CD Review: Jeff Loomis “Plains of Oblivion”

Jeff Loomis
“Plains of Oblivion”
Century Media Records
Producer: Aaron Smith
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Plains of Oblivion” is the second solo release from Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis. The album hosts a variety of musicians such as former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman. The album is being released via Century Media Records and features 10 original tracks that were produced by Aaron Smith.

The new album by Jeff Loomis is more than just another progressive metal album. “Plains of Oblivion” Is an album packed full of songs that will make your head spin and your ears bleed from the sheer sonic goodness. Each of the 10 songs on the album feature creative structures that even fair-weather fans of    progressive metal music will enjoy. Tracks such as “Escape Velocity” and “Requiem for the Living” were strong personal favorites as I really loved the thunderous background of each track. Couple that with Loomis’s over the top solos and you can’t go wrong. Fans of Jeff’s other work will surely want to check this album out as it really showcases his playing on a whole new level. Guest appearances by Chris Poland on the track “Continuum Drift” and Tony MacAlpine on “The Ultimatum” were also highlights of “Plains of Oblivion”.

Though the album took a few listens through before I could fully appreciate it I found it to be a pretty good album. I would have liked a couple of the songs to be trimmed down a bit more but lengthy songs come with the territory. If you are looking for an album with some really great playing then do yourself and pick up the latest album from Jeff Loomis.

Track Listing:
1.)    Mercurial
2.)    The Ultimatum
3.)    Escape Velocity
4.)    Tragedy and Harmony
5.)    Requiem for the Living
6.)    Continuum Drift
7.)    Surrender
8.)    Chosen Time
9.)    Rapture
10.)  Sibylline Origin

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CD Review “Brendon Small’s Galaktikon”

Brendon Small
“Galaktikon”
Producer: Ulrich Wild
Tracks: 9

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Galaktikon” is the first solo release from “Metalocalypse” master mind Brendon Small. Produced by Ulrich Wild “Galaktikon” is a concept album based around a superhero’s divorce and the subsequent kidnapping of his ex-wife. Each of the nine tracks are arranged so that the listener can follow along on this space themed musical adventure.

Being a fan of Brendon’s work in Dethklok I was very anxious to hear this album. Along with Small are Dethklok alums Gene Hoglan and Bryan Beller. Together the three provide some very in-depth and technical arrangements that are quite a bit different than the ear splitting, guttural tracks the group is primarily know for. Each of the album’s 9 tracks feature some really great melodic elements that I feel will help the album appeal to a broader audience. Tracks such as “Beastblade” feature heavy instrumentation with a unique blend of echo infused vocals. While the track “You Can’t Run Away” feels like a metal infused psychedelic odyssey cranked way beyond 11.

Brendon Small’s album “Galaktikon” will surely feel right at home next to your “Dethklok” and other metal albums. However you do not need to be a fan of Small’s previous work to appreciate this album. Personally I would have liked to have heard a duet with Small and his character Nathan Explosion as that I think would have put this album over the top. One can only hope that we will be privy to something of that magnitude in the near future. If you are looking for something heavy but without the cookie cutter layout of modern metal bands then do yourself a favor and pick up this album.

Track Listing:
1.) Triton
2.) Prophecy of the Lazer Witch
3.) Beastblade
4.) Deathwaltz
5.) Truth Orb and the Kill Pool
6.) You Can’t Run Away
7.) Arena War of the Immortal Masters
8.) Dangertits
9.) On My Way

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CD Review: The Cult “Choice of Weapon”

The Cult
“Choice of Weapon”
Producer: Chris Gross/Bob Rock
Cooking Vinyl
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Choice of Weapon” is the latest release from the British rock band The Cult. The album is the bands ninth studio album and is the follow up to the 2007 album “Born into This”. “Choice of Weapon” is being released via Cooking Vinyl and features 10 brand new tracks produced by Chris Gross and Bob Rock.

After being pushed from its originally scheduled 2011 release date The Cult’s “Choice of Weapon” is finally here! Each of the 14 songs on the album are perfectly crafted and feature lush musical arrangements making this album a really great listen. Singer Ian Astbury’s Jim Morrison esc vocals provide an eerie yet beautiful feel to the multi layered instrumentation. The albums opening track “Honey from a Knife” is a straight forward rocker that sets the stage beautifully for what is to come. Tracks such as “The Night in the City Forever” and “Wilderness Now” take you on a soothing sonic journey where you can almost envision what is being described in the lyrics.

This album was surely worth the wait. The band sounds phenomenal and producers Chris Gross and Bob Rock did a great job capturing the energy of the band and I think each of the 14 tracks really showcases everyone efforts. I did find that the album took a few listens through before it really grabbed hold but once it did it didn’t let go. I found myself putting the album on repeat as the tracks never seemed to get old or tiresome. Both diehard and casual Cult listeners will enjoy this album.

Track Listing:
1.) Honey from a Knife
2.) Elemental Light
3.) The Wolf
4.) Life>Death
5.) For the Animals
6.) Amnesia
7.) Wilderness Now
8.) Lucifer
9.) A Pale Horse
10.) The Night in the City Forever
11.) Every Man and Woman is a Star
12.) Embers
13.) Until the Light Takes us Away
14.) Siberia

To order your copy of “Choice of Weapon” head over to www.amazon.com or the Apples iTunes store.

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CD Review: “Titanic: Collector’s Anniversary Edition”

Composer/Conductor: James Horner
Release Date: March 26, 2012
Number of Discs: 4
Running Time
Label: Sony Masterworks

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

With the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic launch and the 15th anniversary and re-release in 3D of James Cameron’s film, I can’t seem you get enough of “Titanic“. It is one of those movies that once you start watching you are hooked. The same goes for the wonderful score by James Horner. I spent countless hours listening to this score on repeat back in ’97 through at least ’99. It has been quite a while since I’ve listened and it still is just amazing. This amazing Collector’s Anniversary Edition is not just the score to “Titanic”. It includes much much more.

Sony Classical is the label behind this amazing 4-CD set with newly remastered versions of both the original and “Back to the Titanic” soundtracks. It also features a previously unreleased disc of period music recorded for the movie by I Salonisti (the 5-piece quintet that appears in the film) and also “Popular Music From The Titanic Era”, which is a new compilation of songs from the early 1900’s. I mean honestly what else can you ask for if you are a fan. Well, there is more…this release also comes packaged with four vintage Titanic luggage stickers and a booklet with previously unseen production photos. This is easily one of composer’s James Horner best pieces of work and it will be recognized for many years to come.

Even if you own the “Titanic” soundtrack already, I mean who doesn’t it sold over 25 million copies worldwide. I would suggest picking this up. It is a wonderful compliment to the film and includes so much new recordings that it is worth it just for the three bonus discs. I really enjoyed the disc of music from I Salonisti, which was recorded for the movie itself but never recorded. I am a big fan of music from that period and this was a great addition to the already amazing score. It really made you feel like you were re-experiencing the movie and the music for the first time.

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CD Review “Merrell Fankhauser: The Best of Merrell Fankhauser”

Merrell Fankhauser
The Best of Merrell Fankhauser
Release Date: July 5, 2011
Number of Discs: 2
Format: Import
Label: Gonzo Multimedia

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Merrell Frankhauser is one of the most unique singers I have ever come across. His look is a mix between Jimmy Buffett and Jeff Bridges. This best of collection includes the best tracks selected from Merrell’s entire career. They have been personally selected by Merrell himself. The album itself covers his music ranging from from 1964 to the present and from his early days, including his early band Merrell And The Exiles. He has a mix of sounds ranging from “The Beatles” to “The Monkees” to “The Beach Boys”.

Some of the tracks to keep an eye out for are: “Too Many Heartbreaks”, I am Flyin’ Home”, “The Land of Mu” and “Waterfall”. On the second disc there are four previously unreleased tracks, including “Haiku Jam”, “Surfin’ Pismo”, “When Merrell Met Jane” and “Tiki Lounge”. This collection of songs will definitely entertain his longtime fans and definitely give a good introduction to his new fans as well.

The first disc easily contains the best songs. Disc two includes some more of his “weird” music as I like to call it dealing it UFO’s and the beyond. Though overall his mix of rock to folk to reggae to psychedelia is definitely fun to just put on and tune out to. This release also includes a 16-page booklet with rare photos and sleeve notes by Merrell himself.

Disc 1:
1. Too Many Heartbreaks
2. She’s Gone
3. Lila
4. Supermarket
5. Drivin’ Sideways On a One Way Street
6. Girl I Am Waiting For You
7. I am Flyin Home
8. The Clouds Went That Way
9. One More Day
10. The Land Of MU
11. Blue Jay Blue
12. On Our Way To Hana
13. Garden in The Rain
14. Make a Joyful Noise
15. Dharmic Connection
16. Some of Them Escaped it All

Disc 2:
1. Calling From a Star
2. Alien Talk
3. Matthew’s Dream
4. Waterfall
5. Who Can You Call?
6. Workin’ In The City
7. Flying To Machu Picchu
8. Goin’ South
9. Queen Mu
10. Haiku Jam
11. Tale of Misty Mountain
12. Move to Higher Ground
13. Two Vegetarians
14. Surfin
15. When Merrell Met Jane
16. Tiki Lounge

 

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CD Review: The Devastated “Devil’s Messenger”

The Devastated
“Devil’s Messenger”
Century Media Records
Producer: Chris Eck
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Devil’s Messenger” is the first release from Southern California’s The Devastated a band whose line up consists of former Impending Doom and Oblige members. Their album is being released via Century Media Records and features 12 original tracks produced by Chris Eck. Fans of these members’ previous groups will surely want to check out this album.

Each of the 12 tracks contained on “Devil’s Messenger” is a gritty, down tuned master piece each containing enough power to raise the dead. The song “Swallowing Tumors” is what I would assume pure evil would sound like while tracks like “The Devils Messenger” and “Zombies” will feed the needs of those in love with the standard breakdowns often associated with grind core music.

Chris Eck did a good job of capturing the sheer intensity of the music while creating a very listenable album. If you are looking to expand you grind core collection go out and get the debut album from The Devastated.

Track Listing:
1.) Drip Drip
2.) Psuedo Smile Campaign
3.) Swallowing Tumors
4.) Failure in Thrive
5.) Roof Top Party Drop
6.) The Devil’s Messenger
7.) Spit Vitriol
8.) Zombies
9.) Blood Bag Drag
10.) Tongue In Cheek
11.) Caprice
12.) Conductor

 

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CD Review: Municipal Waste “The Fatal Feast: Waste in Space”

Municipal Waste
“The Fatal Feast: Waste in Space”
Nuclear Blast Records
Producer: Municipal Waste
Tracks: 16

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“The Fatal Feast: Waste in Space” is the fifth album from the Richmond, VA thrash band Municipal Waste. The band consists of Tony Foresta- Vocals, Ryan Waste- Guitar/Vocals, LandPhil- Bass/Vocal and Dave White- Drums. “The Fatal Feast: Waste in Space” features 16 new tracks and is being released via Nuclear Blast Records. This album is the follow up release to the bands 2009 album “Massive Aggressive”.

Relentless and in your face thrash metal! From the opening riffs of “Repossession” to the last note of “Residential Disaster” the latest album by Municipal Waste takes hold and won’t let go. The albums sound is very reminiscent of early 80’s hardcore groups like M.O.D. and Suicidal Tendencies.

Guitarist/Vocalist Ryan Waste lays down some blistering riffs that are truly worthy of the head banging induced neck pain they will surely cause. Vocalist Tony Foresta’s straight forward guttural vocal performances energize all 16 songs while bassist Landphil and drummer Dave White provide a thunderous bass driven back line.

While tracks such as “Covered in Sick/The Barfer” and “The Monster with 21 Faces” were personal favorites all of the tracks on the album had a little something for everyone. Fans of both new and old thrash/hardcore will surely enjoy listening to Municipal Wastes “The Fatal Feast: Waste in Space”.

Track Listing:
1.) Waste in Space
2.) Repossession
3.) New Dead Masters
4.) Unholy Abductor
5.) Idiot Check
6.) Covered in Sick/The Barfer
7.) You’re Cut Off
8.) Authority Complex
9.) Standards and Practices
10.) Crushing Chest Wound
11.) The Monster with 21 Faces
12.) Jesus Freaks
13.) The Fatal Feast
14.) 12 Step Program
15.) Death Tax
16.) Residential Disaster

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CD Review: 3 Inches of Blood “Long Live Heavy Metal”

3 Inches of Blood
“Long Live Heavy Metal”
Century Media Records
Producer: Terry “Sho” Murray
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Long Live Heavy Metal” is the newest album from the Canadian heavy metal band 3 Inches of Blood. The bands 5th full length album was produced by Terry “Sho” Murray and is being released via Century Media Records. The group consists of Cam Pipes, Justin Hagberg, Shane Clark and Ash Peason. Together the band blends a variety of both new and classic metal techniques while still forging new ground.

Vocalist Cam Pipes could be describes as half Halford and half Dickinson as his vocals ring out in the highest of falsetto ranges while tracks like “Look Out” and “Storming Juno” are drenched with dual guitar chugging, and sweeping solo passages.

Though a majority of the songs on “Long Live Heavy Metal” have a more vintage sound and structure, Tracks like “Dark Messenger” and “Die for Gold” feature a unique blend of the two which makes the latest release from 3 Inches of Blood quite an entertaining listen.

Track Listing:
1.) Metal Woman
2.) My Sword Will Not Sleep
3.) Leather Lord
4.) Chief and the Blade
5.) Dark messenger
6.) Look Out
7.) 4000 Torches
8.) Leave it on the Ice
9.) Die for Gold
10.) Storming Juno
11.) Men of Fortune
12.) One for the Ditch

 

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Interview with Cory Johnson

Cory Johnson is the guitarist for the Christian death metal band Impending Doom. Cory and the band are set to release their 4th studio album titled “Baptized in Filth” on March 13th. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Cory about the new release and his thoughts on the bands upcoming tour with Devildriver.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the new album?
Cory Johnson: We feel that this album is the best musical album we have ever done. The album is being released via Eone and we think that this album is really our best effort. We are anxiously waiting to get out on the road.

AL: What was the recording process like?
CJ: We spent about 6 months writing the album. It was probably our most stressful. We had a headlining tour over the past summer and we left for the road prior to completion of the writing phase. We ending up taking our demo rig out on the road which made things a lot harder than we thought it would be. Not only were we doing a headlining tour but we also had to find time to get away from everything and write the rest of the album. Every album is stressful but this one felt more out of control. As soon as we got in the studio with Andreas Magnusson he took everything and helped us tie it all together. Having an actual producer this time around helped a lot. We have never had that before. Prior to this record the engineer would just push record and we would take the best takes. Andreas was very involved in the musical process. We think that helped us put out a better musical product. Having Machine produce the albums vocals also helped out. He is phenomenal.

AL: Was there any specific inspiration behind the album?
CJ: The album is not a concept album. We do try and push some boundaries as we are a Christian band with Christian views. We try and step out of our comfort zone and push people to do the same thing with their faith. A lot of Christians see the title of the new album and think it sounds kind of evil. If you read our lyrics it will all make sense.

AL: Do you find it harder to write material having that Christian background/association?
CJ: We don’t want to step outside of faith but, whatever inspires us comes out. We then will take time to evaluate it and see if it’s what we really want to do. It’s not that much different than any normal band.

AL: Are there any songs off the new album you are really looking forward to playing live?
CJ: The song “Murderer”. We just finished a video for that song a few days ago and hope to have it out soon. That song will be available as a single also. We are definitely looking forward to playing that song live.

AL: What are the tour plans for the album?
CJ: This summer we have dates confirmed on the Warped Tour. Starting March 13th we will be part of this year’s Metal Alliance tour. We will be playing with Devildriver, Job for a Cowboy and Dying Fetus.

AL: Do you find it hard blending in on tours where the other bands/fans don’t have Christian backgrounds?
CJ: We have never toured with an older set of bands before. All of our previous tours were with bands like White Chapel where everyone is around the same age. There has never been an issue when we have toured with bands that have different beliefs than us. I am interested to see how this upcoming tour will go. We have never toured with such extreme bands. I am confident that we will all be getting along back stage. I think the fans are going to really enjoy the show. We have such an extreme live show that I think everyone will have a good time. We don’t preach on stage or try to make people feel uncomfortable. I feel as long as we go up there and put on a good show people will enjoy it. Everyone can have a good time no matter what.

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CD Review: Neal Smith “Kill$mith Two”

Neal Smith
“Kill$mith Two”
Kachina Records
Producer: Neal Smith, Peter Catucci
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Kill$mith Two” is the second full length album put out by former Alice Cooper drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Neal Smith. The album is the follow up to Smith’s previous release titled “Sexual Savior”. “Kill$mith Two” is being released via Kachina Records and features 12 original tracks that were produced by Smith and bassist Peter Catucci.

Take what you know or have heard about drummer Neal Smith and throw it entirely out the window. His latest album is nothing like anything you may have heard him play on before. Gone are the “School’s Out” type anthems that catapulted Neal and the Alice Cooper band to stardom in the early seventies. Instead Smith has stepped up to the microphone with guitar in hand and brought forth 12 tracks packed with interesting subject matter and industrial tinged instrumentation. Tracks such as “2000 Miles From Detroit”, “Kiss My Rock” and the catchy “Squeeze Like a Python” show a completely different side of Smith. Neal does play drums on this album as well as guitar but what really stands are his gritty straight forward vocal performances on each of the 12 tracks. Hardcore Alice Cooper fans may not be as quick to grab on to the album as it is a bit different and some songs are quite lengthy. However true fans of rock music will surely want “Kill$mith Two” in their collections.

Track Listing:
1.) 2000 Miles From Detroit
2.) Suicide Highway
3.) Cemetery of the Damned
4.) Evil Voodoo Moon
5.) Death by the Numbers
6.) Crimes of High Passion
7.) Legend of Viper Company
8.) Die For the Night
9.) Strip Down
10.) Kiss My Rock
11.) Anything
12.) Squeeze Like a Python

 

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CD Review: Nils Lofgren “Old School”

Nils Lofgren
“Old School”
Vision Music Inc.
Produced by: Nils Lofgren, Brian Christian
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“Old School” is the newest solo release from Neil Young/E Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren. The album is the being released via Vision Music Inc. and features 12 new original songs produced by Nils Lofgren and Brian Christian.  As the follow up to Lofgren’s 2008 solo album titled “The Loner”, “Old School” seems to have a little bit of something for everyone. Though I found the album to be a touch different from his work with Bruce Springsteen this proved not to be a bad thing.

The album features a variety of styles such as rock; blues and country which I feel only broaden the overall appeal of this album. Each song showcased not only Lofgren’s guitar playing but also his singing. Tracks like “60 Is the New 18” and “Ain’t Too Many of Us Left” were definite standouts as they were more along the lines of Nils more familiar works. Those looking for a Springsteen album minus the Springsteen will not find it here. Lofgren shines with his own unique style and “Old School” is a perfect example of that style.

Track Listing:
1.)    Old School
2.)    60 Is the New 18
3.)    Miss You Ray
4.)    Love Stumbles On
5.)    Amy Joan Blues
6.)    Irish Angel
7.)    Ain’t Too Many of Us Left
8.)    When You Were Mine
9.)    Just Because You Love Me
10.)  Dream Big
11.)  Let Her Get Away
12.)  Why Me

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CD Review: Dropkick Murphys “Going Out In Style: Fenway Park Bonus Edition”

Dropkick Murphys
“Going Out In Style: Fenway Park Bonus Edition”
Born and Bred Records
Producer: Ted Hutt
Live Recording: Michael Lapierre
Disc 1 / Tracks: 13
Disc 2 / Tracks: 18

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Going Out In Style: Fenway Park Bonus Edition” is the latest release from the Irish tinged punk rock band Dropkick Murphys. The album is being released via the groups own Born and Bred Records and is a special repackaging of the groups 2011 studio release “Going Out in Style”. The 2 disc album features new cover art, the 2011 studio album and a complete live show which was recorded over two nights at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass.

Fans that may have picked up “Going Out In Style” when the album first was released last year may not find this album as appealing as I did. Disc 1 features the standard release of “Going Out in Style” which features 13 studio tracks and no additional content. Disc 2 is the live Fenway Park recording which features a variety of classic DKM tracks that were compiled from the bands 2 night performance at the historic baseball park. Songs such as “Tessie” and “The State of Massachusetts” were instant favorites as the live version of these songs seemed to have a bit more life than the studio takes. Midway through the show the band performs 3 acoustic tracks which I felt took away some of the overall energy. Personally I think it would have been nice to hear the electric version of “Boys on the Docks”. Though not a personal favorite of mine these acoustic performances were still stellar and packed full of traditional Celtic folk sounds.

Though both albums don’t feature any new material by the band “Going Out In Style: Fenway Park Bonus Edition” will be a great pick up for someone who attended the shows and or is a diehard Dropkick Murphy’s fan. The songs contained on these two discs should be more than enough to hold everyone over until the release of the bands new studio album.

Track Listing: Disc 1
1.) Hang ‘Em High
2.) Going Out In Style
3.) The Hardest Mile
4.) Cruel
5.) Memorial Day
6.) Climbing a Chair to Bed
7.) Broken Hymns
8.) Deeds Not Words
9.) Take ‘Em Down
10.) Sunday Hardcore Matinee
11.) 1953
12.) Peg O’ My Heart
13.) The Irish Rover

Track Listing: Disc 2
1.) Hang ‘Em High
2.) Sunday Hardcore Matinee
3.) Deeds Not Words
4.) Going Out in Style
5.) The Irish Rover
6.) Peg O’ My Heart
7.) Tessie
8.) Cruel
9.) Climbing a Chair to bed
10.) Take ‘Em Down
11.) Devil’s Brigade
12.) Boys on the Docks
13.) The Dirty Glass
14.) The State of Massachusetts
15.) Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced
16.) Time to Go
17.) I’m Shipping Up to Boston
18.) TNT

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CD Review: Caliban “I Am Nemesis”

Caliban
“I Am Nemesis”
Century Media
Producer: Benny Richter, Marc Goertz
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“I Am Nemesis” is the 8th studio album from heavy metal group Caliban. The group hails from the Ruhr area of Germany and consists of Andreas Doener- vocals, Marc Goertz- guitar, Patrick Grun- drums, Denis Schmidt- guitar/vocals and, Marco Schaller- bass. The album is being released via Century Media Records and features 12 tracks that were produced by Benny Richter and Marc Goertz.

The new album by Caliban grabs you by the face and just doesn’t let go. The album cuts directly to the core and picks up where the bands previous release titled “Say Hello to Tragedy” left off. Guest vocal performances by Mitch Luker of Suicide Silence and Marcus Bischoff of Heaven Shall Burn only add to the guttural attack of “I Am Nemesis”. Tracks like “Memorial” feature machine gun like double bass playing along with melodic choruses while tracks like “Broadcast To Damnation” and “Modern Warfare” go up one side of you and down the other. Producer Benny Richter and Co-Producer/Guitarist Marc Goertz did a great job creating a really heavy album. Each song on “I Am Nemesis” features a fairly straight forward arrangement which I felt made the songs quickly accessible. Personally I would have like to have heard more melodic choruses/break downs as I think this is a real strong point that the band does not utilize enough. Over I feel Caliban’s “I Am Nemesis” is sure to be hit among the head banging faithful.

Track Listing:
1.)    We Are The Many
2.)    The Bogeyman
3.)    Memorial
4.)    No Tomorrow
5.)    Edge Of Black
6.)    Davy Jones
7.)    Deadly Dream
8.)    Open Letter
9.)    Dein R3.ich
10.)   Broadcast To Damnation
11.)  This Oath
12.)  Modern Warfare

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CD Review “Once- The New Musical: Original Cast Recording”

Once: The New Musical
Original Cast Recording
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Label: Masterworks Broadway
Tracks: 13
Running Time: 45 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Academy Award-winning film, “Once” is one of my favorite films. The music in the film is so amazing and in fact, I have had the soundtrack on my iPhone since the film was originally released. When I heard that the film was being brought to Broadway, I was both nervous and extremely happy. Well let me tell you I was extremely satisfied with this cast recording and it only makes me want to see this play more now. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová from The Swell Season are two of my favorite artists, even with their solo albums. I am not sure how this is possible but they took one of my favorites albums ever and ACTUALLY made it better.

“When Your Mind’s Made Up” and “Falling Slowing (Reprise)” are honestly breathtaking songs on this album. Steve Kazee and Cristin Milioti plus backed by the rest of the cast in parts are simply show stopping!  I get chills listening to it every time and I can put these on repeat for hours, as can the whole album. The only issue I have with the album is that I am not truly fond of the two new songs, “Abandoned in Bandon” and Czech folk song “Ej Pada Pada Rosicka”. In fact I have the album on my iPhone and have taken off those songs. I also wanted to make a note about the track “The Moon”, which is performed by Will Connolly is also a treasure. I was originally taken back since it wasn’t performed by Steve but, holy crap!, I really dig it. Great chance they took and a wonderful payoff. Overall this album will be guaranteed to make my top albums of 2012 and I look forward to seeing this show.

Let me tell you Steve Kazee and Cristin Milioti are absolutely perfect on the recording. Glen Hansard’s vocal range is hard to match and Steve really nails it and improves certain areas as well. One thing I noticed from the moment this album started is that I felt like it was recording live from the stage not in a recording studio. I felt that due to that it makes you feel like you are there on stage with them. I definitely feel that this process enhances the Martin Lowe’s amazing orchestrations and really showcases the live stage production. I recommend this highly to all fans of The Swell Season and Broadway fans a like, been sure to buy this album. Also make sure you get a chance to experience this show live on stage, if it is anything like the album it is sure to be absolutely amazing.

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CD Review: Ned Evett “Treehouse”

Ned Evett
“Treehouse”
Raging Krill Records
Running Time: 50 minutes
Tracks: 14

Our Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Ned Evett’s “Treehouse” serves up a hearty bowlful of Americana that, while largely satisfying , could use a little more garnish. The entire album more than readily displays Evett’s full menu of guitar styles allows him to comfortably situate himself within the mix of his self-penned songs. The problem is that, despite all of the versatility, none of them successfully demonstrate that he’s a master of any one type of genre or that he’s a particularly gifted songwriter. On many of the tracks, he seems to be dipping his toe into the pool rather than diving in and coming up with exceptionally memorable music. Because of this, “Treehouse” ultimately winds up being a “ho-hum, that’ll do” toe-tapper appetizer that isn’t as tasty or filling as it really should be.

The album’s opening track, “Pure Evil”, gets things off to a kick-ass rockin’ and rollin’ start. With its choppy rhythm guitar line and raging backbeat, Ned’s vocal fluctuates between being a gravelly growler and a howling bluesman a la “Tom Waits meets George Thorogood”. All of the ingredients work and the track winds up being a spicy barn-burner that hoots and howls its way to a flourish of an ending.

Evett stays in straightforward rock mode for the five songs that follow “Pure Evil” but none scorch like the opening track. They’re good but only serve as a catch-and-release for what could and probably should have been a hook, line and sinker.

Ned abruptly switches gears mid-way through the album and dishes up a smorgasbord of songs that ground themselves with folk roots. “Mars River Delta 2128”’s two-minute acoustic intro of displays the virtuosity of his playing ability after which the song jumps into bluegrassy knoll that is again fun but truly not unique. The remaining acoustic numbers are a bit too derivative to be riveting – the title track being somewhat of an exception.

He jumps back into rocker boy mode for the final two tracks, “Dead on Saturday Night” and “Don’t Despair”, the latter of which points out what’s been much needed throughout the whole record: some augmentation and aural layering that would pull the tracks from relative mediocrity and into being something that’s truly his own. The simplicity of “Treehouse” is all well and good, but it’s never really all that alluring and engaging. This is somewhat surprising given that King Crimson’s guitar wizard, Adrian Belew, is the production master of “Treehouse”. Belew does contribute to a couple of the tracks – piano and guitar to one and “alarm clock” to the other – but had he joined in to provide some backing harmonies or guitar accompaniment, it would have added texture and flavor to an otherwise semi-bland dish.

In the end, “Treehouse” has so much potential to be an exceptional record that it’s frustrating to hear it fall short. Evett’s indeed chosen a good solid limb for his “Treehouse” but he just needs a little more imagination to make it stand out from what all of the other kids in the neighborhood have built.

Track Listing:
1. Pure Evil
2. Falling in Line
3. Break My Fall
4. Nightmare and a Dream Come True
5. Sayonara Serenade
6. Just About Over This Time
7. Mars River Delta 2128
8. Bend Me
9. Treehouse
10. Say Goodbye for Both of Us
11. Why can’t I believe
12. Getting Over Someone Too
13. Dead On a Saturday Night
14. Don’t Despair

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, evett, ned, review, treehouse
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