Special Edition "August 2000 Reviews

SAXON - Metalhead [SPV]
Saxon hailed from the same great era of British Metal as Iron Maiden, and have survived the years with a number of albums, personnel changes, and strong fan base. However, unlike Maiden huge commercial success in North America has eluded the band, which is lead by original frontman Biff Byford. I admit to be less than overly familiar with the band's past work [aside from a few things i have on vinyl], but this - their latest was a dose of fresh metallic air! Beginning with the eerie keyboard intro the title then rips out with a big drum sound and heavy guitar riff that is the powerful title track. Metalhead is a metal feast of big guitar rockers, thundering bass and drums, melody, and Byford's voice that at times sounds along the lines of Gillan and/or Hughes. Take your pic of killer tunes here such as "Are We Travelers In Time", the more modern and darker "Conquistador", the speedy "What Goes Around", the slightly commercial appeal of "Prisoner", the list goes on... before the disc closes in classic fashion with the 8 minute epic "Sea Of Life". One blistering brilliant disc of metal, highly recommended! For more info check out www.spv.de , Or the official Saxon site www.saxon747.com

MOODY & MARSDEN - The Night The Guitars Came To Play / Ozone Friendly [HTD]
You may often wonder "whatever became of ?'... In this case, it's the original Whitesnake guitarists and drummer from the days when WS were a blues rock band, before Coverdale realized he could cash in on his chick poses and become a huge commercial HR cash out of the latter 80s. [Anyway, enough of my editorials.....] First up is this Live set from guitarists Mick Moody and Bernie Marsden, along with old WS drummer David Dowle [and bassist Peter Stroud] taken from "The Festival Of The Guitar" in Birkenhead, The Wirrel '95 [somewhere in the UK]. The Night The Guitars... features Moody and Marsden doing what they specialize in - blues rock! Not so much in the vein old Whitesnake, but more in the traditional blues feel, although the opener "My Kinda Woman" blisters out with a cool blues riff, hooks, duo guitar, and powerful drums, before settling in to a cool blues rocker. Moody / Marsden let loose on blues gems like "Tore Down", "Belgian Tom's Hat Trick", and "Silver On Her Person", and quiet things down with a few acoustic numbers, as well as the 10 minute + "Self Improvement Blues", and close out with a killer rendition of the Fleetwood Mac classic "Oh Well". Also features old Whitesnake number "Ain't Gonna Cry No More". A killer 4-some here, with Dowles drums driving the whole set, and the vocals [by Moody and Marsden] suit the material perfectly. Great blues rock, which is enough in the blues to appeal to blues enthusiasts, yet powerful and kick-ass enough to appeal to rockers!

Where the live album was hard edged and heavy, "Ozone Friendly" [The Studio Album] is a smoother production [originally released in Germany in 94, this version has been re-mixed with track alterations]. Ozone Friendly features Moody and Marsden, along with Stroud, [drummer] John Trotter [ex Manfred Mann], [keyboardist] Josh Philips [ex Big Country] doing the odd pop oriented blues, rock, and folk stylings, such as the upbeat "Can't Ever Happen To You" [which also features the Kick Horns from Eric Clapton's band], the Dire Straits sounding title track, or the southern acoustic ballad "2000 Miles", as well as slightly less ferocious versions of "Silver On Her Person" and "My Kinda Woman" [a real gem on both releases IMO!]. However, the latter half [13 tracks here!] remain in the classic blues-rock mold of the live disc. Also features the Moody penned ballad "I Got A Mind To Get Even", featuring some cool hammond playing, and 2 classy guitar solos; and "Someday" - a beauty of lighter ballad with a really nice vocal and harmonies! Both albums co-produced and mixed by Tony Platt [AC/DC, Uriah Heep, ...] Both enjoyable listens, and blues recommended for blues and blues rock fans. For more info check out www.htdrecords.com

Show Us Your Hits : A Salute To POISON [Deadline]
Is this really necessary? Did I miss something? Was Poison That huge? I had thought the original intent of Tribute albums was to pay homage to those bands that were influential !? Who did these guys influence ? Here Bret Michaels takes the Stanley & Simmons route [you know those 2 money grubbers from Kiss who organized their own tribute album as well!?], and hauls out a wide range of artists to do various treatments of Poison's more memorable songs [and they scrounged up 11 here!!]; some are decent - some are just damn horrible such as somebody's alternative/metal/shit take of "Look What the Cat Dragged In", man I can't even tell it's the same tune! A punkier version of "Talk Dirty To Me", a goofy version of "Unskinny Bob" [by Pauly Shore], and a horrid take of "I Want Action" are on the down side of this, while those that remain a bit [at least] closer to the originals are those most appreciated - "Fallen Angel", "Something To Believe In" [actually this is quite good! and I like the original], and "Nothin But A Good Time". This closes out with Bret Michaels himself doing an acoustic rendition of "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" [eesh!]. Bands included here include Total Chaos, Great White [wow - maybe Poison can appear on their tribute next!?], and Earth Wind & Fire [huh?]. For the Poison fan!

A Tribute To OZZY [Deadline]
One of the better Tribute projects I've heard yet! What makes this special, i think, is the fact that Ozzy has such a distinctive voice, and on the original tracks - such a sound [you knew it was Randy Rhoads or Jake E Lee !] , thus it'd be difficult to find someone to sound just like him or just like Randy, etc.. Here the names and performances are impressive, so the cover-versions are quite enjoyable. Lemmy [Motorhead] doing "Desire" [a gem 'No More Tears'], Joe Lynn Turner [w/ an all-star cast of Jay Schellen, Steve Lukather, and Billy Sherwood] doing "Hellraiser" [also from NMTs], "I Don't Know" by Jack Blades [w/ Reb Beach, Jeff Pilson, and Bobby Blotzer]. Fave cover here would be "Shot In The Dark" featuring Jeff Scott Soto, Bruce Kulick,, Ricky Phillips, Derek Sherinian and Pat Thorpey; Kulick's guitar livens the thing up, and although i kinda liked the original - this is a dynamite version.

Oh, and check out Lisa Loeb's vocals on "Goodbye To Romance" ! Other performers include Ymgwie Malmsteen, Tim Owens, Tim Bogert, Tommy Aldridge [all on "Mr Crowley"], Adam Paskowitz, Richie Kotzen, Stu Hamm, George Lynch, Vince Neil, Brad Gillis, Eric Singer, Jeff Martin, Paul Gilbert, Tony Levin, and a busload more. One strongly recommended tribute disc!

Boys Are Back - A Tribute To THIN LIZZY & Snakebites - A Tribute To WHITESNAKE [Deadline]

Spearheaded by UK rocker Lea Hart [ex Fastway], the 'Snake and Lizzy tributes feature the classics re-done with a huge list of British rockers appearing on both. The Whitesnake tribute covers tracks mainly from the bands biggest commercial successes [80s albums Slide It In, 1987, and Slip Of The Tongue], passing on earlier classics, although my fave track here is the Nicky Moore [Samson] sang "Ain't No love In The Heart of The City" - which also features guitar by original 'Snake guitarist Mick Moody, along with Ray Callcut. Elsewhere the musicianship is superb on these first rate batch of covers showing that the Brits still lead in musical talent over any other country, with a list of HR singers such as Steve Grimmett [Grim Reaper, who does a decent job on "Still of The Night"], Steve Overland [FM; on 3 tracks here, most notably "Looking For Love"], Doogie White [ex Rainbow], and one good Canadian born Bernie Shaw [Uriah Heep!, check out "Here I Go Again" & "Love Ain't No Stranger"]. Elsewhere the players are huge too --including Whitesnake alumni Neil Murray [bass], Moody, Bernie Marsden, and Don Airey [keys]. Guitarists include Billy Leisegang [Nina Hagen], and Hart, Andy Barnett [FM - UK], and as well Jem Davis [keys, ex UFO, Praying Mantis], and Rick Wills [bass; ex Foreigner, Bad Company], among others.

The Thin Lizzy tribute, featuring many of the same names is equally impressive. It's Nicky Moore's rendition of "Whiskey in A Jar" that stands out here [also featuring Leisegang, Hart and Ray Callcut], while Shaw does "Chinatown" [with Pete Freisen, ex Alice Cooper on guitars]. Grimmet's back on 4 tracks here as well [Lizzy's 2 biggest hits "The Boys Are Back In Town" and "Jailbreak"], as is Steve Overland [see "Waiting For An Alibi"], White ["Emerald"], and the Gary Moore penned "Out In The Fields" features Gary Barden and Overland on vox. Both tributes are if you're into the remakes by great musicians [or specific ones featured]. However, both discs seem to be merely cashing in on the bands' hits as opposed to trying lesser known tracks or forgotten gems, or drastically altering the arrangements and ideas of the originals. I kinda wonder what the point is if there's little different being done to the originals. Strong versions of the hits, and in places refreshing takes, yet somewhat safe and predictable as with many tributes have become.

Sharon - Edge Of Time [Limp]
German band big on 80s commercial Hard rock, that come up with some decent tunes [lead off track "Sweet Family" is quite strong, as is "Once Is Not Enough"]. Although lacking in anything distinctive soundwise, and a singer [Tony Pinto] sounds like a cross between between Aldo Nova, Bryan Adams, and the guy from HoneyMoon Suite [and a few others for that matter!]. Hmm. One ballad's OK - "Can You Remember", typical big 80s power ballad production that'd probably have gone over big at dances 15 years ago! The playing's decent, and the songs ain't bad, but the keys and overall production [and some pretty sappy lyrics!] leave this whole thing kinda out there, like a lost 80s HR all-star album.

RHAPSODY - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands [Limp]
Luca Turilli's band that's into the symphonic rock stuff. More rock oriented than his solo outing, with a rock singer that sounds [tries to] like Dio. A bit more accessible than Turilli's solo album, albeit still for pretty special tastes, if ya ask me.

AXBRAXAS - Tomorrow's World [SPV]
German band's album, originally from '93 [as "The Liason"]. Maiden fans take note! Very impressive fast metal stuff in the style of Maiden, albeit with a keyboard player, and with a singer not far off from Bruce Dickinson. Not quite as distinctive or melodic as Maiden perhaps, and a bit more in the field of modern day power metal; but these guys come up with a few brilliant tunes, check out "Crusader Prayer" and "Cry Of The Nature". The guitar work here is solid throughout, with some cool riffs, and solos. CD also comes with 3 bonus tracks from '90 and '91, and cool re-done artwork.

METAL FOR MUTHAS - Volume 1 & 2 [Sanctuary]
Remember the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal? Here's your chance! 2 great collections of gems from the era. Volume 1 featuring such classics as 2 ole Dianno era Iron Maiden tunes - "Sanctuary" and "Wrathchild", along with Samson's "Tomorrow Or Yesterday", Praying Mantis' "Captured City", and Sledgehammer's "Sledgehammer", as well 5 more. Volume 2 featuring such bands [and tracks] as "Eazy Money - "Telephone Man", White Spirit "High Upon High", Trespass "Storm Child" among the 10 cuts here. A brilliant collection of NWOBHM classics, many somewhat long forgotten aside from die-hard fans; but this a cool way to introduce yourself to the era and a few of the bands [some of which - like Maiden, Praying Mantis, and Samson still pumping out great albums into 2000!]. Good sound reproduction here [I'm sure many of these tracks have never seen CD yet], and informative liner notes by Neal Kay. I would definitely welcome more such collections.

MOB RULES - Savage Land [Limp]
Strong German metal stuff again [my fave of the recent SPV batch]. This one being powerful, yet retaining the melodic touch, strong vocals, and decent songs, ala classic Maiden and Dio era Sabbath, yet more lighter touches, classic rock and prog influences, and flashes of brilliance on tracks like "Hold Back The Light", the "Savage Land" trilogy, "Coast to Coast", and closing epic "End Of All Days". Mob Rules delivers a solid metal album that is heavy, undated [note the lack of 80s cheese here], and offers enough variety to appeal to a wider audience. Highly recommended.

UNSPUN - One
New York based pop/rock band lead by John Smith and Rick Dobbelaer. In the early 90s the pair had a band called 'Last tribe' who gained a good following in their area, before breaking up and recording separately. Dobbelaer released a good solo album a couple of years back. Here the pair are back together in a new band that is more pop oriented, a bit mellow for the most part, although the band comes up with some brilliant tracks like "When It All Comes Down" and "Strange", while "Pale White Horses" is more reminiscent of Dobbelaer's solo work. A few nice ballads in the latter half [of 12 cuts here], most notably the soulful "Halflife". Decent playing with good vocals and some real nice harmonies, but lacking in a few hefty rockers [mind you i don't think that's the plan here], these guy's 'll likely be more appealing to a younger audience [than yer average classic rocker], or to those keen on something a bit more laidback. I suspect though that they will become a known name in the future given reputations for their songwritng, and current happenings with them. For more info check out http://members.aol.com/atullyd/on.html
Or write to 'Unspun' : 175 Charles Blvd., Valley Cottage, NY 10989 [USA]

SPIDERS & SNAKES - London Daze [Deadline]
Geez 80s glam/sleaze metal is back.....No, not really, but these guys must think so! This being the band's 5th disc [how does this happen?]. The band is lead by writer/vocalist Lizzie Grey, who's previous claim to fame was being in a band with Nikki Sixx [woopie!]. I'm sure 80s rock fans into the likes of Motley Crue, Ratt etc, will appreciate this batch of goofy party rockers like "Party In Hollywood" and "Radio Stars". Best picks here are those that have been previously recorded like "Public Enemy #1" [co-written by Sixx and recorded for the first Crue record], a heavy version of the Jay Ferguson [and Mark Andes] penned "Run run Run", and the Mott tune "Rock n Roll Queen" [although Grey's vocals kinda grate on my nerves here]. The CD also includes 3 bonus tracks from Grey's old band 'London' - which included Sixx and Nigel Benjamin [ex Mott The Hoople]; the sound is absolute crap on these, which is too bad, 'cause I like these ones more. Despite what I think of this tho, if you're into old Motley Crue, Poison, Ratt, etc.. you may wanna check these guys out.

For more on Spiders & Snakes check out www.mistchild.com/spidrsnsnks
Or write to Sansei Records : PO Box 6245, Beverly Hills, California, 90212 [USA].

KANSAS - Somewhere To Elsewhere [Magna Carta]
I never got into Kansas much beyond the obvious hits and few others, despite having most of the LPs. Dunno why, just something there that never made me go nuts over their sound and style. "Somewhere To Elsewhere" was highly touted as the reunion album as it features the originals - including songwriter [keyboardist/guitarist] Kerry Livgren. Livgren also writes every track here, as well as co-producing , engineering, and mixing......and go figure the guy didn't want tour after the album came out, Hmph! Anyway, like other Kansas albums this one shows some songs that are simply amazing, and a bunch that i wanna pass right over. Things start out great after "Icarus 2", with "When The World Was Young" - which has a memorable guitar intro [riff] and a great chorus to get into, and an easy pick for single. After that it's kinda hit and miss. "The Coming Dawn" is a brilliant soft ballad, while "Myriad" is a memorable prog-rocker, and some of the more progressive moments are decent like "Distant Vision". I've never understood the over-use of the violins and violas though. A bit more Hammond and a few heavier cuts would be nice; this album being overall more progressive and lightweight. Performances here are superb as always, and Steve Walsh has always been one of America's best voices, but something here just leaves me a bit cold with a feeling of "that's nice, oh well..." Kansas fans will probably dig this, but aside from a few tracks this one would have to grow on me [and I've given it plenty of time].

For more on KANSAS check out www.kansasband.com
Or check out www.magnacarta.net

TEN - Spellbound [Frontiers]
UK band featuring vocalist Gary Hughes and guitarist Vinny Burns. Strong melodic guitar driven rock stuff, featuring a few superb barnstormers here in "Inside The Pyramid Of Light", "Spellbound", and "The Alchemist". A few fine ballads too with "Wonderland" and the unique "We Rule The Night". A few Celtic flavored melodies and some really good harmonies, and classic rock influences such as on "The Phantom". These guys should appeal to a wide audience, with the rockers bordering on metal, classic rock, and aor, great heavy guitar work, use of the hammond on a few tracks, decent songs, and strong vocals. Highly recommended.

For more info write to
'The Ten Navigational Command', c/o : 825 Atherton Rd, Hindley Green, Wigan, Lancs, WN2 4SA, UK.
Or e-mail frontiers@itb.it

IVORY TOWER - Ivory Tower [Limp]
More German progressive-metal stuff. These guys not sounding much different from 101 others. The singer [Andre Fischer] sounding like Geoff Tate [Queensryche] a good deal. Musical comparisons can be made to Rush and DreamTheater. A few real stand out tracks in the heavier "Alive" and the epic "Music", although many of the heavier cuts follow a similar groove. "Spring" is my own fave here, a superb piano ballad. Disc closes with the 14 minute epic "Blinded" that is a nice showcase for guitarist Sven Boge, as the track switches from lighter moments on the acoustic guitar, and features a few heavy solos. For more on these guys e-mail ivory-tower@ki.comcity.de ,
Or write Ivory Tower : Postfach 26 24 - 24025 Kiel, Germany. * For all LIMP Music releases check out www.world-online.de/limb-music

Come back soon for more reviews !!