Pink Floyd confirm "The Endless River" album's release

Over the weekend, it was leaked by Polly Samson (aka Mrs. David Gilmour) that there would be a new Pink Floyd studio album out soon. After numerous reports since Samson's Twitter post, Pink Floyd's Facebook page has confirmed the album's release. The album, The Endless River, is an album of previously unreleased material from 1994. This material was recorded almost after the band had finished recording  1994's The Division Bell. The album is also said to be the last recording sessions featuring keyboardist Rick Wright, who passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer. It has also been confirmed that previous reports on guitarist David Gilmour making a solo album were false: in reality, he and drummer Nick Mason are in the studio right now remixing the album. The Endless River is slated for an October release.

I'm excited to hear of this news but I'm still a little worried. It's great that we'll be getting an album of never before released material but from what I'm reading, these sessions (referred to by Mason as "The Big Spliff") were not for a Pink Floyd album. This was a different project So in a nutshell: this is a studio album of recording sessions for an unreleased album that are now being passed off as a brand new Pink Floyd album. It does make me feel better that Gilmour and Mason are actually in the studio working on the album, but who knows how much of this work is actually brand new. Keep in mind that I'm still excited about this album, but not as excited as everybody else.

As for Roger Waters' involvement in this project, it's not happening. Don't get me wrong: I would love to see Roger record new bass tracks for the album but I highly doubt this will happen. He had left the band in 1983 after The Final Cut. From what I understand, Waters and Gilmour are on good terms so you never know. As for any plans for a tour, I wouldn't hold your breath. Even though my expectation are low, I'm looking forward to this new album.

Quiet Riot- "10" review

 

Quiet Riot

10

Rating: *** 1/2 

            Two days after announcing its release, Quiet Riot’s new album has been released digitally. The album, 10, comes off as an oddly arranged album- featuring six new studio tracks with current lead singer Jizzy Pearl and four live tracks featuring the late Kevin DuBrow. While many have criticized drummer Frankie Banali’s choice to reform Quiet Riot in 2010, some longtime fans might be surprised by 10.

            This reunited version of Quiet Riot has been together since 2010. The band currently consists of singer Jizzy Pearl, guitarist Alex Grossi, bassist Chuck Wright and drummer Frankie Banali. Of the four members, casual fans might only be familiar with Banali as he is the only member of the Metal Health line-up in the band. Wright has been in and out of the band since before the classic line-up while Grossi joined in 2005. These three musicians were in the last line-up of Quiet Riot before singer Kevin DuBrow’s death in 2007. DuBrow once stated that this was his favorite version of Quiet Riot to play with, which is the reason why Banali decided to reform the new version of the band with Grossi and Wright. Since 2010, the band has been through two different lead singers: Mark Huff (2010-2012) and Scott Vodkun (2012-2013). The band’s current singer is Jizzy Pearl, formerly of Love/Hate and Ratt.

            The first six tracks on the album are all new songs featuring Pearl on vocals. The first of them, “Rock In Peace,” is a simple Zeppelin-esque rocker. Pearl’s vocals are remarkable similar to DuBrow’s. The lyrics make references to previous Quiet Riot songs, using the “Well now you’re here, there’s no way back” line from “Metal Health” in the chorus. “Bang for Your Buck” is a bouncy sounding track while “Back on You” is a crunchy fast-paced rocker. Both songs utilize vocal harmony sections, which brings back memories of the band’s albums made in the 1980s. Of the new tracks, “Backside of Water” and “Band Down” are weakest ones of the bunch. While they aren’t bad songs, nothing sticks out as different although Grossi’s solo on the latter is impressive. Grossi continues to show off his skills on the last of the studio tracks, “Dogbone Alley.”

            The last four tracks on the album are live cuts, featuring the late great Kevin DuBrow on lead vocals. These live tracks are from some of the last shows that DuBrow would ever play in his life. Banali made a wise choice in not picking live performances of the band’s hits. Instead, we have an eclectic bunch of tunes. “Put Up or Shut Up,” a cut from QR III, is more enjoyable live than in the studio. “Free” and “South of Heaven” from 2006’s Rehab are also featured on here. While Kevin’s vocals are sensational, the quality of the live recording could have been better (though this is probably the best we’re going to get). The album ends with a medley of British blues rock tunes, ranging from Humble Pie, the Jeff Beck Group and Led Zeppelin.

            Overall, 10 is a fun album to listen to. I’m quite surprised at how this turned out. I think fans who are skeptical about this new line-up should at least give it a listen. If the band ever did want to record a full-length studio album with Pearl, I’d be all for it.  

Uriah Heep- "Outsider" album review

 

Uriah Heep

Outsider

Rating: ****

In their 45^th year, English prog rockers Uriah Heep have released their 24^th studio album. The album, Outsider, is the band’s first album since 2011’s Into the Wild. This also the band’s first album since the passing of bassist Trevor Bolder, who lost his battle with cancer last year.  Like its predecessor, Outsider is another great album from Heep that delivers heavy tunes and sensational harmonies. Uriah Heep currently consists of singer Bernie Shaw (since 1986), guitarist Mick Box (since 1969, the band’s sole original member), bassist Davey Rimmer (since 2013), drummer Russell Gilbrook (since 2007) and keyboardist Phil Lanzon (since 1986).

            The album opens with the sonic “Speed of Sound.” Right off the bat, Heep are off to a good start: the lyrics are strong and Lanzon’s keyboard work is impressive. The lyrics describe how fast life goes by. “Sometimes I can’t keep my feet on the ground/I can’t let go,” sings Shaw. “My world is spinning just like the speed of sound/I can’t let go, it’s all that I know.” This is followed by the lead single, “One Minute.” The song opens as a piano-led song until the keyboards and guitar come in. I can’t help but notice that the guitar riff sounds somewhat similar to Heep’s classic “Bird of Prey.” While the song isn’t the best choice for a lead single, it is indeed a very catchy song.

            Heep continues to shine throughout the album. Throughout their 45 years together, Heep have teetered in between being a progressive rock band and a hard rock band. This is no exception on Outsider, as the band are really both. Hard rockers come in the form of “The Law” and the title track. The former has an impressive guitar solo from Box while the latter showcases Rimmer’s bass playing skills. The band, however, gets progressive on the beckoning “Is Anybody Gonna Help Me?” and the spacey “Kiss the Rainbow” (though the latter is less progressive). The band even dabbles in “jock rock” with “Rock the Foundation.” The chorus is particularly corny (“baby’s gonna rock the foundation/Cos’ baby’s doesn’t really care/Baby’s gonna cause a sensation/Cos’ baby wants a love affair”) but damn, is it catchy!

            “Looking at You” is another highlight from the album, with its fast-paced feel and soaring harmonies. Heep are known for their vocal harmonies, as it is present in a majority of their work. If someone needs to be convinced the band still has it, “Looking at You” will prove this. My personal favorite song off the album, however, is “Can’t Take That Away.” The song is a throwback to old school Heep, with a fast gallop ala “Look at Yourself” and “Easy Livin’.” The song has a strong carpe diem attitude with a chorus that Heepsters can live by: “There’s one thing in life that you do best/Just do it well/And you can’t take that away/No you can’t take that way.”

            Outsider is another great album from Uriah Heep. While I will admit I do enjoy Into the Wild more, this is a worthy follow up. It’s amazing that the band are still going after all these years. 45 years later, Uriah Heep are still very ‘eavy and very ‘umble! 

Rock Recap: Led Zeppelin, Ace Frehley, Beatles

I've finally graduated college a week or two ago, so you might be seeing more blog posts from me. I'm going to something a little different here and recap the news stories I haven't done posts on.

Led Zeppelin sued
As many of you might know, Led Zeppelin were sued by the management for psychedelic rock band. Spirit's attorney has filed a lawsuit against Zeppelin for copying Spirit's 1968 instrumental "Taurus" in the beginning of Zeppelin's 1971 classic "Stairway to Heaven." This is most likely being done now due to the fact that Jimmy Page is starting a series of Led Zeppelin reissues, starting with the band's first three albums. Next year, it's likely we will see the reissue for Led Zeppelin IV- which is the album "Stairway" can be found. I've talked about this incident before. As a Spirit fan, it makes me angry that Page never at least gave Randy California co-writing credit but Randy didn't think to do anything while he was alive, as he passed in 1997. As of now, singer Jay Ferguson and bassist Mark Andes are the two surviving original members of Spirit's original line-up- with California, keyboardist John Locke and drummer (as well as California's step-father) Ed Cassidy all deceased).

Recently, a judge in Pennsylvania called the lawsuit "unprofessional." It turns out the lawyer in this lawsuit has filed several other lawsuits relating to song plagiarism, one including Usher. Jimmy Page has also chimed in on the news, calling it ridiculous.

Ace Frehley
Former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley will have a new studio album out next month. The album, Space Invader, will be the guitarist's first studio album since 2009's Anomaly. Today, a single called "Gimme A Feelin'" premired on Rolling Stone.com. Click here to listen.  The album will be released on July 8.

Beatles
As mentioned before, A Hard Day's Night will be re-released on DVD and Blu-Ray through the Criterion Collection on June 24. The movie will also be seeing a re-release in theaters. Late last month, it was announced that the movie will be in theaters during the 4th of July weekend, most likely trying to release it as close to the movie's original release date- July 6, 1964.

Judas Priest announce new studio album- Redeemer of Souls

British heavy metal legends Judas Priest have announced today that they will be releasing a brand new studio album. The album, Redeemer of Souls, will be the band's first studio album since 2008's conceptual Nostradamus.  This will be Priest's first album without co-founding member and guitarist KK Downing, who left the band in 2011 before the band embarked on their Epitaph Tour which had been promoted as their farewell tour and/or the last world tour. The band seems to have changed their mind, now with guitarist Richie Faulkner taking Downing's place. The album will be released in the US on July 15 and in the UK the day before.

I'm happy to see that Priest are back. I think the whole "farewell" thing was going to be a farewell tour, but I remember Rob Halford saying that they might remain a recording band only. I wouldn't be surprised if their next tour has a small amount of tour dates. As for the new song, it's pretty good. I'm not blown away by it or anything but Halford sounds pretty good at his age, I must admit. I will be getting this album for sure.

You can listen to the new song right here.

AC/DC confirm ill bandmate and deny retirement

Despite the rumors, AC/DC will continue although without one of their founding members. 

At the beginning of this week, it was rumored that AC/DC rhythm guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young had suffered a stroke three weeks ago- making him unable to perform. As a result, the band would retire. 

Singer Brian Johnson shot down the rumors of retirement yesterday, saying the band are still going into the studio to possibly record material for a new studio album. Earlier this year, Johnson stated that the band would go into the studio and arrange a tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Johnson did confirm that a band member was seriously ill, though he did not identify who this member was. He also stated that a 40th anniversary tour- 40 dates in 40 cities- would be a nice way to go out. 

Hours after Johnson's interview, AC/DC's Facebook page made a statement saying that Malcolm Young would be "taking a break" from the band. The rest of the band, however, will go on without him and start recording new material.

I try my best to not have any rumors on my blog. I wait until I hear from a reliable source. I waited to see how this one played out and this is what it looks like. It's sad to hear that Malcolm will not be with the band for sometime. Still, the way the Facebook post was written makes it sound like he's not coming back to the band. If Malcolm has suffered from a stroke, I would think he'd decide to retire- even though he and Angus are the sole original members left. 

However, I will look forward to seeing a new AC/DC album in the future. 

Whether or not he returns, get well soon Malcolm. 

Steel Panther- All You Can Eat album review

 

Steel Panther

All You Can Eat

Rating: ****

Whether you’re ready or not, Steel Panther are back with a brand new studio album. The comedic head bangers have released their third studio album, All You Can Eat. Like their first two albums, Steel Panther deliver the goods with catchy hooks 1980s style while still managing to be funny. Though their humor is very explicit, Steel Panther have found their audience within the last couple of years.

            The album opens with a surprisingly thrash metal sounding “Pussywhipped”. Guitarist Satchel opens the track with a small acoustic instrumental bit before the band gets down and dirty. It’s a monster of a track, with Metallica-like drumming. The lyrics warn fellow male listeners, as their “balls don’t have a chance.” This is followed by “Party Like Tomorrow Is The End of the World”, the lead single off the album. The song is a typical “party-hardy” glam metal track that suggests to “bone your step sister” or even “don't worry ‘bout the HIV” as the end is near.

            While the band are trying to be funny, this does not stop them from creating/composing actual music. “Bukkake Tears” is an example of this: it has a very melodic feel and sounds pretty at times. The lyrics and subject matter, however, are gross (if you don’t know get the song title, you’ll find out by the end of the song). Another example is “F*cking My Heart In The Ass”: the chorus is catchy but the same can’t be said about the lyrics (although not as bad as “Bukkake Tears”). The band can certainly chug out some heavy tunes. The opening for “Gloryhole” is downright heavy while the Van Halen guitar work on “Ten Strikes You’re Out” is impressive.

            Steel Panther can be very funny, though you have to be in the right mood to fully appreciate the jokes. “Gangbang at the Old Folks Home” tells an outrageous story of a pizza delivery gone wrong (“These golden girls have been around the block/I got a rim job from one while knitting some socks”) while “B.V.S.” warns listeners to avoid the titular latest disease (apparently meaning Big Vagina Syndrome). The album’s closer, “She’s On the Rag”, is simply flat-out hilarious hard rocker about how much periods suck.

            My favorite song from the album, however, is “The Burden of Being Wonderful.” The song sounds similar to Def Leppard’s “Hysteria”, given the string section featured. In the song, singer Michael Starr wonders why he’s so beautiful when everyone else isn’t. “I’m just a Maserati in a world of Kias” sings Starr. “Genius would describe any of my ideas.” This is an impressive song coming from Steel Panther overall for one particular reason: there aren’t any dirty jokes.

            All You Can Eat is simply a good album. I think people who were fans of the glam metal scene of the 1980s will get a kick out of this album. However, Steel Panther isn’t for everyone. As mentioned before, Steel Panther’s humor is explicit. Those who are easily offended by this humor are best off not listening to them. As for everyone else, feel free to explore the world of Steel Panther.