Trumbiten Debuts New Single, ‘Fear Me’

Posted on September 4, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Independent metal band Trumbiten debuted its new single this week.

The band — Tommy Arngren and his son Adam Arngren — released its new single ‘”Fear Me’ Thursday. The song is available to stream and download here.

The song’s musical arrangement is a heavy, up-tempo composition whose driving guitar, bass and drums create a whole whose style and sound that immediately lends itself to comparisons to works from bands, such as In Flames, Soilwork and Amon Amarth.

The song’s vocals are provided by Kandia front woman Nya Campos Cruz. Her vocal sound and delivery style, interestingly enough, bears some similarity to that of legendary singer/guitarist Joan Jett. The coupling of that vocal delivery sound and style and the song’s more modern metal musical approach makes for a song that is accessible in its own unique fashion.

The elder Arngren talked about the song’s creation and working with Cruz in a recent interview.

“It’s really awesome that social media, gig-platforms, digital tools and communication tools enable musicians to connect and to create music together in this way” said Tommy.

“This song is a result from a great collaboration between musicians, who have never met face-2-face, from Sweden, Los Angeles and Portugal,” he added. “Trumbiten had a plan to release an original song early next year, but the lyrics and the music idea started to form early June 2020 and two months later we were ready to plan for an upcoming release. It was so cool and inspiring to finalize the song in collaboration with Nya and Evan. Really amazing!!”

The lyrical theme featured in ‘Fear Me’ comes across as a statement of confidence and self-assurance. This is inferred as Cruz sings early on, “I’m not to blame/I just play my game/I challenge your mind…I’m danger/I am fear/And you will know I’m here…I’ll be right there in your dreams/You’re gonna fear me.” Some of the lyrics here are difficult to decipher without a lyrics sheet to reference, but from what can be understood, it would seem that the song’s lyrical theme is as noted. The song’s second verse continues in similar fashion as its predecessor, leading even more to the supposition that this is more a song whose lyrical theme is meant to deliver a message of self-assurance and being confident in one’s own self.

‘Fear Me’ was produced by Evan Rodaniche (Cage9).

More information on Trumbiten’s new single is available along with all of the duo’s latest news at https://www.instagram.com/trumbiten. More of the duo’s music is streaming through its official YouTube and Spotify channels.

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.

Ricky Byrd Announces Release Date, Specs For New LP

Posted on August 25, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Kayos Records

Famed singer-songwriter Ricky Byrd will release his new album next month.

Byrd, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, is scheduled to release his new album Sobering Times Sept. 25 through Kayos Records. Pre-orders are open now.

The 12-song record comes approximately three years after the release of his then most recent album Clean Getaway (2017). According to information presented about the forthcoming album, its lyrical and musical content is meant to continue promoting the message of hope in recovering from addiction that was also presented in the noted 2017 album.

Bob Stander, who co-produced Clean Getaway alongside Byrd, joins him again on this record, handling percussion and bass on this record. Also joining Byrd for the album are Jeff Kazee (Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes) on keyboards, accordion, and backing vocals; Steve Holley (Wings, Ian Hunter, Joe Cocker) on drums; Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel) on drums; Rich Pagano (The Fab Faux), Thommy Price (Joan Jett, Billy Idol, Mink DeVille), and Christine “The Beehive Queen” Ohlman (Saturday Night Live band).

Additionally, Richie Supa and Willie Nile join Byrd for a pair of duets — ‘I Come Back Stronger’ and ‘Recover Me’ — as well as Emily Duff on ‘Ain’t Gonna Live Like That.’ Duff also wrote the noted song.

Along with the noted duets, Byrd’s new album will also features a cover of Merle Haggard’s ‘The Bottle Let Me Down.’

The track listing for Sobering Times is noted below.

1.) Quittin’ Time (Again)
2.) Together
3.) Hear My Song
4.) Tired
5.) I Come Back Stronger
6.) Starlit Night
7.) Recover Me (feat. Willie Nile)
8.) Ain’t Gonna Live Like That
9.) Pour Me
10.) The Bottle Let Me Down
11.) Life Is Good
12.) Just Like You

More information on Ricky Byrd’s new album is available along with all of his latest news at:

Website: http://www.RickyByrd.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ricky.byrd1

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Byrdman20

Very Alora Debuts New Single ‘Mama Don’t Make Me’; To Join Smile Empty Soul, Tantric On Upcoming Tour

Posted on January 3, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Chipster PR

Independent rock artist Very Alora will join Smile Empty Soul and Tantric on the road this winter.

The tour is in support of the up-and-coming Texas-based performer’s as-yet-untitled EP, which is bring produced by Michael Wagner (King’s X, Metallica, Dokken). In anticipation of the EP’s release, Very Alora has debuted the record’s lead single ‘Mama Don’t Make Me.’

The song’s musical arrangement instantly lends itself to comparisons to the best works of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. The song’s lyrical content is relatively straight forward as it finds Very Alora singing in the chorus, “Mama/Please don’t make me go to school.” Very Alora talked about the song’s lyrical theme in a recent interview, saying it was related to her school days.

“Don’t Make Me’ was honestly such a blast to write,” she said. “Any time I think back on high school, i get a little nostalgic, then I remember I didn’t actually like school. And yes, mom and I fought — a LOT.”

‘Don’t Make Me’ is just one of the songs featured in Very Alora’s forthcoming EP. The record also features a song titled Carbon Copy Jealousy’ that she said “was my way of venting my frustration about someone who was in my life for a while.”

Very Alora’s upcoming run with Smile Empty Soul and Tantric is scheduled to start Jan. 16 in Joplin, MO and to run through Feb. 8 in Fayetteville, AR. The tour’s schedule is noted below.

VERY ALORA/SMILE EMPTY SOUL TOUR DATES:
** with SMILE EMPTY SOUL & TANTRIC

Thu, Jan 16, 2020 in Joplin, MO @ Guitars Rock N Country Bar
Sat, Jan 18, 2020 in Cape Girardeau, MO @ The Barn
Sun, Jan 19, 2020 in Nashville, TN @ The End
Tue, Jan 21, 2020 in Knoxville, TN @ The Concourse
Wed, Jan 22, 2020 in Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Thu, Jan 23, 2020 in Savannah, GA @ The Wormhole **
Fri, Jan 24, 2020 in Jacksonville, FL @ 1904 Music Hall **
Sat, Jan 25, 2020 in Longwood, FL @ Shovelhead Live **
Sun, Jan 26, 2020 in Tampa, FL @ Brass Mug **
Wed, Jan 29, 2020 in Huntsville, AL @ Sidetracks **
Thu, Jan 30, 2020 in Monroe, LA @ The Hub **
Fri, Jan 31, 2020 in Shreveport, LA @ Strange Brew **
Sat, Feb 1, 2020 in New Orleans, LA @ Southport Hall **
Mon, Feb 3, 2020 in Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live
Wed, Feb 5, 2020 in San Angelo, TX @ Dead Horse Saloon
Thu, Feb 6, 2020 in San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box
Sat, Feb 8, 2020 in Fayetteville, AR @ Club Red

More information on Very Alora’s upcoming tour dates, music and more is available online at:

Website: http://veryalora.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/veryalora

CNN Films, Magnolia Pictures’ Gilda Radner Bio Is The Best Of 2019’s New Documentary Field

Posted on December 28, 2019 by philspicks

Courtesy: CNN Films/Magnolia Pictures

Movies based on actual events and biased news from both sides of the aisle have done so much damage to the world. The movies based on actual events are over embellished forgettable works that tell half the story if even that. The biased news on both sides of the aisle tells just as little as the noted movies, if not less. To that end, one can’t help but be very thankful for all the new documentaries that are released each year. The documentaries released this year went a long way toward making up for the problems caused by the noted news and movies, so many that there were more than enough to fit on any critic’s list of the year’s top new documentaries, but this critic tried to assemble a fitting list.

This year’s list features documentaries centered on topics, such as the history of Country Music, the Apollo 11 mission and a famed movie star. Each documentary brings its own important and enjoyable presentation for audiences thanks to its unique content and story. From one to the next, each proves itself fully deserving of a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new docs. This critic’s list features, as with previous lists, the top 10 titles from the year as well as five honorable mention titles for a total of 15 titles. This list’s titles come from PBS, Cohen Media Group, Magnolia Pictures and even Shout! Factory, so they are not just from one company. In other words, there is some diversity here. Without any further ado, here for your consideration if Phil’s Picks 2019 Top 10 New Documentaries

PHIL’S PICKS 2019 TOP 10 NEW DOCUMENTARIES

Love, Gilda
Bad Reputation
American Experience: Chasing The Moon
Buster Keaton: The Great Buster
Ken Burns: Country Music
8 Days: to The Moon and Back
American Experience; Sealab
Never–Ending Man: Hayao Miyizaki
NOVA: Apollo’s Daring Mission
Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home
NOVA: Last B-24
NOVA: Pluto & Beyond
NOVA: First Horse Warriors
Nature: Dogs in the Land of Lions
Nature: A Squirrel’s Guide To Success

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Bad Reputation’ Is A “Good” New Tribute To A Rock Legend

Posted on January 20, 2019 by philspicks

Courtesy: Magnolia Pictures

Joan Jett is one of the most important figures in the modern history of rock music. From her days with The Runaways to her time with The Blackhearts, she has blazed a trail for countless musicians while also making remaining active in a variety of causes. Now thanks to Magnolia Pictures, Jett is getting the recognition that she has deserved for such a long time in the form of the new rock doc Bad Reputation. Released on DVD on Jan.1 via Magnolia Pictures, the 93-minute doc takes audiences through the life and ongoing career of the famed rocker, who proves in this program to be anything but the typical rock star. That story forms a strong foundation for the documentary, and will be discussed shortly. The bonus material included with the documentary gives audiences at least a little bit more to appreciate about the presentation. The documentary’s average price point rounds out its most important elements. Each item is key in its own way to the whole of Bad Reputation. All things considered, they make Bad Reputation a very good documentary.

Magnolia Pictures’ new profile of Joan Jett, Bad Reputation, is a fitting tribute to the trailblazing musician/performer. That is proven in part through the story at the center of the documentary. The story is told in part from Jett herself and those closest to her, such as former and current band members, fellow celebrities and friends. Listening to Jett talk, audiences will appreciate her grounded nature. She does not have any sense of self-indulgence or ego. Rather, there is a certain sense of humility about her as she talks about The Runaways’ acceptance overseas, The Blackhearts’ place in the music industry and her own personal views on items, such as animal rights and feminism. Jett said of The Runaways’ acceptance in Japan, “I thought it was exhilarating. They loved their music stars over there.” The tone in her voice as she made those statements truly exhibits that humility. Comments from the likes of Iggy Pop, Jett’s sister Ann Larkin and Green Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong prove even more, that said humility is real. Larkin notes in one segment that Jett’s rebellion was not against her parents, but against society. In fact, Jett herself recalls warmly, how supportive her parents were of her from an early age, adding that they were the ones who gave Jett her first guitar and told her that she could do anything that they wanted to do in life. Pop notes that the era in which Jett’s star was rising, “A lot of women wanted to rock. The problem was that they were always in a sidecar role. Joan Jett was nobody’s sidecar.” Armstrong adds to Pop’s statements, noting that Jett’s work as being “kick-ass songs.” This emphasizes that determination from Jett to be noticed in what was then (and still is today) a very male-dominated industry. Between the comments from Jett’s contemporaries, her family and friends, and those from Jett herself, the story that is presented proves to be one that will keep audiences fully engaged throughout the course of the program from start to end. Keeping that in mind, the story at the center of Bad Reputation is a very good story, and gives audiences more than enough reason to watch. Of course it is just one of the items that makes the recently released DVD worth viewing. The bonus material included with the DVD gives audiences a little more to appreciate.

The bonus material featured with Bad Reputation is a pair of performances from Jett and company. One is a performance of her hit singles ‘Bad Reputation’ and ‘Fresh Start’ at the premiere of Bad Reputation in a semi-acoustic setting. The other features Jett and company performing the same two songs on the group’s tour bus and at a live soundcheck. In essence audiences get a light glimpse of the same songs in different settings through that bonus material. There is also an extended piece of backstage footage of Jett and company at the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. That was the ceremony at which Jett was inducted into the famed institution. Some of the footage was included as part of the story at the center of Bad Reputation. Getting to see the footage in more depth creates even more appreciation for the overall presentation that is Bad Reputation. Given, it is not much when it comes to bonus material. There is no getting around this. However, considering all of the live material and “home movies” that are used to help tell the central story of Bad Reputation, this additional material proves to be entertaining, if not invaluable. To that end, the bonus material, while bare at its best, is still a positive in its own right to the whole of the doc. When it is considered along with the central story and all that said story offers audiences, the pairing of the two still gives audiences plenty of entertainment and engagement. The documentary’s average price point makes that entertainment and engagement money well-spent.

The average price point of Bad Reputation is $15.88. That price was determined using prices listed at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Books-A-Million. Considering that the most expensive of the listed prices is $19.98 (at Walmart.com) and the least expensive is $13.99 (Best Buy and Amazon), that average price is actually a relatively solid mid-point. Add in the overall depth and breadth of Bad Reputation’s story, and audiences will agree that a price of less than $20 for this deep story is not a bad price at all. Rather, they will agree that it is money well-spent on a documentary that generation of audiences will appreciate. When all of this is considered together, audiences will agree, again, that Bad Reputation is a doc whose reputation is in fact quite good.

Magnolia Pictures’ new Joan Jett profile Bad Reputation is a very good presentation on the famed musician/performer’s life and career. It is a work that rock and roll aficionados across the board will appreciate. That is due in large part to the doc’s central story, which presents Jett as quite the humble, down to earth figure, completely unlike so many rock stars past and present. The bonus material included with the DVD adds a little bit more for audiences to appreciate. The disc’s average price point of less than $20 gives audiences even more reason to give this documentary a chance. Each item is important in its own right to the whole of Bad Reputation. All things considered, they give this program its own very good reputation. More information on Bad Reputation is available online now at:

Website: http://www.badreputationfilm.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/badrepfilm

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 news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Spiders’ Second Full Length LP Is One Of This Year’s Best New Pure Rock And Roll Records

Posted on November 3, 2014 by philspicks

Courtesy: Spinefarm Records

Sweden has for many years been considered one of the music world’s most well-known nations. It has been called home by some of metal’s most aggressive names including: In Flames, At The Gates, Soilwork, Evergrey, and a number of other big name acts. However in recent years, it seems that the tide has shifted somewhat, bringing other lesser known acts to the fore. At one point some years ago, The Hives brought out Sweden’s more mainstream side. The Flower Kings have represented the progressive rock world. And this year alone, both Freak Kitchen and The Dagger have proven that Sweden offers more to the rock world than just death metal, black metal, and aggressive metal in general (I.E. At The Gates, Arch Enemy, Soilwork, In Flames, etc.) Now another band has added its name to that growing list of bands proving Sweden has plenty to offer audiences. That band goes by the name of Spiders. Spiders will release its second full-length studio effort tomorrow. The album, titled Shake Electric, is even more ammunition in the argument that rock and roll is not dead nor will it be on its death bed anytime soon, despite what one Gene Simmons might like to believe. The album’s ten total tracks will transport listeners back to rock’s golden era. Vocalist Ann-Sofie Hoyles sounds like Janis Joplin at some points. At others she sounds like a cross between Pat Benatar and Joan Jett. And at a wholly other point, one could argue she sounds like Heart’s Ann Wilson. The talents of Hoyles’ band mates–John Hoyles (guitar), Olle Griphammar (bass), and Ricard Harryson (drums)–add even more enjoyment to the songs on this record. The end result is a work that every rock and roll purist should hear at least once.

Spiders’ new sophomore album Shake Electric is, much like The Dagger’s new self-titled Century Media debut, a record that every rock and roll purist should hear at least once. the album takes listeners on a musical trip back to rock’s golden age. It all begins with the album’s opener ‘Mad Dog.’ Its old school stoner/garage rock sound coupled with Ann Sofie-Hoye’s vocals make it the perfect first impression for the band on this record. The song opens with a bombastic attack from Hoyles’ band mates before she comes in singing, “I hear you barking at my door/See you crawlin’ on the floor/I know you don’t mind/But I know your kind/The way you scream/The way you howl.” the term bad dog is obviously a metaphor for a really bad man. That becomes especially obvious as the song progresses. Even with this knowledge, the song still proves to be a great addition to this record. The power in Hoyles’ delivery coupled with the talents of her band mates in this bluesy rocker will have every rock purist jamming along both by themselves and along with other fans at the band’s live shows. Being such a solid song both on record and for a live setting proves even more why this song is one of so many great additions to this album.

The members of Spider made exactly the right call when they opted to open Shake Electric with ‘Mad Dog.’ the song’s bluesy rock sound coupled with Hoyles’ vocals instantly take listeners back in time to rock and roll’s golden era. Unlike so many other bands’ albums past and present, the enjoyment doesn’t end for audiences after this track. Rather, the band keeps the energy flowing and listeners *ahem* shaking and singing along from start to finish. One prime example of the band’s ability to maintain that energy comes in the form of ‘Control.’ The band’s members launch right out of the gate on this full-forward rocker with Hoyles’ exhibiting her Joan Jett/Pat Benatar-style vocals. [John] Hoyles and drummer Ricard Harryson provide most of the driving force behind this song with bassist Olle Griphammar holding his own, too. Musically speaking, there’s almost a sort of Led Zeppelin-style sound to the song. The energy in Hoyles’ voice as she seems to sing about a woman that drives men crazy adds even more depth to the song. She sings of a man “calling out her name/think I need control…here I go again/Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.” That could very well be the wrong interpretation. It is merely the interpretation of this critic. As always, apologies are in order if it is indeed the wrong iterpretation. That aside, the song’s energy and its sheer power make it another leg of a wonderful musical trip back in time.

Both ‘Mad Dog’ and ‘Control’ serve as great examples of what makes Shake Electric one of the bestnew pure rock and roll records to be released this year. As if those songs aren’t enough, the band’s obviously Heart-inspired ‘Bleeding Heart’ will definitely have audiences taking note. That is because if audiences didn’t know any better, they would think that they were in fact hearing Heart in this song. [Ann] Hoyles sounds almost identical to Ann Wilson. Is it a coincedence that both women bear the name Ann? Probably. But it’s still fun to consider the possibility especically since Hoyles sounds so much like Wilson here. The song in whole even sounds musically like Heart’s ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ thanks to John Hoyles’ guitar line here. Paying such homage to one of rock’s great names whether intentionally or not, it is one more part of the whole that makes Shake Electric a great new release from Spiders. Together with the likes of ‘Mad Dog,’ ‘Control,’ and the remaining seven songs not noted here, the album in whole proves once again to be one that every rock and roll purist whould hear at least once before the year is out.

‘Mad Dog,’ ‘Control,’ and ‘Bleeding Heart’ are all excellent examples of what makes Shake Electric one of the year’s best new pure rock and roll records. There are seven other tracks not noted here from which audiences will each find their favorite(s). The album’s title track, the mroe reserved, bluesy tones of ‘Hard Times’ and the bombastic ‘Back on the Streets’ each offer their own share of enjoyment, too as do the album’s remaining tracks. All ten tracks together make Shake Electric an album that while not a major label release, is still just as good as any other retro style rock record released via a major label this year. The album’s songs prove collectively that this is truly an album that every rock and roll purist should indeed give a chance even if American radio stations won’t. Spiders is curently on tour in Europe in support of Shake Electric. The band is in Hamburg, Germany tonight and will be in Munster, Germany tomorrow. Audiences can see the band’s current tour schedule and keep up with all of the latest updates from the band online now at:

Website: http://www.wearespiders.com

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

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/wearespiders

Ume’s Latest LP Is One Of 2014’s Most Intriguing New Records

Posted on March 13, 2014 by philspicks

Courtesy: Dangerbird Records

Monuments, the new album from Ume, is one of the more intriguing records that has been released so far in 2014. The Austin, TX-based band’s third full length studio release is such an interesting listen because at no point over the course of its dozen total songs does it ever allow itself to be fully pigeonholed into one specific subset of the rock world or another. At one point, it bears something of a semi-stoner rock influence, while at others its sound is more indie-rock. Add in the hybrid Joan Jett/Courtney Love style vocals of singer Lauren LL throughout the album, and listeners get in Monuments a record that is well worth at least one listen.

The album’s aforementioned semi-stoner rock influence is obvious right off the top in the album’s opener, ‘Black Stone.’ Langner Larson and her band mates—Rachel Fuhrer (drums) and Eric Larson (bass)—waste no time getting into listeners’ heads with their collective talent in this song. Lauren LL’s song-opening guitar line is a standard mid-tempo rock riff that is certain to get any listener playing along on their own air guitar both in their bedrooms and cars. Fuhrer and Eric Larson add just enough of their own heaviness to the song to have said listeners proudly putting their horns in the air at the same time. Lyrically speaking, Langner Larson’s words are somewhat cryptic. She sings in the song’s final verse, You never see/The cries of another/Never did see/The wars till the rubble/Crumbled on/You and me/The damage done/Battles are not/Ever won/Never won.” Is it bad that Larson leaves her lyrics up to interpretation? No. That openness to interpretation set alongside the song’s equally engaging musical side makes ‘Black Stone’ a fitting feeling for what fans can expect throughout the rest of this record.

The energy and power established by the members of Ume in ‘Black Stone’ doesn’t stop with that song. If anything, it’s stepped up even more as the album progresses. This is evidenced in the song ‘Chase It Down.’ Again, the song’s seemingly metaphorical lyrics are left widely to interpretation. The most common sense interpretation is that this is a song of self-empowerment of sorts. Langner Larson asks her subject in the song’s chorus, “Are you the one they forget/Are you the one they love to neglect/Are you the one alone at last/Are you the one who won’t beg for it?” She follows that up by telling said subject, “Chase it down/In this skin.” One can’t help but wonder whom she is addressing here. That is irrelevant here though. She could be addressing anyone. That being understood, it makes the frantic energy exuded by the band in this piece all the harder hitting, especially in the buildup to the song’s climactic finale. It will all leave listeners breathless by the time that energy explodes in those final moments.

For all of the frenetic energy exuded throughout the course of Monuments, it does actually have its softer moments. ‘Gleam’ is one of those moments. Langner Larson shows real control over her vocals throughout the song even when it picks up about a minute and a half in. That gentility in her vocals is wonderfully complimented by the almost poppy guitar line and reserved drumming on the part of Rachel Fuhrer. If one listens very closely, one will even note what sounds like a mandolin playing ever so softly alongside Langner Larson’s vocals early on. As subtle as the pairing is and as short as it is, it adds so much depth to the song. It makes this one more part of an album that has earned the title of one of this year’s most intriguing new albums.

Audiences can hear any of the songs noted here and many more live as the band tours in support of Monuments. The band is performing today alongside Blondie and Gary Numan in Austin, Texas at Brazos Hall. The band has a number of other dates scheduled straight through May. Fans can check out the band’s latest tour schedule online now at http://www.facebook.com/umemusic and http://www.umemusic.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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Queen V Hits Compilation A “Royal” Hit

Posted on July 12, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Royal Noise Records

Ladies and gentleman, all hail her highness, Queen V. For those rock and roll purists that haven’t yet heard the music of this heroine of hard rock, the New York based artist and her band mates are sure to impress with the new release, The Decade of Queen V. This eleven track singles collection tracks the band’s now decade-long career together. With any luck, the release of this brand new compilation will generate enough interest in Queen V to see her previous releases including her debut EP, Critical. There is not one bad track on this compilation, which is a rare feat for a “hits” collection; this is especially rare considering that the band has flown just below the mainstream radar throughout the first ten years of its time together.

The first of the classic songs on this compilation, ‘Revolution Baby’ will instantly conjure thoughts of Joan Jett and Lita Ford with her gritty vocal style and hard driving music. Her defiance as she sings lines such as: “You’ve got yours and I want mine”, “I’ve got every reason/to waste me time/Revolution baby/If you think you own me/Go to hell” is the mark of a strong confident woman who could care less about the reputation of the rock industry being marked as a man’s world. The inclusion of this song as the compilation’s opener is simply put, a reminder of that confidence to first time listeners of her music. The musical backing is just as solid as Queen V’s own vocals. The bluesy harmonica backing wouldn’t seem to go with the harder guitars and drums. But somehow it all melds nicely together to make a perfect introduction for first timers and re-introduction for those that might have otherwise forgotten about her and her band mates.

The energy doesn’t let up at all on the compilation’s next song, ‘America.’ This is pure, guitar-driven hard rock at its absolute finest. The guitar solos are there. The energy is there from each one of the band’s members. And one can so easily close one’s eyes and imagine the band on stage, Queen V up front, fist in the air as she screams, “America/Can you hear me?” What is most intriguing and interesting about the song is not so much it’s lyrical content, but its slow boil style. It starts hard enough. But audiences will notice how the song seems to build, musically increasingly with each verse until it all explodes with a massive guitar solo at the song’s end with Queen V hitting some of the highest notes of any female rocker of any era. It’s like hearing Janis Joplin if she were a hard rocker, for lack of better comparison when she hits those high notes. No doubt, long-time fans will appreciate all of this. And first-time listeners will be just as impressed with the talents exhibited here by the entire band.

Not all of the songs on Queen V’s new compilation are older pieces. She also includes a newer piece in ‘My Machine’ that features none other than Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, The Watchman, Street Sweeper Social Club). Morello sounds as strong as ever with his guitar wizardry. As bizarre as this may seem, but the way that Queen V intros the song, bring about thoughts of John Lee Hooker. It’s that familiar opening of “ha, ha, ha, ha.” John Lee Hooker fans will get the reference. It might not have been entirely purposeful. But it’s a nice touch to the song. And it only gets more intense from here. The intensity developed throughout the compilation’s sequence of songs is right here, too.

There is so much that could be written on Queen V. But suffice it to say that whether for the songs noted here, or the compilation’s others, including its closer—which was co-written by and features none other than Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead) on vocals—or any of the album’s other outstanding works, this compilation is an absolute must have for any hard rock purist. Fans can catch the songs from this brand new release and even more of the band’s hits tonight when the band takes the stage at the Thunderbird Café in Pittsburgh, PA. The band will be in Clifton, New Jersey on July 26^th. The Decade of Queen V is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered direct online from the Queen V website at http://www.queenv.com/web/?product=the-decade-of-queen-v-cd-pre-order or via iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-decade-of-queen-v/id662842188. Audiences can find out more about the band’s live schedule and all of the latest news and more from the band online at http://www.facebook.com/officialQueenV, http://www.queenv.com, http://twitter.com/theQueenV, and http://www.reverbnation.com/queenv.

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 sports and entertainment reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

philspicks

All the latest reviews and news in entertainment

Tag Archives: Joan Jett