Single review: BROTHERS OF METAL – Berserkir

AFM Records [release date: 02.12.22]

With 3 vocalists, 3 guitarists, bass, drums and anvil (!), you’re bound to have a BIG sound. And the Swedish Power Metal band who brought us the highly successful Emblas Saga (2020), The Brothers of Metal, prove this to be so.
‘Berserkir’ is the lead trailer track from their forthcoming album.

The Berserkir were the Odin worshipping shock troops attached to the Norwegian Royal Court in medieval times.

The track reflects the aggressive stance taken by the troops. Much chanting, feet in the dust rhythms and full on vocals, like that of the Germanic tribe decimated by Maximus at the start of the movie “Gladiator”.

It’s melodic though, in its own way. The growling vocals of Mats Nillson are tuned into the richly melodious vocal tones of Yiva Erilsson (The Voice of The Valkyries) to great effect. Together they carry this song to … well, glory. ****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Single review: ALL FOR METAL – Born In Valhalla

AFM Records [Release date 02.12.22]

The All For Metal warriors claim to have been “born in Valhalla”. We’re slightly sceptical so have referred this to a Fact Checking Website. We’ll let you know.

Meantime the the band have released a “true Viking hymn” called ‘Born In Valhalla’, reinforcing the claim made earlier. It’s the second trailer from their forthcoming album, hard on the heels of their impressive and exceedingly popular first heavy metal single ‘All For Metal’. Surprisingly enough, the album’s title track.

‘Born In Valhalla’ is a catchy Viking anthem, and might remind you of the approach taken to metal by Lordi… heavyweight guitars, over the top theatrics and great tunes.

This band could go far.

Onwards to gory, er… glory. ***1/2

Reviews by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: THE KUT – The Six Six Bar, Cambridge, Sunday 20 November 2022

It’s been quite the year for The Kut, with leading light Princess Maha having been awarded two song writing awards and latest album GRIT having hit the Number One spot in the rock charts.

Rounding off 2022 in celebratory style with an extensive tour with Detroit musical alchemists Electric Six, it was to a sold-out, and unusually wild, Cambridge that they arrived at for the first show of the nationwide trek. The band are a fluid collective with Maya the only constant throughout and on this outing she’s joined by Ali on rhythm guitar, Keira on bass and drummer Violet, all adding their own magic to the proceedings.

There’s an untamed energy to The Kut and one that speaks of the same ethos that so informed bands like The Stooges and The Runaways. It’s a primal and exciting thing, a rawness and honesty that distils the pure essence of rock ‘n’ roll into three-minute bites, no bull, no ego. It helps that Maha has written songs with some killer hooks too, the Ramone-sy ‘I Don’t Need Therapy’ kicking off their set in fine, teeth-rattling style.

With a similar riff to the headliners ‘Gay Bar’, ‘I Want You Maniac’ is a dirty blast of pure adrenaline and ‘Hollywood Rock ‘n’ Roll’ puts it foot to the floor, the 100mph hard rocker blistering.

The bouncing rocker and single ‘ANIMO’ is equally powerful, its theme of the strength of women one that’s vital to be heard, the vocals and insistent chorus marking this out as something that blazes with truth and beauty.

The band tear into diamond tipped boogie of ‘If Looks Could Kill’, Maha providing a spectacular solo that highlights her quicksilver skills and an anthemic ‘Satellite’ sees the place lit up by mobile phone lights as the crowd waves from side to side, swaying with the music.

Footie song ‘Fun When You’re Winning’ rolled along on a big groove and the band showed their more commercially orientated side with the perfect pop rock of ‘On My Own’, its punch showing teeth and the backing vocals adding a little sweetness to the undeniable grit. Keira came into her own on ‘Runaways’, her driving bass the nitro in the tank, Violet’s drums adding a whipcrack feel as it tore along in a blur.

With the spiky ‘Bad Man’ and the scything riff and buzzsaw attitude of ‘And One More’ closing the set, the audience expelled the last of the energy they had, things reaching fever pitch the whole place reduced to a mass of frugging bodies and celebratory arms aloft.

A triumphant night and one that points to The Kut’s rise that is both hard won but inevitable. Irrespective of the perceived combined brainpower of this ancient University town, nothing shone brighter than Princess Maha and her cohort for that one, dazzling forty-minute set. Rock ‘n’ roll to change the world.

Review by Paul Monkhouse
Photos by Jeroen Jacobs

Album review (GRIT, 2022)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: ROB MORATTI – Epical

Frontiers [Release date: 09.12.22]

Quite a line up Rob Moratti’s put together here.

Tony (Blue Murder) Franklin, Joel (Whitesnake) Hoekstra, Pete (James Christian/ Robin McAuley) Alpenborg, Fredrik (Bloodbound) Bergh, with Steve (Tyketto/ Journey) Augeri on backing vocals.

Moratti has been a moving target down through the years, impossible to pin down. And although he’s not exactly being flying under the radar, a one album stint fronting SAGA, a couple of late period Phenomena albums, and a handful of recordings with Final Frontier, the band he formed with M’Laden (ex Von Groove) hardly add up to Champions League contention.

And yet, this is the vocalist often compared to Steve (Journey) Perry.

All that said, if you’re looking for a warm and effective mix of Scandinavian and US sounding Melodic Rock/ AOR – pacey, airy, tuneful, textured, the sharp edges all sanded down, then look no further than his new “solo” album, Epical.

It’s easy (and lazy) to critique an artist by opinionating on who he “sounds like”, so that’s what we’re gonna do (it’s that time of year).

On ‘Hold On’ and ‘Love’, the band sound like they’ve been thumbing through a dog eared copy of the Eclipse & Work Of Art blueprint, with maybe a Bro Firetribe addendum, with maybe a page or two of “When Seconds Count” Survivor. Nothing if not derivative. In a good way, of course.

What’s also notable is the consistency of the writing … it’s an album of remarkably sustained melodies and song structures. No surprise really, Pete Alpenborg and Fredrik Bergh collaborated with Moratti on many of the songs.

‘Nothing Left To Say’ is a peach. It’s an elegant, mid paced AOR song that reclaims the space vacated eventually by Alias, Starship, and perhaps even Journey. It catches the mood of that era, where sentimentality and romantic musical moments, coated with a commercial sheen, were the currency of Melodic Rock.

Moratti adds the pulse quickening adult pop of ‘For The Rest Of My Life’ (sung by Augeri) and the Southern Sons / Daryl Braithwaite influenced ‘Valerie’. Closing out his perspicacious and indeed fulfilling look in the musical rear view mirror with a bit of Oz. ****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : EMMA WILSON – Wish Her Well

Pete Feenstra chatted to Emma Wilson for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, playing tracks from the album ‘Wish Her Well’.  First broadcast 4 December 2022.

Emma Wilson - Wish Her Well

Self release [Release date 13.05.22]

Emma Wilson’s ‘Wish Her Well’ is a ground breaking multi-genre album glued together by autobiographical tinged songs and her evocative voice that is always guided by lyrical feel.

It’s a band project in which her broad musical horizons are forged by her band’s intuitive interplay and meticulous support.

Significantly it’s also her debut recording of self penned material, though the 7 co-writes suggest a songwriter open to further musical exploration.

And though it might be marketed as a blues album, there’s a significant soulful undertow full of musically diverse arrangements and a willingness to strip back the production and place the emphasis on the song.

As a result there’s a diverse, but musically related set of tracks including the jagged edged funk of ‘Nuthin I Won’t Do’, the edgy ‘Blossom Like Now’, the celebratory drinking song ‘Rack ‘Em Up’, the guitar driven gusto of the caustic ‘Not Paying’ and the ethereal ‘Little Love Bite’.

It’s an album interwoven with lyrical and musical tensions that are subtly resolved, be it with the imperious vocal arc on ‘Blossom Like Snow’ or the defining guitar line on ‘Rack ‘Em Up’, while the sludgy slow build  and sinewy guitar line perfectly underpins the closing ‘Then I’m Gone.’

I’m sure I’m not the first to notice the exclamatory nature of the closing line ‘Then I’m Gone.’ It puts the seal on a musical journey that opens impressively with the hard hitting title track which builds exponentially courtesy of her marvellous band and an intuitive production that over the course of the album subtly emphasises musical motifs, the versatility of her range and elemental soulful grooves.

And as if buoyed by the projects inherent infrastructure, she has the self confidence to tackle the emotive ‘Blossom Like Snow.’

‘Wish her Well’ is my album of the year and while Emma may find it hard in the future to top an album like this, given her lyrical honesty and unfettered vocal ability I wouldn’t bet against it.  *****

Review by Pete Feenstra

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Best of 2022


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: AMBERIAN DAWN – Take a Chance – A Metal Tribute to ABBA

AMBERIAN DAWN - Take a Chance - A Metal Tribute to ABBA

Napalm Records [Release date 02.12.22]

Amberian Dawn go full on ABBA tribute mode on their latest album, after doing a sterling job of ABBA’s ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’ (which is also on here) on their previous album, ‘Looking For You’.

What a start with a superb version of ‘Super Trouper’! The vocals of Capri are spot on being full of melody, power and passion. Tuomas Seppälä adds his keyboards wizardry to ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)’, with a funky bit of bass playing by Jukka Hoffren. Both songs have a deep, rich sound and despite the metal riffs the pop melodies of the originals still shines through.

The bouncy keys and guitar riff on ‘Angeleyes’ complements the vocals of Caori, both lead and the layered harmony vocals. What a perfect song to brighten any day.

‘Mamma Mia’ has been heard many times but this metalized version makes the listener fall in love all again with the song. That surely is the mark of a good cover version?

The whole album is wonderful fun to listen to from ‘SOS’ – a symphonic metal treat – through to perhaps a lesser-known ABBA tune, ‘Under Attack’, Amberian Dawn give these classics their own musical stamp of approval.

Melodic metal to put a smile on your face and a perfect winter pick me up. ABBA should perhaps return the favour and cover an Amberian Dawn song?!  ****

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : SCREAM MAKER – Bloodking

Frontiers [release date 9.12.22]

Third album from Polish Metal band, Scream Maker.

Bloodking begins where 2016′s Backs Against The World left off.

This is a band who’ve spent much of their pre and post pandemic time on tour (Europe and China) – gigging with Saxon, Judas Priest, Primal Fear, Black Label Society and numerous other influential heavy metal luminaries.
And so we get a strong indication of what lies within from the company they keep.

After the hi-speed bpms and air raid siren, foot-on-the-monitor vocals that open the album on the explosive ‘Mirror, Mirror’, the rapid deceleration in the unexpectedly melodic title track, ‘Bloodking’ comes as a welcome surprise. And then it just takes off again, accelerating into an uncertain future… before again spinning down to a stop. You might well have moved to the edge of your seat by now.

As well as the established giants they toured with, we get whiffs of other bands too. ‘When Our Fight Is Over’ has a distict Queensryche feel in among the beefy hard rock, and catchy, ironclad riffing. Sebastien Stodolak’s skyscraping vocals propell upwards at every opportunity, never losing traction on the upper slopes.

A flavour of Accept here too in the way that ‘End Of The World’ locks onto a heavy metal groove and stays tight to the finish, with Stodolak and axeman Ziolkowski lifting the song into epic territory.

That said, ‘Join The Mob’ mights just be the album’s standout. It’s hard to come up with  something original and sustaining within the narrow parameters of traditional metal. So Scream Maker do what others have done successfully before them . . . they drill down into the DNA of the genre and cook up some melodic metal chemistry of their own.

Not too often nowadays that heavy metal can be quite so refreshing. ****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: LANDFALL – Elevate

Frontiers [Release date 9.12.22]

Much more assured second album from Landfall, the Brazilian band led by Eric Martin soundalike, Gui Oliver.

And boy does it sound good, graced with melodic, tightly constructed songs, great playing, a lean, taut production, no loose ends and a warm, valve driven ambience.

Gui (Mayank) Oliver’s voice is singularly engaging. It adds a bluesy tone to what once would have been called commercial mainstream rock. Look no further than opener ‘Never Surrender’ and the title track, ‘Elevate’. Each needs power and heft to work, and they get it.

‘Waterfall’ and ‘Rescue Me’ are angular, passionate rock songs. Both are a mix of Blue Tears, Journey and Mr Big. All the melodic, radio friendly elements are there, crafted with care, sturdily assembled.

Built to entertain, designed to last, ‘Two Strangers’ and ‘Heroes Are Forever’ have all the emotional urgency of great AOR. Each is a winning blend of sophistication and pumped up production values, with hooks that raise the heartrate for as long as we can take it.

Along with Oliver, the band is: guitarist Marcelo Gelbcke, bassman Thiago Forbecci and drummer Felipe Souzza. All the pieces fit.

But by the time we reach ‘Feels Like Summer’ and ‘Shadow Of Love’, it seems like they may have run out of track and direction, only to witness them confidently pulling back into the middle of the melodic rock road with ‘The Wind”, an elusive, shape shifting ballad, never settling into a identifiable style. It’s hard to get to grips with at first, but becomes most enjoyable after a few open minded get togethers. ****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


News: METALLICA, POWER WOLF, KHYMERA (December 2022)

News - Album News

Ace Frehley is finishing off his new album for a planned release in early 2023.

The Balladmongrels is a new band featuring Dogs D’amour frontman Tyla J. Pallas and  singer songwriter Matty James Cassidy. Their debut album, ‘Trouble’, is set for release in April 2023.

Cobra Spell, who feature guitarist Sonia Anubis (ex-Burning Witches), have signed with Napalm Records.

Delain will release a new album, ’Dark Waters’, on February 10 via Napalm Records.

Dragonforce are nearing completion of their latest album although no release date has been confirmed.

The Hot Summers, who feature Mick Sweda (Bulletboys) and vocalist Shane Tassart, have released new song ‘You Make Me (Bsc)’, off their self-titled debut album.

Former Frehley’s Comet guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Tod Howarth has released three albums all at once consisting of Comet Canvas’, ‘Heavy Canvas’ & ‘Coastal Canvas’.

Greta Van Fleet are putting the finishing touches to their third album.

HammerFall have re-signed with Nuclear Blast who will release the band’s new album as well as re-issuing their earlier albums.

Khymera release their new album ‘Hold Your Ground’ on February 10 on Frontiers. The lead song ‘Firestarter’ was released on November 29.

George Lynch has confirmed a new Lynch Mob album should be released next year and Girish Pradhan (Grish & the Chronicles) is the new vocalist in The End Machine, who are also working on a new album.

Metallica release their 12th studio album, ’72 Seasons’, on April 14 via the band’s own Blackened Recordings.

Motorhead release ‘Bad Magic: Seriously Bad Magic’ on February 4. Their final album, released originally in 2015, will be released on double Vinyl, 2CD & Limited Edition Boxset.

Jared James Nichols (pictured) has announced his self-titled new album will be released on January 13 via Black Hill Records.

Overkill’s new album will be called ‘Scorched’ and released sometime next year.

Pink Floyd have added 18 previously unreleased live albums from the ’Dark Side Of The Moon’ era, as well as an ‘Alternative Tracks 1972 EP’, to streaming services.

Power Wolf release ‘Interludium’ on April 7. A three-disc set it will include six new songs, covers of Power Wolf songs by other artists and orchestral versions.

The Raven Age have signed with Music For Nations/Sony who will release the band’s third album next summer.

The Reasoning have reformed with a line-up featuring former members Matt Cohen, Maria Owen and Vinden Wylde who are joined by former Also Eden’s Rich Harding and guitarist Ben Baljak. They are currently working on material for their fifth album.

The Rolling Stones have announced the release of ‘Grrr Live!’ – “the definitive live hits album from the band’s career.” It will be released on February 10 via Mercury Studios.

Sacred Reich will begin recording their new album early next year.

Transatlantic will release a new live album, ‘The Final Flight: Live At L’Olympia’, on February 17.

Van der Graaf Generator have announced that they will release a new live album, The Bath Forum Concert’, on March 10 through Esoteric Recordings.

Winger are currently mixing their new album for release in 2023.

News - Tours and Gigs

Newly announced UK tours (2023 unless stated):

Dare + Tyketto + FM, Echo & the Bunnymen, Guns N Roses (Hyde Park, Fri 30 June), Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Level 42, Rancid, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Riverside, When Rivers Meet, Robbie Williams, the Winery Dogs,

Upcoming (Gigs – UK)

Newly announced US & European tours (2023 unless stated):

Bush + Jerry Cantrell + Candlebox (US), Candlemass (US), The Charlatans + Ride (US), Cold (US), the Dead South (Aus), Everclear (Aus), Kissin’ Dynamite + Dynazty (Eur), Lacuna Coil (US), Machine Head (US), Brett Michaels (Poison) + Night Ranger + Jefferson Starship (US), Metallica + Pantera + Mammoth VH (US), Metallica (Eur), Motley Crue + Def Leppard + Alice Cooper (US), Noiseworks (Aus), Overkill (Eur), Pixies (US), Queensryche (US), Red Hot Chilli Peppers (Eur & US), Riverside (Eur), Silverstein (US), Skid Row + Buckcherry (US), Soulfly (US), Steel Panther (US), George Thorogood & the Destroyers (US), Thundermother (Eur), the Winery Dogs (Eur), ZZ Top + Lynyrd Skynyrd (US),

Upcoming (USA/ROW)

Bloodstock have announced Saturday’s headliners are Meshuggah, while Helloween are set to perform as special guests on the main stage on Sunday. Anthrax have cancelled their appearance due to ‘logistical reasons’ and are replaced by Triptykon.

Bearded Theory Festival (Catton Hall, Derbyshire, May 25-28) has announced their first set of acts which includes Primal Scream, Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly, Gary Numan, Echo and the Bunnymen and more.

Black Deer Festival (Eridge Park, Kent, June 16-18) have announced Bonnie Raitt will appear as a UK festival exclusive, while also confirmed are Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats’, The Teskey Brothers, Lucinda Williams, Calexico & Allison Russell.

Reading and Leeds festivals have announced Sam Fender, The Killers and Billie Eilish  Foals, Lewis Capaldi and Imagine Dragons will all appear at next year’s event on August 25-27.

Fairport Convention’s annual Cropredy festival will take place in Banbury between August 10-12. Artists appearing include 10CC, Fisherman’s Friends, Toyah & Roert Fripp, Richard Digance, Beans On Toast, Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri, Solstice, Morganway, the Young’Uns, Merry Hell, Wilson & Wakeman, Gilbert O’Sullivan and a farewell UK performance from the Strawbs.

Over in the USA, Sick New World festival will debut at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 13 with headliners System Of A Down joined by Korn and Deftones.

Elton John will play the final date of his farewell tour at next year’s Glastonbury.

John 5 has cancelled his Australian dates due to take place this month.

Aerosmith have cancelled their remaining Las Vegas shows due to Steve Tyler’s illness.

Jimmy Barnes has announced he won’t be touring for several months as he recovers from surgery.

Coney Hatch have pulled out of their upcoming January UK tour supporting British Lion.

Nightwish have postponed their Asian tour as singer Floor Jansen undergoes further cancer treatment.

Other Stuff

The BBC have reportedly axed the ‘Top of the Pops Christmas Special’ which had been running for 57 years.

A new book about Alice Cooper, ‘Alice Cooper @ 75′, will be published by Motorbooks on January 31.

Sam Wood (Wayward Sons) is the new guitarist with Black Star Riders.

U.D.O. have parted ways with bassist Tilen Hudrap.

Bassist Sid Ringsby has left Jorn Lande’s band to join TNT for their 2023 tour.

Dyan is the new vocalist in Bonfire, who are currently re-recording their first three studio albums for an upcoming book and documentary on the band.

Ashley Edison is the new Tigertailz vocalist.

Ronnie Simmons (Richie Ramone, Faster Pussycat) is the new guitarist in Rose Tattoo replacing Bob Spencer.

Epic Games have announced the servers for some of their games, including Rock Band, will be turned off from the end of January and users will no longer be able to play the game.

BMG has acquired rights in relation to the catalogue of guitarist Peter Frampton, covering his solo material and work with artists including George Harrison, BB King, Buddy Guy, Carly Simon, Harry Nilsson, Donovan, Ringo Starr, Herb Alpert, Dionne Warwick, Steve Miller and more.

News - RIP

Geoff Wonfer, director of ‘The Beatles Anthology’ documentary

Singer, songwriter and producer Jamie Freeman

Christine McVie, keyboard player, singer and songwriter with Fleetwood Mac.

Jet Black, drummer with The Stranglers

Former Landmarq singer Tracy Hutchings

Kim Simmonds, co-founder guitarist in Savoy Brown

Former Tubes bassist Rick Anderson

Terry Hall of the Specials

Martin Duffy, Felt and Primal Scream keyboards player

Larry Greene, vocalist with melodic rockers Fortune


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Feature: GRTR!@20 Anniversary – Progressive Rock – Primer

GRTR!@20 Anniversary - Progressive Rock - Primer

There has been a resurgence of interest in prog in the millennium.  Alan Jones chronicles some of the artists and bands who continue to fly the flag for the genre.  Warning: Steven Wilson looms large …

Back in the day, and the day was the late ’60s / early ’70s, progressive rock both emerged and evolved from the psychedelic tripperama of the mid-1960′s.

With a few exceptions it was an almost exclusively British phenomenon, in the vanguard of which were the likes of King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis and Camel.

Backed by a few record labels willing to take a punt (the likes of Vertigo, Harvest, Deram and Island/Chrysalis) these innovative bands with their weird time signatures and experimental song structures aligned to exceptional musicianship attracted large audiences eager to listen to real music – and repaid the labels’ faith in spades.

Of course, it only lasted until it was blown away in 1977 by the advent of punk rock – by which time much of progressive rock had sadly become bloated with its own self-importance and less relevant to all but the diehard proggers.

But some survived and even prospered once punk’s snot-rock revolution subsided into the blandness of the New Romantic ’80s.

Anathema

Fast forward to 2003 and the birth of Get Ready to ROCK!

A lot of the bands are still around, but mostly living on past glories and touring “Greatest Hits” packages.

Nothing wrong with that, we all love a bit of nostalgia, but it opened up opportunities for new bands to make their own mark on the genre.

What was different this time round was the fact that so many of the newbies came from the four corners of the world and especially the ‘New Europe’.

Although great new British prog bands emerged – the likes of Anathema (pictured), The Pineapple Thief, IQ, Panic Room, Big Big Train and Porcupine Tree – there came a phalanx of top-notch bands from Europe - RPWL and Sylvan from Germany, Airbag and Dim Gray (Norway), Katatonia and The Flower Kings (Sweden) and even Russia gave up Iamthemorning.

Further afield, top bands were popping up everywhere – from Chile (Aisles), India (Coshish), Lebanon (Dreaming Madmen) and Canada (the superb Mystery).

Pre-eminent in this influx however, are Polish band Riverside (pictured), whose debut album ‘Out Of Myself’ more or less coincided with the birth of GRTR!

It was obvious from the twelve minute opener ‘The Same River’ that here was a truly progressive band that was going to challenge the Brits’ iron grip on the genre.

And so it proved, with a series of top class albums that mixed metal with melancholia to stunning effect.

I thought they had reached their zenith on 2015′s ‘Love, Fear And The Time Machine’ and was as devastated as anybody when lead guitarist Piotr Grudzinski died suddenly at 41, a few months after touring the album.

Everybody thought that would be that, but the band picked themselves up a couple of years later to produce the glorious ‘Wasteland’ – a sublime progressive rock tour de force and a worthy tribute to Grudzinski.

But the Brits weren’t done yet…

MARILLION - Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 20 April 2018

Marillion
(pictured), despite forming in the death throes of punk, have continued to release albums of breathtaking quality and relevance – ‘Marbles’, ‘Somewhere Else’ and ‘Happiness Is The Road’ are all up there and more recent albums continue the success – ‘Sounds That Can’t Be Made’ (if you skip the hectoring opening track ‘Gaza’) is excellent as is ‘F.E.A.R.’ from 2016.

Much of this has been achieved with their innovative model of crowd-funding, which has freed them artistically from record company straitjackets.

There are two names, however, that almost define progressive rock in the 2000′s – ex-Genesis fretmeister Steve Hackett (pictured) and musical maven Steven Wilson.

Following his somewhat acrimonious breakup with Genesis, Hackett embarked on a stellar, if somewhat under the radar, solo career with a clutch of exceptional albums in the ’70s – ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’, ‘Please Don’t Touch’ and ‘Spectral Mornings’ should be in any fan of the genre’s collection.

Despite a rather fallow period in the ’80s and ’90s, he returned with a bang in 2003 with ‘To Watch The Storms’ and has continued into the 21st Century releasing albums of majestic quality, the finest being ‘The Night Siren’, ‘At The Edge Of Light’ and 2022′s masterstroke ‘Surrender Of Silence’.

Parallel to his album releases, he has also assumed the mantle of ‘Keeper Of The Flame’ with frequent touring of the Genesis back catalogue. These gigs have given Hackett an almost Messianic persona amongst the Genesis cognoscenti, and deservedly so – the gigs (and I’ve seen a few) are just sensational. Long may they continue.

Steven Wilson - London Royal Festival Hall, 4 March 2013

And so, finally, to Steven Wilson – surely the most significant figure in progressive rock in the 21st century.

From his formative years as the main man in Porcupine Tree, through Blackfield, No-Man, Storm Corrosion and a burgeoning solo career, Wilson has proved himself to be the leading light in both innovative musicianship and songwriting which, aligned with his acerbic world-view, puts  him ahead of the curve among his contemporaries.

Often over-hyped to the max by a fawning media, Wilson himself prefers to keep a low profile and let his music take centre stage.

Must-have albums from GRTR!’s lifetime include Porcupine Tree’s ‘In Absentia’, ‘Fear Of A Blank Planet’ and 2022′s renaissance ‘Closure/Continuation’, whilst solo essentials include ‘Grace For Drowning’, ‘The Raven That Refused To Sing’, ‘Hand.Cannot.Erase.’, ‘To The Bone’ and the sublime live effort ‘Home Invasion’ – plus any of the six Blackfield albums. Oh, and ‘Storm Corrosion’ with fellow musical genius Mikael Åkerfeldt.

In addition to all this (as if it weren’t enough) he has become the go-to man for any band requiring a decent re-master and has done stunning work on albums by Jethro Tull, King Crimson and even Black Sabbath – he just gets that little extra out of original masters that no-one else seems to manage.

When the complete story of progressive rock is finally written, Steven Wilson will loom large in the pantheon of greats – and deservedly so.

And as for prog to come, it certainly is in rude health at the moment – given there’s a whole plethora of great bands that I haven’t even mentioned – and with the whole world now getting involved, a bright future looks nailed on.

Here’s hoping…

Album highlights:

We start our trek through twenty years of prog with an appropriate nod to the golden age of the genre.  In 2003 Andy Tillison (The Tangent) co-opted Flower Kings’ Roine Stolt, Jonas Reingold and Zoltan Csorsz, and Van Der Graaf’s Dave Jackson.  As we wrote:  “The only thing missing from this package is a greatcoat and flared trousers…”

The selection runs the full gamut of millennium prog rallying with Norwegian melancholia merchants Dim Gray who seem perfectly attuned to the post-Covid age.

2002 PORCUPINE TREE In Absentia
2003 THE TANGENT The Music That Died Alone
2004 BLACKFIELD Blackfield
2005 RIVERSIDE  Second Life Syndrome
2006 SYLVAN Posthumous Silence
2007 BIG BIG TRAIN The Difference Machine
2008 PINEAPPLE THIEF  Tightly Unwound
2009 AIRBAG  Identity
2010 PANIC ROOM  Satellite
2011 AKIN The Way Things End
2012 KATATONIA  Dead End Kings
2013 MAGENTA  The Twenty Seven Club
2014 RPWL Wanted
2015 STEVEN WILSON  Hand. Cannot. Erase.
2016 KING CRIMSON Radical Action To Unseat The Hold of Monkey Mind (Live 2016)
2017 ANATHEMA The Optimist
2018 KINO  Radio Voltaire
2019 IAMTHEMORNING  The Bell
2020 LEGACY PILOTS Aviation
2021 STEVE HACKETT  Surrender Of Silence
2022 DIM GRAY  Firmament

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio has dedicated sequences for prog.  Mondays 19:00-22:00 GMT and Saturdays 13:00-18:00 GMT.  Alan Jones sequences ‘The Eclectic Mix’ on the first Sunday of the month (18:00 GMT).  Expect some prog!

More to explore:

The Primer

Still Rocking by David Randall

Eclectic by Jason Ritchie

Melodic Rock by Andy Nathan

Singer Songwriter by Pete Whalley

Metal by Brian McGowan

Blues/Blues Rock by Pete Feenstra


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig Review – STATUS QUO – SEC Armadillo, Glasgow – 26th November 2022

One sure sign of life getting back to normal post Covid is Status Quo rocking into the Christmas period with their festive concerts. Long a staple of the Winter touring schedule, Quo’s annual jaunt is much anticipated and as predicted the Glasgow date had the ‘Sold Out’ signs up not long after the dates were announced.

Speaking of all things festive, one main stay of any Christmas playlist is Shakin’ Stevens, so who better to open tonight’s proceedings. Shakey is now in his seventies, but vocally he is still on form, although he had a couple of backing singers in tow to pick up any slack.

His set contained many highlights, including a good cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ which went down well. It was the hits, however, that got the crowd up on its feet to dance along. Those of a certain age will have fond memories of ‘Green Door’, ‘Marie, Marie’, and ‘This Ole House’, but only one song could make the night.

Keeping the best until last, the jingle bells were broken out and Shakey kicked into ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’. The crowd took to their feet on mass and the Christmas spirit was alive and well in the Auditorium, all we needed was Mr Claus to nip in and all would be complete! However, we just had to do with a quick reprise as an encore before the Welsh Elvis left the stage. A fun start to the night.

As the lights dimmed the PA blasted out Quo’s intro music with snippets of hits of yesteryear and the band took to the stage with little fuss. Richie Malone now occupies the spot sadly vacated by the passing of Rick Parfitt and over the last few years he has proved himself more than worthy of his position stage right. As he cranked out the opening chords of ‘Caroline’ I am sure a few in the crowd raised a glass to absent friends…

Tonight, though, was all about the here and now and a celebration of being able to rock again after the last few years. Francis Rossi led the band through the first few numbers which included ‘Rain’ and ‘Softer Ride’, harking back to the days of the Frantic Four and nights at the Glasgow Apollo. Things were then brought more up to date (sort of) with ‘Beginning Of The End’ followed by ‘Hold You Back’ which had aging men jumping about enthusiastically, I was surprised no one put their back out!

Francis was on good form and laughed and joked with the crowd throughout. He has always had a great rapport with the Glasgow crowd and the banter flowed all evening.

The setlist this year threw up a few curveballs in the song selection front reflecting the bands latest compilation album ‘Quo’ing In’. ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll ‘n’ You’ was good to hear, but it was the inclusion of ‘Twenty Wild Horses’ that really surprised. One of my favourite Quo tracks of their later output, this forgotten gem was a joy to hear live.

Following that, we were back to the classics with the extended ‘What You’re Proposing’ medley which had many classic Quo tracks shoehorned in. ‘The Oriental’ is always a great track live and it gave drummer Leon Cave a chance to flex his double bass pedals to great effect. We were then transported way back with ‘In My Chair’, one for those who attended the Glasgow Apollo back when it was still Greens Playhouse!

Things were brought back to the present with a couple of tracks from the band’s last studio album ‘Backbone’ which was a real return to form. Following that we were on the homeward stretch, and it was classics all the way. ‘In The Army Now’ gave the crowd a chance to provide backing vocals where required, as did ‘Roll Over Lay Down’ with the familiar ‘Quo’ chant in the mid section.

The band then left Francis Rossi on his own as he played an extended intro for ‘Down, Down’ which brought the whole crowd to their feet to party like it was 1977! A blast through ‘Whatever You Want’ then led into Andy Bowen taking to the piano for ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’, complete with John ‘Rhino’ Edwards on bass encouraging the crowd to sing along, as if any encouragement was needed!

The guys then took their applause and left the stage but returned for a blistering version of ‘Burning Bridges’ with some highly amusing dancing in the crowd during the chorus.

It’s great to have Status Quo back out and touring once more and the set list tonight showed that they can still surprise when they want to. A top night with a band that never fail to deliver.

As Shakey said ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’!

Review and photos by Dave Wilson


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

Squeeze’s hit making days may be long behind them but the band have a remarkable longevity: as Chris Difford mentioned from the stage, he and Glenn Tilbrook have now been writing together for 50 years. However rather than being reduced to trotting out choice oldies on the ‘Rewind’ heritage pop circuit, they are still a significant draw in their own right with the Hammersmith show pretty well sold out, despite the fact there was another London date a few days later in their South East London heartland at the Indigo2. Judging from the average age it was an audience that has stick with them loyally from the early days.

Despite a well presented stage and lights show, there are no gimmicks to them, just songs and so after they bounded on stage to a ‘its time for Squeeze’ announcement, it was straight into that every first hit single ‘Take Me I’m Yours’ with a funky, almost danceable groove to it, sadly undermined by a muddy sound which fortunately righted itself in time for ‘Hourglass’, with the words tumbling out rat-a-tat fashion on a chorus with all seven band members singing.

SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

Proof of the quality of their catalogue came in the way an all time classic ‘story song’ in ‘Up the Junction’, faithfully rendered, was slipped in three songs in without fanfare. Sporting slicked back hair and a dapper three-piece suit, Glenn Tilbrook’s voice is virtually unchanged and still sounds remarkably youthful.

The advantage of a full length set is that while all the hits were there, they played far far more than that, and indeed mix the set up from tour to tour so fan favourites and deeper cuts can be played.

SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

On this occasion, these included soundtrack obscurity ‘What Have They Done’, ‘Cradle to the Grave’ (which I always associate with the dramatised memoirs of fellow Deptfordian Danny Baker),  and ‘Letting Go’, and some of them were significantly longer, more complex and less overtly commercial than the stuff I am familiar with as a more casual fan.

‘F-Hole’, another song where not just the songwriting but the Difford and Tilbrook vocal harmonising justified the Lennon- McCartney comparisons that are always made, then segued into ‘Labelled With Love’, with a bit of the chorus left to the crowd. With the passing of years, I enjoyed the countrified approach that so turned off this young fan of their earlier New Wave sounding stuff, with multi instrumentalist Melvin Duffy playing some very fine pedal steel, which indeed he did on several occasions during the set to give the sound an added dimension.

SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

Squeeze have always had a social conscience- I recall a local NHS choir joining them last time I saw them at the Albert Hall- and this time the title track of recent EP ‘Food for Thought’ had biting lyrics very relevant to recent Government failings and the current cost of living crisis, namechecking the Trussell Trust who were collecting food donations in the foyer. Stephen Large’s keyboard solo had an incongruously jaunty feel to it, but I guess that is in keeping with the bittersweet nature of so many of their songs.

They have never been a heavy band by any stretch of the imagination but the 1-2 of ‘Pulling Mussels from the Shell’ and a spiky ‘Is That Love’ were the most significantly rocky yet and got quite a few people at the front to their feet for the first time. Unfortunately during ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ (one of several songs where my first thought was ‘wow, I forgot about that one as well’) a ruckus broke out in a corner at the front among people old enough to know better with Glenn even having to briefly stop the song.

SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

At this stage the set was still mixing the familiar and less obvious, and ‘Someone Else’ with a rare dual Difford and Tilbrook vocal was followed by an impressive pair of oldies re-recorded for the EP in ‘Electric Trains‘ and ‘The Very First Dance’, the latter with some funky Level 42-esque eighties undertones.

Nevertheless ‘Goodbye Girl’, with an almost calypso feel, started a run of hit singles that got people to their feet even in the balcony, followed by ‘Tempted’ with Glenn singing some parts acapella, and ‘Another Nail From My Heart’, then Chris’s moment in the spotlight as he deadpanned his way through ‘Cool for Cats’, sounding a little faster and rawer than the original and climaxing with a ragtime style piano solo from Stephen.

SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

The keyboard player then got a synthesiser solo introducing the first encore of ‘Slap and Tickle’, never my favourite Squeeze song, and indeed the song closed with further synth work battling with an unusually ragged guitar solo from Glenn. They then closed with ‘Black Coffee In Bed’, showcasing what a fine white soul voice Glenn has, but dragged out by solo slots for each band member.

However that was a solitary indulgence as those songs- a remarkable 23 in a hour and 45 minute set – otherwise spoke for themselves. Truly one of Britain’s underappreciated national musical treasures.

SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

Review and Photos by Andy Nathan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

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Recent (last 30 days)


Quick plays: STAR CIRCUS, THE ROADS

Star Circus Separate Sides

STAR CIRCUS Seperate Sides  Diamond Formation Music [Release date 02.12.22]

Star Circus is the brainchild of Dave Winkler (Bordello Rose, Renegade Playboys, Trophies of Man). After a detour playing guitar and touring as a hired gun for acts such as Bow Wow Wow, Johnny Lima and Ryan Hamilton, in late 2019 the band materialised out of his passion to create an album focused around his own material. He enlisted Sophie Aurélia Young (bass), Jon Crampton (guitar) & Alex Makarov (drums) and Star Circus was born.

The band soon attracted a big name backer in Total Rock and Radio One Rock Show legendary producer, Tony Wilson. Not only Wilson’s backing and input, but the album features guest spots from the likes of Dan Stevens (Inglorious), Tom Draper (Carcass, Angel Witch), and backing vocals from Ben Christo (Sisters of Mercy, Ricky Warwick Band).

Dav Winkler is certainly a fan of Cheap Trick as ‘Love Is The Enemy’ is like prime time Cheap Trick with a KISS guitar solo. ‘Just Like A Movie’ with its infectious chorus is great fun to listen to and rightly released as a single ahead of the album’s release.

‘Circles’ is a top notch pop rocker and for this reviewer would have been a better album opener than ‘Save Your Life’, which somehow fails to entice. Shades of Squeeze and the Dowling Poole on ‘Wall Around Your Heart’, another piece of top quality pop rock confection.

Star Circus are onto a winner with this album and let us hope it proves a success so we can hear more from them. That classic 70s pop rock sound of Cheap Trick with a dose of power pop makes for a fine debut. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

THE ROADS - Simple Man

THE ROADS Simple Man Escape Music [Release date 18.11.22]

The Roads feature Gary Pihl (Boston/Sammy Hagar Band/Alliance) and Mick Devine (Seven/solo). The pair met via Mick’s son, drummer Josh (One Direction/Levara), with whom Gary Pihl worked on a song with for another Escape Music release. On this album they are joined by notable guest musicians including bassist Tracy Ferrie (Stryper/Boston), keyboards player Paul Taylor (Alice Cooper/Winger) and Styx’s Lawrence Gowan.

At times they remind me of Alliance, another band Gary Pihl was involved in, especially on ‘Avalanche’ and ‘How Long?’. The title track has a strong, storytelling lyric, whilst the ballad ‘Love So Strange’ is an album stand out.

Gary Pihl shows what a classy guitarist he is throughout the album and none more so than on ‘Love Lives In Promises’. The guitar sound has a classic 70s vibe, not unlike Boston which is no real surprise given his day job!

Neat little bit of AOR with a West Coast feel in parts. Quality music as you’d expect from the musicians involved and although by no means a ‘must have’, a pleasant enough listen and another chance to highlight what a vocal talent Mick Devine is. ***

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: TRIALS OF CATO – Gog Magog

TRIALS OF CATO - Gog Magog

Website [Release date 25.11.22]

Trials Of Cato have been building a healthy following alongside rave reviews from the likes of Mark Radcliffe and John Davis of Metropolois Studios, who has dubbed them ‘”the Sex Pistols of folk”. Will Addison left in 2020 with Polly Bolton (ex-the Magpies) on vocals, banjo and bouzouki, joining Robin Jones (vocals, banjo, bouzouki, percussion) and Tomos Williams (guitars, bass, keys, percussion).

The album takes its title from the mythical giant of the same name, with the instrumental title track showing off each of the band member’s musical prowess. ‘Kerhonkson Stomp’ does similar, being a jaunty instrumental led by some fine banjo and piano playing,

The addition of Polly Bolton gives songs like ‘Paper Plane’ and ‘Ring of Roses’ (based on the recent pandemic as opposed to the traditional nursery rhyme) an extra bit of sprakle. Her soothing vocals weave and intertwine nicely with those of Robin Jones.

On their take on the traditional song ‘Bedlam Boys’ they do cite the Steeleye Span version as an influence. Trials Of Cato give it a modern spin with special vocal effects and add their own mark on the song to stunning effect.

Also worthy of special mention is ‘When Black Shuck Roams’. Based on the fabled beast of Norfolk & Suffolk folklore (even the Darkness did a song on their debut album about said beast!), another song where the lead vocals of Robin Jones are backed beautifully by those of Polly Bolton.

Trials Of Cato ensure a strong year of folk music releases ends on a high. A band deserving of the plaudits they receive and there is much on this album to satisfy lovers of progressive bands like Jethro Tull. One of my personal top five folk albums of 2022. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

 

 

 


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: LEE AARON – Elevate

LEE AARON - Elevate

Metalville [Release date 25.11.22]

We’ve been impressed with the last few offerings from Canadian songstress (and one-time Metal Queen) Lee Aaron.  Over the past few years she’s been reasserting her role in female fronted hard rock. after going through a period of experimentation.  Basically going any which way the musical mood took her.

‘Radio On’ drew our approval and we found out that back in 2021 Lee was already readying the follow-up.

The first thing to say is that she is singing better than ever these days and pays some attention to lyrical content as much as the overall delivery.  This album really takes up from the previous.  It’s again rocky and retro.

‘Trouble Maker’ an early single is an obvious candidate for radio airplay or alternatively top down cruising down your favourite boulevard and it’s one of the strongest tracks along with ‘Spitfire Woman’ and the title track.

Away from the poster girl posturing of the 1980s Aaron’s albums do turn up tracks of depth and darkness as we demonstrated when putting together our interview special in 2021.

The new album lacks this aspect (‘Radio On’ being more rounded) and it’s mainly upbeat and a tad predictable.  But if you like Lee you will like this and it does come with attitude and conviction.  ***

Review by David Randall

Album review (Radio On, 2021 and interview)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : AUTOGRAPH – Beyond

Frontiers Records [Release date 18.11.22]

We all want to love this album because it’s Autograph. Even though they’re one-hit-wonders, and even though bassman Randy Rand is/was the only remaining original member.

(Rand took part in the recording sessions, but died before the album was released, RIP.)

It was well into this century before vocalist, Simon Daniels, guitarist, Jimi Bell and drummer Marc Wieland joined the band. Yet, that one hit, ‘Turn Up The Radio’, lives on in the minds and memories of all Melodic Rock lovers who remember the eighties – 1985 to be precise.

The lesson here of course is to forget 1985. This band is nothing like the Autograph we remember.

AOR/Melodic Rock of the era, whatever you want to call it, was never cerebral. The best stuff, the stuff that mattered, was emotionally urgent and immediate. The most human of sentiments formed the foundation that underpinned success.

With Beyond, there are too many tired lyrical ideas, too many wafer thin sentiments, and too many forgettable melodies to give the new material any real traction.

Only a few tracks stand out. The Beatlish ‘Heart Of Stone’; the contemporary sounding ‘Take Me Higher’, a mix of present day Def Leppard and Canadian alt rockers, Our Lady Peace. And thanks to some neat axework from Bell and a raspy, authoritative vocal from Daniels, ‘Everything’ just about avoids the drop.

In the end though, too much of the album sounds like a band trying to forge its own signature. **1/2

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: ROADHOUSE – 2000 Miles

Roadhouse - 2000 Miles

Dark Road Rekords [Release date 25.11.22]

‘2000 miles’ is a typical Roadhouse album featuring Gary Boner’s narrative driven songs straddling rock, blues, Americana and Southern Rock with subtle dynamics, over arching themes supported by Martin Cook’s redolent art work, and neat acoustic into electric arrangements topped by salient hooks.

In truth, a stronger production and a better lead vocal might have made it a contender for a first rate gothic film soundtrack, the kind that draws you in with a mixture of dark narratives, intricate band interplay and characters brought to life by contrasting vocals.

Anyone unfamiliar with the band might struggle to get beyond the opening brace of tracks on which vocalist guitarist and songwriter Gary Boner manfully delivers his excellent lyrics with a coarse vocal husk that is closer to Tom Waits than the grungy feel of the later Neil Young influenced anthem ‘The Crying Of The Wolf’.

I sometimes think he is a man born slightly out of time to be thematically cast in the slipstream of Barry McGuire enduring ‘Eve of Destruction’, though over the course of 3 decades his lyrics have made the most of what his noir filled imagination offers him.

You should persevere with this album as it is home to handful of excellent songs, most notably the slow building ‘Better Days’ – on which Gary’s rasp is supported sweetened by the full compliment of bv’s from Kelly Marie and Mandie G – while the two alternative versions of ’Believe’ gives the album welcome breathing space.

Special guest Robin Bibi evokes both George Harrison and Family’s Charlie Whitney with some delicious slide playing as Mandie phrases with great purpose.

The reprised version finds former band guitarist Danny Gwilym on sultry string bends which finds the perfect foil in Kelly Marie’s vocal flutter.

And sandwiched between the two is the quite magnificent ‘The Truth’ which finds Boner paired with Mandie G as the duo bring to life his cinematic noir filled lyrics: “A coffee that’s cold, and an engine that old, roads forgotten, we lived this dream before and that the truth. A grey morning light with vultures in flight, same old story.”

It sounds like a song that could fit the concluding part of a Cohen Brothers film with a gothic narrative feel, as evidenced by: “blood spilled out on the desert sand, headlights shines out on the broken land and nothing still matter.”

This song is what everything else on the album aims for in terms of a succinct arrangement, heartfelt lyrics and plaintive vocals.

It’s part of an album that grows by degrees and like a steady rolling river flows into the closing 8 minutes plus archetypal Roadhouse anthem ‘The Crying Of The Wolf’.

An acoustic into electric and buzz chord intro gives it a heavier grungy feel on which Boner delivers his best vocal, while Kelly makes the most of more excellent couplets leading into a climactic solo.

“I’m dressed in black again, Tides from the moon, Singing those hymns and then, I’ll be home real soon.”

It’s testament to Boner’s writing skills that after more than 3 decades in the saddle he still comes up with original songs imbued with his signature narratives and anthemic music.

‘2000 Miles’ is an almost world weary title, but it also suggests the band’s own subtext, that of perseverance in the face of adversity, with the loss of 3 members over the years, a lead guitarist forced off the road by ill health and Boner’s own health problems which would have seen off a lesser man.

In that context, his coarse growl is that of a man who continues to fight to shine the spotlight on his band and his own consistently good songs.

Even the near misses like ‘Resurrection Man’ have a certain grandeur which is in no small part due to Chris Walkers significant guitar work.

There are further guitar explorations on the smouldering ‘Death Of The Blues’ on a slow build featuring Mandie G’s expressive phrasing and anchored by Frank Dymore and Bill Hobley’s  hypnotic rhythm pattern. Boner’s unique narrative leads to a slide-led harmonized hook: “Ain’t no soul, no legacy, we have lost our history, we fail to choose, forgotten.”

There’s room too for a trip down to Mississippi for the historical imagery of ‘Steamboat Song’. It’s sung by Kelly Marie over an infectious rhythm track and a subtly rising guitar break that apparently finishes the track with a flourish, only to lead to an unexpected return to the chorus.

This is an album with much to digest. It’s the result of hard work, persistence and the kind of belief that brings substance to the songs and lends the two alternative tracks their title.

It’s an album well worth searching out, if only to confirm Gary Boner as a hugely underrated songwriter and his band Roadhouse one of the UK’s most consistent roots rock outfits.  ***½ 

Review by Pete Feenstra


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


EP review : RONNIE ATKINS – Symphomaniac

Frontiers Records [release date 18.11.22]

There is yet to be an “orchestral” album of rock songs that outdoes Wang Chung’s Orchesography, but this EP from Ronnie Atkins gets close.
In fairness, this is Symphonic Rock in all its bombastic splendour. The Wang Chung stuff stuck closer to classic orchestral arrangements.

It helps that the 4 songs chosen (taken from Atkins’ latest studio album released earlier this year) are made of solid, robust material, otherwise the orchestra and the choirs may just have overwhelmed the music.

Opener, ‘Rising Tide’, a pocket sized polemic, sets the scene. It has an electric and electrifying emotional charge, amplified by the massed voices of the Danish National Concert Choir.

‘Unsung Heroes’, a salute to the real heroes of the Covid years, and the powerful title track, ‘Make It Count’, massive pieces of composition and production are in the same mould. This is tough, heroic music, deserving of a big canvas, propelled by a tight mix of symphonic orchestration and choral punch.

They are songs with a message of course, and best of all might be the ballad, ‘Let Love Lead The Way’. Atkins sings with a religious intensity, backed up by spine tingling orchestration as the lyrics provide us with the answer we expected all along. ****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: THE CITY KIDS – Filth

Website [Release date 25.11.22]

The City Kids, according to their bio are “forged from Northern grit and Danish flair, a bunch of ragtag, rock n’ roll reprobates, part punk, part sleazy gutter-trash dirt.” They have released a rather good Motorhead covers EP plus three albums previously.

The City Kids are John JJ Watt (vocals, guitar), Dennis Post (guitar), Berty Burton (bass) and Dave Sanders (drums).

From the off ‘Filth’ gets the musical adrenalin going and you can see why they did Motorhead so well. Berty Burton’s bass is a rumbling beast that I am sure Lemmy would have approved off.

‘Self-Righteous’ recalls the Wildhearts in their earlier days, full of vim and vigour with a chorus that just won’t let you go. ‘Alone’ and ‘It Should Have Been Me’ are top notch, punk rock/pop bangers. The latter adds in a bit of piano to mix things up a bit.

‘Ghosts’ is another one with a sing-a-long chorus. Chances are the City Kids are an energetic live act as their songs are anthems made for an audience.

John JJ Watt has a world weary, gruffness to his singing which adds to the appeal of the band. ‘Yesterday’ and the title track being prime examples of this.

The City Kids are loud & raucous, with choruses big enough to land a whale. Turn it up and enjoy! ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: WALTER TROUT – Ride

Walter Trout - Ride

Provogue [Release date 19.08.22]

‘Ride’ is Walter Trout’s 30th album, and it’s testament to his impressive and honest song-writing skills that he avoids the trap of repeating what he’s done before.

This well crafted album barely wastes a word or a note, while his band’s intuitive accompaniment matches his own heartfelt commitment to songs that arguably lead him to a career high.

‘Ride’ is superbly produced by Eric Corne whose attention to detail allows the melodies, solos and hooks to sparkle, while Trout revels in a wide range of guitar tones flanked by intricate bv’s and harmonies which tease out a variety of emotional nuances.

He also explores different vocal attacks with some effortless phrasing that always aims to convey maximum meaning.

In that respect the opening ‘Ghosts’ sets the template for the album as a whole. The tough double-riff opening is counterweighted by expressive singing and reflective lyrics: “In my heart and in my mind, tear drops on the cheek, unforgiving and so unkind they begin to speak. You know it brings me down when I hear the words they say, No matter how hard I try, I just can’t chase those ghosts away.”

It’s a perfectly worked opener which rocks hard and is full of passion and emotion, the very elements that fuel several memorable moments here.

He quickly tops that with the surprisingly southern sounding lead single ‘Ride’, on which his blues harp replaces the familiar steam train honk. Teddy Andreadis’s expansive organ sweep and a Chuck Leavell style uplifting piano line leads us right an infectious train-time rhythm which flows mellifluously into the celebratory hook:

“I lived next to the raid road and I could hear the train go rolling by, it shook the house and it shook the bed and it would always make my spirits fly, And I was just a kid it would always make me high, I would dream about the day when I could jump aboard and ride.”

Unsurprisingly he offer a change of pace on the meditative ‘Follow You Back Home’, which like several songs here offers thoughtful couplets that would make even the most cynical listener smile: “Maybe I don’t feel enough , sometimes there’s nothing left inside, talking loud and acting tough with my bargain basement crowd.”

He’s equally good on the Gary Moore style cool slow blues of ‘Waiting For The Dawn’ which has real crossover appeal and may be the album highlight. Walter’s touch and tone is impeccable here, while his vocal is directly from the heart on a love song that drips with feel.

You could call ‘Ride’ an old school album with contemporary values as it is organic, hand-made music by the very best contemporary blues musicians.

There’s also a subtle balance at play as Trout explores diverse but musically related styles, while the sequencing facilitates the kind of flow that leads us into an unexpected gem like ‘This Fertile Soil’.

A Marie Trout co-write, it makes the most of a rolling piano and Walter’s lighter tone and what near the end sounds like a mandolin on a subtly crafted, perfectly arranged and beautifully sung Americana style number.

The difference between this album and everything he’s cut before is simply that while Walter’s post-op albums have all conveyed deep emotion and lyrical substance, on ‘Ride’ he’s found a broader musical landscape in which to express himself.

Listen for example, to the big toned sumptuous groove of ‘Better Days Ahead’ which adds the slightest touch of echo to his vocal to bring extra emotional impetus, while his coruscating solo resolves the growing tension.

The smouldering groove of ‘So Many Sad Goodbyes’ perfectly frames some poignant post covid lyrics, while he later reverts to type on a brace of rockers, tearing things up on the funky clavinet driven rocker ‘I Worry Too Much’, and the stonking ‘Leave It All Behind’.

The latter builds from a Keith Richard style opening riff and some beefy horns into an incendiary rocker on which his mid-number “c’mon c’mon” ad-lib could be interpreted as an exhortation to his band to squeeze just a little more from the track, though it barely needs it.

Everything on the album leads naturally into ‘Destiny’ the perfect book-ended love story and an apparent ode to his wife.

The mellow after hours feel combines whispered vocals, gentle brush strokes and an almost Philly soulful feel to conclude an inspired musically adventurous album.

In effect ‘Ride’ finishes in the manner he started, with the intention of penning a meaningful song with real feel while exploring a wider musical spectrum. The album succeeds in both aspects with plenty to spare, making for a 5 star ride (pun intended).  *****

Review by Pete Feenstra 

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Best of 2022


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Feature: Box sets for life, not just for Christmas – LOVE, EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER, MARILLION (2022)

We had it first with CDs in the 1980s and 90s, more recently with resurgent vinyl.  The big record labels want us to rebuy our past!  And in many cases there are re-releases of re-releases.  Why, oh why, can’t they get it right first time?

Frequently we are subjected to “new remasters” which suggests – rightly – that the original CD albums sounded crap and were poorly transcribed to digital, but to hook in the collector we are presented with unreleased material, Bluray content, memorabilia.  All makes for a “nice package” and lightens the wallet.

In this feature we signpost some releases this year worthy of your attention…

Reviewing in 2014, Pete Feenstra commented “Love’s influences sound even more derivative than ever before. Yet there’s no denying the way they blended those influences into the classic ‘Forever Changes’ album, before ‘Four Sail’ confirmed another step in Arthur Lee’s Hendrix influenced musical progression.

Back in 1966, Love made the most of their Byrds influenced jangling guitars, The Move, Beatles and Moody Blues inspired harmonies, Stones riffs, Zombies vocals and frequent Floyd influences.”

As Pete mentions, the band early punk inspired garage rock gave way to “chamber pop” and psychedelic art rock before morphing into Arthur Lee’s more direct rock format.

During 1966-1969 the band released several singles, collected here in their original picture sleeves including two exclusive to this set:  the promo only ‘Que Vida!/ Hey Joe’ and the never released ‘Always See Your Face/August.’  And, wait, they are “newly remastered” from the original reels!

Love - Expressions Tell Everything (Box set)

The impressive Expressions Tell Everything (New Land) box also includes a 64 page booklet by original guitarist Johnny Echols and 2 pull out promo postcards.  To make this endeavour all the more enticing this is billed as a limited edition one-time pressing.

This collection is fairly and squarely targeted at a key demographic, the 65 plus somethings with disposable cash who will remember Love in their late 1960s heyday.  ****

EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Singles (12 x 7" singles box set)

We reviewed another singles box, this time by Emerson Lake & Palmer (BMG) and opined “This box set will appeal to ELP die-hards and collectors who like a “nice item” to put on the shelf perhaps never to be played.  There is little duplication in the tracks and it does emphasise that the band were not all about pomp and prog excess.

Housed in their original picture sleeves and on coloured vinyl, with art cards, liner note booklet, and foreword by Carl Palmer, it makes for an attractive collectors’ package.” *****

MARILLION - Holidays In Eden (Deluxe Edition)

Making one or two reviewer best of lists this year is Marillion and Holidays In Eden the last but one of the EMI “definitive versions”.

We would caution that the 1991 album was issued in 1998 as a double CD and contains all the contemporaneous bonus tracks as well as a 24-bit master and extensive liner note.  That said, this latest “deluxe version” with all the trimmings (upgraded 48bit, 5.1 mix, live recordings, promo video, making of) is all you’ll ever need.  And it’s a great album.  *****

Of course, the box set can also be a painless introduction to a particuar genre, or artist.  Cherry Red are masters of the box set and one of their most recent releases is Wind Of Change, focusing on progressive rock in 1973.

All the major players are here such as Procol Harum, Yes and ELP but, as Brian McGowan says, ”They provide the glue that holds this collection together, but are often outshone by bands who weren’t favoured by fortune, but leave a lasting legacy nonetheless.” Lesser mortals who never made the A-List:  Kevin Ayers, Renaissance, Edgar Broughton, Rare Bird, Curved Air, Gong.  *****

The singer songwriter Harry Chapin who tragically died at the age of 39 is celebrated in the 9 albums-on-6-CD box set from Cherry Red, Story Book, The Elektra Albums, 1972-78

Brian McGowan: “Chapin had a sharply observational eye for the things that we can all relate to like love, joy, anger, sadness and hurt….socially aware songs and morality tales, with each album finding popularity with his huge fanbase.” *****

Steve Gibbons began playing in strip clubs and ended up touring with The Who, Little Feat and  Lynyrd Skynyrd amongst others whilst recording albums that still sound relevant today. As Brian McGowan notes Rollin’ – The Albums 1976-78 “catches the band on the rise in the seventies, moulding blues, country, pop and pub rock into one homogenous sound that began to resonate loudly in the UK.”  Lots of bonus tracks in this 5-CD collection from Cherry Red, many derived from John Peel radio sessions.  ****

BUBBLEROCK IS HERE TO STAY VOLUME 2 (3 CD set),

If not strictly a “box set” there have been many multi-disc releases this year.  To  demonstrate GRTR! eclecticism Brian reviewed one such in June: Bubblerock Is Here To Stay: Volume 2: The British Pop Explosion, 1970-73 (Cherry Red).

As he says: “In the world of sixties and seventies pop, the single was the king. And what the original Bubblerock compilation (2020) told us has been reinforced by Bubblerock Vol 2… that the era had something for everyone.”

Featured artists include Slade, The Sweet, Blue Mink, Christie, The Big Three, Marmalade, Gilbert O’Sullivan and The Tremeloes.  Some artists proved less durable or a novelty such as Lieutenant Pigeon’s ‘Mouldy Old Dough’ and The Pipkins’ ‘Gimme Dat Ding’.  *****

Brian McGowan and Joe Geesin (our resident vinyl junkie and reissue guru) highly rate the Cactus box set released in October by Cherry Red.  This contains 8 CDs and is sub-titled “The Atco Years” 1970-1972.  The 4 CDs of live material although previously released make this a comprehensive trawl through the band’s history.

They were a supergroup of sorts formed by two ex-Vanilla Fudge musicians, Carmen Appice on drums and Tim Bogert on bass and rounded out by revered guitarist Jim McCarty, ex of Buddy Miles Express and The Detroit Wheels.

More recently Cleopatra Records released the latest band iteration (Tightrope, 2021) featuring Carmine Appice and a new album is scheduled with guitarist Pat Travers.

Back in their heyday, Brian mentions the contemporary rock writer Bill De Young: “There was never anything ‘showbiz’ about them; the goal, both onstage and off, was to rock like there was no tomorrow.”  *****

SLADE - Alive, Slade In Flame (splatter vinyl)

One other aspect of the reissue world in 2022, there have been various vinyl re-boots.  So BMG reissue the two Dio-led Black Sabbath albums Heaven And Hell and Mob Rules with unreleased bonuses (also on CD).  ****

Coloured vinyl also makes an impact.  If that’s your bag, the splattered vinyl of SladeAlive/ Slade In Flame – (BMG) should fit the bill.  This sneaked out towards the end of 2021 but was only reviewed (by Joe Geesin) in 2022.  *****

Compilation by (newly remastered) David Randall


Feature: Christmas singles 2022

Feature: An Introduction to Christmas Rock Music (and playlist)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Book review: (Sonicbond Summary) – TOOL, CAPTAIN BEEFHEART, PINK FLOYD, VAN MORRISON, DONOVAN, BRIAN ENO (November 2022)

Sonicbond Publishing [Publication dates: July-November 2022]

On track ... Captain Beefheart (Book)

Here’s our now traditional end of year round up for Sonicbond titles which again in 2022 have come thick and fast.  The usual caveats apply: very rarely based on primary sources but mostly reverential and  fan-based guides to key albums and events.

In the On track… series Matt Karpe’s dissertation on prog metallers Tool is a welcome addition, highlighting their progress from the early 1990s and their magnum opus ‘Fear Inoculum’ in 2019.  Karpe also includes side-projects and a section on bands they have influenced including Karnivool and Mastodon.  Notwithstanding its  122 pages, concise and comprehensive.  ****

I have to say that I’ve never come across the punk rockers Rancid who in the 1990s were very much torchbearers for the genre.  Paul Matts emphasises that the band achieved significant commercial success whilst staying true to their calling. His survey includes live recordings and bootlegs.

In his opening chapter Matts sums up what might be the effect of these tomes: “…reigniting a flame I assumed had died out.”  ***1/2

Analyzing the music of Captain Beefheart is a challenge to any music scribe but it’s one that Opher Goodwin understakes with a certain amount of relish.  He dissects each track against the history of the band and provides a commendable introduction to a band he first saw performing in 1967.  The story is brought up to date with offshoots and solo projects whilst bootlegs and live recordings are also touched upon including those on the Ozit label who have done much to keep the Don Vliet flag flying.

As the author says “probably the weirdest band that ever existed, and possibly the best.”  ****

We are told John Fogerty was something of a rock revolutionary (in a recent Netflix documentary).  His band Creedence Clearwater Revival are chronicled by Tony Thompson.  Perhaps best known for their hit singles ‘Proud Mary’,  ‘Bad Moon Rising’ and ‘Up Around The Bend’ the band only existed for five years until 1972.  They melded rockabilly, southern rock and country blues.  ***1/2

One of the advantages of this series is that you get concise summaries and sometimes it is one of the only published works about the artist.  In other examples, such as Dominic Sanderson’s Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds there is an artist’s own biography to draw upon and provide background information.  However, the concise approach allows the newcomer to get a broad brush idea of an artist they might be interested in and of course there are signposts to the key works.  Sanderson also includes lyrical analysis.  ***1/2

On track ... Pink Floyd (book)

It is unlikely that we’ll get another studio album under the Pink Floyd moniker and Richard Butterworth brings the story right up to date with the single produced by Gilmour and Mason and inspired by events in Ukraine.  Butterworth rightly rates ‘The Division Bell’ which was their strongest and most accessible offering since ‘Dark Side’, but it would be another 20 years before their final offering ‘The Endless River”.

There are a few omissions.  Butterworth for example fails to mention the novelty of the flashing LED heartbeat early packaging of P-U-L-S-E which was both novel and engaging.  And he doesn’t include any solo works which would have made his book a more rounded and complete experience.  ***1/2

For eighties junkies two books chronicle bands who developed in that decade.  Andrew Darlington chronicles The Human League and the Sheffield electro scene including the spin-off Heaven 17.  The book reminded me that I may have bought the band’s classic album ‘Dare’  (1981) but, whatever, it was quickly divested.  Also getting (brief) mentions ABC and Cabaret Voltaire who were both at the vanguard of Sheffield electro pop in the 1980s.  ****

Paul Clark charts Tears For Fears, another eighties band who gradually moved out of that decade’s synth pop fuelled straitjacket and who reformed in 2004 and released ‘The Tipping Point’ in 2022, their first album since 2005. For completism the band’s solo stuff is also included along with compilations and  live projects.  ****

Decades ... Van Morrison in the 1970s

In the “Decades” series Peter Childs surveys Van Morrison in the 1970s.  The Irish singer songwriter released the legendary ‘Astral Weeks’ in 1968 and this is in fact Childs’ starting point.  Again he has been able to plunder the main published works on this artist, not least two volumes by Johnny Rogan.

The Decades series, whilst chronological, gives more background on the various albums but not track by track dissection although in some volumes (and of On track…) you do get a merged approach which is a little inconsistent.  The Van Morrison story charts his progress whilst living in the States and the influence of that country on his music.  ***

Many readers will think of Donovan in the 1960s and those excellent singles ‘The Hurdy Gurdy Man’ and ‘Barabajagal’ (with Jeff Beck).  He was a little like a lighter weight Marc Bolan who similarly started folky and went more electric.  In Donovan’s case he merely dabbled because as Jeff Fitzgerald’s book indicates he went more folky and lower key in the 1970s.  ***

For those who want some explanation and context for Brian Eno in the 1970s, Gary Parsons account should suffice.  From Eno’s early work with art rockers Roxy Music, Parsons shows how his music developed during this decade ultimately embracing ambient music and becoming a producer for artists such as David Bowie with whom he worked on several seventies albums.

You might describe Eno’s own work as “challenging” but he has long been regarded as a “boundary-pusher” using rock music as a platform for further exploration of musical psyche.  This was exemplified on his album ‘Music For Airports’ (1979).  ***1/2

All these books come with a section of illustrations, including album covers, video grabs and memorabilia.

More at www.sonicbondpublishing.com

Review by David Randall


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: WIND OF CHANGE – Progressive Sounds Of 1973 (4 CD Boxset)

Cherry Red [Release date: 25.11.22]

The logistics: Wind of Change comprises 4 CDs, 5 hours of music and 49 tracks.

No doubt many will look at compilations like this one and think you just cannot maintain the quality level over so much material. Well, WOC proves that you can. It’s not like they’ve compiled a bunch of B sides, or tracks that got left on the cutting room floor. This is the real deal, from Procol Harum’s majestic ‘Grand Hotel’ to Yes’s magnificent live version of ‘Starship Trooper’; from ELP’s off-the-page-grandiosity version of William Blake’s 18th century poem ‘Jerusalem’ to John Martyn’s funky ‘Dreams By The Sea’, taken from his Solid Air album, (voted by Q magazine into its top 100 albums of all time.)

1973 was the year, it seemed, that all the underground/progressive rock stars aligned. Yes, the terminology changed to “Progressive” Rock to make the genre sound user friendly and up to speed with fast moving times (This was the year of : The “Cod” War; IRA bombings in London; Two Colliery disasters, Lofthouse and Markham ; 1.6 million workers go on strike: Times they were a changing).

It’s not all big names. There’s a decent quota of bands and songs who should have been big but – and stop me if you’ve heard this one – were in the wrong place at the wrong time, got stiffed by the label/management, or got some such shitty hand dealt by fate. Kevin Ayers, Renaissance, Edgar Broughton, Rare Bird, Curved Air, Budgie, Gong and so on. Truly a rich vein of homegrown rock in a burgeoning genre of popular music.

Badger absolutely fitted that bill. Here was a band with a considerable pedigree. Formed by ex Yes keyboard man, Tony Kaye, and David Foster, who had worked with Jon Anderson, pre Yes. They were joined by Roy Dyke, ex Ashton, Gardner and Dyke, and by Brian Parrish, ex Parrish and Gurvitz, (which later evolved into Frampton’s Camel).

These were four first class musicians, with songwriting skill and a substantial track record.
The energetic, hard rocking ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ comes from the first of the band’s only two albums. Allmusic gave the album 4 out of 5 stars.

Standout track ‘Wind Of Change’ gave this 4 CD compilation its title, but unfortunately doesn’t appear here.

And that’s but one of the numerous bands spotlighted on this anthology.

And of course, many big names are here – Family, Traffic, ELO, Caravan, Manfred Mann’s Earthband (a great cover of Dylan’s ‘Father Of Day’), Hawkwind, Al Stewart, Camel, Pete Sinfield (with ‘Still’ featuring Greg Lake), and more.

They provide the glue that holds this collection together, but are often outshone by bands who weren’t favoured by fortune, but leave a lasting legacy nonetheless.

Paschal Byrne’s light touch digital remastering gives the tracks just enough of a shine for the here and now. *****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: JAMES OLIVER – Live In The USA

Pete Feenstra chatted to James Oliver for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio in November 2022.

James Oliver - Live In The USA

Bandcamp [Release date 05.10.22]

From the the exuberant count-in of ‘T Bone Shuffle’ to the rip roaring finish of ‘It Wasn’t Me’, James Oliver’s ‘Live In The USA’ finds the thrilling young Welsh guitarist releasing what is effectively more of a career document and celebratory party record than a musical step forward.

To be clear that’s in no way a criticism, but rather a rumination on the role of the album in these contemporary digital times.

In James hands it’s literally a diary of where he’s at both career wise and in this case geographically. He’s an incredibly gifted spontaneous guitar player  who makes the most of a once if a lifetime opportunity to play the late Danny Gatton’s iconic 1954 Gibson ES-295 and explore the related arc of rock and roll, r&b, rockabilly and the blues.

He thinks nothing of sudden tempo changes, drop-downs or different tonal influences often in the course of the same song!

Put simply, ‘Live in the USA’ is a celebration of all the facets that have enabled this extraordinary talent to make a name for himself during lockdown on Youtube (though he also paid his dues with a band called Glas – Welsh for blues),  to touring Europe and being invited over to the USA for his first tour.

And on the evidence of this album he’s grabbed the opportunity with both hands, by doing what he does normally which is to plug in, play,  rock the house and see where it takes him.

Such is his enthusiasm that what you hear is perhaps only half of what went down on the night, because in James’s book, what really went down is real, mistakes and all.

The fact this recording is from the desk unfortunately means that at times the crowd sounds muffled and far away, though there are moments when you can hear them erupt after an incendiary Oliver flurry. Such is the exhilarating energy of the power trio that they effortlessly thrill the American crowd, especially with Oliver’s dexterity and willingness to go to the edge.

He rocks out on a on the visceral ‘My Own Business’, and goes on to evoke the late Mick Green on ‘Don’t Lie To Me’.

I very much doubt the well heeled Connecticut afternoon crowd  schooled in showmanship and subtle paced set’s would ever have experienced something like this, perhaps the equivalent of first coming across Wilko in The Feelgood’s, complete with Mick Green style machine gun riffs.

Other than exchanging online clips, Oliver and his rhythm section hadn’t rehearsed or indeed met until the first gig, meaning they launched into this live recording without a safety net, but it’s self evidently the kind of environment in which Oliver thrives.

He’s at his best when he connects with the crowd and goes through his full repertoire of licks and tricks on an extended version of ‘Help Me‘. This includes squawked chicken effects, staccato bursts, a dynamic drop-down with a subsequent violent resolution, not to mention his improv style vocals.

On his second solo he digs deep for his twang sound which gave his debut album its name.

In fact when you listen to his similar live recording at Cardiff’s Earl Haig club (but with a different set list) you feel like you are in the presence of a guitar player capable of going in any direction and into any related genre, wherever the moment takes him.

The reason he is so comfortable recording live is down to his sense of adventure, his natural ability and his relentless approach to rocking the house.

He transforms ‘Sweet Little Angel’ into a talking guitar piece admirably anchored by his impressive rhythm section of Steve Peck on bass and Tommy Reed on drums, before he slips into tremolo overdrive on Arthur Smith’s ‘Guitar Boogie’ and tears into the Bo Diddley beat of ‘Who Do You Love’, as he shouts in mock surprise to his band; “that’s good.”

Remarkably the trio frequently find enough space to breath and settle into a transitory but substantive groove as the animated Welshman  delivers his unique exclamatory vocals over the kind of hi-energy and magical guitar playing that marks him out a special.

‘Live In The USA’ may be rough at the edges, but it’s intuitively mixed by Paul Riley who captures the spark of a great rock and roll party album with some memorable moments.

Above all it marks James Oliver’s successful American debut, the latest musical pit-stop of a career destined to take him on the up escalator on his own terms. ***½ 

Review by Pete Feenstra


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: THE BONESHAKERS – One Foot In The Groove

The Boneshakers - One Foot Into the Groove

Take It To The Bridge [Release date 30.09.22]

The Boneshakers ‘One Foot In The Groove’ is an intuitive old school album forged by Detroit funk and Memphis soul that taps right into the current soul renaissance that has permeated the American independent record industry.

Together with producer John Wooler, with whom they signed and originally worked with in 1997, the soulful ‘One Foot Into The Groove’ brings together 8 covers and a brace of rather good originals.

‘In truth’, the album takes its time to fully reveal itself while dipping into the past as well as uncovering some contemporary songs worthy of The Boneshakers treatment.

Julian Burdock’s exclamatory ‘I Am The Blues’ is a good example of contemporised blues with a memorable opening verse:

“I am the moan of suffering women, I am the groan of dying men,  I am the last one to start, But I’m the first one to begin.”

More significantly it provides the moment when Blues Hall Of Fame inductee  and vocalist Jenny Langer (last heard with Moonshine Society, and previously with Ron Holloway Band) explores her natural range and phrasing.

The interpretive nature of the album helps us savour the sum of its parts. The parts in this case are the cool rhythm section of bassist Nathan Brown and Sergio Gonzales on drums, the exuberant Texacali horns featuring Joe Sublett on sax and trumpeter Mark Pender, keyboard player Jon Gilutin,  Randy Jacobs wah-wah and tone friendly expressive guitar and the vibrant vocals of Jenny Langer.

They collectively uncover a patina of timeless soul related songs which on balance work better as part of a de facto album,  rather than individually downloaded tracks.

Listen for example, to the Was/Was/Dylan penned opener ‘Mr. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’, which nearly asks too much of Langer’s vocal, until producer Wooler cleverly fattens the sound with subtle bv’s leading to a potent hook.

The outro also leaves just enough room for two suggestive solo’s to draw the listener in.

Jenny Langer is far more relaxed on Sophie Baudry’s ‘Ice Cream & Cigarettes’ which evokes a Bill Withers feel. 

The choice of ‘Let’s Spend The Night Together’ as a single is a long shot, albeit the slide, pumping horns and beefy vocals do bring fresh impetus.

The previously mentioned ‘I Am The Blues’ would have been a better choice,  both in terms of originality and to offer an insight into the band’s ability.

The only real reservations about this album concerns the sequencing and the fact the band only give themselves two originals.

This is all the more vexing given the Randy Jacobs superb closer ‘Powerful Notions’. It could have been placed earlier in the album, even though it delivers a climactic finish and one that will doubtless have listeners reaching for the repeat button.

That said, it’s simply one of the best songs on the album and brings out the band’s true paying style. The double tracked vocals and fattened sound is far more organic than much of what has gone before.

It also provides everything a blues, funk and soul album aims for and only a perfunctory finish robs us of the full substance of a great groove.

The Randy Jacobs and Jenny Lang co-write ‘Big Leg Man’ offers a big clue as to the band’s name, as Langer attacks the lyrics with gusto, while Jacobs adds the requite edgy guitar squalls.

Perhaps the most ambitious cover here is the Donnie Fritts penned title track.  The Boneshakers transform the original intimate acoustic and organ arrangement into something more powerful, which is also given a brief Jacobs wah-wah break on a notable example of less is more.

If ‘Powerful Nations’ is a standout track, the best cover here is the Bernard Flower/Jenny Langer duet on William Bell’s Stax classic ‘ I Forgot To Be Your Lover’. Denuded of its original string arrangement, the focus here is on the visceral duet and the sonorous horns.

Everything gels together seamlessly at the 2 minute mark on the back of Randy’s uplifting guitar break. It’s a memorable moment when the band coalesces magnificently to send a shiver down your spine. Soulful moments are made of this. ****

Review by Pete Feenstra


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 26 April 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: BRICK BRISCOE – Found Footage

brothers metal berserkir

Facebook [Release date 20.04.26] Brick Briscoe, what a great discovery. Hands up who’s heard of him. One or two at the back yeah. So I’d never heard of him either, but I’m damned glad I’ve been hipped to him now. … Continue reading

Single review: BROTHERS OF METAL – Berserkir

brothers metal berserkir

AFM Records [release date: 02.12.22] With 3 vocalists, 3 guitarists, bass, drums and anvil (!), you’re bound to have a BIG sound. And the Swedish Power Metal band who brought us the highly successful Emblas Saga (2020), The Brothers of … Continue reading

Single review: ALL FOR METAL – Born In Valhalla

all for metal valhalla

AFM Records [Release date 02.12.22] The All For Metal warriors claim to have been “born in Valhalla”. We’re slightly sceptical so have referred this to a Fact Checking Website. We’ll let you know. Meantime the the band have released a … Continue reading

Gig review: THE KUT – The Six Six Bar, Cambridge, Sunday 20 November 2022

221120_kut1

It’s been quite the year for The Kut, with leading light Princess Maha having been awarded two song writing awards and latest album GRIT having hit the Number One spot in the rock charts. Rounding off 2022 in celebratory style … Continue reading

Album review: ROB MORATTI – Epical

Rob Moratti Epical

Frontiers [Release date: 09.12.22] Quite a line up Rob Moratti’s put together here. Tony (Blue Murder) Franklin, Joel (Whitesnake) Hoekstra, Pete (James Christian/ Robin McAuley) Alpenborg, Fredrik (Bloodbound) Bergh, with Steve (Tyketto/ Journey) Augeri on backing vocals. Moratti has been … Continue reading

Album review : EMMA WILSON – Wish Her Well

Emma Wilson - Wish Her Well

Pete Feenstra chatted to Emma Wilson for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, playing tracks from the album ‘Wish Her Well’.  First broadcast 4 December 2022. Self release [Release date 13.05.22] Emma Wilson’s ‘Wish Her Well’ is a ground breaking multi-genre … Continue reading

Album review: AMBERIAN DAWN – Take a Chance – A Metal Tribute to ABBA

AMBERIAN DAWN - Take a Chance - A Metal Tribute to ABBA

Napalm Records [Release date 02.12.22] Amberian Dawn go full on ABBA tribute mode on their latest album, after doing a sterling job of ABBA’s ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’ (which is also on here) on their previous album, ‘Looking … Continue reading

Album review : SCREAM MAKER – Bloodking

scream maker bloodking

Frontiers [release date 9.12.22] Third album from Polish Metal band, Scream Maker. Bloodking begins where 2016′s Backs Against The World left off. This is a band who’ve spent much of their pre and post pandemic time on tour (Europe and … Continue reading

Album review: LANDFALL – Elevate

landfall elevate

Frontiers [Release date 9.12.22] Much more assured second album from Landfall, the Brazilian band led by Eric Martin soundalike, Gui Oliver. And boy does it sound good, graced with melodic, tightly constructed songs, great playing, a lean, taut production, no … Continue reading

News: METALLICA, POWER WOLF, KHYMERA (December 2022)

Ace Frehley is finishing off his new album for a planned release in early 2023. The Balladmongrels is a new band featuring Dogs D’amour frontman Tyla J. Pallas and  singer songwriter Matty James Cassidy. Their debut album, ‘Trouble’, is set … Continue reading

Feature: GRTR!@20 Anniversary – Progressive Rock – Primer

GRTR!@20

There has been a resurgence of interest in prog in the millennium.  Alan Jones chronicles some of the artists and bands who continue to fly the flag for the genre.  Warning: Steven Wilson looms large … Back in the day, … Continue reading

Gig Review – STATUS QUO – SEC Armadillo, Glasgow – 26th November 2022

mini_SAM_8300

One sure sign of life getting back to normal post Covid is Status Quo rocking into the Christmas period with their festive concerts. Long a staple of the Winter touring schedule, Quo’s annual jaunt is much anticipated and as predicted … Continue reading

Gig review: SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

SQUEEZE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 19 November 2022

Squeeze’s hit making days may be long behind them but the band have a remarkable longevity: as Chris Difford mentioned from the stage, he and Glenn Tilbrook have now been writing together for 50 years. However rather than being reduced … Continue reading

Quick plays: STAR CIRCUS, THE ROADS

Star Circus Separate Sides

STAR CIRCUS Seperate Sides  Diamond Formation Music [Release date 02.12.22] Star Circus is the brainchild of Dave Winkler (Bordello Rose, Renegade Playboys, Trophies of Man). After a detour playing guitar and touring as a hired gun for acts such as … Continue reading

Album review: TRIALS OF CATO – Gog Magog

TRIALS OF CATO - Gog Magog

Website [Release date 25.11.22] Trials Of Cato have been building a healthy following alongside rave reviews from the likes of Mark Radcliffe and John Davis of Metropolois Studios, who has dubbed them ‘”the Sex Pistols of folk”. Will Addison left … Continue reading

Album review: LEE AARON – Elevate

LEE AARON - Elevate

Metalville [Release date 25.11.22] We’ve been impressed with the last few offerings from Canadian songstress (and one-time Metal Queen) Lee Aaron.  Over the past few years she’s been reasserting her role in female fronted hard rock. after going through a … Continue reading

Album review : AUTOGRAPH – Beyond

autograph beyond

Frontiers Records [Release date 18.11.22] We all want to love this album because it’s Autograph. Even though they’re one-hit-wonders, and even though bassman Randy Rand is/was the only remaining original member. (Rand took part in the recording sessions, but died … Continue reading

Album review: ROADHOUSE – 2000 Miles

Roadhouse 2000 Miles pic

Dark Road Rekords [Release date 25.11.22] ‘2000 miles’ is a typical Roadhouse album featuring Gary Boner’s narrative driven songs straddling rock, blues, Americana and Southern Rock with subtle dynamics, over arching themes supported by Martin Cook’s redolent art work, and … Continue reading

EP review : RONNIE ATKINS – Symphomaniac

ronnie atkins sympho

Frontiers Records [release date 18.11.22] There is yet to be an “orchestral” album of rock songs that outdoes Wang Chung’s Orchesography, but this EP from Ronnie Atkins gets close. In fairness, this is Symphonic Rock in all its bombastic splendour. … Continue reading

Album review: THE CITY KIDS – Filth

THE CITY KIDS - Filth

Website [Release date 25.11.22] The City Kids, according to their bio are “forged from Northern grit and Danish flair, a bunch of ragtag, rock n’ roll reprobates, part punk, part sleazy gutter-trash dirt.” They have released a rather good Motorhead covers … Continue reading

Album review: WALTER TROUT – Ride

Walter-Trout-Ride-150x150

Provogue [Release date 19.08.22] ‘Ride’ is Walter Trout’s 30th album, and it’s testament to his impressive and honest song-writing skills that he avoids the trap of repeating what he’s done before. This well crafted album barely wastes a word or … Continue reading

Feature: Box sets for life, not just for Christmas – LOVE, EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER, MARILLION (2022)

Love - Expressions Tell Everything (Box set)

We had it first with CDs in the 1980s and 90s, more recently with resurgent vinyl.  The big record labels want us to rebuy our past!  And in many cases there are re-releases of re-releases.  Why, oh why, can’t they … Continue reading

Book review: (Sonicbond Summary) – TOOL, CAPTAIN BEEFHEART, PINK FLOYD, VAN MORRISON, DONOVAN, BRIAN ENO (November 2022)

On track ... Pink Floyd (book)

Sonicbond Publishing [Publication dates: July-November 2022] Here’s our now traditional end of year round up for Sonicbond titles which again in 2022 have come thick and fast.  The usual caveats apply: very rarely based on primary sources but mostly reverential … Continue reading

Album review: WIND OF CHANGE – Progressive Sounds Of 1973 (4 CD Boxset)

WIND-OF-CHANGE-COVER-LRG-min

Cherry Red [Release date: 25.11.22] The logistics: Wind of Change comprises 4 CDs, 5 hours of music and 49 tracks. No doubt many will look at compilations like this one and think you just cannot maintain the quality level over … Continue reading

Album review: JAMES OLIVER – Live In The USA

James Oliver - Live In The USA

Pete Feenstra chatted to James Oliver for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio in November 2022. Bandcamp [Release date 05.10.22] From the the exuberant count-in of ‘T Bone Shuffle’ to the rip roaring finish of ‘It Wasn’t Me’, James Oliver’s ‘Live … Continue reading

Album review: THE BONESHAKERS – One Foot In The Groove

The Boneshakers - One Foot Into the Groove

Take It To The Bridge [Release date 30.09.22] The Boneshakers ‘One Foot In The Groove’ is an intuitive old school album forged by Detroit funk and Memphis soul that taps right into the current soul renaissance that has permeated the … Continue reading