2018: Year in Review

           Another year has come and gone. Some albums were released this year. Overall, I find myself liking the albums I purchased this year compared to last year. So here we go: everything this from year reviewed in short.

NEW RELEASES

  

W.A.S.P.

Re-Idolized

Rating: ***

            Delayed one year to the 25^th anniversary of W.A.S.P.’s The Crimson Idol, Re-Idolized is what it sounds like: a re-recorded version of The Crimson Idol. However, Re-Idolized has some new songs attached to it- which were supposedly meant for the original album but weren’t recorded. While Re-Idolized isn’t bad, it isn’t anything special. It looks like there might’ve been an attempt at reissuing the album but for whatever reason, Blackie Lawless couldn’t do so. Also included with the re-recorded album is the new “movie” adaptation of the album- which, again, isn’t anything special: it’s just re-edits all of the footage shot from the Crimson Idol music videos. No disrespect to Blackie and the guys but I’ll stick with the original album.

  

Judas Priest

Firepower

Rating: ****

FAVORITE ALBUM OF THE YEAR

            Despite the news of Glenn Tipton’s live retirement, the guys in Judas Priest have managed to record a worthy follow up to 2014’s Redeemer of Souls. From top to bottom, Firepower is a killer album from the legendary metal band. While Redeemer of Souls is still good, Priest have managed to top themselves here. Guitarist Ritchie Faulkner has really pumped some fresh blood into the band as the riffs for this album are sensational. Even as he approaches his 70s, singer Rob Halford can still belt out those high notes.

Highlights: Lightning Strikes, Spectre, Children of the Sun, Rising from Ruins

 

Riot V

Armor of Light

Rating: ****

            Following 2014’s Unleash the Fire, Armor of Light is a killer follow up from hard rock/metal band. Whereas Unleash the Fire was a nostalgic tribute Mark Reale, the music on Armor of Light is more in the vein of Thundersteel-era Riot- although there are some surprises along the way. Guitarist Mike Flynz and bassist Donnie Van Stavern have continued to wave the Riot flag since Reale’s passing- with Todd Michael Hall serving as the front man. Overall, Armor of Light is another solid installment to the Riot discography.

Highlights: Heart of a Lion, Ready to Shine, Victory, Caught in the Witches Eyes, Messiah

 

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The Residents

I Am a Resident!

Rating: *** ½

            While 2018 has seen the reissues of early Residents album, the group have also released a new album. For this project, the group asked for their fans to send in their covers of the group’s music. Taking from the covers given, the group has remixed it all into a single album. Similar to how the band dissected rock n roll tunes on Third Reich N Roll, the band has now done the same thing except with their own music. While some fans tend to stick with the group’s earlier material, I say that this is worth a listen.

 

Paul McCartney

Egypt Station

Rating: *** ¾ to ****

            While not as consistent as 2013’s New, Paul McCartney’s newest studio effort is still a welcome entry to the former Beatle’s discography. Production wise, it follows where New left off. When it comes to the songs, McCartney has offered a fairly diverse batch of tunes- while following the theme of traveling. While Egypt Station has a little bit of everything on it, the album could’ve easily been shorter. Some songs are just weak (Fuh You) while others drag out. Nevertheless, Egypt Station has more highs than lows- which make for a pleasant listen.

Highlights: Despite Repeated Warning, Come On To Me, Who Cares, Happy With You, Hand in Hand

  

Dream Child

Until Death Do We Meet Again

Rating: *** ¾

            Now eight years after Ronnie James Dio’s passing, the surviving members of the man’s namesake band have reunited to record this album. Guitarist Craig Goldy, bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Simon Wright have teamed up with singer Diego Valdez. Together, they are Dream Child. Their debut release, Until Death Do We Meet Again, is a solid release. However, it isn’t without its downsides. While consistent, the album is very long for a debut release. Clocking in at 70 minutes, this might underwhelm some listeners. Valdez's vocals might sound strange on a first listen to some listeners. His pipes are similar to that of Dio’s on several songs here, with some songs sounding like something from Dio’s days in Rainbow. While a lengthy album, all Dio fans should give Dream Child a chance.

  

Uriah Heep

Living the Dream

Rating: ****

            Nearing their 50^th anniversary, Uriah Heep have released their 24^th studio album. While I gave it positive marks upon its release, I was also holding back on 2014’s Outsider: while it did feature some good music, it was lacking on the prog rock element of the band’s sound. This element was very much present on Wake the Sleeper and Into the Wild. With Outsider, the band leaned a little more toward their hard rock element. With Living the Dream, Heep are back in full form with another set of keyboard/organ driven hard rock tunes.

Highlights: Rocks in the Road, Waters Flowin’, Grazed by Heaven, Goodbye to Innocence, Knocking at My Door

  

Yoko Ono

Warzone

Rating: *** ½ to *** ¾

            Now 85 years old, Yoko Ono has released another studio album- her first since 2013’s Take Me To The Land of Hell. Unlike her previous albums from the 21^st century, Ono decided to re-record some of her earlier songs. In doing so, Warzone can be seen as Ono’s message to the world in 2018. Looking down the tracking list, Ono has not only re-recorded but has also re-interpreted these songs- most of them with a minimalistic approach. Almost half of the songs on here were originally from Ono’s 1985 album Starpeace- an album made in response to then President Ronald Regan’s Star Wars Program. While a dated concept for an album, the songs from it are frighteningly relevant to today. While a chaotic collection of tunes, Ono ends the album with a heartfelt cover of her late husband’s signature song “Imagine.” While it isn’t perfect, I wouldn’t mind if this ended up being Ono’s last album.

Highlights: Imagine, Hell in Paradise, Children Power, Teddy Bear

Ranking

1.      Judas Priest- Firepower

2.      Uriah Heep- Living the Dream

3.      Riot V- Armor of Light

4.      Paul McCartney- Egypt Station

5.      Dream Child- Until Death Do We Meet Again

6.      Yoko Ono- Warzone

7.      The Residents- I Am A Resident!

8.      W.A.S.P.- Re-Idolized

REISSUES/REMASTERS

The Residents

Meet the Residents, Third Reich, Fingerprince, Duck Stab

Rating: **** (for all four + extras)

FAVORITE RE-RELEASE OF THE YEAR

            Cherry Red Records have reissued four albums by performance artists the Residents. The group’s first four albums have been newly remastered and each comes with a plethora of bonus tracks.

To read a more in-depth review on these reissues, feel free to read my reviews on them via Pop Culture Beast.

For the reviews on Meet the Residents and Third Reich N Roll, click here.
Fore the reviews on Fingerprince and Duck Stab, click here. 

 

 

 

Paul McCartney & Wings

Wild Life & Red Rose Speedway

Wild Life rating: ***

Red Rose Speedway rating: *** ¾

Bonus tracks: *** for WL, **** for RRS

            Wing’s first two albums were re-released as the two new entries to the Paul McCartney Archive Collection. As always, both albums sound great- even if they aren’t the best albums in McCartney’s career.  However, it’s the reissue of Red Rose Speedway that really stands out- as it boasts all of the unreleased songs from the recording sessions. With Red Rose originally intended as a double album, there’s a nice batch of new Wings tunes for all fans to enjoy.

  

The Beatles

The White Album Remix

Remixed album: *** ½

Bonus disc: *** ¾

            The Beatles’ self-titled album, known lovingly as the White Album, turned 50 this year. Following up last year’s remix of Sgt. Pepper, Giles Martin has created a new remix of the The White Album. While not a bad remix, I have the same feelings as I did with Sgt. Pepper’s remix: it’s nice to have but we really didn’t need this. The bonus disc of the Esther tapes, however, is a nice to see officially released.

ARCHIVAL

 

Riot

The Official Bootleg Box Set Vol. 2
Rating: ****

                             

                              Cherry Red Records followed up last year’s box set of Riot bootlegs with a continuation. This set, consisting of recordings from the band’s career from 1981 to 1990, is a nicely assembled box set. The sound quality hasn’t changed but it’s great to have Riot’s live material released in these two great box sets.       

MOVIES/DVD

For my reviews on the Freddie Mercury/Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, please read it here.

For my review on the John Lennon Imagine/Gimme Some Truth DVD, please read it here.

Both of these links direct to my original articles posted on Pop Culture Beast.

Rest In Peace
Ray Thomas- singer/flutist for the Moody Blues
Fast Eddie Clark- guitarist for Motorhead and Fastway
Dave Holland- drummer for Judas Priest

Danny Kirwan- guitarist for Fleetwood Mac

Vinnie Paul- drummer for Pantera

Marty Balin- singer for Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship

Rock N Roll Hall of Fame: Class of 2019- My Thoughts

Back in October of this year, the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame nominees were announced. While I usually post my thoughts on the bands nominated, I didn't do that this year. Why? Well, there's a number of reasons: the nominations weren't too exciting, I work now, I write for another website, laziness, etc. I think I don't need to repeat myself over and over because I'll almost always say the same things about the bands nominated. I don't get a lot of readers these days- which is another thing. Don't get me wrong: I enjoy posting things to my blog every year but I've just gotten lazy these last few years. Besides, this blog features A LOT of my writing.

Now that I've rambled far longer than I should've, here's what I will do: I'll give my thoughts on the bands that've been inducted. Again, my opinion really hasn't changed but I think this year has a fairly good batch of bands.

The Cure- I'm not a fan of their music but their induction is fairly overdue. They were very influential and Robert Smith is one of those iconic figures in rock music. I'm really not that knowledgable on them but they deserved this.

Def Leppard- The tradition of inducting the fan poll winner continues as the English hard rockers are now in the Hall. While I'm not too crazy over Def Leppard's music, I do have Pyromania and Hysteria in my collection. While some of their influences have yet to be inducted, I think this is well earned. There's also the slight possibility of their induction leading to their influences getting in next. Singer Joe Elliot is a massive fan of 70s British rock that never really cracked here in the US- including T. Rex and Thin Lizzy. Who knows? Maybe they could encourage this.

Janet Jackson- While not exactly rock, I can understand Janet Jackson's induction. She was very popular during the mid to late 1980s. The Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson have been in for years now so I guess it makes sense to induct her. I probably would've had someone else take her place but I don't mind this.

Stevie Nicks- The Hall picked two female solo artists this year. If any of the members of Fleetwood Mac were going to get inducted for their solo career, Stevie Nicks deserved it the most: she's had a fairly successful solo career and a good number of hits. Good for her.

Radiohead- Here's where some people are gonna disagree with me: Radiohead are in too early. I mean, maybe this is the right time to induct them. After all, their music has been oh so praised over the years. Still, there's dozens of others bands that haven't gotten in the Hall yet that should've been in there years ago. From what I'm to understand, the band aren't too crazy about being inducted either and might not attend the ceremony.

Roxy Music- I was surprised to see Roxy Music get nominated this year. Given their lack of success here in the US, I didn't think the Hall would consider them- even though I thought they deserve it. Again, I'm not too crazy about their music but I do own most of their music. Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno are two big names that haven't been recognized by the Hall until now, which I think is a shame. Roxy had a good career, with several hits singles and albums from around 1971 till their split in the 1980s. I'm happy that they're in.

The Zombies- While they weren't around for long in their original run, the Zombies have released some great music. Okay so they only released a few albums but Odessey and Oracle is such an iconic album.

The induction ceremonies will take place in Brooklyn on March 29, 2019.

Paul McCartney & Wings- Wild Life & Red Rose Speedway Reissue Review

After last year’s delayed reissue of Flowers in the Dirt, the Paul McCartney Archive Collection is back with two new reissues. For this year, MPL and the powers that be have remastered and reissued the first two Wings albums- Wild Life and Red Rose Speedway. As always, each album is backed up with a second disc filled with bonus tracks. While neither are perfect, both albums have some good songs on them. After listening to both reissues, I think these are two welcomed entries in the Archive Collection.

  

Wild Life (1971)

Album rating: ***

Bonus audio rating: ***

            Towards the end of 1971, Paul McCartney had two post Beatles albums under his belt: McCartney (1970) and Ram (1971)- the latter of which he made with wife Linda. During the Ram sessions, McCartney had a solo band. When McCartney wanted his band to stay long term, drummer Denny Seiwell was the only one interested. With Seiwell on board, McCartney decided that he wanted to have another guitarist singer/songwriter to work with, which he found in guitarist Denny Laine- who at that point was best known for his short tenure in the Moody Blues. McCartney rounded up the new band by recruiting wife Linda join the new band as the keyboardist. With that, Wings was formed.  Their debut album, Wild Life, was released in December 1971. Despite the hype surrounding McCartney’s new band, the album received mixed reviews. Personally, I have to say that this is the weakest of Wings’ seven studio albums. While I like it a little more with the new remaster, it’s still an uninspired effort from McCartney.

            In terms of its production and approach, Wild Life does sound like the natural successor to Ram: it’s very simple and laid back. However, Ram took some time to record. With Wild Life, it was recorded within one week. Listening to the album, it certainly sounds like something that was lazily slapped together. Just listen to the opening track- “Mumbo”: it’s basically Wings jamming away while McCartney is improvising the most nonsensical lyrics. The nonsense continues with “Bip Bop”- which features some of the worst lyrics McCartney has written in his career. Another downside to Wild Life is that it doesn’t have a lot of rockers. Ram had a good share of them but Wild Life is lacking in them for the most part. Despite the album’s downsides, McCartney and Wings manage to offer some good songs here. The band’s reggae flavored cover of Mickey & Sylvia’s “Love Is Strange” is my personal favorite from the album. I also like the protest themed titled track and the mellow sounds of “Tomorrow.” The album’s closer, the piano heavy “Dear Friend,” is another highlight as it served as McCartney’s response to the attacks John Lennon was making towards his former bandmate around that time.

            As with the albums before it, the new remaster sounds very strong. Prior to this, my only ownership of Wild Life was a vinyl copy and an MP3 rip of that copy. The same goes for Red Rose Speedway: these remasters sound amazing. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the bass and drums are really strong on these remasters. Even though I’m not fond of Wild Life, it’s a great sounding album. It’s a shame that the songs on the album are mostly mediocre.

            The bonus disc for Wild Life features 42 minutes of music, which is pretty surprising coming from an album that was rushed. However unsurprisingly, most of the bonus tracks here are just okay at best. I do enjoy some of the home demos featuring Paul and Linda, harmonizing as their children are heard playing in the background.  Also featured on here is the controversial single “Give Ireland Back to the Irish.” Prior to this release, I hadn’t really heard the song. I think it’s a great song as it features that rocking sound missing from Wild Life.

 

Red Rose Speedway (1973)

Album rating: *** ¾

Reconstructed Double Album rating: *** ¾ to ****

Bonus audio rating: ****

            In 1972, McCartney added guitarist Henry McCullough to the band as a fifth member. Prior to joining the band, the Irish born McCullough was best known for playing in Joe Cocker’s Grease Band. With McCullough added to the band, Wings went on tour. They would release several singles before finally releasing an album in May 1973. As their sophomore effort, Red Rose Speedway is a much better album than Wild Life. While it has its weaknesses, this is an overall better album.

            Red Rose Speedway hits the ground running with the rocking “Big Barn Bed.” It’s a catchy rock tune with splendid guitar licks from Laine and McCullough. Other highlights include the R&B/soul inspired “Get On The Right Thing” and the mini-epic ballad “Little Lamb Dragonfly”- the latter of which features a strong vocal performance from McCartney. The album’s best known song, however, is the #1 hit single “My Love.” Written by McCartney as a love song to Linda, the song is still played live by McCartney to this day. McCullough shines on the song during the instrumental break with a soaring guitar solo, which McCartney has praised the now late guitarist for. While a more consistent album than Wild Life, Red Rose Speedway has some weaknesses. The album features one too many slow songs. While those songs are fine, this album could’ve used some more rockers. If you watch or listen to concerts from around that time, Wings were a rock band. When the album tries to offer rock songs later on, it’s in the form of “Loup (First Indian On the Moon),” a very lazy space themed jam. Aside from McCartney’s bass playing on the song, it could’ve been left off the album.  The album ends decently with the medley of “Hold Me Tight/Lazy Dynamite/Hands of Love/Power Cuff.” While it’s a lengthy batch of tunes, it closes out the album nicely.

Believe it or not, Red Rose Speedway was originally planned to be a double album. In an effort to make a commercially successful product, it was left as a standard single album. This is most likely why the album received the criticism that it did: it was meant to be something else. For Red Rose Speedway’s reissue, MPL went all out and included almost all of the songs cut from the original double album. In the album’s box set form, one of the many discs is the double album configuration- entitled Red Rose Speedway: Reconstructed. While that disc is exclusive to the box set, you can still create the Reconstructed tracking list with the lower priced 2-disc reissue with an iTunes playlist. So is Reconstructed any good? Overall- yes, it is. It has a nice variety of songs and is more consistent than whatever ended up coming out in 1973. Some of the songs here should’ve been released back in the day. Personally, I like the all out rocker “Night Out,” Denny Laine’s “I Would Only Smile” and the Elvis Presley/Beach Boys inspired “I Lie Around.” Some of these songs have been released on previous reissues of Red Rose Speedway. This includes “The Mess,” Linda’s “Seaside Woman” and the aforementioned “I Lie Around.” While more consistent, it’s easy to see why Red Rose Speedway ended up being a single album: this is a lot of music to digest. It’s not bad, mind you, but it’s just a lot. Nevertheless, Reconstructed is a nice companion piece to the 1973 album.

Along with the Red Rose outtakes, the bonus audio disc also includes all of the singles and non-album tracks from around the time the album was released. This includes singles such as the banned drug rocker “Hi, Hi, Hi” and “Live And Let Die”- the band’s theme for the 1973 James Bond movie of the same name. The bonus audio disc for Red Rose Speedway has a runtime of nearly 70 minutes, making this the longest of the bonus audio discs in the Archive Collection to date. This is, hands down, my favorite bonus disc in the series: not only does it offer you the singles but you also get a whole slew of unreleased tracks.

            Overall, these reissues of Wings’ first two albums are very good. While this is leaning heavily on all of the extras on Red Rose Speedway, I always look forward to these reissues every year. As with Flowers in the Dirt before it, there is no insert announcing what the next albums in the series will be. Looking over Paul’s discography, London Town and Back to the Egg might be the next two released. For the time being, we can enjoy these two new entries.

Marty Balin dead at 76

Marty Balin (born Martyn Jerel Buchwald)
January 30, 1942 - September 27, 2018

Marty Balin, singer and founding member of Jefferson Airplane, passed away on Thursday. The news was confirmed by Balin's family and rep, saying wife Susan was by his side. Balin was 76. While the cause of death is not known at this time, Balin's  health had been declining the last two years. 

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Balin was the son of Joseph and Eugenia (nee Talbot) Buchwald. Balin's father was Jewish while his mother was Episcopalian. In 1962, Balin changed his name to Marty Balin when starting out his career as a musician. He released several singles on Challenge Records before joining the folk quartet The Town Criers in 1964. In 1965, Balin had purchased a former pizza parlor on Fillmore Street- turning it into a music club called the Matrix. Jefferson Airplane came to be after Balin met fellow musician Paul Kantner at the Drinking Gourd- another music club. Balin and Kantner would team up to form a a house band for the Matrix. That band would end up becoming Jefferson Airplane- who officially formed in 1965. 

After singer Grace Slick replace original co-lead singer Signe Toly Anderson in 1966, the wheels were in motion. The band would go on to achieve success with the band's sophomore effort Surrealistic Pillow in 1967. The album was a hit, thanks in part to hit singles such as "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit." Throughout the late 1960s, Jefferson Airplane would become one of the most successful bands to come out of the East Coast- along with bands such as the Grateful Dead and Big Brother and the Holding Company- just to name a few. The band would released three more studio albums together and performing at three major music festivals: Monterrey Pop in 1967, Woodstock in 1969 and Altamont in 1969. Balin left the band in 1971. When the band changed their name to Jefferson Starship, Balin rejoined in 1974. As Jefferson Starship, the band would top the charts again with "Miracles" from the 1975 best seller Red Octopus. Balin left again in 1978, although he would rejoin the band (as Jefferson Starship: The Next Generation) many years later on/off . 

Aside from the Jefferson bands, Balin had a solo career. In 1981, Balin released his first solo album- Balin. The album featured two top 40 hits "Hearts" and "Atlanta Lady"- both of which were written by singer/songwriter Jesse Barish. In the 1990s and 2000s when not touring with Jefferson Starship, Balin would release several other solo albums- his last being 2016's The Greatest Love. While on tour in March 2016, Balin entered Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York City after complaining of chest pains. Balin ended up undergoing open-heart surgery, triple-bypass and valve-replacement surgery. In total, Balin stayed in the hospital for three months. Back in August of this year, Balin filed a lawsuit against the hospital for malpractice. According to the lawsuit, Balin had suffered vocal cord damage, loss of his thumb and half of this tongue- along with loss of mobility in his left hand. 

In his life, Balin was married three times. In 1963, he married Victoria Martin. With her, he had a daughter named Jennifer. In 1989, Balin married again- this time to Karen Deal, who was the mother of his second daughter Delaney. Balin was married to Deal until her death in 2010. Prior to his death, Balin was married to Susan Joy Balin (nee Finkelstein). 

Balin is predeceased by six former Jefferson Airplane-Starship members: Papa John Creech in 1994, Skip Spencer in 1999, Spencer Dryden in 2005, Joey Covington in 2013, along with Paul Katner and Signe Toly Anderson- who both died on the same day in January 2016. 

RIP, Marty.

Uriah Heep- Living the Dream album review

 
Uriah Heep
Living the Dream

Rating: ****

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of UK rock band Uriah Heep. For 2018, the band have released their 25th studio album. The album, Living the Dream, is the band's first album since 2014's Outsider. While I gave it a positive review years ago, Outsider has not aged as well as their other music from the 21st century. Even when it came out, I felt that Outsider was missing something that Wake the Sleeper and Into the Wild had. With Living the Dream, this is an all around great album from the guys in Heep. Compared to Outsider, Living the Dream is a more inspired effort and is a well-welcomed new entry to the band's very 'eavy, very 'umble discography. 

The album opens with the blazing "Grazed by Heaven," which also serves as the lead single for the album. Right off the bat, the band are all in fine form- firing on all cylinders on this keyboard-driven rocker. Looking down the tracking list, Living the Dream has a little bit of everything a fan would want from in a Heep album. You want more keyboard-riddled rockers? Check out "It's All Been Said" and the title track. The former has a "July Morning" feel to it while the latter features those sensational Heep vocal harmonies. Heep's vocal harmonies have been a key ingredient to the band's sound since the beginning. Many of the songs on the album rely on them to some extent, some more than others. When it comes to haunting "Knocking at My Door," the harmonies are accompanied by drummer Russell Gilbrook pounding away at the skins.

The songwriting here is also top-notch. While not necessarily a concept album, the songs on Living the Dream deal with magical and mystical themes- which a majority of their earlier work relies on. Take the chorus from the aforementioned title track for example:

"I've got the sun and the moon on one hand/The star as they're falling down in the other" sings Bernie Shaw. "You can rely on me to show you the way"

More magic and mysticism can be found on the story song "Waters Flowin'." Lyrically, the song tells the tale of an encounter with a Pied Piper-esque character. From its prog folk approach to its heavenly vocal harmonies, "Waters Flowin'" is one my personal favorites from the album. If slower tunes aren't your thing, Heep should keep you happy with some fine hard rockers in the form of fast paced "Goodbye to Innocence"and  the hypnotic "Falling Under Your Spell." Both tunes utilize in what I like to call the Heep shuffle- that walking trot sound which can be found Heep classic such as "Look at Yourself" and "Easy Livin'." However of the album's ten songs, "Rocks In The Road" is my personal favorite. It's an eight minute epic, as it transitions from standard rock tune to an all out instrumental battle.

From beginning to end, Living the Dream is an impressive effort from Uriah Heep. The band have always been a fine line between keyboard-driven hard rock and progressive rock. With Outsider, I think the band leaned more towards the hard rock side. With Living the Dream, the band found that balance again between hard rock and progressive rock- which is what makes Heep stand out among their peers. If this ends up being the last album they make, this is a great way to go out: very 'eavy and very 'umble. 

Paul McCartney- Egypt Station album review

 

Paul McCartney

Egypt Station

Rating: *** 1/2 (or *** 3/4)

Nearly five decades after the Beatles’ split, Paul McCartney has had quite the career. Whether it be with his band Wings or by himself, the man has delivered a somewhat consistent discography. When it comes to his latest album, Egypt Station, it’s another solid effort from Sir Paul. Not only is this McCartney’s first album since 2013’s New, it’s also his first album on Capitol Records since 2005’s Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. While it isn’t a perfect album, there’s something for everyone here on Egypt Station.

            The album follows a traveling theme, as seen on the album’s cover. From time to time, you’ll hear some atmospheric tracks that make you feel like you’re at a station of some sort. The album opens with the piano driven lead single “I Don’t Know,” which sets the mood of the album nicely. Lyrically, the song fits the travel and transportation theme going on, as McCartney wonders where his life is headed. McCartney’s voice here, as well as the rest of the album, sounds worn and tired at times. At 76 years old, McCartney isn’t getting any younger. Like his peers, it shouldn’t matter what his voice sounds like if the songwriting is good- which in this case it is. From there on, Egypt Station is a splendid road trip with Sir Paul as he delivers some fine pop tunes here. The second lead single, “Come On to Me,” sounds like a lost cut from the Ram album as it’s a nifty bopping rock tune. Musically, McCartney’s backing band is in fine form throughout the album and “Come On to Me” is the go-to track to prove that.

Like New before it, McCartney uses nostalgia effectively here- with several of the songs here sounding like ones from earlier in his career. While some listeners might see this as lack of creativity, McCartney is able to pull this off. For example, “Happy With You” has a “Mother Nature’s Son” vibe to it given it’s laid back approach while “Who Cares” sounds like a rocker Wings could’ve churned out in the 1970s. While the album has this loose theme of travel, there’s quite the number of love songs here. This includes songs such as “Confidante” and “Hand in Hand.” The former tells the sweet tale of an old flame while the latter is semi-autobiographical as McCartney sings about “walking through life and making our plans.” At 76, McCartney has been performing for six decades. Now being married to wife Nancy Shevell since 2011, the song could be seen as McCartney thinking out the rest of life and growing old with Nancy.

            If Egypt Station were a road trip, it would have a few speed bumps along the way. At 57 minutes, Egypt Station is a fairly long album. While they aren’t bad, “Do It Now” and “Caesar Rock” didn’t need to be on this album. The former is simply plain while the latter is somewhat of a mess. Then there’s “Fuh You,” another one of the singles from the album. Co-written with producer Ryan Tedder, it’s one of the album’s weakest songs. While it is catchy, the song’s chorus of “I just want it fuh you” is cringe-worthy alone as it sounds like McCartney is saying something dirtier. Despite its weak spots, the album manages to save the best for last with “Despite Repeated Warnings.” The mini-epic tells the story of a sea captain’s blind leadership as he decides to sail near an iceberg. Lyrically, the song is symbolic of politicians- most notably President Donald Trump. At some seven minutes long, it is an epic that has to be heard.

            Egypt Station is another fine album from Paul McCartney. I’m a little surprised by how much this has grown on me. It isn’t a perfect album, though. There is some filler here that could’ve been cut easily. Comparing this to New, I personally prefer New over Egypt Station. However, this doesn’t mean Egypt Station should be looked over. If you liked New or any of Paul’s other albums in the 2000s, you’ll probably enjoy this. 

Yoko Ono to release Warzone in October

Artist Yoko Ono has announced that she will be releasing a new studio album in the fall. The album, Warzone, will be Ono's first album since 2013's Take Me To The Land of Hell. However, Warzone is not entirely new as the album will feature re-recordings of Ono's songs from 1970 to 2009. It's also been revealed that Ono, who turned 85 in February, has also recorded a cover of her late husband John Lennon's hit "Imagine." The album's title comes from a hardcore punk influenced song that appeared on her 1996 album Rising. The re-recording of the title track was posted online today, which you can listen to down below- along with the original version.

Warzone will be released on October 19.

Vinnie Paul dead at 54

Vincent Paul Abbott

March 11, 1964 - June 22, 2018

Vinnie Paul, drummer and co-founder of Texas metal band Pantera, died late Friday night. No further details were provided in the statement posted to Pantera's Facebook page, which also asked for fans to respect the privacy of Paul's family during this time. Since the statement's post, the cause of death is still unknown. Paul was 54. 

Born Vincent Paul Abbott in Abliene, Texas, Paul and his younger brother "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott grew up listening to hard rock and heavy metal music. Music was already in the Abbott family as their father, Jerry, was a country singer. Come 1981, the Abbott brothers formed Pantera. It took a while for the brothers to find a stable line-up but by 1983, the band consisted of the Abbott brothers, bassist Rex Brown and singer Terry Glaze. The band released a few albums in the 1980s, all of which were glam metal efforts that sold little to nothing. By 1990, Glaze had left the band and was replaced by Phil Anselmo. With the release of their fifth album, Cowboys from Hell, the band had completely rebranded themselves with a heavier sound and image. Released in 1990, Cowboys from Hell was the band's breakthrough. It has since then been certified Gold and Platinum. Pantera were able to continue their success, making them one of the most popular metal bands of the 1990s. The band would release other hit albums such as Vulgar Display of Power (1992), Far Beyond Driven (1994) and The Great Southern Trendkill (1996). The band would stick together until their split in 2003. 

After the split of Pantera, the Abbott brothers formed a new band called Damageplan. The band's debut, New Found Glory, was released in early 2004. Sadly, tragedy struck the band on December 8, 2004 during a gig in Columbus, Ohio at the Alrosa Villa when Dimebag Darrell Abbott was murdered. Barely into the first song in the set, a 25 year old man named Nathan Gale walked up onto the stage and shot Darrell. Gale proceeded to fire 15 shots in total, killing three more people and injuring seven others, before Officer James Niggemeyer shot Gale from the other side of the stage. A fan and paramedics tried to revive Darrell but were unsuccessful. As a result of the tragedy, Damageplan ceased to be. 

After the death of his brother, Paul started his own record label- Big Vin Records- in 2006. Paul was hesitant about performing again but soon enough, Paul had joined the supergroup HellYeah that same year. For the next decade, HellYeah toured and recorded several albums. Their latest album is 2016's Unden!able. According to sources, the band had started recording their sixth album in November of last year. Whether or not the album was completed before Paul's death is unknown. 

This post will be updated and/or followed up once any additional information about Paul's passing has been revealed.

UPDATE (6/24/18): Vinnie Paul's family revealed that ex Pantera drummer died in his sleep. An autopsy will be performed before Paul's body is flown to Texas to be buried- where he is to be buried near his brother Darrell and mother Carolyn. BlabberMouth is also reporting that Paul had recorded his drumming for HellYeah's sixth studio album. Whether the album will be released later in the year or not is unknown at this point in time. 

Paul McCartney to release Egypt Station in September

After a week or so of hints, it has been officially announced that Paul McCartney will release a new studio album in the fall. The album, Egypt Station, will be the former Beatle's first album since 2013's New. McCartney has already released two songs from the album as the first two singles- "I Don't Know" and "Come On To Me."

In the meantime, Beatles fans can look forward to the re-release of Yellow Submarine in theaters next month for its 50th. Fans can also expect a deluxe edition reissue of The White Album later in the year, which is being done for the iconic album's 50th anniversary. No word as to the content of the re-release but it should serve as a follow up to the campaign for Sgt. Pepper's 50th last year.

Egypt Station will be released on September 7 on Capitol Records.

Listen to the two new songs right here.

Danny Kirwan dead at 68

Daniel David Kirwan

May 13, 1950 - June 8, 2018

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Danny Kirwan died yesterday at the age of 68. The news broke late last night via Fleetwood Mac's Facebook page, with a statement from drummer Mick Fleetwood. In the statement, Fleetwood  described Kirwan as a "huge force" in the band's early years.

Born in Brixton, London, Kirwan started his musical career when he was only 16 years old- joining the band Boilerhouse in 1966. It was during his time in Boilerhouse that he met producer Mike Vernon. At that time, Vernon was Fleetwood Mac's producer. After watching Kirwan rehearse with Boilerhouse, Vernon passed this on to Fleetwood Mac guitarist/founder Peter Green. Green was impressed by the young Kirwan's playing. The two became friends as Boilerhouse would open for Fleetwood Mac in London venues. 

Come 1968, Green became interested in managing Boilerhouse professionally. When bassist Trevor Stevens and drummer Dave Terrey showed no interest, Green tried to find a rhythm section to accompany Kirwan. After several auditions, Green couldn't find the right people. By August 1968, the 18-year-old Kirwan had joined Fleetwood Mac as a fifth member. With Kirwan in the group, the band had another songwriter. Kirwan's first album with the band was 1969's Then Play On. Kirwan wrote half of the songs on the album- including "Coming Your Way" and "One Sunny Day." However, Then Play On would be the band's last with Green as he left the band shortly afterwards. The band decided to continue without Green. During this time, there were more changes to the band's line up. Kirwan would stay in the band until 1972, playing on the following albums:

Kiln House (1970)- the band's first with Peter Green and their last with guitarist Jeremy Spencer

Future Games (1971)- the band's first with Bob Welch and Christine McVie

Bare Trees (1972)

In his last years with Fleetwood Mac, Kirwan struggled with alcoholism and, according to some sources, would go days without eating. Kirwan's bizarre behavior came to a head in 1972 while on tour in the US. Kirwan got into an argument with guitarist Bob Welch that was so intense, Kirwan proceeded to bang his head and fists against the wall. He then proceeded to smash his guitar, after which he refused to go on stage. Kirwan was fired as a result.  

After his time in Fleetwood Mac, Kirwan embarked on a solo career. He would release three studio albums between 1975 and 1979. During the late 1970s, Kirwan struggled with mental issues. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kirwan was homeless. According to an article from the Independent from 1993, Kirwan had been living in St. Mungo's Hostel for the homeless in London since 1989. In an interview in 2014 with Nightwatcher's House of Rock , former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Jeremy Spencer stated that he last saw Kirwan in 2001 for a morning meal in London- with Spencer's wife, Kirwan's ex-wife and Danny's son Dominic in attendance. Spencer also stated that Kirwan wasn't living "like a down and out tramp"- citing that Kirwan still played guitar and read. 

Below is the full statement from Mick Fleetwood:

"Today was greeted by the sad news of the passing of Danny Kirwan in London, England. Danny was a huge force in our early years. His love for the Blues led him to being asked to join Fleetwood Mac in 1968, where he made his musical home for many years. Danny’s true legacy, in my mind, will forever live on in the music he wrote and played so beautifully as a part of the foundation of Fleetwood Mac, that has now endured for over fifty years. Thank you, Danny Kirwan. You will forever be missed!"

~Mick Fleetwood and Fleetwood Mac

Judas Priest- Firepower album review

 

Judas Priest

Firepower

Rating: ****

As they slowly approach their 50^th anniversary, Judas Priest have released a brand new studio album. The album, Firepower, is the band’s first album since 2014’s Redeemer of Souls and their eighteenth studio album overall. On the production side, the band worked with producer Andy Sneap and even Tom Allom, who produced Priest’s studio work in the 1980s. From top to bottom, Firepower is a strong album and a worthy follow up to Redeemer of Souls.

            The album opens fittingly firing on all cylinders with the title track. Right from the start, it’s a brutal throwdown of heavy metal- complete with gallops, chugs and twin guitar harmonies from guitarists Ritchie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton. Singer Rob Halford shrieks his way through the song, as well as the entire album. Even at 66 years old, Halford’s voice still sounds solid. Some listeners might be impressed by Halford’s ability to hit those high notes, especially on songs such as the hard-hitting “Lightning Strikes” and the rapid fire “Flame Thrower.” The former is the lead single for the album while the latter has some top notch drumming from Scott Travis. With a title like Firepower, you would expect the songs from such an album to live up to that title. The album certainly does live up to its title with massive onslaughts of heavy metal delivered through songs such as the menacing “Evil Never Dies” and the guitar-driven “Traitors Gate.” While a heavy album throughout its near one hour runtime, the band are able to present different variations to the Judas Priest sound. Songs such as the militant “Rising from Ruins” and the hypnotic “Spectre” demonstrate the band’s ability in composing slower tunes while maintaining a heavy sound. Other songs on here sound as if the band are taking inspiration from their peers. The psychedelic “Children of the Sun” and the doom-ridden “Lone Wolf” both sound like songs Black Sabbath could’ve churned out back in the day. Like Redeemer of Souls, Firepower ends with a ballad- “Sea of Red.” While I prefer “Beginning of the End,” “Sea of Red” ends the album on a good note.

            Simply put, Firepower is another great album from Judas Priest. After four listens, I’m now finding myself preferring this over Redeemer of Souls. I still like Redeemer of Souls but I feel that Firepower is a more consistent album. With a new album out, the band will be touring in support of it. Prior to the album’s release, it was sadly announced that longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton would be retiring from live performing given his diagnosis with Parkinson ’s disease  ten years prior. While Andy Sneap will be filling in for him, Tipton will remain a member of Judas Priest. For the first time since their early years, Judas Priest will be touring without the twin guitar duo of KK Downing and Glenn Tipton- which is a massive loss. With an album as strong as Firepower, this would be a good album to go out with. Some fans are even asking for the band to hang it up. For the time being, I think we should just sit back and enjoy this new album.   

Dave Holland dead at 69

David Holland

April 5, 1948 - January 16, 2018

Dave Holland, former drummer for heavy metal legends Judas Priest, died last Tuesday at Hospital Unversitario Lucas Augusti in Lugo, Spain. The news was confirmed by the Spanish newspaper El Progreso. The cause of death is unknown at this point but the newspaper has revealed that Holland's body has already been cremated. Holland was 69 year old. 

Before becoming a drummer, Holland began his musical career at the age of six taking piano lessons. By the age of 14, Holland was performing in the Drumbeats. Holland's recording career started in 1966 when he played on Pinkerton's Assorted Colours' single "Mirror Mirror." By 1968, Holland was in a band called Finders Keepers. It was in Finders Keepers that Holland met guitarist Mel Galley and bassist/singer Glenn Hughes. These three men would go on to form the band Trapeze in 1969 with  multi-instrumentalist Terry Rowley and trumpeter John Jones. The band signed to the Moody Blues'  label Threshold Records and released their self-titled debut in 1970. Jones and Rowley left following the first album, leaving the band a trio. Just months after releasing their debut, this trio would release the follow up Medusa, an album that would go on to be regarded as an overlooked hard rock gem. Hughes would leave the band in 1973 while Holland stayed until 1979. 

In 1979, Holland joined Judas Priest- replacing drummer Les Binks. For the next ten years, Holland would serve as Judas Priest's drummer. Together, the band churned out classic albums such as British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance and Defenders of the Faith. Holland left the band in 1989 an was replaced by Scott Travis, who remains the band's drummer to this day. Going into the 1990s, Holland participated in two reunions of Trapeze- first in 1991 and then in 1993. Throughout the 1990s, Holland participated playing in different bands and even giving private drumming lessons. The last 15 years of Holland's life were perhaps his most difficult. In 2004, Holland was accused of several counts of sexual assault and an attempted rape against a 17 year old learning-disabled male student of Holland's. Holland, who came out as bisexual during this time, was found guilty and sentenced to eight years in prison. This lead Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi to remove Holland from a collaborative effort with Glenn Hughes- The 1996 DEP Sessions- which was released in 2004. By June 2012, Holland was released from prison and according to the BlabberMouth, Holland had been living in Lugo, Spain ever since then. Until his death, Holland always maintained his innocence of the 2004 incident. For the rest of his life, Holland lived in Spain and kept a low profile. 

At this time, no statement has been made by the members of Judas Priest. 

Fast Eddie Clarke dead at 67

Edward Allan Clarke

October 5, 1950 - January 10, 2018

Former Motorhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke has died. According to sources, Clarke passed away yesterday in a hospital after a battle with pneumonia. The news of Clarke's death was confirmed by Motorhead's Facebook page in a post, also adding that Clarke passed away peacefully. Clarke was 67. 

Clarke's career began at the age of fifteen, playing in several local bands. Prior to joining Motorhead, Clarke was in and out of several bands including Curtis Knight's Zeus and Blue Goose. With each of these bands, Clarke recorded an album or two with each of them from 1974 to 1975. Clark eventually joined Motorhead in 1976 after meeting drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor. The two are said to have met when Clarke was working on refitting a houseboat. Taylor introduced Clarke to Motorhead's bassist and frontman, Lemmy Kilmister. With that, Clarke was in the group. From 1976 to 1982, this line-up of Motorhead would go on to create the band's first five studio albums (Motorhead, Overkill, Bomber, Ace of Spades and Iron Fist). Many fans consider this line-up of Lemmy, Taylor and Clarke to be the band's classic line-up.

Clarke left Motorhead in 1982 following the release of Iron Fist. The following year, Clarke joined Fastway- a supergroup originally formed by him and UFO bassist Pete Way. Rounding out the line-up was former Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley and future Flogging Molly singer Dave King. Despite the band's revolving door of members, Clarke stuck with the group until their split in 1990. Fastway would reunite in 1997 and 2007. The band's last album was 2011's Dog Eat Dog, which featured singer Toby Jepson. Clarke's last album was his one and only solo effort- 2014's Make My Day-Back to the Blues. While Clarke kept busy throughout his career, he still found time to reunite with Motorhead for one-off performances over the years.

Clarke is the fourth former member of Motorhead to pass away. He his predeceased by guitarist Wurzel (2011) and his bandmates- Phil Taylor and Lemmy Kilmister (both 2015). 

Ray Thomas dead at 76

Raymond Thomas

December 29, 1941 - January 4, 2018

Ray Thomas, co-founding member of prog rock legends the Moody Blues, has died. The news was confirmed by Thomas' label Cherry Red Records, who said the former Moody Blues flutist/singer passed away suddenly last Thursday in his home in Surrey after a long battle with prostate cancer- which Thomas had been diagnosed with since 2014. Thomas was 76 years old. 

Thomas began his career in music by joining the Birmingham Youth Choir sometime n the 1960s. Prior to the formation of the Moody Blues, Thomas was in several soul and blues groups. By 1963, Thomas was in El Riot and the Rebels with bassist John Lodge and keyboardist Mike Pinder.  The following year, The Moody Blues were formed- with Thomas, Pinder, drummer Graeme  Edge, guitarist Denny Laine and bassist Clint Warwick. The group would go through several line-up changes until 1967- when the group had found their classic line-up of Thomas, Pinder, Edge, Lodge and guitarist Justin Hayward. From 1967 to 1972, the band were at their peak with classic albums such as Days of Future Passed, In Search of the Lost Chord and To Our Children's Children's Children. The band were even able to nab hit singles with "Nights in White Satin" and "Question." The classic line-up came to an end in 1978 when Pinder left the band. Thomas would stay with the group until 2002 when he decided to retire due to his declinging health. Aside from his music with the Moody Blues, Thomas released two solo albums: From Mighty Oaks in 1975 and Hopes, Wishes and Dreams in 1976. Shortly before his death, it was announced that the Moody Blues would be inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame for the Class of 2018. 

Thomas is survived by his wife Lee, who he married in 2009.