South of Eden has taken on a classic Van Halen song for its latest single.
The band debuted its take of Van Halen’s ‘Drop Dead Legs‘ Wednesday. The original song is featured in Van Halen’s album, 1984, which was released in 1984. South of Eden’s take on the classic song stays very close to its source material right down to front man Ehab Omran’s vocal delivery.
Omran’s vocals are a near mirror image of those of David Lee Roth throughout the song. Even the choruses and sound from the instrumentation (courtesy of the expert production) makes the song sound so much like Van Halen’s original song. Drummer Tom McCullough even deserves his own applause as his drum setup in the video is clearly meant to mirror that of Alex Van Halen.
Omran talked about the band covering the song in a prepared statement.
“‘Drop Dead Legs’ is one of many VH songs where the riff, lyrics, and groove come together to form a sound signature to those 4 dudes jamming in a room,” he said. “Although we have played ‘Unchained’, ‘Running With the Devil’, ‘Beautiful Girls’ and more of their other tunes live, ‘Drop Dead Legs’ felt like the best choice to encapsulate everything we love about Van Halen! RIP to a legend”
South of Eden’s cover of ‘Drop Dead Legs’ is not available digitally. It is just the latest cover from the band. The group debuted its take of Audioslave’s ‘Show Me How To Live‘ in 2020.
More information on South of Eden’s new cover and its EP, The Talk, is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Annihilator debuted the latest single from its new album this week.
The band premiered the video for its new single Friday. The song, a cover of Van Halen’s ‘Romeo Delight,’ is the second from the band’s forthcoming album, Metal II, which is scheduled for release Feb. 18. Annihilator debuted the lyric video for the album’s lead single, ‘Downright Dominate’ Nov. 12.
Front man Jeff Waters talked about taking on the Van Halen classic in a prepared statement.
“There was something about Women And Children First,” muses Annihilator’s, said Waters. “It was massively brutal attitude meeting aggression — meets a DLR-fronted party. You have to remember when this came out. ‘Romeo Delight’ is the most ‘heavy’ song from VH, in my (and Kerry King’s!) opinion.”
“His [Eddie Van Halen’s] playing, writing, performance, and smile were second to none EVER,” added Waters. “He was a superb writer, lead guitar innovator, genius rhythm player, and was able to build a gear empire. He took chances. Did his own thing. It worked. Millions and more will mourn him, as long as the future world likes music. But we also will be celebrating forever, as musicians will continue to hand down the ‘EVH-Influenced-Musical-Genes’ to future generations!”
Annihilator’s take of ‘Romeo Delight’ stays largely true to its source material, backing up Waters’ statement. From the guitars to Waters’ own vocal delivery sound and style (which sounds a lot like that of David Lee Roth), to Fabio Alessandrini’s performance on drums and the very sound there, the song echoes Van Halen’s original quite well. Even bassist Rich Gray’s work on bass is so similar in sound and style to that of Michael Anthony. All of this is a tribute to those responsible for the song’s production. It makes the song sound so much like the original in its general approach.
Annihilator’s video for ‘Romeo Delight’ is a unique presentation. The use of the aged paper with the sepia tone look alongside the black and white cityscapes and their associated visuals makes for its own interesting work.
In other news, Annihilator announced in the noted press release, it is planning to re-issue many of its existing albums through earMUSIC. Exact release dates and which albums will re-issue are under consideration. Annihilator released its latest album, Ballistic,Sadistic. in 2020.
More information on Annihilator’s new album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Candy is typically the most common treat that people give out on Halloween, but fans of the independent rock band Station got a special treat early this month in the form of the band’s new album, Perspective. Release Oct. 8 through Station Music, LLC via AWAL, the 10-song record is certain to appeal to the band’s established audiences and to fans of the rock sounds of the 1980s alike. That is due to the musical arrangements that make up the record’s body. They will be examined shortly. The lyrical themes that accompany the record’s musical content will appeal to even more audiences. They will be discussed a little later. The record’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements and will also be examined later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of Perspective. All things considered, they make this record a work that the band’s target audiences will agree is worth hearing at least once.
Neo-classic rock band Station’s latest album, Perspective, is a presentation that is certain to appeal to the band’s established audiences and those with an affinity for the 1980s. That is proven in large part to the album’s featured musical arrangements. The arrangements in question exhibit their own diversity while also presenting quite a bit of familiarity. Case in point is the album’s opener and latest single, ‘I Can’t Find My Way.’ The song’s arrangement immediately lends itself to comparison to works from the J. Geils Band with the subtlest touch of Def Leppard. Immediately after that, the band conjures thoughts of Van Halen circa 1988 (the year that the band released its album, OU812) in ‘See The Light.’ The comparison comes through the overall arrangement. The song’s production immediately gives the song that same distinct sound. Meanwhile, front man Patrick Kearney sounds so closely similar to former VH front man Sammy Hagar here. Again that is thanks in part to the song’s production. The sound of his vocals here are not fully identical, but certain the similarity is there. The whole makes the song one of the most engaging and entertaining of the album’s songs. As if that is not enough, the band even reaches back to Van Halen’s David Lee Roth era through its original song, ‘Don’t Keep Me Waiting.’ Again, the production and the band’s approach to crafting the song play into that comparison. At the same time, audiences can also hear a not so subtle influence from Def Leppard here. This is not the only time in the record in which the band exhibits that influence, either. ‘Do You Really Want To Fall in Love,’ and ‘If You Want Love’ each exhibit Def Leppard’s influence, too. As if all of this is not enough, the band offers audiences some heavier sounds of the 80s in this record, too, such as in the clearly Ratt-esque closer, ‘All Over Again’ and the Whitesnake-esque closer, ‘You Found Yesterday.’ Between everything noted here and the influences that are evident in the album’s other songs, the collective musical content leaves no doubt that it will appeal to Station’s fans and those of the rock sounds of the 80s. They build a strong foundation for the record for those audiences. They are just part of what will ensure the album’s appeal. The album’s lyrical themes add their own touch to the record’s appeal.
The lyrical themes featured in Perspective are maybe not as diverse as the record’s musical arrangements. They are however, still accessible. As the titles of certain songs note, some of the songs center of romantic relationships. The album’s opener, ‘I Can’t Find My Way’ meanwhile is about taking chances in life so as to reach one’s potential. Guitarist Chris Lane discussed that theme during a recent interview, noting, “Not wanting to take the chances in life that allow you to follow your own path. It really speaks to the spirit of the band with how we approached this record and what we wanted to accomplish.” It gives audiences something a little bit different from the album’s love songs, adding to the ensured appeal. On a similar note, ‘Believe’ is clearly about believing in one’s own self. Kearney makes that clear as he sings, “that you shouldn’t need another in the end” in the song’s chorus as he notes that we only need ourselves for reassurance and self confidence. He points out in the song’s second verse that troubled times will come, but then reminds listeners they can get through those times. It is a them that is certain to resonate with not just the audiences noted here but with listeners in general with that accessibility. The theme here is also one more example of what makes the album’s lyrical content stand out. When the album’s musical and lyrical content is considered together, the whole makes for more than enough reason for the noted audiences to give this album a chance. They are just a part of what makes the album worth hearing, too. The record’s sequencing rounds out the most important of the album’s elements.
Perspective’s sequencing is important to note because it is this element that ensures the album moves fluidly from start to end. Thanks to the time and thought that went into the album’s sequencing, the songs’ energies rise and fall solidly at all of the right points. It opens on in upbeat fashion in ‘I Can’t Find My Way’ before picking up even more in ‘See The Light.’ From there, things pull back a little bit in ‘Do You Really Want To Fall in Love Again.’ The band doesn’t let the album pull back too much though, as the record picks back up again in the noted Van Halen/DLR-era style song, ‘Don’t Keep Me Waiting.’ The steady mid-tempo work, with its blues rock approach is a distinct change of pace from its predecessor. ‘Tonight,’ the album’s midpoint, pulls things back again with its clearly contemplative sound and stylistic approach. From that point on to the album’s end, the songs’ energies continue to rise and fall at all of the right points, too. The result is that the record’s sequencing keeps the album moving solidly from one song to the next while also keeping the songs’ sounds and styles changing along with their lyrical themes. The end result is that the sequencing proves just as successful here as the record’s overall content. All things considered, the album proves a work that, again, any fans of the rock sounds of the 80s will enjoy just as much as those with any affinity for the 80s in general. To that end, it proves a work that those audiences will agree is a success.
Station’s fourth album, Perspective, is a work on which the band’s audiences will have a positive point of view. That also applies to those who are still living in that era. This is proven in large part through the album’s featured musical arrangements. The arrangements show clear influences from some of the biggest musical acts of the age, from the J. Geils Band, to Def Leppard, to Van Halen, Dokken and even Ratt and others. The lyrical themes featured in the band’s new album prove just as accessible as the record’s musical arrangements. They are also diverse in their own right. The content’s sequencing takes all of that into full account along with the songs’ energies in assembling the songs. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album’s presentation. All things considered, they make the album on which the band’s audiences will have a positive perspective.
Perspective is available now through Station Music, LLC through AWAL. More information on the album is available along with all of Station’s latest news at:
Independent alt/pop/synthwave artist Arena (a.k.a. Joey Arena) premiered his take on Van Halen’s timeless classic ‘Dreams’ this week.
Arena debuted the cover Thursday. Arena’s take on the song stays true to its source material while also giving the song a slightly new take with its electro-pop style approach. HIs take, which has received approval from former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar, takes the original song’s keyboard line and brings it to the fore in place of the guitar line, which formed the original work’s foundation.
Hagar said of Arena’s take on the song, “Arena’s cover of ‘Dreams,’ could be my favorite cover anyone has done of any of my songs. I’ll give it five stars and a must hear.”
Arena, in talking about his take on the song, said he was excited to receive Hagar’s stamp of approval.
“When I received word from my team that Sammy had wrapped ears around the track, I was beyond grateful for his time but then we received both written and visual endorsements, I became speechless and choked up,” stressed Arena. “I grew up being a huge Sammy fan and to have this legend take a moment and acknowledge me, I remembered what it felt like to be a fan and no longer a musician. I have experienced some great achievements as a musician but this personally surpasses all of that. I cannot thank him and his team enough for making a dream come true. When I hear ‘Dreams,’ it brings me to a younger, more free and imaginative self. What more could we really want from nostalgia?”
“‘Dreams’ both lyrically and musically has something special,” added Arena. “As musicians, we all secretly dissect music, we hear things differently than the average listener; this is one song that cannot be tampered with. Sammy is unarguably one of the greatest vocalists and lyrically, this song hits the nail on the head of what it is to write something so “feel good”, as I’d call it and really finds the words that the music is trying to say. Being that guitar is my forte, it’s one of the first songs I learned in my youth. It’s been with me for so many years and it doesn’t lose its flavor no matter how many times I hear it. They say a “hit” can be re-worked into any genre and still make the same impact. Although my approach is more synth-driven and not fantastically different, I can only hope that I did justice for the Van Halen, Hagar and Synthwave communities.”
Justin “JD” deBlieck (Ice Nine Kills) added his own touch to Arena’s take on ‘Dreams’ through his performance here on guitar.
deBlieck added his own comments to the discussion on the song.
“When Arena brought the idea of a synth wave project to me I was so thrilled,” he said. “We both grew up wishing we were teens in the 80’s. Soon after he mentioned he’d like to re-imagine a Van Halen song, it was almost immediately that we knew ‘Dreams’ was going to be the one. As huge fans of the Hagar era it was a no brainer. With the tragic passing of the legendary Eddie Van Halen we wanted to make the song more of a tribute to his legacy. So we decided with all the quintessential synths, tricks and staples of the synth wave genre, the guitars have to have an upfront presence.”
“As we began redeveloping ‘Dreams’ I remember saying, ‘We need to find a sound byte that connects Sammy and Eddie to this song,’ he added. “Low and behold we came across an amazing clip of Sammy sharing how Eddie inspired him to write this very song along many others. This same inspiration spread across the guitarist community like wildfire. So many wanted to play like him, write like him and be like him. For me, it was a true honor to take some of the best parts of his featured solo moments and mix them with a few of my own to keep the feeling alive in this new twist on ‘Dreams.’ We had such an amazing time reworking this into the synth wave genre because the song was already so good. All we had to do was make sure we didn’t leave anything out!”
More information on Arena’s take on ‘Dreams’ is available along with all of his latest news at:
Independent singer-songwriter Shawn Perry is addressing the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact in his new single, ‘Six Feet Apart.’
Perry debuted the single’s lyric video Aug. 21 through Ghost Cult magazine. The video places the song’s lyrics against a simple background that features images, such as an astronaut, a 16-bit video game screen shot, and palm trees. The overall imagery used in the video matches the song’s musical arrangement, which boasts a distinct 80s pop rock sound.
Courtesy: The Label Group
The song’s musical arrangement was crafted with a specific sound in mind, said Perry in his interview with Ghost Cult magazine. Additionally, he said the song’s lyrical theme happened largely by chance.
“How this song came about was pretty hilarious,” he said. “My manager, Dennis Sanders, actually gave me the idea. We were talking on the phone back in March when the pandemic shutdowns first started happening. Dennis said to me, “You know somebody should write a song called, ‘How can I love you if we’re six feet apart?’ That would be a great country song!” I said, “Dennis, I got this!” Then I wrote the song start to finish in a couple of hours. The next day we had a full demo. I usually fully demo all of my songs by myself before I even show them to the band. We got into the studio as soon as we could – which was several months later in June. The producer we have been working with shut down for safety.”
We recorded the song in just SIX hours! (Eight if you count set up and tear down),” added Perry. “We couldn’t be happier with the way this song turned out. Needless to say, the finished product is less of a “Country Song”, but that is still in there; like all of my music, but it’s more of a genre-spanning epic power ballad that was HEAVILY influenced by two of my favorite bands: U2 and Van Halen. I dare you to not sing along, I bet you can’t.”
According to Perry, he is planning to have an official music video filmed for the single “at the end of September.” The song is available to stream and download by itself here.
‘Six Feet Apart’ was produced by Ben Schigel (Walls of Jericho, Chimera, Drowning Pool) at Spider Studio in Cleveland, OH. The song was mastered by Maor Applebaum in Los Angeles, CA.
More information on Shawn Perry’s new single is available along with all of his latest news at:
Early this past March, guitarist John 5 released his new solo recording Season of the Witch. The famed guitarist’s now ninth overall solo instrumental recording, Season of the Witch proves from start to finish that it belongs on any critic’s list of the year’s top new rock albums. That is due in part to the album’s songs. This will be discussed shortly. The arrangements at the center of each song are just as important to note as the songs themselves in examining the album’s overall presentation. The record’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements. Each element is important in its own right to the album’s overall presentation. All things considered, Season of the Witch proves to be a record that rock fans will enjoy in every season.
John 5’s latest solo instrumental record Season of the Witch is a record that rock fans will enjoy in every season. That is due in part to the songs that are featured in this recording. While the guitarist, whose real name is John William Lowery, is known largely for his work with the likes of Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and David Lee Roth, this record displays his versatility as a musician once again. Lowery reaches liberally into the rock realm throughout the course of the record’s 13-song, 39-minute run time. But it is not the only realm into which he reaches as is proven in the likes of ‘Behind The Nut Love,’ ‘Hell Haw’ and ‘Ode To Jasper.’ The first of the group is a country-western style song while the second is a fun, up-tempo bluegrass/rockabilly style work that even incorporates a touch of jazz at the same time. ‘Ode to Jasper’ is a beautifully tragic work that will tug at any listener’s heart strings even while it clocks in at not even two minutes. Getting back on the matter of the album’s rich rock reachings, listeners will be impressed at the amount of ground Lowery covers in that realm. From the industrial leanings of the album’s title track/closer to the almost Joe Satriani/Living Colour-esque sound of ‘Now Fear This’ to the prog-rock sound of ‘Here’s To The Crazy Ones’ and beyond, this record displays great diverse talent from Lowery and his fellow musicians. That diversity forms a solid foundation for this new offering from the famed guitarist. The arrangements at the center of the songs build onto that foundation, strengthening it even more.
The arrangements at the center of the record’s featured songs are so important to note in examining the album’s presentation because they exhibit just as much diversity as the songs themselves. Yes, there is a lot of high-velocity guitar playing throughout the record. However, Lowery also proves that he can play just as expertly in more contemplative moments as he can in wilder moments. That is proven throughout the record as he goes from full-on riffs to other elements and back time and again. ‘Guitars, T**s, and Monsters’ is one of the songs that supports this statement. This song mixes Jimi Hendrix-esque riffs with a touch of Eddie Van Halen fluidly for a song that clearly exhibits his (and his band mates’) ability to handle such quick shifts in style. The whole thing winds down with a rather reserved arrangement that gently places listeners, albeit breathless, on another musical shore. ‘Hell Haw’ is another example of the diversity presented in the songs’s arrangements. This song takes the classic jazz tune ‘Who Could Ask For Anything More’ and crosses it with a touch of rockabilly and bluegrass, clearly showing Lowery’s ability to handle all three genres in one whole. The same can be said of his fellow musicians. It is, in fact, one of the moments that allows them to really put their talents on display. Very much the same can be said of the simplistic arrangement in ‘Ode To Jasper.’ This song’s arrangement only calls for a small handful of notes to be played throughout. Yet even with so few notes being played by any of the band members, the gentility in those notes and their gentle flowing nature creates a massive emotional impact. Considering this it is one more arrangement that proves the arrangements in the album’s featured songs are collectively just as diverse as the songs themselves. Keeping that in mind, that diversity—which is shown just as much through the album’s other arrangements not noted here—proves to be just as important to this record’s presentation as its songs. It is not the last of the record’s most important elements either. The record’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements.
The diversity in SOTW’s songs and their arrangements are both key pieces of the record’s whole. Each element ensures in its own way listeners’ engagement. They are not the record’s only important elements. Its sequencing rounds out its most important elements. The record opens and closes with a nod to Lowery’s industrial roots. In between, Lowery and company take listeners on quite the musical ride. The transition from ‘Black Grass Plague’ and ‘Guitars, T***, and Monsters’ eventually makes way for the more controlled riffs of ‘Now Fear This’ before the band really pulls back in the country-western ‘Behind The Nut Love.’ From there, the energy picks back up shortly in ‘Making Monsters’ and ‘Here’s To The Crazy Ones’ before pulling back again in ‘The Macabre,’ which despite its name, sounds anything but macabre. If anything the harmonics incorporated into the mid-tempo ballad style song makes for an interesting emotional impact. The record’s energy rises again from there before reaching that already noted deeply emotional ballad that is ‘Ode To Jasper.’ The final powerful punch of the record’s title song makes for the ideal ending to the album. When it is considered along with the rest of the record’s crests and troughs, the whole picture is one is even more certain to keep listeners engaged. When this consideration is joined with the notes on the record’s songs and their arrangements, it becomes clear that much time and thought was put into crafting this album. That time and thought resulted in a record that deserves a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new rock records.
John 5’s new instrumental solo record Season of the Witch is a work that deserves a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new rock records. That is evidenced through the diversity in the record’s songs and their arrangements. The record’s sequencing provides its own share of diversity, too. That diversity across the board makes this record one that is certain to entertain not just rock loyalists but music lovers in whole. It shows that this record deserves a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new rock records and potentially the year’s top new albums overall. It is available now in stores and online. More information on Season of the Witch is available online now along with all of John 5’s latest news and more at:
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Early last December, Red Reign released its latest studio recording, a five-song self-titled EP. The self-released record is a work that will appeal to any fan of the songs that made up rock’s mainstream during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This applies both in regards to the record’s musical arrangements and its lyrical content. The record’s opener ‘Not That Way’ solidly serves to support that statement. ‘Chains,’ the record’s third entry, is another of its songs which supports that statement. It will be discussed later. The same can be said of the record’s title track. Each song is important in its own right in showing why fans of rock from that bridge between the 1980s and 90s will enjoy this record. The other two songs not noted here are just as important in their own right, too. All things considered, Red Reign proves to be a record that any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is the case even with Red Reign being a more modern act.
Red Reign’s new self-titled, five-song EP is a work that any “classic rock” fan will appreciate. That is exhibited in no small part through the record’s opener ‘Not That Way.’ The song’s guitar-driven musical arrangement takes listeners back to rock’s early 90s era, conjuring thoughts of Queensryche, Joe Satriani, Van Halen and other similar acts. Drummer Sam Bendheim’s time keeping on the song provides the song even more depth as he keeps the song moving solidly forward. Front man and guitarist Carlton McMichael even conjures thoughts of former Queensryche front man Geoff Tate through his vocal delivery. The song’s musical arrangement is clearly an important part of its whole, but is just one key part of that presentation. Its lyrical content is just as important to discuss as its musical arrangement.
The lyrical content comes across as an anti-break-up song of sorts. That is especially inferred as McMichael sings in the song’s chorus, “How things have changed/But it’s not the same/No it’s not that way/You had your chance/And you let it slip away.” If there was any doubt left about the song’s upbeat message, the song’s second verse alleviates that doubt almost instantly as McMichael sings, “All these years have passed/And I’ve found somebody new/I never ever, ever think of you/Then you come around/Cause you thought you could/But I broke those chains so long ago/And it feels so good.” The song’s subject goes on to sing in the verse’s back end about being heartbroken long ago and having moved on. It is a rare message sent in songs centered on relationship break-ups. Keeping that in mind, that positive, upbeat message does plenty to make ‘Not That Way’ stand out. When it is coupled with the song’s equally upbeat musical arrangement, the two elements show clearly in themselves why Red Reign will appeal to “classic rock” fans. It is just one of the songs that serves to support that statement. ‘Chains’ serves as just as much of an example of why classic rock fans will appreciate the record.
‘Not That Way’ is a clear example of what makes Red Reign’s new self-titled EP a work that any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is due in no small part to the song’s upbeat and uplifting lyrics and its equally positive musical arrangement. It is of course just one of the songs that serves to show why this record will appeal to the already noted audience. ‘Chains’ is another example of why that audience will enjoy this new offering from the Richmond, Virginia-based rock act. Its musical arrangement sits at the base of its notoriety. As with the record’s opener, there is an obvious influence from Queensryche in this song’s arrangement. That is obvious right from the song’s outset through Larry Moore’s bass line and McMichael’s bombastic guitar line. The combination of those elements and Bendheim’s work behind the drum kit conjures thoughts of something from Queensryche circa 1986 (Rage For Order’s release year). While the song’s musical arrangement shows a direct influence from Queensryche, its lyrical content is different yet still just as thought-provoking as the lyrical themes presented in RFO.
Whereas Red Reign’s opener was an upbeat anti-breakup song, this piece is much deeper with what seems like introspective commentary centered on someone’s efforts to move forward in life and forget the past. That is inferred as McMichael sings in the song’s lead verse, “Black and pouring rain/I’m running through these streets where no one knows my name/Free/I won’t look back/On all these things that kept me fear/For all these years/I’m gonna break these chains/I’ll break these chains/I’ll breathe again/I’ll breathe again.” The song’s second verse continues in similar fashion as the song’s subject sings about overcoming certain difficult situations. Considering this and the power in the song’s musical arrangement, one can’t help but imagine the song is meant to convey a message of overcoming and moving on in life. That is of course only this critic’s own interpretation of the song and should not necessarily be taken as gospel. It would be interesting to learn the exact message delivered in the song. One can only hope the message interpreted here is somewhere in the proverbial ballpark. Regardless, the power in the song’s musical arrangement and its lyrical content combines to show in whole why it, too plays such an important part in Red Reign’s enjoyment by its target audiences. It still is not the last song that serves to show why classic rock fans will appreciate this modern rock act’s new EP. The record’s title track is one more example of what makes this record an effort that will appeal to fans of rock’s biggest age.
‘Not That Way’ and ‘Chains’ are both key compositions showing what makes Red Reign a record that any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is due to musical arrangements that harken back to the late 1980s and early 90s and lyrical themes that will both uplift and leave listeners thinking. They are not its only key compositions. The record’s title track proves to be just as important to its presentation as the previously discussed songs. As with those songs, the discussion here begins with the song’s musical arrangement. This time out, the song’s musical arrangement is more directly related to music from the early 90s. It hints at influences from Stone Temple Pilots, Brother Cane, and other slightly harder-edged bands from that era. One could even argue that there is a hint of Van Halen circa 1994 (Balance) in this song’s arrangement thanks to its heavy guitar riffs, bass line and equally heavy vocal delivery from McMichael. That overall arrangement is just one part of what makes this song stand out. Its lyrical content will leave listeners thinking just as much as that presented in ‘Chains.’
The lyrical content presented in ‘Red Reign’ will leave listeners thinking (and talking) because of McMichael’s metaphorical language used throughout the song. He sings in the song’s lead verse, “Like a flash of lightning/I burn throughout the sky/Out of the way, I’m running high/I feel the evil coursing through my body and veins/Are you ready to rock this place/Lower the bridge I’m coming through/Red reign down on you.” One can’t help but wonder what exactly McMichael is saying here. The song’s second verse is just as intriguing as McMichael sings, “In this house of pain the storm looms large and black/My sanity is off the tracks/You know I’ve got no more home…I’ve come from grace and I can’t go back/Lower the bridge I’m coming through.” McMichael definitely leaves listeners guessing at his message here. It would definitely be interesting to learn that message and the story behind the song considering that uncertainty. The very fact that the song’s lyrical content can generate just as much discussion as its musical content shows why this song is so important to Red Reign’s overall presentation. When this is all set alongside the musical and lyrical content presented in the previously noted songs the picture painted through the songs is one of a record that, again, any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is even though the band is a more modern rock act.
Red Reign’s recently released self-titled EP is a work that classic rock fans of any age will appreciate. It shows with its arrangements–which bridge the sounds of the late 80s and early 90s—and its thoughtful lyrical themes that a lot of time and effort was put into its creation. That time and effort, audiences will agree, paid off. It resulted in a record that takes audiences back to a specific era without simply being a carbon copy of songs from that era. The end result is a record that modern record that classic rock fans will appreciate as much as any original classic rock record. It is available now in stores and online. More information on Red Reign is available online now along with all of Red Reign’s latest news and more at:
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It’s official. There’s another new contender for the title of one of the year’s top new rock records. The band’s name: The Dead Daisies. The band’s album: Make Some Noise. While the band’s name makes it sound like some dark, goth-rock act, the truth is that it is anything but. It is a super group of sorts whose album, just as with Foghat’s new album Under The Influence, exhibits everything that is right with rock and roll. It reminds listeners through both its musical arrangements and lyrical content that thankfully, there is still hope for real rock and roll even in the 21st century. The album’s adrenaline-fueled opener ‘Long way To Go’ clearly exhibits that. The same can be said of the album’s titles track and its cover of John Fogerty’s ‘Fortunate Son.’ All three songs show in their own way why this record gives hope for real rock and roll in the 21st century. They are hardly the only songs presented in the album that could be cited in proving this. There are nine other songs that could just as easily be used to prove that statement. All things considered the album in whole is a *ahem* rock solid record that, again, gives full hope for the future of rock in the 21st century.
The Dead Daisies’ latest full length studio offering Make Some Noise is a record that will have listeners making noise of their own after hearing it. That is because over the course of its twelve total tracks, it reminds listeners that thankfully there is still hope for the future of real rock in the 21st century. The album’s opener is a clear example of why the album gives such strong hope. That is exhibited both in the song’s musical arrangement and its lyrical content. The song’s musical arrangement is a full-throttle, no-nonsense, guitar-driven rock and roll composition that conjures thoughts of AC/DC, and so many other pure rock and roll acts. The catch is that even with those thoughts in mind, the song manages to maintain its own identity separate from those bands. This makes the song all the more enjoyable. It is just part of what makes the song stand out. The song’s lyrical content is just as important to note here as its musical makeup. The song’s lyrical content is a clearly socially conscious statement that addresses the unrest in the world today. That is clear as front man John Corabi (ex-Motley Crue) sings, “There’s something going down on the streets right now/There’s hate in the air/We’re upside down/Guns and bombs/Blood on the floor/We’re killing ourselves and there ain’t no cure/Maybe tomorrow/Maybe today/No more enemies…Just more suffering.” From here he and his band mates—Doug Aldrich (guitar), Marco Mendoza (bass), Bran Tichy (drums), and Davi Lowy (guitar)—drive home the song’s message in its chorus as they sing, “We’ve got a long way to go/And no time to get there/One step forward two steps back/There ain’t nobody to blame.” The message is just as clear in the song’s second verse as Corabi sings, “Something’s going on/Times are changin’/Movin’ too fast/We’re all going crazy/Black man, white man…in the name of love open your eyes.” The message is clear. People have got to stand up and join together, not stand against one another. We have got to overcome all of the violence and hate that are filling the world. It is a wonderful message. Given it’s hardly the first time that a band has ever presented that message. The thing is that it is a message that the world needs to hear whether from The Dead Daisies or another band. What’s more the fact that Corabi and company presented the message in such a straight-forward, blue-collar fashion makes it all the more important to note. It isn’t presented in some overly philosophical fashion (as has been done by some bands) or even in any militant fashion either (as with certain other acts). Audiences familiar with their music history will understand those references. It just puts the message out there: we have got to stand together against all of this negativity in the world.” The band uses the same blue-collar rock and roll approach in the song’s musical arrangement, which adds even more to the message’s impact. When the two elements are joined together as one, they work to show in whole just what makes the song (and the album in whole) such an impressive new offering from The Dead Daisies. Audiences can see the song’s official video online now here. It is just one of the songs presented in this album that makes the record so impressive. The album’s title track is another clear example of what makes this record such a strong new offering from the band.
‘Long Way To Go’ is in itself an impressive inclusion in The Dead Daisies’ new album. It is an impressive composition in itself. That is evident both in its musical arrangement and its socially conscious lyrical content. The band’s blue-collar approach to both makes the song both a strong start for the band on its new album and a clear example of what makes the album in whole stand out. It is just one of the songs included in the album that makes it stand out. The album’s title track is yet another of the album’s most notable compositions. It stands out because it is, plain and simple, a hard rocking, fist-pumping, arena rock song. It is the polar opposite of the album’s opener. The song’s musical arrangement is much slower in terms of its tempo than that of ‘Long Way To Go.’ And even despite that it still hits hard thanks to the work of Tichy and Aldrich. Tichy forms the song’s musical foundation with his work behind the kit and Aldrich builds on that solid foundation with his simple yet so fun guitar line. Mendoza’s low end expertly compliments their work. All three lines join together to instantly make the song’s musical arrangement infectious and a song that is sure to be a fan favorite at the band’s live shows, even as short as it is (it clocks in at just under three-minutes). The song’s lyrical content shows even more why the song stands out so clearly among the album’s other offerings. That is because of its simplicity. Corabi sings here, “Everybody stand/Get outta your chair/Lemme hear your sound/Put your hands in the air/Everybody on the left/Everybody on the right/Don’t hold back/Get crazy all night/Make some noise/Make it louder/Make some noise/Everybody now.” Corabi goes on in similar fashion throughout the rest of the song, encouraging audiences to turn up the volume and just let loose. No doubt they will, too. That is regardless of whether audiences are listening in their cars, at home, or at the band’s live show. It will leave listeners pumping their firsts in the air (and their horns) all the while with a wide smile on their faces. Between that and the song’s musical arrangement, the song gives listeners plenty to enjoy. When the pair is coupled it shows with full clarity why it is another important addition to the album’s whole and why the album in whole is an impressive new effort from The Dead Daisies. It still is not the album’s only remaining standout composition either. The band’s take on John Fogerty’s famed protest song ‘Fortunate Son’ is just as notable as the album’s title song and its opener.
‘Long Way To Go’ and ‘Make Some Noise’ are both key inclusions in The Dead Daisies’ new album Make Some Noise. That is made clear both in the songs’ musical arrangements and their lyrical content. The songs’ musical arrangements are both pure rock and roll compositions. There’s pretense to either arrangement. Nor does either one aim low. Rather each song presents the band giving its best and its all. The songs’ lyrical content shows just as much thought put into the record. One song presents an important message about unity that, just as with the songs’ musical arrangements, lacks any pretense in doing so. The other is the polar opposite, giving listeners a clear taste of a live Dead Daisies show. Its approach is just as simple as that used in the message in ‘Long Way To Go.’ Both songs show in their own way what makes them stand out among their counterparts. They also serve to show (both by themselves and together) what makes the album in whole such an impressive new effort from the band. They are not the only songs that serve this end. The band’s cover of John Fogerty’s famed protest song ‘Fortunate Son’ stands out just as much as those songs and the rest of the album’s compositions. The band’s take is hardly the first time that a band has tackled the song. What is important to note is that despite that, it is one of the better renditions of said song. That is due in large part to the band’s approach to the song’s musical arrangement. The band maintains the song’s original identity in its take on the song at the same time given the song its own extra touch. The band does that through the use of its familiar no-nonsense rock and roll approach. In essence the band takes Fogerty’s original tune and steps it up even more here with its own take on the song. The end result is a song that is right up there with Dave Grohl’s take on the song (which was included in Fogerty’s 2013 album Wrote A Song For Everyone and Dropkick Murphy’s take on the song included in its 2005 compilation Singles Collection: Volume 2. Keeping this in mind, it is just one more song that exemplifies what makes Make Some Noise another impressive effort from The Dead Daisies. It is, again, not the only remaining song included in this record that could be used to show what makes the album so enjoyable. ‘Song and a Prayer’ will take listeners back to the late 80s ad early 90s, when guitar rock was still king. ‘Last Time I Saw The Sun’ is a work that Buckcherry fans will appreciate. And ‘All The Same’ conjures thoughts of Sammy Hagar (both as a solo artist and with Van Halen). They are just a few more songs include in this record that make it so enjoyable. Whether for those songs, the songs more directly addressed here, or any of the album’s other compositions, listeners will agree that the album in whole is a *ahem* rock solid record and yet another clear candidate for a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new rock records.
The Dead Daisies’ new album Make Some Noise is a record that is certain to leave listeners making their own noise about it after listening through each of its twelve total songs. That is because collectively they reassure listeners that even in the 21st century there is still hope for real, guitar-driven rock and roll. The album’s socially conscious yet blue-collar opener clearly proves this. The confident arena rocker that is the album’s title track proves it just as much. The same can be said of the band’s cover of John Fogerty’s ‘Fortnute Son.’ The song maintains the original song’s identity while adding a great additional touch through the band’s arrangement of the timeless tune. These are just a few of the songs that show why Make Some Noise will leave listeners making their own noise about the record. When they are set against the rest of the album’s songs, the album in whole proves, again, to be a “rock solid” record and another clear candidate for a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new rock records. It is available now in stores and online. More information on Make Some Noise is available online along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:
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2013 has seen quite the surplus of live concert recordings. Bands the likes of Jane’s Addiction, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath and so many others have been released to the masses. Each of those live recordings has proven to be exceptional in its own way. These recordings will be seen by countless audiences thanks to being released via some of the music industry’s biggest labels. It doesn’t mean that they’re the only live recordings to hit the market this year. One independently recorded and released live concert event that deserves just as much coverage as those aforementioned recordings is the Concert for Ronnie Montrose. Recorded April 27th, 2012 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, California, this live concert event will impress anyone that is a fan of true, pure, guitar-driven rock and roll. This applies to even those that might not be so familiar with the work of Ronnie Montrose. There is much to like about this new live recording. The most obvious of factors is the concert’s audio and video mix. For a show that was independently recorded and released, it looks and sounds surprisingly good. The show’s set list and guest lineup collectively make up another of the reasons to check out this concert. And while it is something relatively subtle, those charged with finalizing the concert included names and titles for each artist on each song. For those that might be unfamiliar with the artists, this inclusion will help to introduce the artists to said new audiences when they look up each name. In turn, it could open audiences’ eyes and ears to a whole new world of music. Together with the aforementioned factors, the Concert For Ronnie Montrose proves to be just as enjoyable as any live recording released by the industry’s major labels.
The Concert for Ronnie Montrose is an independently recorded and released live concert event. The automatic thought that might be raised in some audiences’ minds upon reading this is that it probably doesn’t match up with the live recordings released by the record industry’s major labels. That belief could not be any more wrong. The reality of this concert recording is that it looks and sounds just as good as any of the countless other live recordings released on said labels already in 2013. The camera crews charged with capturing the concert expertly carried out their duties. Home viewers get the best seat in the house. They are taken right on stage with the musicians and even above the crowd to see the full extent of the audience in attendance. Seeing how packed the house was on the night of April 27th, 2012 just goes to show that while Ronnie Montrose might never have been one of the biggest names in the industry, he was and still is one of the most respected individuals to pick up a guitar. It is truly a telling statement, and one that any Ronnie Montrose fan will appreciate when they watch this concert for themselves.
The Concert for Ronnie Montrose was captured just as expertly on video as any live recording released via the industry’s major labels. It is crystal clear. And the camera work itself is just as impressive. Having examined the recording’s high-quality video, the next logical step is to examine its audio mix. Having been recorded in the semi-intimate setting of San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom, it goes without saying that it was extremely important that the audio be perfect. Those that are more familiar with the science of acoustics will appreciate the painstaking efforts taken to ensure that the concert’s sound was on par with any major live recording. Not one of the guitarists overpowered the other at any point throughout the evening. And none of the musicians overpowered their fellow guest vocalists, either. That set alongside the equally top notch camera work and video editing serve as the foundation for a concert recording that proves in the long run to be just as good as any of the year’s major concert recordings.
The audio and video mixes in the Concert for Ronnie Montrose collectively make for a solid foundation for this recording. Having examined both, the next logical step in examining the presentation is to look at the collective set list and the guest lineup. The set list that comprises this tribute concert spans the late guitarist’s rich career before his passing. From his days with the Edgar Winter Group to his work with the band that bore his name to his solo career, this concert is front loaded with more than its share of great music. Even audiences that might perhaps be less familiar with Montrose’s work will likely recognize the Edgar Winter Group’s hit songs ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Free Ride’ and the cover of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Connection.’ What’s more, those that might be fans of Dream Theater will hear quite the similarity between the concert’s opener, ‘Overture’ and certain work by Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci on the first of Liquid Tension Experiment’s two records. Petrucci wasn’t one of the artists on hand at the Concert for Ronnie Montrose. However, some equally big names were in attendance. And their presence is sure to impress audiences just as much as the show’s set list.
The lineup of artists on hand to pay tribute to Ronnie Montrose is just as eye-opening as the show’s set list. Classic rock fans will recognize former Journey band mates Steve Smith and Neal Schon and Tesla front man Jeff Keith. Also on hand were two equally big names in the form of Montrose’s former band mate and friend Sammy Hagar (Montrose, Van Halen, Chickenfoot) and world renowned guitarist Joe Satriani (Chickenfoot). Hagar and Montrose’s fellow former band mates were on hand for the concert, too. Anyone that was a fan of the band in its heyday will appreciate seeing its members back together if only for a one off show. If the set list that makes up the show isn’t enough for audiences, then this megastar lineup of artists is certain to convince audiences to check out this recording.
So much has already been noted as to what makes the Concert for Ronnie Montrose such a joy of a live recording, even having been recorded and released independently. There is still one factor in the recording to examine. It is a subtle, yet important factor to examine. It is the inclusion of what is called “supers” (or superimposed images) highlighting the names and titles of each musician to take the stage throughout the concert. Their inclusion is important for those that might happen to be new to each musician. The names and titles are placed right in front of each musician. This allows audiences to directly link a name with a face. Audiences that are less familiar with said artists can in turn link the names and faces when looking up information on each one online or otherwise. The latent effect of all of this is the potential introduction of a whole new world of music to new audiences. For that alone, those charged with making sure the supers matched with each artist deserve their own round of applause. And together with the camera crews, sound editors, and performers themselves, it all comes together to make the Concert for Ronnie Montrose a concert that any purist rock and roll fan will appreciate no less with each watch. It is available now and can be ordered online at http://www.ronniemontrose.com/merchandise/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=238. More information on this and all things Ronnie Montrose is available via the official Ronnie Montrose website, http://www.ronniemontrose.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.
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