heavy metal

REVIEW: QueensrΓΏche – QueensrΓΏche (2013 Japanese edition with bonus tracks)

QUEENSRΕΈCHE –Β QueensrΓΏcheΒ (2013 Avalon Japanese import)

RYCHE2013_0004I purchased and reviewed the domestic “deluxe edition” of Queensryche (2013) in July of this year. Β I initially gave it a 3.25/5 stars, but I have since revised that score to 3.5/5. Β The album continues to appeal to me greatly months later, which is more than I can say for most Queensryche discs since Promised Land. Β At the end of that review, I cryptically added, “Oh, and the live bonus tracks absolutely smoke.”

Since nobody likes a tease, I’ve decided to focus on all four live tracks for this review. Β For the very reasonable price of $32 USD plus $3 shipping, I had a sealed copy of Queensryche sent to me from Japan, so I now have all four live tracks. Β If you want the short report: Β They’re good enough that Queensryche should consider releasing a full live CD/DVD. Β I’d buy it based on these four tracks. Β But nobody comes to mikeladano.com for the short version.

“Queen of the Reich” is the first song I ever heard from the original Β Queensryche, as I suspect is true for most of the band’s fanbase. Β Right from the opening scream, I feel that this is the band that represents Queensryche. Β Every note is nailed, as is every scream. Β On this song Todd La Torre can do no wrong, but not just that. Β I would say that his versions are, in general, fresh sounding. Β He is reverent to the originals, but I also hear his own voice. Β I must also commend Scott Rockenfield. Β His drums are heavy as fuck, and his bass drum precisely punctuates every beat.

“En Force” is a welcome surprise. Β In 2001, Eddie Jackson told me that it was considered in the running for the Live Evolution album but did not make the cut. Β The good news is the guys still know how to play it! Β This has never been my absolute favourite track from The Warning, but to hear it live with all the screams intact? Β That’s something I never thought would happen again.

“Prophecy” is a difficult song, and although Todd doesn’t sing it album-perfect, I have to ask myself, who else these days can sing these Queensryche songs like this? Β Not too many singers. Β I just hope Todd doesn’t blow out his voice. Β I’m sure this kind of singing takes its toll.

Last is the classic “Eyes of a Stranger”. Β This is the only bonus track not from the stone ages of the Ryche, the only representation of Operation: Mindcrime. Β It is actually this track, in many respects, that shows off the talents of Todd La Torre. Β It is another side of the spectrum, and Todd pulls this off as well. Β Look, I know Geoff Tate’s the original, etc. etc. Β I get that. Β Focused on the here and now, this is how I’d like to hear Queensryche sound. Β Heavy, slightly progressive rock music with shredding vocals. Β That’s what I like, and Queensryche deliver on these four bonus tracks.

Lastly, a word about Parker Lundgren. Β I remember when Kelly Gray joined the band, on Live Evolution he lent a different sound to the band. Β It was good, just different. Β Parker fits much more seamlessly. Β  He doesn’t attract attention to himself by playing things differently, he played it the way you remember it.

Yeah, so I bought the album twice. Β You knew I was going to. Β For the bonus tracks:

5/5 stars

More RYCHE:

REVIEW: A World With Heroes – A KISS Tribute for Cancer Care – A 40th Anniversary Celebration (2013)

Part 7.5 in my series on Ace Frehley, sorta! Β Plenty of Ace related coolness here. Β For the last part of the Ace series, 12 Picks, click here.

A World With Heroes – A KISS Tribute for Cancer Care – A 40th Anniversary Celebration

Cancer sucks. Β Kiss rules. Β Agreed? Β Buy this CD.

Mitch Lafon executive produced this sucker, and I suspect that means a hell of a lot of work. Β I have never in my travels discovered a cooler Kiss tribute album. Β Do you really need to buy another Kiss tribute album? Β Do you? Β Yes, you do. Β Why? Β For the following reasons:

  • IMG_00000937Profits benefit the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence in Hudson, Quebec.
  • Obscure track selections.
  • Rare Kiss related gems, such as two Peter Criss Band demos with Phil Naro.
  • New Brighton Rock! Β Finally.
  • Superstar performers including Mark Tornillo of Accept, Russ Dwarf, Don Dokken, Bonfire, Sean Kelly, Vinny Appice, L.A. Guns, Doro, and many more.
  • Members of the Kiss family including Eric Carr, Peter Criss, Frehley’s Comet (minus Frehley), Bob Kulick and Phil Naro.

I can’t say enough good things about this compilation. Β Upon first sight, it had enough rarities from artists I liked, as well as Kiss obscurities, to make it a must-have. Β Hearing it, I’m blown away repeatedly. Β It is a heady brew of hits and deep, deep cuts. Β Since there are 51 tracks in total, I can’t go into too much detail. Β I’ll point out some personal favourite moments.

I’m a huge fan of the Revenge album, and I’m a huge fan of Accept. Β Hearing Mark Tornillo do his thing through “Spit” was awesome. Β  I think the man’s vocal cords must be made of steel or something for him to sing like that. Β I also loved “Sure Know Something”, although I don’t know Chris BuckΒ & Anthony Cardenas Montana. Β It’s a slinky version, very true to the original but with a Rod Stewart vibe. Β Jeff Paris does a pretty authentic “Shout Mercy” and I give him full points for doing a Monster tune, the newest Kiss song on A World With Heroes.

I’ve loved Brighton Rock since I was a kid, but I never expected them to unplug “Creatures of the Night”. Β This twist takes a moment to get used to, but their haunting arrangement is very original and cool! Β “Larger Than Life” from Alive II is revisited by Brian Tichy and friends, and they do it pretty straight to the original, almost lick for lick. Β It’s great. Β I love that Ron Young from Little Caesar sings “Little Caesar”, a nice wink and a smile there. Β A band called Shredmill contribute their original song “Outerspace”…which was later covered by Ace Frehley on his Anomaly album (giving himself a writing credit). Β Shredmill’s version is more Danzig, where Ace’s was more Ace.

On the second CD, surprises and highlights continue. Β Ron Keel and friends from Tesla and Cinderella knock it out of the park on “Rock N’ Roll Hell”, with a nod at the start to Keel’s own “The Right To Rock”. Β Rick Hughes of Quebec metal masters Sword helps blow the doors off “The Oath”, a favourite from The Elder. Β The L.A. Guns guys (Phil Lewis included) tackle the difficult “Master & Slave” from Carnival of Souls, and it smokes. Β They do it authentic to the grungy original but with Phil’s snarky vocals.

As a Killer Dwarfs fan, I’m always pleased to hear Russ Dwarf’s nasally twang, and he turns in a decent “Hard Luck Woman”. Β (Meanwhile, another bunch of L.A. Guns guys did their own version on disc one.) Β Bonfire contribute a live version of Paul Stanley’s unreleased song “Sword & Stone”, from their Live at Wacken CD. Β I don’t really know who American Dog are, but I love that they covered the Paul Stanley version of “God of Thunder”, not the Gene Simmons take from Destroyer. Β They do it the speedy rocked-up way that Paul originally demoed. Β Jim Crean does justice to “Magic Touch”. Β He’s almost Joe Lynn Turner style on this one.

A WORLD WITH_0001The second CD ends with two takes of “Beth” (Chris VanDahl sounding like the hoarse Peter Criss on Alive II, and Phil Naro). Β This is in addition to Michael Lardie’s (Great White) version on disc one. Β Naro’s is easily the best of the three.

But wait, that’s not all, folks. Β iTunes are selling a 51 track version of A World With Heroes, including 11 exclusives. Β Thankfully, you can buy these exclusives separately if you already bought the CD (like I did). Β Once again, highlights are many. Β Doro contributes a 2013 re-recording of “Only You”, which she had a previous hit with back in 1990. Β Russ Dwarf returns with an outstanding “God Gave Rock and Roll To You II”. Β There are two previously unreleased demos by the Peter Criss Band with Phil Naro. Β These feature Peter on drums, but believe me, you can hear that it is the Cat Man and no one else. Β In addition, there’s a third song from this period, but recorded by Phil in 2013. Β There is also a second version of “Larger Than Life”, this time by somebody calledΒ Robot Lords Of Tokyo. Β I don’t know whoΒ Robot Lords Of Tokyo are, but I love “Larger Than Life” and I have no problem with another version of it. Β This one’s done quite differently, and heavier too.

But wait! Β There’s still more! Β Pledgers who pre-ordered the CD got four bonus tracks. Β I missed the boat on these, and you can’t get them anymore. Β I’m bummed about that, but for the sake of completion, the four bonus tracks are:

  1. ‘Calling Dr. Love’ – Performed by: Crash Kelly
  2. ‘Comin’ Home’ – Performed by: Sudden Flames
  3. ‘Heaven’s On Fire’ – Performed by: The Feckers (ft. Irene Slade)
  4. ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You’ Performed by: Alain Pernot

I’d love to have these, especially Crash Kelly, but alas. Β The project is still awesome and worth your coins. Β Especially if you’re a self respecting Kiss fan. Β Get it.

5/5 stars

EDIT: Β I now have the tracks. Β Crash Kelly’s is awesome! Β Fun and awesome.

Disc 1:

  1. ‘Psycho Circus’ – Performed by: DDRIVE (Phil Naro, Don Mancuso, Dave Sessions, Jt Taylor & Bobby Bond)
  2. ‘Spit’ – Performed by: Ken Dubman, Jimmy Callahan, Scott Metaxas, & Mark Tornillo
  3. ‘Deuce’ – Performed by: Bill Leverty, Kevin Valentine, John Regan, & Russ Dwarf
  4. ‘Sure Know Something’ – Performed by: Chris Buck & Anthony Cardenas Montana
  5. ‘Detroit Rock City’ – Performed by: Ron β€˜Bumblefoot’ Thal, Rex Brown & Brian Tichy
  6. ‘Eyes Of Love’ – Performed by: Eric Carr, Benny Doro & John Humphrey
  7. ‘Shout Mercy’ – Performed by: Jeff Paris, Troy Lucketta, Eric Brittingham Jeff Labar
  8. ‘Creatures Of The Night’ – Performed by: BRIGHTON ROCK
  9. ‘Larger Than Life’ – Performed by: Rex Brown, Brian Tichy & Mark Zavon
  10. ‘Cold Gin’ – Performed by: Don Dokken & Tommy Denander
  11. ‘Love Gun’ – Performed by: Tony Harnell, Mark Kendall, Scott Snyder, Sean Michael Clegg, Kevin Valentine & Tommy Denander
  12. ‘Little Caesar’ – Performed by: Ron Young, John Regan & Tommy Denander
  13. ‘Hard Luck Woman’ – Performed by: Chris VanDahl, Stacey Blades & Adam Hamilton
  14. ‘Outerspace’ – Original demo later covered by Ace Frehley on his Anomaly album – Performed by: SHREDMILL (David Askew, Jesus Mendez Jr, Jaime Moreno)
  15. ‘Goodbye’ – Performed by: IMPERIA & BOB KULICK (J.K.Impera, Matti Alfonzetti, Tommy Denander & Mats Vassfjord) – Additional Guitars by Lars Chriss
  16. ‘See You Tonight’ – Performed by: TODD FARHOOD & MYSTERY (Todd Farhood, Michel St-Pere, Sylvain Moineau, Jean-SΓ©bastien Goyette, Francois Fournier & Benoit Dupuis)
  17. ‘Beth’ – The Grand Piano Version – Performed by: Michael Lardie
  18. ‘Tomorrow’ – Performed by: DRESSED TO CHILL (Matt Bradshaw, Rav Thomas & Rhys Lett)
  19. ‘Anything For My Baby’ – Performed by: SLAVES ON DOPE (Kevin Jardine, Jason Rockman, Seb Ducap & Peter Tzaferis)
  20. ‘Unholy’ – Performed by: Fred Duvall, Glenn Belcher, Mark Slaughter (Guitar Solo), Rob Zakojc & Russ Dwarf

Disc 2:

  1. ‘Breakout’ – Performed by: Tod Howarth, John Regan & Kevin Valentine
  2. ‘Rock N Roll Hell’ – Performed by: Ron Keel, Troy Lucketta, Eric Brittingham & Jeff Labar
  3. ‘Nowhere To Run’ – Performed by: DRUCKFARBEN (Phil Naro, Ed Bernard, William Hare, Troy Feener & Peter Murray)
  4. ‘The Oath’ – Performed by: Rick Hughes, Chris Buck & Bob Richards
  5. ‘Master & Slave’ – Performed by: Adam Hamilton, Scott Griffin, Stacey Blades & Phil Lewis
  6. ‘Calling Dr.Love’ – Performed by: BURNING RAIN (Keith St John, Doug Aldrich, Sean McNabb & Matt Starr)
  7. ‘I Stole Your Love’ – Performed by: S.U.N. (Brian Thomas Tichy, Sass Jordan & Tommy Stewart) With Derek Sharp (Of The Guess Who)
  8. ‘Reason To Live’ – Performed by: Johnnie Dee & Derry Grehan of HONEYMOON SUITE with Michael Foster & Bill Leverty of FIREHOUSE
  9. ‘Hard Luck Woman’ – Performed by: Fred Duvall, Glenn Belcher, Rob Zakojc & Russ Dwarf
  10. ‘Forever’ – Performed by: Terry Ilous, Sean Kelly With Jeff Paris.
  11. ‘Sword And Stone’ – Taken From Bonfire Live In Wacken – Performed by: BONFIRE (Claus Lessmann, Hans Ziller, Chris Limburg, Uwe KΓΆHler, Harry Reischmann)
  12. ‘God Of Thunder’ – Performed by: AMERICAN DOG (Michael Hannon, Steve Theado & Keith Pickens)
  13. ‘She’ – Performed by: RAZER (Chris Powers, Chris Catero, Jordan Ziff, Paul Sullivan, Eric Bongiorno & Chuck Alkazian)
  14. ‘New York Groove’ – Performed by: SLAVES ON DOPE (Kevin Jardine, Jason Rockman, , Elizabeth Lopez & Peter Tzaferis With Marty O’Brien)
  15. ‘Magic Touch’ – Performed by: Jim Crean, Phil Naro, Vinny Appice, Steve Major & Stan Miczek
  16. ‘Tears Are Falling’ – Performed by: Willie Basse, Bruce Bouillet, Scott Warren & Mike Hansen.
  17. ‘Rock N Roll All Nite’ – Performed by: Harley Fine, John Regan & Atom Fellows
  18. ‘Shandi’ – Performed by: Dani Luv, Scott Griffin & Matt Starr
  19. ‘Beth – Bonus Track’ – Performed by: Chris Vandahl & Scott Griffin.
  20. ‘Beth – Bonus Track’ – Performed by: Phil Naro, William Hare & Ed Bernard

iTunes exclusives:

  1. ‘No, I’m Not Afraid’ (Previously Unreleased Peter Criss Band Demo from 1991) – Performed by Peter Criss and Phil Naro
  2. ‘Wait For A Minute To Rock N’ Roll’ (Previously Unreleased Peter Criss Band Demo from 1991) – Performed by Peter Criss and Phil Naro
  3. ‘Back On The Streets’ (2013 Mix originally from Return of the Comet) – Performed by Richie Scarlet, John Regan, Tod Howarth, Arthur Stead & Steve Werner (The Comet Band)
  4. ‘Only You’ (2013 Recording) – Performed by DORO
  5. ‘God Gave Rock N Roll To You II’ – Performed by Russ Dwarf
  6. ‘I’m An Animal’Β (2013 Mix originally fromΒ Return of the Comet) – Performed by the Comet Band
  7. ‘Let Me Go Rock N’ Roll’ – Performed by The Oddfathers
  8. ‘Surrender In The Name Of Love’ (Written by Peter Criss & Phil Naro) – Performed by 24K featuring Phil Naro and Mladen Alexander
  9. ‘Love Gun’ (Tommy Denander Guitar Solo Mix) – Performed by Tony Harnell, Kevin Valentine and Tommy Denander
  10. ‘Larger Than Life’ (2013 Remaster – Robot Lords Of Tokyo version) – Performed by Robot Lords Of Tokyo
  11. ‘Cold Gin’ (2013 Remaster from L.A. GUNS’ 1998 Wasted EP) – Performed by L.A. Guns

REVIEW: Van Halen – The Best of Both Worlds (2004)

VHBOBW_0001VAN HALEN –Β The Best of Both Worlds (2005 Warner)

Musically, I can find very little fault with this collection. How can I? When you think about it, musically Van Halen are above reproach. In the 1970’s, they were without equal. No other band could boast such a series of excellent albums, a charismatic and innovative frontman like Dave Lee Roth, or (obviously) a unique guitar mutilator like Edward Van Halen. Van Halen defined the term “party rock”, but they also rocked with intelligence. They combined challenging arrangements with near-impossible guitar work, clever lyrics, an excellent image, musical influences dating back to the 1920’s, and music heavier than that of many of their rivals.

So how could this compilation possibly fail if the music is that strong? This album is completedly torpedoed by the sequencing of the songs. Β That factor alone makes The Best Of Both Worlds a struggle to listen to. Β  There seems to be a notable effort to downplay David Lee Roth’s contributions in favor of Sammy Hagar’s overall.

By song selection, on paper this album looks good. However upon one listen you will realize what works and what doesn’t. Kicking off the album with Eddie’s groundbreaking solo “Eruption” seems like a good idea at first. It serves to remind the listener right from the beginning why Eddie is considered one of the best, if not the very best, guitar player of all time. His sound is warm and “brown” and he creates noises that nobody had ever heard before….

…But “Eruption” is followed by the first of the new Sammy singles, “It’s About Time”. Trying to glue “Eruption” to a new song just doesn’t work. A Dave song would have sounded much more natural. It is a jarring transition, and it gives me the impression that Van Halen is trying to up-sell the Sammy Hagar period in some way. Β The overall effect is an album that is has absolutely no cohesion.

Thank God this wasn’t the final tour…

There are always new songs to hype a compilation like this. Β “It’s About Time” is the strongest of the three, all of which are Van Hagar. It is as close to upbeat as they were likely to get, with all the personal strife going on. Β The lyrics are pretty obviously about the return of Sammy Hagar. But something sounds wrong, something sounds un-Halen. The missing ingredient is bassist Michael Anthony, who did not play bass, nor write, nor sing background vocals on these songs. Without Anthony, you can tell something is missing. (You’ll notice how far back he is in the group photo, too.) Β The other two songs, “Up For Breakfast” (dumb title, dumb lyrics) and “Learning To See” (A musical attempt at being dramatic and wise) are nothing to write home about.

Then we begin juxtaposing Dave songs with Sammy songs, one after the other, for nearly the entire remainder of the album. Folks, taken on their own, each one of these tracks is a hit…but playing the album, this doesn’t sound good in the speakers! Sammy-era Halen was a different beast from Diamond Dave. Β  Sammy’s poppier, from a completely different and more mainstream point of view. Without beating this point into the ground, for one example, take a look at the tracklist: Sam’s “Dreams” is squeezed in between Dave’s “You Really Got Me” and “Hot For Teacher”! Β The only time this sequencing really works is when “Jump” is followed by “Top Of The World”. The songs traditionally follow each other in concert because they share the same riff. Β Listen to the outro of “Jump”. Β It is the main riff to “Top Of The World”.

I asked Craig Fee for his opinion on these shenanigans, and he had this to say:

When I saw this arrive on my desk as a promo, I was confused. Β Why would you mix Diamond Dave tracks with a bunch of wanky new Sammy songs? Β What would possess anyone to include the Red Rocker singing Dave’s material in concert and not have a single DLR live cut?Β 

My feeling is that this is a ripoff move in order to hammer home the fact that Van Hagar were touring! Β They make sure to mention this in the liner notes. Β It’s an unfortunate but fairly common practice, and a sure sign of record company meddling.

Had they devoted 1 disc to each ‘era,’ I don’t think it would’ve pissed me off as much as this one did. Β And where the fuck is Gary?! Β More importantly — why are we, the die-hard Van Halen fans — continually starved for live material from the 1978-84 era?

One star. Β For the album art.

The album rocks and rolls along, Dave then Sam, Dave then Sam, until the end when you are presented with the live tracks. Β As Craig said, all are Van Hagar, previously released onΒ Live: Right Here, Right Now. I’m sick of that album. It’s been mined endlessly for B-sides, and all three songs appear elsewhere on this album in their original DLR studio versions! Much like the album openers, these close the disc rather weakly.

Craig is right about being starved for classic 1978-1984 live material. Β Even assuming the Van Halens remove that particular pickle from their behinds, they didn’t have to recycle old Van Hagar live stuff. Β The wasted CD space could have been used to give this album a more well-rounded feel, covering Van Halen’s whole career. The compilation covers 1978-1995, and then skips ahead to 2004 with the three new songs. Excluded are cool singles from the lost period, like “Me Wise Magic”, “Humans Being” and “Without You” (from Van Halen 3Β with Gary Cherone). Β Or, they could have just put more classic David Lee Roth tracks on there, since the album’s a bit Sam-heavy. Β Anything but more live re-releases! Β Fair Warning is criminally under-represented.

Taking a quick scan of the liner notes will reveal that the brothers Halen really are trying to re-write their history. Not only are the Cherone years not even mentioned, but the Dave years are discussed only briefly. No pictures of the band with Dave are included, even though he makes up at least a third of the album (the best third of it).

I will mention one other little point before I finish. One track, “Finish What Ya Started”, sounds like it is defective, ending abruptly. Β The band and producer received complaints about this, but it is no error. While mastering this CD, producer Glen Ballard decided to extend “Finish What Ya Started” beyond its original fade point until the tape runs out, when it ends abruptly. This longer, previously unreleased version was not advertised as such and led fans to think the track was defective.

So there you have it — as it currently stands, TheΒ Best Of Both Worlds is sadly the most comprehensive Van Halen collection out there. Β May as well go ahead and make your own. Β At least the music is above reproach.

3/5 stars

Part 231: Top 5…of all time?

RECORD STORE TALESΒ Part 231: Β Top 5…of all time?

I put in just shy of 12 years at the record store. Β That’s a lot of time to work retail. Β If you’ve worked retail, you know what I’m talking about. Β If you haven’t, it has its ups and downs. Β The ups include discounts. Β The downs entail being abused by the general public on a daily basis.

I have a nice plaque around here somewhere, commemorating 7 years at the store. Β It was a pretty cool gift. Β It was a total surprise, how it happened. Β My boss phoned me out of the blue one day.

“Mike,” he said. Β “I need a list of the top 5 albums of all time. Β It’s for an article we’re doing.”

“Cool!” I responded eagerly. Β “But what are the parameters? Β Is it like rock, or all genres? Β Because that’s just a wide-open question.”

“Just what you think are the top albums of all time, that’s all I really need.”

Cool! Β I started work on it. Β I wanted to be objective, fair. Β If I were making a personalized list of a top 5, it would be easy, I know there would be some Kiss and Sabbath in there. Β I wanted to discount my own personal biases and try to be as open as possible for this particular list.

First of all, I chose The Wall. Β I admit that I chose this over Dark Side due to personal preference, also I think a double album like The Wall deserves many accolades. Β I obviously had to give respect to two of the greatest bands of all time, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Β I chose Zeppelin IV and Abbey Road. Β I really couldn’t choose a Zeppelin, so I went with IV as kind of a default answer. Β Abbey RoadΒ is arguably the most genius the Beatles ever were, so I could easily choose that over Sgt. Pepper’s.

OK, three down! Β Even though all three artists I chose were different from each other, they were all rock, so I needed to go outside that box. Β To represent country, I decided on Folson Prison by Johnny Cash. Β Were this a more personalized list, I would choose San Quentin, but I went with Folsom as it seems to be the best known.

I didn’t know what to pick last, so I went with a cop-out answer. Β Back In Black. Β What a weak, spineless choice! Β What am I a college student? Β Anyway, again I decided to be open and think about how many copies it sold, not about the many superior AC/DC albums.

I submitted my list. Β A month or two later, I was presented with this plaque! Β And these five albums were on the plaque! Β My boss had collected lists from a few of us who had been there a while, and given us custom made plaques, with the CDs and everything. Β It was really cool and I treasured mine for years.

I only wish he had worded his question differently! Β If I had known in advance what he was really asking (thus spoiling the surprise) I would have chosen these five:

5. Iron Maiden – Piece of Mind

4. Kiss – Alive

3. KissΒ – Hotter Than Hell

2. Deep Purple – Fireball

1. Black Sabbath – Born Again

The original plaque is packed up in a box, as Mrs. LeBrain and I are planning a move to a bigger place. Β Here’s the five albums that made it onto the plaque though, at least all albums I proudly own. Β And because I don’t do anything small, I own them all in some kind of crazy deluxe box set. Β Enjoy.

WTF Search Terms: Iron Meiden edition

WTF Search Terms X: Β Iron Meiden edition

It’s time for THE TENTH installment of WTF! Β Like the others, this is a collection of strange/humorous/whatever search terms that somehow led people to mikeladano.com. Β If you missed the last one, “Top ten edition”, click here!

  • who was the hunchback on the vban halen pretty woman videoΒ (It was David Lee Roth himself)
  • joe elliott kissing phil collen (No.)
  • iron meiden son so seven son yu tubeΒ 
  • mike patton quiet riotΒ (I have no idea what these two things have in common.)
  • gene simmons rib removalΒ (No. Β Everybody knows that was Marilyn Manson) Β :)
  • helix vedio tatoed guyΒ (Snake the Tattoo Man)
  • beatles fan that send themselves in a boxΒ (?)
  • eddie “fingers” ojeda who odd is he in 2013
  • what did yall think of the movie macheteΒ (I liked it, how about you?)
  • why did steve hire blaze bayleyΒ (This is a question all Maiden fans still struggle with.)

See you next time!

REVIEW: Alex Lifeson’s acceptance speech

ALEX LIFESON (RUSH) – Acceptance speech (2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony)

Blah blah blah. Blah BLAH blah blah BLAH! Bla-bla-bla-blah. Blah, blah blah blah! BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH. Blah Blah? Blah! Blah Blah Blah. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Bla-la-la-la BLAH!? Blah blah blah blah blah, blah blah. Blah blah! Blah. Bla-bla-bla-blah. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Bla-la-la-la BLAH BLAH!? BLAH! Blah blah blah blah blah, blah blah. Blah blah! Blah, blah blah blah! BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH. Blah blah blah. Blah BLAH blah BLAH! Bla-bla-bla-blah.

5/5 blahs
LIFESON

REVIEW: Tesla – “Call It What You Want” (single)

TESLAΒ – “Call It What You Want” (1991 Geffen UK single)

Yesterday, I reviewed Tesla’s damn fine third album, Psychotic Supper. Β As part of that, I wanted to talk about this single, the album’s second. Β It’s an excellent companion to the album proper.

“Call It What You Want” isn’t a bad song. Β It has a great chorus even if I find the verses sub-par. Β Where Tesla have always excelled is in their rootsy but eloquent musicianship. Β Not only are there Lizzy-esque dual guitar harmonies, but there are other things that border on country style.

I also dig the lyric, dated although they may be:

“Heavy metal, hard-core, punk, pop, or thrash,
You can call it anything, it don’t matter to me,
Call it what you want,
It’s all music to me.”

I think Tesla more than most hard rock bands around in 1991 were about breaking down boundaries between genres, and I’m sure this lyric was sincere to them. Β I know guitarist Tommy Skeoch had a thrash side project going at the time called Thrash Tandoori.

I hate when bands use a regular album track as a B-side! Β Nonetheless, “Freedom Slaves” is one of the best (if not the best) song from Psychotic Supper. Β This is the hard rock/heavy metal side of Tesla shining through. Β A Leppardy riff accompanies a song that boasts an anthemic chorus and dark verses.

The next two tracks are both previously unreleased, and both are covers. Β “Children’s Heritage” is what I’d call an obscure cover! Β I’ve never heard this, nor the band that wrote it, Bloodrock a 70’s band from Texas. Β It’s a good song, straight ahead riff based hard rock. Β It’s also self produced by Tesla, and is a lot looser than the album material.

More familiar is the old blues classic “Cotton Fields”, rocked up and slowed down from its CCR incarnation. Β It bares almost no resemblance to the classic Leadbelly version, but it does rock. Β Dirty slide guitars and wah-wah solos render this version almost as if Zeppelin were covering it. Β That’s the overall vibe anyway, and few hard rock artists were sounding this raw and authentic in 1991!

In a rare Β (I assure you)Β lapse of memory, I’ve forgotten where I got this CD. Β I think Trevor got it in used, at his store, and sent it to me. Β This would make sense, since one of his customers, Gord Taylor, used to sell him metal CD singles that he bought in Europe. Β So that piece fits the puzzle. Β Either way, whoever originally bought it paidΒ Β£4.50 at HMV.

Tesla singles are rare in these parts, but thankfully both of these B-sides are now available on the compilation Tesla Gold.

4/5 stars

OMG MORE TESLA_0003

REVIEW: Tesla – Psychotic Supper (1991)

“We’re just children of the 60’s, watched the 70’s go by. Β Now we made it through the 80’s, my my how time does fly!” – Jeff Keith

Full unfolded cover art
Cover as it appears in case

TESLA – Psychotic Supper (Geffen, 1991)

Psychotic Supper, the 3rd studio album by Tesla, is thus far their most adventurous and experimental. Is is neither as immediate as Mechanical Resonance nor as focused as The Great Radio Controversy, instead focusing on longer song structures and diverse influences. Β It is difficult to penetrate, and even once you do finally dig in, there are some songs that simply refuse to stick to the memory. However one must applaud Tesla for sheer musical ability and refusal to do the commercial thing and sell out for the long awaited third album.

Taking their love of Nikola Tesla to the nth degree, they present a history lesson in the smokin’ “Man Out Of Time Edison’s Medicine”. What an incredible song. I still remember seeing the music video and being blown away by the solos. Not only are there guitar solos, but Tommy Skeoch torments the theremin, before Frank Hannon slipps on a bass and plays a bass solo too!

Great rock tunes include: “Change In The Weather”, the groovin’ “Freedom Slaves”, the jokey but smokin’ “Toke About It”, the aforementioned “Edison’s Medicine”, and the thrash-like “Don’t De-Rock Me”. Y’see children, back in the 80’s when Al Gore’s wife Tipper was a founder of a pro-censorship group called the PMRC, there really were places called de-rock centers. You could send your kids to detox them off rock music and turn them onto safe alternatives. No lie. (Is it any wonder that bands like Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana came along during this period?)

There are also a series of long, exploratory songs such as the mournful “Song And Emotion”, dedicated to Steve “Steamin'” Clarke of Def Leppard who passed away in January of that year. Skeoch paid tribute to Clarke’s “Gods of War” parts with his E-bow solo, listen for it. Β Tommy Skeoch was a devoted Def Leppard fan, and Tesla had also opened for the Leppard because they shared management.

There are ballads too. I don’t think any are particularly standouts in the way “Love Song” was, but “What You Give” was a respectable hit. Β I don’t check out Tesla so much for the ballads (even though they are excellent at them) but for the rockers. Β Jeff Keith’s raspy but powerful voice can excel at either. Β The man is one of the most underrated singers in rock.

If grunge didn’t hit, I could have imagined this album spawning multiple hit singles and videos for at least a year.

4/5 stars

I only own one single from this album, which is “Call It What You Want”. Β It has some interesting B-sides, so tomorrow, we’ll take a look at that one! Β Hope to see you then.

What IS Jeff smoking?

REVIEW: Ace Frehley – 12 Picks (1997)

Part 7 in a series on Ace Frehley! Β Missed the last one, Return of the Comet? Β Click here!

ACE FREHLEYΒ – 12 Picks (1997 Megaforce Worldwide)

With Ace experiencing a second Golden Age back in Kiss, 1997 was the perfect time for various parties to cash in with compilations and re-releases. Β It made sense for Megaforce to put out a collection of Ace’s better solo work along with unreleased live tracks. Β With Frehley’s Comet bassist John Regan in the executive producer’s seat, at least 12 Picks has input from somebody on the inside.

This is a pretty logical collection. Β Since it has “Into the Night”, “Rock Soldiers”, “Words Are Not Enough”, and even “Hide Your Heart”, you could easily make an argument that casual fans can start and stop here. Β Sure, they’d miss great favourites like “Calling To You” and “Do Ya”…but leaving tracks off opens doors to sequels, no?

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If you imagine an album still having two sides, then the studio tracks make up side one. Β Side two consists of live versions of Kiss favourites and others. Β These are all from the Second Sighting tour with Jamie Oldaker on drums, unfortunately not Anton Fig for these versions. Β They are however previously unreleased on any audio format. Β These are some (but not all) of the songs from the Live + 4 VHS video cassette. Β This video was never released in Canada, and I’ve never owned it. Β Unfortunately, “Something Moved” from the VHS tape is not included. Β To date it is still frustratingly unavailable. Β From the same gig (Hammersmith Odeon) but unreleased until now is “Deuce”. Β Other tracks from the concert would later trickle out elsewhere.

12PICKS_0005“Rip It Out” remains a stunning opener, although this version is hampered by the lack of Anton on drums. Β Jamie Oldaker has a different feel, laying back behind the beat and I don’t think that’s the way these songs are best presented. Β His fills are simpler than Anton’s, and things like the drums solos in “Rip It Out” and “Breakout” suffer for it. Β The rest of the set is Kiss-heavy: Β “Cold Gin”, “Shock Me”, “Rocket Ride” and the Simmons-penned “Deuce”. Β Frehley performs “Cold Gin” with the right groove, which Kiss had trouble nailing without him. Β I like the little touches, like the fact that the bassline doesn’t stray from the original much. Β It lends these Ace versions a Kiss-like authenticity. Β Tod Howarth backs up Ace’s lead vocals in a manner that recall’s Kiss’s multiple lead vocalists.

Although the setlist itself is pretty smokin’, the muddy drum sound and lack of Anton prevent the live portion from igniting. Β Thankfully Ace has plenty of fuel when he solos, but this live side is noticeably inferior to the excellent Live + 1. Β That’s too bad.

12 Picks came with a guitar pick in one of several (12?) colours. Β I got black!

3/5 stars

Part 230: Nicknames

WINNER!

RECORD STORE TALESΒ Part 230: Β Nicknames

It’s true.Β  You may have a nickname at your favourite store that you don’t even know about!Β  Maybe you’re known for your surly manner.Β  Maybe you’re known for returning everything you buy, or a unique form of transportation.Β  Whatever the case may be, here’s a selection of my favourite nicknames from the record store days!

* Sadly, “Surly Brad” (who was actually a nice guy) passed away in 2011.