Black Sabbath Celebrate New Release With Special Online Event

Posted on June 10, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Universal Republic Records

Black Sabbath’s decades in the making album, 13 will finally see the light of day tomorrow, Tuesday, June 11^th. In celebration, the band—Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi—will hold a special live Town Hall via Google+ Hangout. It will be streamed live on Google+ and YouTube. The Town Hall will also be broadcast live on Ozzy’s Boneyard on SiriusXM at 7:00pm EDT. The band will be joined by both Ozzy’s son Jack (who directed the clips to launch 13) and Rage Against The Machine drummer Brad Wilk (who covered the drums on the album) for the event. Osbourne and Butler will appear live at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for Contemporary Art while Tony Iommi will appear live from Birmingham, England. Jack Obsourne and Brad Wilk will be on hand live from Los Angeles for the presentation. Comedian Jim Norton will host the show. Norton is a co-host of the Opie and Anthony Show on SiriusXM, and is also a host on Ozzy’s Boneyard.

Viewers can tune in to the special event live on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/officialsabbath
. Fans that have SiriusXM can tune in to the even on Ozzy’s Boneyard on channel 38 and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio app for smart phones and other connected devices. Audiences can also watch the event online at
http://www.siriusxm.com

Black Sabbath fans can keep up with all of the latest from the band online at
http://www.blacksabbath.com
,
http://www.facebook.com/BlackSabbath
,
http://twitter.com/OfficialBlackSabbath
,
http://instagram.com/officialblacksabbath
, and
http://google.com/+blacksabbath
.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to
http://www.facebook.com/philspicks
and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at
http://philspicks.wordpress.com
.

Sabbath’s “13″ Well Worth The Wait

Posted on June 10, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Universal Republic Records

It goes without saying after having listened to it that Black Sabbath’s 13 is one of the best hard rock/metal albums of 2013. This record has been decades in the making. And the wait was well worth it, even with someone other than Bill Ward on drums. Ozzy’s vocals and Tony Iommi’s guitar work are at their peak throughout this record. So many rock bands have tried hard to emulate Sabbath’s sound since its breakup so long ago. But few if any have managed to come close since then. So it is nice to have one of rock’s elite back (even if one member isn’t present) to reclaim its proper place in rock’s upper echelons.

Right from the opening moments of the album’s opener, ‘End of the Beginning’, listeners know they are in for something special on this record. Geezer’s bass and Tony’s guitar work are pummeling along with Brad Wilk (Rage Against The Machine) on drums in the song’s opening moments before laying back to let Ozzy’s haunting vocals take the spotlight. Rick Rubin actually made the right choice bringing in Wilk to cover the drums in place of Bill Ward for this record. When the rest of the band comes back in, the combined wound will take audiences back to Black Sabbath’s glory days. Ozzy, Tony, and Geezer show that they are still the originators and have not lost a single step along the way. It’s like old times. As Ozzy sings here, “Don’t look back/Live for today/Tomorrow is too late.” It couldn’t have been better said considering this band’s history.

13 offers listeners plenty of heaviness. For all the heavy moments, worthy of raising the horns high, it also has a more subdued moment in the song, ‘Zeitgeist.’ This is such an interesting song in that it is a full-on acoustic opus. In lieu of drums, Wilk has opted instead for perhaps a pair of bongos. And Tony and Geezer have both gone acoustic, too. There is something about this combination (along with Ozzy’s vocals) that makes for a work that could easily be compared to the likes Pink Floyd, believe it or not. It is also the album’s shortest track. It clocks in at just over four and a half minutes long. In that short time, it makes for one of the album’s most interesting moments.

If any one song on this new album stands out more than the others, it is ‘Live Forever.’ This is the second shortest song on the record. It comes in at just under five minutes long. It’s also one of the album’s heaviest numbers. Yet again, it’s more proof that Ozzy and company haven’t lost any steam in the three decades plus since the band’s last album. Of course, having mega-producer Rick Rubin manning the boards doesn’t hurt, either. Rubin really brought out the best of the band on this track. Tony’s guitar solos are incredible to say the least. They are the sort of solos that will have young guitarists around the world trying to emulate him, putting their own takes on his work on YouTube. And yet again, Brad Wilk is just as impressive behind the kit. He shows here, and throughout the record just how versatile he is as a drummer, pounding out some impressive polyrhythmic patters without missing a second. And Ozzy sounds more in control of his vocals here than anywhere else on the album. That isn’t to say that he sounds bad anywhere else. The way that Ozzy laments in this song, “I don’t mind dying/Cause I’m already dead/Pray not for the living/I live in your head/Dying is easy/It’s living that’s hard/I’m losing the battle/Between Satan and God” could so easily be interpreted in direct relation to everything that Ozzy has gone through in recent years. Considering recent reports concerning his admission to having been addicted to certain substances over recent years, instead of staying clean, it sounds like a personal statement that he perhaps felt during that time. If so, it’s a powerful statement, especially with the song’s musical backing. Though interestingly enough, the rest of the song sounds like a tongue in cheek stab at the religious establishment, considering Ozzy is actually anything but the “Prince of Darkness” that he has been made out to be.

‘Live Forever’ is one of the best of the best on Black Sabbath’s new album, 13. It musical side and lyrical side together make it quite the interesting track. Though, it’s just one of eight total tracks on the band’s new album that any long-time Black Sabbath fan will enjoy. There are seven other tracks on this disc that any true metal and hard rock purist from which they can choose as their favorite. The album will be available in stores and online June 11^th via Republic Records. The band will tour in support of the album beginning July 25^th in The Woodlands, Texas. Fans can keep up with the band’s tour dates and more on its official Facebook page,
http://www.facebook.com/BlackSabbath
and on its official website,
http://www.blacksabbath.com
.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to
http://www.facebook.com/philspicks
and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at
http://philspicks.wordpress.com
.

Black Sabbath To Premiere New Song On CSI Season Finale

Posted on May 11, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: CBS

Black Sabbath will premiere a new track from its decades in the making new album, 13 in a very special television appearance. The band will appear on the season finale of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation next week. The hit CBS show’s season finale will air this coming Wednesday, May 15^th at 10pm ET. Ozzy, Tommy, and Geezer will appear in the show in a special scene in which it will premiere the new song, ‘End of the Beginning.’

Fans can get a sneak peek of this Wednesday’s CSI Season Finale online at
http://www.cbs.com/shows/csi/video/LPX7q6JTXac_TPAqPG5GeF5RcSTD0AVn/csi-behind-the-scenes-black-sabbath/
. 13, due out June 11^th on Vertigo/Republic Records will mark the band’s first full length studio release since its 1978 album, Never Say Die.

Rainbow Live Re-Issue A Welcome Return For A New Generation Of Audiences

Posted on May 10, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision

Long live Eagle Rock Entertainment. That’s what fans of classic rock group Rainbow will be saying after experiencing the band’s newly re-issued recording, Live in Munich 1977. This classic concert was originally released to DVD in 2006. Now seven years later, it’s available once again for a whole new generation of purist rock and roll fans to enjoy. And it goes without saying that this is quite the performance. It is available now on DVD, 2CD, digital audio and digital video, and even vinyl for older audiences with a certain sense of nostalgia.

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records

The classic lineup of Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath, Dio), Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Dio, Uriah Heep) and Cozy Powell (The Jeff Beck Group, Whitesnake, ELP, Black Sabbath, etc.) came together for what is one of the single most epic concerts of this band’s career. It’s also the only full live show ever filmed that featured this lineup. And what a show it was. It is yet more evidence of everything that once was right with rock and roll. This is not just some rock and roll concert. Rainbow Live in Munich 1977 is a rock and roll experience. The show’s shortest song is four minutes and forty-two seconds long. The longest comes in at a whopping twenty-seven minutes and thirty-three seconds. So it is not for those with short attention spans. The songs in between are hardly short, either. And that is perfectly fine. The audio (CD/Digital audio) portion makes for great driving music for classic rock fans, especially with the weather having turned warm. The video portion (DVD/Digital video) is just as enjoyable to pop into one’s DVD/Blu-ray player. Those with home theater systems will especially appreciate the surround sound experience of this show.

Speaking of the overall concert experience one would be remiss to ignore the overall performance presented by Rainbow in this recorded concert. Both Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio showed why they were and are two of the most respected individuals in the music community to this day. RJD no longer being with us, this concert serves as a testament to his vocal abilities, even though his vocals are somewhat overpowered by the rest of the band at times. When he cuts through though, RJD really cuts through and shows why he remains one of the best singers in the rock business today. Blackmore’s chops on the guitar are second to none throughout the show. This is especially the case on the anthem, ‘Love Live Rock ‘n’ Roll.’ He and the rest of the band put on a virtual clinic with this song that was brand new at that point. It’s such a simple song. Yet somehow, Blackmore with his solos and Cozy Powell with his solid time keeping make this one of the show’s highest of highs. On a side note, seeing Cozy Powell playing with the traditional grip is just as incredible. When one thinks of drummers using the traditional grip, the most common association made is with jazz, not so much rock music. There are those that did and do today. But their numbers are few. So for the drumming community, this, along with Powell’s solid time keeping makes the performance even more enjoyable. It’s just one of so many examples that could be pulled from the show that make it such a joy to experience whether one is hearing Rainbow for the first time or fiftieth.

Rainbow showed that it could really bring down the house with a number such as ‘Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll.’ It also showed its versatility on the equally bluesy ‘Man on the Silver Mountain.’ This sixteen-minute plus opus had its own slower jam session moment that is just as incredible as anything that any of today’s blues musicians could churn out. It’s also one of the moments when RJD really got the opportunity to showcase his powerhouse vocals. And did he ever? His vocals soar on this performance. And even after this song ended Dio showed again why he was and is one of rock’s best front men. Here was this larger than life figure. Yet on stage, he seemed so down to Earth and so humble. Seeing the rapport that he had with the audience in comparison to the myth surrounding him is so eye opening and refreshing. He shows that he was a rock star’s rock star. He showed he didn’t have an ego and that he appreciated having the chance to do what he did; even more proof of the importance of RJD as an artist. And the band fed off of that energy, too, making this whole concert such a joy to look back on.

The concert contained on the DVD and double-disc CD are both wonderful additions to the home library of any classic rock fan or any fan of pure, guitar driven rock music. This latest re-issue boasts more than just a concert though. Adding to the overall enjoyment of the performance are bonus interviews with Bob Daisley and Colin Hart, as well as an interesting recording of the band performing in Texas the year prior. The interviews with Daisley and Hart are entertaining to say the least. During his interview, Daisley tells an anecdote about going driving with one of the other band members. This little story is sure to make for some laughs. He also tells his side of how the band came to be and much more. What else is discussed, audiences will have to find out for themselves when they pick up the DVD. Hart’s interview is just as entertaining, and at other times candid. This is especially the case when he is asked to share his thoughts on drummer Cozy Powell. It’s obvious in hearing him talk that this was a difficult topic to touch on. Fans will take away a lot from this and Hart’s other thoughts on fellow band member Ronnie James Dio, as well as his thoughts on the band’s success and other topics.

If the bonus interviews aren’t enough for fans, then maybe the bonus promo videos and the included booklet in the DVD package will impress audiences, too. The booklet included in the DVD outlines the history of Rainbow from its formation to the replacement of Dio, Daisley, and Stone. It’s just one more extra piece that fills this small package with so much to appreciate. The bonus videos included in this recording are actual full performances of the songs ‘Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll’, ‘Gates of Babylon’, and ‘L.A. Connection.’ They aren’t just little snippets of the songs. If all of this set alongside an already impressive full live performance isn’t enough for fans, then fans that don’t appreciate everything included here either don’t have a pulse or aren’t real fans to begin with. Keeping this in mind, this latest re-issue is one more incredibly jam packed live release that is more than worth every watch. It is available now in stores and online and can be ordered direct online from the Eagle Rock Entertainment website at
http://www.eagle-rock.com/product/EV306049/Live+in+Munich
.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to
http://www.facebook.com/philspicks
and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at
http://philspicks.wordpress.com
.

Black Sabbath Reveals Dates For Full North American Tour Schedule

Posted on April 27, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Universal Republic Records

The hatchet has largely been buried between the members of veteran hard rock band Black Sabbath. After over three decades of waiting, fans of this groundbreaking band will finally get to hear new music from the band this Summer. And in support of the new album, titled 13, Black Sabbath—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler—will hit the road in support of the album with a full North American tour. Drummer Bill Ward will be replaced on the band’s upcoming tour with a replacement drummer. Tickets for the band’s upcoming tour will be available Friday, May 3^rd. Fans can get early access to the pre-sale tickets on May 2^nd when they RSVP at
https://www.facebook.com/events/147056262140133/?context=create
or at
http://bit.ly/Sabbath_RSVP
.

The band’s upcoming North American tour begins Thursday, July 25^th at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Houston, TX. It spans nineteen dates that will take the band from the East Coast to the West and even into Canada. The full list of tour dates is available below.

DATE CITY VENUE

+Thu- Jul 25 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

+Sat-Jul 27 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center

<Mon-Jul 29 Tampa, FL Live Nation Amphitheatre

+Wed-Jul 31 W. Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre

~Fri-Aug 02 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live

*Sun-Aug 04 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

+Tue-Aug 06 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre

+Thu-Aug 08 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena

+Sat-Aug 10 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

^Mon-Aug 12 Boston, MA Comcast Center

*Wed-Aug 14 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

+Fri Aug 16 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

+Sun-Aug 18 Indianapolis, IN Klipsch Music Center

+Thu-Aug 22 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena

*Sat-Aug 24 Seattle, WA Gorge Amphitheatre

+Mon-Aug 26 San Francisco, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View

+Wed-Aug 28 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

+Fri-Aug 30 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center

+Sun-Sep 01 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

*Tue-Sep 03 Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles Sports Arena

*Previously announced date.

^On sale Friday, May 3

+On sale Saturday, May 4

~On sale, Friday May 10

<On sale, Saturday, May 11

>On sale TBD

Before the band hits the road and the album hits stores, fans can get a glimpse of what is to come now. The band has released 13’s lead single, ‘God is Dead?’, and fans can check it out now on YouTube at

.

To get more tour information and all of the latest news from Black Sabbath, fans can go online to the band’s official website,
http://www.blacksabbath.com
, its official Facebook page,
http://www.facebook.com/BlackSabbath
, and via Twitter and Instagram at
http://twitter.com/OfficialSabbath
and
http://instagram.com/officialsabbath
.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to
http://www.facebook.com/philspicks
and “Like” it. Fans can keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at
http://philspicks.wordpress.com
.

Draiman, Device Far From Being Disturbed

Posted on April 18, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Warner Brothers Records

David Draiman is one of the most well known vocalists in the rock community today. His animalistic sounding growls and seemingly Maynard James Keenan inspired vocal style make his a voice that is instantly noticeable when listeners hear it. The problem is that just as Keenan’s side project, A Perfect Circle, was instantly compared to Tool because of Keenan’s iconic vocal style, so has Draiman’s new side project, Device, been compared to Disturbed. While the first pair of tracks on Device’s self-titled debut do bear some semblance to material recorded by Disturbed, that similarity begins to fade early on. The album’s third song, ‘Vilify’ has more of a pure rock sound. Right from its opening verse, it impresses just as much lyrically as musically. Draiman sings defiantly as the song opens, “As you vilify/Every single move that I make/And try to bind me/In your insanity/You’ll come to know/That you never had control/from the onset/Go find another lapdog, f***er.” The defiance doesn’t stop here. The verbal assault against those who would run their mouths seemingly just to run their mouths runs nonstop through the song with full on intensity that is sure to get the blood and body flowing.

If there was still any question of comparison to Disturbed even in ‘Vilify’, then those comparisons will be erased even more in the album’s very next song, ‘Close My Eyes Forever.’ Some might cringe at this, but it almost comes across as a ballad style piece, especially with the addition of vocalist Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) give it even more of that sense. And if that’s not proof enough, one need only look at the song’s lyrical content as argument for that comparison. Lyrically speaking, it comes across as a song of lost love. Draiman and Hale sing here, “I know I’ve been so hard to you/I know I’ve told you lies/If I could have just one more wish/I’d wipe the cobwebs from my eyes.” This one song isn’t reason for anyone to worry, as it’s the only time through the course of the album’s ten tracks that the album’s intensity drops off.

The intensity built early on in Device’s self-titled debut picks back up not long after ‘Close My Eyes Forever.’ What’s more, as the intensity rebuilds through the album’s second half so does the separation of Device from Disturbed. It all starts on ‘Out of Line.’ This socio-political piece offers a solid mix of electronics and heavy, foot-stomping, head banging guitar breaks that would make any metal purist proud. And the inclusion of Serj Tankian’s (System of a Down) equally distinct vocal style adds even more musical flavor to this song. One can’t ignore the addition of Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) on this track, either. The mix of music, star power, and lyrical heaviness makes it just one more of so many tracks from which listeners will be able to choose as a favorite. The intensity and separation from the band members’ primary bands builds even more in ‘Opinion.’ The guest guitar work of Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine) is surprisingly unlike what Morello has recorded with his other side projects. And it definitely helps to maintain this song’s identity from anything even remotely related to Disturbed. It is one of those pieces that has to be heard to fully understand this.

If the guest appearances from Tom Morello, Geezer Butler, and Serj Tankian aren’t enough to convince listeners as to the identity of Device, then perhaps ‘War of Lies’ and the album’s closer, ‘Through It All’ will do the job. The heavy bass and vocals from Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) mixed with Draiman’s vocals make this one of the album’s more surprisingly interesting songs. That’s because of the fact that the song starts off very slow and deliberate. But a little more than halfway through the song, it picks up, and carries the listener up to the song’s final fading moments. Those moments are just subtle enough to allow listeners to catch their breath after the musical rollercoaster on which they have just taken a ride. And having caught their breath, any listener that went into this album thinking it would be just another Disturbed record will have seen that that belief was in fact completely wrong. While it might have started out with some similarity to Disturbed, that similarity is soon erased, and a new band with a sound that bears only the slightest closeness to the prior arises. It definitely turns out to be a record that any fan of Disturbed and any hard rock fan in general will want to check out at least once.

Device is currently touring in support of its self-titled debut. Among some of its more notable scheduled concert dates are performances at the “Welcome to Rockville” Festival on April 28^th in Jacksonville Florida, the Carolina Rebellion Festival in Rockingham, North Carolina on May 4^th, and the famed Rock on the Range Festival in Columbus, Ohio on May 19^th. The band has even more dates that audiences can find out about when they “Like” Device on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/Devicetheband
. Audiences will also find a link to download the band’s album via iTunes on the Facebook page. That link is
http://smarturl.it/deviceitunes
for those that may not be able to get to the band’s FB page.

Black Sabbath Announces First New Slate Of Tour Dates

Posted on April 16, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Universal Republic Records

Black Sabbath has announced the first handful of dates for its upcoming tour in support of its much anticipated new album, 13. Four shows have been announced. All four are American dates. The current slate of dates is available below.

DATE                  CITY                 VENUE
Sun, 8-4           Holmdel, NJ         PNC Bank Arts Center
Wed, 8-14         Toronto, ON       Air Canada Centre
Sat, 8-24         Seattle, WA         Gorge Amphitheatre
Tue, 9-3          Los Angeles, CA    Los Angeles Sports Arena

Tickets for these tour dates go on sale beginning this Saturday, April 20^th. Fans can actually RSVP for early access to early tickets by going online to
http://bit.ly/Sabbath_RSVP
. Those early tickets will be available this Thursday, April 18^th.

Along with the early tickets being available this Thursday, Black Sabbath will release the first single from 13, ‘God is Dead?’ The song will debut across Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s forty-plus Active Rock and Mainstream Rock radio stations nationwide. It will debut this Thursday at 3pm/12pm PT.

For all of the latest updates on the band’s tour, its upcoming album, singles and more, fans can follow the band online at
http://www.blacksabbath.com
,
http://www.facebook.com/BlackSabbath
,
http://twitter.com/OfficialSabbath
, and
http://instagram.com/officialsabbath
.

Niji Entertainment Re-Issuing Dio’s “Magica”

Posted on April 15, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Niji Entertainment

Ronnie James Dio may be gone, but he is hardly forgotten. On Tuesday, June 25^th, Niji Entertainment will release Dio’s classic album, Magica in a double disc Deluxe CD set. Magica was revered both for its content and for the fact that it marked the return of guitarist Craig Goldy. It has been out of print since 2000. Now thanks to Niji Entertainment, fans can once again enjoy metal classics such as: ‘Fever Dreams’, ‘Turn To Stone’, and ‘Lord of the Last Day’ among others. The album originally sold over 100,000 copies. Much of that success was due simply to word of mouth. The upcoming deluxe re-issue will feature the entire original album on its first disc. The second disc opens with the Magica story, narrated by Ronnie James Dio himself. It will also include the bonus track, ‘Annica’, which was originally available only to Japanese audiences, as well as ‘Electra.’ ‘Electra’ was originally planned for a Magica 2 and Magica 3.

The inclusion of the Magica story and bonus tracks are only part of that to which Dio fans have to look forward. Also included on the upcoming deluxe set’s second disc will be six bonus official Live Bootlegs and a bonus booklet containing the original Magica tour dates and set list, and bonus inserts. Those bonus inserts include the original Magica story and a Ronnie James Dio postcard. Fans can find out more about this upcoming re-issue on the official Ronnie James Dio Facebook page and website,
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio
and
http://www.ronniejamesdio.com
. Fans can also get more information on this upcoming release from the official Niji Entertainment Facebook page,
http://www.facebook.com/nijientertainmentgroup
.

Black Sabbath Releases Cover Art, Track Listing For Long Awaited Album

Posted on April 12, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Universal Republic Records

It’s been over three decades since the members of Black Sabbath released any new material. This Summer, one of rock’s greatest bands at long last returns. The band will release its first album in thirty-five years in 13. And now, fans of this legendary band are getting their first hint of the album. The band has released the upcoming album’s artwork and track listing. The album consists of eight tracks. The shortest of those songs clocks in at just over four minutes long. The album’s longest track clocks in at nearly nine minutes. 13 will be available June 11^th. Rage Against The Machine Drummer Brad Wilk joined the band to record the album in place of former drummer Bill Ward. Renowned producer Rick Rubin manned the boards for this album.

The track listing is as follows:

1. End of the Beginning (8:07)

2. God is Dead? (8:54)

3. Loner (5:06)

4. Zeitgeist (4:28)

5. Age of Reason (7:02)

6. Live Forever (4:49)

7. Damaged Sou (7:43)

8. Dear Father (7:06)

The band will tour in support of 13 beginning next Saturday, April 20^th. The current tour dates take the band across Europe. A full list of tour dates is available on the band’s official Facebook page,
http://www.Facebook.com/BlackSabbath
. Fans can pre-order the upcoming album—which will be available on CD, vinyl, Deluxe 2-CD Set, and Super Deluxe box set—through the band’s official website,
http://www.blacksabbath.com
.

Dust’s Re-Issue A Welcome Re-Introduction To The Rock World

Posted on April 1, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Sony Legacy/Legacy Recordings/Kama Sutra Records

New York based hard rock trio Dust will finally see its albums Hard Attack and Dust re-issued later this month thanks to Legacy Recordings and Kama Sutra Records. While the trio only released two records in its time together, the records became the forebear to records from the likes of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and others of its era. But again, thanks to the aforementioned record labels, this band’s music can once again be enjoyed by fans of true guitar driven rock and roll.

Both of the band’s albums have been culled on a single disc with a total of seventeen tracks between the two. Audiences will be taken aback right from the opening moments of Hard Attack. Drummer Marc Bell—who would later go on to become Marky Ramone of Ramones fame—plays just as bombastically and solidly as the late great John Bonham on the album’s opener, ‘Pull Away/So Many Times.’ Vocalist/guitarist Richie Wise is equally solid in his duties providing some rather impressive guitar licks. And bassist Kenny Aaronson maintains the song’s low end without missing a beat throughout the dual song’s roughly five minute run time. That same energy and solid musicianship is carried into the album’s second track, ‘Walk in the Soft Rain.’ This song is just as impressive as anything released by the band’s counterparts across the pond during what is easily rock music’s greatest era. So with any luck, this song will prove to be just one of so many that will open a whole new generation’s ears to one of the best bands that they’ve never heard.

Hard Attack offers listeners quite the experience, especially for those who are new to the band’s sound. It offers quite a few tracks that will opener said listeners’ ears to a whole and much needed breath of fresh air in an environment overly filled with bands whose music is dominated by down tuned, crunching guitars and cookie monster growls. If the music on Hard Attack isn’t enough, then maybe the band’s complete seven track debut self-titled record will win over new listeners. One of this record’s best tracks is its second song, ‘Chasin’ Ladies.’ This pure blues-infused rock song will impress any true rock and roll reveler. The up-tempo guitars and hard driving drumming mixed with Aaronson’s base work make this great party music and equally great driving music, especially with the warmer weather right around the corner. And the audio effect used on Wise’s vocals on this song adds another interesting touch. This critic doesn’t know the exact term for the effect in question. But it’s something of an echo effect. It’s one more interesting element to the song that makes it the highlight of the album.

Just as impressive as ‘Chasin’ Ladies’ is ‘Love Me Hard.’ It’s just as hard driving as the aforementioned song. What’s more, listeners will love how Wise mixes in a touch of flamenco style guitar work into the song’s otherwise hard rocking sound. Even had that flamenco flourish not been added in, this song still would have exemplified everything that was and still is today, right with real guitar driven rock and roll. Hopefully with the release of this dual album disc, other audiences of all ages will realize this too about this song and others on this re-issue. And while Dust may have been long broken up, hopefully this release will help re-introduce a whole new generation not just to Dust, but to what seems to be an increasingly lost art. The only thing that would make this record any better is a vinyl release for nostalgic types such as this critic. The dual album disc will be released April 16^th via Sony Legacy and Kama Sutra Records.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to
http://www.facebook.com/philspicks
and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at
http://philspicks.wordpress.com

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Tag Archives: Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath Celebrate New Release With Special Online Event

Sabbath’s “13″ Well Worth The Wait

Black Sabbath To Premiere New Song On CSI Season Finale

Rainbow Live Re-Issue A Welcome Return For A New Generation Of Audiences

Black Sabbath Reveals Dates For Full North American Tour Schedule

Draiman, Device Far From Being Disturbed

Black Sabbath Announces First New Slate Of Tour Dates

Niji Entertainment Re-Issuing Dio’s “Magica”

Black Sabbath Releases Cover Art, Track Listing For Long Awaited Album

Dust’s Re-Issue A Welcome Re-Introduction To The Rock World

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