/ their more recent material. At times sounding much like early
Lillian Axe, tracks like "Here When I Need You" and "Maybe" are in need
of listening. Wasn't "A Night To Remember" a single on the radio?;
i swear i used to hear this fast-paced party song on my local radio
station years ago. "Thru The Rain", "Holding On", & "Cry In The Night"
were actually recorded in 1985 and have a sound closer to early White
Lion. And ironically enough, "Holding On" (close to Fates Warning-style
material) & "Cry In The Night" could also fit nicely with Xenon's more
recent material. Some great material by a talented band. I'd recommend
trying out the newer CD "Simple", then going back for this CD.
XENON "Simple" 1995 Vision-America (35:09) A+
(1) Am I The One? (2) The Day You Let Go (3) One Look (4) Feels Like Home
(5) China Sky (6) Lay Me Down (7) Overnight Sensation
-featuring: vocalist J. Fiamingo, guitarist B. Specht, drummer T.
Capobianco, bassist Joe Kosa, keyboardist Tolga Timuray
Thanks to Frontiers magazine for introducing me to this great
CD with the track "China Sky". Incredible!: call it modern AOR,
hardrock, maybe at times even prog-metal or heavy-metal. This is a
masterpiece that could define the sound/style that hardrock needs to move
towards. Fiamingo's voice has gotten ever better, at least 10 times
better, since 'America's New Design"; the songwriting is phenomenal; and
even the production is outstanding. "Am I The One?" kicks things off on
a heavier note, introducing some sharp & sometimes complex guitar chops.
"The Day You Let Go" lightens up a bit w/ a soothing chorus and more
incredible guitar & all-out musicianship. "One Look" builds to another
rocker w/ a dash of piano on top of some soulful guitar. The highlight
rocker of the CD, "Feels Like Home" again dishes out loads of enjoyable
music & melody, but at the same time mixing Xenon's unique sound with
some added surprises; never boring. "China Sky" is a true 5 minutes of
beauty and art; this song is for anyone looking for that extra boost of
hope for themselves or to give to someone else. "Lay Me Down" &
"Overnight Sensation" end the CD with no ounce of monotony; you'll want
more! Rated highly in other indie reviews, this is a must buy.
*WESSMAN's new weekly CD changer reviews: Every week i'll give up quick
grades of what 10 CDs (some old, some new) have gotten me through the
daily commutes. It's also a chance to re-grade some CDs reviewed in past
issues...
1) Collective Soul "Hints Allegations & Things Left Unsaid" = B+
2) Cranberries "To The Faithful Departed" = B+
3) Edwin Dare "Can't Break Me" = A-
4) Emote "Overflow" = A
5) Holy Soldier "Promise Man" = A
6) Killer Dwarfs "Big Deal" = B
7) Madonna "Something To Remember" = B+
8) Mark Spiro "Now Is Then, Then Is Now" = A+
9) Takara "Eternal Faith" = A
10) Warrant "Ultraphobic" = A+
*******************************************************************************
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