SIXX: A.M. - 7 (2011)

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On December 13, Motley Crue's bassist Nikki Sixx side project SIXX: A.M. is releasing "7", a new collection of tracks which aim to put a new spin on 7 songs from their 2 successful albums 'The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack' and 'This is Gonna Hurt'.

"7" features the band performing acoustic versions of tracks from each of their two albums, reworked with different arrangements.
The opening track "Lies Of The Beautiful People" consists of acoustic guitar and oriental orchestration that make the song more mysterious than the original. The solo guitar is also a highlight.
"Is Gonna Hurt" has received a beautiful piano arrangement, and their hit single "Life Is Beautiful" is remarkably revisited with strong guitars that sound as powerful as an electric one.
"Help Is On The Way" features a very appealing combination of acoustic guitar, cellos, violins and piano alongside speechless vocals with high quality arrangements.
"Sure Feels Right" is a great fusion of strings and piano with an electro-acoustic guitar work. "Pray For Me" is more stright, with a double acoustic six string guitar panned on both channels.
"Accidents Can Happen" ends the album with a moody, slow melancholic feel.


SIXX: A.M. "7" is much more than 'let's play some of our songs with an acoustic'.
All songs have been reworked at some point that sometimes sound as new ones. There's new beautiful melodies and gorgeous arrangements with a nice variety of high quality textures.
James Michael is a great singer, his vocal range gets even more amazing on these stripped versions, enhanced by the piano, cellos and violins background.
"7" reinforces the fact that SIXX: A.M. isn't a spare time project for Nikki Sixx and his talented bandmates, it's a serious and interesting power plant of ideas and musicality.
Very Good.


01 - Lies Of The Beautiful People (acoustic)
02 - Is Gonna Hurt (acoustic)
03 - Life Is Beautiful (acoustic)
04 - Help Is On The Way (acoustic)
05 - Sure Feels Right (acoustic)
06 - Pray For Me (acoustic)
07 - Accidents Can Happen (acoustic)


Nikki Sixx: Bass, Keys, Backing Vocals
DJ Ashba: Guitars, Effects
James Michael: Vocals








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www.myplaydirect.com/sixx-am

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FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS - The Best Of: Sweetheart Anniversary Edition (2011)

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Fronted by the multi-talented singer & songwriter Franke Previte, The Knockouts achieved a top ten single in 1981 with the infectious song "Sweetheart". Commemorating the 30th Anniversary, a new dedicated record of the band, "The Best Of ; Sweetheart Anniversary Edition", is being released compiling their hits. Franke himself has especially remastered all tracks from the original master tapes.

Franke & The Knockouts had several Top 40 hits in the USA, but in Europe only the die-hard AOR fans are familiar with the three excellent records of this New Brunswick, New Jersey based 80's band.
"The Best Of" includes the best of their catalog. From start to finish, this is a marvelous compendium of Classic early 80's AOR with a little Westcoast here and there.
The band was well known for their incredible catchy hooklines, memorable choruses and the outstanding picture-perfect vocals of Franke, while instrumentally they were the typical pure early radio-ready AOR band from the States.

Without any doubts, this kind of AOR is almost impossible to create nowadays, because the level is really from another planet when listening to classics such as "Sweetheart" (a Westcoast-AOR Classic shuffle), the uptempo rocker "You're My Girl" with its infectious chorus, or the terrific ballad "Without You (Not Another Lonely Night)".
"You Don’t Want Me (Like I Want You)" is pure AOR heaven, "Come Rain Or Shine" exudes quality all over (TOTO didn’t sound this good in the early eighties) and the stunning mid-tempo "You're All That Really Matters" (also recorded by Tycoon in a slightly different version) is 24K gem.
Franke could really rock too, such as can be heard for example in "Outrageous", their most Melodic Rock orientated song, or on "Never Had It Better" where late 70's Foreigner meets early 80's Survivor, including the dut-dut piano / keyboard work a la TOTO’s 'Hold The Line'.


This stunning newly remastered Greatest Hits features 19 hit tracks including all the Knockouts classic songs, plus the original rockin' version of "Hungry Eyes" (which would become a Top 5 smash hit in 1987 performed by Eric Carmen for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack), and as extra special interest for fans and collectors, the previously unreleased tune "Beat Of A Broken Heart" originally written for Dirty Dancing 2, but never released until now.
The new remastering update by Franke Previte is excellent and makes the songs sound massive and vital, with a sound true to the original vinyl warmness.
This is how AOR should sound like. Franke & The Knockouts are the definition of the true, pure early 80's AOR.
A Must Have = Essential Purchase.


01 - Sweetheart
02 - She's A Runner
03 - Running Into The Night
04 - Come Back
05 - You're My Girl
06 - One For All
07 - Annie Goes Hollywood
08 - Never Had It Better
09 - Without You (Not Another Lonely Night)
10 - Just What I Want
11 - Morning Sun
12 - You Don't Want Me (Like I Want You)
13 - Outrageous
14 - Come Rain Or Shine
15 - You're All That Really Matters
16 - One Good Reason
17 - Blame It On My Heart
18 - Hungry Eyes [Original Version - Bonus Track]
19 - Beat Of A Broken Heart [Previously Unreleased]


Franke Previte – lead vocals
Billy Elworthy – guitars
Bobby Messano - guitars, backing vocals
Blake Levinsohn – keyboards
Tommy Ayers – keyboards, backing vocals
Leigh Foxx – bass
Claude LeHenaff – drums
Tico Torres (Bon Jovi) – drums




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www.fridaymusic.com/releases/franke.html

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DEC BURKE - Paradigms & Storylines (2011)

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Ireland born Dec Burke is a UK based guitarist/vocalist has written, recorded and performed with British prog-rock supergroups Frost* and Darwin’s Radio. He has also toured with Spock’s Beard and Dream Theater.
After leaving Darwin's Radio in late 2009, Dec embarked on his solo career, and "Paradigms & Storylines" is his second, ambitious brand new album.

Enrolled into the Neo-Melodic side of the Prog Rock genre, Burke's music primary concern are the accessible melodies, even they are embedded with several layers of classic prog.
The explosive opening trio of "Days Like These", "March Of The Androids" and "A Price for Life" are sharp rockers, with a modern instrumentation and a harmonious melodic rock sound.
"Days Like These" blends layers of guitars in a frenetic rhythm with some intriguing tech passages. The chorus is extremely melodic and the guitar solo has epic proportions.
"March Of The Androids" is excellent. From the start with its intricate guitar lines, the song has the typical Euro Melodic Rock vibe, both in sound and structure, but with a twist thanks to the vocal arrangement.
Then we're surprised by "A Price For Life". This track has some Mr. Mister (yes, the AOR band) resemblances mixed with Last Autumn's Dream. Unexpected sound / style for a prog related album, but trust me, the result is awesome. There's great keyboards and ethereal vocals over an undulating bass line, all filled with a really interesting guitar work transcending the stereotype. Great class, great song.
The River opens calmer, with strings, acoustic guitar and tribal drums. Then the electric guitar explodes driving us to a melodic and enchanting chorus.

"Yesterdays Fool" is a superb ballad, again thanks to Burke's poignant vocals and the accompanying chorus. Starts slowly with a classical guitar accompanying, but at the middle the full band joins crafting a terrific melody crowned by an unbelievable solo. This track deserves to be listened by all Melodic Rock fans as it's one of the best of the year.
But "Paradigms & Storylines" is also a prog album, and Burke has reserved the last part of the disc to get deep into the genre.
"December Sun" has a Beatles-like harmony and awakens to a sing-along, but after the four minute mark there's a classy progressive twist that fans of Frost* and Pink Floyd will really appeal.
And the we have the no holds barred, bombastic and epic title track "Paradigms & Storylines". Divided in three parts, this is a true prog journey full of key changes, harmonies, keyboard / guitar solos and imaginative instrumentation.


"Paradigms & Storylines" is a terrific release by a complete musician. It's catchy and commercial, but also complex and interesting.
Dec Burke's talent for an infectious melody aligned with dexterous flashes of musicianship are here for all to hear and enjoy.
The album has a "Swedish" sound, perhaps due the great Scandinavian session players intervening: bassist Stefan Holm (also responsible for mix and production), the precise Mike Wikman (ex Alien) on drums and percussion and keyboardist Carl Westholm.
Attention Melodic Rockers: this album is for you, and also will appeal prog fans and high quality music aficionados in general.
"Paradigms & Storylines" is one of the albums of the year to me.
Highly Recommended.


01 - Days Like These
02 - March Of The Androids
03 - A Price For Life
04 - The River
05 - Yesterday's Fool
06 - December Sun
07 - Paradigms & Storylines


Dec Burke - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Stefan Fanden - Bass Guitar
Carl Westholm - Keyboards
Mike Wikman - Drums, Percussion
Cia Backman - Backing Vocals





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www.amazon.co.uk/Paradigms-Storylines-Dec-Burke/dp/B005YXJ4OG

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PROPHET - Cycle Of The Moon [remastered +1] (2011)

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After the reissue of PROPHET's 'Recycled' last month, now it's time for their second (and best in my opinion) album "Cycle Of The Moon", remastered and repackaged with a bonus track.

Originally released in 1988, for this new effort Russell Arcara (former Surgin singer) replaced Dean Fasano, and the drummer slot was taken by Mike Sterlacci, after Ted Poley's departure to become Danger Danger's vocalist.
Riding the wave of the moment, on "Cycle Of The Moon" Prophet moved to the rockin' AOR territory, filled with glorious swirling keyboards and memorable choruses. Still, some light prog-AOR ala 80's Kansas can be found, all wrapped with a lush and polished sound.

"Cycle Of The Moon" is a cleverly balanced album, from the harder tracks such as "Frontline" or "Hands Of Time" to the pure AOR of the highest class on the awesome "Can't Hide Love" and "Red Line Rider".
The terrific ballad "Sound Of A Breaking" should've been a hit, while the acoustic / keyboard filled semi-prog "Tomorrow Never Comes" (sung by bass player Scott Metaxas) is one of the finest songs of that year.


"Cycle Of The Moon" is one of the best AOR / Hard albums of the 80's,
reflecting a stunningly complete combination of musicianship, sonic power and commercial appeal. Great songs + great production is a winning formula, and both are present in large quantities here.
This reissue, with a brilliant remastering and a bonus track, is a must have in any serious rockin' AOR collection.
Essential.


01 - Cycle Of The Moon
02 - Can't Hide Love
03 - On The Run
04 - Sound Of A Breaking Heart
05 - Asylum
06 - Tomorrow Never Comes
07 - Frontline
08 - Hands Of Time
09 - Hyperspace
10 - Red Line Rider
11 - Hard Lovin' Man (Bonus Track)


Russell Arcara: vocals
Ken Dubman: guitars
Scott Metaxas: bass, backing vocals, acoustic guitar
Joe Zujkowski: keyboards
Michael Sterlacci: drums, backing vocals








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www.nehrecords.com/SHOP/ProphetCycleEuro.htm

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MARCO TAGGIASCO & Friends - Things And Moments Live (2011)

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Now we have a real treat for classic WestCoast AOR lovers, Marco Taggiasco's "Things and Moments Live", a wonderful live recording featuring soulful rendition to songs of this great composer.
I can easily place Marco Taggiasco besides David Foster, as he is a terrific songwriter, arranger and pianist as well.

In the eighties Marco formed his first band with full line-up featuring sessions players from the jazz rock world and together with his brother he wrote most of the material. During the 90's Taggiasco focused on studio works producing and arranging for different singers, and beside that write music for theatre productions and movies.
At the end of that decade, decided to released the promo EP 'Three Love Ballads', containing 3 songs written and produced in a classy Westcoast Adult Contemporary style.
In 2000 he met Andrea Sanchini, a young male vocalist and they decided to collaborate and eventually to make a record. So they started working on 'Thousand Things', earning compliments from music giants such as Eric Tagg or Jay Graydon.

But his real full album was the acclaimed 2008 release "This Moment", recorded between Rome, Copenhagen and LA. The album counts two unreleased tracks written by Eric Tagg and Eric is on the opening track as a lead vocalist, coming back in the studio after 10 years of absence.
Among the special guests there's David Pack delivering an incredible performance on the title track 'This Moment'.

Now, Taggiasco is back with a great live recording featuring 15 cuts of his entire career, including many songs of 'This Moment' with new arrangements. Not the usual live album, since 5 tracks never released on CD are performed live for the first time.
The record features Marco's signature songs like "April In My Heart" and "This Moment", as well as his recent hit "Got To Believe This Time", written with Robbie Dupree and played for the first time, in addition to the classic "Never Too Late (For Love)".
There's two gorgeous ballads performed by emerging female vocal talent Daphne Nisi, along with an emotive version of Marco’s "Healing Rain", performed by Danish singer-songwriter Claus Leonhardt.
But the star here are the brilliant vocals of the awesome Andrea Sanchini, a fantastic singer with a huge and deep tone very similar to maestro Bill Cantos.

"The idea behind the project is: I had some unreleased songs" - Marco explains - "songs that didn’t find a way on my records, good songs in my opinion, and I also had the songs from my very first cd, which was made with a massive use of programming and very little live playing so Riziero (Riziero Bixio, album producer) and I thought it would have been nice to gather round some friends and make a concert to share those songs and give them a chance to be heard in a fresher way".


All in "Things and Moments Live" sounds perfect, immaculate, with a quality that seems recorded into the best L.A. studio.
No doubt that you can hear the inspiration from artists such as David Foster, Michael McDonald, Bobby Caldwell, Eric Tagg or Richard Marx.
It is great to know that musicians from Europe still dig into the Classic WestCoast music, and Marco Taggiasco & Friends are the best representation of it.
I can't recommend this album enough. Excels quality on all aspects.
"Things and Moments Live" is simply A Must Have.


01 - Ouverture In D (Instrumental)
02 - Let My Love Grow (feat. Andrea Sanchini)
03 - Thousand Things (feat. Andrea Sanchini)
04 - Burning For You (feat. Andrea Sanchini)
05 - This Moment (feat. Andrea Sanchini)
06 - Angel of August (feat. Andrea Sanchini)
07 - April In My Heart (feat. Daphne Nisi)
08 - Before the End of Time (feat. Andrea Sanchini)
09 - Wish On a Star (feat. Daphne Nisi)
10 - Breathless (feat. Daphne Nisi)
11 - Got to Believe (This Time) (feat. Andrea Sanchini)
12 - Healing Rain (feat. Claus Leonhardt)
13 - Radio Silence (feat. Andrea Sanchini)
14 - Hangin' On Tomorrow (feat. Andrea Sanchini)
15 - Never Too Late (For Love) (ft. A.Sanchini, D.Nisi & C. Leonhardt)


Marco Taggiasco - Piano, Keyboards
Andrea Sanchini - Vocals
Daphne Nisi - Vocals
Claus Leonhardt - Vocals
Pino Iodice - Guitars
Giancarlo Capo - Guitar
Fabio Penna - Bass
Gabriele Pistilli - Sax, Clarinet
Riziero RB Bixio - Drums









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www.cdbaby.com/cd/marcotaggiascofriends

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ERIC CARR - Unfinished Business (2011)

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To commemorate 20 years since the late ERIC CARR passed away, her sister is presenting the CD "Unfinished Business", featuring 18 rare recordings including an unreleased version of "Shandi" with Eric on vocals.

Drummer Eric Carr was an intricate part of Kiss for over 11 years.
His powerful drumming rocked the music world through the 80's and he is still an influence on drummers and rock fans alike.
This special 20th year commemorative CD release features rare Eric Carr recordings including unreleased music, live performances, interview clips and more.
Guests include members and former members of Kiss, Twisted Sister, Danger Danger, Seether, ZO2, Europe and more.
A testament to a man whose personality and heart were as big as his enormous talent.

Recording details :

Track 02 : "Just Can't Wait" was first released as an instrumental on Eric Carr's Rockology album. Originally this very arranged song from 1987 was never finished with vocals. This song has been remastered using Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick\s drum and guitar tracks. In addition Ted Poley (of Danger Danger) adds his Lead Vocals using lyrics written in 2006. Music written and performed by Eric Carr, Bruce Kulick and Adam Mitchell.
Lyrics written by Nick Clements; Lead vocals by Ted Poley;
Background vocals by Ted Poley and Mike Lodusma.

Track 03 : "Troubles Inside You" : This is a complete demo taken from the original cassette tape (1987), featuring Mitch Weismann (Kiss co-writer) on lead vocals. Mitch jokes about how he and Eric were at Gene Simmons house 'just fooling around'. Mitch wanted to try something different, so he sat inside a closet with his microphone and belted out this easy flowing song. In the meantime, Eric Carr programmed the drum machine, played some guitars, and added some background vocals.
Written and performed by Eric Carr and Mitch Weissman.

Track 05 : "No One's Messin' With You" : This song was discovered on an old DAT recording owned and made by Eric Carr in 1989. This alternative version of "Little Caesar", from the 1989 Kiss, album "Hot in the Shade" has an entirely different set of lyrics and vocal melody. Eric Carr handles the gritty vocals and bass guitar while Bruce Kulick fills it out with some rock-in' riffs. Since was an early demo this song contains no lead guitar tracks.
Written and performed by Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick.

Track 06 : "Carr Jam 1981" : remake / cover version of the Eric Carr song, by ZO2 members Benny Doro (guitars and bass) and Joey Cassata (drums).

Track 08 : "Shandi" : In 2006 Eric Carr's "1980 KISS audition tape" surfaced.
The tape featured an unknown Paul Caravello (Eric Carr) singing "Shandi". Eric Carr's vocals were lifted from the tape and combined with a refreshing new musical arrangement, make this update soar. Joining Eric Carr are some very talented artists whose contributions range from classical guitar rhythms to seductive background vocals.
Words and Music by Paul Stanley / Vini Poncia; Lead vocals by Eric Carr.
Guitar and percussion by Charles Sudiak; Keyboards by Benny Doro.
Background vocals by Marcia Juell and Benny Doro.

Track 09 : "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" : remake / cover version by ZO2.

Track 10 : "Dial L For Love" : Written in 1987, this demo, was one step away from being complete. After so many years Kiss fans can finally hear this unreleased track.
Music by Eric Carr and Adam Mitchell. Performed by Eric Carr.

Track 11 : "Elephant Man" : Eric Carr's last known composition. Carr wrote the lyrics for the song early 1991. Due to his untimely death, he would never complete it. In 2006, music was composed to complete this song. This song also reunites Eric with his family, as his sister Maria and niece Sara-Jean, pay tribute with their heartfelt background vocals.
Lyrics by Eric Carr. Music composed by Nick Clements and Bob Gilmartin.
Lead vocals, guitars and percussion by Bob Gilmartin. Bass by Marko Pukkila.
Drums by AJ Pero (Twisted Sister); Intro lead guitar by Kee Marcello (Europe).
Background vocals by Maria and Sara-Jean, Bob Gilmartin.

Track 13 : "Midnite Stranger" : Ex- KISS guitarist Mark St. John contacted Eric Carr's family in 2006. Eric had given Mark a cassette tape containing a demo of a song that Eric Carr wrote called "Midnite Stranger". When Mark heard that there was a new Eric Carr CD in the works, he was eager to be part of it. Weeks before Mark's death he was in the process of creating some heavy guitar parts for the song. Sadly, Mark St. John pasted away in 2007, before he could complete them. This heavy rocker comes from that original 25 year old cassette tape (1986).
Written and performed by Eric Carr.
Additional mixing by Beth Jordan and Loretta Caravello.

Track 14 : "Eyes Of Love" : Just like 'Shandi' (track 08 on this disc), this version is build around Eric Carr's original lead and background vocal tracks of the original demo version of the song which appears on "Rockology". This new version is performed by Benny Doro and long-time Eric Carr admirer John Humphrey (Seether).
Music and lyrics by Eric Carr, Bruce Kulick, Adam Mitchell.
Lead and background vocals by Eric Carr.
Guitars, bass, additional background vocals by Benny Doro. Drums by John Humphrey.

Track 16 : "Through The Years" : Follow a young striving musician Paul Caravello as a 17 year old practicing drums in his basement becomes a master of his craft Eric Carr, drummer for the greatest band in the land, Kiss !
Music written and performed by Eric Carr. Compiled, Edited and Engineered by Beth Jordan.

Track 17 : "I Cry At Night" : Remixed and Remastered, written and performed by Paul Caravello (Eric Carr) with his first band, The Cellarman.
Music, lyrics, lead vocals and drums by Paul Caravello (Eric Carr).
David Bartky (bass); Robert Pryor (lead guitar); Victor Cohen (rhythm guitar).



"Unfinished Business" is nice and nostalgic compilation of Eric Carr's demos and songs.
He was a great and complete artist most the time shunted aside by Gene & Paul.
Some tracks here really worth the listen, such as the version of "Shandi" used at Eric's audition for Kiss drummer / alt. vocalist slot, presented here with a new, low-key and groovy accompaniment.
Other unreleased goodies are the powerful "Dial L For Love" and "Elephant Man", the presence of Danger Danger's Ted Poley providing lead vocals on the catchy "Just Can't Wait", and Bruce Kulick plus ex Europe Kee Marcello guitar contributions.
Essential for Eric Carr / Kiss fans and rock collectors in general.


You've seen it first here, at zerodayrock

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mvdb2b.com/s/EricCarrUnfinishedBusiness/MVD5286A

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SHANNON NOLL - A Million Suns (2011)

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I have been following SHANNON NOLL's discography since his first 2004 album, as his music has a mature Classic Rock, catchy rock&pop sound. After a four-year recording gap, Noll is releasing a new album; "A Million Suns".

Born in New South Wales, Australia, Shannon Noll may have come to the country’s attention through his part in the Australian Idol series but since those days he built a really solid career based on strong melodic rock songs featuring his honest, distinctive gravelly Aussie vocal style.
"A Million Suns" is his fourth album and it is definitely the strongest set of songs he has written and also contains the highest quality production we've heard from him yet, handled by Bryon Jones who worked on Noll's first two albums.
The CD contain a good mix of rockers and ballads but the common theme is catchy and radio friendly vocal hooks backed up by powerful musical performances.

First track on the album and promotional single "Switch Me On" has impassioned melodies and good guitars, a bit modern and obviously intended for radio, whilst the title track pays tribute to the Australian summer and focuses on Noll’s voice, more melodic than rocking but definitely one to get caught up in.
The highlights are the arena-sized anthems "My Place in the Line" and "Living in Stereo", that might satisfy those waiting impatiently for the next Bryan Adams record, both really good melodic rock songs.
The rocker "Til We Say So" is a blistering slice of blue-collar Classic Rock that showcase Noll's vocals at their most gravelly.
The great and infectious rock&pop arrangement of "Would It Be So Bad" has a hooky chorus super easy to like.
On the massive power ballad "Long Way Home" Shannon sounds as last decade Def Leppard, a really good tune full of passion and harmonies.


"A Million Suns" is another good commercial rock album by Shannon Noll, and while there's a standard supply of aching, mid-tempo efforts, the CD is definitely aimed at the live arena, with plenty of upbeat and cool rock numbers destined to get the punters up and about.
Noll has teamed up with some big names to write the songs for this album, all well crafted and faithful to his classic rock roots while ramping up the pace like never before.
"A Million Suns" should appeal to all classic and melodic rock fans with taste for commercial tunes with substance and endurance.
Really well done.


01 - Switch Me On
02 - A Million Suns
03 - My Place In The Line
04 - Come Home
05 - Rewind
06 - 'til We Say So
07 - Long Way Home
08 - Living In Stereo
09 - Path Of Gold
10 - Collide
11 - Would It Be So Bad
12 - It's A Man's Man's Man's World







BUY IT!
www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8616957

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TIME HORIZON - Living Water (2011)

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One of the musical surprises of the year comes from Northern California, by the hand of TIME HORIZON and their first album "Living Water".
The genesis of the band started in the mid-90's when keyboardist Ralph Otteson and guitar player David Dickerson were mixing their demos and meet in the studio drummer/vocalist Bruce Gaetke.
Time Horizon was born and they began composing and performing new fresh original songs. The debut album has been in gestation for some time, featuring 10 songs written between 2005 and 2010.

Time Horizon offers on "Living Water" a fantastic slice of AOR inspired Prog Rock, with tons of melodies, catchy rhythms and excellent musicianship.
The band themselves cite their influences as a mixture of Kansas, Boston, Styx, Spock's Beard, Saga and Neal Morse, and to be fair they have it pretty much spot on, with the majority of the songs on 'Living Water' combining progressive themes with layers of vocal harmonies and hooks galore.
I hear a distinct cross-over appeal to the classic AOR market, such that they may fit better in the Crossover Prog sub-genre than in the traditional prog. The individual instrumental performances are top notch. Drummer Bruce Gaetke also doubles up on vocals, and while his percussive work is great, it is really his vocals, the guitar work of Dave Dickerson and keyboard playing of Ralph Otteson that shines brightest on this uplifting CD.

Opener 'Life Fantastic' has a slower Styx-like vibe with touches of Saga, and after some majestic keys the guitars take over to set the stage for Gaetke's opening vocals. Excellent keys and guitar work follow, along with strong bass and solid drums. A very strong start.
My own personal highlight of the album is the ultra catchy "Age Of Wonders", musically reminiscent of the most commercial Kansas, where the layers of vocals are so Boston inspired, making this a song that I can listen to over and over without ever tiring of. Tons of lovely keyboards here, as on much of this brilliant CD.
"Time Horizon" is an unexpected four minute journey into Michel Jarre / Alan Parsons territory, combining some beautifully layered keyboard textures with vocorder-enhanced voices and ethereal lyrics. The mechanized vocals add to the mystery and dramatic power of the lyrics being delivered, all surrounded by fantastic synths.
On "Forgiveness" the drums are slowly added with inspired bass lines and guitars to build the climax. The pipe organ like keys make it sound like it was performed in a church, making the sound even more majestic. Emotional vocals from Gretke and a soaring guitar solo crowns the tune.

The excellent Rush-esque drums open the catchy AOR "Feel The Change", before those cool keys join in again to provide just the right touch. This is a classic Kansas / Boston influenced track where the interaction between Otteson's massive keys and Dickerson's and Gourley's guitar work is just amazing. Gaetke's drum never misses a beat. A favorite to me.
Adding variation arrives "Me Chili Caliente", the only (and short) intrumental. It's a piece full of acoustic guitar at the opening that will bring back memories of some of Steve Howe's famous interludes on Yes' albums of the 70s. But there is also a Steve Hackett sound to this piece as well. I could have listened to 10 to 15 minutes of this guitar work.
Another winner is the majestic "I Am Not Alone ('Till the Dawn)". It opens with fantastic, powerful vintage keyboards, before blazing guitars and heavy bass mix well with the drum beats to build rhythm and melody. I love the way that the main ballad-like piano/vocal section leads the way to an instrumental break that kicks the tempo and intensity up a notch. A perfect blending of the band's prog and AOR sensibilities.
Title track "Living Water" is catchy poppy-prog number built around a tribal drum rhythm and some tight group-vocal melodies which play in counterpoint with one another. Very nice harmonies.
Closer "Paradise" reminds me Saga sonically, but the song structure has again Kansas similarities. A very melodic track with where all the members have their instrumental showcase.


Time Horizon’s debut album "Living Water" is a collection of wonderful accessible Prog-AOR songs perfectly crafted.
Mature songwriting, varied and interesting, with all the songs sonically arranged to sound different and enchanting. The recording / production are on the highest professional caliber, and the band's musical chops are certainly superb, with Otterson's majestic keyboards in particular, often rising up to steal the show. I love quality keyboards, and here are tons of them.
Time Horizon is also quite strong vocally, with Gaetke's warm, friendly mid-range voice used to great effect, as well as some fantastic sweet harmonies that should appeal to fans of Kansas and Boston.
It resulted all together in an excellent sounding album without any weak composition, inspired and effective.
"Living Water" is another surprise of the year, don't miss it.
Highly Recommended.


01 - Life Fantastic
02 - Living Water Prelude
03 - Age of Wonders
04 - Time Horizon
05 - Forgivness
06 - Feel the Change
07 - Me Chili Caliente
08 - I Am Not Alone (Til the Dawn)
09 - Living Water
10 - Paradise


Ralph Otteson (keyboards / background vocals)
Bruce Gaetke (drums / lead vocals)
David Dickerson (electric and acoustic guitars / keyboards)
Steve Gourley (bass guitar)









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www.cdbaby.com/cd/timehorizon

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