EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE SANTANA LIVE AT MONTREUX 2011 ~ 2DVD SET AND BLU-RAY~ Santana Lands February 21 in a Captivating Set of Greatest Hits!

Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Santana Live At Montreux 2011 on a 2DVD set & Blu-ray in a exhilarating set of jazz, Latin, funk, soul and rock 'n' roll. The 23-song show weighs heavily on the side of the songs that fans of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist (inducted in 1998) have loved over the years.

Filmed in high-definition and recorded in DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1 and LPCM Stereo, it's a total jam-packed evening of percolating percussion, soaring lead guitar solos and the kind of funky bass/drum action that has kept this band in the forefront of popular music for over 40 years.

Live At Montreux 2011 is a career-spanning show that covers all the bases: from Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va," Fleetwood Mac's "Black Magic Woman," Babatunde Olatunji's "Jingo" and Willie Bobo's "Evil Ways" to John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme." Carlos Santana has always had a knack for making his cover versions become spectacularly his own. His interpretive flair reached its zenith with 2010's Guitar Heaven which contains his scintillating take on Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love." Add his numerous originals, including "Smooth" and "Maria Maria," his signature style of inspired and spiritual guitar playing and you have the kind of DVD that burns with intensity.

Extras include interviews with Carlos and Cindy Blackman Santana, and a very special peek behind-the-scenes. Guest artists include the husband/wife guitar team of Susan Tedeschi and Allman Brother Derek Trucks as well as drummer/wife Cindy Blackman Santana. Over three hours long, this is the Santana concert his fans have been waiting for!

For forty years and as many albums later, Santana has sold more than 90 million records and reached more than 100 million fans at concerts worldwide. To date, Santana has won ten Grammy® Awards, including a record-tying nine for a single project, 1999's Supernatural (including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for "Smooth"). In 1998, the group was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, whose web page on their induction notes, "Guitarist Carlos Santana is one of rock's true virtuosos and guiding lights." Among many other honors, Carlos Santana has also been cited by Rolling Stone as #15 on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time." His last CD, Guitar Heaven... The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time (Arista) was released in 2010. Celebrating that chart debut, Santana joined the ranks of the Rolling Stones as the only musical act in chart history to score at least one Top 10 album in every decade beginning with the 1960s. "Guitar Heaven" was Santana's 29th Billboard Top 200 charting release, 12th Top 10 album debut and third Top 10 debut in the past 7 years.

Track Listing:

Disc 1:

1) Spark Of The Divine  

2) SOCC 

3) Back In Black  

4) Singing Winds, Crying Beasts  

5) Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen  

6) Oye Como Va  

7) Maria Maria  

8) Foo Foo  

9) Corazon Espinado / Guajira  

10) Benny & Cindy Solo  

11) Jingo  

12) Carlos Speaks / Novus  

13) Europa (Earth's Cry, Heaven's Smile)  / I Want You  

14) Batuka / No One To Depend On

Disc 2:

1) Duende / Open Invitation   

2) Make Somebody Happy / Right On Be Free  

3) Evil Ways / A Love Supreme  

4) Sunshine Of Your Love  

5) Smooth / Dame Tu Amor  

6) Soul Sacrifice / Dennis Drum Solo  

7) Samba Pa Ti  

8) Into The Night  

9) Love, Peace And Happiness / Freedom

Neil Diamond – The Bang Years 1966-1968

Deep Purple knew.  Quentin Tarantino and Urge Overkill knew.   UB40 knew.  Even Killdozer and H.I.M. knew.  Neil Diamond was one helluva songwriter.

With Neil’s recent introduction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I’d heard lots of people talking smack about whether or not Neil deserved to be in the same class as Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochrane.  They'd rail on about Neil's schmaltzy later years and Barbara Streisand duets.  "That ain't rock!" they'd say.

Let’s set the record straight, shall we?

First, I gotta reveal my bias here.  I grew up listening to Neil Diamond.  Along with Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, and the Hair Soundtrack, Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night was one of the essential albums in my parents’ record collection.  I remember night after night, television off, my parents and I sitting in the den, just spinning albums.  Losing ourselves in the music.  Probably, my happiest memories of childhood.  And it was on Hot August Night, during “Holly Holy” that I heard my mother say, amazement in her eyes, “just listen to his voice here.  Amazing.”  And it was.  At that moment, Neil reached down into the most guttural reaches of his vocal chords and pulled out notes as if his life depended on it.   That moment taught me to listen to music in an entirely new way and eventually led to the Ripple existing today.  I’ll argue with anyone, till the next rapture comes, that Hot August Night remains one of the great live albums of all time, capturing an artist at the peak of his powers.

Sure, I haven’t listened to anything he’s done since the late 70’s, but none of that should diminish the value of his early work.  And for anybody who wants to discover it, this compilation of the Bang Years is the place to start. 

Starting off as a young and starving songwriter, Neil Diamond parlayed a string of gut-wrenching failures into a contract with Bang Records where he proceeded to release one classic song after another.  And not just pop songs, but rockabilly rockers with enough adrenaline to make even the most diehard rock fan proud.   It’s easy to talk about the hits.  “Kentucky Woman,” rocks with a leisurely swagger, Neil’s acoustic setting the pace.  It’s easy to see what Deep Purple found here.  The verses are perfect, the inherent riff was just begging to be made thicker and harder.  “I’m a Believer” remains one of the catchiest pop songs of the sixties, whether it’s Neil’s version or The Monkees.  Both have their strengths, with Neil’s being so pure swingin’ sixties lounge it’s simply classic.  With it’s big organ sond, Neil’s version definitely set the template for the Smashmouth remake, but I’ll take Neil’s anyday.

“Solitary Man,” may be a bit unknown to those who aren’t Diamond fans, but it’s always been one of my favorites of his.  His first hit, Neil explores roads of melancholy amongst his strumming guitar.  Horn blasts hide in the chorus without ever becoming obtrusive or taking away the pain in Neil’s words.  “Cherry, Cherry” is a rocking, hand-clapping, knee-slapping classic that Rolling Stone has hailed as one of the “greatest 3-chord songs of all time.”  I ain’t gonna argue it.  With its “She got the way to move me” backing vocals, unrelenting guitar beat, and Neil’s fine vocals it perfectly encapsulates the swingin’ sixties.  “Girl, You’ll be a Woman Soon,” is infinitely better here than the Pulp Fiction version, with it’s flamenco styled guitar and impassioned plea for love.

There’s other hits here you know, like “Red Red Wine” (which actually doesn’t hold up that well for me) but the biggest revelation are the Diamond rockers I hadn’t heard before.  Best of these is “Thank the Lord for the Night Time.”  Anybody who thinks Neil didn’t know how to rock needs to hear this rockabilly pulsating classic.  Big guitar twang, Neil’s strumming fiercely, pulsing bass, and a faint gospel feeling to partying like hell at night.  Put this up there with Eddie Cochrane.  It fits.

“You Got Me,” rides a simply wailing harmonica, massively bottom-ended piano sound, and unrelenting beat to pop/gospel/rockabilly heaven.  I dare you to listen to this baby and not snap your fingers in time.

At 23 songs, the collection is a bit dense, but it’s certainly complete.  As expected, some songs don’t work as well as you’d like.  Neil’s version of “La Bamba” probably shouldn't have been recorded.  Just didn’t need a Jewish kid from Brooklyn singing a Spanish rocker.  Not a big fan of his cover of Paul Simon’s “Red Rubber Ball” either.  But other covers like “Monday Monday” work beautifully and anybody who thinks that Neil doesn’t have any soul really needs to hear his tear-the-roof-off-the-sucka version of “New Orleans.”

And then it’s fitting that this collection ends with “Shilo” a song that may not be familiar to anyone but Diamond fans.  Somewhere lost in that incredible melody and Neil’s best vocal performance are the words about a young child lost in the loneliness of a painful childhood, (“dreaming each dream on your own)” seeking solace from the pain with his imaginary friend.  It’s a song of remarkable emptiness and desolation.  A song that spoke volumes to me, lost in my room, alone, hiding from the demons outside.  I’d play “Shilo” over and over from the Hot August Night album, wishing that I had an imaginary friend like Shilo who could understand me and what I was going through.   I can’t explain how much that song spoke to that frightened, lonely little boy.

And it still does.

--Racer


Buy here: NEIL DIAMOND: THE BANG YEARS
Buy here mp3: The Bang Years

Annihilator - Total Annihilation

0510 hours.  Near total darkness only broken when the low lying clouds part enough to allow a sliver of moonlight.  My combat team is currently reconnoitering any activity on the other side of the US/Canadian border from a fortified position located in Peace Arch State Park outside of Blaine, Washington.  Our mission is simple.  We are to prevent any incursion on US soil by enemy combatants intent on capturing the hearts and minds of our citizenry.  I lay my night vision goggles down to receive a new scouting report over my secure radio.

“Lieutenant Penfold, do you copy sir?”
“This is Penfold.  Did you see anything Sergeant?”
“No sir, it’s as quiet as a tomb out here.  I think we’re in the wrong spot.”
“Stow that talk Sergeant!  We know that they’re out there.  Keep on your toes.  They’ll make their presence felt soon enough.”
“Yes sir.”

Outside of my men themselves, two other battlefield monitoring systems were being utilized to ensure that we would not be taken by surprise.  Highly sensitive motion and noise detectors were staked out in a line along the border.  Also a predator drone circled in orbit high above our position ready to relay real-time visuals at a moments notice.  This is our turf, and we’re not giving it up without a fight.

Hold on a second.  You’re probably wondering what led to the deployment of troops along a previously peaceful border.  Understandable.  Exactly one week ago Intelligence discovered a download code included in a disturbingly titled email sent to hundreds, if not thousands, of unsuspecting Americans.  The email was ominously titled ‘Your Annihilation is Coming!’ and the included code provided access to a greatest hits package by the Canadian band Annihilator called Total Annihilation.  Upon listening to the contents of this music download, our highly trained intelligence specialists immediately understood the havoc these songs would wreak if let loose among this country’s metal loving population.  The President was briefed on the situation, the overall alert level was raised to Defcon 2, and my combat team was assembled and airlifted to the most likely combat zone; Washington state (the band calls neighboring Vancouver home).

Annihilator is a thrash metal band.  Wait, scratch that.  Annihilator is an exceptional thrash metal band.  When I first listened to Total Annihilation I was impressed by the variety of songs on offer.  While it is true that there were no ballads, indeed nothing even close (and would that really be appropriate for a band named Annihilator?), the song structures were different enough to easily tell the songs apart (something other thrash bands I’ve come across can’t claim).  More impressive however was the fact that I found myself fondly humming a couple of the tunes in my head after only two listens.  Yes sir, they certainly know how to churn out a memorable little ditty.

The album begins with two songs off of the band’s most recent album.  “The Trend” starts things off in the right way with an intricate instrumental introduction complete with ripping guitar solo that leads into the song proper.  “Ambush” on the other hand wastes no time before going for the jugular, with the band immediately hitting the hyper speed riffing button.  This song reminds of Slayer in all the right ways.  Other lightning fast songs such as “Battered”, “Ultra-Motion”, and “Ultraparanoia” that arrive later on in the compilation are guaranteed to give you whiplash with the fantastic guitar dexterity delivering all you can ask for in the notes per minute department.

If pure speed is not your thing however, fear not.  Annihilator also has a strong complement of songs that while also fast, don’t rely on that aspect to be memorable.  Take “Refresh the Demon” for instance.  Someone off the street would be forgiven if they thought they were listening to a lost Primus recording for the first thirty seconds before the thrash element kicks in.  “Back to the Palace” punctuates its modern thrash with passages that sound like they belong on a classic NWOBHM album.  Plumbing the same vein, “Second to None” at times sounds like an Iron Maiden recording.  “The Ritual”, perhaps my overall favorite song here, is built around the strongest groove on the album and features a fantastic sing-along chorus.

Look, I’ll be totally honest.  I’ve been listening to a lot of thrash metal recently, some of which quite frankly has been great.  Annihilator is the best band of the bunch, hands down.  Discovering bands like Annihilator that I was previously unaware of is the best and worst part of being associated with The Ripple Effect.  It’s the best in that I have found a new band I can be enthused about.  It’s the worst in that I am upset with myself for not knowing about this band till now.  Ah, well.  Time to order some albums.

0625 hours.  The light of dawn is just beginning to disseminate through the rural landscape.  Although the arrival of sunlight generally brings some measure of comfort with it, today was different.  An increasing sense of dread and paranoia falls over my team to go along with the increased visibility granted by the light.  At this point the message we were waiting for comes over the radio.  “Team Penfold, be advised.  The enemy is advancing on your position.  Estimate two minutes to first contact.”

One tense minute passes.  Something is very wrong.  The predator drone can not detect any incoming heat sources indicating an advancing human enemy.  A low din begins to build in the air.  My team and I see the tops of trees in the distance being ruffled as if by heavy vehicles brushing them aside while they pass.  Still no actual visuals and nothing from the drone feed.  The din grows louder.  What is happening?  Ear-piercing alarms begin going off on each and every detector.

“Lieutenant Penfold, what is this sir?  They should be right on top of us!”

Near panic sets in as I realize what is actually happening.  “Dear God, it’s riffs.  They’re attacking with a wall of riffs!?!?  Everybody get down!  Cover your ears!”

Unfortunately my orders did not reach everyone in time.  Too many good soldiers became Annihilator fans that day.  Too many.  If you think you can resist the allure of Total Annihilation, point your browser to http://www.earache.com/totalannihilation/ and download the album for free.  Good luck citizen.



-- Penfold

Oasis - Time Flies: 1994-2009

Every generation has a band that defines their era. Fortunately for my generation, Oasis is that band. Some might argue Radiohead clearly defined the 1990s, while others might say Pearl Jam, Nirvana or even a different band. Only Oasis has consistently remained remarkable all throughout their career thanks largely due to their amazing songwriting capabilities. The early 1990s saw the emergence of alternative and grunge music as mainstream music. When grunge and Nirvana disappeared, Oasis was one band ready to take the torch.
            Could it really be 15 years ago when I was first introduced to Oasis? As the name of their new singles compilation, Time Flies:1994 -2009, implies, that’s true. Looking at those words on the screen I am still shocked it has been that long. Still, Oasis remains one of the most talented rock n’ roll bands around.
            The album celebrates Oasis’ entire body of work. Oasis has sold over 70 million records worldwide and their legacy still remains strong even after Noel Gallagher left the band in August 2009. Beginning with their debut single “Supersonic” to the final track “Falling Down,” the album is jam-packed with 26 irresistible singles.
            Music was revitalized readily by two brothers named Liam and Noel Gallagher in the early 1990s. Oasis breathed fresh air into the music industry and gave birth to Brit pop. Although they despise the term, like the Beatles during the British Invasion of the 1960s, Oasis opened the door for other British pop bands during the mid to late 1990s. Their presence helped open the door for future European pop bands to cross over into America. Magnetic, majestic and mesmerizing, they sold millions of records to become one of the best pop bands in the world.
            Listening to their music now I can’t help, but get taken back to when I first heard that particular song when I listen to the album. Their breakthrough song, “Wonderwall” is arguably my favorite song, but more importantly, the song that introduced me to Oasis. From the moment the song begins I am immediately transported back in time to fall 1995. Oh, what a feeling! How many bands have that ability?
            Unlike most contemporary compilations, Time Flies, is an engaging, entertaining and eclectic album that comes across as a concert set list instead of  “a greatest hits album.”  Energized by memory filled tracks like “Supersonic,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Lyla,” “Live Forever,” etc. this is a definitive album every 1990s music aficionado should own. Call me crazy, but this is a must own album.
            Time Flies does include two previously unreleased tracks “Lord Don’t Slow Me Down” (2007) and “Whatever” (1994), but for Oasis haters, they will criticize it’s mostly “A” side tracks and misses what the Stop the Clocks album accomplished by having more obscure/ “B-side” tracks. Sure, that’s true, but not everyone is interested in bootleg and/or obscure songs. If you’re an Oasis fan this is a must own for your collection.

-- Mr Brownstone

 Buy here: Time Flies...1994-2009 (2 CD)