What a year!
New bands, old bands back in business, lost albums, reunion recordings, Anniversary new edition, brand new one... It's been a hell of a good year for rock n roll from Garage to Sleaze, Stoner, AOR, Glam or Classic Rock.
New bands, old bands back in business, lost albums, reunion recordings, Anniversary new edition, brand new one... It's been a hell of a good year for rock n roll from Garage to Sleaze, Stoner, AOR, Glam or Classic Rock.
And yet you can still find some people ranting about the genre is more than dead...Go figure!
Anyway, here's my list for 2018 (in no particular order). I probably forget some, miss some or simply dislike some. And remember, no list is definitive! There are a few records I'd love to put in my 2017 Top but I only discovered them recently so...
Stay alive, stay aware and kick out the jam!
(Rat Pak records)
After 30 years of silence, the band is back with one of the best record of the year. Not bad for retired geezers!
I wasn't familiar with them before hearing this album. Not sure if it's because they didn't get much European press coverage back then or if I didn't pay attention.
But that doesn't matter because at the end of the day what Roxanne is delivering here is a hell of a good and perfectly balanced record.
A -no filler, all killer- 11 tracks beast beautifully produced with plenty of details in the arrangements. They even get special guests on a few tracks: guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), bassist/vocalist Dug Pinnick (King's X) and drummer Ray Luzier (Korn).
Not that the band needed such big names to deliver the goods tho' but it's more like added some cherries on an already really tasty cake: not necessary but appreciated.
And, Dug Pinnick or not, King's X influence can be noticed on a few tracks. In the song "Thin Blue Line" in particular. But you could also hear some Beatles or Queen hints as well. All these influences being here to serve the music and Roxanne's own sound. Cohesive yet full of diversity.
Hard to pick a favourite track all of them being so good. "Quarter To Four" narrative is great, "Girls Alright" is the sweetest and thoughtful tale... each and every song is a gem in itself.
Chapeau bas!
https://www.facebook.com/pg/RoxanneRockBand
(Geffen)
One might question the need to add this one to a 2018 Top list. One would be wrong.
You could discuss the necessity to re-release this album as an overprice box-set full of pointless collectables but once again, let's the music do the talkin'. What we got here is one of the best Hard rock record ever produced. And the bonus included in this edition is capturing the very essence of the early days of the band.
Forget about the bloated Illusion records, Grand piano and Rolling Stones live megalomania, the daily drama and revolving door members. All you need is here. Raw, unapologetic and vital.
With the remastered album comes the whole faux-live tracks recorded in 1986 and, for the most part, released as "Live like a suicide" an E.P. designed to give more street credibility and help to create the momentum. A pure record industry scam really. Supposedly released by Uzi suicide records, GnR's own label, before the launch of the album it was in fact produced by Geffen. Plus, the songs have never been recorded during a concert but in the studio including additional instruments (Move to the City) and false audience applause.
If morally wrong (but do we really expecting morality from a bunch of drug dealers, pimps, thieves, alcoholics and addicts) artistically it was exactly what you wanted it to be. From the choice of the covers (Aerosmith's Mama Kin and Rose Tattoo's Nice Boys) to their own compositions (Reckless Life and Move to the City) it sounded fresh and in-your-face, something lacking very much at this time on the Hard rock scene. Just like the Trash scene did (basically rejuvenated the NWOBHM style) Guns N Roses brought back youth and rebellion to a genre played by the previous generation.
Also included on the second disc is a good chunk of the Sound city studio session. With Nazareth's guitar player in the control room, this session was a test for the upcoming record to find the proper producer. And what's truly magic here it's how good these bare-bones versions of most of the songs of Appetite for destruction are, really showing how good the band was at this moment. If Mike Clink did a swell job in producing the final album, there's no doubt that the band had everything in place beforehand.
Closing the bonus disc is the acoustic recordings to be on "Lies" with the addition of Move to the City and a couple of live tracks as well (Knocking on Heaven's Door, Whole Lotta Love, It's So Easy) and a studio version on Shadow of your Love.
If you have to possess only one Guns N Roses record it has to be this version. And if you have to remember why they became such an iconic band, the same answer applies.
The band lost his heart with the sacking of Adler. Their soul with the departure of Stradlin. And they have never been as good after that. Together or with their different guises. Just like their models Aerosmith and the Stones.
(Frontier records)
I loved the first Love/Hate album at its release. The second one was good too and then I slowly lost track of the band and what its members were doing. But anyway, "Blackout In The Red Room" remains a cornerstone in Heavy rock history.
And if "All You Need Is Love" doesn't push any genres boundaries like the aforementioned album did it sure is a great record.
Often based on simple yet really effective riffs, all the songs are played and arranged with such energy and passion that it is irresistible. Guitar work just shines all over the record gracing each and every song with the coolest solo licks and swagger to enhance them.
And of course Jizzy Pearl's own performance all along the album is one of his best -if not the best- he ever did. A real treat for his fans.
You already guessed it, there is not a bad track here, any of them being excellent. 12 songs delivered in 45mn, perfect length for a heavy rock n roll album!
After listening to it either you will feel recharged and re-energized or completely exhausted. But most of all: happy and satisfied.
https://www.facebook.com/JizzyPearlsLoveHate/
(Escape music)
There are so many records shelved somewhere, buried under decades of dust that it feels great to finally see one of them get a proper release.
This is the second album of the L.A. based Salty Dog recorded after the departure of their singer. And while the band in its original form (understand first album line-up) is currently working on a new record I'm urging every Hard Rock aficionados to listen to this lost treasure.
Full review here: https://isthemusicloudenough.blogspot.com/2018/05/salty-dog-lost-treasure-review.html
https://www.facebook.com/saltydog69/
(Gods Candy records)
I guess that if any reproach is to be made on this one it would be regarding the difficulties to grab a physical copy outside North America. You might spend more money on shipping cost than on the darn thing itself. If lucky enough to even locate a copy at all!
This matter aside the record is an impressive collection of High Energy numbers. Better than any Hellacopters albums (or even the sum of their discography). All guitars attacks and fury, an incredible sense of melody, top-notch songwriting, they have the ability to combine aggressiveness and pop sensibility. This collection of tunes is so ridiculously good that there's no point in going through each one to review them independently.
And if the band had to disappear tomorrow no doubt this album would get legendary status for connoisseurs.
And if the band had to disappear tomorrow no doubt this album would get legendary status for connoisseurs.
We can just expect that they will not leave us so soon and do a second, third (and so on) record though. As good as this one would be cool.
But also tour worldwide and get critical and public recognition they obviously deserve. Because if Rock N Roll was lost (as some use to say) they could save it all by themselves. Yes, they are this good!
https://www.facebook.com/thesickthingsband/
(self-released)
Guess you noticed already, there's a 70s Glam rock revival these days. And all around the globe, mind you!
Coming from Nashville, Tennessee, Gyasi is no stranger of this burgeoning scene as you could assume by having a look to his record sleeve or videos.
Still, he can't be narrowed to this genre either. Let's say he's wearing his influences on his sleeves and proudly embrace them (T-Rex, Led Zeppelin...) without forgetting to add his own signature and sensibility. The beautiful "I'm Just Sleeping" is a fine example of that.
His debut E.P. "Peacock Fantasies" contains 6 songs deeply rooted in the early seventies. And Gyasi really did a stellar job in producing it, capturing the spirit of the era without sounding dated.
A full-length album should be out in 2019, sounds good to me!
https://www.facebook.com/gyasitheband/
(Hound Gawd! records)
Psych-Garage legendary San Diego, CA band now relocated in sunny Düsseldorf, Germany recorded a brilliant new album after 8 years of studio silence.
With a new line-up including former members of The Fuzztones, Link Wray, Sonny Vincent or Humpers the combo is sounding amazing. Not a dull moment during the 34mn of this gem. 10 beautifully crafted songs showcasing only the best of the genre.
While Leighton Koizumi swagger and humour are intact and his voice on top form, part Mick Jagger high on cocaine/part a soul version of Iggy Pop he is backed up with the coolest guitars licks and riffs you could expect and a thunderous rhythm section.
If not delivered by the best Garage rock can be a bit linear and boring sometimes. Obviously not here. I can't even really pick a favourite track since they are all great on their own right. From the opener "Bothering Me" to the grande finale "You Don't Know" you will be caught in a whirlwind of irresistible numbers such as "No One Rides For Free", "Time To Move", "One Foot In The Grave" to name a few.
And the band's live performance in Paris a few months ago while touring to support the release of the album was equally good. One of the best concert of the year for me, if not the best.
So good!
Morlocks website
https://www.facebook.com/MORLOCKS777/
Howard "s/t E.P."
(self-released)
No surprise to find this one here for those who regularly check the blog. I reviewed this record last October and wrote: "(...) if Howard is not a retro act they surely embrace their 70s influences. And more than a specific band it is the spirit of the music from this particular decade that inspired the trio. (...) The Organ being central in their own music they fit perfectly under the Stoner rock flag and prove, if necessary, that the genre can be modern yet true to its origins.
No surprise to find this one here for those who regularly check the blog. I reviewed this record last October and wrote: "(...) if Howard is not a retro act they surely embrace their 70s influences. And more than a specific band it is the spirit of the music from this particular decade that inspired the trio. (...) The Organ being central in their own music they fit perfectly under the Stoner rock flag and prove, if necessary, that the genre can be modern yet true to its origins.
If you consider this is Howard's debut record and its quality (the songwriting, musicianship and sound production) you may expect nothing but greatness for their upcoming album. After only one year of existence and considering the young age of the members what they already achieved is quite impressive. (...)"
Expecting their first full-length record to be in my 2019 Top albums.
Read the full article here: https://isthemusicloudenough.blogspot.com/2018/10/video-of-week-howard-evil-ep-review.html
https://howardband.bigcartel.com/
(Good Records)
Like many fans of the original Alice Cooper Group, I've been expecting for decades a proper reunion and, possibly, a new album. It is now a reality. And don't thank God for that but rather Chris Penn instead.
Back in 2015, Dennis Dunaway released his excellent book about his days in one of the most influential bands of the 70s. During his signing tour to support this release he went to a store located in Texas called Good Records. Owned by the aforementioned Chris Penn this event would turn into a really special one. Not just because the whole store, in and out, was entirely redecorated with the original ACG colours but also because the man managed to gather all surviving members on the same stage to play.
3 years later the whole gig is now available in limited vinyl editions. It would take a full article to talk about the complete insanity of this project and the variety of the items created to go with this recording. But at the end of the day what really matters is the music and performance captured here.
Just check the tracklisting: Caught in a dream, Be my lover, I'm eighteen, Is it my body, No more Mr Nice Guy, Under my wheels, School's out, Elected. Enough to give a boner to any fans of these guys! With a track taken from the "Muscle of Love" album, I might have overjoyed my own pants. Really.
It's even been mixed by Bob Ezrin. And if I'm more than reserved on their recent studio collaborations this record is really sounding great.
One of the things often overlooked about the original band and the way they performed their music is the attention of the details and especially in the backing vocals. And it's one of the reasons this record is the coolest of the year because these elements can be heard again. At last. And that a big part of the inherent charm of this band incarnation.
And if you missed the event itself and to get a copy of this limited edition item maybe you will be able to grab a ticket for a screening of the related documentary. Or a DVD copy at some point.
You've been warned.
(Hozac records)
In 2017 Hozac records reissued Razor Boys recordings in full vinyl splendour. They did it again to let the whole world know and enjoy the glam and proto-punk coolness of Aussie Baby Grande.
"Pure, White and Deadly" is setting the mood quite well. Imagine if Bowie has fronted the MC5 and you'll get an idea.
"Going There And Back" made me think of Pantherman, because of the vocal similarity but also for its groove.
"Going There And Back" made me think of Pantherman, because of the vocal similarity but also for its groove.
"Madam Lash", "Getting Away With Murder" and "Zephyr" are unknown classics. And the rest of the record isn't bad either!
"Put You On My Wall", "You're So Continental" are more laid back numbers but not necessarily less dangerous.
Usual music industry jinx led this stuff to never been released before. The compilation contains recordings from several sessions. Sound production quality varies of course but the more important remains and the band potential is revealed.
Infectious.
Highly recommended for fans of the New York Dolls, T-Rex, Bowie (Ziggy era), Razor Boys. and Junkshop Glam in general.
https://hozacrecords.bandcamp.com/album/baby-grande-1975-77
(Spaghetty Town records / Gods Candy records)
If you're in need of your heavy dose of R'n'R, Chicago's local pushers Criminal Kids might have exactly what you are craving for.
Their self-titled E.P. will bring you lotsa guitar solos, unstoppable energy and delinquent intentions all in one. Five tracks delivered with a "no prisoner" approach that won't leave you impartial.
Special mention to the should-be-a-hit "Night" (a cover of The Exit). If only TV and radio weren't afraid to air this kind of gem.
The Kids have recorded the perfect soundtrack for a riotous and debauch generation adepts of quick fucks at the back of cars, empty beer cans and subsequent vomit stains on their boots.
Special mention to the should-be-a-hit "Night" (a cover of The Exit). If only TV and radio weren't afraid to air this kind of gem.
The Kids have recorded the perfect soundtrack for a riotous and debauch generation adepts of quick fucks at the back of cars, empty beer cans and subsequent vomit stains on their boots.
The listening of this 17mn lethal injection will leave you bruised but with a silly smile on your face thinking of your next fix.
https://criminalkids.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/CriminalKids/
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