Composer: Howard Shore:
Original Release Date: December 11, 2012
Number of Discs: 2
Format: Special Edition
Label: WaterTower Music

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of “The Lord of the Rings” scores, then I am sure that you do not even need my thoughts for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”.  This fits right in line with the past Middle Earth adventure scores from the master composer Howard Shore.  When I saw this film in theaters, I was literally blown away from the score and I am one to keep an eye out for a good score.  I love the blend that this score has between the action and the drama from the film.  I think it really captures the film very well and should leave any fan very satisfied.

The Special Edition of the soundtrack includes six bonus tracks that are not on the regular version. I have to say these tracks actually add quite a bit to the overall score and even include an additional track sung by the Dwarfs – “Blunt the Knives”. Also what is a Peter Jackson film, without an Extended Version? This soundtrack includes seven extended tracks as well. They really add to the scale of the film, especially on the first disc including “An Unexpected Party”.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” sounds unique from “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy while still visiting certain cues that hang on to that special feeling. I found myself smirking and repeating the certain tracks that had that aspect. I have to admit though, ever since watching the trailer over a year ago and hearing the Dwarfs singing “Misty Mountains” in Bilbo’s house. I have been obsessed with that song. It is literally my favorite track on the album that is not a orchestral piece. If you go with this album I highly recommend this Special Edition release for sure!

TRACK LISTING:
Disc 1
1. My Dear Frodo
2. Old Friends (Extended Version)
3. An Unexpected Party (Extended Version)
4. Blunt the Knives (Exclusive Bonus Track) – The Dwarf Cast
5. Axe or Sword?
6. Misty Mountains – The Dwarf Cast & Richard Armitage
7. The Adventure Begins
8. The World is Ahead
9. An Ancient Enemy
10. Radagast the Brown (Extended Version)
11. The Trollshaws (Exclusive Bonus Track)
12. Roast Mutton (Extended Version)
13. A Troll-hoard
14. The Hill of Sorcery Howard Shore
15. Warg-scouts Howard Shore

Disc 2:
1. The Hidden Valley
2. Moon Runes (Extended Version)
3. The Defiler
4. The White Council (Extended Version)
5. Over Hill
6. A Thunder Battle
7. Under Hill Howard Shore
8. Riddles in the Dark
9. Brass Buttons
10. Out of the Frying-Pan
11. A Good Omen Howard Shore
12. Song of the Lonely Mountain (Extended Version) Neil Finn
13. Dreaming of Bag End
14. A Very Respectable Hobbit (Exclusive Bonus Track)
15. Erebor (Exclusive Bonus Track)
16. The Dwarf Lords (Exclusive Bonus Track)
17. The Edge of the Wild (Exclusive Bonus Track)

Ernest James Zydeco
3 Steps From La La
Jam Rat Records
11 tracks
Running Time 44 Minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ernest James Zydeco’s 3rd Album “3 Steps From La La” is a rhythm heavy upbeat album that hits on all tracks with its Big Easy Cajun roots music. Ernest James Zydeco is a Kansas City based band that features a true Zydeco accordionist and a skilled band at the top of their game. “3 Steps From La La” is a journey through the progression of early Creole music through time to today’s sound . Pre- Zydeco music was Creole music; this was referred to as La La. This was in the 1930s, 40’s and early 50’s. before people were plugging into amplifiers. It was acoustic only: usually just an accordion, a fiddle, drums and maybe a washboard, as you hear on “Perlie Pearl”. Than, with the addition of amplifiers and the electric guitar, the music took its first step. Some of the songs feature guitar influences born of reggae or funk like on “Lookin”, that is another step. A couple of tracks are just good Kansas City Blues with nothing fancy, just eyes closing, head bobbing blues. That would be the 3rd and farthest step from La La.

The overall feel of this album is just a smooth good time. A 3 track block a third of the way in slows it down just a bit and brings you back to earth. The tracks are “Supposed to Do”, “Zydeco Mother’s Day” and “Man Across the Street”. “Zydeco Mothers Day” is just soaked in Muddy Waters influence, while “Man Across the Street” is not like any other song on the album. That song more than the rest stuck with me after listening to this CD.

The remainder of the album is equally as satisfying, mixing in a few types of southern styles of music while heavily favoring Zydeco as a whole. Creole, Zydeco, R & B, and Electric Blues are tapped into, and “Red Cross People” is a blues shuffle that will get people movin’. That is exactly why this album is so good. It is a journey and when you listen to it you will have a hard time staying put.

James Taylor
“James Taylor At Christmas”
Label: Universal Music Enterprises
Tracks: 14
Release Date: October 30, 2012
Running Time: 50 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“James Taylor At Christmas” was released back in 2006 and it is being released this year with two new tracks.  The first track is Taylor’s French rendition of “O Christmas Tree” titled “Mon Beau Sapin”, which is only available on this collection. The second track isn’t really a Christmas track per se but it is Beatles cover for “Here Comes The Sun” with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Still a fantastic and moving track. Also appearing the album are talented guest starts including Chris Botti, Natalie Cole and Toots Theilemans. This album has always been successful in getting into the holiday spirit over the years and I am sure it will continue now with this expanded release.

This collection includes some really great holiday favorites performed within Taylor’s unique sound.  There is a jazzy renditions of both “Winter Wonderland” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”.  “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) is really a perfect track for the holidays. Natalie Cole and Taylor deliver a wonderful duet with “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”.  I have to say though my favorite track is the cover of Joni Mitchell’s “River” and my least favorite is still “Go Tell It On the Mountain”, which is the one I always skip. The album also ends perfectly with the New Year’s classic “Auld Lang Syne”. James Taylor’s voice is really a nice marriage with the Christmas season.  I personally am a fan of simple and quiet Christmas songs and there is something for everyone here.  This will leave you not only inspired and but also full-blown in the holiday mood.

Track Listing:
1. Winter Wonderland
2. Go Tell It On The Mountain
3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
4. Jingle Bells
5. Baby It’s Cold Outside
6. River
7. Here Comes The Sun
8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
9. Some Children See Him
10. Mon Beau Sapin
11. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
12. Who Comes This Night
13. In The Bleak Midwinter
14. Auld Lang Syne

Related Content

• CD Review: John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John “This Christmas”
• Vinyl Review: Trans-Siberian Orchestra “The Christmas Attic”
• CD Review: Blake Shelton “Cheers, it’s Christmas”
• CD Review “A Christmas Story: The Musical”
• CD Review: Francesca Battistelli “Christmas”

John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
“This Christmas”
Label: Universal Music Enterprises
Tracks: 13
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Running Time: 44 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John are back.  It has been 35 years since their last duet “You’re The One That I Want” in “Grease”. The track in fact just became the best-selling duet in pop music history, so it is only right that they join forces again. “This Christmas” is a newly recorded album featuring some great Christmas favorites with guest appearances from amazing talent including Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Kenny G and James Taylor! So is this reuniting as sharp and hot as it was in “Grease”? Not really, but it is Christmas, so I have to give this duet some points for at least sharing their Christmas spirit.  It is a little cheesy here and there but that is what Christmas is about and this album really captures it and aims to deliver a smile to everyone listening.

The CD includes twelve classic covers of Christmas songs and even a brand new original track titled “I Think You Might Like It”.  It is composed by John Farrar and set as a sequel to their famous smash hit. I got to tell you the track is worth the price of the CD alone. It is a really fun up-tempo pop track.  Olivia Newton-John’s voice sounds great still. John Travolta is not at his prime since “Grease” but still sounds decent, though I can’t help but smirk a little when he comes on.   Other great tracks are “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” with Kenny G on horns. “Silent Night” is nicely paced and beautiful duet. Barbara Streisand joins in for the jazzy take on “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”. “Winter Wonderland” is a real gem and big-band feel with Tony Bennett and the Count Basie Orchestra and of course the best Christmas duet is “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, it is a great album opener.

So this might not be the best Christmas album ever, but it does what it is suppose to.  With Christmas right around the corner, it spreads some great Holiday cheer. I also love the reuniting of John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John, they are really cute together and seem to be having a lot of fun together. I have a feeling that this album will be a yearly revisit each year.  What makes this worth wild is that Travolta and Newton-John are donating the artist proceeds from the album equally to their respective charities, the Jett Travolta Foundation and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia. So not only is this a cheesy-yet fun collection of Christmas songs but it is also helping a good cause. I recommend this for sure!

Track Listing:
1. Baby It’s Cold Outside
2. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
3. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
4. This Christmas
5. Silent Night
6. The Christmas Waltz
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8. Winter Wonderland
9. White Christmas
10. I Think You Might Like It
11. The Christmas Song
12. Deck The Halls
13. Auld Lang Syne/Christmas Time Is Here (Medley)

Author: Thomas Newman
Release Date: October 22, 2012
Label: Sony Classical
Tracks: 30
Running Time: 77 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

2012 brings us the 50th anniversary of 007 James Bond.  When it comes to James Bond, the music have always been so important.  The theme songs are always memorable and epic. But even beyond that the scores have to move along the film with a specific feeling.  This score disappoints quite a bit and doesn’t really scream “Bond…James Bond“. The score does run almost 80 minutes over the 30 tracks but I just wish it was more effective throughout instead of just 80 minutes of dull music. “Breadcrumbs” is the best track on here but that is one because it is a homage to past Bond scores.

Firstly, let’s get the cat out of the bag and point out that Adele’s title track is not on this score.  Right off the bat, I am left with a bad taste in my mouth.  That track would have been a nice kick-off for this album and an incentive to purchase this score.  I understand they want to sell some singles for the track but I would have liked it to also be included here.  Secondly, I am not a fan of Newman’s score at all. He is typically a very well respected composer but I enjoy his scores like “American Beauty” and “The Shawshank Redemption”.  They have this  certain quieter and simple feel but still very epic.  “Skyfall” tries to be epic and ends up just feel like it is trying to hard.

Track Listings
1. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
2. Voluntary Retirement
3. New Digs
4. Severine
5. Brave New World
6. Shanghai Drive
7. Jellyfish
8. Silhouette
9. Modigliani
10. Day Wasted
11. Quartermaster
12. Someone Usually Dies
13. Komodo Dragon
14. The Bloody Shot
15. Enjoying Death
16. The Chimera
17. Close Shave
18. Health & Safety
19. Granborough Road
20. Tennyson
21. Enquiry
22. Breadcrumbs
23. Skyfall
24. Kill Them First
25. Welcome to Scotland
26. She’s Mine
27. The Moors
28. Deep Water
29. Mother
30. Adrenaline

Composer: John Williams
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Label: Sony Classical
Tracks: 17
Running Time: 55 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Lincoln” is composed and conducted by the legendary John Williams, also long time collaborator with Steven Spielberg. I feel that the album really captures the essence of the movie. It is also performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Overall the score itself is very simple, quiet and packs a hell of a finale running 11 minutes. Though within that quietness it has this very epic and inspiring feel. Of course there is also the classic call of music from the period like the drums and fiddle of the Civil War. I did feel like getting up saluting and marching throughout a few tracks.

This is actually the 40th anniversary of duo working together if you can believe it. I have been a fan of Williams’ score and his notable signature is found all over this score for sure. “The Race to the House” contains excerpts arranged and performed by Jim Talyor and is a fun track. “With Malice Toward None” is another great track but I really have a sweet spot for the last track, which is a very sharp piano solo of the track. In another plus, the booklet on the CD really tells a story in itself.  It comes stocked with wonderful shots from the film, as well as a really nice and informative foreword from Steven Spielberg. Overall “Lincoln” is yet another successful collaboration with Williams and Spielberg.  This one will surely spend a few months on my iPhone.

Track Listings
1. The People’s House
2. The Purpose of the Amendment
3. Getting Out the Vote
4. The American Process
5. The Blue and Grey
6. “With Malice Toward None”
7. Call to Muster and Battle Cry Of Freedom
8. The Southern Delegation and the Dream
9. Father and Son
10. The Race to the House
11. Equality Under the Law
12. Freedom’s Call
13. Elegy
14. Remembering Willie
15. Appomattox, April 9, 1865
16. The Peterson House and Finale
17. “With Malice Toward None”(Piano Solo)

MxPx
“Plans Within Plans”
Rock City Records
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Plans Within Plans” is the 9^th studio album by the pop punk band MxPx. The album is the follow up release to the bands 2007 release “Secret Weapon”. The album features 13 new tracks and is the band’s debut release via Rock City Records.

The 3 boys/men from Bremerton, Washington are back with their latest musical offering which is chocked full of that MxPx signature pop/punk sound we have all come to know and love. Right off the bat “Plans Within Plans” catapulted me back to 1995 when I first discovered this band. The groups sound has remained unchanged over the years and could be compared to your favorite pair of jeans. They just fit. Songs such as “Aces Up”, “Best of Times” and “Lucky Guy” cover everything from lost loves and friendships to youthful hopes and dreams. Though I enjoyed most of the tracks on the album I would have liked to have heard a little bit more diversity and growth especially from a band now on its 9^th album. I understand the thoughts of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and not wanting to alienate fans however, this is punk rock! Stretch your legs and experiment a little. At the same time certain things are better left unchanged and MxPx may be one of those things. Long time fans will quickly find solace in the new album while new fans will be exposed to the classic pop/punk experience MxPx is known for.

Track Listing:
1.)    Aces Up
2.)    Screw Loose
3.)    Nothing Left
4.)    The Times
5.)    In The Past
6.)    Best of Times
7.)    Stay on Your Feet
8.)    Lucky Guy
9.)    Far Away
10.)  Cast Down My Heart
11.)  When It Comes to You
12.)  Inside Out
13.)  Nothing’s Gonna Change

Composer(s): Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Label: Water Tower Music
Tracks: 23
Running Time: 78 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I have been following this film since day 1 of its production. I had a buddy of mine that worked on the film, so I have been looking forward to this film very much. I am not surprised to say that this score is easily one of my favorite of the year. I am surprised though with the type of music that was used for this film but…wow does it work so well or what?! “Cloud Atlas” is a long film running just shy of three hours and this album is a nice companion, especially running at a nice 78 minutes.  The album starts off strong and ends even stronger, which is very rare.  This is a must listen!

I was a little nervous originally since there are a lot of hands in the pot with this score being composed by not one but three people including, Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil. Tom Tykwer is also one of the directors of this film and has composed most if not all of his films.  He knows music and really puts a unique touch on this score. This isn’t the first go around though for these composers together they have worked together on numerous films including “Run Lola Run”. So you know that they know how to make a killer score.  “Run Lola Run” was one of my favorite scores in the late 90’s. This is completely different score but really delivers a wonderful experience.

This whole album really works as a whole but some of my favorite tracks are the following: 1. Prelude: The Atlas March, 2. Cloud Atlas Opening Title, 21. Cloud Atlas Finale, 23. Cloud Atlas End Title. I can listen to this tracks on loops for hours and hours and never get tired of them.  I can guarantee you that this album will not be leaving my iPhone for a long time, especially those tracks.  I listen to many, many scores each year and this one is definitely such a pleasure and wonderful blend from this trio of composers.  If nothing else, this makes me want to run out and see this film ASAP!

Track Listings:
1. Prelude: The Atlas March
2. Cloud Atlas Opening Title
3. Travel to Edinburgh
4. Luisa’s Birthmark
5. Cavendish In Distres
6. Papa Song
7. Sloosha’s Hollow
8. Sonmi-451 Meets Chang
9. Won’t Let Go
10. Kesselring
11. The Escape
12. Temple Of Sacrifice
13. Catacombs
14. Adieu
15. New Direction
16. All Boundaries Are Conventions
17. The Message
18. Chasing Luisa Rey
19. Sonmi’s Discovery
20. Death Is Only A Door
21. Cloud Atlas Finale
22. The Cloud Atlas Sextet for Orchestra
23. Cloud Atlas End Title

Dethklok
“The Dethlabum III”
Label: Williams Street
Producer: Brendon Small, Ulrich Wild
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Tracks: 12
Running Time: 51 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of Adult Swim’s animated series “Metalocalypse”, then like myself, you should be eagerly anticipating this album. “Dethalbum II” was released all the way back in September 2009.  Dethklok is the virtual death metal band from the series “Metalocalypse” and contains music from the second, third and fourth seasons of the show. The music, like the past albums, is basically all performed by the show’s creator Brendon Small with some help from drummer Gene Hoglan and bassist Bryan Beller. The deluxe edition CD/DVD includes a 32 minute behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of Dethalbum III, as well as music videos and more. If you are a fan of vinyl, like myself, the album will also be released on vinyl on November 6, 2012 (just like the first one).

Brendon had also released his first solo album earlier this year, “Brendon Small’s Galaktikon” and it could be anymore different that Dethklok (which is a good thing).  If you ever hear him speak in person, it is just a wonder how he is able to stay in character for Nathan Explosion and deliver these intense heavy vocals that he achieves so well.  So how does the album compare to “Dethalbum I & II”? Well, it is hard to say straight away.  I think it is a great continuation of what you should expect from Dethklok.  I feel that these albums are made to be played all three back to back, and just letting them tell their story out.  One thing I noticed is that the guitar work just seems so tight and really focused.  There are some riffs on these tracks that will literally throw you out of your chair, especially on “Starved”.

With Dethklok hits the road this Fall, it will be great to see Brendon and his band of virtual members really tear up the stages.  I can’t wait to hear the first single “I Ejaculate Fire” performed live and see the audiences reaction to that track live.  It will never cease to amaze me that Dethklok started out as  technical not a “real band”, yet fans have been growing and supporting this music and the band for going over five years now.  If you are a Dethklok/Metalocalypse/Brendon Small fan, doesn’t matter, you are going to be going back flips listening to this album.  I would say it is definitely worth the three year wait and in the words of Nathan Explosion, “It is totally BRUTAL”!

Track listing:
1. “I Ejaculate Fire” (from “Dethhealth”)
2. “Crush the Industry” (from “Renovationklok”)
3. “Andromeda” (from “Writersklok”)
4. “The Galaxy” (from “Doublebookedklok”)
5. “Starved” (from “Tributeklok”)
6. “Killstardo Abominate” (from “Dethsiduals” & “Rehabklok”)
7. “Ghostqueen” (from “Motherklok”)
8. “Impeach God” (from “Dethgov”)
9. “Biological Warfare” (from “Fertilityklok”)
10. “Skyhunter” (from “Rehabklok”)
11. “The Hammer” (from “Dethcamp”)
12. “Rejoin” (from “Fanklok”)

Blake Shelton
“Cheers, it’s Christmas”
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Label: Warner Bros.
Running Time: 42 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

In my early years, I would never be caught dead listening to country music.  In the last five years or so though, I have changed that tune quite a bit. Blake Shelton was one of those reasons. His sound is just so unique, enjoyable and he just has this wonderful presence.  When I heard he is coming out with a Christmas (my favorite time of the year) album, I literally got super excited.  The album itself is not just a bland cookie-cutter release though. It is a really great mix of classic tracks and some really fun new country songs. When I first received this album, I kept it on loop for almost 8 hours. Usually you can tell when an album starts looping, not with this one.  It just blends together so well and continuously entertains throughout the whole album.

Blake Shelton is not alone on this album though he has some really great duets as well.  On “Jingle Bell Rock” he sings along with Miranda Lambert and it is a wonderful collaboration. On “Oklahoma Christmas”, which is a very fun track, it features Reba on the track. “There’s A New Kid In Town” is a really sweet song featuring Blake singing with Kelly Clarkson. “Home” features a duet with Michael Bublé  and it is easily my favorite track on the album.  “Blue Christmas” features Pistol Annies and is a great take on the classic song. “Silver Bells,” features a nice duet between by Blake and Xenia.   Blake really nails the track, “The Very Best Time Of Year” as he debuts with Trypta-Phunk. Blake even has a track debuting with this mom Dorothy Shackleford on “Time For Me To Come Home”, which is very sweet as well.

Blake Shelton does not take this reign of ACM and CMA Male Vocalist of the year lightly.  You can tell that he is given 100% in this album just like it was a non-holiday release. If you are looking for a way to get in the holiday mood, this album will surely do the trick and kick-start the season early.  I am also very happy that now “Cheers, it’s Christmas” will easily become a must-listen each year during the Christmas season. I look forward to sharing this album with my friends and family as well and hopefully it will have the same effect it does on them as it has me.  Thanks Blake for sharing your heart with us and delivering a wonderful Christmas album!

Track Listing:
1. Jingle Bell Rock (feat. Miranda Lambert)
2. White Christmas
3. Oklahoma Christmas (feat. Reba)
4. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
5. There’s A New Kid In Town (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
6. Santa’s Got A Choo Choo Train
7. Home (feat. Michael Bublé)
8. Winter Wonderland
9. The Christmas Song
10. Blue Christmas (feat. Pistol Annies)
11. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
12. Silver Bells (feat. Xenia)
13. Time For Me To Come Home (feat. Dorothy Shackleford)
14. The Very Best Time Of Year (feat. Trypta-Phunk)

Music and Lyrics: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
World Premiere Recording
Release Date: October 22, 2012
Tracks: 18
Label: Masterworks Broadway

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

What is the holidays without “A Christmas Story”?  This film has been the highlight of all of my holiday seasons since I was a young kid.  You can always tell when holidays are around when the “A Christmas Story” quotes start flowing my house.  When I heard that one of my favorite films was coming to Broadway, I was very excited and also very nervous.  Well if the songs have any bearing on the play itself, it is going to be a huge success. “A Christmas Story: The Musical” will arrive on Broadway this holiday season at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre from November 5 – December 30, 2012. Be sure to pick up this album as well so you can sing along with the songs or enjoy then again after seeing the play.

“A Christmas Story” is turning 30 next year and yet shows no signs of fading.  This film’s fan base only gets bigger and bigger easy year.  Masterworks Broadway is behind this release of the World Premiere Recording and they did a wonderful job of delivering the play to the homes of its fans. Of course since this is a play a needs to be expanded a bit,  it is based off the book by Joseph Robinette and the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd and it works really well. Since it is Broadway musical, the songs have to be amazing.  The music and lyrics are from Richard Rodgers Award-winning newcomers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and they do not let us down. The 18-tracks included are all great with each one outdoing the next.  I heard some sample of these tracks back in 2008 and they have only gotten better and better.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” is not only fun but also extremely clever with their songs.  I can imagine the audience faces in the theaters as they jump from song to song to the next.  They are also almost guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.  From the moment that “Counting Down to Christmas” starts, it is a really great kick-off and puts you in the mood.  “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” is really funny and sharp. “A Major Award” is simply epic and leaves you laughing. Lastly one of the best track is the irresistible “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana”. To ensure that this play was done right it is also being produced by the film’s original Ralphie, Peter Billingsley.  So get ready to hear some of the characters that you watch every year but in a completely new way through the beauty of song.  But be warned, you will find yourself singing along right away as these songs are very catchy.

Track Listings
1. Overture
2. Counting Down to Christmas
3. At Higbee’s
4. Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun
5. Counting Down to Christmas (Reprise)
6. The Genius on Cleveland Street
7. When You’re a Wimp
8. Ralphie to the Rescue
9. What A Mother Does
10. Sticky Situation
11. A Major Award
12. Act One – Finale
13. A Kid At Christmas
14. Just Like That
15. Up On Santa’s Lap
16. Before the Old Man Comes Home
17. Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana
18. A Christmas Story

The Rolling Stones
“Some Girls – Live In Texas”
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Number of Discs: 3
Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of The Rolling Stones, then you already know   and love “Some Girls – Live in Texas” from ’78.  It is one of the best live shows from the band. This release is getting the rare vinyl treatment thanks to Eagle Rock Entertainment. The vinyl set contains 180g vinyls in a three-panel gatefold sleeve. The audio sounds truly amazing and really allows fans to go back in time and experience these songs the way that they were meant to be heard.  ’78 was also the highlight of The Stones and delivers some of their best tracks.

“Some Girls: Live In Texas” originally took place at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas on July 18, 1978. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman perform the tracks live just as good as they do on the album.  Even though this is a new vinyl release, it sounds like it pressed back in the day.  The sound is superb and really sharp.  It is polished but still holds the charm that makes vinyls still relevant. Some of the Stones classics tracks are showcased on these vinyls including, “Beast Of Burden”, “Brown Sugar” and “Jumpin Jack Flash”. If you are looking for the live recording of this concert, it was also recently released by Eagle Rock on DVD and Blu-ray. If you are a classic days Stones fans or someone just discovering them, this vinyl will make you an instant fan.

TRACK LISTING:
Side A: 1) Let It Rock 2) All Down The Line 3) Honky Tonk Women 4) Star Star 5) When The Whip Comes Down
Side B: 1) Beast Of Burden 2) Miss You 3) Imagination 4) Shattered
Side C: 1) Respectable 2) Far Away Eyes 3) Love In Vain 4) Tumbling Dice
Side D: 1) Happy 2) Sweet Little Sixteen 3) Brown Sugar 4) Jumpin Jack Flash

The Casualties
“Resistance”
Seasons of Mist
Tracks: 15

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Resistance” is the latest release from NYC punk band The Casualties. The album is the bands 9th full length release and is the follow up to the bands popular 2009 release “We Are All We Have”. “Resistance” is being released via Seasons of Mist and features 15 brand new tracks.

Reagan Era angst meets 2012 as The Casualties continue the tradition of early eighties punk rock. Though the band didn’t form until 1990 their goal has always been to carry on with the punk sound they grew up with. “Resistance” picks up where the bands last album “We Are All We Have” left off and comes screaming right out of the gate. Vocalist Jorge Herrera’s rapid, raspy style of singing gives each of the tracks on the album just the right amount of intensity without going overboard. The album’s title track “Resistance” is a catchy sing along punk rock anthem while tracks like “It’s Coming Down on You” and “Voice of the Outcast” are packed full of thought provoking lyrics that poke and prod at a number of different topics.

“Resistance” had just about everything I look for in a good punk album. Though a lot of the songs have similar gang type choruses it wasn’t enough to make me dislike the album. Since 1990 the band has come a long way with their sound while still staying true to their original vision. “Resistance” is a fun, energetic album with a message that fits in perfectly during an election year.

Track Listing:
1.) My Blood. My Life. Always Forward.
2.) Behind Barbed Wire
3.) Resistance
4.) Modern Day Slaves
5.) Warriors on the Road
6.) South East Asian Rebels
7.) Morality Police
8.) Brick Wall Justice
9.) Always Walk Alone
10.) Constant Struggle
11.) It’s Coming Down On You
12.) Life on the Line
13.) No Hope
14.) Corazones Intoxicados
15.) Voice of the Outcast

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Green Day
“Uno!”
Reprise Records
Producer: Rob Cavallo/Green Day
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Uno!” is the 9th and latest studio release from the East Bay punk/pop band Green Day. The album is also the first in a trilogy of albums by the band that will be released over the course of a few months. “Uno!” is being released via Reprise Records and features 12 new songs produced by Rob Cavallo (Alanis Morissette, Kid Rock) and Green Day.

Two parts “Dookie” and two parts “21st Century Breakdown” would be the best way to describe the latest release from Bay area rockers Green Day. The first in a series of albums titled “Uno!”, “Dos!” and “Tre!” the album features a much more scaled back sound very reminiscent of earlier Green Day albums. Gone are the themed rock-opera layouts which accompanied the bands previous two release and with the help of veteran producer Rob Cavallo the band sounds better than ever. From catchy radio friendly tunes like “Stay the Night” and “Sweet 16” to the edgier “Let Yourself Go” the band covers all the bases. I really enjoyed the album however I could have done without the song “Kill the DJ”. The composition of the song just doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the songs and did nothing more than disrupt the albums flow.

With “Uno!” yielding a number of great tracks I can’t wait to hear what will be included on the next two albums. Though I think the band is taking a bit of a risk doing 3 separate releases I wouldn’t expect anything less from a band with an album titled “Dookie” to their credit. “Uno!” does a great job showcasing the bands progression while still containing that classic Green Day sound and style.

Track Listing:
1.) Nuclear Family
2.) Stay the Night
3.) Carpe Diem
4.) Let Yourself Go
5.) Kill the DJ
6.) Fell For You
7.) Loss of Control
8.) Troublemaker
9.) Angel Blue
10.) Sweet 16
11.) Rusty James
12.) Oh Love

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Rob Zombie
“Mondo Sex Head”
Universal
Producer: Jason Bentley
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“Mondo Sex Head” is the latest release from musician/director Rob Zombie. The album features 13 remixed Zombie classics which were produced by Jason Bentley. Though the album does not feature any new material per say each of the classic White Zombie/Rob Zombie songs feature new and arrangements that will appeal not only to Zombies core rock fans but also to the ever growing fans of dub step/electronic music.

Opening up the album is the always promising “Thunder Kiss’ 65” which no matter how many times it is remixed and re-re mixed still delivers just as the original recording did in 1992 when it was first released. JDevil aka Jonathan Davis of Korn does an ok job of sampling and layering this hit track as the song has a decent build up to its synth filled drop. Document One showcases a promising version of one of Zombies more heavier songs “Let It All Bleed Out”. The track is slowed down while an eerie track of Rob Zombie talking weaves in and out of the synth slashes and ray gun like zaps. “Mars Needs Women” remixed by Griffin Boice closes out the album and is laced with the often over used clap, clap sound found in a number of Zombies recordings.

When an artist has a long career in the music business the inevitable greatest hits collection or re-mastered catalog is bound to be released. Though “Mondo Sex Head” isn’t really a greatest hits album per say and no real remastering has been done to enhance the recordings quality of these 13 songs it makes me question whether this album is just a quick move to capitalize on a current trend. Or is it something of substance? Sadly I am going to have to go with my first assumption. In fact a similar remix album by Zombie was released in 1996 titled “Super Sexy Swingin’ Sounds” which took a stab at bridging Zombies fans into the ever growing underground rave/dance music movement that was just starting to take off. Yes the remixes on “Mondo Sex Head” are different but in my opinion the concept is the same. “Get unsuspecting kids with black rim glasses and skinny jeans to buy albums”. Fans of Rob and White Zombie love the original songs for what they are and that is “original”.  The songs contained on “Mondo Sex Head” took that originality and threw it out the window.

Track Listing:
1.)    Thunder Kiss’ 65- JDevil Number of the Beast Remix
2.)    Living Dead Girl- Photex Remix
3.)    Let It All Bleed Out- Document One Remix
4.)    Foxy Foxy- KL Theory Remix
5.)    More Human Than Human- Big Black Delta Remix
6.)    Dragula- +++ Remix
7.)    Pussy Liquor- KL Theory Remix
8.)    Lords of Salem- Das Kapital Remix
9.)    Never Gonna Stop- Drumcorps Acid Remix
10.)  Superbeast- Kraddy Remix
11.)  Devil’s Hole Girls- Tobias Enhus Remix (Feat. The Jane Antonia Cornish String Quartet)
12.)  Burn- The Bloody Beetroots Motherfucker Remix
13.)  Mars Needs Women- Griffin Boice Remix