tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23889983604912409352024-02-19T00:30:04.711-08:00The Walrus' Music BlogHello, all. Welcome to my blog! I plan for this blog to be about classic rock, hard rock, and heavy metal. I could have news reports, lists, reviews on an album or movie/DVD, or just about anything. Enjoy my blog!Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.comBlogger445125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-59754266824011801422021-02-10T17:22:00.002-08:002021-02-10T17:22:20.018-08:00Sylvain Sylvain dead at 69<p style="text-align: center;"> Sylvain Mizrahi<br />February 14, 1951 - January 14, 2021<br /><br /><b>Note</b>: I'm aware this happened almost a month ago. I'm just posting it because I got lazy. RIP Syl.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Sylvain Sylvain, guitarist for punk pioneers the New York Dolls, passed away on January 14th. The news was confirmed by his Facebook page- saying the guitarist had been battling cancer for two and a half years. Sylvain had posted a GoFundMe in April 2019 to help raise money for his treatment. <br /><br />Born in Cairo, Egypt, Sylvain and his family would soon move to the United States. Sylvain's family would live in Buffalo, New York before moving to Rego Park in Queens. At some point in the 1960s while in middle school, Sylvain met drummer Billy Murcia. Together, they ran a clothing company called Truth and Soul during their teenage years. By 1971, the New York Dolls were formed- featuring Sylvain, Murica, singer David Johansen, guitarist Johnny Thunders and bassist Arthur Kane. The band got their name from a doll repair shop that was near where Sylvain and Murica used to work. While a long serving member, Sylvain didn't join the band until months after their first gig on Christmas Day of 1971- with Sylvain replacing guitarist Rick Rivets. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Despite the sudden death of Murica in 1972, the band soldiered on with new drummer Jerry Nolan. Signed to Mercury Records, the band would release two albums- their self-titled debut (1973) and <i>Too Much Too Soon</i>. Thunders and Nolan would leave the band in 1975 while the band managed to go on until 1977- with most of the members pursuing solo careers. For Sylvain, he would continue to work in music- releasing albums during the 1980s and 1990s. In 2004, he would reunite with Johansen and Kane for the Meltdown Festival- which was headlined by Morrissey that year. Despite Kane's death almost a week later, Johansen and Sylvain would continue with the reunited band until 2011- releasing three more studio albums. In 2018, Sylvain published an autobiography- along with playing several gigs in Japan as the Dolls. </p><p style="text-align: left;">With Sylvain's passing, he is the fifth member of the New York Dolls to pass away. The others being...</p><p style="text-align: left;">Billy Murica in 1972 <br />Johnny Thunders in 1991<br />Jerry Nolan in 1992<br />Arthur Kane in 2004<br /><br />With this, David Johansen is the lone surviving member of the band's classic line up. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-5365760940659197032020-12-30T17:05:00.002-08:002020-12-30T17:07:48.074-08:002020: Year in Review<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s
be honest: 2020 hasn’t been a great year. From the chaos of the pandemic to the
stress of the election, this hasn’t been an easy time. Still, there were a few
artists that released new music. I know I’ve been less and less active on this
blog but I just don’t have the inspiration that I used to. However, one
tradition that I would like to keep going is the Year in Review.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
is an article of my takes on the music from 2020 that I’ve purchased.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">New
albums</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">X<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Alphabetland<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">****</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">FAVORITE ALBUM OF
THE YEAR</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More than 25 years since the release
of <i>Hey Zeus</i>, LA punk rockers X surprised everyone by releasing a new
studio album. The album, <i>Alphabetland</i>, was dropped back in April 2020-
almost 40 years to the day the band released their 1980 debut <i>Los Angeles</i>.
While not a groundbreaking album, <i>Alphabetland </i>is a fun batch of tunes
in the spirit of the band’s first four albums. In just 24 minutes, X present a
little bit of everything: you got all-out punk rockers, rockabilly-tinged tunes
and ska flavored ditties. Some fans might gripe about the album not being
entirely originally- given the re-recordings of “Delta 88 Nightmare” and “Cyrano
deBerger’s Back.” Even if not entirely original, <i>Alphabetland </i>is an all
around good effort from a veteran artist.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Water
and Wine, I Gotta Fever, Goodbye Year Goodbye, Free<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bob Dylan<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rough and Rowdy
Ways<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">****</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now entering the sixth decade of his
career, Bob Dylan released his first album of original tunes since 2012’s <i>Tempest</i>.
While Dylan’s 79-year-old voice may not please everyone, the man still has a
lot to say. The ten songs on <i>Rough and Rowdy Ways </i>are songs that see
Dylan questioning his morality- along with singing songs of remorse and heartbreak.
Musically, Dylan sounds like he’s picking up where he left on <i>Tempest</i>- although
you will find some rock n roll numbers and a few bluesy tunes. While a solid
album, <i>Rough and Rowdy Ways </i>is a bit longer than it should be- with the
17 minute “Murder Most Fowl” being the misstep on the album. While many have
been praising the Kennedy assassination themed epic, the song has one too many
name drops. Despite its weaknesses, <i>Rough and Rowdy Ways </i>is still worth
a listen.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">For a more in-depth review on this album, <a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-bob-dylan-rough-and-rowdy-ways/">read my review</a> on Pop Culture Beast. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">False
Prophets, I Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You, Goodbye Jimmy Reed, My Own
Version of You</span><br /><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fee Waybill<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fee Waybill Rides
Again<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">*** ½</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More than 20 years since his last
solo album, Tubes frontman Fee Waybill surprised everyone by releasing a brand
new studio album. While a new album, some of the songs were apparently recorded
a few years earlier. Although Waybill worked with friends such as Richard Marx
on this album, <i>Rides Again </i>is just okay. The songs are catchy and
Waybill’s voice sound great. The only thing working against this album is that
it isn’t entirely memorable. I’ve only heard the album a few times and I’m
struggling to remember the names of the songs. While not entirely memorable, <i>Rides
Again </i>isn’t bad at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Faker,
Don’t Want to Pull the Trigger, Man of the World<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Residents<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Meat, Metal and
Bone<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">****</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When it comes to the Residents’ work
after the 1970s, their output is either hit or miss. In the case of <i>Meat,
Metal and Bone</i>, I’d say this is a good album. I’ll admit that I haven’t listened
to all of the group’s discography but compared to the other albums I’ve heard,
this is a really solid effort from the group. As per usual with Residents albums,
this follows a concept- performing the songs of Alvin Snow, aka the Dyin’ Dog. Part
of the experience in listening to this album is reading the liner notes included-
which tells the story of the (more-than-likely fictional) blues singer. This is
a very inspired effort from the group and it gets better on repeated listens.<br /><br />For a more in-depth review on this album, <a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-the-residents-metal-meat-and-bone/">read my review</a> on Pop Culture Beast. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">DIE!
DIE! DIE!, River Runs Dry, Momma Don’t Go, Midnight Man<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">AC/DC<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Power Up<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">****</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Despite the drama surround the band
in 2016, AC/DC returned this year with a brand new studio album- with singer
Brian Johnson and drummer Phil Rudd back in the band. Dedicated to the late
Malcolm Young, <i>Power Up </i>is a surprisingly decent album. Throughout the
album, the band are in fine form playing an array of catchy rockers. Musically,
the band are firing on all cylinders- which is impressive considering how older
these guys are. This is probably the band’s most consistent since 2008’s <i>Black
Ice</i>- albeit with a shorter runtime. With the Brian Johnson era albums after
<i>Back in Black</i>, it’s a bit of a bumpy road through their discography. With
<i>Power Up</i>, this is a thoroughly consistent effort. If this ends up being
their last one, <i>Power Up </i>would be a perfect end to their career.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Realize,
Shot in the Dark, Through the Mist of Time, Systems Down<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul McCartney<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">McCartney III<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">****</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul McCartney had no plans in
releasing new album in 2020. Once the lockdown came around, McCartney went to
work on a new studio album. As the title would suggest, <i>McCartney III </i>is
the third in a trilogy of albums, with the other two installments coming out in
1970 and 1980. Staying true to the first two albums, <i>McCartney III </i>sees
the former Beatle playing every instrument- giving the album a more intimate
feel and vibe. Musically, the album does have some of the acoustic and
experimental elements found on the first two album. However more than anything,
it sounds like a follow up to 2018’s <i>Egypt Station</i> in terms of the
production and overall sound. While not an instant classic, <i>McCartney III </i>is
still an all-around solid album.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Find
My Way, Pretty Boys, The Kiss of Venus, When Winter Comes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhUlRabTTxZ21_Y1IcITxcWXnyKJBA-cxLEdRkkbz7fbFTjy-gIlEwKa-LsRA3i00OS2hxXg9XEWN7ke1b5pBB3v9_e_nGy8orT6oPuUZLnQU-jsj6I0jQCuHIk9qUw3wDRFVvomj8A8/s783/topsters2+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="783" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhUlRabTTxZ21_Y1IcITxcWXnyKJBA-cxLEdRkkbz7fbFTjy-gIlEwKa-LsRA3i00OS2hxXg9XEWN7ke1b5pBB3v9_e_nGy8orT6oPuUZLnQU-jsj6I0jQCuHIk9qUw3wDRFVvomj8A8/s320/topsters2+%252811%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ranking<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">X-
Alphabetland<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul
McCartney- McCartney III<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">AC/DC-
Power Up<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bob
Dylan- Rough and Rowdy Ways<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Residents- Metal, Meat and Bone<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fee
Waybill- Fee Waybill Rides Again</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Archival
Releases</span></u></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Neil Young<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Homegrown<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">****</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Shelved for over 40 years, <i>Homegrown </i>was
supposed to be Neil Young’s follow-up to the immensely successful <i>Harvest</i>.
However due to the depressing nature of the songs, Young shelved the album. Now
in 2020, <i>Homegrown </i>has finally been released. As an album, it’s pretty
solid. However, it’s hard to fully immerse myself into this album. Had <i>Homegrown
</i>been released back in the day, perhaps it would’ve been considered one of
Young’s best albums. Though if it was released then, would Young’s other great
work have ever happened? Still, I do like the album. As to if I listen to it
many years from now- I don’t know. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul McCartney<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Flaming Pie<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Album Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">****<br /></span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bonus disc: </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">***</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After a two-year delay, the Paul
McCartney Archive Collection continued this year with Paul’s 1997 effort <i>Flaming
Pie</i>. Usually considered to be one of McCartney’s best later efforts, the
album has a rock/pop-indie thing going on here. From beginning to end, this is strong
abum- featuring songs such as “The Song We Were Singing,” “The World Tonight,” “Calico
Skies,” the title track and “Little Willow”- with the last being a touching
tribute to Maureen Starkey. For an album made in the late 1990s, this remaster
surprisingly sounds better than the original CD. Looking in Audacity at the
files, the original CD was much louder. With the new remaster, it sounds warmer.
As for the bonus disc, you can skip it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Jimmy
McCulloch<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">White
Line <br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">****</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An
indie label reissued the long out-of-print <i>White Line </i>tapes from Wings
guitarist Jimmy McCulloch. Formed in the late 1970s, White Line was a band
formed by McCulloch with his brother Jack and bassist/singer Dave Clark. The
band would only release one single but had about a dozen of demo tracks
recorded- which finally saw the light of day in 1994. By surprise, this
collection was reissued and it’s good to see this back in print. While most of
the songs are incomplete, this is a solid collection of tunes. Highlights
include “Call My Name” the McCulloch sung “Too Many Miles” is an absolute
killer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Listed
below are my reviews for other archival releases- all coming from Pop Culture
Beast. To read them, simply click on the text that’ll lead you to the reviews.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-peter-green-the-end-of-the-game/">Peter Green- The Name of the Game</a><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/blu-ray-review-the-point/">Harry Nilsson's The Point Blu Ray</a>- FAVORITE ARCHIVAL RELEASE<br /><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-sir-lord-baltimore-the-complete-studio-recordings-1970-2006/">Sir Lord Baltimore- Complete Albums</a><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-trapeze-discography-1970-72/">Trapeze- Trapeze/Medusa/You Are The Music We're Just The Band</a><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-the-residents-cube-e-box-set/">The Residents- Cube E Box</a><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-culpepers-orchard-mountain-music-the-polydor-years/">Culpeper’s Orchard- The Polydor Years</a><br /><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-billion-dollar-babies-battle-axe/">Billion Dollar Babies- Battle Axe</a><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/cd-review-iron-butterfly-unconscious-power-1967-71/">Iron Butterfly- Unconscious Power: 1967-71</a><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-iggy-the-stooges-from-k-o-to-chaos-box-set/">The Stooges- From KO to Chaos</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u>Movies</u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">Zappa<br /><b>Rating: </b>****<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Directed by Alex Winter (<i>Bill and Ted</i>), <i>Zappa </i>is a career-spanning documentary about the brilliant Frank Zappa. Using archival footage and new interviews from Zappa's peers, <i>Zappa </i>is able to paint a picture of one of the most unique musicians of the 20th century. While a good movie, it isn't without it's flaws: several parts of Zappa's career are missing while some fans might be disappointed that his actual music is barely discussed. If anything, this is a documentary about Frank Zappa as a person. As such, it does its job. </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>In
Memoriam<br /></b></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Neil
Peart- drummer for Rush<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bill
Rieflin- drummer for REM and King Crimson<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lou
Kouvaris- guitarist for Riot<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Florian
Schneider- member of Kraftwerk<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Little
Richard- rock n roll musician<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Astrid
Kirchher- photographer/artist, fiancé of Stuart Sutcliffe<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bob
Kulick- session musician for Kiss<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Peter
Green- guitarist of Fleetwood Mac<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pete
Way- bassist of UFO<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Frankie
Banali- drummer of Quiet Riot<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lee
Kerslake- drummer of Uriah Heep and Ozzy Osbourne<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Eddie
Van Halen- guitarist for Van Halen<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ken
Hensley- keyboardist of Uriah Heep<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dieter
Horns- bassist of Lucifer’s Friend<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Leslie
West- guitarist/singer of Mountain</span></p>Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-90122265220289536042020-12-19T17:08:00.002-08:002020-12-19T17:16:42.983-08:00Lucifer's Friend bassist Dieter Horns dead at 74<p style="text-align: center;"> Dieter Horns<br />February 28, 1946 - December 19, 2020</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Dieter Horns, bassist and co-founding member of German hard rockers Lucifer's Friend, passed away Saturday morning. His death was announced by the band's Facebook page- with singer John Lawton saying Horns will be remembered for his "musicianship, songwriting and the respect of other musicians." No cause of death has was announced. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Horns was on the co-founding members of Lucifer's Friend, who originally formed in 1968 as Electric Food. Along with Horns was singer George Mayros, guitarist Peter Hesslein, drummer Joachim "Addie" Reitenbach and keyboardist Peter Hecht. After two albums, Mayros left the band and was replaced by English singer John Lawton. The band would then change their name to Asterix before finally changing their name to Lucifer's Friend. For most of the early 1970s, Lucifer's Friend were part of the German rock- aka Krautrock- scene. The band would achieve success throughout most of Europe and elsewhere except the United States- where they never toured. The band are perhaps best known for their song "Ride the Sky"- a trailblazing heavy psych rocker. While mostly associated with heavy psych and progressive rock, the band would change it up with every album released. In their time together, the band would go through several line-up changes- with the most notable being singer John Lawton departure. Lawton joined Uriah Heep, replacing original singer David Byron. Lucifer's Friend would continue with singer Mike Starrs, which drove the band to a more AOR sound. Lawton rejoined in 1981 but the band would soon cease activity in 1982. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Lucifer's Friend would reform briefly in 1994 under the name Lucifer's Friend II. Due to inner tensions between the band members at the time, Horns was not in the band during this time- with Lawton and Hesslein being the only original members. Nearly 20 years later in 2014, Lucifer's Friend reunited with Horns, Lawton and Hesslein as the returning original members. Given Reitenbach's death in the early 2010's and Hecht lack of interest, the band recruited drummer Stephen Eggart and keyboardist Jogi Wichmann to replace them. Prior to Horns' passing, Lucifer's Friend had released two albums- <i>Too Late to Hate </i>(2016) and <i>Black Moon</i> (2019). </p><p style="text-align: left;">According to the Facebook post, Horns is survived by his longtime partner Hannelore. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Hearing about Mr. Horns' passing is sad. I interviewed Lucifer's Friend via email in 2016. While email interviews aren't the best, these guys were friendly and it was great to learn a little more about a band that aren't all that famous. <br /><br />My thoughts go out to Mr. Horn's family and friends at this point in time. </p><p style="text-align: left;">To read my interview with Lucifer's Friend from 2016, click <a href="https://thewalrusmusicblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/q-with-lucifers-friend.html">here</a>.</p>Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-5305499349268660742020-10-23T15:55:00.002-07:002020-10-23T15:55:41.087-07:00Eddie Van Halen dead at 65<p style="text-align: center;"> Edward Van Halen<br />January 26, 1955 - October 6, 2020</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">(<b>Note</b>: I'm aware that this post is very late but as mentioned before, I haven't been using this blog as much. I'll keep it going though so I thought I'd write something about the late Mr. Van Halen- with part fact and part personal thoughts)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Eddie Van Halen, guitarist and co-founding member of rock icons Van Halen, died on October 6 after a long battle with cancer. Van Halen was 65. The news was confirmed by his son and Van Halen bassist Wolfgang "Wolfie" Van Halen. According to multiple reports, Van Halen was surrounded by his wife Jamie and son Wolfgang- along with a visit from Van Halen's ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli, who is Wolfgang's mother. Formed in California during the 1970s, Van Halen would go on to become one of the most popular rock bands of all time. While originally formed by Eddie and his brother drummer Alex Van Halen, the band would soon find their classic line up after bassist Michael Anthony and singer David Lee Roth joined. After playing as the house band at the Whisky-A-Go-Go for a while, Kiss bassist Gene Simmons helped the band record a demo- which got the band signed to Warner Brothers Records. From 1978 to 1984, the band would release six studio albums- featuring classics such as "Runnin' With the Devil," "Dance the Night Away," "Unchained" and the Billboard #1 hit single "Jump." </p><p style="text-align: left;">After Roth's departure in 1985, the band continued with former Montrose lead singer Sammy Hagar. With Hagar, the band's success continued with hits such as "Dreams," "When Its Love" and "Right Now." After a failed reunion with Roth in the mid 1990s, the band tried out Extreme frontman Gary Cherone as their new singer. Unlike Roth and Hagar, Cherone wasn't as lucky: his lone album with the band, 1998's <i>Van Halen III</i>, was a critical and commercial failure. After Cherone left in 1999, the band would remain on hiatus until 2004 when the band reunited with Hagar. This resulted in a disastrous tour from 2004-05- as Eddie's substance abuse was slowing him down. After a stint in rehab, the band reunited once more in 2007 with Roth back and Eddie's then 16-year-old son Wolfgang replacing Michael Anthony. The band's last album was 2012's <i>A Different Kind of Truth</i>, which was not only the band's first album since <i>Van Halen III </i>but the first to feature Roth since <i>1984</i>. The band would continue to perform and tour until 2015. No official announcement was made about Van Halen being together or not. In 2019, word had gotten out that Eddie's health was declining- with David Lee Roth even chiming in. However, Eddie would resurface on social media not too long afterwards. In reality, Eddie was in a battle with cancer- which he was first diagnosed with in 2000 in the form of tongue cancer. Eddie recovered but over the last two decades, Eddie's cancer would return. <br /><br />So what can I say about Eddie Van Halen that hasn't already been said? In the weeks following his passing, almost everyone in the music business has commented on Eddie's influence. I was lucky enough to see Van Halen twice- once in 2004 with Sammy and again in 2007 with David. I can't help but admit that my love for the band kind of dwindled after Michael Anthony was fired. It just pissed me off that we were SO CLOSE to having the classic line up reunite but Eddie <i>had </i>to have Wolfie in the band. With Wolfie being only a few month older than me, it's easy to see why I'd be upset: there was a kid in one of my favorite bands! However, that's all in the past. Looking back, I'm happy that Eddie got to have his son join Van Halen. Wolfie has grown to become a fine musician himself and I'm sure he'll treasure those times sharing the stage with his dad. Van Halen are one of my favorite bands of all time and Eddie was the driving force in the band. The guy was a master at the guitar and his contributions to the hard rock genre are tremendous. I got into the band in 2003 or so when I was in fifth grade- just as I was discovering dozens and dozens of rock bands. Their videos were on VH1 Classic often and soon enough, I was slowly collecting their music- or at least whatever I could get a hold of. It's a bummer to hear about Eddie's passing but the guy left a lot of music behind. With that, we should be grateful. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">RIP, Eddie. </p>Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-55275038183847114402020-08-21T21:23:00.000-07:002020-08-21T21:23:14.254-07:00Frankie Banali dead at 68<p style="text-align: center;"> Frankie Banali<br />November 14, 1951 - August 20, 2020</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Frankie Banali, longtime drummer for Quiet Riot, died last night after an eighteen month battle with pancreatic cancer. Banali is said to have passed at around 7 pm- with his wife Regina and his daughter Ashley by his side. Banali was diagnosed in April 2019 but didn't reveal this until October of last year. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Born in Queens, New York, Banali was inspired to play the drums after seeing the Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan. Prior to Quiet Riot, Banali had been in several different bands- including Steppenwolf. In the 1980s, Banali would meet singer Kevin DuBrow- who was the singer for LA rockers Quiet Riot. At that point in time, Quiet Riot had split after guitarist Randy Rhoads had left the band to join Ozzy Osbourne's solo band. From 1980 to 1982, DuBrow had his own namesake band- which featured a revolving door of musician, with some being from Quiet Riot. By 1982 prior to Rhoads' untimely passing- he had given DuBrow the blessing in using the Quiet Riot name again. At the time the band changed their name, the band consisted of DuBrow, Banali, guitarist Carlos Cavazon and bassist Chuck Wright. While the band were eventually signed to Pasha Record, Wright had left the band. Wright would be replaced by former Quiet Riot bassist Rudy Sarzo, who had just come off his tour with Ozzy Osbourne- a gig that Rhoads had helped Sarzo get. After the shock of Rhoads' death, Sarzo felt back at home with the new Quiet Riot. With that, he was in the band. In March 1983, Quiet Riot would release <i>Metal Health</i>- an album that featured hit singles such as the title track and "Cum On Feel the Noize"- with the latter being a cover of a song originally by glam rockers Slade. Just a few months later, <i>Metal Health </i>reached #1 in the Billboard charts- becoming the first metal album to do so. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Sadly, the band's popularity started to decline after the release of 1984's <i>Condition Critical</i>. Sarzo would leave shortly after while DuBrow was fired in 1987 after 1986's flop <i>QR III</i>. Cavazo and Banali tried once more with new singer Paul Shortino for 1988's <i>QR</i>, which sold poorly. After a brief tour in Japan, Quiet Riot were no more. After the band's split, Banali would join shock rockers W.A.S.P. In 1989, the band released their fourth album <i>The Headless Children</i>- which was a turning point in W.A.S.P.'s career given the album's subject matters of politics and society. Banali would also play as a session musician for many recordings- including Billy Idol's hit "Mony Mony." In 1993, Banali renewed his friendship with Kevin DuBrow and rejoined the reunited Quiet Riot just in time for the band's comeback album <i>Terrified</i>. The classic <i>Metal Health </i>line up would reunite in 1997 and would last until 2003. The band would reunite the following hear- with DuBrow and Banali at the helm. The band would continue to tour until November 2007. Shortly after Thanksgiving of that year, DuBrow was found dead in his house- with the cause of death later being revealed to have been from a cocaine overdose. In early 2008, Frankie Banali announced the Quiet Riot were no more. </p><p style="text-align: left;">In 2010, Banali decided to reform Quiet Riot- bring back the surviving members of the band's last touring line-up- which included Banali, Chuck Wright and guitarist Alex Grossi. For the next ten years, this reunited version of Quiet Riot would tour all over the world with an almost revolving door of lead singers: Mark Huff (2010-11), Scott Vodkun (2012-13), Jizzy Pearl (2013-16, 2019-present), Sean Niccols (2017) and James Durbin (2017-19). The band's revival from 2010-12 was documented for the 2014 documentary feature <i>Well Now You're Here There's No Way Back- </i>which premiered on Showtime the following year<i>. </i>The band released new material in 2014 with Pearl on the half studio-half live effort <i>10</i>. For full-length studio albums, the band would release two with Durbin on lead vocals- <i>Road Rage </i>(2017) and <i>Hollywood Cowboys </i>(2019). Prior to the latter's release, Durbin left the band- with Jizzy Pearl rejoining the band in his place. For several shows in 2019, many were surprised to not see Banali present. In October 2019, Banali revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Despite his diagnosis, Banali performed with Quiet Riot whenever possible. </p><p style="text-align: left;">In his life, Banali was married twice. In 1994, he married his first wife Karen. The couple would have a daughter, Ashley, on February 17, 1997. Nearly a year and a half after Kevin DuBrow's passing, Karen Banali died on April 14, 2009 from heart failure at the age of 40. As documented in <i>Well Now You're Here</i>, Banali devoted himself to raising Ashley as a single parent. On November 11, 2015, Banali would marry Regina Russell- who directed and produced <i>Well Now You're Here</i>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">According to Mrs. Banali, further details on Frankie's funeral and the fate of Quiet Riot will all be revealed at some point in the future. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Banali is the fourth member of Quiet Riot to have passed away. He is pre-deceased by guitarist Randy Rhoads (1956-1982), <i>Terrified </i>era bassist Kenny Hillery (1965-1996) and singer Kevin DuBrow (1955-2007)</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-687925369559996272020-07-27T17:21:00.003-07:002020-07-27T17:21:36.590-07:00So it's been a while Hey there, readers! Or whoever looks at this blog anymore. I don't know. I still get hits for this thing.<br />
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As you might've noticed, I haven't been posting a lot on this blog in recent years. Prior to my obit on Peter Green, I had only posted here once about Neil Peart. There's several reasons why I'm not posting here as much as I used to but I'm still writing. So let's break this down into several parts.<br />
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1. <b>Lack of material</b>- in the early years of my blog, I was posting things here like crazy- keeping you all informed about what was going on in the music world. I also used this for ways to promote myself as a writer. As the years have gone by, I've gotten a little lazier or feel that I've posted about my favorite albums and musicians oh so many times. I gave up on anniversary articles because I wasn't getting the hits and because of the amount of work it required. So without those, the blog has become a place for me to review new things and post about when musicians pass away.<br />
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2. <b>My other writing job</b>- I've been a volunteer writer for Pop Culture Beast since 2017 after discovering the Rock Solid podcast (hosted by Pat Francis) after <i>Survivor </i>contestant David Wright appeared on an episode. With PCB, I'm able to get thing from the record label to review. Ideally, I'd like to have my reviews posted here too but I'm always afraid to post one article in two places- as WordPress might pick up on it being plagiarism. I figured maybe I could review new things on PCB and come back here to share my thoughts on what's going on in the music world. However, I just never get around to it or feel that once someone posts it somewhere- it isn't worth it.<br />
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3. <b>My podcast</b>- since September of last year, I been hard at work with <i>Albums Uncovered</i>, a revamp of my pre-recorded college radio show in which I discussed classic albums celebrating anniversaries. I've really been enjoying it but it's a lot of work.<br />
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So that's the easiest way I can explain why I don't post here as much. Though let me get this straight: I'll keep posting stuff here. Perhaps every few months, I can share the links to my posts on PCB or episodes of AU. I also want to keep doing the Year in Review write ups as well.<br />
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While most of this post has been me rambling about stuff, I just want anyone who happens to stop by here and wonder why the decrease in activity- this is why.<br />
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For now, I'll lend you all a few links to things I've written so far this year related to music- along with the URL to AU.<br />
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<u>Articles</u><br />
<a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/movie-book-review-melody-makers/">Melody Makers Movie/App Review</a><br />
<a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/blu-ray-review-the-point/">Harry Nilsson's The Point Blu Ray Review</a><br />
<a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-peter-green-the-end-of-the-game/">Peter Green- The End of the Game Reissue Review</a><br />
<a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-sir-lord-baltimore-the-complete-studio-recordings-1970-2006/">Sir Lord Baltimore- The Complete Studio Recordings Review</a><br />
<a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/vinyl-lp-review-x-discography-1980-83/">X- First Four Albums on Vinyl Review</a><br />
<a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-bob-dylan-rough-and-rowdy-ways/">Bob Dylan- Rough and Rowdy Ways Album Review</a><br />
<a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-the-residents-metal-meat-and-bone/">The Residents- Metal, Meat and Bone Album Review</a><br />
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<a href="https://albumsuncovered.libsyn.com/">Albums Uncovered Libsyn Website</a>Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-33772805238337247682020-07-26T16:14:00.002-07:002020-07-26T16:14:39.983-07:00Peter Green dead at 73<div style="text-align: center;">
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Peter Allen Greenbaum</div>
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October 29, 1946 - July 25, 2020</div>
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Peter Green, guitarist and co-founding member of Fleetwood Mac, died yesterday at the age of 73. A statement released yesterday says that Green passed away peacefully in his sleep. </div>
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Born in a Jewish family in Peckham, London, England, Green started playing guitar professional by the age of 15. After playing in and out of bands throughout the 1960s, he landed a spot in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers- replacing Eric Clapton in October 1965. By 1967, Green left to form his own blues band- with Bluesbreaker bandmate drummer Mick Fleetwood joining him. Along with guitarist Jeremy Spencer and bassist John McVie, Fleetwood Mac were formed- with Green taking the name from the band's rhythm section of Fleetwood and McVie (although at the time of their formation, McVie wasn't ready to join just yet- technically making bassist Bob Brunning the original bassist). </div>
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Shortly after the release of their debut album, the band brought in a third guitarist Danny Kirwan. As a five piece band with three guitarists, Fleetwood Mac stood out amongst their peers. As a musician, Green would write several of the band's early hits such as "Oh Well," "Albatross", "The Green Manalishi" and "Black Magic Woman"- with those last two later being covered by Judas Priest and Santana respectively. However, Green would leave the band in May 1970. In March of that year, the band were on tour in Europe. While in Munich, it's been said that Green attended a party at a commune- where he took LSD. Many see this point as Green's decline in mental health. Soon after leaving the band, Green would released an instrumental debut album <i>The End of the Game </i>in 1970. In the years after leaving Fleetwood Mac, Green found himself in psychiatric hospitals. There was also an incident where Green held his accountant David Simmons at gunpoint. In the late 1970s, Green was diagnosed with schizophrenia and underwent electroconvulsive therapy. </div>
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In 1979, Green went back recording- starting with <i>In The Skies</i>. In the late 1990s, Green would form the Peter Green Splinter Group- with some help from musicians Nigel Watson and Cozy Powell. The band would perform and record from 1997 to 2004. For the rest of his life, Green kept a low profile while also agreeing to the occasional interview. </div>
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In his life, Green was married once to Jane Samuels from 1978 to 1979. They would have one daughter, Rosebud- who was born in 1978. </div>
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Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-912798784671777172020-01-10T15:40:00.000-08:002020-01-10T15:40:21.123-08:00Neil Peart dead at 67<div style="text-align: center;">
Neil Ellwood Peart</div>
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September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020</div>
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Neil Peart, drummer for Canadian power trio Rush, passed away earlier this week on Tuesday. The news was confirmed by spokesman Elliot Mintz- who is also known for his association with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. According to Mintz, Peart died after a private three and a half year battle with brain cancer. Peart was 67. </div>
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Peart was born in Hamilton, Ontario to Glen and Betty Peart. He was the first of four children- with Peart's siblings being Danny, Judy and Nancy. At a young age, Peart had an interest in music. When Peart was 13, his parents bought him a pair of drumsticks- with Peart's parents promising their son a drum kit if he was still practicing after one year. By age 14, Peart had earned his first drum kit. Peart struggled in finding any success in his first few years as a drummer. At 18, he moved to London for a year and a half but with no luck. In 1974, Peart was asked by a friend of his to audition for a band called Rush. Their original drummer, John Rutsey, had just left the band and they were looking for a replacement. Peart auditioned for future bandmates bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson. In the end, Lee and Lifeson decided to hire Peart- officially joining the band on July 29, 1974. For the next four decades, this line-up would stick together. In Rush, Peart contributed his top-notch drumming skills to complicated pieces such as "2112," "Tom Sawyer," and "YYZ" just to name a few. Peart also served as a lyricist for the band, with his influences coming from the work of philosopher/author Ayn Rand and science fiction. </div>
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While Rush's classic line up would stay together until 2015, there was brief hiatus between 1997 to 2001. In 1997 shortly after the band's Test For Echo tour had concluded in August 1997, Peart's 19-year-old daughter Selena was killed in a single-car accident. Just ten months later in June 1998, Peart's common-law wife Jackie Taylor succumbed to her battle with cancer. Given his tragedy, Peart took a sabbatical and traveled around America for a long time- which was documented in his book <i>Ghost Rider: Travel on the Healing Road</i>. By 2002, Rush were back with their next album <i>Vapor Trails</i>. The band would continue to tour until 2015 when the band quietly retired. </div>
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Peart is survived by his wife of 19 years Carrie Nuttall and their daughter Olivia (born 2009). </div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-69467465663427045822019-12-31T17:32:00.001-08:002019-12-31T17:33:05.965-08:00Top 30 Favorite Albums of the 2010sThis is a simple post just to bump this year's total number of blog posts to 10.<br />
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With this being the end of a decade, I decided to rank my favorite album in the 2010s. I used the website Topsters2 to make the picture. Enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTY4GP5mqCGUjB3Fg94s9WFs-zR4Ak4FwIcWgPbmJccj7sHKd24lHfT0hQcIUJPF9CfRsy-0UHTpv1IXWLBuBVWR3Oqn_4PKURet0Q7Qh0JZiIpB4xPJtmjvgH1-qXCqTXLnDQJh05Go/s1600/topsters2+%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1600" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTY4GP5mqCGUjB3Fg94s9WFs-zR4Ak4FwIcWgPbmJccj7sHKd24lHfT0hQcIUJPF9CfRsy-0UHTpv1IXWLBuBVWR3Oqn_4PKURet0Q7Qh0JZiIpB4xPJtmjvgH1-qXCqTXLnDQJh05Go/s400/topsters2+%25284%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. David Bowie- Blackstar<br />
2. Bob Dylan- Tempest<br />
3. David Bowie- The Next Day<br />
4. Iggy Pop- Post Pop Depression<br />
5. Judas Priest- Firepower<br />
6. Accept- Blood of the Nations<br />
7. Uriah Heep- Into the Wild<br />
8. Van Halen- A Different Kind of Truth<br />
9. Rush- Clockwork Angels<br />
10. Paul McCartney- New<br />
11. Judas Priest- Redeemer of Souls<br />
12. Riot- Immortal Soul<br />
13. Uriah Heep- Living the Dream<br />
14. Iron Maiden- The Book of Souls<br />
15. Black Star Riders- All Hell Breaks Loose<br />
16. Alice Cooper- Welcome 2 My Nightmare<br />
17. Riot V- Unleash the Fire<br />
18. Kiss- Monster<br />
19. Accept- Blind Rage<br />
20. Riot V- Armor of Light<br />
21. Scorpion Child- Scorpion Child<br />
22. Black Star Riders- The Killer Instinct<br />
23. Scorpion Child- Acid Roulette<br />
24. The Who- WHO<br />
25. Slash- Slash<br />
26. Black Star Riders- Heavy Fire<br />
27. W.A.S.P.- Golgotha<br />
28. Black Star Riders- Another State of Grace<br />
29. Lucifer's Friend- Black Moon<br />
30. Paul McCartney- Egypt StationAaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-7144102697833885662019-12-31T17:21:00.002-08:002019-12-31T17:21:26.335-08:002019: Year In Review<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">2019 Year in Review<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even though my blog is now ten years old, I haven’t been posting here as much as I used to. I’m posting more on Pop Culture Beast, which I like. I’ve been kind of busy this year, I guess. However, I love posting my Year in Review articles and here’s the next one. Overall, this was an okay year for new releases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">NEW ALBUMS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/lucifers-friend/black-moon/"><img alt="Lucifer's Friend - Black Moon" src="https://e.snmc.io/i/300/w/6a108e89fc4f03af2a74014d153e794e/7453133" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lucifer’s Friend<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Black Moon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now four years since reuniting, German hard rockers Lucifer’s Friend released <i>Black Moon </i>this year. Serving as the follow up to 2016’s <i>Too Late to Hate</i>, <i>Black Moon </i>is a superior album in both production and variety of songs. While <i>Too Late to Hate </i>wasn’t a bad album, it wasn’t a perfect album. With their second reunion album, the band came up with a new batch of tunes- going through their variety of styles during their original incarnation. With that, <i>Black Moon </i>makes for an enjoyable nostalgic trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Call the Captain, Black Moon, Freedom, Palace of Fools, Black Moon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/hollywood-vampires/rise/"><img alt="Hollywood Vampires - Rise" src="https://e.snmc.io/i/300/w/b679800fcd587858476f1d6cc3828350/7591701" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hollywood Vampires<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Following up their self-titled debut album from 2015, supergroup Hollywood Vampires released their sophomore effort. Whereas their debut was almost all cover tunes, <i>Rise </i>is a mostly all originals. While the debut was an album filled will faithful renditions of classic rock tunes, at least there was a concept and theme for it. With <i>Rise</i>, the tunes aren’t bad but they aren’t very memorable. While I respect what Alice, Joe and Johnny are doing- this was mediocre at best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Who’s Laughing Now, Rise, People Who Died<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/black-star-riders/another-state-of-grace/"><img alt="Black Star Riders - Another State of Grace" src="https://e.snmc.io/i/300/w/c75645336cb9338e7e4c5484b77d3f1b/7712156" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Black Star Riders<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Another State of Grace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Serving as the follow up to 2017’s <i>Heavy Fire</i>, <i>Another State of Grace </i>is yet another killer album from Black Star Riders. The Thin Lizzy spin off band have made yet another great album- jam packed will ten new hard rockers. This album is a little more similar to <i>The Killer Instinct </i>in that the band seems to be drifting away from the Lizzy sound. Musically, it sounds like a Lizzy album but there’s some diversity here with the instruments used and lyrical content.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tonight the Moonlight, Another State of Grace, In the Shadow of the War Machine, Poisoned Heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/iggy-pop/free/"><img alt="Iggy Pop - Free" src="https://e.snmc.io/i/300/w/6c89bf37093a5a1c3b579b870d9e5613/7633009" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Iggy Pop<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Free<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">*** ½<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While nowhere near as good as 2016’s Post Pop Depression, Iggy Pop’s latest album sees him experimenting with jazz. Pop’s voice sounds great and suites the music extremely well. Still, it isn’t a perfect album as it does fizzle out towards the end. While I personally prefer Post Pop Depression, I can appreciate Free for not being a retread of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">James Bond, Sonali, Glow in the Dark<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ringo/whats-my-name/"><img alt="Ringo - What's My Name" src="https://e.snmc.io/i/300/w/7075d000fa5a5348c3cd41c768eda229/7725922" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ringo Starr<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">What’s My Name?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With each of Ringo’s album, he follows a very simple formula. While not a bad album, <i>What’s My Name </i>is no different than Ringo’s previous albums in the last ten or twenty years. Still, you got to give the men kudos for still making music all these years later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Grow Old With Me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-who/who/"><img alt="The Who - Who" src="https://e.snmc.io/i/300/w/9c6d66a9e9751aeefd241d0aa243ca76/7725236" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Who<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">WHO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">FAVORITE ALBUM OF THE YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>13 years after the somewhat underwhelming <i>Endless Wire</i>, the Who released a brand new studio album. The album, simply titled <i>WHO</i>, is a surprisingly consistent batch of songs. While Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are the only members left in the band, the two veteran rockers still deliver a great album- which range from hard rockers to ballads. As with modern day albums, the production is too loud. Still, this is an all-around good album from the Who.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><b>Highlights: </b>All of this Music, Ball and Chain, Detour, Break the News, I Don’t Wanna Get Wise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">RANK<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Who- WHO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Black Star Riders- Another State of Grace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lucifer’s Friend- Black Moon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Iggy Pop- Free<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hollywood Vampires- Rise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ringo Starr- What’s My Name?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">REISSUES<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Residents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">pREServed Edition Series<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Residents continued their pREServed Edition Series this year with a plethora of new entries. Below are the releases that came out and the hyperlinks will lead you to my reviews on Pop Culture Beast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-the-residents-eskimo-and-the-commercial-album-preserved-editions/">Eskimo and The Commercial Album</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/the-residents-the-mole-box-the-mole-trilogy-preserved-edition/">The Mole Box</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-the-residents-eskimo-deconstructed/">Eskimo Deconstructed</a> (not part of the series)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-the-residents-god-in-three-persons-preserved-edition/">God in Three Persons</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-the-residents-not-available-a-nickle-if-your-dicks-this-big-preserved-editions/">Not Available and A Nickel If Your Dick’s This Big (WB Album/BS)</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Iggy Pop<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Zombie Birdhouse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Iggy’s long out-of-print 1982 effort was finally given a reissue on CD for the first time since 2003. After being dropped by Arista Records, Iggy was given one last chance on Chris Stein’s Animal Records Label. The album did nothing and Iggy wouldn’t record again until 1986. As a result, Zombie Birdhouse is a forgotten album. Now this isn’t The Idiot or Lust For Life. Nevertheless, this is a neat batch of tunes and an underrated album.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highlights: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Run Like a Villain, Life of Work, The Villagers, Bulldozer, The Horse Song<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Beatles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Abbey Road<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Original Album rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">*****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Remix rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Session tracks</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">: ****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Following up the White Album box set from last year, Abbey Road was next to be reissued. While my all time favortie album by any artist, the super deluxe edition of this album is okay at best. The new remix offers nothing new and doesn’t sound too different from the original mix. The bonus discs of studio outtakes save the set from being a bust, along with the informative hardback book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mick Ronson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Only After Dark: The MainMan Years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating (for all albums)</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">: ****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">For my review on this set, <a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-mick-ronson-only-after-dark-the-complete-mainman-recordings/">click here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">LIVE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Riot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Official Bootleg Box Set Vol. 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">For my review on this set, <a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-riot-live-in-america-the-official-bootleg-box-set-vol-3/">click here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">RIP<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Peter Tork- bassist for the Monkees<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scott Walker- singer/songwriter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul Raymond- keyboardist for UFO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Roky Erickson- singer/songwriter (13<sup>th</sup> Floor Elevators)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Philomena Lynott- mother of Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Eddie Money- singer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ric Ocasek- guitarist/singer for the Cars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ginger Baker- drummer for Cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Neil Innes- comedian/musician (Rutles)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-74502897434838895502019-10-06T16:41:00.001-07:002019-10-06T16:41:34.355-07:00Ginger Baker dead at 80<div style="text-align: center;">
Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker</div>
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August 19, 1939 - October 6, 2019</div>
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Drummer Ginger Baker, best known as one third of Cream, died today. The news comes one week after Baker's family announced that the drummer was "critically ill" in the hospital. While it was reported that Baker was "hold his own" days later, Baker eventually passed away. Baker was 80 years old. </div>
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Born in Lewisham, South London, Baker earned his nickname Ginger given the red color of his hair. While athletic as a child, Baker took up drumming when he was 15 years old- taking lessons from British jazz drummer Phil Seamen. By 1963, he was a member of the Graham Bond Organisation- an R&B/jazz/rock band. The bassist for GBO was Jack Bruce. In 1966, Baker and Bruce left the band- joining up with former Yardbirds guitarist Eric Clapton. Together, the three musicians formed Cream- with the name referring to the fact that they were the "cream of the crop." In their two years together, Cream would released four albums- <i>Fresh Cream </i>(1966), <i>Disraeli Gears </i>(1967), <i>Wheels of Fire </i>(1968) and <i>Goodbye</i> (1969). The band would have hits with songs such as "I Feel Free," "Sunshine of Your Love," "Strange Brew" and "White Room." While the band would split in 1968, the trio would reunite in 1993 for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction and in May 2005 for a series of four shows at the Royal Albert Hall. This was followed by three gigs at the Madison Square Garden in October of that year. </div>
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Following Cream, Baker was involved in various different projects. In 1969, he and Clapton joined up with Traffic's Steve Winwood and Family's Ric Grech. This became the short lived supergroup Blind Faith, who released only one album in August 1969. In the early 1970s, Baker formed another short lived band- Ginger Baker's Air Force. During the early1970s, Baker stayed away from rock music. Instead, Baker experimented with jazz fusion and Afrobeat. From 1971-73, Baker spent time is Africa- which is documented in the Tony Palmer directed movie <i>Ginger Baker in Africa. </i>He would also collaborate with Nigerian musician Fela Kuti during this time. </div>
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By the mid 1970s, Baker returned to rock music- join brothers Adrian and Paul Gurvitz- best known for their work with short lived bands such as Gun and Three Man Army. With Baker, the Baker Gurvitz Army was formed. From 1974 to 1976, the band release three albums- with the band splitting after their manager died in a plane crash. In the early 1980s, Baker was briefly a member in space rock legends Hawkwind. </div>
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While respected as a musician, Baker was notorious for his temper- which is shown in the 2012 documentary <i>Beware of Mr. Baker</i>. In recent years, Baker's health declined. In 2013, he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease- coming from his years of smoking. In 2016, it was announced that Baker was recovering from open heart surgery. In his life, Baker was married four times. He is survived by three children- two daughters, Nettie and Leda (born 1960 and 1968) and a son, Kofi (born 1969). </div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-21252034175081046352019-09-15T21:34:00.002-07:002019-09-15T21:34:57.057-07:00In Memoriam: Eddie Money (1949-2019) and Ric Ocasek (1944/9-2019)This weekend has seen the passing of two classic rock icons. I've decided to put them here in one blog post.<br />
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Edward Joseph Mahoney (aka Eddie Money)</div>
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March 21, 1949 - September 13, 2019</div>
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Singer Eddie Money died on Friday morning at his house in Los Angeles, California. As for the cause of death, Money is said to have died from complications of a recent heart valve replacement. Just several weeks ago, it had been announced that Money was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. Money is said to have received the diagnosis in the fall of 2018, which was shown in an episode of Money's reality show <i>Real Money </i>on AXS TV the night before he passed. Money was 70 years old. </div>
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Born Edward Mahoney, Money found success during the late 1970s and most of the 1980s. His self titled debut, released in 1977, featured the hit singles "Two Tickets to Paradise" and "Baby Hold On." With the launch of MTV in the early 1980s, Money's music videos for hits such as "Shakin'," "I Think I'm In Love" and "Take Me Home Tonight" were in constant rotation. For years, Money struggled with drug and alcohol addictions. In 2001, Money is said to have joined a 12-steps-program. By 2003, he was clean and sober. However, Money was a long-time smoker- which likely contributed to his cancer diagnosis. </div>
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Money was married to Laurie Harris. The two wed in 1989 and would have five children- Zachary, Jessica, Joseph, Desmond and Julian. In recent years, Money had Jessica, Desmond and Julian members of his touring band. Just last year, the Money family started their own reality show <i>Real Money</i>. At this point in time, the show is currently in its second season. AXS TV have announced that they will continue to air the remaining two episodes in the season for the rest of September. </div>
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Richard Theodore Otcasek</div>
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March 23, 1944/1949 - September 15, 2019</div>
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Musician Ric Ocasek, best known as the singer/rhythm guitarist for the Cars, was found dead in his home in New York City. NYPD officers are said to have responded to a 911 call at around 3 pm ET for an unconscious and unresponsive male. Ocasek was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time, the cause of death is unknown. Ocasek was 70, although other reports are claiming he was 75. </div>
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Ocasek was one fifth of new wave rockers the Cars. Formed originally in Boston in 1976, the band consisted of Ocasek, guitarist Elliot Easton, bassist Benjamin Orr, drummer David Robinson and keyboardist Gregg Hawkes. The band's 1978 self-titled debut album catapulted the band to stardom- featuring hits such as "Just What I Needed," "Good Times Roll," and "You're All I've Got Tonight." In 1980s, the band's popularity increased with the launch of MTV. With this, the band scored several hits such as "Let's Go," "Shake It Up," "Drive" and "You Might Think" just to name a few. The band would release six studio albums before they split in 1987. Despite Orr's death in 2000, the band reunited in 2010- which resulted in the reunion album <i>Move Like This </i>in 2011. Along with his career with the Cars, Ocasek had a fairly successful solo career. In 1986, he scored a solo hit with "Emotions in Motion." In 2018, the Cars were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame- marking the last time the band would perform together. </div>
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In his life, Ocasek was married three times. He was married briefly to his first wife during the 1960s. He married his second wife, Suzanne, in 1971. In 1989, Ocasek married for a third time to model Paulia Porizkova- a woman he had first met on the set of the music video for the Cars' "Drive" in 1984. They were married until 2018- when Porizkova announced that they had separated. Ocasek had six sons- two with each of his wives: Christopher (b. 1964), Adam (b. 1970), Eron (b. 1973), Derek (b. 1981), Jonathan (b. 1993) and Oliver (b. 1999). </div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-26326061674447732792019-06-12T16:18:00.001-07:002019-06-12T16:18:17.107-07:00Philomena Lynott dead at 88<div style="text-align: center;">
Philomena Lynott</div>
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October 22, 1930 - June 12, 2019</div>
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Philomena Lynott, mother of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, died this morning after a long battle with cancer. In late 2017, Ms. Lynott announced that she was deciding to not receive any further treatment for her illness. She was 88 years old. </div>
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Born in the Crumlin district of Dublin, Ms. Lynott was the fourth of nine children. Leaving school at 13, she soon went to work in a senior home before becoming a nurse. Sometime in 1949, she began a relationship with a man named Cecil Parris. Soon enough, Ms. Lynott became pregnant. When most of her peers were having abortions, Ms. Lynott chose to keep her baby. On August 20th, 1949, she gave birth to her son Philip Parris Lynott. Raising Phil, Ms. Lynott faced prejudice given Phil was mixed race- with his father being black. With it becoming increasingly difficult to raise her son, Ms. Lynott left Phil in the care of her parents. However, Ms. Lynott would give birth to two more children- a girl and a boy. Although she put them up for adoption, she remained in contact with them. The knowledge of Phil's sibling was unknown to the public until 2011 in a revised edition of her autobiography <i>My Boy</i>. Though they only saw each other every now and then, mother and son would remain close. </div>
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Starting in 1964, Ms. Lynott was in a relationship with Dennis Keeley. Together, the two took over as managers of the Clifton Grange Hotel in Whalley Range, Manchester. For the next 14 years, the hotel became well known- especially after Phil's success with Thin Lizzy. For every gig the band had in the area in the 1970s, Ms. Lynott would accommodate her son's band. Aside from Thin Lizzy, the hotel would be occupied with the show business trade. Ms. Lynott also holds the distinction of being the only hotel manager that would accommodate the Sex Pistol during their 1976 tour. </div>
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On January 4, 1986, Ms. Lynott faced the devastating loss of Phil- who died after years of drug abuse. Prior to this, Ms. Lynott was unaware of her son's addictions. Despite the passing of her son, Ms. Lynott stayed strong and carried on keeping her son's memory alive. In 1995, she published an autobiography, <i>My Boy- </i>a book documenting her life with Phil. For years, she attended the annual tribute show for her son- Vibe for Philo. She also had a bronze statue constructed of Phil in 2005, which has since then become a popular spot in Dublin for fans to make their pilgrimages. </div>
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Tributes have been pouring out on social media, including from the official Thin Lizzy social media pages. On Thin Lizzy's Facebook account, a statement from guitarist Scott Gorham was posted:<br /><br />"It is with great sadness that we learned today that Philip's mom, Philomena Lynott, has passed away. She was always a great supporter of Thin Lizzy from the early days, throughout the band's existence and beyond. She always did her best to keep Phil's flame alive over the years, opening up her home to thousands of fans from around the world who paid her a visit. RIP Phyllis- we'll miss you."</div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-19146607959725192272019-05-31T16:58:00.000-07:002019-05-31T16:58:01.646-07:00Roky Erickson dead at 71<div style="text-align: center;">
Roger "Roky" Kynard Erickson</div>
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July 7, 1947 - May 31, 2019</div>
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Texan singer/songwriter Roky Erickson, guitarist of the 13th Floor Elevators, died today at the age of 71. The news was confirmed by Austin360, who reported that the news of Erickson's death broke on social media. Erickson's brother Sumner said in a statement "The world has lost a huge light an incredible soul. Wasn't the easiest life, but he's free of all that now."</div>
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Born in Austin, Texas, Erickson began playing music when he was very young. Starting piano at age 5 and guitar at age 10, Erickson had already established his career path. Erickson dropped out of Travis High School in 1965 after refusing to cut his hair to fit the school's dress code. Despite this, Erickson would soon form his own band- the 13th Floor Elevators with musician Tommy Hall. Signed to International Records, the band released their debut <i>The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators </i>in October 1966. The band released two more studio albums- <i>Easter Everywhere </i>in 1967 and <i>Bull of the Woods </i> in 1969- the latter of which Erickson is said to have barely played on. Tensions within the band and management lead to group's split in 1968. </div>
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After the split of the Elevators, the next few years of Erickson's life were rough. After speaking gibberish during a 1968 concert, Erickson was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He was went to a psychiatric hospital in Houston, where he was involuntarily given shock therapy. An arrest for drug possession the following year, which he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Erickson was sent to Austin State Hospital and then Rusk State Hospital- where he received more shock therapy after attempted escapes. When Erickson was released in 1972, he went back to making music- forming several different bands. By 1979, he had formed Roky Erickson and the Aliens. Compared to the psychedelia of the Elevators, Erickson's new music was more hard rock based- with an obsession for horror movie creatures and UFOs. Former Creedence Clearwater Revival bassist Stu Cook would end up producing Erickson's first solo effort <i>The Evil One</i>, which was released in 1981. </div>
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Demos and outtakes of Erickson's music would continue to be released on small labels throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 2005, he was the subject of <i>You're Gonna Miss Me, </i> a documentary about his life and battle with schizophrenia. During the film of the movie (c. 2001), Erickson's younger brother Sumner gained legal custody of him. With Sumner's help, Erickson went through different treatments and eventually after the movie's release- Erickson was performing again. His last album was 2010's <i>True Love Cast Out All Evil</i>. In 2015, Erickson reunited for a one-off gig with the 13th Floor Elevators- which included former members Tommy Hall, John Ike Walton and Ronnie Leatherman, along with guitarist Fred Mitchim and Roky's son Jegar. </div>
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At this point in time, no further details have been revealed about Erickson's passing. </div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-13559320414925152852019-04-13T16:46:00.002-07:002019-04-13T16:46:42.946-07:00UFO's Paul Raymond dead at 73<div style="text-align: center;">
Paul Martin Raymond<br />
November 16, 1945 - April 13, 2019<br />
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Paul Raymond, best known as the keyboardist/guitarist for UK hard rockers UFO, died today from a heart attack. Prior to his passing, Raymond had finished touring for the UK and Ireland portion of UFO's Last Orders 50th Anniversary Tour- what is being promoted as the band's last world tour. The band's last performance was on April 5 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, England. Raymond was 73. </div>
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Raymond started his career as a jazz musician around 1964. Prior to joining UFO, Raymond was a member of Savoy Brown and Chicken Shack- replacing Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac fame in the latter. Raymond joined UFO in 1976, replacing original keyboardist Danny Peyronel. Raymond's first album with UFO was 1977's <i>Lights Out</i>. Raymond would stick with the band until 1981, leaving to join bands with his UFO bandmates: first with Michael Schenker's group MSG and later with Pete Way's Waysted. Despite his depature, Raymond would sporadically rejoin UFO throughout the years- 1984-86, 1993-98 and 2003-19. Among Raymond's other highlights are performing with pop group Plastic Penny and Fleetwood Mac guitarist Danny Kirwan. </div>
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Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-69233976432703091592019-04-13T16:31:00.001-07:002019-04-13T16:31:05.860-07:00Scott Walker dead at 76<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b style="text-align: left;">Note: </b><span style="text-align: left;">This obituary on Scott Walker was written almost a month ago. I didn't post this since I wasn't sure if this did him justice. After looking it over again, I think it's okay. While this is late, I feel like this still needs to be posted.</span></i><br />
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Noel Scott Engel (aka Scott Walker)</div>
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January 9, 1943 - March 22, 2019<br /></div>
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Singer Scott Walker died last week on Friday March 22, according to his label 4AD in a press release. The cause of death has yet to be announced. According to 4AD, Walker is survived by his daughter Lee, his granddaughter Emmi-Lee and his partner Beverly. Walker was 76.</div>
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Born in Hamilton, Ohio as Noel Scott Engel, Walker was the son of Noel Walter and Elizabeth Engel. With his father working as an oil industry manager, Walker and his family moved on/off up until 1959 when he and his mother settled in California. Walker's career started early as he was a child actor and singer. His appearances on Eddie Fisher's TV show lead Walker into the spotlight. As Walker grew up, his tastes in music began to change. While Fisher's show was making Walker into a teen idol, Walker had already developed an interest in jazz music and European films. While still in his teens, Walker was able to do some session work in Los Angeles. Around the early 1960s, Walker met musician John Maus- who was using the name John Walker. The two would end up working together for the next several years until 1964 when they met drummer Gary Leeds. This trio would form the Walker Brothers. The group would soon move to Britain, where they had two No. 1 hits- "Make It Easy on Yourself" and "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)." </div>
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When the Walker Brothers split in 1968, Walker embarked on a solo career. Whereas the Walker Brothers had made pop music, Walker's sound took a turn as he used his distinctive baritone voice to sing a more diverse collection of tunes. Walker's first few solo albums saw him delving into Broadway hits, big band jazz and avant garde. Despite positive reviews, Walker's albums were not best sellers. As a result, Walker would often disconnect himself from the general public- becoming somewhat of a recluse. Commercial failure resulted in Walker giving into the label's demands, resulting in him releasing albums that his heart wasn't completely in. Despite his lack of success, artists such as David Bowie and Jarvis Cocker would cite Walker as an influence. After years of inactivity during the 1980s, Walker returned to music in 1995 with the release of <i>Tilt</i>- a critically acclaimed return to form. Until his death, Walker would continue to make music until his death. His latest albums was the soundtrack to the Natalie Portman movie <i>Vox Lux </i>in 2018. </div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-31197251678775379582019-02-21T14:56:00.002-08:002019-02-21T19:20:29.616-08:00Peter Tork dead at 77<div style="text-align: center;">
Peter Halsten Thorkelson</div>
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February 13, 1942 - February 21, 2019</div>
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Peter Tork, bassist/singer for the Monkees, passed away today at his home in Connecticut. His death was confirmed by his sister, Anne, in article posted by the Washington Post. According to Tork's son Ivan, the cause of death was complications from adenoid cystic carcinoma- a rare form of head and neck cancer that Tork was diagnosed with in March 2009. Tork was 77.</div>
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Born Peter Thorkelson in Washington D.C., Tork was a struggling musician looking for his big break. In 1965, Tork's musician friend Stephen Stills was auditioned to be a part of the cast for <i>The Monkees</i>, a sitcom about the life of a rock n roll band. When Stills was rejected, he suggested that Tork should be auditioned. Tork got the job and along with Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones and Mike Nesmith- the Monkees were formed. <i>The Monkees </i>premiered on NBC in September 1966. Given how successful the first two Beatles movies were, <i>The Monkees </i>was a huge hit when it aired. On the show, Tork was portrayed as the lovable dim-witted member of the group. </div>
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However, the band weren't taken seriously due to the fact that they were a manufactured band. Under the management of Don Kirshner, the members of the Monkees were often not allowed to perform on their own records. Although Nesmith and Tork were allowed to write and play on their songs, the Monkees fought to be taken as a legitimate rock/pop group- which they were able to do after parting ways with Kirshner. Despite the drama behind the scenes, the Monkees were able to nab a few hit singles such as "Last Train To Clarksville," "(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone," "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and "Daydream Believer." While the show ended in 1968 after two seasons, the band continued to perform and record music until 1970- although Tork left the group shortly after the release of their feature length film <i>Head</i>. </div>
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Despite the group's split, the band reunited in the mid 1980s and then sporadically throughout the 1990s and 2000s- albeit sometimes without one or two members. The whole group did reunite in 1996 for the album <i>Justus</i>, which also lead to a TV special around that time. As of this writing, the Monkees are currently on tour with Dolenz and Nesmith in the line up. Outside of the Monkees, Tork continued to write songs and work in the music business. For the last 15 years, Tork performed with his own band- Shoe Suede Blues. Their 2018 album, <i>Relax Your Mind</i>, was the last album Tork released prior to his death. </div>
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In his life, Tork was married four times: Jody Babb (three months in 1960), Reine Stewart (1972-74), Barbara Iannoli (1975-87) and Pamela Grapes (since 2014). He is survived by his three children: Hallie (b. 1970, with Stewart), Ivan (b. 1975, with Iannoli) and Erica (b. 1997, with Tammy Sestak). Tork is also predeceased by former Monkees band mate Davy Jones, who died in late February 2012 from a heart attack. </div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-12665463717738085872019-01-30T15:56:00.002-08:002019-01-30T15:56:52.240-08:00Beatles' Let It Be movie re-release and Peter Jackson companion movie announcedFifty years to the day of their iconic Rooftop Concert, the Beatles have made an announcement that many fans have been waiting for. After decades in obscurity , the band's 1970 documentary feature <i>Let It Be </i>will finally be re-released in the near future. The news, however, is topped off with the announcement of a newly edited version of the movie- which will be directed by critically acclaimed film director Peter Jackson. In the press release today, Jackson announced that he will be looking through almost 55 hours of unseen footage that was shot by the movie's original director Michael Lindsay-Hogg. <div>
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Originally released in 1970, <i>Let It Be </i>documents the Fab Four creating their next studio album (which was called <i>Get Back </i>at that point in time). The movie has been a topic of controversy as the it documents the tensions between the band, as the recording of the new album began in Twickingham Studios. To defuse tensions, the band went back to the basement of Apple Records to record the rest of the album. Pianist Billy Preston was also invited, which then led up to the band's historic Rooftop Concert. While originally intended to be a TV movie, <i>Let It Be </i>was released in theaters to some acclaim. The band themselves were critical of the movie when released, given how the band were portrayed. The movie would be broadcast on TV over the years until 1981 when the movie was released on VHS, Laserdisc, and Betamax- along with a CED videodisc release the following year. Almost as soon as it was on home video, the movie went into obscurity. For the next three decades, there have been many attempts made in re-releasing the movie. </div>
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Below is a list of attempted re-releases of the movie:</div>
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- Ron Furmanek remasters the movie from the original 16mm. This footage is later seen in the Beatles Anthology mini series. There are plans for the new remaster to be released on VHS but this never happens.<br /><br />-In 2003, a remix of the <i>Let It Be </i>album is released. Entitled <i>Let It Be...Naked</i>, it was reported that the new album would coincide with a re-release of the movie on DVD. The album is released but the movie remains unreleased. </div>
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-In 2008, it is reported that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr stopped a remaster/reissue of the movie on DVD from going through. In the years that follow, some anonymous sources claim that Yoko Ono was the one who kept it from being released. In 2017, someone claimed it was not only Yoko blocking the release but also the estate of George Harrison- possibly Harrison's widow, Olivia. </div>
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As a result of the movie's unavailability, the movie has been bootlegged heavily amongst Beatles fans over the decades- using the 1981 release as the source. In the last decade or so, McCartney and Starr have spoken up about the movie's status. In a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone, Starr remarked that the movie should be released. In 2016, McCartney told Rolling Stone that he didn't know why the movie wasn't out yet. Toward the end of 2018, McCartney hinted that the movie might be re-edited in "a year or two." While the main announcement is centered around the new Peter Jackson project, the press release claims the original movie will be restored. </div>
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This is very exciting news. This is long overdue and I really wish this would all come out later in 2019. Realistically, I'm thinking both movies will be released in 2020, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the <i>Let It Be </i>album- as well as the 50th anniversary of the band's split. Apple is most likely focused on celebrating <i>Abbey Road</i>'s 50th this year- as a follow up to the remixes of <i>The White Album </i>and <i>Sgt. Pepper</i>. </div>
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An official DVD/Blu-ray release of the <i>Let It Be </i>is probably the holy grail of Beatles releases. What has me concerned is that while the original movie will be restored, I'm afraid of the possibility of that not seeing a home video release. This was the case with the <i>Eight Days A Week </i>movie- in which the Shea Stadium concert was shown in theaters but not on home video. I am all for this new version from Peter Jackson but even if that movie ends up being better than the original, I would still like to see the original released. Either way, this should be an exciting next few years down the line. </div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-64557991833528743112018-12-30T18:37:00.002-08:002018-12-30T18:37:52.098-08:002018: Year in Review<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">NEW
RELEASES<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/w_a_s_p/reidolized-the-soundtrack-to-the-crimson-idol/"><img alt="W.A.S.P. - ReIdolized (The Soundtrack to the Crimson Idol)" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/a97c037ba903894d88d9cb09976e4be4/6858606" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">W.A.S.P.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Re-Idolized<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Rating</b>: ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Delayed one year to the 25<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of W.A.S.P.’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Crimson
Idol</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Re-Idolized </i>is what it
sounds like: a re-recorded version of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Crimson Idol</i>. However, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Re-Idolized </i>has
some new songs attached to it- which were supposedly meant for the original
album but weren’t recorded. While <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Re-Idolized
</i>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 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crimson
Idol </i>music videos. No disrespect to Blackie and the guys but I’ll stick
with the original album. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/judas-priest/firepower/"><img alt="Judas Priest - Firepower" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/06ff147bb7dd1167330f1077fe8edb1f/6763239" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Judas Priest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Firepower<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Rating</b>: ****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">FAVORITE ALBUM
OF THE YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>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 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Redeemer of Souls</i>.
From top to bottom, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Firepower </i>is a
killer album from the legendary metal band. While <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Redeemer of Souls </i>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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Highlights</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: Lightning
Strikes, Spectre, Children of the Sun, Rising from Ruins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/riot-v/armor-of-light/"><img alt="Riot V - Armor of Light" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/fd7366ef22690d2e71c0b3849a441605/6849022" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Riot V<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Armor of Light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Rating</b>: ****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Following 2014’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unleash the Fire</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Armor of Light </i>is a killer follow up from hard rock/metal band.
Whereas <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unleash the Fire </i>was a
nostalgic tribute Mark Reale, the music on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Armor
of Light </i>is more in the vein of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thundersteel</i>-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, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Armor of Light </i>is another solid
installment to the Riot discography. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Highlights: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Heart of a Lion,
Ready to Shine, Victory, Caught in the Witches Eyes, Messiah <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-residents/i-am-a-resident/"><img alt="The Residents - I Am a Resident!" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/9e1b1ecfbac08921cfb1436ae7c12d38/7032392" /></a>\</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Residents</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I Am a Resident!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Rating</b>: *** ½<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul McCartney<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Egypt Station<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Rating</b>: *** ¾ to
****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While not as consistent as 2013’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New</i>, Paul McCartney’s newest studio
effort is still a welcome entry to the former Beatle’s discography. Production
wise, it follows where <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New </i>left off. When
it comes to the songs, McCartney has offered a fairly diverse batch of tunes-
while following the theme of traveling. While <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Egypt Station </i>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, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Egypt Station </i>has more
highs than lows- which make for a pleasant listen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Highlights: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Despite Repeated
Warning, Come On To Me, Who Cares, Happy With You, Hand in Hand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dream-child/until-death-do-we-meet-again/"><img alt="Dream Child - Until Death Do We Meet Again" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/ddca04bd66dade52a61261bf2307cb32/7021341" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dream Child<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Until Death Do
We Meet Again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Rating</b>: *** ¾ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>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, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Until Death
Do We Meet Again</i>, 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. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/uriah-heep/living-the-dream/"><img alt="Uriah Heep - Living the Dream" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/e499070f7e1eb2f086aa5903ae5af563/7018993" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Uriah Heep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Living the Dream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Rating</b>: ****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nearing
their 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary, Uriah Heep have released their 24<sup>th</sup>
studio album. While I gave it positive marks upon its release, I was also
holding back on 2014’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Outsider</i>:
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 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wake the Sleeper </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Into the
Wild</i>. With <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Outsider</i>, the band
leaned a little more toward their hard rock element. With <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Living the Dream</i>, Heep are back in full form with another set of
keyboard/organ driven hard rock tunes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Highlights:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rocks
in the Road, Waters Flowin’, Grazed by Heaven, Goodbye to Innocence, Knocking
at My Door<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/yoko-ono/warzone/"><img alt="Yoko Ono - Warzone" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/210f6f6dfa8d4f0550bcdd6d388937ad/7091869" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yoko Ono<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Warzone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Rating</b>: *** ½ to
*** ¾ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now 85 years old, Yoko Ono has
released another studio album- her first since 2013’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Take Me To The Land of Hell</i>. Unlike her previous albums from the 21<sup>st</sup>
century, Ono decided to re-record some of her earlier songs. In doing so, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Warzone </i>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 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Starpeace</i>- 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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Highlights: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Imagine, Hell in
Paradise, Children Power, Teddy Bear <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ranking<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Judas
Priest- Firepower<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Uriah
Heep- Living the Dream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Riot
V- Armor of Light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul
McCartney- Egypt Station <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dream
Child- Until Death Do We Meet Again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yoko
Ono- Warzone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Residents- I Am A Resident!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">W.A.S.P.-
Re-Idolized<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>REISSUES/REMASTERS
</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Residents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Meet the
Residents, Third Reich, Fingerprince, Duck Stab<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Rating</b>: ****
(for all four + extras)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">FAVORITE
RE-RELEASE OF THE YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To read a more in-depth review on these
reissues, feel free to </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">read my r</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">eviews on them via Pop Culture Beast.<br /><br />For the reviews on <i>Meet the Residents </i>and <i>Third Reich N Roll</i>, click <a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-residents-meet-residents-third-reich-n-roll-preserved-editions/">here</a>.<br />Fore the reviews on <i>Fingerprince </i>and <i>Duck Stab</i>, click <a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/album-review-residents-fingerprince-duck-stabbuster-glen-preserved-editions/">here</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br /></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/wings/wild-life-1/"><img alt="Wings - Wild Life" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/5f9f8899cba2fb944dc0ce1a10289480/2400767" /></a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/paul-mccartney-and-wings/red-rose-speedway/"><img alt="Paul McCartney & Wings - Red Rose Speedway" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/664e5aa59ad411982a6205b410870ac2/2400795" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul McCartney
& Wings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wild Life &
Red Rose Speedway<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Wild Life </b></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>rating</b>: ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Red Rose Speedway</b></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b> rating</b>: *** ¾ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Bonus tracks</b>:
*** for WL, **** for RRS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it’s the
reissue of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red Rose Speedway </i>that
really stands out- as it boasts all of the unreleased songs from the recording
sessions. With <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red Rose</i> originally
intended as a double album, there’s a nice batch of new Wings tunes for all
fans to enjoy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-beatles/the-beatles-and-esher-demos/"><img alt="The Beatles - The Beatles and Esher Demos" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/5aeafad1a8d82047904eb07504305dba/7242107" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Beatles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The White Album
Remix <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Remixed album</b>:
*** ½<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Bonus disc</b>: *** ¾
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Beatles’ self-titled album, known
lovingly as the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">White Album</i>, turned
50 this year. Following up last year’s remix of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sgt. Pepper</i>, Giles Martin has created a new remix of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The White Album</i>. While not a bad remix,
I have the same feelings as I did with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sgt.
Pepper</i>’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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>ARCHIVAL</b></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div>
<a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/riot/the-official-bootleg-box-set-volume-2-1980-1990/"><img alt="Riot - The Official Bootleg Box Set Volume 2: 1980 - 1990" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/20e01cde913d2718e49526f30396ea30/6685548" /></a></div>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Riot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Official
Bootleg Box Set Vol. 2<br /><b>Rating: </b>****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 90.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 90.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>MOVIES/DVD<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
my reviews on the Freddie Mercury/Queen biopic <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bohemian Rhapsody</i>, please read it <a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/movie-review-bohemian-rhapsody/">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
my review on the John Lennon <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Imagine/Gimme
Some Truth </i>DVD, please read it <a href="http://www.popculturebeast.com/dvd-review-john-lennon-yoko-ono-imagine-gimme-some-truth/">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Both
of these links direct to my original articles posted on Pop Culture Beast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Rest In Peace<br /></u></b></span><a href="https://thewalrusmusicblog.blogspot.com/2018/01/ray-thomas-dead-at-76.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ray Thomas</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- singer/flutist for the Moody Blues</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /><a href="https://thewalrusmusicblog.blogspot.com/2018/01/fast-eddie-clarke-dead-at-67.html">Fast</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://thewalrusmusicblog.blogspot.com/2018/01/fast-eddie-clarke-dead-at-67.html"> Eddie Clark</a>- guitarist for Motorhead and Fastway</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /><a href="https://thewalrusmusicblog.blogspot.com/2018/01/dave-holland-dead-at-69.html">Dave Holland</a>- drummer for Judas Priest <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://thewalrusmusicblog.blogspot.com/2018/06/danny-kirwan-dead-at-68.html">Danny Kirwan</a>- guitarist for Fleetwood Mac <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://thewalrusmusicblog.blogspot.com/2018/06/vinnie-paul-dead-at-54.html">Vinnie Paul</a>- drummer for Pantera <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://thewalrusmusicblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/marty-balin-dead-at-76.html">Marty Balin</a>- singer for Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-72346138981613460152018-12-14T19:43:00.001-08:002018-12-14T19:43:03.886-08:00Rock N Roll Hall of Fame: Class of 2019- My ThoughtsBack 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.<br />
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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.<br /><br /><b>The Cure- </b>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.<br />
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<b>Def Leppard- </b>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 <i>Pyromania </i>and <i>Hysteria </i>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.<br />
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<b>Janet Jackson</b>- 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.<br /><br /><b>Stevie Nicks</b>- 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.<br />
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<b>Radiohead</b>- 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.<br /><br /><b>Roxy Music- </b>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.<br />
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<b>The Zombies</b>- 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 <i>Odessey and Oracle </i>is such an iconic album.<br />
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The induction ceremonies will take place in Brooklyn on March 29, 2019.<br />Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-33750344332053416602018-12-14T18:58:00.001-08:002018-12-14T18:58:41.817-08:00Paul McCartney & Wings- Wild Life & Red Rose Speedway Reissue Review<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After last
year’s delayed reissue of <i>Flowers in the
Dirt</i>, 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- <i>Wild Life </i>and
<i>Red Rose Speedway</i>. 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/wings/wild-life-1/"><img alt="Wings - Wild Life" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/5f9f8899cba2fb944dc0ce1a10289480/2400767" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wild
Life (1971)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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rating: ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bonus
audio rating: ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Towards
the end of 1971, Paul McCartney had two post Beatles albums under his belt: <i>McCartney </i>(1970) and <i>Ram </i>(1971)- the latter of which he made
with wife Linda. During the <i>Ram </i>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, <i>Wild Life</i>, 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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> In
terms of its production and approach, <i>Wild
Life </i>does sound like the natural successor to <i>Ram</i>: it’s very simple and laid back. However, <i>Ram </i>took some time to record. With <i>Wild Life</i>, 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 <i>Wild
Life </i>is that it doesn’t have a lot of rockers. <i>Ram </i>had a good share of them but <i>Wild Life </i>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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> As
with the albums before it, the new remaster sounds very strong. Prior to this,
my only ownership of <i>Wild Life </i>was a
vinyl copy and an MP3 rip of that copy. The same goes for <i>Red Rose Speedway</i>: 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 <i>Wild
Life</i>, it’s a great sounding album. It’s a shame that the songs on the album
are mostly mediocre.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> The
bonus disc for <i>Wild Life </i>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 <i>Wild Life</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/paul-mccartney-and-wings/red-rose-speedway/"><img alt="Paul McCartney & Wings - Red Rose Speedway" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/664e5aa59ad411982a6205b410870ac2/2400795" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Red
Rose Speedway (1973)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Album
rating: *** ¾ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Reconstructed </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Double
Album rating: *** ¾ to **** <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bonus
audio rating: ****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> 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, <i>Red
Rose Speedway </i>is a much better album than <i>Wild Life</i>. While it has its weaknesses, this is an overall better
album. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <i>Red Rose Speedway </i>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 <i>Wild Life</i>, <i>Red Rose Speedway </i>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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Believe it or
not, <i>Red Rose Speedway </i>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
<i>Red Rose Speedway</i>’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 <i>Red Rose Speedway</i>:
<i>Reconstructed</i>. While that disc is
exclusive to the box set, you can still create the <i>Reconstructed </i>tracking list with the lower priced 2-disc reissue with
an iTunes playlist. So is <i>Reconstructed </i>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 <i>Red Rose Speedway</i>. This
includes “The Mess,” Linda’s “Seaside Woman” and the aforementioned “I Lie
Around.” While more consistent, it’s easy to see why <i>Red Rose Speedway </i>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, <i>Reconstructed </i>is a nice companion piece
to the 1973 album. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Along with the
<i>Red Rose </i>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 <i>Red Rose Speedway </i>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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Overall,
these reissues of Wings’ first two albums are very good. While this is leaning
heavily on all of the extras on <i>Red Rose
Speedway</i>, I always look forward to these reissues every year. As with <i>Flowers in the Dirt </i>before it, there is
no insert announcing what the next albums in the series will be. Looking over
Paul’s discography, <i>London Town </i>and <i>Back to the Egg </i>might be the next two
released. For the time being, we can enjoy these two new entries.</span>Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-32107066452309839402018-09-28T20:39:00.001-07:002018-09-28T20:39:43.359-07:00Marty Balin dead at 76<div style="text-align: center;">
Marty Balin (born Martyn Jerel Buchwald)<br />January 30, 1942 - September 27, 2018</div>
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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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 <i>Surrealistic Pillow </i>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 <i>Red Octopus</i>. Balin left again in 1978, although he would rejoin the band (as Jefferson Starship: The Next Generation) many years later on/off . </div>
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Aside from the Jefferson bands, Balin had a solo career. In 1981, Balin released his first solo album- <i>Balin</i>. 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 <i>The Greatest Love</i>. 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. </div>
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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). </div>
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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. </div>
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RIP, Marty.</div>
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Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-27960611832943321652018-09-20T19:41:00.001-07:002018-09-20T19:41:17.807-07:00Uriah Heep- Living the Dream album review<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/uriah-heep/living-the-dream/"><img alt="Uriah Heep - Living the Dream" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/e499070f7e1eb2f086aa5903ae5af563/7018993" /></a><br />
Uriah Heep<br />
Living the Dream</div>
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<b>Rating: </b>****<br />
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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, <i>Living the Dream</i>, is the band's first album since 2014's <i>Outsider</i>. While I gave it a positive review years ago, <i>Outsider </i>has not aged as well as their other music from the 21st century. Even when it came out, I felt that <i>Outsider </i>was missing something that <i>Wake the Sleeper </i>and <i>Into the Wild </i>had. With <i>Living the Dream</i>, this is an all around great album from the guys in Heep. Compared to <i>Outsider</i>, <i>Living the Dream </i>is a more inspired effort and is a well-welcomed new entry to the band's very 'eavy, very 'umble discography. </div>
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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, <i>Living the Dream </i>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.<br />
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The songwriting here is also top-notch. While not necessarily a concept album, the songs on <i>Living the Dream </i>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:<br />
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"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"<br />
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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.<br />
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From beginning to end, <i>Living the Dream </i>is an impressive effort from Uriah Heep. The band have always been a fine line between keyboard-driven hard rock and progressive rock. With <i>Outsider</i>, I think the band leaned more towards the hard rock side. With <i>Living the Dream</i>, 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. </div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-33804397133872045962018-09-13T17:51:00.000-07:002018-09-13T17:51:50.421-07:00Paul McCartney- Egypt Station album review<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/paul-mccartney/egypt-station-8/"><img alt="Paul McCartney - Egypt Station" src="//e.snmc.io/i/300/w/7fe54241aac157f2440b4d6a4a591f4a/7038353" /></a></div>
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Paul McCartney</div>
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Egypt Station</div>
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<b>Rating: </b>*** 1/2 (or *** 3/4)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">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, <i>Egypt
Station</i>, it’s another solid effort from Sir Paul. Not only is this
McCartney’s first album since 2013’s <i>New</i>,
it’s also his first album on Capitol Records since 2005’s <i>Chaos and Creation in the Backyard</i>. While it isn’t a perfect album,
there’s something for everyone here on <i>Egypt
Station</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> 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, <i>Egypt Station </i>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 <i>Ram </i>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. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Like <i>New </i>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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> If
<i>Egypt Station </i>were a road trip, it
would have a few speed bumps along the way. At 57 minutes, <i>Egypt Station </i>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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <i>Egypt Station </i>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 <i>New</i>, I
personally prefer <i>New </i>over <i>Egypt Station</i>. However, this doesn’t
mean <i>Egypt Station </i>should be looked
over. If you liked <i>New </i>or any of
Paul’s other albums in the 2000s, you’ll probably enjoy this. </span></div>
Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388998360491240935.post-35686930033597199732018-07-24T18:51:00.000-07:002018-07-24T18:51:04.719-07:00Yoko Ono to release Warzone in OctoberArtist Yoko Ono has announced that she will be releasing a new studio album in the fall. The album, <i>Warzone</i>, will be Ono's first album since 2013's <i>Take Me To The Land of Hell</i>. However, <i>Warzone </i>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 <i>Rising</i>. The re-recording of the title track was posted online today, which you can listen to down below- along with the original version.<br />
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<i>Warzone </i>will be released on October 19.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kUeIcLyrQ98" width="560"></iframe>Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06481332105196079162noreply@blogger.com0