Ole Borud Goes Outside The Limits With Latest Offering

It's just bizarre to think of Norway as a place that is now part of the west coast music renaissance. Sweden as well. Ole Borud is an artist who's dabbled in hard rock and other styles. But it's his smooth offerings that earn him respect around the globe. His latest album is "Outside The Limit" and it truly goes where no Ole Borud record has gone before.

The lead track, "Put My Money" is a funky Steely Dan-ish number that might revive a few of your old dance moves. The arrangement is so educated and historic. It respects the past and pushes the envelope forward just enough. "Always Love You" is a more direct melody that straddles 70's and 80's pop grooves. "Come and Rescue Us" establishes a great funky riff from the get go. It then settles into some fluent lyrical lines aided by some funky keys, guitars and intermittent horns.

"Talk To My Lawyer" is a humor driven lyric sung to a minimalist smooth jazz soundscape. For some reason I could hear Michael Jackson singing this on "Off The Wall". The album's title track oozes 80's funky pop again and would make a great 12 inch single. Mr. Borud has tapped into something that has been absent for about 35 years. "Blaming Game" is a plea for peace between humans. A more lite west coast melody that gathers steam as it runs along. There is plenty of ear candy on this album, and smart subtle instrumentation. "Good Time" turns up the funk with fat keyboard sounds and Borud's clean, clear vocals. Another song that could be remixed for maximum dance floor usage. "Can't Pretend" is melodically more linear and aligns more with early 80's west coast music. The guitars and vocals all mesh so seamlessly, creating a rich, lush soundscape.
There's even a terrific jazzy keyboard solo.

"Waiting For The Rain" does more funky jazz straddling with bursts of horns and that ever persistent funky guitar coming out of your right speaker. The production is so delightful. "Fast Enough" closes out this near flawless collection of well thought out music with more upbeat fun.

Ole Borud has created probably the best west coast dance record of 2019. These songs have massive crossover appeal to the dance floor and to smooth jazz radio where the format is more upbeat in it's approach. Lyrically the songs are good enough to make the music even more palatable. These are professionally done grooves for anyone with headphones or a good pair of dancing shoes. Highly recommended and a lot of fun!

Lindsey Webster's Breathtaking New "Feels Like Forever"

Lindsey Webster's work has been absolutely stunning from the very beginning. Her smokey, sultry, late night jazzy vocal, coupled with arrangements and melodies others can only dream about, are what makes her work stand out. Her latest single, "Feels Like Forever" is the next phase in her evolution as an artist. The singer she's most compared to is Sade. But there is something straight forward and more accessible in the way this comes off. How this isn't on the radio instead of the moronic electronic drivel is maddening. This woman's catalog is a how-to manual on how to create jazzy west-coast pop. And to hear actual musical instruments playing these melodious couplets is pleasantly counter cultural. The vocals alone on this track will restore your faith in the world. She has such an elusive gift. We wait patiently for a new album which should drop soon.

DeCarlo Is The Next Chapter In The Boston Legacy

With the band Boston on indefinite hiatus, it makes sense that lead singer Tommy DeCarlo would pick up the torch and run forward with classic new material. Decarlo's "Lightning Strikes Twice" is the best thing I've heard in recent months. 12 tracks, no filler and radio ready even for the states. Do I think American radio will embrace this album? Let's just say that if they don't accept this music then there is no hope for the music industry.

Single #1...first track, "A Better Day". This song alternates between electric and acoustic guitars DeCarlo's modern day Brad Delp delivery. Hooks and melody lines are everywhere. Tommy DeCarlo Jr.'s guitar solo is precise and buoyant without being flashy and pretentious.

Single #2...second track, "You Are The Fire", rocks a little harder but still delivers terrific singable lyrics coupled with some fuzzy clean guitar work. The Boston template is joyfully in place. The music is clean and easy to listen to. And all those great harmonies you remember are back and seem more alive and even more impactful.

Single #3...third track, "Give Love A Try", is a bit more esoteric in relation to Boston, as it borrows from Foreigner and Toto. The lyrics are a message we all need right now. This is followed by the atmospheric instrumental, "Into The Storm", which acts much like a power ballad as it introduces the next single...

Single #4...Fifth track..."Lightning Strikes Twice". A stop-start-up-down lost Boston sounding hook. All with thunderous sound effects and lyrics lifted from what could have been a 1977 songwriting seminar.

Single #5...Sixth track..."Still In Love". A genuine, heart felt, piano based power ballad that eventually evolves into a more mid-tempo acoustic song. Again, the songwriting and melodic prowess here is pretty exciting since there ain't much new stuff being written to this caliber.

Single #6...Seventh track..."Rock and Soul". An amazing mix of west coast AOR and 70's rock complete with saxophones and abundant harmonies. There's also a dash of 80's Bad Company (think Fame and Fortune album).

Single #7...Eighth track..."There She Goes". A close to perfect rock single for any format. Harmonies, melody lines, that persistent Boston style Hammond B-3 in the background. Tommy sounds totally in charge on this and the band has struck radio gold for sure if radio cooperates.

Single #8...Ninth track..."Stand Up (Play Ball) was likely written for sports stadiums as a way to rile up fans. Works well with John Fogerty's "Centerfield".

Single #9...Tenth track..."The One" is another old fashioned power ballad with Tommy's voice taking a gentler approach. Maybe too soft for old Boston fans, but for those who loved "Amanda", this is a fine sequel.

Single #10...Eleventh track..."Gotta Go" goes great with Boston's "Party". A working class, blow off some steam weekend anthem. The music continues to be radio friendly at every turn.

Single #11...Twelfth track..."I Think I Fell In Love With You"...wraps up this melodic masterpiece with the entire Boston template in tact. More mid tempo rocking but with clarity and easy to sing lyrics.

Some will complain that this record isn't as heavy as some of Boston's material. It's weighs a little lighter but it carries the same substance. More importantly, it fills the great melodic rock void with something truly on par with excellent music from long ago. DeCarlo proves that apart from Tom Sholtz, he can create the next chapter in the Boston legacy. And here's hoping that we don't have to wait as long for DeCarlo music compared to the enormous gaps between Boston records. This is a must have for fans of Boston and RTZ.

Lightning Strikes Twice is being released on January 24th, 2020 via Frontiers Records....Order Here

Album rating 9.8

State Cows Return With The Brilliant "Challenges"

Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were the core of Steely Dan. Two extraordinarily talented human beings who put out some of the most sophisticated jazz tinged rock ever. In the country of Sweden, they have Daniel Andersson and Stefan Olofsson, who are making music that honors the tradition started by Becker and Fagen. Their band, State Cows, (an anagram for the term "west coast") is the most authentic attempt, in the year 2019, to replicate Steely Dan, Toto, Sneaker, Far Cry or any number of bands that are now considered "Yacht Rock".

These two gentlemen understand and worship at the altar of the past. But they create their own original variations. The Cows have been at this since 2010, and this is their third full length album. Fans would obviously like more output. But the band refuses to rush their musical greatness to the world. Their new album "Challenges" is their most consistent effort to date. The boys have mastered their ability to create original compositions, with entertaining and thought provoking lyrics.

The album's lead track, "Borrowed Time", is their most catchy track to date. Lyrically the tune seems to hint in a subtle way that mother earth's days are numbered. Guest guitarist Michael Landau lays down a solo that only elevates the song further, giving it real headphone gravitas. There is humor to follow on "Darwin Awards", celebrating some of the more "challenged" folks among us. These guys write songs with Becker and Fagen in their rear view. The song itself has an Aja-Gaucho feel to it with a little more bounce. "All Over" keeps the pace friendly and mid-tempo mirroring an early 80's Al Jarreau feel. So far so good. In fact there is more musical substance at this point than on most complete albums. The harmonies are rich and dreamy and the guitar work is simply stellar.

"Deportee" is another humorous lyric with some creative nautical references and persistently smoking lead guitar parts. "Waiting For Love" has a wonderful keyboard and vocal intro that bounces joyously along with tons of west coast mojo. "I Got The Message" is more Toto with a driving opening, followed by big riffs and choruses and sizzling guitars. These guys are visiting all the right west coast landmarks. "Human Ladders" feels like another Steely Dan outtake with a piano riff that shouts jazz, followed by some sweet vocal lines. The tune is instantly memorable and very funky, especially during the keyboard solo. "Cease To Ever Have Been" returns to Aja and includes some tasty saxophone. This track could have gone seven minutes and I would have been celebrating even more. "Wildfire" is the upbeat closer. As if Michael McDonald has taken over on keyboards. Certainly a bit more Minute By Minute or One Step Closer. Andersson's guitar playing and Olofsson's keyboards co-mingle magically to the very last note.

In any other time-space continuum where the music scene hadn't gone all dark and computerized, this album would go down as one of the best for 2019. Few Americans will know or even care about State Cows. Many will dismiss this as merely homage. But what the music world needs more of is homage. In addition, these guys write intros and outros and guitar solos. They structure vocal parts and harmonies that are full and complimentary. These songs are all very well thought out. The musical ideas aren't fragmented. They are complete thoughts. And this is another reason why the Cows have come home, yet again, with another masterful work.

RJ Howson Is Florida Blues Rock Royalty

First of all RJ Howson is friends with Duane Betts. So it's guilt by association. Guitar guilt. Howson plays a bluesy, soulful guitar in the Allman Brothers tradition. He has been working the live scene in Florida and beyond for many years. You can often find this extraordinary musician toiling in bars where the music often takes a backseat to the food or the view from the outdoor patio. But it's places like this that hone the craft. Modern day music has abandoned this type of dues paying.

About a year or so ago, RJ released his album "Set It Free". It contains 10 very strong blues rockers that are heavily influenced by the Florida blues rock scene and the southern rock tradition. It's a soulful blend that requires head bobbing and toe tapping. These songs turn into jam band gems when performed live. 10 original tracks performed by Howson, Pat McDonald on drums and Chuck Riley on bass. The entire album is playable and very high quality. Super standout tracks include "Sweet Soul Sister", "Carry Me Mama", "I Got Mud" and "Prove This Love Is True".

This is music that connects with the listener on a cosmic level. It's not just old school, it's school's in session. This is how you play blues and classic rock.

Howson and his band are a well oiled machine. These songs were recorded live in the studio and required just one take for the most part. That shows the confidence level and the commitment to making music the old fashioned way. This is one artist that deserves national attention. For now you can enjoy this band on the west coast of Florida where they can be usually found on any given weekend, perfecting their craft and earning new fans.

New Songs By England Dan and John Ford Coley???

If you like this amazing duo you may have missed these singles from the "Warner Archives". The intro on "Keep Your Smile" sounds scarily similar to Joey Scarbury's "Believe It Or Not", the theme from The Greatest American Hero TV show. After that the song settles into it's own groove and time travels us back to the cutting room floor circa 1978. If this is the cutting room floor, methinks we need to be crawling on our hands and knees scouring the place. Radio of course had no interest in this 40 something year old piece of nostalgia. Both men here are in their prime delivering a should-have-been radio hit. The tune recalls a time when the world was truly more on it's axis.

The record label wasn't finished though. For some strange reason they are releasing more music. Next is another, maybe even better radio ready tune called "Why Is It Me". A soothing blend of acoustic guitars, keyboards and perfect pitch vocals. You can almost see a sunset reflecting off the Gulf of Mexico as this one plays. Are these two songs a teaser? Is there an entire album of lost material ready to be foisted upon us? Decades after radio stations would even consider playing great music like this? I guess only time will tell. For now we have two great new lost tracks from two of the best singer songwriters of the late 1970's. We also have to honor the amazing Dan Seals who died from cancer at the age of 61 back in 2009. His lead vocal is the driving force in this duo, much like what Daryl Hall does for Hall and Oates. His contributions to these new songs are amazing. Let's hope the Warner Archives have more nuggets like these.

Blade Cisco Is An Italian Melodic Rock Juggernaut!

The Italian band Blade Cisco has released their debut full length album entitled "Edge of The Blade". Musically speaking, this is a large overflowing boiling mixture of sounds and licks from days gone by. My guess is that English is not the band's first language. Lyrically they keep it simple. But they manage to harmonize and vocalize on these words in a way few if any new bands do.

"Memories" is a big pompous opener with gargantuan harmonies and guitar lines stolen from Neal Schon. The production is crisp. There is no noise or compression. Plenty of well choreographed vocal overdubs. "Anything (Without Your Music)" immediately feels like something Orion The Hunter would have conjured up. Andrea Zanini and Valario Franchi share vocal duties. Both have clear, powerful range. "Foolin' Myself" arrives with a locomotive like zing with the guitar train chugging at full speed while the band finds fertile, big melody lines. The vocals are strong, but not needlessly overpowering. Check out the amazing keyboard solo. Guitars follow.

"Rain Over Me" intros with atmospheric keyboards and big fat Survivor guitar grooves. It settles in as a mid-tempo rocker that oozes melodic goodness. The guitar subtleties bob and weave between soft and harder edged rock. And it all works seamlessly. "Life Is A Lottery" feels extra 80's with a new wave keyboard line that joins with some large harmony based mid-tempo rock. By now you've reached the conclusion that these guys understand what it is to write fresh new hooks with great vocal parts.

The title track is more bare boned with it's affinity for straight up rock but still contains enough vocal and keyboard mischief to color outside the lines. "Hungry For Love" feels like either Night Ranger or Guiffria. It guitars along but has some finely crafted keyboard parts. And those soaring vocals, they are literally everywhere on this record. "Grey" starts with a Journey keyboard workout followed by some explosive guitar work that settles into a memorable softer melody. The vocal harmonies tickle the inner ear and stay there even after the song is over.

"Invisible To Me" combines all of the aforementioned ingredients for another chugging, rocking, rollicking, rhythm guitar rocker. "We Are Still Standing" starts quietly but then builds into a melodic rocker that borrows heavily from Survivor. The guitar work on this album is very impressive. The solos are all very melodious and fluent.

The boys grab some acoustic guitars for "My Way", combining elements of Boston, Extreme and Mr. Big. This entire album is bursting with vocal arrangements and melodies that glisten. If Blade Cisco were a planet in the solar system, they would be either Mars or Jupiter. They glow with shiny goodness and can be seen even from here in America. Best of luck and well wishes for this Italian juggernaut.

Super Vintage's Destiny Is A Wild Ride Through The World of 70's Hard Rock

Stravos Papadopoulos is not a name that rolls of the tongue. But in his homeland of Greece, he's a bit of a rock god. He plays guitar like a great ax slinger from the 1970's. In fact the 70's are all over his band Super Vintage. Those two words absolutely describe what this band is all about. They have released four albums to date, all on the amazing Grooveyard Records label.

Destiny is their fourth album and it is unapologetic in it's bluesy guitar based splendor. Stravos sings like he's just guzzled a half pint of whiskey right before heading over to the mic. This lethal combination of greasy vocals, blazing guitars and jackhammer drums, make this album totally unique in today's music world. The lead track, "Rock and Roll Saviors" comes off as a bit autobiographical. The build up to the body of the song is AC/DC-like in it's level of anticipation. The hooks are not as obvious but are still very effective.

Bands to reference: The Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Thin Lizzy, The Outlaws and Moxy. There are bits and pieces of everything you've heard from this era, but Super Vintage retains their own strain. "Brotherhood of Blues" is slightly more mid-tempo, but still blisters along. Panagiotis Zabourlis adds another layer of guitars along with Stravos. Bass is handled by Jim Moralis and the drum assault is taken care of by Lazaros Simitsis. For a music fan like myself, I am always thankful when a band does minimalist production. Each instrument is clear and loud with hardly any effects. This is 100 Proof rock and roll.

There are no throwaway songs on this record. "Everything You Wanted" unleashes a guitar groove that punches you right in the gut! "Southern Train" is slightly more southern rock than some of the other songs, but still retains the Super Vintage sound. The mini-guitar jams on this record almost have you wishing this band did jam-band versions of these songs.

Other standouts include the lengthy "Naked Tree" and the acoustic title track. The latter being an homage to early Led Zeppelin. The silky clean audio is perfect for a good set of headphones. Like most quality albums, this is a grower and not a show-er. In other words, the more you listen to this record, the more it will get stuck in your subconscious. The members of Super Vintage are clearly worshippers of a dying American art form. And the end result is a very satisfying motorcycle ride through some rough and tumble classic rock.

Young Gun Silver Fox - Simply The Best Modern Era California West Coast Duo

I've been meaning to write about these boys for quite some time now. Their 2016 debut West End Coast was a near perfect mix of bands like Pages, Steely Dan and Kenny Loggins. You can also hear influences like the Doobie Brothers, The Eagles and 10CC. The duo makes their home in London these days. They are one part California and one part UK.

Their unyielding devotion to this art form reached an apex on their sophomore effort entitled AM Waves. "Midnight In Richmond" is not only a perfect audio artifact, it's also as catchy as hell.

Think of the kind of haunting yet pleasant pop masterpieces Al Stewart churned out. The rich organic instrumentation highlighted by what could be Michael McDonald singing a bevy of tracked background vocals, makes this song one of the finest records in my recent memory. Shawn Lee is the silver fox of the duo and his experience with west coast music is truly encyclopedic. Young Gun Andy Platt brings a bit of Brit-pop to the template, think early Style Council or Spandau Ballet. Shawn handles quite a few instruments and invents incredible, original melodies that are outfitted with Platt's late 70's style lyrical input.

"Lenny" channels Kenny Loggins, who's last name first initial stuck on his first name would be the title of the song. Coincidence? I think NOT! (Laugh out loud) These guys can both sing in real falsettos and their vocal arrangements are rife with David Foster and Gary Katz tendencies. "Take It Or Leave It" is another superb mid-tempo number with a delicate but satisfying hook. There are two other fairly unknown west coast bands that again come to mind. Far Cry and the highly underrated Larson Feiten Band. It's as if someone took a snow globe of lost west coast music then shook it up and what settled is YGSF.

"Underdog" continues the perfect streak of sonic delight. Another sunny, mid-tempo melody with more thoughtful vocal arrangements and perky horn charts that actually could be a keyboard playing their part. Either way it doesn't matter. There is more musical substance on this one track than on entire albums. "Mojo Rising" marries an early 80's Hall & Oates vocal arrangement with Richard Page atmospherics. This is top down late night city driving soundtrack music.

"Just A Man" recalls Bobby Caldwell or Lee Ritenour (Eric Tagg) and is a silky sweet slice of jazzy goodness. "Love Guarantee" is another track that could be considered "best of show" on this record with all of the aforementioned subtleties in play. Just when you thought the influences were in check, "Caroline" emulates the Beach Boys and the Beatles while maintaining it's wonderful soul pop underpinnings. "Kingston Boogie" skirts the edge of disco but does so without complete immersion. And I say "so what?" The steel drum effects and the silky dance floor vibe are addictively infectious. "Lolita" is the last of 10 absolutely flawless tracks. Slightly more on the Loggins and Messina side of the coast with a heavy dose of Isley Brothers style guitar work on the solo. And bursts of sunshiny production and vocal improvisation.

It can't be overdone about how good this record is. There are too many hooks. Too many fresh vocal parts, too many interesting stories being told. It's completely authentic, original and fresh sounding. This is a complete ear candy store that could send you into some kind of musical diabetic shock.

Young Gun Silver Fox is the best new west coast band in the world right now.

Studebaker John & The Hawks Burn Clean on Eternity's Descent

Original blues is a hard thing to come by. The format is dominated by lots of imitators, imitating the great blues legends from the past.  Eternity's Descent is Studebaker John's 18th disc. He's been around for ages, and made some waves on the Blind Pig record label back in the 90's. To explain his career in this article would require another article. For music fans, this record is frustrating. It's hard to find. It's not on Spotify or YouTube, so you have to find it the old fashioned way, you have to buy it!

Buy From Amazon Here!

There are two bands that come to mind while listening to Studebaker John. Canned Heat and Treat Her Right. You can also feel the spirit of  Peter Green, Hound Dog Taylor and even Jimmy Page. All of that gets poured into a pot of Chicago style goodness with a dash of psychedelic jam band rock. This album is 13 songs deep. The lead track "Same As Mine" is loaded with guitar work that smolders, burns and shreds. The sound is slightly raw, reminiscent of a live-in-studio recording.

John sings somewhere between Kim Wilson (Fab T-Birds) and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Vocally he is perfect for the blues. Studebaker John typically has a harmonica taped to a mic next to his vocal mic. He alternates between slide guitar, harp, and vocals. He does it seamlessly. "Up and Down The Line Again" is a dizzy harmonica workout. The way the harmonica is recorded gives the track a super swampy feel. "Not To Be Like You" has a ringing guitar intro which transcends into a persistent jabbing lead. The guitar playing squeezes all of the dark grungy tones out of each note. "Hold Me Down" begins with a long enjoyable guitar intro, which resurfaces, and is piercing and spontaneous.

John is a relaxed singer with swagger and confidence. He sells these songs with his delivery. Bob Halaj (bass) and Earl Howell (drums) are a fine compliment to Studebaker as he goes off on the harmonica again. "My Life" feels like it's echoing from the corner of a smokey blues bar at midnight. The guitar tone is a wall of psychedelic acid, which competes nicely with the harp solos which compete at the same level as John's guitar. The lyrics for this song provide the perfect story for these instruments.

"Ready To Rock" says fasten your seat belt, this is going to be a wild ride! An 8 minute excursion inside the crazy world of Studebaker John with all of the aforementioned musical ingredients. And the addition of more scorching guitar interludes within the context of an already jamming tune. "I Feel Like Rockin'" is less swamp and more Stones and Chuck Berry. The tones are cleaner, the vocals more straight ahead. A nice change of pace and style. "I Still Won" is a melodic cacophony of nylon strings, electric guitar, harmonica and some potent drumming. The production on this album is very front loaded, meaning the rhythm section is more window dressing than window. It creates a darker feeling even on the brighter tracks.

"Search This Life" is another snarling Keith Richards influenced rocker with more searing leads and another acid soaked harp solo. "Passed and Gone" might be what happens after "When The Levee Breaks". A bit derivative but certainly at the very least a worthy sequel, and without question the most radio friendly song of the bunch. Wait til you hear the harmonica solo! "Rock and Roll Before I Die" strays some from the smoldering blues for something with larger riffs and big drums. Definitely another great song. "Humanity" is a slow straight forward dirge where all the instruments come together to create a perfect soundtrack for a murder mystery or maybe Hallow's Eve.

"Eternity's Descent" is the final track on this deep collection. It's a trippy, jazzy instrumental ending that only underscores the creative mojo of Studebaker John and his high flying Hawks. These songs don't glisten with shiny production or gimmicks. They are down and dirty late night headphone binges. John's musical chops are tied to his experience and influences. This is blues rock that is off the beaten track. It will surprise you with it's depth, flavor and originality. This under appreciated band deserves a hearing. Studebaker John is most certainly a legend and his work here and on much of his older catalog proves it.

Kin Faux Captures The Best In Country, Rock and Roots Music

As I continue to storm the hills of West Texas, I continue to find amazing music that was well off my radar screen. First of all, I want to congratulate the large cottage industry that was born thanks to Nashville becoming the home of sissy boy, auto-tuned, click track country flavored pop. Much like the idea of beer flavored water (i.e. some really watered down light beer), the industry thought we'd all bundle (like the TV add for Verizon) but they miscalculated. Highly trained ears can hear the lifeless robotics and meaningless drivel in the lyrics.

Texas has it's own top 100 chart. And it's loaded up like an overstuffed taco with some amazing unknown musicians. You can add the cleverly named Kin Faux to that growing list. Their latest single, "Teardrops On The Rocks" is a swing dancer with lyrics that steal a page from some of the best country standards.

The band is loose yet polished at the same time. With three singers and a knack for great songwriting, the big Texas sky is the limit. The band has a few other standout tracks that have recently been uploaded to Spotify and your usual platforms. Make Kin Faux part of your music to listen to family.

Van Morrison's Ongoing Legacy Is Hard To Fathom

Van Morrison released his 6th album in just 4 years. It's called Three Chords and The Truth. Morrison is 74 years old. His output is breathtaking and possibly record setting. Attempting to wrap your head around any of it is a futile task. Fans devoted to Van have endured many variations of his bluesy soul. American radio support for Van Morrison more or less amounts to the constant overplaying of "Brown Eyed Girl". There are those walking among us who think Morrison is a one hit wonder. He certainly is a wonder. Even alternative radio formats have ignored the great body of work that spans more than 5 decades.  At 74, Morrison's blustery baritone remains very much the way it's always been. His ability to pen new lyrics and captivating melodies is unrelenting.

The new album's first single, "Dark Night of The Soul" has well over 800,000 views on Vevo as "the official audio" for the track. An amazing feat considering only a few stations on the left of the FM dial are playing the song. Morrison writes like Bob Dylan but with a bit more optimism and humor. The lyrics often challenge our sensibilities. The struggle between light and dark, good and evil. Morrison is obsessed with the war that wages in the shadows. Van Morrison is a purveyor of timeless music. He is not a rock star. He is a far brighter star with an endless reservoir overflowing with fresh musical expressions.

"Fame Will Eat The Soul" is a pointed jab at the beleaguered entertainment world. Guest vocalist Bill Medley is a welcome addition to this soulful septuagenarian duet. Legendary guitarist Jay Berliner adds his signature to each track. Morrison's band is jazzy and soulful which of course is to be expected. The playing is nearly flawless. Examples of this include the delightful mid tempo "In Search of Grace" and the mischievous media take down "Nobody In Charge". "March Winds In February" contains some great interplay between electric and acoustic guitar popping from both channels.

Morrison's consistent vocal delivery is a reassuring force on all 14 of these songs. "Read Between The Lines" could be about bad journalism or a deal gone wrong. Either way it's bolstered by a wonderful keyboard driven jam that flows like sweet honey. "Does Love Conquer All" effervesces a bubbly instrumental bliss. My appreciation for this might have to do with my own inability to hear the sounds that were once common place in the world of audio. Even if you didn't like these songs, the production absolutely glistens.

"Early Days" is a homage to old time rock and roll with Van lamenting the lack of appreciation most of today's generation has for actual music. The tune features some classic piano played to perfection by Stuart Mcillroy and Morrison himself on saxophone. Other very high highlights include the album's percussion driven title track and the lengthy album closer, "Days Gone By". You get the sense that Van Morrison is trying to reassert truth in both the political world and in music. It's a daunting task, attempting to make the universe right. But if there is a musician up to the challenge, it's Van Morrison.

Some might say this is an unexpected work of greatness from a man who is well past his prime. The "truth" is Van has been in his prime for more than 50 years. His prime just seems more prime than ever in a cold digital world with cheap lyrics and even cheaper music. The unassuming troubadour can do this in his sleep. This time he and his band were both wide awake. Give a listen to the truth - it will set you free from the glib monotony of today's music scene.

Van explains the truth in his own matter of fact way. He seems completely unaware of his own music greatness on this album. 

The Teskey Brothers Are Making Music I Thought Would Never Be Made Again

When I recently discovered the Teskey Brothers, I honestly thought that I had discovered some vintage Stax music that had been kept from the listening public. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. A lead vocalist (Josh Teskey) who compares to Otis Redding or Sam Moore. You will end up doing multiple double takes. You will press the back button to hear it again, to make sure you are actually hearing it right. 

The arrangements are a music lovers dream. Clear stereo analog separation. Gentle, sweet guitars echoing from both channels. A bass line that is audible and a true contributor rather than a muddled mess buried beneath compression and effects. It's hard to believe this is happening in 2019. 

And even more odd maybe is that this band hails from Melbourne Australia. The quintessential American music form is being best replicated in a place thousands of miles from Memphis, Detroit or New Orleans. The band has also managed to compose at the level of some of their heroes.

 Their latest album Run Home Slow is chock full of examples of this shiny new gold. Track number one, the organ driven "Let Me Let You Down" is an instant soul classic. All of the aforementioned characteristics are present and accounted for. "Carry You" is next and the sparse arrangement only does more to expose each players precision and dedication. I can almost hear Van Morrison's spirit in these songs. There is a certain weathered quality to it even though these are men likely in their 20's. The more mid-tempo "Man of The Universe" again demonstrates a very mature approach to songwriting and the soulful vocals of Josh Teskey continue to mesmerize. 

"Hold Me" is a mostly acapella song that is augmented by claps, stomps and hollers. There is an element of old south African American Gospel music to it. Not too shabby for some white guys from down under. "Paint My Heart" is a slow, bluesy ballad that eventually builds into something slightly more uptempo with horns and a light cacophony of background vocals, guitars and drums. "Rain" is another torch soul ballad where Josh can steal the show with vocals that just don't make sense in a world of auto tune and computer generated nonsense. 

"So Caught Up" is the song that is receiving airplay on independent blues rock stations around the world on the left end of the radio dial. The keyboard riff is hauntingly memorable as the horns filter in like sunlight. For some, this could be their song of 2019. "San Francisco" starts slow but eventually picks up tempo and along it's way incorporates nearly every form of American music. "Sunshine Baby" adds a dash of vaudevillian soul to the mix. Think of the Beatles' "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" or The Monkees performing "D.W. Washburn". But as those were more novelty driven, this is a literal take on early Americana. "Sun Come Ease Me In" combines soul with a modern harmony approach and makes for a truly original vibe. The record's final moments capture the band being thoughtful, soulful and introspective on "That Bird". The gentle drum beat falls silent as Josh Teskey does last call. A simply amazing, amazing uber authentic soul record that sits on the right side of music history. It delivers on multiple levels. Clearly if there was a music industry that wasn't now a cartoon here in America, this album would be up for multiple awards in many different categories. And as I said earlier, it's a gift that these musicians have decided to unearth the untouchable era of soul music and stand on some mighty broad shoulders to pay it forward. The Teskey Brothers are as real and talented as it gets.

Revolution Saints Have Picked Up The Journey Torch On "When The Heartache Has Gone"

Journey hasn't recorded a new album in more than 8 years. Their fans have become complacent, yet content with their catalog. But folks who might want some new music have been listening to the Revolution Saints since 2015. In fact, with the voice of Deen Castronovo, Rev Saints have been able to travel in the same lane Journey once did. Except this music rocks a little harder. Doug Aldrich is one of the best underrated guitar players in rock. And with the help of Night Ranger's Jack Blades, this is really a super group that gets better and better which each subsequent release.

Their latest single, could be one of their strongest songs to date. There are keyboards and harmony vocals that elevate the track to sunnier places compared with the band's last effort "Light In The Dark". Granted, Castronovo was exercising some personal demons on the last record, and the music seemed to follow suit. On "When The Heartache Has Gone", the clouds part and melody finds a warmer groove.

Castronovo's voice is the closest thing we have to a young Steve Perry right now. At least when it comes to new, recorded music. If you listen closely, you might hear some similarities to a now vintage Journey song called "Never Walk Away". But overall this new Revolution Saints is a superb, driving slice of melodic rock greatness. Can't wait for the rest of the album.

Kyle Park's Latest Effort Is A Fun Ride

I'm not going to pretend I'm not a bit of a Texas Red Dirty Country interloper. But my passion for music has pushed me in this unlikely direction. I've recently been dosing my ears with several west Texas radio stations via the convenience of the downloadable phone app. And like I did way back in my teen years, I would write down a song or artist that got my attention. Like Kyle Park.

Park is a standout artist in the world of Texas music. He already has a half dozen albums in the can. And on his latest effort, Don't Forget Where You Came From, Mr. Park totally outclasses the Nashville crowd with his production and songwriting. The flavor here is neo-traditional with some pop and rock overtones. This is music you can sing and dance to. It's a guilty scoop of sonic fun. There are lots of acoustic guitars and credible guitar solos. The strings all mingle together nicely both plugged and unplugged.

And with stringed fiddles leading the way, "There Ain't Nobody Hotter" leads off with an instantly familiar country hook that screams hit single. "Rio" is next and is a wonderful story about a horse that runs wild and free. The melody weaves it's way like the horse galloping in the song. These are very well crafted songs. "Rednecks and Paychecks" continues the perfect streak of great tracks. The album's title track is a bit more musing and sentimental but still another great addition. Park's voice is very inviting and easy to listen to. "Smoke and Beer" channels Clay Walker and few other 90's country greats. These songs would all be radio bound 25 years ago. Today they only get played in Texas.

The rest of the album slows down the pace, but the melodic tendencies don't let up. A delightful easy to listen to Texas hoedown. For a good laugh, check out the last call closing track, "Beer Can". This kinda stuff ain't for the people who aren't inclined to listen to country. Kyle Park is part of a long list of emerging artists that are bringing the format back one album at a time. Because Texas is such a big state, and a large economy on it's own, it can sustain it's hometown heroes. Melodic, independent country music is alive and well in the lone star state. This is an artist that deserves nationwide acclaim.

Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival Is A Blues-Rock Feast For The Ears

I tend to freak out when I hear new music that is original and organic. Much of it has to do with the way music was once made on the big stage. Most of that music has gone underground and is harder to find. Finding Jennifer Lyn and her band The Groove Revival was like discovering an uncharted island somewhere in the south Pacific. What's more amazing is that this music is not on the radio anywhere. I'm a guy who watches the blues-rock charts via Roots Music Report, and I don't remember seeing this fine band on there.

Badlands opens with a guitar riff that instantly hooks you hard. Jennifer sings with back-alley soul. There's something tough in her phrasing that buoys the grooves she's playing. "Burned It Down" is the song in question and it contains some sweet, sweet soloing followed by some great chord combinations. This would be a hit on any rock station if the music industry rewarded artists based on merit. Amazingly, track two, "Badlands", keeps the momentum going with more original guitar licks, and studio production that feels very Cream-like in it's approach but with a more contemporary touch. "Let Go This Time" has some well constructed background answer vocals to Jennifer's perfect phrasing. I would be wrong not to mention similarities to the great Laurie Morvan. I would say I enjoy The Groove Revival more because of Lyn's soulful delivery and that fuzz-tone guitar sound.

Other big highlights include "Anything But Me", the bass-line of which might recall the Allman Brothers on "Whipping Post". "Gonna Let You Go" is another track that has some very creative riffing and strong, soulful vocals. "West To Bismark" is yet another modern Cream sounding track, followed by an acoustic ballad called "Goodnight Sweet Darling" that has a touch of the classic Greensleeves. A very fitting ending to a powerful collection of original, blues-based rockers. I really loved the production quality of this album and it can't be understated how clean and melodic sounding the music is. This is an artist that has a bright future.

Molly Hatchet Returns With Mint-Sounding Live Track

In the whatever happened to this band category, we enter as proof of existence, the new live version of "Whiskey Man". An incredible track from Molly Hatchet's most celebrated album, Flirtin' With Disaster. These guys have been through a lot of ups and downs but they soldier on with no original members and a new singer, Jimmy Elkins.

The marketing for this group has given up on the United States. The 80's weren't kind to southern rock bands, and of course it was over in the 90's for good. Hatchet has been confronted with unprecedented tragedy, with various members dying at relatively young ages. Their European based label has taken the group under their wing, and in the process is making very respectable jam band style southern rock.

Molly Hatchet's catalog has many interesting moments. Their 2010 studio album Justice was 65 minutes of ball-busting bluesy hard rock. Fans overseas ate it up. This new live album promises to capture this current incarnation of the band and from this first example, it appears this franchise still has gas in the tank. Could a new studio album be in the works? Time will tell. For now we can indulge in some high quality live music production and pre-order the new disc which will be available on November 29th.
Pre-Order The New Molly Hatchet Album Here!

Station's "A Matter of Time" A Blissful Melodic Rock Indulgence

Indie rock in New York City has taken an odd twist. A band that combines 80's glam, rock and pop, and does so without sounding like everyone that ever was. Sure the lead riff on this track has an almost Zeppelin feel to it. And vocalist Patrick Kearney sounds like a cross between Paul Stanley and Kingdom Come's Lenny Wolf. But add a dose of swing to this track and you've got a song that rocks with style. I mean those opening guitar hooks are a thing of beauty for your ears to behold. The story line is lifted from the annals of rock songs where men are pursuing that perfect, beautiful woman. The production on this record is big, bold and clean.

Try not have to have the line "It was just matter of time until I met you" lodged in your cerebral cortex for the rest of the day. Drummer Tony Baptist slams, crashes and pounds his way through this track, adding another dimension - 1970's hard rock. The Station has arrived. Their new album "Stained Glass" is available for pre-order. It drops on November 1st.

Pre-Order Station's New Album Here!

Fleetwood Mac Next Generation Carries The Legacy Forward

Every so often I get to do something special because of my video channel. The friendships I've made over the course of doing this for three years are really amazing. In the case of Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, a rather perfectionist outfit hailing from the British Isles, I will never think about tribute
bands in the old way. No, ROFM is different. This is not just a band, but a musical philosophy. As the original composers age, and become less like their former selves, it's apparent that no new replacement music is coming to displace our memories. Nor is today's music making any effort to replicate the meticulous attention to detail that was once the hallmark of the original Fleetwood Mac era.

And as the original band deals with their mortality, and some fans grapple with their lack of compassion for ousted member Lindsey Buckingham, it's increasingly clear that there is a need for Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. They've taken the legacy of a once great band and paid it forward. Their attention to detail is stunning without devolving into a vaudevillian cartoon. This is Fleetwood Mac The Next Generation. Even Mick Fleetwood has put his stamp of approval on this. He introduces the band via prerecorded video. But unlike other attempts to replicate Fleetwood Mac, ROFM is on a spiritual journey. They understand what this music means to so many people. They also understand that the current Fleetwood Mac is more a corporation now. The passion has been replaced with The Authorized 2nd Party Ticket Seller. An evil genius invention that enables these tickets to fetch "Fair Market Value". Concerts that are absent that mystical, magical and often manic intangible that was Lindsey Buckingham. If you're trying to sell tickets based on chemistry or drama, there now is none. Instead we are treated to something that's been dubbed casual chemistry. Even if after all these years, Stevie and Lindsey were just hamming it up to keep the folks interested, that element is now gone. What we're left with is a 50 year musical legacy that proves more durable than the drama.

And ROFM proved it over and over again in Fort Myers Florida last night. Their set list wasn't focus tested or approved by Irving Azoff. The fact the band concluded with the oft maligned "Tusk" is a testimony to how the musicians view Lindsey Buckingham's contributions to the entire musical landscape. ROFM won't be playing any Crowded House, Split Enz or Tom Petty music. Hell, if you go to a Fleetwood Mac concert, you ought to be hearing Mac. You've got 50 years of catalog to sift through. And for over two hours, the band delivered accurate and inspired versions of the songs we all know, while playing deeper tracks for actual Fleetwood Mac fans. I know that is a risky thing to do today in our overly focus tested music world. But the tickets had already been purchased. The Barbara B. Mann Auditorium was filled to capacity. No casual fan could walk away thinking they didn't hear what they came for. All the major hits were there, maybe with the exception of "Hold Me" from Mirage. For those of us VIPS, we got a three song warm up two hours ahead of showtime. Again, sometimes it's good to be me. The band breezed through "Say You Love Me", "Never Going Back Again" and "Crystal".

The main set list included some incredible variations. For me, the inclusion of "Isn't It Midnight", a track we pounded relentlessly on the rock station format in 1988, was an incredible moment and showed how musically capable this band is. ROFM also uncovered "Bleed To Love Her" a tune from Say You Will that one might construe is about a former girlfriend...like many of them. But Stevie got her due as well. "Storms" was a brilliant, unexpected treat from Tusk. Christine's "Songbird", likely the only song from Rumours not to get robust radio airplay (although I remember hearing it on good FM stations) was another show stopping moment. For the fan of perfectly executed blues, the band took on "Need Your Love So Bad" as well as "Oh Well" and "Black Magic Woman" from the Peter Green era. All handled with care and delivered with real energy.

As the band took their final bows, I thought to myself that time is marching on. And for those of us who want to relive what this music meant to us, we are going to be relying on these next generation bands to keep the torch lit. This was an experience that gave me hope. It solves a lot of problems for Fleetwood Mac fans. Everyone from the original band is treated with respect. There is no drama. You hear only Fleetwood Mac songs. The concert is affordable compared to the scandal of Live Nation. And this band is not taking a long hiatus any time soon. This was close to, if not the best concert experience I've ever had. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is a worthy successor to Fleetwood Mac.

Work of Art Hones Their Melodic Rock Craft Even More on "Exhibits"

I remember listening to the song "Why Do I" many years ago as I slaved away at my cubical in a dead end job. I was tired of the endless grind of music I'd heard a million times and had stumbled onto "Artwork" by this new Swedish band. Americans aren't exposed to anything melodic and new so this was interesting to say the least. Comparisons to Toto were reported in every publication. The band went on to make two more albums that solidified their following.

Their new album "Exhibits" is a much anticipated step in the right direction. My initial reaction to this collection is it's loaded with potential hit singles. Work of Art straddles the west coast, AOR rock fence never falling off into an easy  place to label. The new record is 11 tracks deep and starts off with the so-so uptempo "Misguided Love", which speeds by without the kind of emotional depth or musical anchor that would give it more distinction. Again, not a bad song, but a bit mundane. Next is the lead single, "Be The Believer" which starts nicely. A classic riff that leads into a high speed chase, interrupted by a chorus that downshifts and then up-shifts.
Lars Safsund delivers soaring, precise vocals that almost sound auto-tuned. The band utilizes a lot of vocal overdubbing which gives you the impression that a lot more is going on. I liked the guitar solo and the keyboard break in this song, and overall the track is a winner.

"Another Night" is a well executed Survivor-lite track that thankfully brings the tempo down a bit to great effect. "This Isn't Love" features guest keyboards from the author of the famous Rocky training montage, Vince DiCola. The song is a complete knockout, and has some impassioned moments and DiCola certainly adds a very excellent keyboard solo and all kinds of interesting sounds. It almost moves the song into E.L.P. territory.

"Gotta Get Out" is a well thought out hook, with a great chorus and an artsy guitar solo. Definitely one of the stronger songs from "Exhibits". Next is "Come Home" with it's darker keyboard intro and some grittier guitar lines. The song's muscle and slightly darker vibe makes it a bit of an outcast. Again, not a bad song, but not one of my favorites. "If I Could Fly" sort of mixes the last two songs, at least thematically, adds a strong chorus and builds the energy as it goes along. I like the guitar work and the impassioned vocals. "Destined To Survive" goes big with keyboards and has a busy lush sound. A fairly complete hook, and a memorable song indeed.

"Scars To Prove It" borrows from the John Elefante-Kansas era. Progressive keys, and a tinge of psychedelic guitars. It almost sounds like an outtake from Vinyl Confessions with busier production. "What You Want From Me" leads with a catchy guitar riff that transcends into the Work of Art vocal formula, including a wonderful, memorable, soaring chorus. "Let Me Dream" takes a pleasant step in a slower, more contemplative direction. Think Foreigner, "Waiting For A Girl Like You". They may have saved one of their best songs for last.

A fine way to wrap up a rare melodic rock gem made in the year 2019. Work of Art should be a band that is known to Americans. But sadly most of their fan base is overseas. If I'm grading on a Work of Art curve, which means against their older material, I'd give this album an 8 out of 10. And like all music, this has a chance to grow on me as time goes by.

TexWestus Makes Some Sweet Noise In The West Texas Prairie

I got interested in this genre because I am a huge fan of 90's country and have lamented the bro-country movement that has decimated a once great and proud musical style. I listened to a lot of country in the 90's because of what was happening to rock. It was dark with no light at the end of the tunnel and I believe we are still suffering from that musical shift even today. But country was still versatile, upbeat and easy to sing.

Nashville is now the epicenter for a number of musical formats that are starting to congeal like dross that has melted away from the golden discs of yesteryear. Things are different in West Texas. There is music in them there hills and it's redefining country music again. It's reverberations began over a decade ago, as a response to the nonsense that is now the norm in Nashville. The purveyors in Lone Star country still wear cowboy hats and boots and there are no skinny jeans in sight. In some cases, the guitars have more kick, the fiddles play with a guitar like abandon, and the voices come with red dirt road street credibility and not a shred of auto tune.

There are dozens of artists I could cite. But one duo got my attention for a number of reasons. Both male and female vocals, a variation of electric and acoustic numbers. The playing precise and animated. The songwriting interesting and provocative. The name of this band is Texwestus. Very much like West Texas in a catchy anagram or an accidental slip up after too much Tequila.  The duo is made up of singer and guitarist Corbin Burgett, who apparently loves 80's guitar rock. And Chloe Fowler who's sweet voice contrasts Corbin's husky baritone. The combination of voices and influences make for an atypical roots country experience.

The band has released 2 songs this year thus far. A barn burner called "Can't Slow Us Down", and the folksy and more pensive "Gone" which in another musical dimension might win an award of some kind for songwriting and production. Corbin's harmony vocal adds a layer of intricate drama. Burgett plays his guitar both lightly and heavily as the song evolves through it's heartbreaking tale of lost love. The duo also has an EP from 2018 that maps all kinds of west Texas terrain with heart and soul.

"Somebody Like You" is a rocking, dancing, hollering favorite here. "Fight With You", Shoulda Said Yes" and "Not Coming Home" show a fine singer songwriter style whereas the genre bending "Queen of My Own Heart" is almost reminiscent of an 80's arena rock sound, but with root rock tendencies. "West Texas Wind" could be 90's country, but with less gimmickry and more red dirt mojo.

Even if you don't like this style of music, you have to admire the organic and authentic musical pursuits. These melodies are refined in bars and small concert halls in a part of the world where the only thing that is more cherished than these grooves is the beer that perfectly compliments it. You can never know for sure who is going to be famous. But if the world would just react the way it's supposed to, Texwestus would be a household brand.

Saturday Night With The Bridget Kelly Band In Fort Myers

I don't know what enzyme makes me want to get up on my soap box after seeing a show. I mean, they are just a basic four piece blues band. A sultry female lead singer, a guitarist who could be a major league superstar. A funky rhythm section that is in the pocket all night long. I'm in this place called the Barrel Room. Small. Respectable. Clean. The clientele, many overdressed waterfront dwellers. So much talent in the room, yet so little understanding of it. The live music scene still is the place to witness dues paying musicians who all come with built in humility. I'm not saying the Bridget Kelly Band is the world's greatest blues rock band. But in a slightly altered dimension, where the music industry hadn't destroyed itself, this is the kind of music that could fill in where the old rock dinosaurs left off.

Of course this would require some kind of support system beyond paid radio and indie blues radio shows. A schmuck in his '98 Buick Century should be able to hear this music on the radio that came with his car. A radio station or network of stations would have to spring up across the country. Much like the way Christian stations have sprung up and taken over signals all over the northern hemisphere. And maybe the blues rock channels could be about music and charity, much like the way Bridget and her band give money away selling t-shirts to help eliminate or at least understand autism. As a former disc jockey, something has to give. This generational slide into the abyss began over 25 years ago and with the advent of technology, the music is all sounding like it was hatched in an electronic petri dish.

Watching lead guitarist Tim Fik (who is 60 something years old) jump around the stage and play like any great guitarist (if not better than) I've ever seen, makes me think this will be just our little secret. The neanderthals are out at the local dive bar, enjoying the lost art of music.

For this band, and many like them around the world, they pursue a dream that is no longer a plausible endgame. How can you now become famous wailing on a guitar or singing live a dove? You can't. So you pile your instruments onto a stage in a small, intimate place where a couple dozen or so folks commune for a few hours, guzzling beer or sipping on whiskey. Fame is no longer the prize. The business itself doesn't recognize what they are doing. It's up to fans like you and I to keep the torch burning. That means spending real money on downloads, CD's and other band stuff. It means organizing music outlets, preferably over the air radio stations.

I had a great night listening to a band many ignored as they walked the balmy streets of Fort Myers as the music they played filled the air. The blissfully ignorant don't know they need this music. Most really don't understand it. The entire thing has been systematically deconstructed. Radio playlists reduced to mindless repetition. Chances forsaken because of the relentless focus testing and ad friendly content. Money. The new paradigm controls the purse. And there is no money to be made promoting middle aged musicians who play circles (or just play) around the computer whizzes.

Will there be a comeback? Doubtful. The underground has room for growth but to get converts there must be exposure. And until someone shows up with deep pockets, radio will continue to die. My prayer is that people will once again be inspired by a crazy good guitar player and a sultry lead singer who together create some wonderful rockin' blues.

Sayer and Joyce Deliver Blues Excellence On "Makes You Stronger"

Sayer and Joyce are two very talented musicians from the UK. They recently got added to the growing roster of great artists on the Gulf Coast Music Label. Together they create an almost junior version of the Tedeschi Trucks Band template. Their brand new album, Makes You Stronger, is a near flawless collection of soul infused blues rock. Other than the drumming, all the instruments are performed by Sayer and Joyce.

The highlights are as follows: The funky rocker "Backbone" that almost has a Janis Joplin vibe to it. "My Hard Life" with it's gutsy vocals and straight forward rock approach. The Muscle Shoals influenced "Life Is What Happens" complete with lots of brass and funky guitar licks. "I Get Up Again" with it's driving mid-tempo beat and perfect melodic build up. Ron's guitar precision on "No Galahad" and the infectious blues rocker "Too Much, Too Soon".

This is a very accessible collection of songs that breeze in and out and engage the hearer with stellar playing, singing and songwriting. This is blues for both die hard bluesers and fans of old time rock and soul. Another home run from Gulf Coast Records. Sayer and Joyce makes the roster even better than it was before.

Wayward Sons Are British Rock Royalty Looking For Audio Disciples

Basic rock and roll isn't such a basic commodity anymore. The current generation has been hoodwinked into thinking a computer can make good music. And from a financial standpoint, apparently that makes sense for those record labels who mass produce this garbage. A band like Wayward Sons is a smack to the culture. The pounding beat, the relentless barrage of guitars. The Bon Scott vocal delivery. For the rock and roll enthusiast, this is a jolt of champagne. There is real attitude that accompanies these drum smacking grooves.

There are hints of punk, glam and old school 70's rock. Vocalist Toby Jepson is kind of big deal in his homeland. He brings a certain kind of been there, sung that, gravitas to these 13 lyrically blunt audio explosions. Sam Wood plays his guitar loud and fast while drummer Phil Martini plays hard, loud and fast. Rounding out the rhythm section is bass player Nic Wastell. Keyboard player Dave Kemp adds another layer of sound to an already robust soundscape.

With only two tracks that clock in at over 4 minutes, this album moves along quickly and makes for a satisfying ride. Nothing bogs you down or makes you want to hit fast forward. There are no filler songs. "Any Other Way" leads off with a ferocious beat and vocal that snarls it's way through some rather rebellious lyrics. "As Black As Sin" has a punk-like AC/DC vibe, with guitars and vocals that push out in all directions. "Jokes On You" is a sunnier rocker, again with lyrics making a point. A very catchy track and one that could easily be a single. "Little White Lies" nods to the Beatles and Queen but retains the Wayward style with a punky chorus and some stylish chord variations.

"Feel Good Hit" has the amps shooting sparks, as the band rocks out on all cylinders with lyrics that again might be poking fun at the current music scene, or lack thereof. "Fade Away" is a surprisingly well crafted ballad, maybe something Ian Hunter would devise. It's a classic, memorable dirge and again would be a breakout song if radio decided to make amends with the world. "Have It Your Own Way" combines cynicism with a guitar avalanche. A bold, brazen, glammy slab of molten Marshall. "Long Line of Pretenders" has a catchy hook and combines more glam and pop, and treads new ground in the melody department. The keyboards on this track are vibrant and important to the melody and the completeness of the song.

"(If Only) God Was Real" is a call to morality in a kind of reverse osmosis feedback loop. The music again kicks it back up into turbo hard rock mode. "The Truth Ain't What It Used To Be" had me at the title. The song is propelled by a rocking rhythm guitar and some quirky lyrics that will have you focused on what might happen next. "Punchline" is another lyrical masterpiece, food for thought, ideas to ponder, put to another relentless slab of Deep Purple inspired hard rockin' bliss. "Us Against The World" offers the listener a little hope amidst the mayhem and sarcasm. It's another well crafted song that has both Queen and The Beatles in the rear view.

There's a bonus hidden track called "Totally Screwed" which takes a bit to kick in but acts as a thematic closer to a rather exhausting collection of mind blowing 70's tinged classic hard rock. Wayward Sons are a band that could lead a rock and roll revival. All they need are a few more disciples. Sign me up.

Blockbuster "Losing Gravity" Winning At Every Level!

Big. Pompous. Bombastic. Melodic. Memorable. Fun. Familiar. Loud. Original. These words perfectly describe the brand new album by the Finnish rock band Blockbuster. Their debut album on Frontiers Records entitled "Losing Gravity", proves that there are new note combinations that can be found.

Honestly I wasn't prepared for the level of songwriting and uniqueness of this record. Musically Blockbuster borrows from all the best things. Glam, hard rock, punk, pop, and lite metal all play a significant role in defining this band. Lead guitarist Elias Salo is unapologetic in his love for elongated chords. The band marries this guitar sound with a wall of vocals which include well placed shouts and hollers.

The arena is already packed out on track one, "Out In The City", with all of the aforementioned effects and a guitar solo that kicks some large buttocks. The production is remarkably clean. This only makes the ride more audible and enjoyable. "Gone By The Morning" is a two pronged guitar attack helped along by lead vocalist Aarni Metsapelto who also mans a guitar. Original riffs, addictive leads and complete musical thoughts. "Flammable" leans a tad toward punk as drummer Jaako Metsapelto is all over the kit, driving, crashing and leading the other boys through another tasty melodic rock nugget. "Back From The Shadows" is another jump and shout anthem, that features an infectious bass line from Joonas Arrpe who is juxtaposed by another string breaking electric guitar solo.

"Losing Gravity" finds the band in mid-tempo acoustic guitar bliss. The level of pop proficiency here is Abba-like. This might be the best new song I've heard this year. And check out that extended guitar solo. Lots of depth and emotion there. The seat belt sign lights up again for the rockin' "Sweet Mary Jane". Is this a girl or some substance bringing your soul down to the depths of depravity? The chord changes are fascinating and rival Angus Young's best ideas. "Somebody To Shock" continues the perfect string of melodic greatness with more sweet choruses and catchy refrains. It might take another band a whole career to come up with this many good songs.

"Walking Like A Dog" borrows a bit from Smashmouth's "Walking On The Sun". It's not that the chords are all that similar, it's more the structure of the song, and the chunks of audio candy that create a mild deja vu experience. "Move" was the first track I was able to hear from this album and it's got hit single written all over it. Probably because of the solo vocal parts, the giant hook and the glam infused chorus. There are na-na-na-na-na-nas and even a Queen lyrical reference. We've arrived on planet perfect album.

"Would You Do It Again" has a fuzzy guitar tone that opens up and gets bigger as the song builds. Stylistically taking from new wave and punk but still mainstream and melodic. "Bulletproof" is track 11. And the band hasn't lost a step. The opening riff is a cross between "Candy-O" by The Cars and something by Led Zeppelin. And that might be an apt way to summarize all of the mysterious mayhem on "Losing Gravity". You could be a Kiss fan and love this. You could be a Thin Lizzy fan or a Def Leppard fan or prone to the pop rockers of the 80's.

Blockbuster is my favorite album of 2019 thus far. There are 11 potential hit singles. There are 11 very catchy, original songs in a world where people are starting to think all of the good note combinations have been used up. Not so. Blockbuster has raised the bar for this current generation. It would not be out of place to say this is on par with what Boston did on their debut album. They obviously picked their band name correctly. This is a Blockbuster.

Blockbuster Will Make You Move On This One

Every so often a riff comes along that gets your attention and then sticks in your brain and is hard to shake out. Honestly when I first heard this song it didn't register how original it was. My subconsciousness had stored it away. I stumbled upon it a second time, thanks to the record label, Frontiers, who are often a persistent bunch when it comes to promotions. I will eventually have to review the whole album from this new band from Finland. For now, we relish in one of the most addictive guitar riffs of 2019. The sound is part glam rock, part hard rock, part 1970's, part 1980's, and part modern rock. The production is lean enough for the rock purists, while busy enough to engage today's radio audience. What is hard to ignore is the original hook, one that truly doesn't remind me of another song. Which in and of itself, is a massive achievement. And lastly, this is one damn fun song. Play it loud and play it often. It's guaranteed to get stuck in your cranium.

Huey Lewis Is Back With "Your Love Is Killing Me"

As a huge fan of this band, I have to temper my bias with an honest assessment. This is the band's first new original material since their highly overlooked Plan B album from 2001. This is a more stripped down News with bluesy instrumentation and some great horns. Huey still sounds like Huey which is to say his voice hasn't changed so much that he is hard to recognize. I say that because many older singers hardly remember their younger selves. The song itself is catchy and like much of what this band does, is instantaneously memorable and fun. The guitar and harmonica work is excellent and the production values are pure and uncluttered. All and all a wonderful addition to the Huey canon. A new album is on the way soon. And this is a nice preview.