STREETHEART - Best Of Streetheart (2012)

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STREETHEART was one of the seminal bands of the Canadian Melodic Rock / AOR movement. Formed by keyboard player Daryl Gutheil and bassist Spider (Ken Sinnaeve), the band gained considerable success at the beginning of the eighties in North America with their albums achieving platinum status.
Streetheart's career was a 5-year rush, sharing stages with Chilliwack, Styx, Kansas, Aldo Nova, April Wine, Rush and more.

Since the beginning, the motto of the band was wrote commercial catchy tunes with abundance of keyboards, sizzling guitars and the appealing raspy vocals of Kenny Shields.
For starters, Streetheart's style is similar to Loverboy, not strange as guitarist Paul Dean was part of the band in the earlier days, composing and recording on the 1st disc, and later went solo to found Loverboy.
Several Streetheart singles became an instant FM radio hits, and later many major acts recorded some of the band's songs, such as Frehley's Comet and Neal Schon's '92 Hardline.
The group is also recognized for their ability to re-arrange and versioning with class other artists tunes, as their unique interpretations of Van Morrison's "Here Comes the Night" and the Rolling Stones' "Under My Thumb."

Strangely, Streetheart's catalog hasn't been properly re-issued on CD. There's a mid-nineties German-only release of their albums, but with a poor sound. In this century there have been a couple of compilations, but mostly covering their first two recordings.
Now, the European label Rdeg / Believe Digital is publishing this "Best Of" covering Streetheart entire career. A treat for the fans, and if you are new to Streetheart surely you'll enjoy this representative compendium of their fine Melodic Rock music.


01 - Drugstore Dancer
02 - Trouble
03 - Just For You
04 - Under My Thumb
05 - Teenage Rage
06 - Hollywood
07 - Miss Plaza Suite
08 - Tin Soldier
09 - What Kind Of Love Is This
10 - Look In Your Eyes
11 - Action
12 - Snow White
13 - One More Time
14 - Have It Your Way
15 - Without Your Love
16 - Comin' True


Kenny Shields (lead vocals)
Paul Dean (guitars, vocals)
Matthew Frenette (drums)
Ken "Spider" Sinnaeve (bass, vocals)
Daryl Gutheil (keyboards)
John Hannah (guitar; replaced Dean 1978)
Bob "Herb" Ego (drums; replaced Frenette 1980)
Jeff Neill (guitar; replaced Hannah 1982)
Billy Carmassi (drums; replaced Herb Ego 1983)




BUY IT !
www.emusic.com/listen/#/album/streetheart/best-of-streetheart/13307884/
http://topratedclassicrockalbums.blogspot.com./2012/04/best-of-streetheart.html

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PHOBOS CORP. - Felicity (2012)

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The mastermind behind PHOBOS CORP. is Greek keyboard player and arranger Spyros Papadakis.
With a handful of collaborators from the USA (Chris Sutherland has played in Saga), and a female lead vocalist, Papadakis delivers his first EP "Felicity".

Put this short disc in the category of symphonic, melodic, and progressive metal akin to a blend between Ayreon and Shadow Gallery. Papadakis draws heavily from traditional metal and film scores, citing Hans Zimmer as a major influence.
Basically, this material is epic, extravagant and often bombastic. But it's not necessarily a synthesizer festival. No, Phobos Corp's compositions offer well-rounded depth from the stunning vocals from Tara to the orchestral arrangements to the stirring guitar solos.
Spyros is equally principal composer and player in the band. Every song here is bounty material, being the intriguing prog nuances of "Conceived Fate" and the majestic "Angels In Despair" the cream.


The arrangements and musical input in "Felicity" are aurally sublime; orchestral passages not commonly heard in the Sympho / Prog Metal genres.
The music has as a well a cinematic motion, with a drip of darkness here and there but mostly catchy. The production is solid and dynamic, with an ascetic, 'cold feel' that - in my opinion - makes the guitars and drums sound truly good for this kind of material.
Papadakis is working on a second Phobos Corp. EP for late 2012. Frankly, I say let's have an LP full of his fine creations.
Very Good and quite original.


01 - One Eternal (Felicity's Song)
02 - Conceived Fate
03 - This Divine Tragedy
04 - Angels In Despair

Spyros Papadakis: Keyboards, Synths
Tara Louise: Vocals
Mark Jones: Guitars & Bass
Chris Sutherland: Drums
Jon Ong, Zach Lemmon: Orchestral Arrangements
Shoi Sen: guest Lead Guitar on "This Divine Tragedy"



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www.cdbaby.com/cd/phoboscorp

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MICHAEL LANDAU - Organic Instrumentals (2012)

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MICHAEL LANDAU is perhaps the most widely respected session guitarist of all time. He has recorded all styles of music and worked with ALL, from James Taylor to Steve Perry to John Wetton.
As a leader of own projects his discography is admittedly light, but he's ramped up recently with 'Live' (2006) from his main band, and the rock/vocal driven 'Renegade Creation' (2010) with guitarist Robben Ford.
What Landau's discography has been missing, however, is an all-instrumental record, and with "Organic Instrumentals" he's righted that serious wrong. And what a stellar record it is.

As a huge fan of Michael Landau's toothy Strat tones — especially his contribution to countless AOR gems — I've collected and studied his recordings over the years.
Yet, I wasn't prepared for "Organic Instrumentals". Aided by an ace band, he has crafted the most comprehensive, satisfying all-guitar album I've heard since Jeff Beck’s Blow by Blow.
Perhaps that's not surprising: there's a lot of Beck in these 10 tracks, principally in Landau's snappy, fingers-pulling-strings attack and supreme wang-bar artistry.
These Beck-isms are balanced by equal amounts of Hendrix epic riffs, slinky double-stops, and spacey bends. Landau shuffles the rhythm section amongst a bunch of largely well-known monster musicians (in example Vinnie Colaiuta or Jimmy Haslip), but what lends "Organic Instrumentals" its consistency, strength and authenticity —beyond the guitarist's tasty playing, effortless control over effects and verisimilitude across electric and acoustic instruments— is keyboardist Larry Goldings.
When Landau interacts with Goldings, who plays on most of the album, we hear a mesmerizing interplay between ringing Fender Stratocaster and churning Hammond deeply explored.

Landau also breaks out his flattop on this album and that's a real treat.
"Delano" starts out with a cool breezy acoustic melody line and as the song progresses, it moves into a groovy electric guitar vibe with some of the best cutting distortion lead tone I've heard in awhile.
Next, on "Sneaker Wave" the guitar sounds simply are out of this world. Landau goes from hippy-trippy hypnotic melodies to wide open reverberated harmonic chord progressions that remind me a lot of Eric Johnson. The lead lines are dynamic, exciting and soulful.
With "Spider Time" we have a Hendrixy sounding melodic chord-structure with one single straight ahead beat on the ol’ toms. Man oh man, this kat Landau has got some chops. The keyboards (Wurlitzer) on this are also top-notch.

I will stop describing more tracks as all are outstanding. As far as the rest of the album goes, there are plenty more interesting arrangements and impressive guitar-hero type playing.
The music is all rock / blues oriented with some fusion undertones, laced and interwoven into to Landau's fabric of sound. Moreover, if 'TONE' is your thing, then this CD is Pure Tone Paradise.


Michael Landau is a Master Harmonic Craftsman of Sound with a guitar in his hands.
This incredible musician constructs in "Organic Instrumentals" some of the most melodically beautiful phrases ever recorded with passion drenched guitar solos, resulting in a guitar tour de force that must be heard to be believed.
The music has many highs and lows in it. The sounds go from very mellow to bombastically loud in an instance, giving you a rollercoaster type of effect.
I know that instrumental albums aren't for everyone, but beyond the musical genre that you like most, do yourself a favor and listen this masterwork.
Outstanding.


01 - Delano
02 - Sneaker Wave
03 - Spider Time
04 - The Big Black Bear
05 - Karen Mellow
06 - Ghouls And The Goblins
07 - Big Sur Howl
08 - Woolly Mammoth
09 - Smoke
10 - The Family Tree


Michael Landau: All Guitars
Larry Goldings: Hammond (1-3, 5-9), piano (3)
Estey Reed: Keyboards (9), carillion (9)
Jimmy Haslip: bass (1, 3)
Andy Hess: bass (4, 5, 8)
Chris Chaney: bass (6)
Teddy Landau: bass (2)
Charley Drayton: drums (1, 8)
Vinnie Colaiuta: drums (2)
Gary Novak: drums (3-7)
Walt Fowler: flugelhorn (7)



BUY IT !
www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8670098

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FRAZE GANG - FRAZE GANG 2 (2012)

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Remember Canadian rockers Brighton Rock? They released a series of really good straight forward melodic hard rock albums in the late '80s and early '90s spawning hair metal anthems such as "We Came To Rock" and "Can't Wait For The Night".
When Brighton Rock break-up, two members of the band, Greg Fraser and Stevie Skreebs, after some years on vacation decided to go on their own way and to serve the kind of music they love the most, and Fraze Gang was born.

Fraze Gang debuted in 2006 with their self-titled album, a nice recording with ups and downs. Now they're back with "2", a much more consistent disc in all aspects.
The music delivered by Fraze Gang is melodic hard rock with nods to Brighton Rock but opting to pursue other directions, some with modern tinges.
Opener "Saint Or Sinner" is one of the best tracks of the whole CD, containing enough '80s melody and energy to keep Brighton Rock and fans of the golden era satisfied. The guitar work is meaty and solid.
"In Your Face" follows, with a lovable Dokken-esque riff dominating a track with very good atmosphere. The same cool vibe is present in "Tough Enough" wich reminds me early Beggars & Thieves.
The band go for more modern hard rock in the vein of recent Phil Vincent bands D'Ercole and Legion (without the gritty) on some tracks like "Juggernaut", "White Lightning" and "Rampage".
There's time as well for slow numbers on the good acoustic "This Is It" and the bit insipid midtempo "Never Want To Say Goodbye".


The music offered on Fraze Gang's "2" will be familiar to Brighton Rock and late eighties hard rock fans.
Their sound is more contemporary though, updated to the new century, based on a very good guitar job and fine musicianship.
The problem with some of the songs on this album is the failure to nail down catchiness. The melodies are there, but sometimes the hook factor is missing. And to my ears, the voice of Fraser is a bit boring and unidimensional.
Anyway, "2" is a true improvement over the band's debut in all aspects. Production is really good and Beau Hill (Ratt, Warrant) mixing helps a lot to bring all the instruments clear out of the speakers.
A worth hearing for hard (melodic) rock fans of all ages.


01 - Saint Or Sinner
02 - In Your Face
03 - Juggernaut
04 - Never Want to Say Goodbye
05 - White Lightning
06 - Tough Enough
07 - I Just Want to Make Love to You
08 - Don't Call Us We'll Call You
09 - This Is It
10 - Rampage

Greg Fraser - Lead vocals, guitar
Stevie Skreebs - Bass & backing vocals
Phil Epp - Drum & backing vocals
Derek McGowan - Guitar
Rob Patterson - Keyboards & backing vocals



BUY IT !
itunes.apple.com/us/album//id532334495

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SKAM - It's Come To This (2012)

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SKAM are a young Hard Rock band based in Leicester, UK and since their formation three years ago, they have matured and established quite a following there and elsewhere, having a reputation for fun, energetic live shows (they are on tour with ex- Thunder 'The Union' right now).
Whilst their previous efforts of the 'Bulsara' and 'Killing Time' EPs may have been a bit raw in production, they certainly display signs of maturity on their full length debut "It's Come To This".

The album was finished at the end of 2011, but faced factory pressing and distribution troubles. But now is ready to rock the world, and their efforts have, indeed, come to this.
From the opening track "Soldiers Of Rock', Skam demonstrate just how accomplished they can be as musicians, delivering a sense of immediacy accompanied by the kind of tight, circular guitar riff they seem to be able to create in abundance.
On their meaty British Hard Rock, Skam reminds me early day Fastway, Y & T, Skin (UK) and on some places Thunder. All wrapped with a powerful modern production.
The lyrics are sung with the passion and power that a rock singer should have throughout, it being evident that vocalist Steve Hill has a talent for the job.
But each band member plays their part: the drum kit is practically punished by drummer Ray 'X-Ray' Peverill and Matt Gilmore plays an excellent backing, and when all three sing together, the harmonies sound really punchy.
Hill even demonstrates his talent as a guitarist with a fantastically played solo.

From there on, the quality continues. "Dead From The Waist Down" showcases a fantastic title and a powerful chorus, executed with control.
"No Lies" sees them create another effortless rhythm and "Massacre" has a groovy bass-line which drives the track with punctilious accuracy.
The second half of the album is no different either, "Weapon" containing one of the best riffs on the CD and a marching rhythm.
Although the band executes the classic rock formula of 'take a good thing, do it again' very well - it never tires, and the same is the case for "Frustration". This track, especially, seems to be a celebration of rock, talking of 'thousands of fans singing with me', and relishing in the rock and roll dream, perhaps. One of the best tracks on the album.

The highlight, however, is without a shadow of a doubt fifth track "Going Away". Here we see Skam at their most mellow and contemplative, with a dreamy, blues-like solo ushering in the best vocals on the album.
"Heal me, I am broken" and "miles apart right next to me" - simple, but effective and powerful lines, with Hill finding himself in his best voice. Easily the most anthemic track on the album, this is the kind of track that must fare well at gigs. After the first chorus has finished, the track builds up as the drums kick in, taking the track to new heights.
An excellent ballad, and just when you think it's finished, it transforms into an altogether different beast, with a breakdown that sounds almost exactly like the 'mission impossible' theme at first glance, playing with the traditional formula they do so well on most other tracks. It is the kind of moment you might find in 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (bridging the gap), when you think the track is over and a rocking guitar kicks in, giving the song an entirely new impression.


Whilst "It's Come To This" it isn't an album that is going to challenge the traditional formula of rock, Skam delivers a fantastic and rocking pack of songs in the best British tradition.
They are a straight-up hard rock band, and playing to their strengths. Their music combine the best of roadhouse rock with '70s heavy and the best of UK '80s hard rock with ease and naturalness.
"It's Come To This" rocks like hell but it is entirely accessible and fun. What Skam have done is create a very solid album of classic (hard) rock music, and had fun doing it. Enjoy it yourself too.
Quite Recommended.

You've seen it first here, at zerodayrockz


01 - Soldiers Of Rock
02 - Dead From The Waist Down
03 - No Lies
04 - Massacre
05 - Going Away
06 - Weapon
07 - The Touch of Death
08 - Frustration
09 - Hold Me Down
10 - Revealing


Steve Hill: Guitars, Vocals
Matt Gilmore: Bass, Vocals
Ray 'X-Ray' Peverill: Drums, Vocals






BUY IT !
www.play.com/Music/MP3-Download-Album/4-/29282916/0/It-Come-To-This/ListingDetails.html

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ZZ TOP - Texicali EP (2012)

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As a tease for their first album of original material in nine years, ZZ TOP are releasing the EP "Texicali".
During that recording break ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, toured tirelessly to a now-cross-generational audience and teamed up with producer Rick Rubin to make a new album.

Musically, "Texicali EP" is as stripped down and snarling as the band songwriting since 'Rhythmeen' 16 years ago, with some of the tagline hookiness that made it so successful in the '80s.
But let me tell you, I don't understand this release.
I mean, I don't understand this sound / production. These tracks have a demo quality audio, with a raw sound, awful mix and even hiss noises like a bad analog recording.

If this is the 'vintage sound' the band has stated to recapture, I'm out...
I love ZZ Top's seventies direct-to-the-amp sound, but this has nothing to do with it. Rick Rubin has been responsible for ruining many classic bands in the past, and this is another example. But the band had to approve this recording / release, then it seems to be what they want now.
So I repeat; I don't understand this move.
Judge yourselves.


01 - I Gotsta Get Paid
02 - Chartreuse
03 - Consumption
04 - Over You

Billy F. Gibbons - Vocals, Guitar
Dusty Hill - Bass
Frank Beard - Drums



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itunes.apple.com/us/album/texicali-ep/id533278845

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DEF LEPPARD - Rock Of Ages / Pour... 2012 versions (2012)

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DEF LEPPARD are so classic that a new film starring Tom Cruise is bearing the name of one of their '80s anthems.
Hitting the big screen on June 15, Rock Of Ages is a classic love story told with backdrop of the '80s Sunset Strip hair metal scene and the music that fueled it.

To help celebrate the highly anticipated blockbuster that shares its name with one of their biggest hit single, Def Leppard have recorded new versions of "Rock Of Ages" and "Pour Some Sugar On Me," which are also be available on the two major digital music carriers.
This marks the first time in Def Leppard's legendary history that studio versions of their tracks will be available digitally.
Amazon is selling the tracks individually with new artwork for each, while iTunes sells both as a pack with a unique art.

Mmm... I'm not sure that the band has put these out 'To help celebrate the highly anticipated blockbuster'... it's more to capitalise the movie's buzz and promote the band's US summer tour.
Anyway, both new 2012 versions sound fine.
Surely some multi-track from the original recording sessions were used here, mainly Joe Elliot's vocals. But the guitar parts are new, and the whole thing has been remixed.

"Pour Some Sugar On Me 2012" sounds pretty much the same, altough with new driving guitars, and the intro is gone.
"Rock Of Ages 2012" is the more interesting. This classic has received an updated, modern melodic rock sound. Let's say, more 'clean', as in the 'Adrenalize' era. Cool indeed.
This is the only 'new' material from the band to see light this year, so seize the moment.


01 - Pour Some Sugar On Me (2012 Re-Recorded Version)


02 - Rock Of Ages (2012 Re-Recorded Version)



BUY IT !
itunes.apple.com/us/album/pour-some-sugar-on-me-rock/id530707298
www.amazon.com/Pour-Some-Sugar-On-Me/dp/B008593MIU
www.amazon.com/Rock-Of-Ages/dp/B008593C62

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GIRAFFE - The Power Of Suggestion [remaster] (2012)

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The music world lost a major talent when Kevin Gilbert passed away accidentally by his own hand in 1996.
Most people, if they've heard of him at all, know him as part of the infamous Tuesday Night Music Club, the group that backed Sheryl Crow on her debut album.
But Gilbert was much more than just a side musician. He was able to play just about any instrument you'd put in front of him, and was an excellent songwriter as well. He was intelligent and articulate, as his lyrics showed in no uncertain terms.

One of Gilbert's first musical efforts was GIRAFFE, a California-based group in the late '80s.
Originally a project between Kevin and singer/songwriter Robert Ferris, GIRAFFE ("GI" from Gilbert and "RAF" from Robert A. Ferris) 2 studio albums; "The Power Of Suggestion" and "The View From Here", both produced, mixed and engineered by Gilbert. He was in his early twenties at the time, and was already a monster musician and producer.
Both albums were released as a very limited run of only 500-1000 copies each, becoming soon sought-after collector's items.

Giraffe won the 'Yamaha Soundcheck Competition' - a contest designed to help unsigned bands gain visibility in the music industry. Patrick Leonard, known for his workings with Madonna and Julian Lennon, was impressed with the band and immediately wanted to work with Kevin. He agreed and disbanded Giraffe.
Patrick Leonard brought in Guy Pratt, master guitar player Tim Pierce and Bill Bottrell and the supergroup Toy Matinee was born, recording a superb album in 1990, but that's history.

Giraffe's "The Power Of Suggestion" is a true example of Kevin Gilbert's undeniable talents.
A great collection of wonderfully crafted Crossover Prog tunes full of beautiful melodies with AOR scent, lots of synths, unusual arrangements and unique signature changes.
"The Power Of Suggestion" really it's a Gilbert solo album, in that he played all the instruments as well as singing ('The View from Here', which followed, has Giraffe expanding into more of a band).
The vocals here are really good, but with less of the sardonic expression characteristic of Gilbert's later work. The lyrics are better than average for this style and he proves his potential already both as a singer/songwriter and as a musician.


Now, this little gem is available for all of us thanks to the specialized Pop Plus One label, remastered from the original master analog tapes by the expertise John Cuniberti (Joe Satriani, George Lynch).
Take a minute to read John Cuniberti's comments about re-mastering these albums for the new editions, worth it:
http://www.kevingilbert.com/cuniberti-remastering_giraffe.html
Giraffe's "The Power Of Suggestion" gives the listener a proper look into the mind of Kevin Gilbert, one of the most talented musicians to grace the airwaves.
Highly Recommended.


01 - Overtures
02 - The Last Thing On Your Mind
03 - In Every Line
04 - This Warm Night
05 - Image Maker
06 - Because Of You
07 - Everything We Are
08 - New Patriots
09 - Can't Make This Love Go Away
10 - The World Just Gets Smaller
11 - Power Reprise
12 - Because Of You – 11th Hr. Mix
13 - Finale (Roll Credits Please)


Kevin Gilbert : vocals, keyboards, bass, guitars
Stan Cotey : add. guitars, keyboards
Michael Abowd : add. keyboards
Chris Beveridge : add. bass
J. Scott Smith : drums



BUY IT !
www.kevingilbert.com/disco.htm#thepower
www.popplusone.com/gilbert.html

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