Finch
“Back to Oblivion”
Razor and Tie
Producer: Brian Virtue
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Post-Hardcore band Finch is back with their first new full-length release in 9 years. Titled “Back to Oblivian” the album is being released via Razor and Tie records and features 12 brand new original tracks produced by Brian Virtue (Deftones, Janes Addiction). Though it lacks the charm and catchiness of the bands earlier releases “Back to Oblivion” still has something unique for the bands long time fans.

The album has somewhat of an eerie vibe as it traverses through various high and lows starting with the album’s title track “Back to Oblivion”. The tracks seem to serve multiple purposes as it not only shares the name of the album but it also acts as the bands statement to its listeners that they are in fact back. However, don’t expect a reboot of the bands successful 2002 “What It Is to Burn” album as “Back to Oblivion” has a much more progressive and experimental feel. A perfect example of this is the tracks “Murder Me” which features a multi-layered landscape which slowly gives away to a more alt-rock style. While the track “Play Dead” combines similar layered elements but with more anthemic chorus passages which instantly throw you back to the bands more familiar 2000’s era recordings.

Other tracks worth noting were the chaotic “The Great Divide” which blasts through you speakers with reckless abandonment as does the punk tinged “Us vs. Them” and “Two Guns to the Temple”. Though the album left me a little underwhelmed it’s great to see and hear the band back to full capacity. My biggest hope is that this release has kick started the bands creative process and that this release is the first in a long line of new releases from the band.

Track Listing:
1.) Back to Oblivion
2.) Anywhere But Here
3.) Further From the Few
4.) Murder Me
5.) Picasso Trigger
6.) Play Dead
7.) Two Guns To the Temple
8.) The Great Divide
9.) Us vs. Them
10.) Tarot
11.) Inferium
12.) New Wave

CJ Ramone
“Last Chance to Dance”
Fat Wreck Chords
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Last Chance to Dance” is the latest solo effort by former Ramones bassist CJ Ramone. The album is the follow up release to Ramones 2012 album “Reconquistain” and his first release via Fat Wreck Chords. The album consists of 12 brand new tracks by Ramone and company that will surely unchain your inner pinhead.

Both catchy and to the point “Last Chance to Dance” is done and over in just under 30 minutes but don’t let the albums brief run time fool you. Each of its 12 tracks pack enough punch to keep you coming back for more as CJ continues to carry the flag of his former band. Fun, upbeat rhythms combined with tongue and cheek lyrics make this a must listen not just for Ramones fans but for fans of music in general. Songs like “Understand Me” and “One More Chance” will induce instant head bobbing while tracks like ‘Til The End” and “You Owe Me” tug at your emotions with their tales of love and loss.

Though CJ’s time in the Ramones is often overlooked by casual fans, true Ramones fans know just how impactful his joining the group was. CJ brought the group a breath of fresh air not only with his energy during live shows but also with his vocals and song writing abilities. These same abilities are present on “Last Chance to Dance” and are certainly responsible for the albums shine and appeal. 1,2,3,4, Get this album!

Track Listing:
1.) Understand Me
2.) Won’t Stop Swinging
3.) One More Chance
4.) Carry Me Away
5.) ‘Til The End
6.) Long Way to Go
7.) Mr. Kalashnikov
8.) Pitstop
9.) Grunt
10.) You Own Me
11.) Last Chance to Dance
12.) Cluster Fuck

“The Only Folk Collection You’ll Ever Need”
Various Artists
Shout Factory
2 Discs
Tracks: 30

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“The Only Folk Collection You’ll Ever Need” is the latest collection release from the good people at Shout Factory. 30 ground breaking tracks spread over two discs which lives up to the releases name. The album draws from the Folk music genre’s rich history including performance from acts such as The Carter Family and Peter, Paul and Mary to Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. The compilation really gives folkies a perfect mixture of music that defined a generation. The thing I found most enjoyable about this release was that it the actual artist performances of each track. A lot of times on these larger compilations there will be reinterpretations of the songs. This was definitely not the case here as each artist’s original performance is showcased. Included within the album linear notes is a brief synopsis from journalist Bill Bush on the Folk genre and the included compilation. With genre as rich as the Folk genre you certainly couldn’t include every great song that has been produced over the years however a good portion of them are contained on “The Only Folk Collection You’ll Ever Need” making this a nice addition to any music lovers collection.

Disc 1 Track Listing:
1.) Can the Circle Be Unbroken (Bye and Bye)
2.) Rock Island Line
3.) This Land is Your Land
4.) I’m a Man of Constant Sorrow
5.) Goodnight, Irene
6.) John Henry
7.) Tom Dooley
8.) Silver Threads and Golden Needles
9.) He Was a Friend of Mine
10.) Blowin’ In the Wind
11.) Four Strong Winds
12.) The Last Thing On My Mind
13.) The Times They Are A-Changing
14.) Roving Gambler
15.) Sitting On Top of the World

Disc 2 Track Listing:
1.) I Ain’t Marching Anymore
2.) Mr. Tambourine Man
3.) If I Had a Hammer (Live)
4.) Little Bit of Rain
5.) Catch the Wind
6.) There But For Fortune
7.) Early Mornin’ Rain
8.) I Shall Not Be Moved
9.) Thirsty Boots
10.) If I Were a Carpenter
11.) No Regrets
12.) Turn, Turn, Turn!/To Everything There is a Season
13.) Who Knows Where the Time Goes?
14.) Angel From Montgomery
15.) Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down

“Frozen: The Songs”
Format: Vinyl
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Label: Disney

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

This weekend last year, “Frozen” was released in theaters and started a global phenomenon. The songs has become instant classics. I am a big collector of vinyls and when I saw that “Frozen” was being released as an LP, I was excited. I grew up with vinyls and this allowed me to introduce the format to my daughter. Plus if you don’t own the soundtrack, I mean who honestly doesn’t, this comes with a digital download of the songs.

The vinyl edition of “Frozen: The Songs” features all 10 songs from the Oscar-winning film. There are none of the score tracks on this vinyl, so just the fun music that kids will absolutely love. My issue is that this really isn’t the highest quality LP. It is pressed on 120g and has quite of bit of noise throughout. Also the quality seemed not as crisp as it should and almost muffled. Absolutely my two year old won’t notice but daddy does. So this may be a win for the kids but parents might stick with the CD release.

Track Listing:
Disc: 1
1. Frozen Heart
2. Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
3. For the First Time in Forever
4. Love Is an Open Door
5. Let It Go

Disc: 2
1. Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People
2. In Summer
3. For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)
4. Fixer Upper
5. Let It Go (Single Version)

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra
“The Christmas Attic””
Distributor: Audio Fidelity
Produced by Paul O’Neil
Co-Produced by Robert Kinkel
Mastered: Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Recently, when I see a release from Audio Fidelity, I just know that it is going to be amazing, especially with a LP set. I recently reviewing the 2-LP set for the 1982 soundtrack for “TRON” and it was amazing! With the holiday season just around the corner, I am in the Christmas mood and their latest release is Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s classic album “The Christmas Attic”. This was originally released in 1998 and is the second installment of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas Trilogy. This album contains a mix of vocal and instrumental songs including the well-known track “Christmas Canon”. It has also become a must listen to in our family during this time of the year.

This is the first time that “The Christmas Attic” has ever been being made available on vinyl. I have been leaving to these tracks for over 15 years and they have never sounded better. The remastered record is packaged in a seasonal gatefold jacket that includes a colorful 12-page booklet filled with the tale of The Christmas Attic as well as the lyrics to all the songs. This LP is also timed perfectly with the fact Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be touring during the 2014 and 2015 holiday season with “The Christmas Attic” show once again. All fans (with vinyl players) need to buy this record. Warm up next to your loved ones by the Christmas tree (yes, mine is already up) and enjoy this wonderful release.

Disc One
SIDE ONE
1 The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve
2 Boughs Of Holly
3 The World That She Sees
4 The World That He Sees
5 Midnight Christmas Eve

SIDE TWO
1 The March Of The Kings/Hark The Herald Angel
2 The Three Kings And I (What Really Happened)
3 Christmas Canon
4 Joy/Angels We Have Heard On High

Disc Two
SIDE ONE
1 Find Our Way Home
2 Appalachian Snowfall
3 The Music Box
4 The Snow Came Down

SIDE TWO
1 Christmas In The Air
2 Dream Child (A Christmas Dream)
3 An Angel’s Share
4 Music Box Blues

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Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved
Original Soundtrack
Composer: Inon Zur
Label: Sumthing Else Music Works
Release Date: October 21, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I was very excited when I heard about the game “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” coming out. After I saw the track list though filled with today’s crappy pop hits, I was a little less excited. When I think of Fantasia, I think about big orchestrations. Luckily the original soundtrack to “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” is what I would expect. It consists of the game’s orchestral themes scored by award-winning composer Inon Zur and the music team at Harmonix. It also includes new performances of classical masterpieces from Bach, Dvořák, Liszt, Mozart, Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and more recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, Academy of St. Martin In The Fields and Chamber Orchestra of London at the famed Abbey Road Studios.

Sumthing Else Music Works is a rally cool record label that is solely dedicated to video game soundtracks, who also recently released the soundtrack to “Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel”. Even though this music is hearing throughout the game in the background, it is nice to see that it is able to get showcased here on this album. I think that “Fantasia” actually introduced me to classical music and I am excited that I am already able to do the same for my daughter. If you want more tracks, Sumthing Else is also coming out with a “Director’s Cut” soundtrack, which will offer 21 additional exclusive remixes of the classical selections and original score B-sides for collectors. The Director’s Cut will be released for digital download exclusively on Sumthing.com.

Track List:
1. Main Theme – London Symphony Orchestra (Inon Zur)
2. Toccata and Fugue in D Minor – London Symphony Orchestra (Johann Sebastian Bach)
3. Meeting The Master – Inon Zur
4. The Shoal – Emeen Zarookian, Steve Pardo
5. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Allegro) – Academy of St. Martin In The Fields (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
6. Introducing The Hat – Michael Veloso, Inon Zur
7. The Hollow – Michael Veloso, Inon Zur
8. Night on Bald Mountain – London Symphony Orchestra (Modest Mussorgsky)
9. Scout’s Theme – London Symphony Orchestra (Inon Zur)
10. The Nation – Peter Moore, Steve Pardo, Inon Zur
11. Symphony No. 9, from the New World, IV. Allegro con fuoco – Chamber Orchestra of London (Antonin Dvořák)
12. Pressing On – Michael Veloso, Inon Zur
13. The Press – Drew Olsen, Inon Zur, Steve Pardo
14. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 – Chamber Orchestra of London (Franz Liszt)
15. Asking The Moon – Michael Veloso, Inon Zur
16. The Capsule – Peter Moore
17. The Next Phase – Michael Veloso, Inon Zur
18. Making An Impression/A Malignant Force – Inon Zur
19. The Apology – Inon Zur
20. Selections from the Nutcracker (Medley) – Academy of St. Martin In The Fields (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)
21. The Four Seasons: Winter, I., Allegro non molto – Academy of St. Martin In The Fields (Antonio Vivaldi)
22. Theme from Fantasia: Music Evolved – Inon Zur
23. A Familiar Friend – Michael Veloso
24. Finale – Inon Zur

Exodus
“Blood In Blood Out”
Nuclear Blast
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Blood In Blood Out” is the newest release from bay area thrash legends Exodus. This is the bands 10th studio release and, the first to feature Steve “Zetro” Souza since 2004. The album is being released via Nuclear Blast records and features 11 ear splitting tracks that harkens back to the early 80’s when thrash metal reigned supreme.

Right from the start “Blood In Blood Out” commands your attention as it the track “Black 13” kicks off the album with a thunderous kick drum and eerie overdubs flanked by building guitars riffs that build in to a full on ripping symphony helmed by newly rejoined front man Steve “Zetro” Souza. As the album progresses through tracks like “Blood In Blood Out” and “Collateral Damage” it’s clearly a riff driven album that is unrelenting in its approach. A perfect example of this is the track “Salt The Wound” which features former Exodus guitarist and long time Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett who lays down his signature styling’s along side Gary Holt and the rest of his former band mates making this track a must listen. The assault continues as you move through tracks like “Wrapped In The Arms of Rage” and “Honor Killings” both of which had me turning the volume up louder as the tracks progressed.

Even though I found some of the lyrical subject matter to be a bit over the top I still enjoyed the album as a whole. All of the musical arrangements were perfectly executed and well thought out as each track kept me on edge due to the sheer power and presentation of all 11 tracks. The overall mix of the album wasn’t too bad however I felt a little more bass guitar could have been brought in the really round out each number. Exodus fan or not the album is worth giving a listen.

Track Listing:
1.) Black 13
2.) Blood In Blood Out
3.) Collateral Damage
4.) Salt The Wound
5.) Body Harvest
6.) BTK
7.) Wrapped In The Arms of Rage
8.) My Last Nerve
9.) Numb
10.) Honor Killings
11.) Food For The Worms

Lagwagon
“Hang”
Fat Wreck Chords
Produced by: Joey Cape
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Fans of 90’s punk rock darlings Lagwagon can all rejoice as the band is back with their first new album in 9 years. Simply titled “Hang” the album features 12 brand new tracks from lead vocalist Joey Cape and company and capitalizes on the bands signature punk sound while blending in elements of rock and heavy metal giving each track and edgy in your face punch.

With 9 years since the release of Lagwagon’s last album “Resolve” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the band dominated my car stereo during my early college years. Well it’s safe to say I was not let down. Everything that first drew me to the band was present along with some newly added bells and whistles. Tracks like “Reign” and “Burning Out in Style” are classic Joey Cape numbers reminiscent of the bands earlier songs found on albums like “Hoss” and “Double Plaidinum” while tracks like “The Cog in the Machine” and “Western Settlements” have a much harder feel which was something that I really enjoyed.

From start to finish “Hang” runs the gambit of musical styling. From full on punk rock to acoustic tinged ballads there is something for everyone on this album. Musical variety and catchy, heartfelt lyrics make this a great listen.

Track Listing:
1.) Burden of Proof
2.) Reign
3.) Made of Broken Parts
4.) The Cog in the Machine
5.) Poison the Well
6.) Obsolete Absolute
7.) Western Settlements
8.) Burning Out in Style
9.) One More Song
10.) Drag
11.) You Know Me
12.) In Your Wake

Just when you think you have a complete collection of Disney soundtracks…think again! “Walt Disney Records: The Legacy Collection” includes the latest releases of your favorite film soundtracks. The first three that have been released in this collection are “Sleeping Beauty” (55th anniversary), “Mary Poppins” (50th anniversary) and “The Lion King” (20th anniversary)  featuring new and remastered content. These CDs aren’t just a collection of songs, they are an immersive experience. A must for any Disney nut and music collector.

“Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection: Sleeping Beauty” is a 2 disc set, which features the classic songs and score from the film as well as studio recordings of Princess Aurora’s songs performed by Mary Costa, and never before released demos and tracks. Also included is beautiful new original artwork inspired by the original properties illustrated by Lorelay Bove, a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios (“Tangled”, “Wreck-It Ralph”).

“The Lion King” was the first of these to be released. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, This sound includes all the classic songs from this film. There is also about 30 minutes of previously unreleased score included. This is a real treat for any fan of the film. It is crazy to this that this has never been released before. There are also liner notes by Don Hahn (producer) and Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, which gives great insight in the content included.

Last up for now is “Mary Poppins”, which actually gets a 3 disc set and trumps the others. I love that these Legacy Collection releases come in a book format and not just a crappy jewel case. Along with the wonderful and timeless music from the film, this also includes Mary Poppins Lost chords and excerpts from the P.L. Travers Story Meetings with Don DaGradi and The Sherman Brothers. I had no idea that there was so much extra music for this film but if you are a fan of “Mary Poppins”, this is definitely the ultimate collection. collector should own and enjoy.

“Walt Disney Records: The Legacy Collection” is going to be expanding over the next few years. Personally, I purchase all my music digitally these days but Disney has just given us a reason to purchase physical CDs again. Next up “The Little Mermaid”, which is being released November 24th. I am very excited for this release and to hear the demo and bonus content.  Beyond that there are plenty of upcoming anniversaries to celebrate including “Pinocchio” (75th), “Fantasia” (75th), “Cinderella” (65th), “Lady and the Tramp” (60th) and “Toy Story” (20th).

Kontrust
“Explositive”
Napalm Records
Tracks: 11 (Plus 2 Bonus Tracks on DigiPack)
Release Date: November 11, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When Mike Wolff, guitarist for Kontrust, told me that the new album “Explositive” would be “in your face,” he wasn’t exaggerating. From the opening track “Dance” to the album’s final note in “Bad Time,” Explositive packs a heavy handed punch full of harmonized riffs, hyperbole vocals and deep set drum/bass grooves that would get even the most stoic person to bust a move.

Explositive is Kontrust’s fourth full length album, and fans of their previous releases will certainly find plenty of the yin-yang pop/metal vocals that Agata Jarosz and Stefan Lichtenberger have masterfully produced over the last 9 years. Often contrasting within a song, the duo’s vocals create almost a “Dark vs. Light” effect, especially evident in the songs “Just Propaganda,” anthem-esque “Cosmic Girls” and “Play!”. The shift from Stefan’s rapid fire lyrics that punctuate the melody on “Play!” lead into a beautiful chorus by Agata, a formula that adds another dimension to the chop heavy tune. However, songs like “Dance” and “Vienna” allow the duo to harmonize, creating a wonderful lyrical balance to carefully laid out instrumentals.

One of the distinct differences between Explositive and Kontrust’s previous release, Secondhand Wonderland, is the absence of post-production “effects”. Shooting for more of a “raw” sound, Kontrust relies more heavily on pure instrumentals for the new release, which given the tracks on the album yielded a very positive result. Wolff’s guitar work is extremely crisp and fluid, and Gregor Kutschera’s bass lines are some of the best he’s dropped in the four full length albums. Punctuating the tracks is some mean skin beating by drummer Roman Gaisbock and percussionist Manuel Haglmuller. The beats transition from tribal to thrash with relative ease and display the duo’s prowess for providing the backbone to Explositive’s song structure.

A distinct pitfall encountered by crossover genre artists is repetitiveness, something that Kontrust has managed to avoid over the course of their 9 year lifespan. Explositive is a great example of the band’s desire to change direction at the drop of the hat, so that songs are not only acoustically pleasant, but almost mathematically complex at the same time. Whether it’s the vocals shifting gears, the guitars slinking from metal to funk, or the bass dropping some Parliament-esque riffs into the middle of an otherwise “metal” song, the listener is kept on edge, anticipating the next seamless transition. It’s not only a brilliant tactic, but something that listeners who are bored of “sterile” radio play will appreciate.

Re-visiting the interview I just held with Kontrust, I now realize what Mike Wolff meant when he said that Explositive was Kontrust “reduced to the maximum”. All of the fluff post production has been stripped away and fans of the band will be in for a treat, as the album truly showcases how talented this group of artists really is. Explositive is a great addition to Kontrust’s existing discography and will not only excite the loyal fans of the group, but should also gain them a great deal of new fanfare from listeners hearing the band for the first time. Me, I was hooked the first time I heard Secondhand Wonderland; Explositive just confirms that Kontrust is an artist that needs to permanently reside on my play list.

Cannibal Corpse
“A Skeletal Domain”
Metal Blade
Produced By: Mark Lewis
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Death metal fans rejoice, Cannibal Corpse is back with a new album. Everyone else, thumb your nose and shake your head. Cannibal Corpse is just shy of 30 years of throat crushing music and in poor taste lyrics, so it’s no surprise that “A Skeletal Domain” is more of the same that we’ve seen in the past. While this latest release is a lot better than the middle of the pack of their work, there’s nothing too monumental that puts itself among the best of their discography.

This new release keeps what I love most about Cannibal Corpse intact: The songs are perfect amount of time, as well as the album, and it’s a feverish blood rush of blasting drums and screeching guitars. Lyrics have always kind of come second tier in Cannibal Corpse and it’s not because they’re unimaginative, but because the usual suspects of violence are once again on display. Icepicks, revenge, murder and emotionless savagery are tools of the lyrical trade in their music.

The real hook for “A Skeletal Domain” is the guitar work by Pat O’Brien and Rob Barrett. You’d think after 13 records they’d start to lose a bit of those creative juices, but O’Brien’s stirring solo on the track, “Funeration Cremation” is downright mischievous. Their dueling solos on “Headlong into Carnage” are something of nightmarish dreams. Alex Webster is also key when strumming the bass since the bass is slowly becoming a lost art in the metal scene. After listening through the album, you have to wonder what kind of wicked arthritis is going to set into those shredding fingers of theirs.

Once again the annunciation skills of George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher make him the best in the business. “Kill or Become” may be one of the real peaks of his work on this album has he performs the most brutally clear chorus pieces in a while, that’s quite catchy and violently foreboding. Just the songs I’ve listed may be the only ones I listen to again once I hit the play button.

I’m in no way doubting that this CD will get some mileage along with my car as it plays through the speakers, but there’s a nagging worry that it’ll be a forgettable album altogether, save for those few songs. Forgettable isn’t a bad thing, but at times this album feels humdrum and not something legendary like “Gore Obsessed” or “The Bleeding”. I think for first time listeners, which there’s always some out there; it’s definitely a breath of fresh air in a sea of bands foregoing brutality on all levels for a low tuned guitar and generic beatdowns. No matter what they put out, I’m always eagerly awaiting the next dose of brutality.

Track Listing:
High Velocity Impact Splatter
Sadistic Embodiment
Kill or Become
A Skeletal Domain
Headlong into Carnage
The Murderer’s Pact
Funeral Cremation
Icepick Lobotomy
Vector of Cruelty
Bloodstained Cement
Asphyxiate to Resuscitate
Hollowed Bodies

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Psychostick
“IV: Revenge of the Vegeance”
Rock Ridge Music
Produced By: Joshua Key, Patrick Murphy and Psychostick
Tracks: 21

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The first track would lead you to believe you’re about to listen to a movie and make you question, “Did we miss a prequel or maybe the first of some trilogy?” Nope. Psychostick is just doing what they do best. Taking a bunch of funny ideas and slapping them together in a chaotic, but structured order of silliness. For nearly a decade and a half, the self-proclaimed humorcore band, has never abided by any rules and have once again created an album generously dipped in comical lyrics and melodic bass slapping metal.

This time, the comedy is a lot more mindless, when in the past it seemed to be lampooning specific targets. The closest they get to critiquing anyone or anything is in “So. Heavy.”, a song parodying the concept of being the heaviest sounding metal band by simply tuning your guitar into non-existent levels and stretching one’s vocals chords to the point of unintelligible lyrics. That’s not to say they don’t have a smidgen of appreciation for the deathcore and metalcore bands that are popular for doing that.

“Obey the Beard”, “Quack Kills” and “President Rhino” have lyrics that “Weird Al” would write with the musical sensibilities of System of a Down and GWAR. “Blue Screen” plays like that Top 40 break-up single by Three Days Grace that you hear on the radio, but instead of a tattooed heart breaking vixen, it’s the emotional pain of a nerd and his computer that has gotten the blue screen of death. By choosing from such a bizarre palette of ideas and constantly expanding their horizons into the other styles, Psychostick has carved a nice little slice of their own brand of music into the landscape.

The band brings a rock show energy with the drive of a stand-up comedian that’s constantly sharpening their skills. With that in mind, there’s bound to be a couple of speed bumps on that path. “Loathe Thy Neighbor” is the longest and most odd paced song on the album and the second half of the CD is not as strong as the first half. The album does end on a strong note with the band trying their hand at something new. “Dimensional Time Portal” and “The Power of Metal Compels You” closes everything out as a screwy mini story arc about a portal that will pretty much ruin life for heterosexual men.

There are so many little things that make this more than your run-of-the-mill laugh and enjoy album. For example, in the lyric book, for the song “Choking Hazard”, it simply displays the pamphlet image of what to do in the event of someone choking. This unpredictable, jokey style they incorporate spills over into their live show and after four albums, they show no wear and tear in their funny bone and no signs of decelerating those head banging riffs. I could ramble a little more, but you’re better off experiencing this yourself. So go buy it already.

Track Listing:
Revenge of the Vengeance
Obey the Beard
President Rhino
H-Flat
So. Heavy.
Dogs Like Socks
Super Legit OFFICIAL Teaser #2 Explod
Quack Kills
Blue Screen
NSFW
Danger Zone (Kenny Loggins Cover)
New to the Neighborhood
Loathe Thy Neighbor
AWESOME!
Choking Hazard
Fight to the Death
Bruce Campbell
Trick or Treat
Dimensional Time Portal
The Power of Metal Compels You
Outtakes IV: The Outtakening

Jeff Bridges & The Abiders
“Live”
Label: Mailboat Records
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Produced/Mixed by: Chris Pelonis
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I saw Jeff Bridges rock out in “Crazy Heart”, I feel in love with his voice and his style of folk music. When he released his self titled album back in 2011, I couldn’t stop listening and honestly, still haven’t today. When I saw that Jeff and his band was touring. The live album was record this past summer at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas, NV. I was hoping this album was going to be as great as Jeff’s self-titled album but I was left wanting more.

This album includes live recordings of songs from Bridges’ debut album “Be Here Soon” and self-titled album on Blue Note Records, as well as original music from the film “Crazy Heart”. There are also his take on classics like The Byrds’ “So You Want to Be a Rock and Roll Star”, Townes Van Zandt’s “To Live Is to Fly,” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Lookin’ Out My Back Door.” Also included is a new track by songwriter friend, John Goodwin, called “Exception to the Rule.”

The band, Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, consists of Jeff Bridges on vocals, guitar, keyboards, Chris Pelonis on guitar, keyboards, vocals, Bill Flores on pedal steel, guitar, Randy Tico on upright, electric bass, and Tom Lackner on drums, percussion. I heard that Jeff’s daughter Jessie Bridges, who has an amazing voice as well, and that was recorded on the album as well.

The album it is called “Live” and I was hoping for a live recording of a concert but instead we get here a collection of live songs instead. I thought that the transition between the tracks felt really choppy and didn’t flow well. Plus I do love the song “Blue Car” but it is not really a great kick off track. “What a Little Bit of Love Can Do” is easily the most energy on the album with “Fallin’ & Flyin'” is a close second.

I have never seen him and his band live but I heard great things. I hope that he eventually makes it over to the Florida area…if anyone is reading this, PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN! Even though, I wasn’t a huge fan of these live tracks, I am sure that the vibe and live performance of a complete show is much better than this, so if you can get a chance see him live, I would recommend it.

Track Listing:
1. Blue Car
2. I Don’t Know
3. What a Little Bit of Love Can Do
4. Maybe I Missed the Point
5. Exception to the Rule
6. She Lay Her Whip Down
7. Lookin’ Out My Back Door
8. What a Little Bit of Love Can Do
9. Van Gogh In Hollywood
10. To Live Is to Fly
11. Fallin’ & Flyin’
12. Never Let Go
13. So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star
14. Somebody Else

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Disney’s TRON
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Composer: Wendy Carlos
Double LP
180g Virgin Vinyl

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Growing up, one of my favorite films was “TRON”, now 30+ years later…little has changed. The music in the film was always my favorite. I just to listen to the cassette as kid and now I have it digitally on my smartphone. Audio Fidelity is the guys behind the the release of this album on a Double LP  with 180g translucent blue vinyl records. They are the definitely of quality when it comes to music releases. This wonderful music has never sounded better! Crack it up to 11 and enjoy the wonderful sound of “TRON” once again on vinyl!

The score itself for “TRON” an nice blend of electronic along with traditional orchestral music. Kudos to composer Wendy Carlos for her brilliant orchestral recording with symphonic backgrounds by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the UCLA Chorus. She has created some of my favorite scores including “A Clockwork Orange” and “The Shining”. The “TRON” soundtrack also has two additional tracks from the rock band Journey, “Only Solutions” and “1990’s Theme”.

The gatefold jacket inside this new vinyl reissue holds the two 180g translucent blue vinyl records and also includes colorful photos from the popular cult film. Inside there is a fantastic liner notes written by the composer as well Michael Fremer, who also served as the film’s soundtrack supervisor. Fremer also oversaw the new Audio Fidelity mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. So you know it go the attention that it deserved.

Track list: 
SIDE 1
1-Creation Of TRON
2-Only Solutions – Journey
3-We’ve Got Company
4-Wormhole
5-Ring Game And Escape
6-Water, Music, And Tronaction

SIDE 2
1-TRON Scherzo
2-Miracle and Magician
3-Magic Landings
4-Theme From TRON
5-1990’s Theme – Journey
6-Love Theme

SIDE 3
1-Tower Music – Let Us Pray
2-The Light Sailer
3-Sea Of Simulation

SIDE 4
1-A New TRON And The MCP
2-Anthem
3-Ending Titles

Doyle
“Abominator” 180g Double Vinyl Edition
Monster Man Records
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Former Misfits/Gorgeous Frankenstein guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein is back with a brand new album titled “Abominator”. The album is the debut release from the group simply titled “Doyle” whose members consists of guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, vocalist Alex Story, bassist Left Hand Graham and former Misfits drummer Dr. Chud. The album is being released via Monster Man Records and features 11 tracks spread over 2 180 gram virgin black LP’s

If you read our original review of this album then you already know how great it is. So you are probably wondering how you make a great album even better. Release it on 180 gram vinyl that’s how! Combine that with a vibrant double gatefold sleeve and an additional track and you really can’t ask for more. This is how you should listen to this album as the 24 bit 45rpm mixes just blast through your speakers. Don’t get me wrong the CD/MP3 versions are still great but there is just something extra appealing to the ear with the vinyl mixes. Highlights for me included the albums opening/title track “Abominator” along with “Valley of Shadows” and “Dreaming Dead Girls” which features a killer performance buy the bands front man Alex Story. Also worth checking out is the song “Drawing Down the Moon” which is exclusive to this release.

From start to finish “Abominator” is pedal to the metal energy! The album does a great job not only paying homage to the classic “Misfits” sound Doyle is known for but it also infuses a progressive element that will captivate new listeners as well. One thing I noted in my previous review was that there seemed to be a lack of bass in the albums overall mix. It seems as though that was addressed with the vinyl release as the album has a really warm even sound showcasing each of the band members tone. If you haven’t got your copy of the album yet or you want to expand your vinyl collections then make this release your next purchase.

Track Listing:
Side A:
1.) Abominator
2.) Learning to Bleed
3.) Dreaming Dead Girls

Side B:
4.) Drawing Down the Moon
5.) Valley of Shadows
6.) Land of the Dead

Side C:
7.) Cemetery Sexxx
8.) Love Like Murder
9.) Mark of the Beast

Side D:
10.) Headhunter
11.) Bloodstains
12.) Hope Hell is Warm