NIGHT feat. Chris Thompson - Long Distance (2011)

Remastered

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NIGHT came together in 1978, combining the talents of several already well established musicians and session pros of impeccable pedigree.
Female vocalist Stevie Lange (AKA Stevie Vann) had worked with the likes of Graham Bonnet, Elton John and Manfred Mann's Earth Band. It was through her association with M.M.E.B. that Lange met vocalist/guitarist Chris Thompson who had sung vocals on the Earth Band’s biggest hit ‘Blinded By The Light’ (1976).

Night released two albums on the US label Planet. The group's eponymous 1979 debut album yielded two US Top 40 hits: 'Hot Summer Nights' and 'If You Remember Me'.
Originally released in 1980, "Long Distance" is the second album from Night, and with some line-up changes, the band hardened their sound.
The disc produced a minor hit with "Love on the Airwaves", but otherwise was criminally overlooked. Soon after, Night officially disbanded in 1982.

Often compared with Heart, actually Night was a more rocking band at that time.
Although both albums were recorded in L.A. and intended for the American market, the essence of Night was basically British; it was founded in a London pub and the music composed & driven by Lange & Thompson (NZ born but educated in Australia and England).
"Long Distance" remained unpressed on CD for a long time. This Japanese 24 Bit Digital Remaster sounds great as usual, rescuing from oblivion this very, very good album.
Included as bonus we have one of Night's successful singles, "Hot Summer Nights" (a cover of a minor Walter Egan hit) that in the hands of the band got a harder edge and the powerful lead vocals of Stevie Lange.
Recommended Classic stuff.


01 - Dr. Rock
02 - Don't Break My Heart
03 - Love On The Airwaves
04 - The Letter
05 - Callin' Me Back
06 - You Cried Wolf
07 - Stealin'
08 - Miss You (Like I Do)
09 - Day After Day
10 - Good To Be Back In Your Arms
11 - Hot Summer Nights [Bonus Track]


Chris Thompson: lead vocals, guitars
Stevie Vann (Lange): lead vocals
Robbie McIntosh: guitars, vocals
Billy Kristian: bass, vocals
Bobby Wright: keyboards
Bobby Guidotti: drums



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item.rakuten.co.jp/surprise-web/aznairac-1641

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TIN SPIRITS - Wired To Earth (2012)

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TIN SPIRITS is the new project of one of the most original and inventive guitarists the UK has ever produced: former XTC guitarist Dave Gregory.
With a healthy dose of wordplay in the band's name and the record's title - "Wired To Earth", Tin Spirit's debut channels the spirit of 1970s Progressive Rock, yet it remains firmly anchored to the present by strong melodies and a refined sound.

Mind you this is not your average prog / art rock with verse - chorus - verse. "Wired To Earth" is very ingenious work which (after a few spins) will haunt you and make you hum along.
The main feature here are the dual guitars (with great double leads) and excellent bass and drums layers. But the vocals from Mussard, Kilminster & Steinhardt enrich the texture with superb harmonies.
At the same time modern and eternal, deep instrumental lines ebb and flow in complex swashes that, in turns, either spread thin as ether or crystallize into surreal, vertiginous architecture one can only marvel at and admire from the inside.

The first song "Glimmer" has a very spacy and open feel. Warm guitars welcome one into the music with its sparkling, twinkling guitar heralding the fairyland of musical adventure that awaits.
"... And Go" is in three parts and changes mid way to power driven guitar, more edge and gritty. In fine neo-prog fashion we have some fine drumming by Dougie Mussard, while the tension builds within the guitars from Dave and Dan Steinhardt until lead singer Mark Kilminster's towering vocals soars across the track and the sun breaks through.
"Back in NYC" comes straight from Genesis' masterpiece 'Lamb Lies Down on Broadway'. On this third track, the listener hears Tin Spirits covering at their best, a version much more guitar driven than the original.

"Broken" has Dan and Dave creating some breath-catching riffs. It is such a marvelous song that is belied by the title and has all the swagger and panache of a soundtrack written for a movie or TV drama. A waterfall guitar at its centre drifts effortlessly back into river of melody tumbling and splashing across the rocks of Dougie's machete-style drums.
The final song "Breathe Shallow" is a fitting end to a brilliant prog album. The song evokes traditional rock sounds from the '80s and early nineties, but without being formulaic. The vocals and harmonies on this track are especially good.


Though relatively short for prog standards, "Wired To Earth" packs a fierce punch, providing tons of intensity and musical beauty.
The whole album has that feel good factor in bucket loads and the satisfaction of a story well told. This is Progressive Rock with impeccable pop sensibilities, and it provides a fittingly rich and varied backdrop for Dave Gregory's superb guitar work.
Very well produced and mixed, Tin Spirit's debut is a highly recommended listen to any prog / art rock aficionado, and a pleasant experience for all eager to discover tasteful music.





Dave Gregory (guitars)
Daniel Steinhardt (guitars and vocals)
Doug Mussard (drums and vocals)
Mark Kilminster (vocals and bass)



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www.amazon.com/Wired-Earth-Tin-Spirits/dp/B007FGQ470

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THE ANSWER - Rise EP (2012)

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Unless you've been living under a rock or have had your fingers firmly shoved deep into your ears for the last 5 or 6 years you should know all about THE ANSWER by now.
As Northern Ireland's permanent representatives on the classic rock circuit, these 4 boys from County Down are veterans at their trade.
The band has new material ready, the new 4-track "Rise EP" due for release on July 2 on their own TAP label, which clearly demonstrates everything they have learnt first-hand from their heroes over the years.

Interesting to note that the title track from this EP was originally recorded as the title track for their 2006 debut album. Up until now (6 years later) the track remained unreleased.
"Rise" has been re-surrected, re-written and re-recorded and offered in three different ways.
The tender opening of the Cormac Neeson's lyrics and Paul Mahon's acoustic guitar work is a departure from what we would normally expect from these seasoned hard rockers.
However, the crescendo builds with the introduction of violins then explodes into life as the rhythm section of James Heatley's drums and Micky Water's bass thrust us back in familiar territory of a record that will have you thrashing your hair around wildly with your fists in the air.

The B-side "Lost" is very much a thunderous, riff-heavy offering that we have come to expect from a rock band whose roots are deeply imbedded in electric bluesy hard rock and the extravagant excess of the '70s.
Cormac growls and sneers his way through a story of self-awareness and rediscovery over a thumping rhythm and wailing guitar. This song would sit comfortably on any of the previous three albums and it's almost a shame that it is only appearing as a B-side in this EP.
The remaining songs on the EP are the 'Full long' and the 'Acoustic version' of the title track, the latter giving the listener a mellower ride with the emphasis more on the lyrics which tells a poignant story of loss and recovery.


The "Rise 2012 EP" follows last year's release of The Answer third consecutive Top-40 studio album ‘Revival’.
After years supporting some of the biggest names in rock ‘n’ roll, The Answer fully deserve their place at the top of the bill as a major headline act.
This EP is a fine example of the collective talents of the individuals in the band. While The Answer may be known for their take-no-prisoners approach and energetic live performances, "Rise" shows a softer side giving an indication of how the group have matured in their arrangement and writing.

You've seen it first here, at zerodayrockz


01 - Rise (Radio Mix)
02 - Lost
03 - Rise (Acoustic version)
04 - Rise (Full version)


Cormac Neeson - Vocals
Paul Mahon - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Michael Waters - Bass, Backing Vocals
James Heatley - Drums






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www.amazon.co.uk/Rise-EP/dp/B0084PL9O4

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SAVAGE - Sons Of Malice (2012)

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SAVAGE will forever be memorized for their striking 'Let It Loose' hit song that was originally included in the British band's 'Loose ‘N’ Lethal' (1983) debut.
Savage in their heyday where right up there with the best of them, Iron Maiden, Saxon and Diamond Head to name a few, spearheading the NWOBHM movement as it took the world by storm. Their early works receiving great acclaim and well deserved media coverage.
The band folded in 1986, resurrecting themselves in 1995 for a further 3 albums before disbanding again in the early 2000's.

Now after a ten year break Savage is back with this, their new studio release "Sons Of Malice".
Their NWOBHM origins are still present in their music but in minor quantities, as instead of balls to the wall metal, Savage now basically plays British Classic Hard Rock.
So they're aiming for an early eighties Whitesnake meets Thin Lizzy with a dash of Rainbow and Judas Priest style, which isn't a blend that immediately springs to mind, but which works quite well. Even though these vintage influences are notorious, their sound is surprisingly up to date, as are the themes which the band has chosen as the backdrop for the songs on this new effort.

The line-up for this album has the two original members Chris Bradley (vocals and bass) and Andy Dawson (guitars), plus Kristian Bradley (Chris' son) and long time friend Mark Nelson on drums.
The excellent opener "Hanging Tree" proves one of many outstanding numbers worth listening out for, emerging from a classy introduction into a memorable track UFO would be happy to deliver. "Black N Blue" sees the band heading in a much more bluesy hard direction, a great track borrowing late seventies Whitesnake, and it's a hybrid of these two styles that pretty much makes up the rest of this classy and very enjoyable album.
To describe a few; the album's title track "Sons Of Malice" batters the bankers who slapped us in the face with recession, delivering livid, broad-chested riffs leading the pack. The groove is terrific and the chorus strong and effective.
After enjoying a sedating interlude with acoustic guitars, "Hanging Tree" jumps back on the saddle and rides the sonic waves. One of the highlights of the CD.
There's a distinctly Blackmore style riff driving "Choose Revolution", while the melodious yet sharp guitar attack of "Monkey On My Back" recalls Fastway.


"Sons Of Malice" is a fine set of thirteen songs that have their roots set firmly in what many of us remember as a golden era of Brit Classic Hard Rock.
This is no messing, meaty classic stuff and the delivery is just spot on. Following the instructions of UFO, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and some of the ‘just rocking’ side of the NOWBHM days (e.g. early Saxon), "Sons Of Malice" is ideal for those who adore the past and praise those times’ magic.
The production and sound are clear and polished, we get a few slow (but perfectly placed) sections, but all in all this is classic Hard Rock riff-heaven, with vocalist Chris Bradley's seasoned voice carrying things along at a lively pace.
For this style there's nothing better than a twin guitar attack and Savage use it to great effect, matching this with a contemporary twist in the sound to bring things bang up to date.
So "Sons Of Malice" could be the dawn of a new era for Savage, as this is by far the best record they have ever made. The band is in superb shape and have mastered a giant record. Let's hope that it doesn't take another decade before they pull off another release like this.
Quite Recommended.


01 - The Rage Within
02 - Black N Blue
03 - Sons Of Malice
04 - The Hanging Tree
05 - Monkey On My Back
06 - Junkyard Dogs
07 - Blow
08 - Waking The Dead
09 - Choose Revolution
10 - NOW
11 - Look At Yourself
12 - Master Of War
13 - Fallen Idols


Chris Bradley: Lead Vocals, Bass
Andy Dawson: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Kristin Bradley: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Mark Nelson: Drums, Backing Vocals



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nehrecords.com/SHOP/SavageSons.htm

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TALISMAN - Time After Time [Deluxe Edition 2012] (2012)

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As informed previously on these pages, Swedish label 'Production Ab Sweden' is planning to re-release the catalog of legendary Melodic Rock / AOR band TALISMAN plus bonus material.
First up was the maxi-single 'I'll Be Waiting [Deluxe Edition 2012]' (already presented here, follow tags below).

Now we have "Time After Time [Deluxe Edition 2012]", featuring the main single +3, including the awesome "Mysterious (This Time It's Serious)".
There's a noticeable improvement in this remaster, full of dynamics and ambiance.
Jeff Scott Soto never sounded better.


01 - Time After Time
02 - Mysterious (This Time It's Serious)
03 - Give Me A Sign
04 - Long Way To Go


Jeff Scott Soto - vocals
Marcel Jacob - bass, rhythm guitar, drums & keyboards
Fredrik Akesson - guitars



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www.amazon.com/Time-After-Deluxe-Edition-2012/dp/B008CZ6MQ6

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THE COLD STARES - A Cold Wet Night And A Howling Wind (2012)

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THE COLD STARES should be Nashville's Hottest Rock band right know. This is an incredible duo comprising guitar player / vocalist Chris Tapp and drummer / percussionist Brian Mullins.
Formed in 2008 after both had spent a number of years in other bands, Chris and Brian got together for the sole reason to just jam. No preconceived notions on what the project should be. Just do what comes naturally.
The result is a hard rocking, classic brand of rock and roll that is played from the soul; The Cold Stares.

Tapp and Mullins live in Hendersonville, Kentucky, but as a band, the Cold Stares call Nashville home. They've released two EPs, one self-titled, the other 'Hot Like Waco'.
In 2010 they took first in the Nashville region of the Hard Rock Cafe's Ambassadors of Rock competition, and finished second internationally.
Now they are relasing their full length debut "A Cold Wet Night And A Howling Wind", and let me tell you; this album rocks!

Believe it or not, the music recorded here are just them; Tapp and Mullins. No overdubs, no additional players, none of them playing another instrument; just guitars, drums and vocals.
What? No bass? No Keys or samples? No.
Incredibly, this duo sounds like a full 5 person band. And they play live in the same way. In fact, this recording has a real 'live vibe', surely recorded in the studio playing together at the same time.
Chris’ unique guitar rig, along with Mullin’s giant bass drum provides the full sonics heard here that will blow your mind.
The guitar is running between three octaves through three amps, and using a unison line. Which means he just apply second guitar amps and bass where needed, obtaining a terrific bottom end.

And what kind of music music these guys play? Throwback, kickass, guitar-driven rock.
The Cold Stares soak up influences from timeless bluesy hard rock, think Led Zeppelin or Hendrix. But this is not 'revival rock' or a blend with new trends such as 'stoner rock'. Not at all, this is pure Classic Rock.
On their original penned tracks you can hear more modern influences, sometimes reminding me The Cult's 'Wildflower' era, but more classic rock oriented. "Release You" in example, would be at home on an early '90s Lynch Mob work.
There's also tons of Jimmy Page-like riffs and that 28" Vintage Ludwig drum kick all over, wonderfully played and arranged.
Check the covers of Mose Allison, Jimi Hendrix and Peter Green as well. Soak up those big, muscular riffs on "Jesus Brother James and "Third Degree." Ache and sweat with "High Fever Dying Blues".
And "Fire In The Sand", maybe the most representative track of these guys' style, will knock you the hell over. Killer.


"A Cold Wet Night And A Howling Wind" should be on everyone's regular playlist that like pure Classic Rock.
Every song on this album is awesome. No fluff, no 'radio single' intentions here. Just pure rock. Chris and Brian play from their souls and it is reflected in their songs.
Although they play Classic Rock (with the obvious influences) there's no one out there right now who sounds anything like them.
Do yourself a favor, don't miss this.
Highly Recommended.


01 - Jesus Brother James
02 - Parchment Farm
03 - The Third Degree
04 - Carousel
05 - Fire In The Sand
06 - Black Angel
07 - If6Was9
08 - Cannonball
09 - Oh Well
10 - Ngs4U
11 - Ingrid Pitt
12 - High Fever Dying Blues
13 - Strong Man
14 - Release You
15 - Red Letter Blues


Chris Tapp - Guitars, Vocals
Brian Mullins - Drums, Percussion






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www.cdbaby.com/cd/thecoldstares2

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DAMNATION ALLEY - ST (2012)

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Born on the streets of San Diego, DAMNATION ALLEY was formed in the eighties hair metal heyday by singer Lance Haunrogue. The band played in every Californian club and even supported major names as Atomic Playboys, Faster Pussycat & Bang Tango.
Unlike many of their Sunset Strip peers, these guys managed to record a bunch of songs in the studio back in the early '90s.

Now these tracks were compiled together with a recorded live show of the band in a 9-track self titled CD.
"Damnation Alley" is pure Sunset Strip sleazy hard rock, bringing back memories of Motley Crue, Skid Row and alikes. Vocalist Lance HaunRogue is a rougher version of Vince Neil in style, but on the live tracks his timbre is more similar to Warrant's Jani Lane.
The rest of the band are good musicians playing this sweaty rock 'n roll with ease, specially the double axe attack of John E. Katz & David Leigh.


Talking about sleazy hard rock, there isn't a bad song on the disc (with "Seduction Sister" being the best), and while it might not be breaking any new ground, I never bought into the fable that a band had to be original to be good.
So if you like this genre, check the video-track below to have an idea of what Damnation Alley is all about.
The studio tracks production is pretty decent, while the live recording is direct with no overdubs, a bit muddy and raw.
With so many Sunset Strip bands trying to break out in the '90s, Damnation Alley is one that actually lived up to the Strip's hype, as remained active at least until the past decade.


01 - Psycho City
02 - Seduction Sister
03 - Sticky Situation
04 - I Gotta Be Free
05 - Down N' Dirty (Live)
06 - Sex Machine (Live)
07 - I Gotta Be Free (Live)
08 - Fake Integrity (Live)
09 - Seduction Sister (Live)

Lance HaunRogue - vocals
John E. Katz - guitar and backing vocals
David Leigh - guitar and backing vocals
Mark Campbell - bass and backing vocals
Don Baniqued - drums and percussion







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demondollrecords.com/damnation_alley

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NIK KERSHAW - Human Racing [Expanded Edition 2CD] (2012)

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OK. This is a site specialized in rock 'n roll, but we can't deny there's many good and interesting music from related genres.
There was a time when pop music was colourful, flamboyant and full of character; the '80s. Actually, our beloved genres such as AOR and Westcoast crossed the thin line between rock and pop in many occasions.

Eighties pop delivered several talented artists in the genre, one of them being the British, Bristol-born NIK KERSHAW.
Kershaw's '84 debut "Human Racing" not only showed his vocal skills and ability to play Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Percussion, but also Nik's superb songwriting and the terrific production by Peter Collins (Rush, Queensryche, Gary Moore).
The album achieved platinum sales and a nomination for Best Album at the 1985 Brit Awards. Its release was greeted by critical acclaim and praise from the likes of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and prompted Elton John to call Kershaw 'one of the best songwriters of a generation'.

Incredibly, "Human Racing" has been totally out of print for a number of years, but now his label is releasing a 2-CD "Expanded Edition" compiled by Nik himself, including the original album digitally re-mastered from the original tapes and an extra CD including 12" mixes and B-sides.
This extra disc features some tracks that have not previously seen digital release, and one that has not been released at all ("Bogart Extended 12″ Remix).
Kershaw took to Twitter recently to praise the quality of the new remastering calling it “FAB-U-LOUS”.

"Human Racing" itself is a product of its time. No doubt about it but listening to it again it's astounding just how good it still is.
Superbly dynamic and brilliantly arranged with an emphasis on melody and hooks. Catchy choruses a-plenty, guitar solos and the customary '80s keyboards and synths.
The four singles released were radio friendly slices of pop/rock that touched on thought provoking lyrics backed up by some memorable tunes.
Many of the remixes that graced the obligatory 12" format of the day are being available on CD for the first time. Typical of the eighties, they re-jigged the tracks, looped various aspects of it and gave it a punchy back beat.
Some of them went on a bit, got a little annoying and probably drove you nuts but listening to them today makes me realise just how superior the sound was to the saturated, compressed and ear-fatiguing trash of today.


Many of you probably never heard about Nik Kershaw. Give to "Human Racing" a try, and also Nik's follow up 'The Riddle', even a bit AOR oriented. You will be pleased.
But regarding this "Human Racing Expanded Edition", the remastering is quite simply brilliant. Nobody is credited in the liner notes but whoever did the job should be proud of their effort.
Amazing clarity and detail, superbly balanced with incredible dynamics. Sounds very faithful to the original vinyl. No ridiculous compression and artificial boosting of levels here, exactly how a good remaster should sound.
Turn it up and be moved by the sound. This is Good.


CD 1: The Album

01 - Dancing Girls
02 - Wouldn't It Be Good
03 - Drum Talk
04 - Bogart
05 - Gone To Pieces
06 - Shame On You
07 - Cloak And Dagger
08 - Faces
09 - I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
10 - Human Racing


CD 2: The B-sides and 12'' mixes

01 - Dancing Girls (Special Hi-Energy 12'' Remix)
02 - Bogart (Extended 12'' Remix) [prev. unreleased]
03 - Monkey Business (B-side)
04 - Shame on You (Remix - 12'' B-side)
05 - Drum Talk (Special Hi-Energy 12'' Remix)
06 - Faces (Simon Boswell Remix)
07 - Dark Glasses (B-side)
08 - Wouldn’t It Be Good (Special Extended 12'' Mix)
09 - Human Racing (Simon Boswell Remix)
10 - She Cries (B-side)
11 - I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Simon Boswell Remix)
12 - Cloak and Dagger (live at Hammersmith Odeon 1984)



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hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?sku=520989

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