John Corabi Debuts New Single, ‘Cosi Bella (So Beautiful),’ Companion Video

Posted on August 30, 2021 by philspicks

Former Dead Daisies front man John Corabi opened the new week with a new single and video.

Corabi debuted his new single, ‘Cosi Bella (So Beautiful)‘ and its companion video Monday. The mid-tempo semi-ballad style song was produced and co-written by famed guitarist Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue) in Nashville, TN.

The lyrical theme featured in the new song is, as Corabi sings right from the song’s outset, about a woman. In other words, it is a love song.

Corabi talked at length about the song during a recent interview.

“‘Cosi Bella’ came about from a writing session I did with Marti for The Dead Daisies’ ‘Burn It Down’ record,” said Corabi. “I had the initial verse idea, and a chorus that didn’t quite work for the tune. I played it for Marti, and he liked the idea but gave me a better idea for the chorus. We recorded the rough idea on my phone, with both of us just scatting the melody.”

Added Corabi, “The Daisies heard the idea but felt it didn’t quite fit their format, so I put it to bed for a bit. After leaving the band in 2019, I started to revisit old ideas I had and sat down and recorded the track. Being new to ProTools, I took the song as far as I could and sent it to Marti to produce. I explained the song was musically inspired to a degree by ‘Penny Lane’ by The Beatles and ‘Killer Queen’ by Queen, so Marti and his son Evan recut the drums and bass, and added some horns, and sprinkled their magical fairy dust on the track to give it that shiny polished sound!”

Corabi concluded, “I wrote the lyrics, and after singing the song, I felt ‘SO BEAUTIFUL’ was kind of an average title, so I looked those words up in a translation app and found it in Italian (Cosi Bella) and felt it had a nice ring to it! It’s not what some people truly expect from me, but I LOVE the way the song turned out, and it’s just a happy little upbeat love song with a twist! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.”

More information on John Corabi’s new single and video is available along with all of his latest news at:

Website: https://www.johncorabi.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnCorabiMusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/crablegs59

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

Soraia’s New Single Is Moving Up Billboard Chart

Posted on April 12, 2021 by philspicks

Independent rock band Soraia is making waves with its latest single.

The band’s new single, ‘Tight-Lipped,’ has reached #32 on Billboard’s latest Rock Indicator Charts. That is according to information in a news release distributed Monday about the band’s new single.

Soraia debuted its new single along with a b-side — a cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Angel’ — in February. Audiences can stream and download both songs here. The band debuted the companion video for ‘Tight-Lipped’ through Billboard along with the song’s premiere.

Front woman ZouZou Mansour was upbeat in talking about the attention that the band’s new single is receiving.

“The whole band is on fire with how well our newest single is doing!,” said Mansour. “From getting our video debut in Billboard, to a feature article in Loudwire, these are all first accomplishments we have been wanting for a long time. It’s thrilling to watch the song ascend on the Billboard Rock Indicator chart, and be added to Active Rock Commercial Radio Stations across the US. With every new release, we grow. Our fans, our label, and our team are who we really need to thank with all our hearts. Thank you, and can’t wait to see where the road takes us! Still we rise….”

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Tight-Lipped’ boasts the same raw, bluesy classic rock style and sound that the band presented in its 2020 album Dig Your Roots, the band’s third album. Vocalist ZouZou Mansour’s performance pairs with that of guitarist Nick Seditious and drummer Brianna Sig to make the steady rocker an infectious work that will stick with listeners. Bassist Travis Smith adds his own touch to the song to completely flesh out the arrangement.

The lyrical theme that accompanies ‘Tight-Lipped’ is something of a socially conscious message according to Mansour.

“‘Tight-Lipped’ is about a woman who politely refuses to challenge the status quo and direction of her life,” she said. “It’s a final recognition of the part she has played in her own oppressive censoring – a soulful rebuke of her former beliefs on how to live. But by the end of the song, it becomes a triumphant declaration of who she now is: “‘Meet Ophelia–no more promises. I refuse to be so tight-lipped.’”

In other news, Soraia is scheduled to perform in support of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Nov.21 at the Palace Theatre in Albany, NY.

More information on Soraia’s new single is available online along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: https://www.soraia.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoraiaRocks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/soraiarocks

Dirty Honey Debut New Album’s Lead Single, Companion Video

Posted on March 6, 2021 by philspicks

Independent rock band Dirty Honey is giving audiences their first preview of its new album.

The band premiered its new single, ‘California Dreamin” Friday through Rolling Stone magazine. The lead single from the band’s forthcoming self-titled debut album — scheduled for release April 23 — it is not to be confused with The Mamas and the Papas’ ‘California Dreamin’. Dirty Honey’s song is its own original work, not a cover.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘California Dreamin” is an up-tempo composition that is grounded through the performance of John Notto on guitar and that of front man Marc LaBelle. What is so interesting here is that a close listen leads to comparisons to the sound and vocal styling of Guns N’ Roses front man Axl Rose in this case. Notto’s performance meanwhile makes for its own comparison to works from Rose’s GNR band mate Slash.

Thanks to the song’s production, Corey Coverstone’s work on the drums cuts through clearly as he keeps time. Bassist Justin Smolian’s low-end adds the final element to the song. The whole of the group’s work makes the song a strong first impression for the forthcoming album, as it creates its own unique neo-classic rock style composition.

The video for ‘California Dreamin’ even throws in its own tribute to Guns N’ Roses as Notto is shown by himself in one scene in a very Slash-esque pose as he performs his solo in the song’s bridge. At other points, the band is shown together as it performs. There are also other various images, such as a woman walking through a door in the desert, and making her way through a forest.

LaBelle talked about the song’s lyrical theme and how the song’s video plays into that theme during a recent interview.

“Lots of people come out to California, chasing a dream, and sometimes, people just don’t make it,” said LaBelle. “California isn’t always the ‘land of milk and honey,’ dreams don’t always come true here, and that’s the perspective this song and video take. The video is a dream through California that showcases the good, the bad and the ugly.”

Dirty Honey started work on its new album in October. The band was originally set to record its new record in early 2020 in Australia, but a continued travel ban between the two nations led the band to head to a studio in its hometown of Los Angeles instead. Producer Nick DiDia (Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine) is joining the band through Zoom to craft its new record.

LaBelle offered some insight into the move in a prepared statement.

“Back in March, we had a handful of songs that were in various states of completion,” said LaBelle. “But now, not being able to tour, we’ve had the time to finish them, feel really confident about them, and write more. We’re going into the studio with twice as many new songs as we had back in March. The pre-production for this new music has been handled exactly the same way as it was for the EP; Nick was in Australia, we were here in Los Angeles, and we were sending demos back and forth. Recording the music remotely is what’s different this time. But Nick brought in Brendan O’Brien’s engineer, Tom Syrowski (AC/DC, Chris Cornell), who’s been in the room with some incredible artists, so it’s going to be great.”

“The adventure factor of the past two years definitely played a role in the new songs,” added LaBelle. “I look back over that time, and it’s been an incredible ride…All of the support we’ve had, being played on our hometown radio station, something I never really thought would happen, it’s just crazy.”

Coverstone recently added his own thoughts on the album’s delay.

“Because of the pandemic, we had a lot more time to write and prepare, which was great,” said Coverstone. “It meant that we were able to workshop the songs a lot more, and I think it really made a difference.”

Dirty Honey released its debut self-titled EP last year. Following the EP’s release, the band joined tours with bands, such as The Who, Guns N’ Roses, and Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators to spread its music. The band was named the #1 International Breakout Artist of 2019 by Canadian Rock Radio. Additionally, the band became the only unsigned act last year to reach #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart with its single ‘When I’m Gone.’

As if the tour and chart honors were not enough, the band was named among the UK’s Louder/Classic Rock magazine “20 Great Bands To Shake Up the 2020s.” Dirty Honey was nominated in the Best New Rock/Alternative Artist category at the 2020 iHeart Radio Music Awards, too, adding to the band’s acclaim.

‘Rolling 7s,’ the band’s second single reached #4 at Rock Radio. It has generated more than 4.6 million views since its premiere on Sept. 23. LaBelle’s vocals in the song are reminiscent at times, of Guns N’ Roses front man Axl Rose, and of Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant at others. The song’s bluesy guitar line will appeal to fans of bands, such as Blackberry Smoke, The Allman Brothers Band, and Aerosmith to a lesser degree. Yes, that seems like an odd combination, but it is there and it works in this song’s case.

Speaking of Aerosmith, the band debuted its cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Last Child‘ on Jan. 24 as an Amazon Music Original. Dirty Honey’s take on Aerosmith’s original, which was originally featured on the band’s 1998 album Gems, stays very much true to its source material.

LaBelle does an admirable job of making himself sound like Steven Tyler as he belts out the song’s lyrics. His band mates — Notto, Justin Smolian (bass), Corey Coverstone (drums) — do their own part to pay tribute to the classic tune.

More information on Dirty Honey’s new record is available along with the group’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.dirtyhoney.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyHoneyMusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dirtyhoneyband

Soraia Releasing New Vinyl Double-Single Next Week

Posted on January 1, 2021 by philspicks

Soraia is opening the new year with some new music.

The band announced Thursday, it will release its new vinyl single Jan. 8 through Wicked Cool Records. The two-song single’s a-side is its new original song ‘Tight-Lipped.’ It is accompanied by Soraia’s cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Angel,’ which features the band’s Wicked Cool label mate Jesse Wagener on guest vocals.

Pre-orders are open for the single. Audiences can stream both songs through Soraia’s official Bandcamp page.

The lyrical theme that accompanies ‘Tight-Lipped’ comes across as a story about a person who was head over heels with someone who was clearly not right for him/her. That realization is what is presented here, and it is done with with plenty of vim and fire from the subject, with plenty of pride, basically with the song’s subject saying without saying how glad he/she is that things did not work out in hindsight. This is an easily accessible story for any listener. Together with the song’s equally strong musical arrangement, the whole makes the song a work that guitar rock purists will appreciate.

Soraia’s cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Angel’ is worth its own listen as it stays largely true to its source material while also giving the song a welcome update. Seditious’ guitar work is right there with that of Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry while the duality in Mansour and Wagner’s vocals creates a unique vocal performance here. Rather than just re-create the airy effect of Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler’s performance in the original, the duo has crafted a performance that is tighter and possibly better than that of the original.

Wagner’s performance here follows that of her recently released original holiday single ‘What Christmas Is To Me‘ and her debut album Shoes Droppin‘, which she released last year.

More information on Soraia’s new single is available online along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.soraia.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SoraiaRocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/soraiarocks

More information on Jesse Wagner’s new album is available along with all of her latest news at:

Website: http://www.jessiewagnerofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jessie.wagner.568

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jessie_wagner

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

Dirty Honey Starts Work On Its New Record

Posted on October 8, 2020 by philspicks

Photo Credit: Owen Cox
Dirty Honey, L-R: Corey Coverstone (drums), John Notto (guitar), Justin Smolian (bass), Marc LaBelle (vocals)

Independent rock band Dirty Honey is back in the studio.

The band made the announcement Wednesday through a news release. The band was originally set to record its new record early this year in Australia, but a continued travel ban between the two nations led the band to head to a studio in its hometown of Los Angeles instead. Producer Nick DiDia (Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine) is joining the band through Zoom to craft its new record.

Front man Marc LaBelle offered some insight into the move in a prepared statement.

Dirty Honey guitarist John Notto expanded on LaBelle’s comments.

“We really know these new songs, because we played most of them live, every night when we were on tour – that’s where we did a lot of the pre-production, in front of the fans,” he said. “Getting feedback from fans at the merch table after the shows, and watching the YouTube videos they shot and posted all helped us finalize the new songs. And the songs that we’ve written since our tour ended, we’ve been playing the crap out of them in rehearsal. We’ve got a few tracks where we stretched a little more, but all in all, I think fans can expect a shot in the arm, kick-ass rock’n’roll.”

Dirty Honey’s new record is scheduled for release in 2021. More information on the band’s new record is available along with the group’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.dirtyhoney.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DirtyHoneyMusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dirtyhoneyband

Madame Mayhem Debuts Video For ‘Livin’ On The Edge’ Cover

Posted on September 4, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Madame Mayhem has pulled her cover of an Aerosmith classic from her vault.

The singer-songwriter (a.k.a. Natalie Ann Cohen) debuted the video for her cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Livin’ on the Edge‘ Friday. The cover was produced by Mark Hudson. Hudson is credited as one of the co-writers on the original ‘Livin’ on the Edge’ along with the band’s front man and guitarist Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.

Cohen talked about debuting the previously recorded and unreleased song in a recent interview.

“Earlier in my career I covered Aerosmith ‘s ‘Livin’ On The Edge’ during our live shows. We had recorded a version, but it stayed in the Mayhem vault of songs completed, yet never released…until now!,” said Cohen. “During these times, I feel this song is especially relevant. I wanted to give fans and fellow music lovers alike, a little something to rock out to during these strange and difficult days which we are all experiencing together.”

Cohen’s video for the cover of ‘Livin’ on the Edge’ features archived live footage of Cohen and company as the song plays over the footage. The song itself stays true to its source material while also giving it a more hard rock-tinged sound than the original.

Cohen’s cover of ‘Livin’ on the Edge’ is available to stream and download here.

The debut of Cohen’s cover of ‘Livin’ on the Edge’ comes more than three months after the debut of her then latest original single, ‘Breaking Down.’ The song features a melodic hard rock arrangement that will appeal to fans of bands, such as Breaking Benjamin, The Veer Union and other similar acts.

The lyrical content featured in’Breaking Down’ comes across as a message about someone who has gone through much difficulty in life, but ultimately refuses to give up despite experiencing those trials. This is inferred late in the song as she sings, “I am not breaking down this time.” The energy in her vocal delivery emphasizes that resolve, adding to its impact.

According to information provided about the new song, Cohen co-wrote the song with Brian Vodihn (10 Years) and enlisted Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (Finger Eleven, Disturbed, Megadeth) to produce the song. He is just one more of the big names who played a part in the song’s creation.

The information provided about the new single states Billy Sheehan (The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big), Jason “J Bomb” Harrison and keith Wallen (Breaking Benjamin) also took part in the song’s creation.

‘Breaking Down’ is available to stream and download through Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon.

More information on Madame Mayhem’s new single and video is available along with all of her latest news at:

Website: http://www.madamemayhem.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/madamemayhem

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MayhemOfficial

Ellefson Debuts New Compilation’s Lead Single; Unveils Initial Track Listing

Posted on July 31, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Combat Records

Audiences got their first preview of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson’s new eponymous rock project this week.

The band — Ellefson (bass), Thom Hazaert (vocals), Andy Martongelli (guitar), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (guitar), and Paolo Caridi (drums) — released the song ‘Wasted‘ Friday. The song, a cover of the Def Leppard song, is the lead single from the group’s debut record, No Cover.

Ellefson’s cover of ‘Wasted’ features guest appearances from Frank Hannon (Tesla), Jacob Bunton (Mick Mars, Lynam), and Dave McClain (Ex-Machine Head, Sacred Reich).

The famed names featured on ‘Wasted’ are just some of well-known musicians and performers who make appearances on this record. Also lending their talents to the album are equally well-known figures, such as Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Al Jourgensen (Ministry) and Gus G. (Firewind).

Along with debuting its lead single, Ellefson has also unveiled the initial track listing for No Cover. The initial listing opens with a cover of Judas Priest’s timeless hit song ‘Freewheel Burning’ and also features covers of songs such as AC/DC’s ‘Riff Raff,’ Queen’s ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ and Billy Idol’s ‘Rebel Yell.’

The album’s initial track listing is noted below. Two tracks are still TBA. Pre-orders are open now.

Tracklist:
1. Freewheel Burning (Judas Priest) ft. Jason McMaster, Gus G, Andy James, Dave McClain
2. Tear It Loose (Twisted Sister) ft. Eddie Ojeda, Dave McClain
3. Love Me Like A Reptile (Motorhead) ft. Doro Pesch, Greg Handevidt, Chuck Behler
4. Holiday in Cambodia (Dead Kennedys) ft. Charlie Benante
5. Rebel Yell (Billy Idol)
6. Wasted (Def Leppard) ft. Frank Hannon, Jacob Bunton, Dave McClain, Bumblefoot
7. Riff Raff (AC/DC) ft. Jason McMaster, Dave Lombardo
8. Nailed To The Gun (Fight) ft. Andrew Freeman, Russ Parrish, Jimmy DeGrasso
9. Not Fragile (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) ft. John Aquilino
10. Say What You Will (Fastway) ft. Troy Lucketta, Mark Slaughter
11. LOVE Machine (W.A.S.P.) ft. Dirk Verbeuren, Dave Alvin
12. Love Hurts (Nazareth) ft. Brandon Yeagley, Chuck Behler, Tyson Leslie
13. Sheer Heart Attack (Queen) ft. Bumblefoot, Doro Pesch, Charlie Benante
14. Sweet FA (Sweet) ft. Todd Kerns, Bumblefoot, Shani Kimelman
15. TBA
16. TBA
17. Auf Wiedersehen (Cheap Trick) ft. Al Jourgensen, Brandon Yeagley, Charlie Benante

Bonus Tracks
18. Eat The Rich (Krokus) ft. Dead By Wednesday

No Cover was co-produced by Ellefson, Hazaert, and Martongelli. The record was engineered by Alessio Garavello, Matt LaPlant (Nonpoint, Lil Jon, Skindred) and John Aquilino. Alessio and Garavello mixed the album alongside Randy Burns and others.

Ellefson talked about the record’s genesis in a recent interview.

“Before any of us started writing our own songs, we all began playing cover songs by our heroes during our formative years as musicians,” said Ellefson. “So, it’s fun to go back in time and revisit those songs which helped us to become the artists we are today, especially when, ironically, many of those artists have now become peers and friends. During the process of recording some covers for B-Sides and bonus tracks for the upcoming Ellefson solo LP, Thom and I just said, “This is a blast, let’s just do a whole album of covers!” Literally, within 2 weeks, we had the songs recorded, and began calling our friends to join us, many of whom we had just performed with on the MEGA-Cruise back in October. From there, the album just fell into place.”

“A lot of our buddies have been playing covers and quarantine jams on the Internet during the pandemic, so this is really just an extension of that, but we took it the next level and actually recorded a full studio album,” he added.” We’ve been working remotely anyway, as we’re all over the Globe, so it was easy to incorporate some guests jumping in with some outstanding performances of their own. It’s been a really fun nod to making great music with our friends, who are kick-ass players, and many legends in their own right, which is the whole reason we got into this in the first place!”

Hazert expanded on Ellefson’s comments with his own thoughts.

“It’s all songs and artists that really mutually influenced both myself and David, especially a lot of early “Metal” and harder Classic Rock,” he said. “Some stuff I picked, some stuff he picked, but for the most part is was all artists that we both loved. What’s funny, as there’s a bit of an age gap, we were sometimes more influenced by different eras of the same bands. But it was really him saying, “Let’s do this song”, and me saying, “Yes!!! And let’s do this song.” And before we knew it, we had over 15 songs. And it’s a lot of album tracks, deep cuts, early tracks, stuff people might not expect, which was what was so fun.”

“It was also great that we were able to work in a lot of nods to David’s [Ellefson] history, getting Chuck Behler to play with us, bringing in original Megadeth guitarist Greg Handevidt to play on “Love Me Like A Reptile”, a song they used to play in cover bands together before they moved to LA (which we wrote about in More Life With Deth), and Randy Burns is going to mix a track or two,” added Hazert. “As a singer, these are literally bands I’ve listened to, and covered all my life, and for me, getting to play with Eddie Ojeda, the Tesla guys, Charlie Benante, Jason McMaster, Mark Slaughter, etc, and sing these songs that mean so much to me. I mean, literally, the entire record is my bucket list of people I’d love to play with, and some of my favorite bands. So, it’s truly an honor to put together something so fun, and really as effortless as this was. It truly is a love letter to Rock N’ Roll, an homage to what made us, musically, who we are today.”

Ellefson resurrected Combat Records in 2017 as part of the EMP Label Group family.

Combat Records was a seminal punk and thrash record label in the 1980s. Its doors closed in the mid-2000s after its catalog was absorbed by Sony Music. Combat Records’ official relaunch took place in 2018.

Ellefson said in an interview in 2017, Combat Records would handle only new music because Sony has control of the label’s back catalog.

“…And to clarify, we do not own any rights to the Combat Records back catalog,” Ellefson stressed. “That is owned and controlled by Sony, and they have done a great job of curating it through other imprints. Combat Records will solely focus on new releases under the Combat banner. As always, thank you for your support and stay tuned for more details!”

More information on Combat Records, along with its latest news, is available online now

at:

Website: http://www.combatrecs.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/combatrecordsofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/combatrecs

Ellefson is scheduled to release its debut full-length studio recording in spring 2021. More information on Ellefson is available along with all of the group’s latest news at:

Website: http://davidellefson.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/davidellefson

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ellefsondavid

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

BPMD’s ‘American Made’ Covers Collection Is Entertaining, But Hardly Memorable

Posted on June 9, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Napalm Records

Covers collections are among the most peculiar releases that musical acts of any genre can release during their careers. Unlike singles compilations, which in their own way, actually serve a purpose – that purpose being that they could lead new audiences to pick up an act’s albums in whole – covers compilations serve little if any purpose. They are just collections of songs that acts put together to “pay tribute” to other acts and make money in the process. They are really just space fillers that acts use in order to satisfy contractual obligations for album release numbers. Keeping that in mind, one can’t help but wonder why respected and talented musicians, such as Bobby Blitz (Overkill), Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs, Transatlantic, Sons of Apollo, Liquid Tension Experiment, etc.), Phil Demmel (ex-Machine Head, Vio-lence) and Mark Menghi (Metal Allegiance) would come together just to create a compilation of cover songs for what is right now its first and only release. The 10-song compilation, titled American Made, is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records. It does delve into music from some notable bands who have come before this hard rock supergroup dubbed BPMD. That dichotomy of the bands whose music is covered versus the band performing said songs does make for at least some interest at best. This item will be addressed a little later. The specific arrangements of said songs is certain to be its own discussion point. They will be discussed later, too. Each item noted here is important in its own right to the whole of this compilation. All things considered, American Made proves itself to be a record that while worth hearing at least once, is sadly anything but memorable.

Hard rock super group BPMD’s debut recording American Made is a recording that is worth hearing at least once, but sadly not much more than that. One of the record’s only saving graces is the contrast of the bands whose works are covered to the band performing said covers. The bands whose works are covered throughout this roughly 37-minute collection include, but are not limited to Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Grand Funk Railroad. Even Mountain gets its own recognition here. Simply put, the bands whose works are covered here are in a realm that is completely opposite of the bands from which BPMD’s members have come. Blitz is front man of the veteran thrash metal outfit Overkill. Portnoy spent the majority of his professional career keeping time for the famed prog-metal outfit Dream Theater. Even the other projects in which he has taken part have been in genres directly opposite of that of the covered bands. Much the same can be said of Demmel and Menghi. Considering the contrast of the resumes of BPMD’s members and the bands that they cover here, that in itself is worth at least engagement for audiences. It shows that the band was willing to go out on a limb and do something different than what they normally do in their dayjobs. One could also argue that maybe it is a display of the acts that influenced the band’s members. If that’s that case, then the group has definitely gone far from those influences over the years, again making for its own share of discussion for listeners. To that end, that contrast of the band’s collective background and the bands that this group covered does at best a little bit for the collection. Directly tied to those discussions is the discussion on the collection’s one unavoidable negative, the very fact that it is a covers collection.

It has already been noted here that the members of BPMD have decidedly outstanding resumes. So to that end, it is just baffling that considering the band members’ pedigrees, the group’s first impression of sorts would be a collection of songs that have been covered time and again by so many other acts. These men are elite figures within the hard rock and metal communities. It made audiences hope for something original right out of the gate so to speak. Instead, the group opted to essentially phone it in and put out a covers compilation. Had the group gone that route of releasing a debut loaded with original content first and then this record later, it would have made the compilation easier to accept. What’s more, unlike the case of Fozzy, which also started off with a collection of covers so long ago, it has to be assumed that BPMD is just a one-off project for its members. At least in the case of a band, such as Fozzy, it was known that said band’s debut was just the beginning for that act. This knowledge detracts from the draw of American Made. It essentially makes the compilation come across as little more than a cash grab for the band and nothing more. Keeping that in mind, this unavoidable aspect of American Made makes it difficult to call this record memorable. While this aspect cannot be ignored, it does not make the album a complete failure for the group. BPMD’s take on the record’s songs makes for its own share of engagement.

One of the most interesting updates that the band features in American Made is that of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Saturday Night Special.’ BPMD’s update does largely stay true to its source material by and large. The amped up re-imagining also gives the song a new identity and feel, needless to say. It gives the song more of a 1980s hair metal type of sense. Whether fans love or hate this one will be left to them, but it is definitely an interesting take, needless to say. BPMD’s update of Aerosmith’s ‘Toys in the Attic’ is another key addition to the collection. As with the band’s cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Saturday Night Special,’ this cover also stays largely true to its source material. It just once again gives the cover an amped up remake. The song even goes so far as to include Joe Perry’s guitar solo from the original work. It’s just weird hearing Bobby Blitz’s gritty vocals and the full-on hard rock re-imagining here. That aside, this update actually works almost as well as the original. BPMD’s cover of Grand Funk Railroad’s ‘American Band’ is another important addition to this compilation. The band’s take once more does strive to stay true to its source material, and it is certain in its own right to create a lot of discussion among listeners. That’s because while it does stay true to the source material, it seems to have trouble balancing its attempt to echo the song’s classic rock sound and the band members’ own hard rock and metal leanings. It is definitely going to have listeners talking. That is not to say that the song is a total loss or that any of the compilation’s works are losses. The songs will certainly leave listeners talking, though. Between the discussions insured through the musical updates and the very lineup of featured bands, which could actually lead some listeners to embark on musical journeys into catalogs of bands to which they otherwise might not have listened, the compilation proves itself worth hearing at least once. To that end, the compilation is not a total failure. However, one cannot ignore the fact that considering the resume of each of BPMD’s members, this just seems like little more than a cash grab. To that end American Made makes itself worth hearing at least once, but anything but an American classic itself

BPMD’s covers collection American Made is a headscratcher of a record. The first release from the hard rock super group, it will potentially lead some listeners to take their own journeys into the catalogs of the record’s featured bands. The songs that are covered here play even more into that potential musical journey of discovery, as the covers will definitely lead to lots of discussion among audiences. For all of the positives that the record’s featured bands and songs generate, one still cannot ignore the very issue that the band’s members are among the music industry’s elite figures. To that end, coming together for potentially just one record and making said record a covers collection will leave a somewhat bitter taste in many listeners’ mouths, so to speak. It leaves one feeling like this was just a rushed, phoned in work that was little more than a cash grab for the band’s members. Keeping all of this in mind, the record proves itself worth hearing at least once, but sadly not much more than that. American Made is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records. More information on American Made is available along with all of BPMD’s latest news at:

Website: http://bpmdmusic.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BPMDofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/bpmdofficial

To keep up with the latest 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Buckcherry Announces “Warpaint Tour 2019” Leg 2 Dates

Posted on April 6, 2019 by philspicks

Courtesy: Century Media

Buckcherry announced a new slate of live dates this week.

The band announced it will launch the second leg of its Warpaint Tour 2019 on May 18 in Waco, TX. The almost four-month run is scheduled to run through Aug. 31 and to feature performances in cities, such as Greensboro, NC; Spokane, WA and Ottawa, ONT. The schedule is noted below.

BUCKCHERRY TOUR DATES

May 18, 2019-Waco TX-The Backyard Bar

May 19, 2019-Amarillo,TX- Hoots Pub

May 21, 2019-Lubbock,TX-Jake’s Backroom

May 22, 2019- Odessa, TX- Dos Amigos

May 24, 2019- Pryor, OK- Rocklahoma *

May 25, 2019- Mobile,AL- Soul Kitchen

May 26, 2019- Blackshear, GA- Moccasin Creek Off Road Park *

May 27, 2019- Cape Coral, FL- Dixie Roadhouse

May 29, 2019- New Orleans,LA- House Of Blues

May 31, 2019- Columbia,MO- Rose Park

Jun 1, 2019- Peoria,IL- Peoria Riverfront *

Jun 2,2019- Lincoln, NE- Royal Grove

Jun 4, 2019- Billings,MT- Pub Station

Jun 5, 2019- Boise, ID- The Knitting Factory

Jun 7, 2019- Garberville,CA- Richardson Grove Compound *

Jun 8, 2019- Reno, NV- Virginia Street Brewhouse

Jun 9, 2019- San Francisco, CA- Slim’s

Jun 11, 2019- Portland, OR- Hawthorne Theatre

Jun 12, 2019- Seattle, WA- El Corazon

Jun 14, 2019- Spokane, WA- Knitting Factory Concert House

Jun 18, 2019- Des Moines, IA- Wooly’s

Jun 20, 2019- Eau Claire, WI- The Metro

Jun 21, 2019- Clear Lake, IA- The Surf Ballroom

Jun 22, 2019- Madison, WI- Majestic Theater

Jun 23, 2019-Battle Creek, MI-The Music Factory

Jun 25, 2019- Indianapolis, IN- Deluxe at Old National Centre

Jun 26, 2019- Flint, MI- The Machine Shop

Jun 28, 2019- Drakesboro, KY- Gregory Lake ATV Park *

Jun 29, 2019- Champaign, IL- The City Center

Jun 30, 2019-Lafayette, IN-Lafayette Theatre

Jul 2,2019- Rochester, NY- Platform 21

Jul 3, 2019- Montreal, QC- Fairmont Theatre

Jul 5, 2019- Point Pleasant, WV- Peck Fest *

Jul 6, 2019- Barrie, ON- Mavrick’s Music Hall

Jul 7, 2019- Oshawa, ON- The Musical Hall Concert Theater

Jul 9, 2019- Kingston, ON- Ale House

Jul 10, 2019- Waterloo, ON- Maxwell’s Concerts and Events

Jul 12, 2019- Taylorville,IL- Black Swan Mud Park *

Jul 13, 2019- Mansfield, OH- Mansfield Reformatory – INKcarceration *

Jul 17, 2019- Baltimore, MD- Baltimore Sound Stage *

Jul 19, 2019- Shakopee, MN- Canterbury Park^

Jul 20, 2019- Poland, NY- Maximum Power Park *

Jul 2, 2019- Lancaster, PA- The Chameleon

Jul 23,2019-Greensboro, NC-The Cone Denim Entertainment Center

Jul 24, 2019- Newport News, VA- Boathouse Live *

Jul 26, 2019- Salisbury, MD- Wicomico Youth and Civic Center *

Jul 27, 2019- Philadelphia, PA- Theatre of Living Arts *

Jul 28, 2019- Bangor, ME- Darling Waterfront Pavilion *

Jul 30, 2019- Binghamton, NY- Touch of Texas

July 31,2019- Ottawa, ONT- Barrymore’s Music Hall

Aug 2, 2019- Leamington, ONT- Seacliff Park

Aug 3, 2019- Sault Sainte Marie, MI- Kewadin Casino

Aug 4, 2019- TBA

Aug 6, 2019- Toronto, ONT- Phoenix Concert Theatre

Aug 7, 2019- Peterborough, ON- The Venue

Aug 9, 2019- Neptune, NJ – Headliners

Aug 10, 2019- Uncasville, CT- Wolf Den – Mohegan Sun Casino

Aug 11, 2019-Clifton Park, NY-Upstate Concert Hall

Aug 13, 2019- Highland Park, IL- Ravinia Festival #

Aug 14, 2019- Highland Park, IL- Ravinia Festival #

Aug 15, 2019- Kansas City, MO- The Truman

Aug 29, 2019- Birmingham, AL- Iron City *

Aug 30, 2019- Florence, SC- River Neck Acres*

Aug 31, 2019- Waynesboro, TN- American Rebel Mud Park *

*Joyous Wolf do not appear

# Opening for Nickelback

^ Opening for Aerosmith

Joyous Wolf will serve as support on select dates along. Other dates on Buckcherry’s upcoming tour schedule will be opening dates for Aerosmith and Nickelback. VIP packages for Buckcherry’s tour are available here.

Warpaint Tour 2019 is in support of Buckcherry’s latest album Warpaint, which was released March 8 through Century Media Records. The album has so far produced the single ‘Bent.’

More information on Buckcherry’s new tour dates, single, album and more is available online now at:

Website: http://buckcherry.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/buckcherry

Twitter: http://twitter.com/buckcherry

Blacktop Mojo Debuts ‘Prodigal’ Video

Posted on January 17, 2019 by philspicks

Courtesy: High Road Publicity/TAG Publicity

Blacktop Mojo debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band premiered the video for its new single ‘Prodigal‘ on Tuesday. The song is taken from the band’s most recent full-length studio recording, Burn The Ships (2017). Musically speaking, the song presents a power ballad style composition that is familiar to a wide range of listeners.

In regards to its lyrical content, front man Matt James explained in an interview that the song centers, lyrically, on that drive that everyone has to get out and explore the world.

“We had fun making this video with some of our good friends from our hometown acting out the main parts,” James said. “We felt like the father-son dynamic in the video really reflected the song’s theme. The song is sort of autobiographical. It’s about the experience of growing up in a small town and always talking about ‘getting out’ one day. No matter where or how far you go, though, you always have a little bit of where you came from that you take with you.”

‘Prodigal’ is just the latest single that the band has released from Burn The Ships. The album has also produced the singles ‘Where The Wind Blows,’ ‘Underneath‘ and ‘Dream On‘ (Aerosmith cover). Burn The Ships is streaming online now here. The album’s full track listing is noted below.

Burn The Ships Track Listing:
1. Where The Wind Blows
2. End Of Days
3. Burn The Ships
4. Prodigal
5. Shadows On The Wall
6. Sweat
7. Pyromaniac
8. 8000 Lines
9. Dog On A Leash
10. Make A Difference
11. Chains
12. Dream On
13. Underneath

Blacktop Mojo announced late last year that it had launched a PledgeMusic campaign to fund the creation of its third as-yet untitled full-length studio recording. In the time since that announcement, the band reached its goal.

More information on Blacktop Mojo’s next album, its latest video and single, and more is available online now at:

Website: http://www.blacktopmpjo.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BlacktopMojo

Twitter: http://twitter.com/blacktopmojo

philspicks

All the latest reviews and news in entertainment

Tag Archives: Aerosmith