Special Edition "Last of 1999" Reviews !

STUART SMITH - Heaven And Earth (Samsung)
If you ain't familiar with the name, no surprise! Strange as it seems this is Smith's first solo disc despite the fact that the British guitarist is linked to loads of classic bands dating back to the 70s, such as Deep Purple, ELP, The Sweet, and others. The guy's solo album, released late last year in Korea, Europe, and Japan is stacked with big rock names such as vocalists Joe Lynn Turner, Glenn Hughes, Kelly Hansen (Hurricane), and Richie Sambora, as well as other such rock legends as Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge), Howard Leese (Heart), and Steve Priest (Sweet). This album being one of the essential rock albums of '99 for any Hard or Classic - rock fan, loaded with a good mix of blues-rock, 80s styled hard rock, prog and classical influences. The lead off track "Don't Keep Me Waiting" w/ Kelly Hansen on vox, while the more commercial rocker - title track featuring Joe Lynn Turner is a decent track in the 80s Rainbow vein. Smith pays tribute to his hero - Ritchie Blackmore (the album is dedicated to him!) with a stunning take of the Deep Purple rarity "When A Blind Man Cries" (w/ Sambora on vox). Sambora is also featured dueting on guitar with Smith on the powerful blues based ballad "Do You Ever Think Of Me". Turner is also featured on the classically inspired "Shadow Of The Tyburn Tree", which Smith wrote and explains based on a true story from the history of Scotland. Heaven & Earth closes out with one fast paced power rocker in the classic Deep Purple vein [hammond, killer drums] called "Lose My Number". Highly recommended. Available currently on import [the European version includes 4 bonus tracks!] or at his web site www.stuartsmith.com

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN - Facing The Animal (Mercury)
Gotta admit, i've never been much of a fan of Malmsteen's. Past tragic albums, i find, showcase a guy who can play a million notes a minute, but lack in decent melodies, or any control over the guy's all over the place mad axe approach. [But gotta admit some people like this sort of thing!] "Facing The Animal" features the late Cozy Powell on drums - who's fast pace keeps up with Yngwie's runaway playing on the opening track "BraveHeart". Things settle down a bit with better songs such as the title track - where Malmsteen can still wale away and shred, but keeps to the powerful song [great drums by Powell here]. This album full of powerful guitar rock, with dashes of keyboards playing a secondary but effective role on such heavy cuts as "Sacrifice", "Another Time", and "End Of My Rope". Vocalist Mats Leven sounds like a cross between David Coverdale and Graham Bonnet. Not alot of diversity here, with most of the 13 tracks being big guitar rockers, while "Alone In Paradise" harks back to the Odyssey days [ala "Heaven Tonight"] - with an 80s production mock up on the chorus. Better song-wise and sound wise than some of the shlock this guy's done over the years. Those who like their guitar rock loud and powerful will dig this! For more info on the 'net check out www.pd.net/yngwie

SHAKY DEAL - 6 Track Demo (Indie)
Boston based Blues band, this disc features a number of standard blues classics. Solid performances with drums, guitar, bass, and hammond. Vocals are decent, and if you're simply into the old style blues - you'll like this. Tracks include "Tore Down", "All Your Love I Miss Lovin", and "Shake For Me" amongst others. For more info check out members@aol.com/shakydeal1

VERSITAL - A New Millenium (VMI)
Texas based rockers that really shine with strong guitar chops and vocals on their 2nd CD release. Opening track "My Light Disappears" comes off powerful like a cross of old Maiden and Queensryche, cool riff, big guitar sound, and very strong vox in the vein of Bruce Dickinson at times, and more so Queensryche's Geoff Tate. This album although resembling old Queensryche a good deal [especially the vocals of Paul Ritter!] is full out on the guitar rock with decent tracks like "A New Millenium", "A Simple Day" [love those classic long intros!], "On My Way", and the killer closing cut "Before The World Changes". A pretty strong album song-wise with some lighter moments [a few verses], progressive influences, and plenty of 80s inspired [ala Dokken] varied speed rockers. High praises to the drums of Gilbert Pena, with the drums being a big part of this band's sound, and more so to guitarists Ervin Williams [who wrote or co-wrote almost every tune here] and David Shaw. Highly recommend. For more info check out www.versital.com

YES - The Ladder (Beyond/BMG)
Haven't kept up with YES over the last decade, in fact i think the last thing i heard was "Union"! Since then there's been more personnel changes, yet the music remains remarkably YES. Here, as always is the distinctive voice of Jon Anderson -- one of the greatest singers in the 70s, 80s and here he shows that heading into the next Millenium - he hasn't lost a bit of his voice's unique sound, clearness, and strength. On "The Ladder" - that features the as per usual beautiful Roger Dean artwork [this one from the same class as Uriah Heep's "Sea of Light" a few years back], YES is produced by the late Bruce Fairbairn, and Anderson is joined by guitarists Steve Howe and Billy Sherwood, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White, and keyboardist Igor Khoroshev, along with a number of brass instrument players, Randy Raine-Reusch on World instruments. This album may be a bit softer than previous classics like "90210", or the early 70s catalogue, but the arrangements, beautiful melodies, Howe's guitar sound, and Anderson's positive & dreamy lyrics make for one fine album! Tracks like "It Will Be A Good Day", the ballad "If Only You Knew", and "To Be Alive" are very memorable, with classy choruses. Elsewhere the band varies things up a good deal with the reggae flavor of "Lightning Strikes", or "Finally" - which borrows an old Yes intro, and will appeal to the fans of old [If YES fans ever leave!?], as will "The Messenger" with it's big harmony arrangements. This one still a bit of grower in places, with each listen bringing out something new and enjoyable to listeners.

DAVE WHITE -The Lower Room Studios (MP3 / Indie)
An instrmental album by Cleveland musician [and Uriah Heep web-master!], who offers up 9 cuts of interesting melodies, and plenty of cool guitar work. Starting off with the keyboard / movie theme production/feel of "The Journey Part 1", White's CD heads off onto a Journey of prog / classic rock inspired cuts that can be catchy and/or soaring with melodies and arrangements. Stand-outs include "Treaty' - which is reminscent of old Heep as is the aplty titled "For Mick" - done in honor of Heep's guitarist Mick Box, with White coming off sounding very much like the man himself [lots of wah wah!], while "Kelly" has a moody feel and slower pace to it ala Pink Floyd [David Gilmour being another of White's big influences!]. A cool journey from beginning to end, clocking in at about 42 minutes - if you ain't into instrumental albums, the tracks are easy to get into and the listenere won't be bored with 12 minute solos! Check it out at www.mp3.com/lowerroom

OVERKILL - Coverkill (CMC)
12 aggressive metal covers from a number of influential acts. Thankfully OVERKILL doesn't pick the obvious hits from each of their fave bands and over-produce the thing to boredom. Instead, they've done a number of classics such as Motorhead's "Overkill", Deep Purple's "Space Truckin", Kiss' "Deuce", and Judas Priest's "Tyrant" in their own pounding way that will appeal to their fans and to the curious. Also includes 3 Black Sabbath covers - "Changes", "Cornucopia", and "Never Say Die". For more info check out www.wreckingcrew.com

SLAUGHTER - Back To Reality (CMC)
Never got into Slaughter in their early days, with Mark Slaughter's voice being damn annoying in the past. Here though, the guy sounds OK along side the thick and heavy guitar sounds of these steroid filled 80s rockers! On "Back to Reality" Slaughter goes for the all out rock attack, letting up half way throogh the thing from big guitar sounding riffs, solos, hooks, and 80s sounding vocal harmonies [shouts in some places!]. The first 3 cuts jump right out, and if you like this sort of thing these songs ["Killin Time", All Fired Up", and "Take Me Away"] alone will be greatly appreciated. "Trailer Park Boogie" is another that stands out, extremely heavy with a pounding rhythm to it and pretty cool licks from Jeff Blando and Slaughter. Things finally slow down with the power ballad "Love Is Forever". If the title ain't enough, it's your basic 80s power ballad with acoustic slow paced verses, and a big heavy chorus'; a pretty good song actually, but nothing that seperates it from the 1001 other such power ballads that came out in the last decade. "Bad Groove" is a little more interesting, a mid-tempo, somewhat poppy in feel, with Slaughter putting in a pretty decent vocal. As it goes, the latter half of the disc is more tame and ballad heavy,also featuring the Zeppelin acoustic "Headin For A Dream", and the mid-tempo blues ballad of "Nothin Left To Lose". A decent album overall, and a nice surprise.

AN AMERICAN BAND - THE STORY OF GRAND FUNK : By Billy James [SAF Publishing]
Billy James [aka Ant Bee] - author of "No More Mr Nice Guy - The Inside Story of The Alice Cooper Group" comes up with another great read on another classic American act of the 70s. Scouring numerous resources and sources, James has presented a well organized and revealing account of one of the biggest selling American bands in rock history. It's all here - from all the hype of the early days, the lawsuits with Terry Knight, the band's post-Knight success, the downslide, the break-up, the reunions, and the post-Funk years of the bandmembers. Loads of great stories behind the songs such as "We're An American Band". Also a Grand Funk gig list, rare pics, foreword by Don Brewer, and full discographies, and web-site listings!

FIREHOUSE - Category 3 (Lightyear)
Not overly familiar with these guys apart from their huge hit years ago called "Don't Treat Me Bad", but his is the band's 5th disc [their debut earning them the award for "best new Hard Rock band" at the American Music Awards]. Strangley, i always got the impression that Firehouse was lumped in with numerous other 80s HR/Metal acts, alhtough they debut in 1990 [must be all the exposure in Metal Edge!]. Anyway, "Category 5" pretty much dispells that suggestion, because these guys are not yer average metal band. Heck, i wouldn't call them 'metal' at all. Category 5 is pretty mature pop-rock stuff in the vein of Cheap Trick, with catchy hooks such as on "Get Ready", and tastefully done harmonies throughout the album. Category 5 doesn't rock out alot, tracks like "Have Mercy" and the easily likeable lead off track "Can't Stop The Pain" are about as heavy as it gets here, both are guitar driven pop-rockers. The latter half of the album sees the band do a number of ballads, albeit many of them are good and different than the average power-rock ballad -- "Dream" is the best of the bunch, with a strong vocal sounding similar to Jon Bon Jovi at times, acoustic guitar, harmonies, and piano, while "I'd Do Anything" is another outstanding ballad, sounding almost a bit country, with soft harmonies, and mandolin [love Bill Leverty's guitar solo here too!]. Anyway, if you're not familiar with these guys, don't be shy - this is a good all-round album. Not overly heavy, yet not to soft, and the melodies and playing will appeal to those that like good melodic pop & rock stuff. *For more info on FIREHOUSE, check out www. firehousemusic.com

STEVE HACKETT - The Tokyo Tapes (Snapper)
A definite high point for prog & classic rock releases of the year! Steve Hackett is best known for his time with GENESIS [on all the classic albums like "Foxtrot", "Nursery Crime", and "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway"], as well as the short-lived GTR outfit, and his highly successful solo career. Here, one of the world's most influential and amazing guitarists was joined for this 1997 Japan Tour [resulting in this 2 CD set!] by such legends as bassist/singer John Wetton [KING CRIMSON, URIAH HEEP, ASIA....], drummer Chester Thompson [GENESIS / WEATHER REPORT], Ian MCDonald [KING CRIMSON / FOREIGNER], and longtime side-kick keyboardist Julian Colbeck. The recordings here are something to behold, with classic renditions of such Genesis classics as "I Know What I Like" and "Watcher Of The Skies". Being a fan of Wetton's work, it is great to hear how well he sings the Genesis tracks [especially his vox on "Firth Of Fifth"!], and King Crimson's "In The Court Of The Crimson King". There's also 2 of Wetton's own tracks included here - "Battlelines" - which soars with Thompson's drum and Hackett's added guitar work! As well, "Heat Of The Moment" - presented acoustically. The paces and moods change quite a bit from track to track with such a repertoire of tracks to choose from such as Hackett's light classical moments on "Walking Away From Rainbows". Also included is 2 new studio instrumental tracks - "Firewall" and "The Dealer". This all comes as an enhanced CD set, with over 110 minutes of music, and disc 2 featuring video from the Tokyo show.

SEBASTIAN BACH & FRIENDS - Bring 'Em Bach Alive (Spitfire)
I don't know why the guy's gotta pose like a chick half the time [see cover!....and what's with the guy dressed as a big green bird?], but hey - the inner packaging on the debut CD from the former SKID ROW frontman is quite something with lyrics and a full color mini comic inside. Musically, Bach and his buddies have produced a decent high energy 17 track package of 4 solid new tunes, most notably the anthem "Rock n Roll" and the more earthy acoustic "Superjerk, Superstar, Supertears". Live - there's a number of Skid Row faves done with plenty of punch, such as "18 And Life" and "Monkey Business" - which is coupled with a cover of Blue Oyster Cult's "Godzilla" quite respectably. Last track being "Youth Gone Wild", sounds like Baz wanted to get this one over with [muffed words, hurried...]. Plenty of guitar fireworks, nothing very different mind you, but will appeal greatly to Skid Row and metal fans.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD - Edge Of Forever (CMC)
This is my pick for best revived 70s act of 99! SKYNYRD revived themselves a few years ago when adding guitarists Rickie Medlocke [BLACKFOOT] and Hughie Thomasson [OUTLAWS], and issuing the "Twenty" album, followed by the superb "Lyve From Steel Town" double set. "Edge Of Forever" is another step up for this line-up [fronted by Ronnie Van Zant's brother Johnny - in case you've had yer head in yer ass for the past decade!?]. Here the band brings in renowned Hard-Rock/Metal/AOR producer Ron Nevison [see Ozzy, UFO, Heart......] and has brought out one heck of an album that rocks harder than any past Skynyrd album, adds a bit of commercial appeal, and yet retains the basic Skynyrd trademarks such as the 3 guitar attack, Billy Powell's hammond gracing each track, harmonies, and the unmistakeable lead vocal of a Van Zant brother! The first 4 cuts are all rock tunes, and are set a heavy pace, especially the excellent lead off track "Workin" and "Preacher Man" - both instant faves. Things slow down with the ballad "Tomorrow's Goodbye", a beautiful ballad with an environmentally friendly message. The title track picks things right back up with Kenny Arnoff's drum's that really sound great especially on this track. The latter half of the disc is more reminiscent of old Skynyrd with tracks like "Gone Fishin", "Money Back Guarantee", and the heavy ballad "Rough Around The Edges" [great piano break!]. The lyrics on this disc are all of interest with the band writing of working, life lessons, the world, etc..... - everything Skynyrd is best known for writing about! This one is a must hear for any old Skynyrd fans or even curious rockers, one of the best of of '99! [Minor complaint that they only included lyrics to half the songs in the booklet!] For more info check out www.superstars.com/skynyrd

BRUCE CAMERON - Midnight Daydream {Brain Cell)
One of the most anticipated and historical albums of 1999, which came out in the fall, only to have Cameron end his life shortly thereafter, making it strange to listen to now. Strange in a chilling kinda way, because the album lives up to the hype of all the guest stars that graced this disc that had only gotten in to the homes of the reviewers and early buyers before his tragic death. It's kind of a 'classic rock all star' outing that project coordinator, friend, and guest muso Ant-Bee lead, with Cameron's own songs. The lead off - title track features Billy Cox and Buddy Miles [on vox as well as drums], with Cameron's guitar making this brilliant Hendrix sounding cut superb. Jack Bruce plays and sings on the excellent blues rocker "Doctor Please". Both "Mind Gardens" and "Just Like A Spaceman" will appeal to more pshychelic fans, the former reminiscent of very early Alice Cooper, and the latter more remiscent of early Uriah Heep and Pink Floyd; both tracks feature Neal Smith [original Alice Cooper Group] on drums, Ken Hensley [ex Uriah Heep] on keys, Harvey Dalton Arnold [ex Outlaws] on bass, the cool Psychedelia vocals of Ant-Bee, and Cameron on mellotron as well as guitars. Cox and Miles reunite on 2 other excellent blues driven tracks - "Born To Lose" and the slower paced "A Thousand Moons". Midnight Daydream also leaves room for a few instrumental tracks, such as the eerie "Day After Yesterday" with Cameron on sitar, sarod, and mellotron, and Bunk Gardner [Mothers of Invention] on woodwinds. Alice Cooper fans will want to check out Smith on a few other tracks, including a few with Neal Smith, in particular the heavier more modern [touching on grunge] "Falling Up A Mountain". The last cut is an instrumental called "She's So Gone", which is eerily reminiscent to old Uriah Heep with Hensley's hammond organ and Cameron's guitar playing out the groove and riffs [Hensley kinda lets loose here like he ain't done in some 25 years], although the track ends way too soon. Hendrix fans will also want to note that Mitch Mitchell is featured on a few tracks, most noteably the 60s rock stylings of the catchy "Miles Away". A masterpiece of a disc, very sad that we won't see another like it, Cameron had some great ideas and songs here, and at least he left us this. For more info check out www.BruceCameronMusic.com , or write to Brain Cell Records : PO Box 2184 Carolina Beach, NC., 28428-2184, USA.

METALIUM - Millenium Metal [Chapter One]
German metal band with a forgettable name. Musically trying to sound like Maiden, Dio, and Metallica. Pretty dark [lyrically] and [musically] heavy stuff, that will appeal a lot to those in to very HEAVY metal! Lots of speedy stuff, lacking in melodies here. Could be better if they built on more palatable cuts like "Pilgrimmage" and "Dream Of Doom". Includes a gut wrenching modern metal version of Purple's "Smoke On The Water" [kudos for trying a common track to cover very differently]. Plenty of hope here in the guitar and vocal sounds, but i'm not into this 'play as fast as you can Metal'. For more info www.monster-productions.com

RIOT - Live In Japan (Metal Blade)
US metal band that's been around since the 70s, but never cracked here commercially, despite having a strong allegiance of fans here and overseas. The band's been through numerous line-ups lead by founder/guitarist Mark Reale, and here [originally released in '92 overseas] joined by singer/screamer Tony Moore, and a cast of others. Here the band runs through a number of their metal anthems, with Moore's screaming vox being downright painful at times, although he comes across good on 'lighter' moments like "Runaway", or when he ain't screamin' like more conventional rockers -- "Tokyo Rose" - where Reale lets loose. "Rock City" is a cool riff rocker that's only hampered by the ole' crowd participation routine. Musically powerful all-round, heavy too, spanning over 20 years of this band. Also includes a studio version of "Smoke On The Water" with goofy keys, painful screams, and lame drums........man why do people do this!? [Reale's solo at least is cool!] Anyway, a nice intro to anyone not familiar with this legendary and influential metal band. For more info check out www.metalblade.com , or write for Metal Blade merchandise : 4025 E. Chandler Blvc, Ste 70-D7, Pheonix, AZ, 85044 , USA.

DEREK SHERINIAN - Planet X (Magna Carta)
Instrumental album from former Alice Cooper and Dream Theater keyboardist, featuring Tony Franklin [bass], Brett Garsed [guitar], and Virgil Donati [drums]. Much of this stuff being groove oriented, progressive, dramatic movie type of stuff. Reminisent of Yes at times as on "Lost Island", but largely a collection of diverse instrumentals, fusion stuff where Sherinian's synths lead. Wish the guy would include some hammond! Dream Theater and progressive fans should like this, although not much here for rockers and Alice fans [except the cool liner notes from Alice!].

LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT - LTE 2 (Magna Carta)
Featuring 3/5ths of Dream Theater here - Mike Portnoy [drums], John Petrucci [guitar], and most recent DT recruit Jordan Rudess [keys], along with veteran bassist Tony Levin. LTE 2 features 8 instrumentals, 3 of which clock in at over 10 minutes, the most ambitious being the 17 minute composition "When The Water Breaks", and favorite being "Another Dimension", a heavier piece with a few nice changes in pace including a Spanish guitar break. Ends peacefully with a sweet acoustic cut titled "Hourglass". Of interest to DT fans, and those into the long isntrumental stuff; heavier than LTE's first outing I think. For more info check out www.dreamtheater.net < OR > www.papabear.com

TILES - Presents Of Mind (Magna Carta)
A very appealing release from this Detroit prog-rock band, that capture the ingredients of progressive music enough to attract the avid progsters into old Genesis, andTull, yet rockin' enough to also attract hard rock fans. Can't help but notice a few resemblances to Dream Theater, especially on the voice of Paul Rarick [although at times i find his vox a bit uninteresting], as well as the sound and stylings similarites to Rush. I'm sure these guys have heard this comparison before, but it's the first thing that comes to mind on strong cuts like "Safe Procedures", "Taking Control" and "Facing Failure". Plenty of cool riffs, and hooks throughout, with main writer and guitarist Chris Herin's guitar sound giving this whole thing a more rock edge as opposed to being too technical; soundwise resembling Alex Lifeson at many times, yet playing heavier than Lifeson has for most of the past 2 decades! {Album mixed by Terry Brown of Rush fame]. Some nice acoustic stuff as well, particularly on the 11 and a half minute epic "Reasonable Doubt". Also includes 2 live cuts from '98, which are kinda boring IMO [recording puts vox too up-front]. Anyway, this'll appeal to quite a listenership, and i recommend it as one of the best Magna Carta releases for '99. For more info check out www.tiles-music.com

HELIX - B-Sides (Beak)
A dozen rarities and unrelesed gems from Ontario's HELIX, now in their 25th year of existence. "B-Sides" compiles a load of previously unreleased cuts from the "Back For Another Taste" session [1989], most noteably an alternate take of "Jaws Of The Tiger" [other take issued on the "Over 60 Minutes With... " compilation], and more commercial tracks such as "Love Is A Crazy Game", and "You Got Me Chained". Fave track here is the powerful rocker "Take It or Leave It" recorded last year for the "Half Alive" sessions. B-Sides also includes 3 new tracks from the 80s line-up of the band [Brian Vollmer, bassist Daryl Gray, guitarist Brent Doerner, and drummer Greg Hinz], all 3 are memorable such as the fun and naughty "S-e-x Rated" and the more classic Helix sounding "Danger Zone". Also inlcuded here is the band's first 1976 recordings - Del Shannon's poppy "Thinking It Over" and the band's self-penned "Like Taking Candy From A Baby". Packaging includes plenty of old Helix pics, as well as informative liner notes. An excellent release for Helix fans, and nice companion to the "Half Alive" release barely a year ago. Also a good batch of rock songs from one of Canada's longest running and finest hard rock bands. For more info on Helix and merchandise ordering write to Friends Of Helix : PO Box 45007, RPO Ealing, London, Ontario, N5Z 1V6. On the web check out www.helixrockband.on.ca

FOXTROT ZULU - Frozen In Time (Pheonix Rising)
Debut disc from 7 piece band from Rhode Island that has been together for just over 5 years. Foxtrot Zulu is cool groove rock, with horns, organ, etc... Kinda upbeat stuff that borders on jazz, folk, southern, country, rock, etc... Don't know who to compare these guys to, perhaps the feel of The Grateful Dead on smooth tracks like "Reply", or a more 70s funk feel of band's like Wet Willie on "Cop Cars And Credit Cards", or the 60s R & B harmonies of "Maryanne". Fave track is "A Pretty Perfect God Damned Day", very 70s funk / R & B, tasteful guitar breaks, smooth vox. All interesting and unique stuff, not much rock but plenty of cool playing and grooves that are neat to throw on enjoy for something different. For more info check out www.foxtrotzulu.com or write Foxtrot Zulu c/o PO Box 1438, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.

TWISTED SISTER - Club Daze (Spitfire)
"Club Daze" tracks the earlier [and largely previously unreleased] recordings of New York's Twisted Sister from 1978 and 79. Interesting to note TS were around the NY and East Coast circuit since late '72, and were not merely an overnight sensation of the 80s metal movement. Here the band was heavier, more aggressive, and much less polished than the band was when they broke it big with anthems like "We're Not Gonna Take It". With most of these tracks live in studio [vocals overdubbed], Club Daze shows how powerful and heavy the band were back then, with tracks like "Come Back", "Rock n Roll Saviours", "Big Gun", "Follow Me", and "Lady's Boy" being easily likeable to this TS fan. No soupy ballads, or toned down antics here. Cool early versions of later classics like "I'll Never Grow Up Now", "Under The Blade", and [early cover of] "Leader Of The Pack" [love the guitar work here that ain't on the remake!]. 13 strong tunes, great packaging featuring loads of old pics, as well as stories and liner notes from founder/guitarist Jay Jay French [with Martin Popoff]. An overall excellent release, and highly recommended to rockers everywhere! Check out www.twistedsister.com

KINGFISH - Sundown On The Forest (Pheonix Rising)
KingFish is the 70s outfit begun by Bob Weir [Grateful Dead] and bandleader Matthew Kelly [ex Mel Brown, Grateful Dead...]. The band released a few Lps in the 70s, and are back in '99 [although they've been playing live through various line-ups over the years] with a fine new album "Sundown In The Forest". A very 'rootsy' album with superb performances, and songs that hails from the psychedelic and 70s eras. The environmental messaged mid tempo title track is very memorable, as is the ballad "Ridin High", which hails from a 1973 session and features harmonica and guitar by the late Jerry Garcia. KingFish offer up a pretty diverse set of smooth, blues and southern inspired rock with tracks such as the upbeat blues rock feel of "Padlock Cufflinks", or the rockabilly sound of "Goodbye So Long", and a number of lighter tracks. Among the 14 tracks, Sundown In the Forest includes 6 covers including Bob Dylan's "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To You" and Country Joe McDonald's "Starship Ride". Good feel music, that offers an alternative to modern styles, lyrically positive and insightful. Cool listening stuff, not overly heavy nor overly laid back. For more info check out www.kingfishmusic.com

CORK - Speed Of Thought (Lightyear)
Cork is the new band featuring Corky Laing of Mountain fame and guitarist Eric Schenkman, ex of The Spin Doctors, who share writing and vocal duties on "Speed Of Light", which was also co-produced by Gary Lyons [Aerosmith, Grateful Dead, Foreigner..]. I was never a fan of the Spin Doctors' stuff, but Schenkman shines on this disc, which should appeal to both Mountain and Spin Doctors fans, but this is very good. Opening cut is the heavy blues rock of "Hail Mary", inspired by Football player Doug Flutie, and easily likeable tune. "Genuine" has a more funk / blues feel to it, with some decent harmonies, with an upbeat pace. Best picks here are the heavier "Midnight Rose", and the bluesy ballad "Waiting [You're All I Need"]. Cork offers up a number of different styles [blues, rock, funk, ...] with a very strong set of songs and performances. Big kudos to Schenkman, who is an easy match up for Laing in place of Leslie West. The guy plays heavy, sounds cool, and comes up with some killer hooks and solos. Speed Of Light also features Noel Redding [ex Jimi Hendrix] on half the album. For more info check out www.Lightyear.com

MOTORHEAD - Louder Than Everyone Else [Hamburg 1998] (CMC)
What can be said about Motorhead? This live set of 25 MH killers being taken from a show last May in Hamburg, Germany. The sound is good and the set includes all the classics as well as newer faves like "Love For Sale". Gotta love Lemmy, [even if you don't like his vocals] when he comes out and says "we're Motorhead, we're going to kick your ass!" before driving into "Iron Fist". The packaging also includes a page of quotes from various people [mainly musos], as well as loads of pics, and track by track comments from Lemmy. Great show, great release, nice piece to start with if you haven't got any Motorhead. Recommended - play loud!

MANOWAR - Hell On Stage (Attic)
The 2nd live release in a row from this metal band. this being a totally different set to the previous live outing ["Hell On Wheels"], with tracks being die-hard fan faves as opposed to the most popular. Loads of decent Sabbathy riff metal, and more melodic and softer cuts, vocals very similar in sound to Bruce Dickinson at times. This is a 'fans' album more so, although i wish they'd cut out some of the audience singing here and there. The sound is excellent, and this is probably a nice companion to "Hell On Wheels" [which i've yet to hear!]. Lots of great liner notes, stories, song by song notes, etc... A good eye opener to this powerful and apparently legendary metal band. For more info check out www.manowarkingsofmetal.com

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND - Live On (Giant)
Sheperd and his band of heavy blues rockers seem to get better from album to album. The lead off track "In 2 Deep" jumps out right away, with plenty of guitar wailing, heavy blues riff, and heavy on the bass, plus the recognizeably clear vox of Noah Hunt. "Last Goodbye" is a good choice for single, a southern blues mid tempo ballad that has a good feel to it. KWSB keep to the blues roots with tracks like "Shotgun Blues", "Losing Kind", and a cover of Peter Green's "Oh Well", while showing a more Southern feel on songs like "Never Mind" [reminds me of old Skynyrd actually], or the ballad title track with the gospel-like harmonies. "Live On" ends with a peaceful acoustic instrumental from Shepherd. Also includes a cover of Buddy Miles "Them Changes", and features a number of guests such as Les Claypool, Bryan Lee, Warren Haynes... Very good album all round with something for blues enthusiasts, rockers, and southerners. For more info check out www.kwsband.com , Or write to the KWSB Fan Club : 4361 Youree Drive, 2nd Floor, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71105, USA.

ICE AGE - The Great Divide (Magna Carta)
US band that draws influences from a number of various classic which show in the music, such as old Styx [singer Josh Pincus even sounds remarkably like a younger and more aggressive version of Dennis DeYoung], Kansas, Rush, Saga, MSG, and Deep Purple. Big on the productions, vocal heroics, and drum roles, but the band writes some pretty big and interesting epics such as "Perpetual Child" and "Ice Age". Guitarists Jimmy Pappas reminds me a lot of Ian Chricton of Saga and Schenker. Ice Age comes up with some decent more conventional tunes such as the heavy groove riff of "The Bottom Line" [a bit of Metallica, a bit of Saga] and the keyboard based ballad "One Look Away", which builds up nicely and features some heavy guitar to take the song out. Wish these guys would try more hammond and pianos as opposed to some of the modern fluff sounding synths too. Closes out with another big epic "To Say Goodbye", which features some tasteful keys, especially the piano bit that ends it. A pretty good prog-rock album that may appeal to fans of some of the classic bands mentioned. Strong debut and with the styles and ideas here the band's next album should be something to look forward to as well. For more info check out www.ice-age.com

LESLIE WEST - As Phat As It Gets (Mystic)
Heavy blues rock album from Mountain's founder/guitarist. Heavier than the Cork disc, but I'm not as keen on the songs here, also very live sounding, with West's guitar up front. Includes a decent cover of "Stormy Monday", Otis Redding's "Respect", and Leon Russell's "Me And My Guitar". Also features a number of guest musos such as Joe Lynn Turner on the excellent southern blues of "I Can't Shake It", as well as the likes of Kim Simmonds and a host of others. This will appeal to blues rockers, and in particular fans of West's guitar playing. Kinda skimpy on the liner notes too. check out www.mysticmusic.com