Author Archives: GRTR! HQ

Book review: ON TRACK…Toto/The Solo Beatles/Steely Dan (“Every album, every song”)

Posted on February 19, 2020 by GRTR! HQ

Sonicbond Pubishing [Publication date January/February 2020] Liked and loathed in equal measures by the music press in the 1970s and 1980s, ultimately the band may have had the last laugh. As author Jacob Holm-Lupp reiterates, their latest offering – XIV … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS | Tagged AOR, book, classic rock, Donald Fagen, fusion, George Harrison, Jazz rock, John Lennon, melodic rock, On Track, Paul McCartney, pop, review, Ringo Starr, Steely Dan, The Solo Beatles, Toto, Walter Becker | Leave a comment

Album review: HARRY CHAPIN – Live At The Bottom Line (The Bottom Line Archive)

Posted on February 7, 2020 by GRTR! HQ

Store For Music [Release date 28.02.20] Harry Chapin was tragically killed some seven months after a series of gigs at New York’s legendary Bottom Line venue. In that sense, it marks a great songsmith and performer at the end of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged 3-CD, album, expanded, folk, Harry Chapin, January 1981, Live At The Bottom Line, pop, reissue, review, singer, soft rock, songwriter | Leave a comment

Album review: GORDON GILTRAP – Woman

Posted on February 6, 2020 by GRTR! HQ

Angel Air Records [Release date 28.02.20] The latest couple of Gordon Giltrap albums may appear slightly disingenuous to the hardcore fan and may even dupe the casual observer. Both Peace Will Fall and now Woman have been released without any … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged acoustic, album, classical, compilation, folk, Gordon Giltrap, guitar, guitarist, review, Woman | Leave a comment

Album review: JOHN VERITY – Passion

Posted on February 3, 2020 by GRTR! HQ

Vavoom Records [Release date 14.02.20] www.johnverity.com “A summary of my influences” is how John Verity describes his latest album in what is his 50th year as a solo artist. We saw John at Giants of Rock in January and were … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Argent, blues, blues rock, Charlie, classic rock, guitar, guitarist, John Verity, Passion, Phoenix, review | Leave a comment

Album review: WISHBONE ASH – Coat Of Arms

Posted on February 3, 2020 by GRTR! HQ

Steamhammer/SPV [Release date 28.02.20] I think it fair to say that, more recently, you’re not going to get a really duff album from Andy Powell and his men. Patchy maybe, but never dipping like some of the quality control in … Continue reading →

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Gig review: GIANTS OF ROCK – Butlins, Minehead, 24-27 January 2020

Posted on January 28, 2020 by GRTR! HQ

Praying Mantis - Giants Of Rock, Butlins, Minehead, 27 January 2020

Another Cold January and another Giants Of Rock. Enough to warm the cockles following a respectable respite after Christmas and New Year. This was our fourth Giants, although intrepid GRTR! reviewers have reported since the festival’s inception in 2014. After … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, Special Events | Tagged 24-27 January 2020, Bernie Marsden, Butlins, classic rock, Diamond Head, Hawkwind, heavy rock, Hollowstar, Minehead, Quireboys, Review of Giants of Rock festival, Rock Goddess, space rock | Leave a comment

EP review: MOLLY KARLOFF – Supernaturalation

Posted on January 17, 2020 by GRTR! HQ

MOLLY KARLOFF – Supernaturalation Coming on with the force of a wrecking ball, Molly Karloff play the sort of gloriously scuzzy rock ‘n’ roll that your mother warned you about. With an excitement not seen since the early days of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged EP, hard rock, heavy rock, Molly Karloff, review, Supernaturalation | Leave a comment

Album review: CAMEL – Live At The Royal Albert Hall (CD/DVD/Bluray)

Posted on January 7, 2020 by GRTR! HQ

www.camelproductions.com [Release date 18.11.19] DVD/Bluray It seems ages since Camel played a special gig at the Royal Albert Hall as the climax of their ‘Moonmadness’ outing in September 2018. It marked a return to the hallowed portals after a gap … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, DVD REVIEWS | Tagged album, Andrew Latimer, Bluray, Camel, CD, Colin Bass, Denis Clement, DVD, Live At The Royal Albert Hall, Peter Jones, prog, Progressive Rock | Leave a comment

News: 2019: A Year in Rock as seen and heard by the Get Ready to ROCK! reviewers and photographers

Posted on December 31, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Get Ready to ROCK! has published its annual photographic review of the year. The website’s gig reviews feature a wide range of activity from heaving stadia to less populated village halls. Says Reviews Editor Jason Ritchie: “As with our end … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, NEWS, The Best of 2019 | Leave a comment

News: Top albums, live acts and breakthrough act named in popular poll (December 2019)

Posted on December 23, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Steve Hackett - Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 11 November 2019

In this two hour special, first broadcast on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio on Sunday 22 December, David Randall plays ‘The Best of 2019′ and announces the results of the popular poll. The results of the Best of 2019 Popular … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, NEWS, The Best of 2019 | Tagged best of 2019, blues rock, breakthrough acts, Chasing The Monsoon, classic rock, December 2019, poll, Progressive Rock, Rainbreakers, Steve Hackett, top albums, top live acts, vote | 1 Comment

Gig review: CATS IN SPACE – The Tivoli, Buckley, 20 December 2019

Posted on December 21, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

As we near the end of 2019, and indeed another decade, Cats In Space should be cherished. In fact, our year was bookended by the band, an appearance at Giants Of Rock in January and a “Christmas in Narnia” tour … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 20 December 2019, Buckley, Cats In Space, classic rock, gig, pop, pop rock, review, The Tivoli | Leave a comment

News: STONEDEAD FESTIVAL – Scottish hard rockers Gun added to line-up (29 August 2020) with Black Star Riders

Posted on December 20, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Scottish rockers Gun have been added to the one-day Stonedead event, taking place 29 August at the Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire. They join headliners Black Star Riders with Terrorvision and Tyketto together with Kris Barras, Blaze Bayley and Tygers Of Pan … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Festivals & Large Events, NEWS | Tagged 29 August 2020, Black Star Riders, classic rock, Gun, hard rock, melodic rock, Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, Stonedead Festival, Terrorvision, Tyketto | Leave a comment

News: RAMBLIN MAN FAIR announce more acts: LYNYRD SKYNYRD, CLUTCH headliners (17-19 July 2020)

Posted on December 20, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Manchester Apollo, 22 April 2015

Ramblin Man Fair have announced further additions to the 2020 line-up. The event takes place in Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent, 17-19 July. Headlining on the main stage on Saturday 18th July will be Lynyrd Skynyrd (pictured). This show will be … Continue reading →

Posted in Festivals & Large Events, NEWS | Leave a comment

Album review: MOON HALO – Chroma

Posted on December 17, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

[Release date 13.01.20] available at moonhalomusic.co.uk and bandcamp.com The tide may have ebbed for the final time on Riversea – a band who produced two quite outstanding albums that somehow failed to get the exposure they deserved – but Moon … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Breathing Space, Chroma, melodic rock, Moon Halo, Mostly Autumn, pop rock, prog, prog pop, Progressive Rock, review, Riversea, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: MAGNUM – The Serpent Rings

Posted on December 15, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

David Randall chatted to Tony Clarkin for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio. First broadcast 20 December 2020. Steamhammer/SPV [Release date 17.01.20] You have to admire Magnum. They deliver a new studio album every two years almost like clockwork. Maybe Tony … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Radio interview | Tagged album, Bob Catley, Dennis Ward, hard rock, interview, Magnum, melodic rock, pomp, radio, review, The Serpent Rings, Tony Clarkin | Leave a comment

News: THE BEST OF 2019 – Vote for your favourites in our popular poll (albums, live acts, breakthrough acts)

Posted on December 9, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Every year the GRTR! Reviewers choose their favourite albums, live acts and breakthrough artists. We reduce this selection to a list of ten in each category, reflecting also the top choices of each reviewer. Vote for your own favourite from … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, NEWS, The Best of 2019 | Tagged best of 2019, breakthrough acts, classic rock, melodic rock, poll, Progressive Rock, singer songwriter, top albums, top live acts, vote | 1 Comment

News: The Best of 2019 – Get Ready to ROCK! reviewer top albums and live acts of the year

Posted on December 2, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

In this two hour special, first broadcast on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio on Sunday 22 December, David Randall plays ‘The Best of 2019′ and announces the results of the popular poll. The Get Ready to ROCK! end of year … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, NEWS, The Best of 2019 | Tagged best of 2019, breakthrough acts, classic rock, melodic rock, Progressive Rock, reissue, singer songwriter, top albums, top live acts, top reissues | Leave a comment

Gig review: LAST IN LINE/Vega – The Tivoli, Buckley, 27 November 2019

Posted on November 28, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

LAST IN LINE - The Tivoli, Buckley, 27 November 2019

This gig was nearly, but not quite, ring out the old ring in the new. With some gigs rearranged from early December, this was a chance to see a band of essentially old stagers with two of the “nu-breed” of … Continue reading →

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News: Albums of the Month (October 2019 – December 2019)

Posted on November 23, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

January – March 2019 April – June 2019 July – September 2019 BUCK AND EVANS Write A Better Day (Departure Records) …feels like an old school album crafted with contemporary values. Given enough airplay this impressive debut album should help … Continue reading →

Posted in Albums of the Month, ALL POSTS, NEWS | Tagged 2019, albums of the month, blues rock, Buck And Evans, Chasing The Monsoon, classic rock, December, hard rock, Kris Barras, melodic rock, November, October, Progressive Rock, Steve Hackett, The Defiants | Leave a comment

Album review: DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION (DBA) – Live In England (CD/DVD)

Posted on November 21, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Magical Thinker Records [Release date 29.11.19] Geoff Downes has been involved in a whole range of projects over the years, outside of Asia and Yes. His collaboration with UK born, LA-based Chris Braide seems to be one of the more … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, DVD REVIEWS | Tagged album, Chris Braide, DBA, Downes Braide Association, Geoff Downes, Live In England, pop, progressive, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: THE FARGO RAILROAD COMPANY – Under These Lights

Posted on November 21, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

[Release date 15.11.19] The band’s name and the iconic sleeve/artwork featuring a vintage Chevrolet pick-up would never lead you to the band’s steel hometown – of Sheffield. But these days, southern rock/Americana knows no bounds. A hard working band, influenced … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, country, review, southern rock, The Fargo Railroad Company, Under These Lights | Leave a comment

Album review: MILES NIELSEN AND THE RUSTED HEARTS – Ohbahoy

Posted on November 21, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

[Release date 10.01.20] The cynic in me always puts extra scrutiny on the veracity of projects by the offspring of famous ‘rock ‘n’ roll parentage – in this case, the son and heir of Cheap Trick lead guitarist and principle … Continue reading →

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Album review: YES – From A Page/In The Present Live From Lyon (box set)

Posted on November 16, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Yes [Release date 27.10.19] This boxed set is perhaps best considered as a “stop-gap” for fans in the absence of any new product following this summer’s Yes 50 Live release, and ahead of the band’s 2020 UK tour. One-time Yes … Continue reading →

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News: CANCER ON THE ROCKS – charity gig at Bush Hall, London features Romeo’s Daughter, Piston and others (23/24 November 2019)

Posted on November 11, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Cancer On The Rocks, a two day festival in aid of Macmillan and The Royal Marsden Hospital, takes place for the first time this year in London at Bush Hall, 23/24 November. The brainchild of Skyfire Records’ Rick Palin, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Festivals & Large Events, NEWS | Tagged 23-24 November 2019, Bush Hall, Cancer On The Rocks, charity, classic rock, gig, hard rock, London, Never The Bride, Piston, Romeo's Daughter | Leave a comment

Quick plays: WILDWOOD KIN, PAMELA SUE MANN, CATTLE & CANE, CHRISTOPHER HOLLAND

Posted on November 8, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

WILDWOOD KIN Wildwood Kin Silvertone/Sony [Release date 04.10.19] Alt-folkies Wildwood Kin – sisters Beth and Emillie Key, and cousin Meghann Loney follow up their 2017 debut (Turning Tides) with an altogether more ‘grown up’ sounding sophomore self-titled release. Majoring on … Continue reading →