CD REVIEW: JUST 'CAUSE YOU THE MONKEY OFF YOUR BACK DOESN'T MEAN THE CIRCUS HAS LEFT TOWN by Stray Train

JUST 'CAUSE YOU THE MONKEY OFF YOUR BACK DOESN'T MEAN THE CIRCUS HAS LEFT TOWN
 by Stray Train 
(Saol/H'art)

Stray Train are an Heavy blues rock band from Ljubljana, Slovenia who will appeal to fans of Stoner Rock and Classic Rock, due to their attitude and production style. The band is comprised of, Luka Lamut on vocals, Jure Golobič and Boban Milunović on guitars, Niko Jug on bass and Luka Čadež on drums. The band's latest release, 'Just ‘Cause You Got The Monkey Off Your Back Doesn’t Mean The Circus Has Left Town', aside from having the longest title of album that I've ever seen, is an album that you can just stick on from beginning to end, have a good time and not have to skip anything. It has a big warm, almost analogue sound, with thumping toms, buzzing guitars and a gritty but not harsh vocal style. The whole thing flows together very well with no weak tracks and no filler. Highlights for me are the album opener, "Soulseller", "Wanderman" and "Blow". Other strong moments include the swaggering bluesy "Dead Romance", and the enjoyable "Man Or Stone". This is the sort of album you can just keep on listening to. It's fairly straightforward blues rock with Stoner Rock influences. The diversity of the songs keeps "Just ‘Cause You Got The Monkey Off Your Back Doesn't Mean The Circus Has Left Town', from ever getting boring. It's  a pretty enjoyable album and Stray Train are a pretty damn good band. I look forward to more good things to come from this band.
   Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

Artist Interview: ULYSSES

HEY KIDS ROCK AND ROLL!
Brit Rockers Ulysses Return with
LAW AND ORDER
Interview by The Dedicated Rocker Society

UK rockers Ulysses have been praised in major publications from The Guardian to Shindig! and Classic Rock Magazine. They bring a quirky pop delights and to die for big riffs with what is fast becoming their own distinct sound that lands between psych, glam and rock, guitar stroking and pop sheen. 

They've toured with the likes of Rival Sons, Purson and members of The Black Crowes, it seems that Ulysses have unknowingly brought their cheeky influences (Syd Barrett, psych-era Stones, The Cars, Thin Lizzy, Hot Chocolate, Supergrass, Sailor, Alvin Stardust and Paul McCartney & Wings) to the heart of the new rock elite.

We had a chance to ask the band about their latest release, 'Law And Order', on Black Glove recording, their musical influences and their plans on whar they have in store us next. 

Here is what they shared with us...

Q: How long did it take to record your latest release, 'Law And Order'? And how did you approach this album, as far as musical direction, than your previous release, 'Kill You Again”?

JULES (Bass): This time we decided to spend some time tracking most of the album in Wales at Monnow Valley Studios, then finishing it off at Steve Evans (our producer)’s studio, whereas ‘Kill You Again’ was made at Ulysses HQ and was recorded, produced and mixed by Luke. On the ‘Law and Order’ album the songs were pretty much up together when we went in to the studio, we tracked everything live and did a few overdubs then built up the production.

DENNY (Guitar): Speaking as a fan of the last album, and participant in this one, I can see continuity between them in terms of great songwriting and entertaining themes. There's also the same acknowledgement that every moment that has happened and will happen all exists together in one bundle, so we are all cosmically bound to the single moment that that is the past, present and future. In terms of differences between this one and the last, I think the idea was to make everything bigger and slicker, which it definitely is. What really makes the album stand out is the bizarre range of lyrical themes and characters Luke conjures, which range from vampires to perverts and crazy ladies, but all linked by a sort cartoonish presentation that renders them entertaining rather than seriously disturbing. I think we are similarly playful musically, visiting other times and places, but not staying too long.

Q: There are twelve songs on the new album. How many did you actually write for the album? What were some of memorable moments, good or bad, in the making of 'Law And Order”?

LUKE (Vocals / Guitar): We had 11 for the album and then I knocked out ‘Dirty Weekend’ quick to complete it, as I wanted a 6 a side of vinyl track listing.

Bad moments - the long drawn out process of getting the album finished and then shopping it around labels. We had some moments assimilating Denny Peppers also, but they then turned into beautiful moments, but it wasn’t an easy ride for any of us. We split with previous guitarist Tom Sartorial after ‘Kill You Again’ album as he wasn’t happy, we weren’t happy and he wasn’t really cutting it anyhow. He was a great friend though, so it was a painful process. Hearing back the mix with Rosalie Cunningham from Purson’s vocals on ‘Song That Has To Be Sung’ for the first time was a great moment. We had such a great time at Monnow Valley Studio too, as you can no doubt tell from the documentary if you’ve seen it.

Myself and Steve Evans (co-producer) then slaved away for 8 months at his place finishing it off to perfection and eating a lot of chicken. There were some beautiful moments there hearing it all come together with the sun coming through the window.

DENNY: The food at Monnow Valley Studios is great also, and inspired me to play some of my best notes.

Q: In terms of your own writing process, how does that work? What inspires you? 

LUKE: Ideas just pop into my head, simple as that. Usually when I’m not near an instrument. It’s then a whole lot of work to turn that into a complete song that satisfies me, I get obsessed and I can’t stop until it’s as good as it can possibly be.
Lyrics usually drive me insane. I’m definitely tapped in to some kind of erotic spiritual vibe these days. People often find us bizarre, it’s just normal to us!

JULES: I think the main inspiration for this record was sex ,kink, and lots of magic kinky sex.

SHANE (Drums): Luke writes the songs but presents them to us in a number of different ways initially, maybe he’ll just have a riff and will jam it out with us until something comes or sometimes he’ll have a whole demo recorded with all the parts mapped out and ready to go, either way the song is more important than anything else and we know if and when its good to go.

Q: Speaking of the new songs. Two in particular, the title track and "How Long?". First the title track. Are you familiar with the T.V. show, "Law And Order". Is there you got the idea from to write it?  (Just curious). Secondly, "How Long?" Were you channeling your inner David Essex when you wrote that? 

JULES: Hey man, we are talking about the law and order of the universe and yes our David rocks! 

LUKE: I really don’t know why I came up with ‘Law And Order’ as a song in itself, there is a Lindsey Buckingham album called that, and also in ‘Let’s Go To Town’ by Sailor there’s a line in there “where there is no such thing as law and order”, maybe they went in me head and came out weird. The leather gloves was me trying to make Jules (bass) laugh as he always wears his leather gloves when he’s out and about. Speaking of which, Jules is the genius behind our videos, I give him a bit of love and he gives me leather gloves! The song took on an espionage type theme, although conceptually as an album title it’s more about the law and order of the universe.‘How Long?’ is basically a blues song about tripping, or maybe a spiritual awakening, the verse never worked until I hit on the David Essex sex-vibe.

DENNY: I think it's safe to say our Law and Order can be disambiguated from the TV show. I used to watch LA Law when I was younger - that was quite good.

Q: Who came up with the ideas for the videos shoots for those songs?

JULES : The videos are usually ideas that Luke and I come up with, chat about over a few weeks, then I will tend to come up with some mock-up ideas via storyboards or still animations to see if they will work out, then I will edit the footage together after it has been shot. I have been lucky enough to meet and work with a few great camera guys . Thank you Will Sansom, Nick Pitt and Jon Davey! 

DENNY: Julyan Wells Cathedral directed and edited our videos, storyboarding and bossing us about. He is a man of many talents - not only is he a great bass player but he’s also a kick ass drummer and mean blues guitarist. He’s equally thorough and painstaking with his work in the visual arts, and we were all very happy with the videos. He also talks profane bollocks.

Q: Who are some of your musical influences?

LUKE: I love that pan-generational thing of great but experimental pop music, that appeals to kids, the supposedly cool young people, and older people who like a good tune, be that The Beatles, The Cure, whoever. I couldn’t give a shit about authenticity or being cool myself.

SHANE: Our musical influences individually are probably too many to list but collectively we love the Beatles, Wings, The Kinks, The Move, The Pretty Things, The Cars, Bowie and more recent bands like Super Furry Animals, Bobby Conn, Vampire Weekend. I suppose the bands that influence you are the bands you'd happily be in, in another space and time. We're also influenced by politics and ladies beachwear!

Q: Do you think it's important as a musician to listen to a wide variety of music?

DENNY: Yes, or no, depending how you want to do things. Nobody exists in a vacuum, so you’ve always got influences seeping in no matter what you do. It's important to play lots, and whatever you listen to, listen to it with a critical ear, rather than allowing yourself to use music as aural wallpaper.

JULES: I agree with Denny on that, I’m still singing The Wombles hits!

Q: What are some other artists/bands that you listen to that might surprise people? 

SHANE: We love to listen to Rupert Holmes whilst travelling to gigs and stuff. Ariel Pink and Bobby Conn too, I suppose that might surprise people, we’ll listen to anything that has a good sentiment behind it regardless of genre. The Rutles are another favourite of ours!

Q: What’s on your playlist recently?

LUKE: I’ve actually been listening to a lot of 80s music recently, The Cure, Siouxsie, Prince, Jonah And The Wail, XTC, Suburban Lawns, The Dead Kennedys and 80s inspired things like Ariel Pink - ‘Pom Pom’ is my hands down favourite new album of recent times, great songs, unbridled creativity - if a leprechaun suddenly starts talking halfway through a song then so be it! Saw them live in Bristol as well, best gig I’ve been to in a long time - someone I would absolutely love to work with one day.

Q: For those are not familiar with Ulysses, how would describe your band? Who's the best dressed mate in the band?

LUKE: Well the best dressed is me of course! Shane’s clothes are all mine anyway, I give him the ones that are too small for me to get away with!

DENNY: As a band we were recently described as "four natural piss-takers", which is astonishingly accurate given that the journalist hadn't met any of us, or me at any rate. As far as best dressed, Shane will tell you it’s him, so I guess we’ll go with that - only last night we were all watching ourselves (who else?) on video and Shane was heard to remark "I look good", and to be fair he's not wrong. As for me I'm going through a dungarees-based mid-life crisis, which the band are being very understanding about.

Q: Any plans for Ulysses coming to L.A. to a couple of shows? Who would you like to tour with?

SHANE: I think we would go down great in L.A, and the chicks, I think they would go down great in L.A too! At the moment though I think we would have to sell our incredibly talented kidneys to afford to do anything stateside. Maybe someone will have a little faith and throw us a bone who knows?

LUKE: We would absolutely love to come to L.A. sometime, not sure if it’s possible, but maybe. We know the great band Smash Fashion out there and also some people on the Long Beach scene, so maybe we can figure it out at some point. You might not be able to get us to leave though!

DENNY: We want to play this album to death and get it out to as many people as we can, so yes please, we would love to come out in L.A. We are happy to tour with anyone, but if you could get Motley Crue back together for it that would be great.

JULES: Ulysses would love to come L.A , if the stars align maybe it will happen! I know Luke would love to tour with Weezer!

Q: What's next for Ulysses?

LUKE: I think this album has legs, at least I hope so. But it feels already like it’s growing and people are telling new people about it, so as long as we can keep playing new places and getting new people to buy the album that’d be great. I’d love to tour with Purson again.We also have plans to record a new album at our own studio, and get it out fairly soon if possible, I’ve got some bangers up my sleeve and demoed and we’ll probably experiment our way to the rest.

DENNY: We are all still buzzing off being able to hold the album in our hands and pore over the booklet etc, so our main thing right now is sharing that wonderful experience with the people of Earth, by whatever means necessary. 

JULES: Lots of local shows coming up, some new videos are on the cards and plans to try and tour in the autumn.

SHANE: What's next for Ulysses is anybody's guess, our videos are getting better all the time, thanks to our very own Julian Wells Cathedral and his love and understanding of film and editing, our productions I expect will become more extravagant (and expensive!). We need to get touring too we love playing shows and meeting people who get what we're doing, more support tours and more good times playing music please!

11. Any plans for Ulysses coming to L.A. to a couple of shows? Who would you like to tour with?

LUKE: We would absolutely love to come to L.A. sometime, not sure if it’s possible, but maybe. We know the great band Smash Fashion out there and also some people on the Long Beach scene, so maybe we can figure it out at some point. Daniel from Howlin Rain has his own awesome band Mrs Henry down in San Diego too so it'd be ace to hook up with them if we came over. You might not be able to get us to leave though!

For more information on Ulysses, please visit:
http://ulyssestheband.com/

CD REVIEW: INTO THE BLUE Adrian Galysh

INTO THE BLUE Adrian Galysh
(Independent Release)

A well-rounded exploration of every shade of the blues from L.A. based guitarist, Adrian Galysh can be experienced on his latest release, 'Into The Blue'.  A great album that displays his blues chops. Great foot-taping rhythms with complex soloing makes this album a must have. "Let Your Hammer Ring" opens the album with a hard driving rhythm that sets the stage for a memorable listening experience that awaits .The songs are so right, sound so good. The whole album is great front to back. My personal favorites include, "Barstool Monarchy", "Who Am I To Say" and "The War". Also included are covers of Junior Wells classic, "Messin' With The Kid," featuring guitarist Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) and Johnny Hiland's smoking guitar solo on Bobby Blue Bland's "Further On Up The Road." Adrian Galysh is not the only musician of incredible talent on this album. He is backed up by a group of talented musicians. Vocalist, Kacee Clanton who's worked with the likes of Joe Cocker, Beth Hart, and Janis Joplin's band, Big Brother and The Holding Company. The tight rhythm section that holds everything together are drummer Joey Heredia (Stevie Wonder) on drums and bassist Paul Loranger (Eric Sardinas).  There's a broad range of music on this album but if I were to put it in a nutshell, it's tight, crisp, not over-played, not over-produced. A new blues record that doesn't retread the same old, same old. If you love guitar, especially the blues, this is definitely a must have for your collection. Adrian Galysh's 'Into The Blue' is a great contribution the the world of the blues. Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: TRANSCENDENT by Rob Moratti

TRANSCENDENT by Rob Moratti
(Escape Music)

Canadian singer Rob Moratti returns with his latest release, 'Transcendent' which sees him giving his best performance yet, his vocals have never sounded better as he sings his heart out throughout all 12 tracks. This is melodic rock at its very best and he has a group of amazing musicians backing him up that include, Torben Enevoldsen (guitar, keyboards), Christian Wolff (guitar), Tony Franklin (bass), Fredrik Bergh (keyboards) and Stu Reid (drums, percussion). Making a cameo appearance is Moratti's Saga band mate,  guitarist Ian Crichton. What this all adds up to is one superb listening experience. The overall vibe of this album is Journey with more emphasis on guitar." It's pleasant melodic rock that's upbeat and invigorating without being overly noisy and "screamy." A few of the songs sound similar to one another in style, but the whole is solid. Some personal favorites from this album are "Answer Of Life," "Don't Give Up" "Lost And Lonely," and "'I'm Flying High." From the impressive cast of musicians, one should expect nothing less than a quality melodic rock/AOR creation and that is exactly what you get. 'Transcendent' is one recording you listen to again and again and not tire of it. Rob Moratti's vocals are outstanding and Torben Enevoldsen is amazing on the guitar work! If you like high-energy rock that has a lasting, melodic edge to it, then this album delivers the goods in spades.  Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SILVER HORSES by Silver Horses

SILVER HORSES by Silver Horses
(7Hard)

Debut album from Silver Horses the Anglo/Italian rockgroup comprising vocalist Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), Gianluca Galli (Mantra - Time Machine) guitar, Andrea Castelli (Shabby Trick, Cappanera, Mantra) bass, and Matteo 'Bona' Bonini (MGRB) drums. The band's self-titled debut release is far from a flimsy and insubstantial collaboration between friends, but is an extremely well put memorable album that both stands up musically on its own merits and flows well from beginning to end. The vibe of the band's sound is akin to early Led Zeppelin with a dash of Whitesnake From the opening groove of 'Rub It On Me'  to the closing moments of 'Who's Holding On To You' this is superb, a cohesive collection of tracks that flow seamlessly into each other. Other highlights include; "Diamond Sky, "Secret Service", "Silver Horses" and "You're Breaking My Heart (Don't Do It)". These songs are solid and will remind you of decades past and will make you smile.In a nutshell, Silver Horses are a great band and this debut album is a strong effort that is well produced, musically interesting and stylistically excellent. Give it a few listens to grow on you and pretty soon you will find an album that is worth returning to again and again.   Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

2016 CD RECOMMENDATIONS (In no particular order)

Tony's Picks 
@ The Dedicated Rocker Society
2016 CD RECOMMENDATIONS 
(In no particular order)

MOUNTAIN OF POWER - VOLUME THREE by Various Artist (Grooveyard Records)
-  You simply cannot go wrong with this recording if you dig solid, hard-edged guitar powdered blues-rock. Mountain Of Power Volume Three is truly a guitar player lover's wet dream.

SITTIN' HEAVY by Monster Truck
(Dine Alone Records) 
- This is ass-kickin’, gutsy, rock ‘n’ roll for long-haired head-bangers who missed the decade or for those of us who want to go back for an hour of pure rock ecstasy.

BEYOND THE SUN by Sons Of Icarus
(Sons of Icarus Recordings)
-Think of all of those debut albums in the past that made you think "wow - this is amazing" - you can safely add the monstrous debut, 'Beyond The Sun' by Sons Of Icarus to that list.

BACK TO ZERO by Ragdoll
(Independent Release)
- It moves on the strengths of great vocals and vocal arrangements, compelling guitar solos, good melodies, and catchy lyrical hooks, all with sharper hard rock edge.

SUNRISE TO SUNDOWN by Spiritual Beggars
(Century Media)
-Spiritual Beggars rocks out with a genuine, talented immersion that will rock your soul. Overall, 'Surise To Sundown"is a balls out rocker firmly rooted in the classic rock era, and you really can't ask for much more from a band playing in this genre. A big thumbs up for this release.

OLD GLORY AND THE WILD REVIVAL by Jared James Nichols (Listenable Records)
- The vibe of this recording is pretty much full on crashing guitar laden blistering blues rock. It's a record full of energy and vigour that reaches down your spine and presses the "get rocked" button!

TRAMP by The Tracy G. Group
(Spooky G Music)
- 'Tramp' is a powerhouse release that is loaded full of strong songs that cannot be all consumed in just one sitting. If you want to experience in your face hard rock music that kicks you in the nuts and burns into your very soul then give this album a listen.

INTROVERTIGO by Dan Patlansky
(Caroline International P&D)
- I'm here to tell you, this guy is the real deal. He plays with genuine power, passion and soul. I believe it will justify Dan Patlansky's position as a leading light in the blues-rock arena.

DEAD MAN'S VOICE by The New Roses
(Napalm Records)
- It's the kind of rock album that you can totally sink your teeth into, and it's authentic in a way most bands only wish they could accomplish.

SECOND SUN by Buffalo Summer
(UDR Music)
-Firmly planted deeply in the blues, the cool licks and riffs and grooves of this stunning offering will have you bouncing around the room.

LAW AND ORDER by Ulysses
(Black Glove Recording)
- This album rocks, plain and simple! Once it finishes all you'll want to do it start it all again and again. No filler. No bad tracks.  It has the flavors from all the great rock eras, the 70's, 80's, 90's.

VALLES MARINERIS by Palace Of The King
(Listenable Records)
- This album has a solid and varied rock pedigree. With its big riffs and bombast, it's the kind of album that you can enjoy instantly right off the bat, but then repeated listening sessions reveal the rich depth to the compositions and some great lyrics which are easily missed on the first listen.

THE OUTER REACH by Albany Down
(AD Recordings Ltd)
- Albany Down has certainly taken their music to the next level with this latest offering which has everything you could wish for.  ' The Outer Reach' is a very strong, captivating slab of rock n' roll that is unlikely to disappoint too many fans of the classic rock sound.

REUNION by Whitford St. Holmes
(Mailboat Records)
-Reunion' is a recording that is rock 'n' roll in its purest sense. An homage to what rock music used to be like performed by talented musicians that spent years mastering their craft getting together and making one hell of an album.

HOLLOW BONES by Rival Sons
(Earache Records)
-Rival Sons are always a pleasure to listen to and this new offering is no exception. A powerful nine song return to rock's best days without sounding the least bit dated.

ACID ROULETTE by Scorpion Child
(Nuclear Blast Records)
-Acid Roulette' is an infectious listen that  will have hair flying and air guitars on full stun. This is music that requires speakers to be on “11”!

CD REVIEW: ACID ROULETTE by Scorpion Child

ACID ROULETTE by Scorpion Child
(Nuclear Blast Records)

Five piece rock band out of Austin, Texas Scorpion Child are back with their sophomore effort, 'Acid Roulette'. Aryn Jonathan Black on vocals, Christopher Jay Coward on lead guitar, Alec “Mexecutioner” Padron on bass guitar, Aaron John “AJ” Vincent on keyboards and Jon “Charn” Rice on drums. The band pick up where they left off on their debut, dishing out guitar-driven rock that  reminiscent of Led Zeppelin and a heavier version of Sir Lord Baltimore but to describe Scorpion Child that simply would be to do them no justice. A band burgeoning with each release, Scorpion Child are not losing sight of what true, hard rock and roll is; no dull musical acrobatics here. Just full of in your face hard rock music packed with tons of swagger.  “She Sings, I Kill,” sets things off in rocking fashion showing that the band is definitely not suffering from the dreaded "sophomore slump". Not pulling their foot off the pedal the band rock on with, "Reaper’s Danse", "My Woman In Black", the title and  "Winter Side Of Deranged". While casting a darker edge on tracks like, “Blind Man’s Shine” and “I Might Be Your Man,” you hear that the hypnotic melodies still sprint around without any snail racing or smoogy doom.  All in all, ' Acid Roulette' is an infectious listen that  will have hair flying and air guitars on full stun. This is music that requires speakers to be on “11”! Just crank it up and zone out.   Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: HOLLOW BONES by Rival Sons

HOLLOW BONES by Rival Sons
(Earache Records)

Southern California based rockers Rivals Sons are back with their highly anticipated new release, 'Hollow Bones'. The new album finds the band at the top of their game. For me, the band's sound has evolved with each album they've put out. Staying true their classic rock roots by  delivering music that is passionate and intense. From the opening riff, of"Hollow Bones Pt.1" you are placed on familiar musical ground.  From there on it's pure rock and roll heaven. Personal favorites are, the  psychedelic stomp of, "Tied Up", "Baby Boy", the groove laden, "Pretty Face", Fade Out" and the band's awesome take of the Sonny Burke classic, "Black Coffee'. All nine tracks served up deliver the goods. Jay Buchanan's whisky blues soulful and powerful vocals pushes these songs over the top. Along with Scott Holiday's fuzz tinged guitar sound and the rock solid rhythm section of provided by  drummer Michael Miley and  bassist in Robin Everhart. Rival Sons are always a pleasure to listen to and this new offering is no exception. A powerful nine song return to rock's best days without sounding the least bit dated. Plus, any band that can can get the "Led" out like this band can with epic soundscapes, psychedelic classic 60's rock and blues  while making it sound fresh and contemporary, I'd say has a recipe for success. Overall,  if you dug Rival Sons previous outings, it's a no-brainer, you need, 'Hollow Bones'. It will not disappoint.  Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: II by Billy Satellite

II by Billy Satellite
(AOR Heaven Records)

Oakland, California's Billy Satellite 1984 debut on Capitol Records, in my opinion, was one of the most delightful 'lost treasures' I have ever heard. It one great rock record. The songs overall are excellent and the production is really good. Featuring, the guitar driven, "Satisfy Me" and rock ballad, "I Wanna Go Back". The other cool thing was that not one member of the band was named Billy Satellite!  Well, as Myles Goodwyn of April Wine penned, " Rock and Roll is a vicious game." When the band moved over to A&M Records, the band's A&R man John Carter was replaced at Capitol by Jimmy Iovine. As a result, the second Billy Satellite album was quietly shelved and the band was dropped. Luckily for us, the folks at AOR Heaven records have released Billy Satellite's sophomore release, simply titled, 'II'.  Monty Byrom (vocals, guitar), Danny Chauncey (guitar, backing vocals),  Ira Walker (bass, backing vocals), Thomas "Fee" Falletti (drums) and Bill Coumo (keyboards). The album was produced by Keith Olsen at his famous Goodnight L.A. Studio. So was it worth the wait? I say, better late than never. Album opener "You And Me And The Night" has great rock hooks, as does the catchy "Sorry." The rest of the album fits in my decade, of choice AOR rockers, such as rockers like "Girls Like You," and "Secrets in Her Heart". As well as smooth power ballads in the form of, "You Got Nothing On Me" and "Turning Pages". As I listened to the album,  I wondered if Billy Satellite would've lasted longer if this album would have been released when it was supposed to to be. I think they would have. I really think this group could have done things. Billy Satellite' 'II' gives us an insight as to what might have been. Such as shame for the short time they stayed together. I just hope someday Billy Satellite could give us another one!!! Who knows? (fingers crossed).  Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: REUNION by Whitford St. Holmes

REUNION by Whitford St. Holmes
(Mailboat Records)

Whitford St. Holmes,  features veteran rockers Brad Whitford (Aerosmith) and Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent). Are Back with highly anticipated follow-up to their 1981 self titled debut release with, 'Reunion'. As a fan of both Derek St. Holmes and Brad Whitford, this album was going to be good regardless - but I was really impressed with the quality of songwriting. Staying true to their classic rock roots. Rocking out nine songs packed with attitude, swagger and hooks. Every track on this album gets a solid 9 or 10 out of 10 from me. Personal favorites are, "Shapes", "Rock All Day', "Hell Is On Fire", "Gotta Keep On Movin'" and  "Flood Of Lies".  Derek St. Holmes' vocals are as soulful and powerful as ever, and it would be remiss not to mention Brad Whitford's outstanding guitar work. The chemistry between them fit each song like a glove. 'Reunion' is a recording that is rock 'n' roll in its purest sense. An homage to what rock music used to be like performed by talented musicians that spent years mastering their craft getting together and making one hell of an album. So I had to wait 35 years for Whitford St. Holmes to put out 'Reunion'! All I can say is it was well worth the wait.  (Note: Special edition includes a remastered version of Whitford St. Holmes debut release.) Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: ONE STEP OVER THE LINE by First Signal

ONE STEP OVER THE LINE 
by First Signal
(Frontier Records)

AOR outfit, First Signal return with their anticipated sophomore release, 'One Step Over The Line'. As evident on their self titled debut album there's clearly a musical chemistry. Harry Hess (vocals), Michael Palace (guitar, bass), Darren Smith (backing vocals) and Daniel Flores (drums, keyboards). This new release is chocked full of energetic up tempo melodic rockers. It's hard to pick the best songs among  the eleven tracks that are offered. They are all 100% AOR, however "Love Run Free" is a great  kick off the launch of the album. Perhaps,  "Minute Of Your Time" should have been further up the track listing but that's a minor negative. Other highlights include; "Still Pretending", "Karma", "She Is Getting Away" and the title track. If there is a criticism of the album simply that it follows the standard template for the genre - big sound, melodic structured rockers and plenty of harmonies and hooks. But in the case of this release that potential weakness is its greatest strength.  For me, First Signal. have put all those pieces together in such a well-crafted way they have created a truly melodic rock masterpiece.   Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: HEAVY ROCK RADIO by Jorn

HEAVY ROCK RADIO by Jorn
(Frontier Records)

He's back! One of rock music's most versatile and powerful voices,  Jorn Lande unleashes, 'Heavy Rock Radio'. A unique recording of covers featuring both classic rock and personal favorites that helped forge his own unique vocal prowess. All of the tracks have been given his own flavor. Featured - among others - are great versions of, the Frida classic, "Know There's Something Going On", the Eagles' "Hotel California" and Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill".  Other highlights include;  John Farnham's "You're The Voice", Queen's "Killer Queen", and two melodic rock classics in the form of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and Foreigner's "Rev On The Red Line". Jorn also served up hard rock classics with "The Final Frontier" by Iron Maiden , "Live to Win" by Paul Stanley, Deep Purple ("Stormbringer"), Dio ("Rainbow In The Dark") and Black Sabbath ("Die Young").  It is a shame that the American market doesn't take notice to this Norweigan born vocalist and embrace a true artist. 'Heavy Rock Radio' is a must-have for all Jorn fans, and a should-have for anyone who has heard his name and wondered what all the fuss is about.  Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: THE OUTER REACH by Albany Down

THE OUTER REACH by Albany Down
(AD Recordings Ltd)

London-based rock band, Albany Down won me over big time with their last album, 'Not Over Yet', which was full of classic rock swagger. Combining original songs with contemporary high energy rock delivery. On their latest release (the band's third release), 'The Outer Reach', the band branches out into several different directions. Albany Down are comprised of, Paul Muir on vocals, guitarist Paul Turley, bassist Billy Dedman and drummer Donna Petersand.  The band's latest offering, is welcome proof that classic rock influenced music can be written and performed under modern day conditions. I mention this because in this day and age of  short attention spans, when it comes to listening to music, it is pleasing to note that we have music that grabs you instantly by the short hairs and keeps you entertained with energy. There are plenty of fist-pumping and rocking tracks that after a few listens will have many of the choruses ingrained in your brain. Not a weak track to be found. Eleven brilliant original and powerful tracks infused with varied styles of rock music which includes elements of blues, and soul all stirred up nicely with passion and pure musical talent. Current favorites for me are, "Feeding The Flame", "Do You Want Me Now", the funky groove laden mover, "Supersonic Girl", "Home" and "I Need You". Albany Down has certainly taken their music to the next level with this latest offering which has everything you could wish for.  ' The Outer Reach' is a very strong, captivating slab of rock n' roll that is unlikely to disappoint too many fans of the classic rock sound. I for one enjoyed every drop of it.  Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: VALLES MARINERIS by Palace Of The King

VALLES MARINERIS 
by Palace Of The King
(Listenable Records)

Australia's, Palace Of The King bring their highly addictive combination of vintage sensibilities and modern production to the table once again with their highly anticipated sophomore release, 'Valles Marineris'. Tim Henwood on vocals, percussions, Leigh Maden on guitar, Matthew Harrison on guitar,  Andrew Gilpin on bass, Anthony Troiano on drums and Sean Johnston on keyboards. The band's classic rock influences are immediately identifiable, but they produce high-octane, contemporary music that means that they're not in any way dated or old before their time. There is very little flab on this lean, mean album that packs one hell of a punch with each song. As is evident on tracks like, “Let The Blood Run Free”, “Beyond The Valley”. "The Bridge Of The Gods", the lead off single, "We Are The Vampires", "Sick As A Dog" and the psychedelic vibe of, "Into The Black", that closes out the album. It's fresh, bold with tons of attitude and swagger. Palace Of The King brings all this and more. A powerhouse rock band with a bold infused sound with deep guitar lick from Leigh Maden and Matthew Harrison. Powerful precision drumming from Anthony Troiano and the uninhibited energy and soulful crooning of Tim Henwood. This album has a solid and varied rock pedigree. With its big riffs and bombast, it's the kind of album that you can enjoy instantly right off the bat, but then repeated listening sessions reveal the rich depth to the compositions and some great lyrics which are easily missed on the first listen. Palace Of The King's , 'Valles Marineris' is one that is not to be missed. I would recommend to all classic rock fans out there. If you are not, it's time to get educated. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society