This album had me at the name of the band. I'm not sure how I missed the first album but I've caught up now. Half way through the first track Skyline Whispers was in my 'recent favourite albums' playlist.
It's an album with a split personality though. There's nothing wrong with a bit of variation of style to keep an album interesting. Some songs, including the fantastic opener Sail On, rock in a real Deep Purple / Rainbow way. In a very good way. Other tracks swing into 80s AOR which is good to listen to but doesn't get my happy dance going as much as the more stonky stuff.
As I've said a few times recently, what is it with these Scandinavians? Bjorn Strid has an amazing and versatile voice.
Can a rock album be a commercial success any more? I don't know but if it is possible, this sounds like one.
It's still in the recent favourite albums, and may get an honourable mention in the end of year dirty dozen.
Saturday 11 July 2015
Friday 12 June 2015
Sol Invictus by Faith No More
This is so worth the very long wait. It's already in my recent favourite albums playlist and could well make the best half-dozen of the year.
Mike Patton's voice is deeper and darker and all the better for that. As usual, rich lyrics unfold from amusing titles. There's a real blend of influences that's unmistakably Faith No More and that's just the way it should be. They weren't done, not by a long way.
The songwriting is as good as ever. It took a few listens for some of the tracks to begin their work and that's the sign of lasting appeal. No surprise that the first songs to be released (ahead of the album) are the ones that grab you instantly. Is there a new Epic or From out of Nowhere here? Only time will tell but it could be Motherfucker or Superhero.
** Faith No More are on tour.
Mike Patton's voice is deeper and darker and all the better for that. As usual, rich lyrics unfold from amusing titles. There's a real blend of influences that's unmistakably Faith No More and that's just the way it should be. They weren't done, not by a long way.
The songwriting is as good as ever. It took a few listens for some of the tracks to begin their work and that's the sign of lasting appeal. No surprise that the first songs to be released (ahead of the album) are the ones that grab you instantly. Is there a new Epic or From out of Nowhere here? Only time will tell but it could be Motherfucker or Superhero.
** Faith No More are on tour.
Thursday 11 June 2015
Scorpions - Tokyo Tapes
I've come to this album in my project to rip some of my old vinyl*. It's bringing me so much joy all over again and so I have to write a few words about why it's such a special record.
It marks a milestone in Scorpions' extremely long (and continuing) career. (This is why I'm trying to avoid 'The') At the point that these concerts were recorded, Uli Roth had officially left the band but agreed to play this tour. His replacement as lead guitarist was the more metallic Matthias Jabs who brought a new sound and new style to the band.
They continued to develop their style and popularity, the high point of their powers for me being a few albums later; Blackout and Love at First Sting.
But here we have a collection of the best 'Roth period' Scorpions songs played for the last time by that line-up.
I'm not a huge fan of live albums. Metal in particular doesn't lend itself well to being performed live. Don't get me wrong, seeing a band perform can be awesome but there's a difference between the experience of a live concert and listening at home to a live recording. It's magical to watch people you admire on a stage in front of you performing songs that you know and love. But take everything away from that except the recorded sound and what's left usually sucks compared to the studio recordings of the songs.
I'm sure some people are thinking 'what about xxx, it's a classic album'. It's true that sometimes the magic just happens and you end up with a performance that's really special. (Bear in mind also that a live album may have been overdubbed in the studio later.) But that's the exception rather than the rule. Otherwise we'd all be listening to live albums all the time and bands would only occasionally put out a studio album.
This is one of the exceptions. There are songs here that I'll play in preference to the studio counterpart.
The fact that it's a huge 12" square item makes it all the more special. The front cover is a great shot that really sums up the contents. The big piece of artwork that comes with each album is something I really miss. In this case it doesn't stop there, the gatefold sleeve contains more images from the tour, including this one that I love. Notice the boots (which I'm sure looked really trendy in 1978) - Klaus is wearing monstrous platforms but is still only shoulder-high to the others. (No disrespect Klaus, I'm in awe of every note you've sung.)
** Scorpions are on tour right now
* Who'd have thought that I'd be able to buy a stylus for my 30-year-old Pioneer turntable, and through the Cambridge Audio amp I have now, these records have never sounded so good to me. If it wasn't for the very annoying pops and crackles and the fact that they inevitably degrade slightly every time they're played I'd choose to play the vinyl rather than the digital version.
It marks a milestone in Scorpions' extremely long (and continuing) career. (This is why I'm trying to avoid 'The') At the point that these concerts were recorded, Uli Roth had officially left the band but agreed to play this tour. His replacement as lead guitarist was the more metallic Matthias Jabs who brought a new sound and new style to the band.
They continued to develop their style and popularity, the high point of their powers for me being a few albums later; Blackout and Love at First Sting.
But here we have a collection of the best 'Roth period' Scorpions songs played for the last time by that line-up.
I'm not a huge fan of live albums. Metal in particular doesn't lend itself well to being performed live. Don't get me wrong, seeing a band perform can be awesome but there's a difference between the experience of a live concert and listening at home to a live recording. It's magical to watch people you admire on a stage in front of you performing songs that you know and love. But take everything away from that except the recorded sound and what's left usually sucks compared to the studio recordings of the songs.
I'm sure some people are thinking 'what about xxx, it's a classic album'. It's true that sometimes the magic just happens and you end up with a performance that's really special. (Bear in mind also that a live album may have been overdubbed in the studio later.) But that's the exception rather than the rule. Otherwise we'd all be listening to live albums all the time and bands would only occasionally put out a studio album.
This is one of the exceptions. There are songs here that I'll play in preference to the studio counterpart.
The fact that it's a huge 12" square item makes it all the more special. The front cover is a great shot that really sums up the contents. The big piece of artwork that comes with each album is something I really miss. In this case it doesn't stop there, the gatefold sleeve contains more images from the tour, including this one that I love. Notice the boots (which I'm sure looked really trendy in 1978) - Klaus is wearing monstrous platforms but is still only shoulder-high to the others. (No disrespect Klaus, I'm in awe of every note you've sung.)
** Scorpions are on tour right now
* Who'd have thought that I'd be able to buy a stylus for my 30-year-old Pioneer turntable, and through the Cambridge Audio amp I have now, these records have never sounded so good to me. If it wasn't for the very annoying pops and crackles and the fact that they inevitably degrade slightly every time they're played I'd choose to play the vinyl rather than the digital version.
Wednesday 10 June 2015
The Tombfiller, from Graveyard by Sigh
I must give a special mention to this specific track. The album, Graveyard by Sigh, is in my favourite albums of the year collection but this track in particular brings me joy.
It's a real symphonic epic and much has gone into the orchestration. I'm not the biggest fan of death growl vocals but the total sound in the chorus conjures up some kind of danse macabre beautifully. Superb guitar solo near the end, something that's sadly gone out of fashion in recent years, I hope it's making a comeback, so many guitarists (such as You Oshima here) have so much to contribute.
Is that 'Rhythm of Life' (the Broadway song) I can hear going on in the music? (I thought I caught that title in the lyrics somewhere but I'm probably mistaken). A very funny and ironic reference if it is deliberate.
It's a real symphonic epic and much has gone into the orchestration. I'm not the biggest fan of death growl vocals but the total sound in the chorus conjures up some kind of danse macabre beautifully. Superb guitar solo near the end, something that's sadly gone out of fashion in recent years, I hope it's making a comeback, so many guitarists (such as You Oshima here) have so much to contribute.
Is that 'Rhythm of Life' (the Broadway song) I can hear going on in the music? (I thought I caught that title in the lyrics somewhere but I'm probably mistaken). A very funny and ironic reference if it is deliberate.
Tuesday 21 April 2015
.. and then two come along at once
I was really enjoying the down & dirty rock n roll here. A little bit of a change of style maybe? Lzzy's big vocals had already grabbed my attention but the almost-acappella bonus at the end of I Like it Heavy really made me sit up and listen. Very special.
And next a true discovery. I'm not sure how I've missed Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal's work before. This is possibly the sound you'd get if you put Green Day and Muse in a blender. There are some quirky moments and some brilliantly weird ones - I really love it.
And next a true discovery. I'm not sure how I've missed Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal's work before. This is possibly the sound you'd get if you put Green Day and Muse in a blender. There are some quirky moments and some brilliantly weird ones - I really love it.
We Are Harlot (self-titled)
Another one in the Recent Favourite Albums playlist. A bit commercial at times but plenty of upbeat rock n roll, and the quality you get from a supergroup.
Monday 30 March 2015
Alive and kicking
Back in the 70s and 80s I'd have never predicted that in 2015 many of the bands I was listening to would still be putting out new albums.
So far this year we've had new albums by:
AC/DC (Might have been the end of last year but I didn't buy it till January) Sad news about Malcolm but the music's still top-quality
Michael Schenker - really good stuff
Mötley Crüe - just a single, and supposed to be the last, but unmistakeable
Quireboys
Scorpions - my favourite band for many years as a teenager. And yes that was before the 'Wind of Change' sadness)
Thin Lizzy OK, not actually Thin Lizzy for obvious reasons but near enough
Thunder
Uli Jon Roth of the Scorps with some freshly-recorded classic Scorpions songs
UFO
Venom - growling before it was popular and doing it better than ever
And probably others as well. Any I've missed? Tell me in the comments.
So far this year we've had new albums by:
AC/DC (Might have been the end of last year but I didn't buy it till January) Sad news about Malcolm but the music's still top-quality
Michael Schenker - really good stuff
Mötley Crüe - just a single, and supposed to be the last, but unmistakeable
Quireboys
Scorpions - my favourite band for many years as a teenager. And yes that was before the 'Wind of Change' sadness)
Thin Lizzy OK, not actually Thin Lizzy for obvious reasons but near enough
Thunder
Uli Jon Roth of the Scorps with some freshly-recorded classic Scorpions songs
UFO
Venom - growling before it was popular and doing it better than ever
And probably others as well. Any I've missed? Tell me in the comments.
Airstream - Kingdom of Isolation
What is it about these Scandinavian singers? Staffan ‘Stiff’ Karlsson really belts it out with the best of them over some powerful music.
Guests and band members have played in Europe, Thunder, Glenn Hughes Band so there are some clues as to the style. Melodic metal, AOR, whatever you want to call it. The songwriting's great; tuneful and full-on, a bit proggy and even a little quirky at times. Excellent stuff.
Guests and band members have played in Europe, Thunder, Glenn Hughes Band so there are some clues as to the style. Melodic metal, AOR, whatever you want to call it. The songwriting's great; tuneful and full-on, a bit proggy and even a little quirky at times. Excellent stuff.
Saturday 7 February 2015
(The?) Scorpions
I've just noticed something interesting. The label for Scorpions' 'Savage Amusement' has them as 'The Scorpions'. This could be a mistake - certainly very unusual - because even though we often call them 'The Scorpions', they've consistently not used the definite article themselves. All other labels (as far as I can check) had them as just 'Scorpions'.
(I'm in the middle of ripping my vinyl - at least anything that isn't available for listening online.)
(I'm in the middle of ripping my vinyl - at least anything that isn't available for listening online.)
Thursday 5 February 2015
Full-blooded new album from Lande and Holter
Vampires are my favourite monsters, (the good old-fashioned ones that don't sparkle).
Lande and Holter's Dracula Swing of Death album is based on the Vlad the Impaler / Bram Stoker story with melodic metal, outstanding songwriting and vocals.
The full-blooded music plus the fact that Jorn Lande and Lena Floitmoen sing the parts of Dracula and Mina/Lucy give the album a 'rock musical' sound, although there are no skits or storytelling outside of the songs.
Full marks across the board; music, concept, vocals, wonderful gothic artwork. It went straight into the Recent favourite albums playlist and could be one of the year's favourites.
The full-blooded music plus the fact that Jorn Lande and Lena Floitmoen sing the parts of Dracula and Mina/Lucy give the album a 'rock musical' sound, although there are no skits or storytelling outside of the songs.
Full marks across the board; music, concept, vocals, wonderful gothic artwork. It went straight into the Recent favourite albums playlist and could be one of the year's favourites.
Saturday 31 January 2015
Top 6 rock and metal albums from 2014
This is so difficult. My 'favourite recent albums' playlist is really stuffed with good albums.
Falling short
First, a couple that should have made the list but didn't live up to the promise:
Judas Priest - Redeemer of Souls. They released two or three of the tracks in advance of the album which had me excitedly checking every day to see whether it was available to buy yet. Those tracks really rock. The rest of the album is classic Priest. Just what they've always done so well. But somehow not an outstanding album like Screaming or Defender
Foo Fighters - Sonic Highways. I tried, I really did, I've listened a few times. Maybe it just needs a few more listens. The use of familiar riffs doesn't help. The BF says it's a tribute, but if it is they're not being upfront about it and that doesn't work for me.
Honourable mentions
There are many honourable mentions and it's really difficult to separate the final 5 from some of these (they are in no order):
Mastadon - Once More Round the Sun
Trollfest - Kaptein Kaos
Seven Thorns - II
Insomnium - Shadows of the Dying Sun
Equilibrium - Erdentempel
Crystal Eyes - Killer (it's not just the title that is reminiscent of Iron Maiden)
Machinae Supremacy - Phantom Shadow
Astralion - Astralion
Allen Lande - The Great Divide
Angra - Best Reached Horizons
Echoterra - Sanguinary Greed (this one may just have missed the top 6)
Mayan - Antagonise
Bigelf - Into the Maelstrom
Sabaton - Heroes
Evil Masquerade - The Digital Crucifix
Unisonic - Light of Dawn
And now for the prizes
R J Dio - This Is Your Life (various)
I like the 'tribute album by well-known artist(s)' genre, and this is particularly special because Dio's songwriting was the tops both music and lyrically and his voice was one of the best. All songs really rock. This is a fitting tribute - Make the devil horns sign if you miss him....
Tuomas Holopainen - Life and Times of Scrooge
Bit of a classical/rock crossover. I can imagine it being one of those crossover albums that Classic FM decide to put in their charts. Have they? I don't know. (I don't really care.)
There was no doubt about this one being a 'buy for keeps' and if it were vinyl it would be starting to wear smooth by now. I have to admit that 'Ecstacy of Gold' may well be my top Desert Island Disc (with the film soundtrack version on one side and the Metallica cover on the B side) and the fact that Tuomas has used it in Cold Heart of the Klondike works beautifully and fits perfectly with the album's concept.
Sixx AM - Modern Vintage
I must admit to not being familiar with the earlier Sixx AM albums, I enjoyed Motley Crue as much as everyone else in the 80s, but that was the 80s and I guess I just hadn't expected Sixx to have moved on - my bad. [edit 1/2/15 by coincidence I've just heard some old Crue on the radio and that last comment was harsh]
I could do without the Cars cover, but hey. I love James Michael's voice ad have been listening to his solo stuff as an offshoot of discovering this album.
Slash - World on Fire
If these were in order, this could be in the number one spot. Myles Kennedy - what a guy. Although Fortress from his band Alter Bridge made my top albums of 2013 the songwriting isn't so strong, perhaps I just like something that moves a bit rather than the more ballady drawn-out stuff they like to do.
When he's teamed up with Slash, all the elements are in place.
A.C.T. - Circus Pandemonium
I love a good concept, and I love it when song arrangements move away from verse/chorus/verse/chorus and this album has all that and more. It's a bit proggy in places (always a good thing in my book) reminding me of early Genesis. The band have put so much into this album and it's really come off. Excellent - another 'buy for keeps'.
Alestorm - Sunset on the Golden Age
'Bacon powered pirate-core' says their website and a big 'Arrrrr!!!!' to that. Full marks for the album cover and a bonus for using Cthulhu. Impossible to listen without a big grin on your face! But they've gone beyond the novelty now, the music really rocks. If there's one thing that bothers me a little is the synth-sounding instruments. I'd rather picture guys with real piano accordions, brass and fiddles running around the stage. But that's just between you & me; I'm not going to tell Cap'n Bowes that, I'll just serve him another mead like a good wench.
These top six are in my Best rock & metal albums of 2014 playlist
The honourable mentions and many more great albums from 2014 and 13 are in my Recent favourite albums playlist.
Is there one you think I missed? It may be because I haven't heard it - in which case you must tell me in the comments.
Falling short
First, a couple that should have made the list but didn't live up to the promise:
Foo Fighters - Sonic Highways. I tried, I really did, I've listened a few times. Maybe it just needs a few more listens. The use of familiar riffs doesn't help. The BF says it's a tribute, but if it is they're not being upfront about it and that doesn't work for me.
Honourable mentions
There are many honourable mentions and it's really difficult to separate the final 5 from some of these (they are in no order):
Trollfest - Kaptein Kaos
Seven Thorns - II
Insomnium - Shadows of the Dying Sun
Equilibrium - Erdentempel
Crystal Eyes - Killer (it's not just the title that is reminiscent of Iron Maiden)
Machinae Supremacy - Phantom Shadow
Astralion - Astralion
Allen Lande - The Great Divide
Angra - Best Reached Horizons
Echoterra - Sanguinary Greed (this one may just have missed the top 6)
Mayan - Antagonise
Bigelf - Into the Maelstrom
Sabaton - Heroes
Evil Masquerade - The Digital Crucifix
Unisonic - Light of Dawn
And now for the prizes
I like the 'tribute album by well-known artist(s)' genre, and this is particularly special because Dio's songwriting was the tops both music and lyrically and his voice was one of the best. All songs really rock. This is a fitting tribute - Make the devil horns sign if you miss him....
Bit of a classical/rock crossover. I can imagine it being one of those crossover albums that Classic FM decide to put in their charts. Have they? I don't know. (I don't really care.)
There was no doubt about this one being a 'buy for keeps' and if it were vinyl it would be starting to wear smooth by now. I have to admit that 'Ecstacy of Gold' may well be my top Desert Island Disc (with the film soundtrack version on one side and the Metallica cover on the B side) and the fact that Tuomas has used it in Cold Heart of the Klondike works beautifully and fits perfectly with the album's concept.
I must admit to not being familiar with the earlier Sixx AM albums, I enjoyed Motley Crue as much as everyone else in the 80s, but that was the 80s and I guess I just hadn't expected Sixx to have moved on - my bad. [edit 1/2/15 by coincidence I've just heard some old Crue on the radio and that last comment was harsh]
I could do without the Cars cover, but hey. I love James Michael's voice ad have been listening to his solo stuff as an offshoot of discovering this album.
If these were in order, this could be in the number one spot. Myles Kennedy - what a guy. Although Fortress from his band Alter Bridge made my top albums of 2013 the songwriting isn't so strong, perhaps I just like something that moves a bit rather than the more ballady drawn-out stuff they like to do.
When he's teamed up with Slash, all the elements are in place.
I love a good concept, and I love it when song arrangements move away from verse/chorus/verse/chorus and this album has all that and more. It's a bit proggy in places (always a good thing in my book) reminding me of early Genesis. The band have put so much into this album and it's really come off. Excellent - another 'buy for keeps'.
'Bacon powered pirate-core' says their website and a big 'Arrrrr!!!!' to that. Full marks for the album cover and a bonus for using Cthulhu. Impossible to listen without a big grin on your face! But they've gone beyond the novelty now, the music really rocks. If there's one thing that bothers me a little is the synth-sounding instruments. I'd rather picture guys with real piano accordions, brass and fiddles running around the stage. But that's just between you & me; I'm not going to tell Cap'n Bowes that, I'll just serve him another mead like a good wench.
These top six are in my Best rock & metal albums of 2014 playlist
The honourable mentions and many more great albums from 2014 and 13 are in my Recent favourite albums playlist.
Is there one you think I missed? It may be because I haven't heard it - in which case you must tell me in the comments.
Friday 30 January 2015
We have a winner
Known - Learnt from Arcane is the first album of 2015 to make the 'Shiela's recent favourite albums' playlist.
Here is great songwriting and a great timeless sound. Definitely proggy, a good range of styles, songs that twist and turn with unexpected things around the corners - it all keeps the ear interested. Driving riffs / double bass pedals through to acoustic guitar and piano. (though I'm not such a big fan of some of the more ponderous stuff). Bit of an epic orchestral sound in there at times too.
It's always good to hear a vocalist who can really sing - I'm an old-fashioned gal. Jim Grey really has a good voice which I'll enjoy listening to much more of.
I love it when a band makes an effort with the artwork - in the vinyl days, this would be a double-album with a gatefold sleeve and this graphic would be printed 12" square. (Eyes go dreamy...)
Here is great songwriting and a great timeless sound. Definitely proggy, a good range of styles, songs that twist and turn with unexpected things around the corners - it all keeps the ear interested. Driving riffs / double bass pedals through to acoustic guitar and piano. (though I'm not such a big fan of some of the more ponderous stuff). Bit of an epic orchestral sound in there at times too.
It's always good to hear a vocalist who can really sing - I'm an old-fashioned gal. Jim Grey really has a good voice which I'll enjoy listening to much more of.
I love it when a band makes an effort with the artwork - in the vinyl days, this would be a double-album with a gatefold sleeve and this graphic would be printed 12" square. (Eyes go dreamy...)
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