Classic Rock Attack - Featuring Robin Trower, Thin Lizzy, and Deep Purple

When you’re a classic rock fan you get used to new & supposedly improved versions of your old favorites getting re-issued every few years. Usually it’s just an attempt by the record label to generate some revenue on something they don’t have to spend a lot of money to create. That’s probably the case with this batch, too, but each of these releases gives the consumer some decent value for money.

Robin Trower - At The BBC 1973-1975


First up is Robin Trower At The BBC 1973-1975. Do I even need to tell you how great this is? This 2CD set is a mandatory purchase for Trower fans and anyone who loves outstanding guitar playing. This is Trower leading his excellent trio with James Dewar on bass & vocals during their peak time together. Reg Isidore plays drums on the 1973-74 sessions and is replaced by Bill Lordan for the 1975 recordings. There are two radio sessions from 73 and 74 and one from 75, recorded for John Peel and Bob Harris. They’re not playing live in the studio, but basically re-creating the classics from the essential albums Twice Removed From Yesterday, Bridge Of Sighs and For Earth Below. Most of the versions tend to be a little faster and rawer since they were done quickly in a day at a radio studio. Trower’s playing is inspired as always and the vocals of James Dewar are warm and inviting. The best part is a live BBC concert broadcast from 1975 that rivals the official Live album issued the following year. The 8 page booklet is a little light on photos but contains good liner notes from Malcolm Dome of Kerrang and Classic Rock fame. Might be a little pricy since it’s an import but completely worth it.


Buy here: At the BBC 1973-1975
Buy here mp3: At The BBC 1973-1975

 
Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak and Johnny the Fox: Reissues

I’m sure everyone reading this owns Thin Lizzy’s 1976 twin peaks of Jailbreak and Johnny The Fox on at least 1 format. If you own the original LP’s, the playing surface is probably destroyed and the covers have water rings from inconsiderate friends leaving their empties on them. The CD’s issued in the 90’s suffered from low levels and flimsy packaging, they’re now both double discs with improved sound and fancy full color booklets. The remasters of the original albums sound great and the volume level is up but not overly compressed. The bonus material on the 2nd discs contain some remixes done by Joe Elliot of Def Leppard with some new guitar parts added by Scott Gorham. I was a little worried about this, but they all sound good but I honestly don’t think I’ll listen to them all that often. The BBC sessions, however, I will, especially the extra fired up versions of “Warriors,” “Emerald” and “Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed.” Works in progress like “Scott’s Tune” and “Blues Boy” are cool to hear but, again, probably not gonna play those a whole lot. There’s a very funky instrumental run through of “Johnny The Fox” that’s very cool, you can really hear that they’re having a good time getting the groove right on this song. The booklets come with great photos, liner notes and new interviews conducted by Neil Jeffries. The UK label Back On Black has reissued both of these albums and other jewels from the Thin Lizzy catalog on heavy weight vinyl. If you’re not sure whether to get the CD’s or LP’s, I’d say get ‘em both. You work hard, you deserve it.

Buy here: Jailbreak: Deluxe Edition
Buy here mp3: Jailbreak (Deluxe Edition)

Buy here: Johnny the Fox: Deluxe Edition
Buy here mp3: Johnny The Fox (Deluxe Edition)

 Deep Purple - Come Taste the Band: Reissue

Last up is a real classic rock connoisseur favorite, Deep Purple’s 1975 overlooked gem Come Taste The Band. As a huge Ritchie Blackmore fan, I avoided this album for many years but as soon as I let my guard down I realized just what a great album it is. Tommy Bolin’s playing is unfuckingbelievable and he’s one of the guys that helped bond me with the two clowns that run this website. I think I’m on a first name basis with just about everyone on the planet who loves this album. The reissue of Come Taste The Band follows the template laid down by the awesome Machine Head double disc. Disc one is the original album with excellent remastered sound and a bonus track of the 7” edit of “You Keep On Moving.” Disc two is a remixed version by Iron Maiden’s producer Kevin Shirley (he’s also responsible for the awesome audio on the double live Led Zep DVD). The remixes don’t sound drastically different but the guitars and the drums are a bit more upfront. The best part is that the songs are all longer. No fade outs or edits and there are some minor differences in the vocals and lyrics. Bonus tracks include a previously unreleased song called “Same In L.A.” that’s pretty cool but the best is the final track “Bolin/Paice Jam.” Who wouldn’t want to hear almost 6 minutes of Tommy Bolin blazing away accompanied by one of rock’s greatest drummers? Fucking excellent!

--Woody

Buy here:  Come Taste the Band






--Woody

Bully Blinders - City of Dirt

My investigative team and I were standing in the middle of Balboa Park in San Diego, California.  All of our research had led us to this exact location a month ago.  Upon scanning the area with subterranean radar we discovered the tunnel entrance.  It took a month of careful excavation to arrive at this point, the day that we would enter the tunnel.  We arrived a little before seven forty five in the morning, ready to document this momentous occasion.  All three trucks were unloaded, our two large tents were erected, and our prodigious supplies and equipment were organized and readied.  With any luck, it was going to be a long day filled with illuminating insights into a long forgotten society.

The cameras began filming at eight thirty while my team removed the last impediments blocking the mouth of the tunnel.  After everything was cleared away, I turned on my powerful flashlight and strode into the unknown with my camera crew following close behind.  By my estimation I walked about a hundred meters down the tunnel with not one twist or turn before I reached a modest sized room.  The room was a rectangular space with no ornamentation on the walls, and what appeared to be a clay pot on the ground.  To be frank, I was upset.  I expected much more from this tunnel than a featureless room that held nothing of interest, and I voiced my displeasure.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!?  Why go to the trouble of tunneling a good distance underground if all it leads to is an empty room?  I’m sorry…a room with a pot?”
“Mr. Penfold.  Why are you so upset?  This room might appear to hold nothing but a pot, but we need to properly analyze it before jumping to any conclusions.”
“Analyze this room?  Are you serious!?  I can hardly believe that anyone could…okay…breathe man.  Take a few deep breaths.  You know what Mr. Underling?  You’re right.  I let my hopes run away with me.  Of course you’re right.  Thank you my friend.”

No matter what I might admit to the others, I was still disillusioned.  Not thinking, I leaned sideways and put my hand against the wall right above the pot letting it support my weight.  Suddenly the wall around my fingers crumbled and gave way!  Half my arm disappeared inside the opening before I gained my balance!  Flashlight beams danced every which way as my crew rushed to my side.  Thankfully my careless stupidity had not been rewarded with any physical injury, only monumental embarrassment.  The same could not be said for the wall however.  Fissures continued to form, and the affected portion of the wall completely disintegrated all the way down to the floor.  All in all, this was not one of my shining moments as an archeologist.

The disgust I felt for myself was quickly wiped away when I cast a glance towards what lay beyond the hole in the wall.  Nothing interrupted the pitch black darkness beyond the opening.  When I shined my flashlight through the opening I received the same visual result.  This new room/area appeared to be very large, perhaps massive.  Now I was becoming excited.  This could be it!  Without consulting anyone on my team, I ducked my head down and passed through the wall.  Once I was on the other side I took ten steps forward and began shining my light in all directions.  I simply could not believe what my eyes were seeing.  Stretching away into the distance before me was an ancient cityscape.  This was the fabled City of Dirt!  We were standing in what might be the greatest archeological find of the new millennium!

Waveriders, I want to tell you about another important find.  This one is of the musical persuasion, and it could not have come at a better time.  For whatever reason I often encounter stretches where I am unable to find new hip hop artists (new to me at least) that genuinely pique my interest.  I know that they are out there waiting to be discovered, but I apparently lack the means to make their acquaintance.  In these circumstances I rely on others to steer me in the right direction.  Thankfully I have a few friends and coworkers who can do just that, including the great Racer X of The Ripple Effect.  Recently, Racer sent me out onto the internet superhighway to investigate a group named Bully Blinders, and the rest as they say is history.

Bully Blinders is a hip hop duo based out of San Diego made up of William Talls and Chad Tuthill.  In January of 2010 they put out their debut album entitled City Of Dirt, and it is that album which we are going to be talking about today.  To put it mildly, City Of Dirt is fantastic!  Honestly, I knew from the very first song that I was in for something good.  Track number two let me know I was in for something special!  This album is a perfect example of what I’m looking for in hip hop; intelligent, well-delivered lyrics backed by interesting, organic-sounding music.  As I alluded to before, these elements coalesce immediately in the first song.

“The Spirit of John Dewey” bounces to life behind an ultra funky organ/base/drum backdrop.  Honestly I’m not familiar with American philosopher John Dewey’s work, so I am not able to fully decipher the meaning behind this song.  That being said, when the first lyric concerns man’s ‘connection to insects in general / and to anything else in the world boasting wings, legs, and tentacles’, you have my attention.  The second song, “Aim Low Kid”, guaranteed my full and undivided attention with its attack upon the it’s okay to be dumb mindset and the rationale offered behind it.  Here is part of the first lyrical verse to illustrate what I’m referring to.

‘Well okay, it’s cool to be dumb in school / Girls you can play the bimbos, guys you can be the tools / But it’s not your fault, you just do what your told / and what you keep getting sold is the idea just to aim low / Single family homes are up to sixty percent / No time to raise your kids, so they end up learning from the TV sets / eliminating arts from the curriculum and class, so they do just enough to get up, make the grade and pass.’

The highlights keep coming.  There is the feel good ode to delicious cereals “Continental Breakfast”, and the fantastically woven together pastiche of eighties sitcom characters, show titles, and storylines entitled “The Charlie Sheen Theme”.  On the emotional flip side there is the seriously contemplative “Can’t Imagine”, and the sobering look at reality of “You Only Hear What You Want To Hear”.  My personal favorite is called “30 Feet Above Dirt”.  This song is a smooth, laid back story of a man who builds a treehouse to get away from his worldly troubles.  It’s awesome!  Actually, analyzing everything there is not one song out of the nine that I would not consider a highlight.  All nine are keepers!

So there you have it waveriders.  If you are looking for something funky and interesting that deviates from what can be considered the norm in mainstream hip hop, look no further than Bully Blinders’ album City Of Dirt.  If you are anything like me, this album will act like a breath of fresh air.  A palate cleanser if you will.  Oh, and the group has stated that a new full length album is in the works, with a planned release date later on in 2011.  You can bet that I’m looking forward to that release with great anticipation!  Now to check back in with the team.

I just couldn’t bring myself to believe that all our work had paid off!  We were standing in a whole city lost to time!  My team and I rushed out of the tunnel to get more cameras and equipment.  We were in the process of loading ourselves down when the small army of men in black suits approached.

“Who are you?”
“Mr. Penfold, we’re with the government.  I’m afraid that your excavation is finished.  For your own safety, we are going to seal that tunnel.  Also, it would be wise for you and your team to never mention what you have seen here today.  Am I understood?”
“Hold on a second!  You can’t do this!”
“Yes we can sir.  Now pack up and leave the area.  Anyone who does not leave will be forcibly evacuated.”
“But…I…fine, have it your way…for now.”
“Thank you for your cooperation sir.”

--Penfold


Buy here: City of Dirt
Buy here mp3: City Of Dirt

Global Music Effort Launches "Songs for Japan" Album on iTunes to Benefit Japan Disaster Relief - Proceeds from Star-Studded Album to Support Disaster Relief Efforts of Japanese Red Cross

 In what stands as a major global music relief effort to benefit those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, over 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music have joined together for the worldwide release of "Songs for Japan," an unprecedented compilation of 38 chart-topping hits and classic tracks, available worldwide on the iTunes Store for $9.99 starting today (www.itunes.com/songsforjapan). Proceeds from the album's sale will benefit the disaster relief efforts of the Japanese Red Cross Society.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110325/LA71496)

The "Songs for Japan" track listing features an all-star lineup: 
1.        John Lennon "Imagine" (Remastered)
2.        U2 "Walk On" (Radio Edit)
3.        Bob Dylan "Shelter From The Storm"
4.        Red Hot Chili Peppers "Around The World" (Live)
5.        Lady Gaga "Born This Way" (Starsmith Remix)
6.        Beyonce "Irreplaceable"
7.        Bruno Mars "Talking To The Moon" (Acoustic Piano Version)
8.        Katy Perry "Firework"
9.        Rihanna "Only Girl (In The World)"
10.        Justin Timberlake "Like I Love You"
11.        Madonna "Miles Away" (Live)
12.        David Guetta "When Love Takes Over" (feat. Kelly Rowland)
13.        Eminem "Love The Way You Lie" (feat. Rihanna) [Clean Version}
14.        Bruce Springsteen "Human Touch"
15.        Josh Groban "Awake" (Live)
16.        Keith Urban "Better Life"
17.        Black Eyed Peas "One Tribe"  
18.        Pink "Sober"
19.        Cee Lo Green "It's Ok"
20.        Lady Antebellum "I Run To You"
21.        Bon Jovi "What Do You Got?"
22.        Foo Fighters "My Hero"
23.        R.E.M. "Man On The Moon"
24.        Nicki Minaj "Save Me" (Clean Version)
25.        Sade "By Your Side"
26.        Michael Buble "Hold On" (Radio Mix)
27.        Justin Bieber "Pray" (Acoustic)
28.        Adele "Make You Feel My Love"
29.        Enya "If I Could Be Where You Are"
30.        Elton John "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"
31.        John Mayer "Waiting On The World To Change"
32.        Queen "Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)" [Remastered]
33.        Kings Of Leon "Use Somebody"
34.        Sting "Fragile" (Live In Berlin)
35.        Leona Lewis "Better In Time"
36.        Ne-Yo "One In A Million"
37.        Shakira "Whenever, Wherever"
38.        Norah Jones "Sunrise" 

 
Proceeds from "Songs for Japan" will be directed to the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) to support its disaster relief efforts. The society will use the funds for the ongoing provision of immediate relief and for eventual recovery support to the affected population. The artists participating on "Songs for Japan," the music labels and music publishers have waived their royalties and proceeds from the worldwide sales of the album to ensure that the JRCS receives as much support as possible from this global initiative.  iTunes will also donate its proceeds from the album's worldwide sales to the benefit of the JRCS, and has prominently featured the project throughout its stores worldwide.

Modern Day Moonshine - Refuge

A friend of mine has an original drawing by Bruce Burton of “The Family Tree Of American Rock.”  Here are a couple of photos of a poster made from the original drawing posted by Violator @ MuzicForums.com:

The tree is made up entirely of the names of American rockers and rock bands.  Trailblazers, such as Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, are deeply embedded in the tree’s trunk. Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, ZZ Top, Beach Boys, James Gang and their ilk are relegated to branches and leaves.  It is a heady drawing - a wonderful artistic tribute to the breadth, scope, and growth of rock music.  

As I listened to Modern Day Moonshine’s release “Refuge” The Family Tree Of American Rock came to mind. The content of “Refuge” is as if Modern Day Moonshine (“MDM”) guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Todd Goodnough came upon the Family Tree and shook it as hard as he could. Leaves and twigs fell to the ground. Goodnough and his bandmates, bassplayer Brendan McCaskey and drummer David Burrows, then assembled a collage of twelve original tracks from the scattered debris. You have a branch of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; a bit of Bob Dylan bark; a slice of Dave Mason heartwood; a cone or two of the Doobie Brothers; a few stray needles of Allman Brothers; and some Atlanta Rhythm Section sapwood covered with “Champagne Jam.”  There is even a leaf of Brahms from the nearby Family Tree Of Classical Music Composers.

MDM generally mine the Folk/Country/Alternative Rock genre. Yet, there is also a nice soul blues ethos.  CSN&Y had a particular acoustic and electric guitar sound that was led by Neil Young and Steve Stills.  Goodnough has much of the same approach in his guitar work.  McCaskey thumps and bumps with precision and Burrows pounds out impeccable time with nicely played rolls and fills.  The notes sound like the buds of spring.  Each bursts into being and turns into a musical food factory.  Tasty stuff!

Yes, MDM’s latest endeavor is under the Ripple label.  True, The Ripple Effect is a Ripple enterprise.  Also true, I don’t get paid to do this by Ripple or anyone else.  If I didn’t like it you wouldn’t be hearing about it.  

MDM’s music on “Refuge”  definitely soars in the canopy of the The Family Tree Of American Rock. It won’t leave you out on a limb.  I guarantee it!

- Old School

Buy here: Ripple Music 

Ripple News - Roadsaw S/T Now Available for Pre-order on 180 gm Vinyl

You know we loved this album.  Doesn't matter if we got the CD or the digital download.  If it's coming out on vinyl, we're buying.

Limited edition of 100 on clear blue 180 gram wax.

This a pre-order. Estimated to be in stock by late April/early May.

The highly anticipated new album from the mighty Roadsaw!

Unbelievable guitar tones on this one, folks; every song just dripping with fuzzy love. Who can make an album that's heavy as fuck, while simultaneously delivering hooks that will have you singing along before you've even made it through your first spin? ROADSAW, that's who!!!


Roadsaw - S/T (Clear Blue 180gr Vinyl)
$19.99

 Buy from Small Stone

The 1-10’s – – Fighting for a Golden Age

“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to join in holy matrimony the love of  rock and roll.  This is the Reverend Red Hot Chili Peppers Presiding.  Please rise as the wedding party approaches, grab both of your ass cheeks and shake that shit like you just don’t care no more!”

That’s the way I see it anyways.  What we got here is one balls-out jamfest of damn funky, gritty rock and roll that sounds like the result of a shotgun Tennessee nuptial of the quirk funk of Primus with the mid-American-rootsy twang rock of Blind Melon.  Throw in a big nod to the ass moving grooves of the presiding Reverend Red Hot Chili Peppers and a wedding party full of the dirty guitar work of Queens of the Stone Age and we got ourselves a wedding for the ages.

The Groom?  He’s all rock baby.  As on the scorching opening track “Run From Your Master," his guitars flame and fire over that rock steady rhythm section like hornets dive bombing a playground.  Screeching with some fuzz and feedback, his riffs are complex, heavy, yet tasteful.  His tone is rather light, not brutal, again reminding me of the scratch of Blind Melon.  He’s not afraid of time changes, neo-jazzy textures, deep bluesy riffs, or pure unadulterated stoner fuzz.  He brings a quality of serious musicianship to the proceedings.  I like him. He’s a good man.

The Bride?  She’s got booty for days!  One of those big, nice and round booties that just wants to shake and groove all night long.  She's sexy and hot and brimming with lust.  She loves her bass tight and funky. She likes her beat locked firmly in the ass-shaking vein.  No one stands like a wallflower at her wedding.  Just dig that Primus bass freakout of “Dyin’ Blues”.  And then when the stuttering guitar of her man joins her on the dancefloor, Reverend Chili Pepper just can’t be content at the podium. He’s got to jump down to the dancefloor and work his white collar into a hot and sticky mess.  This is southern groove funk/rock and it’s guaranteed to keep the hotties moving on the dancefloor.  Love to see this live.  She’s a true beauty.

The wedding party brings lots more to the party.  The best man sings like a combination of Shannon Hoon and Anthony Kiedis (except he actually knows how to carry a tune.)   He’s a countryboy through and through with a gentle twang to his voice, but not afraid to rough it up at times.  At others he’ll spit it out like a Keidis stuttered rap. (don’t worry, he never ruins things by actually rapping.)

The best man’s toast is given to “Religious Fervor”, just a terror of blistering, blues-fuzzed guitars with a backbone of pure funky delights.  Think Screaming Cheetah Wheelies here (who were a helluva lot better band than they ever got credit for).  Ballsy, kinda retro, dirty and rough. Blues with attitude and a dose of  pure rock. 

Every wedding needs a first dance, and “Eye for an Eye” slows things down enough for the bride and groom to lock bodies and sway in lustful delight.  Beautiful guitars brought by the groom marry seamlessly to the bride’s love of the funky in this slow-boiling number.  Off-kilter harmony vocals really bring this song to the highlight reel, as the two voices lock together in just off-time unison

Then the party’s got to get started and the 1-10’s blow the doors off with the mean-spirited blues-infected, heavy jam of “Crazy for You”.  Again, we got it all here, the whole wedding party losing themselves in a hedonistic delight of Blind Melon guitars, big funky bass runs.  This song builds and dips like some sexual event, perhaps bringing on the passion of the wedding night to follow.   A little Zeppelin influence here?  Sure, they shoulda been invited to the party.  They’re in the corner hanging with the Screaming Cheetahs.  Just digging this one.

Mr. Primus leads the party through another mid-american rock/funk workout with that amazing basswork of “Dragon Fly.”  Another mid-tempo burner with some lava-lamp guitar, this one ups the sexuality big time.  The bride is getting hot.  The groom is horny.  Together they weave their bodies through the undulating groove, back and forth.  This song is so hot, the entire wedding party can smell their sex.  It’s gonna be a helluva night. 

From there . . . I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.  Let’s just say that the 1-10’s really bring it here, rocking fast and heavy all the way til the last bottle of champagne is finished.  This is a wedding full of pure fun, damn fine funk, searing rock, Blind Melon mid-American roots, and a Primus excentricty.  I read a review where the writer felt the band was too “all over the place” for him to get into it.  Not me.  I’m into it.  Way into it.  I’m shaking my ass with the bride.  I’m jamming heavy rock air-guitar with the groom..  I’m giving the Rev Chili Pepper a big, wet one on the lips, and grabbing Mr Screaming Cheetah, hitting the keg and throwing back the whiskey.

And just look out.  Later on I’m planning on sneaking into the honeymoon suite.  I’m gonna be a part of that too.

--Racer

Stone Axe Auctions off Rare Original Test Pressing of Stone Axe I for Japan Disaster Relief

Starting Monday, March 28th, and running for 7 days only, Ripple Music and Stone Axe will auction off the only available test pressing of Ripple Music's release; Stone Axe I Collector's Edition LP.  Proceeds from this auction will go to benefit Hands On Tokyo, a charitable relief effort to aid Japan after their recent disasters.

Only 5 of these test pressings exist, and this is the only one ever to be made available to the public.  You can jump into the auction, win a cool Stone Axe collectible and benefit disaster relief at the Ripple Music Ebay Store.


Also, plan to catch Stone Axe on Tour in Europe and the UK, ending at the world famous Roadburn Festival.

Tour Dates:

8th April -The Wheatsheaf, Oxford (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Desert Storm)
9th April- The Unicorn, Camden, London, UK (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Grifter)
10th April- The Earl, Sheffield, UK (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Groan)
11th April- The Captains Rest, Glasgow (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Low Sonic Drift)
12th April- Asylum 2, Birmingham (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Alunah)
14th April- The Vortex, Siegen, Germany (with Stubb)
15th April- MTC, Cologne, Germany (with Stubb+more)
16th April- Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland

Stone Axe is the creation of Mos Generator guitarist Tony Reed and The Swinos vocalist Dru Brinkerhoff and should be adorning the shelves of all fans of big time, blues-injected classic rock like Free, Bad Company, and early Moody/Marsden Whitesnake. This is big time, ball bashing, groove-laden, riff mongering blues and roll, directly related to those bands from the past, but streamlined right here into our future.


Press raves about Stone Axe - Stone Axe I."

"In the end a vastly satisfying album, infused with a genuine passion and love of the classic '70's rock. It's like Mr. Wizard dialed the 1970's into his wayback machine, grabbed the best of the lot and dropped it right here into the lap of the two dudes capable of bringing it all back to life, as big and beautiful as it ever was, and revved up for the current day. This is straight on rust and whiskey blues rock and roll, remarkable in it's depth and warmth, brimming with authenticity and moxie. I've seen that the album and some singles are available on vinyl and that would be the absolute best way to savor each texture the guys create here." -- The Ripple Effect

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