Fans Get Quite An Anniversary Gift From The Rolling Stones In New Documentary

Posted on May 28, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records/Eagle Vision

The latest release in the ongoing celebration of The Rolling Stones’ 50^th anniversary is another welcome addition to the library of any fan of this legendary veteran rock act. The new DVD and Blu-ray release covers the band’s formative years during the 1960s and 70s. There are those that have criticized this new release, comparing it to the likes of The Beatles’ Anthology. But let’s be realistic, considering the price of that set and the price of the Stones’ previous box set, Charlie is my Darling, this latest release is just as good. Would it be nice to see the importance of the band throughout its care, considering that the world is celebrating its 50^th anniversary? Yes, it would. And hopefully Eagle Rock will follow up this release with one that follows the second half of the band’s storied career. But in the meantime, this volume will do just fine.

Crossfire Hurricane is such an impressive work because it in fact does cover a specific portion of the band’s career. It covered the band’s career during what was one of the most turbulent times in the modern history of the world. Mick, Charlie, Keith, and the late Brian Jones are all presented here in their highs (both metaphorically and literally) and their lows. From dealing with public perception versus the perfectly proper “Fab Four” to becoming the voice of a disenchanted youth to dealing with the loss of a brother, it’s all here. Audiences see the band’s meteoric rise to fame, and hear direct from the fans and the band itself what made the band so important even in its infancy. Viewers even get to hear what the band had to say about working with one another, too, which leads to another positive in the presentation.

Audiences get so much out of the history presented behind the band in Crossfire Hurricane. Directly related to the band’s history is the video footage presented in this release. Fans that bought the recently released DVD, Blu-ray or complete box set presentation of Charlie is my Darling will recognize some of the footage included in this presentation. There is far more footage included here that wasn’t included in that presented in that set, too. Together, the final product will take fans of all ages back in time to the band’s younger days. While Mick’s look hasn’t changed much since the band’s initial performances, drummer Charlie Watts is almost unrecognizable. Parents should be warned that among the footage, there is some nudity throughout the expertly re-mastered footage. So parents who perhaps want to introduce their kids to one of rock’s greatest bands should take this into note before watching it with younger viewers in the room. That aside, it is still an impressive look back on what are some of the most important years in the history of The Rolling Stones.

If the history lesson on The Rolling Stones’ early years isn’t enough for viewers, then maybe the bonus live performances included will entertain audiences. After all, Eagle Rock continuously proves itself to be a leader among companies putting out live releases. Just as the footage compiled for the documentary will take viewers on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, so will the bonus live performances. The earliest of the performances included in this release date as far back as 1964. Considering that nearly half a century has passed since these performances were recorded, the footage has stood the test of time quite well. Both the audio and video sound quite impressive. They sound just as good as any of today’s recordings. As good as they sound and as much of a resurgence as vinyl has had today, it would be even more amazing for nostalgia’s sake to see Eagle Rock release those performances on a complete vinyl release, too.

So much more could be noted of this new release. But it goes without saying that as already noted, it is one more impressive way for fans to celebrate the career of a band that is simply put, rock royalty. Who knows, maybe Eagle Rock will even follow up this presentation with another celebration of the band’s career with a feature on the second half of the band’s career. Fans can be the first to find out when they “Like” the Eagle Rock Entertainment Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt
. The DVD and Blu-ray are both available now in stores and online and can be ordered direct via the Eagle Rock Entertainment website at
http://www.eagle-rock.com
.

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Styx Live Doube-Disc An Impressive Companion To 2012 DVD/Blu-ray Release

Posted on May 27, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records

Eagle Rock Entertainment keeps bringing the hits for fans of classic rock. Last year, Eagle Rock put out quite the live release in the form of Styx: Grand Illusion & Pieces of Eight Live on DVD and Blu-ray. The performance marked the first time that the veteran rock band had ever performed both of its iconic albums live back to back in one show. Now the audio companion to that live video recording has finally been released thanks to Eagle Rock. The audio companion comes in a double-disc gatefold package that follows the DVD and Blu-ray verbatim. So what audiences get from the live video recording whether on DVD or Blu-ray is what they also get on the double-disc audio recording. This is quite impressive both in terms of the set-list and in terms of the recording’s audio quality. Though, it definitely will lead audiences that have not yet purchased the DVD or Blu-ray to want to surely pick up that recording. Those that already have the video portion of the performance will want to pick this up just as much, thus completing the full live experience from one of the most important performances of the career of the members of Styx.

The very first thing that audiences will appreciate about the new audio companion to Styx’s recent live DVD and Blu-ray release is its packaging. The audio portion of the show is packaged in a gatefold package with one disc on either side. In opening the package, audiences will note that making the packaging even better is that the performance of each classic album is contained within its own disc. Not only is the title of each album provided, but a track-by-track listing is provided on each album’s performance. Vinyl has made quite the resurgence in recent years in its popularity. To have each live album presented in this format makes for even more of a sense of nostalgia for fans as they listen to the band make the announcement about each side of each album ending and the other side beginning. It makes one feel as if one is holding the vinyl in one’s own hands, only on a smaller scale. For that, those involved with the recording’s packaging are to be commended. As minor a factor as it may seem to some, it’s always the little things that can make so much difference.

Having taken in the release’s gatefold packaging, the next step is to take in the live audio experience. And those that already own the DVD and/or Blu-ray portion of this recording will enjoy this portion of the show just as much as those that don’t already have it. Whether one already owns the DVD and/or Blu-ray half of the show, they will feel like they are right there at the show. The audio mix remains just as impressive on this half of the recording as it is on the video portion. Hearing classic hits the likes of: ‘Come Sail Away’, ‘The Grand Illusion’, ‘The Message’ and the rest of these iconic works will take the band’s long-time fans back to another time; a time when perhaps they first saw this veteran act for the very first time. This is the magical thing about a recording such as this. It’s what makes live recordings just as great as being there. That feeling of nostalgia is made even greater with such recordings. At a time when the cost of going to see a live show has drastically increased (counting not just ticket costs, but lodging, food, souvenirs, etc.) recordings such as this one will give listeners a live show that they can buy for about twenty-dollars and enjoy any time any place that they want. It’s available now in stores and online and can be purchased online via the Eagle Rock website at
http://www.eagle-rock.com
.

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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
.

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Re-Machined More Than Just A Tribute Record

Posted on March 21, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Records/Eagle Rock Entertainment

Famed British hard rock band Deep Purple is set to drop its new album next month. The album, titled Now What?! will be released in the United State Tuesday, April 30^th. While fans wait for the release of this highly anticipated album, they have another recent release to tide them over in the form of the tribute album, Re-Machined: A Tribute to Deep Purple’s Machine Head. It may be a tribute album, but it is still a great album for both new and long-time fans of Deep Purple.

The new honorary compilation hit stores in late 2012 as part of the 40^th anniversary of the landmark album’s original release. It features all seven tracks from Deep Purple’s original iconic album plus a pair of bonuses. One of those bonuses comes in the form of Metallica’s cover of ‘When A Blind Man Cries.’ As Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich notes in the compilation’s liner notes, “I have a list of songs in my head that Metallica should play before we either break up or die, and Deep Purple’s ‘When A Blind man Cries’ is one of those songs.” The song in question is a bonus in that it actually never made the record. Again, the liner notes shed light on this. The notes, written by Classic Rock Magazine’s Mark Blake note that the song in question was originally a B-side to the song, ‘Never Before’ but has become a fan favorite throughout the years. So it only made sense to have it included on this tribute record. And it’s just one of the pieces that make this album a must not just for any Deep Purple fan but for any hard rocker, period.

‘When A Blind Man Cries’ is just one part of what makes Re-Machined such an impressive album of covers. Going back to Ulrich, he and Metallica constitute just one of the acts brought together to record this album who openly tout Deep Purple as an influence in their own career as musicians. Blake writes of Iron Maiden’s front man Bruce Dickinson (whose band also covers a track on the disc) that he [Dickinson] was also a “serious Purple aficionado.” He quotes Dickinson as saying, “I cut my teeth as a kid on Deep Purple. It’s what I grew up with. It’s what got me out of bed in the mornings.” Now if that isn’t a tribute in itself to the importance of Deep Purple in the music world, it’s anyone’s guess what is. Dickinson and company ended up recording ‘Space Truckin’’ for the record, which is an absolutely outstanding piece both originally and as a cover here. The way that it drives (no pun intended), it will have fans pumping their fists and singing along loud and proud.

If Iron Maiden’s ‘Space Truckin’’ isn’t enough to convince fans of this compilation’s importance, then maybe the album’s opener will. Carlos Santana (yes, that Carlos Santana) joins Papa Roach front man Jacoby Shaddix for a cover of what is arguably the band’s most famous song of all time, ‘Smoke on the Water.’ What’s really interesting about this cover is that while it is a cover, it doesn’t feel or sound like one. Far too often, bands and artists try to take classic songs and update them. That’s not the case here. Shaddix and Santana have taken the classic and made it their own while still paying homage to the original. It makes perfect sense as to why the album would open with this cover in hearing Santana’s guitar chops and the solid vocals of Shaddix. It also serves one more purpose that at a passing glance is missed. But in really thinking about the generational mix presented here, one sees the purer purpose of using it as the compilation’s opener.

On the surface, having a bunch of bands and artists resurrect one of rock’s most important and iconic albums is a great thing. Having the album resurrected by a collection of rock’s greatest names past and present is even greater. What this does is it makes it more than just a tribute album. It makes the album a music history lesson in and of itself. As evidenced in the opening number, young audiences will be pulled in by the inclusion of Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix. Older audiences will be pulled in from both the fact that it’s Deep Purple and that fellow veteran musician Carlos Santana is on the track. Also because of the inclusion of Santana, those same younger audiences will potentially be introduced to the music of not just one great classic act, but two in both Deep Purple and Carlos Santana, thus preserving both acts’ legacies for a whole new generation. The same could be said of the inclusion of Chickenfoot’s live cover of ‘Highway Star’ and Black Label Society’s cover of ‘Pictures of Home.’

It should be clear by everything noted here that Re-Machined is more than just a tribute to a band. It’s a tribute, yes. But it’s also a tribute to everything that was and still is right with rock and roll. It’s a musical love letter to real rock and an excellent way to get a whole new generation of hard rockers and metal heads into what is without a doubt, one of mainstream rock’s greatest bands. The album is available now in stores and online. Audiences can get more information on this album, the band’s upcoming new full length studio release and its tour dates online at
http://www.deeppurple2013
and
http://www.facebook.com/officialdeeppurple
.

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Hungarian Rhapsody Is Queen’s Career Defining Performance

Posted on November 25, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision/Eagle Records

Eagle Rock Entertainment has done it yet again. This is not a company that rests easily on its laurels. Every live recording that the company has released this year has been just as good as or better than the previous. And now with the year winding down, Eagle Rock has released what is one of its best releases so far this year in Hungarian Rhapsody: Queen Live in Budapest.

Hungarian Rhapsody: Queen Live in Budapest is Queen at its finest. For any classic rock lovers and Queen fans in general, this new deluxe set is important not just for the performance itself but for what the performance meant. It was a victory not just for Queen and for rock music as a whole, but it was a major turning point, politically speaking. As Rhys Thomas writes in the liner notes of the set, “It was the first stadium show by a Western act to be held behind the ‘Iron Curtain.’” Some might ask about that, why that is important. It’s important because it represented the opening up of certain groups of individuals to Western influence of any kind. It represented a political shift in that side of the world. For Queen to be able to say it was the first band to do so had to have been an honor.

Having been invited as the first band to perform behind the ‘Iron Curtain’, the band showed its appreciation to the people of Hungary for the invitation as a whole with an absolutely amazing show. The band’s energy spread throughout the Nepstadion throughout its more high energy pieces such as ‘Tear It Up’, Tie Your Mother Down’, and the show’s opener, ‘One Vision.’ And even in the concert’s more reserved moments such as ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’, Under Pressure’ and ‘I Want To Break Free’ received highly positive response from the audience in attendance. They are of course, just a small sampling of everything that the band had to offer in its landmark performance. The set list also includes the band’s perennial favorites, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘We Are The Champions.’ There’s even a cover of ‘Tutti Frutti’ that exemplifies the band’s ability with other styles of music, too. The first half of the song is a full-on acoustic cover, while the second half absolutely rocks out. It shows the band’s abilities with other styles and will have audiences of any age moving and dancing in their own living rooms, bedrooms, and cars.

Hungarian Rhapsody: Queen Live in Budapest is stunning from the set list itself. Every band has shows that every fan considers to be the band’s best. With the case of this recording, there is no doubt that this performance is the band’s best. Mr. Thomas is correct in writing in the accompanying liner notes that this performance is Queen at the top of its game. There is something about the band’s performance that stands out from any of its others. It could be the band’s energy. It could be the response of the audience. It could be both together. Regardless, this performance is the prime performance from Queen. Add in that Mr. Thomas also states in the liner notes that the band did this show although there was no profit to be made from it, and audiences gain a whole new respect for the band not just as musicians, but also as people. It makes this performance that much more important in the career of Queen. Needless to say it makes this concert that much more of a career defining performance. Sure, that term is thrown about a lot with musical acts. But there can be no argument about it with this performance.

Nearly three decades have passed since this performance was originally recorded. In that time, the importance of the concert hasn’t been lost on its audiences both for its set list and for what it meant to the world. For home audiences it will mean even more considering the quality of the footage transfer from its original 35mm format to Blu-ray and CD. Both the video and audio qualities of this performance are just as impressive as the set list and its energy combined. Again, thanks to Eagle Rock, audiences can enjoy that high quality transfer as it has been put to both a double-disc CD set and single-disc Blu-ray in a complete triple disc Deluxe set that’s available both in stores and online now. For the Queen fan in anyone’s house, it can be ordered direct online at Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website,
http://www.eagle-rock.com
.

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New Stones Vinyl Re-Issue An Excellent Addition To Band’s Anniversary Celebration

Posted on October 23, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision/Eagle Records

On July 18^th, 1978, The Rolling Stones made a stop at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas as part of its tour in support of its album, Some Girls. Over three decades have passed since that iconic performance. Last year, Eagle Rock Entertainment, Eagle Vision, and Eagle Records released that performance on CD, DVD and Blu-ray. Now, the companies have followed up the success of those releases with a double disc vinyl/DVD combo pack for true hardcore Stones fans. This new set includes the entire performance of that show on two double sided vinyl discs along with a full length performance of the show on DVD. It goes without saying that this is another outstanding performance from an outstanding band that helps to celebrate the band’s fiftieth anniversary.

The first thing that will hit audiences in taking in this performance is the quality of the recording. Nearly thirty-five years have passed since this performance was originally recorded. But as evidenced both on the DVD and the vinyl release, the recording has stood the test of time. The audio portion on the vinyl will impress any audiophile. The companion DVD is just as impressive. Considering the technology that was available in 1978, the quality of the video footage is outstanding. It’s obvious painstaking efforts were taken to preserve this concert. And those responsible for maintaining and restoring it for its latest release are to be commended for their efforts. Those efforts paid off in a large way. It’s great to be able to see the band’s performance not just from the stage, but also from the vantage point of the audience. The wide shots of the show from the back of the auditorium give an even more incredible view of the audience numbers and the audience’s reaction to the band from one song to the next. There’s no let up from either the band or its fans throughout the concert.

The audio and video go a long way towards making Some Girls Live in Texas ’78 enjoyable for any Rolling Stones fan. They’re just part of the overall experience, though. The set list has its own hand in the success of this release. Presented here are standout performance of hits including: ‘Star Star’, ‘Honky Tonk Women’, ‘Beast of Burden’, ‘Brown Sugar’, and ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash.’ Long time audiences that haven’t gotten to see last year’s DVD and BD release of this show will be taken aback by the band’s you and energy here. There’s hardly a wrinkle to be seen on any of the band members. Though, Mick Jagger has that signature swagger that has made him such a rock icon throughout the Stones’ career together. And the guitar solos courtesy of Keith Richards and Ron Wood will get even the newest Stones’ fans moving in their own living rooms, bedrooms, etc. Drummer Charlie Watts keeps the whole band together behind his kit, adding his own flair where necessary, too. The band’s performance and the equally impressive recording come together to make a release that is a fitting addition to any Stones’ fan’s celebration of the band’s anniversary. Some Girls Live in Texas ’78 is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered online at
http://www.eagle-rock.com
.

New Muddy Waters/Stones Double Vinyl Makes A Great Performance Greater

Posted on October 22, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records/Eagle Vision

Eagle Rock Entertainment released what is one of the year’s best live releases earlier this year in the classic 1981 performance of The Rolling Stones and Muddy Waters live at Chicago’s Checkerboard Lounge. That set contained both a DVD and CD. Now, Eagle Rock has followed up that release and sweetened the deal for audiences even more with a new vinyl/DVD companion to the DVD/CD set.

The new Vinyl/DVD companion to Eagle Rock’s previous release contains the entire performance from the DVD/CD set on two vinyls. It also includes the artists’ full performance on a full length DVD presentation. This new addition to the previously released set as it makes the classic performance that much more fully encompassing. Just as listening to the CD and watching the DVD will give fans of the modern medium a full concert experience, so will this new set. Audiences who haven’t yet checked out either set will be amazed at the enjoyment that they will experience, especially with this additional piece. This iconic show was recorded before the dawn of compact discs. And it was recorded in one of the “queen cities of jazz and the blues.” Knowing that, putting on the vinyls will bring on a total sense of nostalgia for any fan that might prefer that medium.

Listening to the concert on vinyl will instantly conjure up some wonderful nostalgic feelings in any listener young enough to recall those days before compact discs and mp3’s. It’s a fantastic feeling to put on either disc, close one’s eyes, and really take in the music. It may be even more so than with the CD presentation, because of that sense of nostalgia. That’s just part of the whole package, though. As wonderful as it is to experience this show as it was really meant to be experienced, the inclusion of a DVD with the full concert makes the entire thing that much better. Being able to see the Stones, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, and all the others up on that tiny stage is incredible. After having seen the show, audiences can go back, put the vinyls on back to back and gain that much more appreciation for what is one of this great nation’s greatest musical genres and for the artists performing each song. Muddy Waters and The Rolling Stones Live at the Checkerboard Lounge is available in stores and online now. It can be ordered direct via Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website,
http://www.eagle-rock.com
.

Marillion’s New LP Is A Work That Everyone Should Hear

Posted on October 10, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records/E-A-R Music

British prog-rock band Marillion has been making music for the better part of three decades. In that time, the band has managed to remain largely successful without much (if any) help from mainstream radio and television. Now, Marillion has shown yet again why it is still one of the music industry’s best (largely) unknown acts with its newest release, Sounds That Can’t Be Made.The title of this new album is fitting in that while the eight tracks that comprise the album’s playlist aren’t sounds that can’t be made. They are sounds that few other bands would even think to make. The album’s opener, ‘Gaza’ is in itself a very deep and provocative piece. It’s a multi movement piece that makes commentary on the state of the Gaza strip. Front man Steve Hogarth sings in this song, “For thirteen years/The roads have all been closed/We’re isolated/We’re denied medical supplies/Fuel and work are scarce/They build houses on our farms/The old men weep/The young men take up arms.” Those last two lines, “The old men weep/The young men take up arms” is such a powerful visual. It’s no chore to see the juxtaposition of the two. These lines are just a tiny piece of what makes this such a powerful opening to the band’s new album. Backed by equally emotional music, there’s no doubt that this will easily become a favorite of every Marillion fan. It’s just one of the high points of this underrated work.

Another song that fans will appreciate is the almost equally long, ‘Montreal.’ This piece is said to have come from Steve Hogarth’s own personal experience while on tour. Countless songs have been written over the decades about life on tour. And they all generally have a very similar sound about them. But that’s not necessarily the case with ‘Montreal.’ There’s a very old school prog-rock influence here as Hogarth sings about the band making a stopover in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. There’s no vibe of life on the road being miserable, etc. etc. Rather it’s lyrically very mundane. Yet with the musical backing, the band has once again crafted a piece that’s so powerful. Listeners can sense at least a longing for home as Hogarth sings of staying in touch with his wife via Skype, after having landed at the nearest airport and making its way to its hotel. It comes together for yet another impressive piece of this musical puzzle. It all makes the near fourteen minute run time entirely worth it.

Both ‘Gaza’ and ‘Montreal’ are powerful pieces thanks to the bands ability to translate its music and lyrics together so seamlessly and effortlessly to its audiences. There’s one more piece here that audiences will appreciate though, for its musical and lyrical power. That song is the album’s penultimate piece, ‘Lucky Man.’ Again, that combination of music and lyrics makes this a hard hitting piece. Hogarth sings, “Some of us want diamonds and gold and trinkets/The perfect body/And the perfect skin/Witnesses to their good deeds/Willing accomplices to their sin/Some of us pray for absolution/Some want sex/And call it love/But freedom to cheat /Is not something I want tonight.” What audiences get here is another socially conscious song that given the proper attention will really get listeners to think without being preachy. This is what so many bands get wrong, but Marillion has gotten right. ‘Lucky Man’ tries to lead by example. It in its own way, tries to get listeners to think before they complain about having life so bad and being content with what they have. It’s little things like this that have made Marillion such a successful band for three decades. And it’s little things like this that will continue to make the band a success as long as its members agree they want to continue making music.

Sounds That Can’t Be Made is available in stores and online now. It can be ordered online via Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website,
http://www.eagle-rock.com
. The band is currently touring in support of its new album. It will be in Sao Paulo, Brazil tomorrow as part of its tour of South America and Mexico. Fans can get a full listing of tour dates online at
http://www.marillion.com/tour
, and
http://www.facebook.com/MarillionOfficial
.

Lord’s “Concerto” Is A Modern Musical Work Of Art

Posted on October 8, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Thompson Music/Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records

Jon Lord’s Concerto for Group and Orchestra is a modern musical work of art. One part classical and one part rock concert, this opus proves more than ever that music truly is the universal language. It’s a modern classical work that could so easily put modern masters the likes of Hans Zimmer and John Williams to shame. The way that the musicians so perfectly complement each other throughout each movement makes it sound just as much a movie soundtrack as a general modern classical opus.

The style and dynamic contrasts of this three movement piece will pull in audiences from both sides of the fence. And the addition of a top notch group of musicians on both ends to bring it all to life makes it that much more of a joy to hear. Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa, and Darin Vasilev all join in on guitars, with Vasilev heading things in the first movement. Bonamassa comes in on movement two, while Morse finishes things off in movement three. Brett Morgan and Guy Pratt add their own touch to the work’s rock based sections. On the other side, the control of the orchestra (especially the strings) throughout what would seem to be the “B” section of the first movement. That section repeats later near the end of the movement, too. Classical fans will also recognize what is a reference to Gusatv Holst’s The Planets. As noted in the liner notes, there is a reference in the first movement to “Jupiter.” But it’s a bit of a surprise that there’s no mention that the final moments are equally similar to the final moments of “Mars.”

The immediate contrast of the brashness from the first movement into the second movement adds so much more emotion to the overall piece. It’s a total mood change. The way that it the second movement changes moods so much from one section to the next makes for even more discussion and enjoyment.

The intensity from the concerto’s first movement returns in its third movement full force, with the orchestra’s percussion and low brass holding court first. The woodwinds come in next, followed by the strings, and then even Hammond organ. It all comes together for what is without a doubt the entire concerto’s finest moment. While the entire movement is nearly eleven minutes long, it’s nearly eleven minutes well spent as even rockers who have never been fully introduced into the world of classical music will find themselves listening intently to the musicianship of this group, along with the rock elements. When it’s all said and done, it will leave audiences soundly appeased yet wanting more. That is the sign of a good recording.

Concerto for Group and Orchestra offers so much for both fans of classical and rock. One can only hope that it will serve its purpose and bring both sides together, perhaps making for new fans of the other side all the way around. This is a standout album, all the way around. It is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered direct via Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website,
http://www.eagle-rock.com
.

New Live Release An Excellent Tribute To An Excellent Singer

Posted on August 3, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records/Montreux Sounds

The world lost one of the greatest singers of all time earlier this year when Etta James passed away. Thanks to the continued partnership between Eagle Rock Entertainment and Montreux Sounds though, her voice will never be gone, nor will the memory of the vocal titan. That is thanks to the brand new live release, “Etta James: Live at Montreux 1975 – 1993.”

The brand new release, “Etta James: Live at Montreux 1975 – 1993 is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful singer. She really was a singer among singers. This compilation of her performances from the famed Montreux Jazz Festival is proof of that, as if she really needed proof. It’s one more collection that will help keep her memory and her voice alive for many more generations. The performances culled for this compilation show just how versatile she was as a vocalist. She showed she was a powerhouse vocalist at times. And at others, she was as soft and gentle as perhaps Billie Holiday. It all combines to make an excellent tribute to an excellent singer.

Some of the best examples of James’ powerhouse abilities are in the likes of ‘How Strong is a Woman’, ‘W.O.M.A.N.’ and the compilation’s opener, ‘I Just Wanna Make Love To You.’ The way that she sings in the opener and in ‘W.O.M.A.N.’ gives the songs a gritty, naughty vibe, for lack of better wording. Her style perfectly catches the sensuality of the songs, making them favorites for any happy couple. And the power in her voice as she sings, “A woman is strong as a mule/for the man she loves.” The way that the band drives the song gives it even more of an oomph, especially in the live setting. It makes for one of the compilation’s highest of points.

James showed how powerful and bombastic her voice was during her performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival. For all the power in her pipes, James also showed that she could be gentle and delicate, too. One of the prime examples of this is in ‘A Lover is Forever.’ Again, the mix of her vocal prowess and the music makes for another amazing piece that expertly captures the emotion of the song. this effect is also heard in the medley of ‘At Last’/’Trust in Me’/’A Sunday Kind of Love.’ She proved on all of these songs that she understood and respected her craft. She was able to interpret the songs in a way that would translate them with ease to her audiences. The same thing applies to her more powerful songs, too.

When it’s all said and done, “Etta James Live at Montreux 1975 – 1993” shows to be a fitting tribute to a woman who was a strong woman and an equally strong singer. It is available in stores and online now. It can be ordered directly through Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website at http://www.eagle-rock.com. The companion DVD and blu-ray to this release will be released later this month via Eagle Rock Entertainment.

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