Album review: EDDIE 9V – Little Black Flies

Eddie 9V - Little Black Flies

Ruf Records [Release date 28.05.21]

The explosive Eddie 9 Volt (real name Brooks Mason), is a man on a mission. He’s the personification of a post Covid cathartic release.

After all, what is there left to do after a year of inactivity, but to just plug in and play and let that pent up energy explode in the studio

That said, you also need good songs and he delivers 9 of them, plus 3 covers that fit his blue collar blues.

Ruf records have a reputation for signing up young talent, but also occasionally artists with their own USP, such as The Imperial Crowns, Victor Wainwright and Si Cranstoun.

Eddie is a worthy addition to the label’s roster, as he digs deep for feel, while his drink fuelled ‘live in the studio’ session leads to some heartfelt barn burners,

He happily evokes echoes of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, eschewing effects pedals and just blazing away from the wood.

He could have called this album ‘No Gimmicks’, but that would be too overlook his soulful antecedents, built on deep grooves, flanked by judicious horns and ignited by Eddie’s own guitar driven urgency.

He’s a restless soul, well suited to the concept of a blues party. He’s a distant musical relative of the ‘plug in and play’ approach of Hound Dog Taylor.

Just like his stage name suggests, he’s is durable, consistent and a no frills, gritty performer in search of authenticity. He probably worries about nothing more than occasional mic placements before exploring our collective musical past for something new and fresh.

From the loose count-in and opening rap of the title track you know that this is an album dominated by a larger than life personality, backed by great playing and THAT voice.

The title track echoes Dylan, but Eddie 9V take sit to new horizons with an unexpected noir-filled narrative. He sings it with an almost cartoon like vocal that hovers above a locked in soulful groove, built on a sumptuous bass as part of a layered sound.

It’s a cinematic opening that in any other hands might be hard to follow. Not so Eddie, as he revels in a loose one-shot deal, by shouting out: “Hey we’re rolling, here we go,” before levering us into the slide-driven ‘She Got Some Money’, predicted on Brandon Boone’s thumping bass.

He keeps up the relentless pace with the guitar and harp driven shuffle of ‘Dog Me Around’.  The incendiary minimalist approach occasionally evokes George Thorogood, but Eddie 9V offers more than mere bluster and a handful of licks, he seems to inhabit the life style he sings about.

He almost stays faithful to Albert King’s Travellin’ Man’, except for the vocal squalls and intense piercing guitar tone, offset by lashing of Chad Mason’s organ.

The lyrically enquiring ‘3am in Chicago’, opens with an almost meditative mood and is joined by harmony vocalist Mandi Strachota, before he tells is he’s: “Bound and determined to find meaning within’.

On the outstanding love song ‘Reach Into Your Heart’, he teeters on the edge of an emotional precipice before launching himself into a deep soulful groove that chugs like a contented train wagon, as a combination of intricately woven guitar and harp are glued together by a smooth Hammond.

Once again it’s his impassioned vocal that gives the track its emotional and visceral impact.

The grooves become funkier on ‘Miss James’ and the lascivious ‘Puttin’ The Kids To Bed’, either side of getting low-down on a John Lee Hooker style ‘Back On My Feet’.

It’s on the slow blues of ‘Columbus Zoo Blues’ that he really impresses. He turns a mundane blues on its head with a mix of surreal lyrics, intricate guitar and fine band interplay, as he raps manically, telling us: “I’m gonna bust out of this zoo.”

In fact it’s something he threatens all the way through the album. And having resolved his own inner demons at the zoo, he adds an extra celebratory Jimmy Reed bonus, breathing fresh life into ‘You Don’t Have To Go’, helped immeasurably by Jackson Allen’s lung busting harp, which is curiously deep in the mix.

The after hours jam feel serves to illuminate what’s gone before.

Eddie 9V and his band have done all the hard work, and now they can relax. They do so with a final exhilarating burst of unfettered high-energy blues on which Eddie metaphorically lives up to his dependable 9V moniker.

He has the durability to power a suitably retro transistor radio, but also the spark to ignite an unforgettable contemporary blues party. *****

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.

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Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: JAGGED EDGE – Fuel For Your Soul / Trouble (Remasters w/bonus tracks)

JAGGED EDGE - Fuel For Your Soul / Trouble (Remasters w/bonus tracks)

Bad Reputation [Release date 30.07.21]

A cracking little package: 2 CDs remastered and laden with bonus material, from Eighties’ hard rock band, Jagged Edge, brought to us by French label, Bad Reputation.

The band, formed by guitarist Myke Gray in the early eighties, initially stumbled through more line up changes than any team managed by Pep Guardiola. By 1989 they had settled on vocalist Matti (Bam Bam Boys) Alfonzetti, Andy (Tokyo Blade/Shogun) Robins on bass and drummer, Fabio Del Rio.

The band’s first significant studio recordings, Trouble (EP), and the full length Fuel For The Soul, are featured here, with ten bonus tracks across the 2 CDs. Both were released in 1990.

The extended version (from 5 to 13 tracks, inc 4 live) of Trouble wins hands down. It’s a gutsy, relatively unpolished tilt at US style hard rock. The title track and ‘You Don’t Love Me’ (which is so good they used it twice, a version appears on Fuel…) are honest, carefully crafted rock songs, written and delivered with passion and flair.

Of the bonus stuff … B-sides and Live tracks … a rare showing of ‘Life In The Fast Lane’ (live Eagles’ cover) and the chunky rock charms of the slightly underpowered ‘Rock The Nation’ are the picks.  ***1/2

In aiming to replicate what was now the corporate rock sound of US AOR, the tailored Fuel For The Soul sometimes slipped over the edge into a world of lowest common denominator.

It was unwisely ambitious, aiming at too many targets. Only the balladic title track, the slow burning ‘Liar’ and ‘You Don’t Love Me’ have the kind of heart and soul that were the prerequisites of chart aimed rock. Other tracks are too full of the breathless sentimentality that marred the genre. By 1990, AOR had almost become a parody of itself.

Still, this expanded version finishes with two classy bonus tracks that for some reason missed the original cut. And of these, ‘Money Talking’ is the standout, a fun, lightly shaded blues rock song. It had the chorus and the airless momentum needed to break through. But didn’t get the opportunity, until 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)


Upcoming: New releases (CD/DVD) July 2021 – September 2021

Compiled by Jason Ritchie

January-March 2021

April-June 2021

October-December 2021

Bernie Marsden - Kings

July

2nd

AT THE GATES ‘The Nightmare Of Being’ Century Media

JIMMY BARNES ‘Flesh & Blood’ Bloodline Records

RICHARD MARX ‘Stories To Tell: Greatest Hits And More’ (2CD inc. demos & rarities) BMG

PLATFORMS S/T MelodicRock Classics

QUEEN ‘Greatest Hits’ EMI (40th anniversary edition on cassettes & CD)

THE QUIREBOYS ‘A Bit of What You Fancy Anniversary Edition’ Off Yer Rocka Recordings

STEVE WHITEMAN (KIX) ‘You’re Welcome’

9th

CHICAGO ‘Chicago Live At Carnegie Hall’ (19CD set 50th anniversary edition)

FROST* ‘Milliontown’, ‘Experiments In Mass Appeal’ (vinyl) InsideOut

HARDLINE ‘Heart, Mind & Soul’ Frontiers

TOBY HITCHCOCK ‘Changes’ Frontiers

L.A. GUNS ‘Cocked and Locked Live’

Laurenne/Louhimo ‘The Reckoning’ Frontiers

MURRAY McLAUCHLIN ‘Hourglass’

MUSE ‘Origin Of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX’ Warner Records (vinyl only)

POWER WOLF ‘Call of the Wild’ Napalm Records

THE ROLLING STONES ‘A BIGGER BANG LIVE ON COPACABANA BEACH’

SAGA ‘In Transit(Live)’, ‘Worlds Apart’ (re-issues) earMUSIC

THE WALLFLOWERS ‘Exit Wounds’

16th

Armored Saint ‘Symbol Of Salvation Live’

BARENAKED LADIES ’Detour de Force’

BIG CITY ‘Testify’ Frontiers

CHICAGO ‘Chicago at Carnegie Hall’ (expanded anniversary reissue)

Coloursøund II (feautres MIKE PETERS & BILLY DUFFY)

DEEP PURPLE ‘Live At Montreux 2011′ (DVD/2CD) Eagle Rock

DIRTY HEADS ‘Best Of’ Better Noise Music

FOGHAT ’8 Days On The Raod’ Foghat Records

HEAVEN & EARTH ‘V’ Frontiers

Life By Night S/T Escape Music

JOHN MAYER ‘Sob Rock’

RESURRECTION KINGS ‘Skygazer’ Frontiers

Tedeschi Trucks Band ‘Layla Revisited (Live at Lockn’)’ Fantasy

RIAN ‘Twenty-Three’ Frontiers

Strÿkenine S/T Pride & Joy Music

THOR ‘Alliance’

TIM S/T MelodicRock Classics

July 17 Record Store Day #2

Allman Brothers Band ‘The Final Note’ (2LP)

Bob Dylan ‘Jokerman/I And I’ (12″ Vinyl Remixes)

Crosby Stills Nash & Young ‘Deja Vu Alternates’ (LP)

The Cure ‘Wild Mood Swings’ (2LP Picture Disc)

Dee Gees ‘Hail Satin’ (Foo Fighters’ Bee Gees tribute!?)

Dio ‘God Hates Heavy Metal’ (12″ Picture Disc)

Dire Straits ‘Encores’ (LP)

Hall and Oates ‘Voices’ (LP)

Hawkwind ‘Greasy Truckers Party’ (2LP)

Jon Anderson ‘Olias Of Sunhillow’ (45th Anniversary Edition LP)

Judas Priest ‘Best Of’ (2LP)

Mr. Big ‘Lean Into It’ (LP)

Pearl Jam ‘Alive’ (12″ Vinyl and Cassette)

Queen + Adam Lambert and Freddie Mercury’ Live Around the World’ (Vinyl EP), ‘Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow’ (Pink 7″ Vinyl)

The Ramones ‘Live at the Wireless Capitol Theatre, Sydney, Australia, July 8, 1980′ (LP)

Rory Gallagher ‘Cleveland Calling Pt. 2′ (2LP)

Sammy Hagar and the Circle ‘Heavy Metal (Live’ (12″ Picture Disc)

The Sweet ‘Platinum Rare’ (2LP)

Tesla ‘Mechanical Resonance’ (LP)

23rd

LEE AARON ‘Radio On!’

JACKSON BROWNE ‘Downhill From Everywhere’

DAVID CROSBY ‘For Free’

HEAVY WATER ‘Red Brick City’ Silver Lining Music (features SAXON‘s Biff Byford and his son Seb)

HOOKERS & BLOW S/T Golden Robot Records

Yngwie Malmsteen ‘Parrabelum’ Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group

BERNIE MARSDEN ‘Kings’ Conquest Music

PAUL McARTNEY ‘McCartney III Imagined’

MORDRED ‘The Dark Parade’ M-Theory Audio

MR BIG ‘Lean Into It’ (30th anniversary edition)

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS ‘Tiny Music… Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop’ (deluxe reissue)

TANTRIC’ The Sum of All Things’

VARIOUS ‘The Official New Wave Of Classic Rock – Volume 1′ (2CD)

30th

BIG BIG TRAIN ‘Common Ground’

GEEZER BUTLER ‘Manipulations of the Mind – The Complete Collection’ BMG

Billie Eilish ‘Happier Than Ever’ Darkroom/Interscope

BRYAN FERRY ‘These Foolish Things’, ‘Another Time, Another Place’, ‘Let’s Stick Together’, ‘In Your Mind’, ‘The Bride Stripped Bare’, ‘Boys and Girls’ (vinyl reissues)

STEVE HOWE ‘Homebrew 7′ HoweSound

JAGGED EDGE ‘Trouble’ (EP), ‘Fuel For Your Soul’ (2CD re-issue) Bad Reputation

NITRATE ‘Renegade’ AOR Heaven

PAPA ROACH New Noise Records

ANDY PARTRIDGE (XTC) ‘My Failed Songwriting Career’ House Records (EP)

AXEL RUDI PELL ‘Diamonds Unlocked II’ (covers) SPV/Steamhammer

PRINCE ‘Welcome 2 America’ Legacy

SEETHER ‘Wasteland – The Purgatory EP’ Fantasy Records

DEE SNIDER ‘Leave A Scar’ Napalm Records

.38 SPECIAL ‘Wild-Eyed Southern Boys’, ‘Special Forces’ (pink vinyl re-issues) Snakefarm Records

THIN LIZZY ‘Greatest Hits’ (vinyl) UMC

YES ‘The Symphonic Music Of Yes’ (re-issue) Voiceprint Records

31st

PORCUPINE TREE ‘House Of Blues, Los Angeles 2003′ (2LP)

August

6th

ALIRIO ‘All Things Must Pass’ Frontiers

BLOOD RED SAINTS ‘Undisputed’ Frontiers

CIRCUS OF ROCK ‘Come One, Come All’ Frontiers

CRUZH ‘Tropical Thunder’ Frontiers

CARA DILLON & SETH LAKEMAN ‘Live at Cooper Hall’

ELLEN FOLEY ‘Fighting Words’

COLIN HSAY ‘I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself’

THE KILLERS ‘Pressure Machine’

BRIAN MAY ‘Back To The Light’ (re-issue) EMI

MAYANK S/T Frontiers

NIGHT RANGER ‘ATBPO’ Frontiers

TROY REDFERN ‘The Fire Cosmic!’ RED7 Records

SAGA ‘Heads Or Tails’, ‘Behaviour’ (re-issues) earMUSIC

SPEKTRA ‘Overload’ Frontiers

THE LESLIE WEST BAND/LESLIE WEST Five Originals’ (3CD), ‘Got Live’ (4CD) Voiceprint

KIM WILDE ‘Pop Don’t Stop: The Greatest Hits’ (5CD/2DVD, 2CD set)

13th

Joan Armatrading ‘Consequences’

BLACKTOP MOJO S/T

Sheryl Crow ‘Live From the Ryman and More’

Chris Farren ‘In So Many Words’ MelodicRock Classics

WILLIE NILE ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’

Jack Russell’s GREAT WHITE ‘Great Zeppelin II: A tribute to Led Zeppelin’ Cleopatra Records

Gypsy Lee Pistolero and Gypsy Pistoleros ‘The Mescalito Vampires’ Off Yer Rocka Records

PRESTIGE Massacre Records

TEN YEARS AFTER ‘Naturally Live (Deluxe Edition)’ Deko Entertainment

20th

JAKE BUGG ‘Saturday Night, Sunday Morning’ RCA

CARAVAN ‘Who Do We Think We Are?’ (37CD box set) Madfish Records

ERIC CLAPTON S/T (4CD/LP) UMC/Polydor

COLIN HAY ‘I Just Don’t Know Waht To Do With Myslef’ (covers album)

GEORGE LYNCH ‘Seamless’ Rat Pak Records

ORANGE GOBLIN ‘Healing Through Fire’ (2CD) Cherry Red Records

PRESTIGE ‘Reveal The Ravage’ Massacre Records

SODOM ‘Bombenhagel’ (EP) Steamhammer/SPV

Shaun Ryder ‘Visits from Future Technology’ SWRX Recordings

SWITCHFOOT ‘interrobang’ Fantasy Records

MARTHA WAINWRIGHT ‘Love Will Be Reborn’

27th

AZTEC CAMERA ‘Backwards And Forwards – The WEA Recordings 1984-1995′ (9CD box set) Cherry Red Records

Be-Bop Deluxe ‘Live! In The Air Age’ (16CD box set) Cherry Red Records

BLACK STONE CHERRY ‘The Human Condition’ (expanded edition) Mascot Records

DOUG BRONS ‘Pull’ Escape Music

COUNTERLINE ‘One’ Lions Pride Music

DANKO JONES ‘Power Trio’ AFM Records

Dirkschneider & The Old Gang ‘Arising’ (EP) AFM Records

ENEMY ‘Secen Inside’ ROAR

ENUFF Z’NUFF ‘Never Enuff – Rarities & Demos’ Cleopatra Records

EX DEO ‘The Thirteen Years Of Nero’ Napalm Records

ROBBEN FORD ‘Pure’ earMUSIC

DEAN FRIEDMAN ‘American Lullaby’

JINJER ‘Wallflowers’ Napalm Records

KISSIN’ DYNAMITE ‘Living in the Fastlane – The Best Of’ AFM Records

LEPROUS ‘Aphelion’ InsideOut Music

LIZZY BORDEN ‘Give ‘Em The Axe’, ‘Visual Lies’ Metal Blade Records (vinyl re-issues)

LYNCH MOB ‘The Elektra Years: 1990-92′ (2CD) Cherry Red Records

Tony MacAlpine ‘Equilibrium’

MAGMA ‘ESKÄHL 2020 Bordeaux – Toulouse – Perpignan’

NEAL MORSE BAND ‘Innocence & Danger’ Inside Out

HERMAN RAREBELL (ex-SCORPIONS) ‘Nip in the Bud’ Digital

Brian Setzer ‘Gotta Have The Rumble’ Surfdog Records

Toad the Wet Sprocket ‘Starting Now’

VADENBURG ‘The Complete ATCO Recordings 1982-2004′ (4CD set) Cherry Red Records

VINEGAR JOE ‘The Island Recordings 1972-73′ (3CD) Cherry Red Records

31st

THE BEATLES ‘The Beatles: Get Back’ (book)

September

1st

CASSIDY PARIS ‘Flirt’ (EP)

3rd

ANGELS & AIRWAVES ‘LIFEFORMS’ Rise Records

AURI ‘II – Those We Don’t Speak Of’ Nuclear Blast

ELECTRIC GUITARS ‘Freewheeler’ Mighty Music

RORY GALLAGHER ‘Rory Gallagher 50th Anniversary Edition’ UMC/UMe (box set)

KENTI HILL (PERFECT PLAN) ‘Vital’ (EP) Frontiers

IMAGINE DRAGONS ‘Mercury – Act 1′

IRON MAIDEN ‘Senjutsu’ EMI

NEKTAR ’2004 Live Tour’ (2CD) Cherry Red Records

NEW FOUND GLORY ‘Forever And Ever x Infinity…And Beyond!!!’ Hopeless Records

NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA ‘Aeromantic II’ Nuclear Blast

CLIVE NOLAN ‘Song of the Wildlands’

THE PETAL FALLS ‘All These Years’

PORTRAIT ‘At One With No One’ Metal Blade Records

GERRY RAFFERTY ‘Rest In Blue’

JAKOB SAMUEL (THE POODLES) ‘CoExist’

SLADE ‘Slayed?’ BMG (vinyl reissue)

THE WILDHEARTS ‘21st Century Love Songs’ Graphite Records

RONNIE WOOD ‘Mr. Luck – A Tribute to Jimmy Reed: Live at the Royal Albert Hall’

9th

LEE ABRAHAM ‘Only Human’ F2 Music

10th

ABORTED ‘ManiaCult’ Century Media

ANDREW W.K. ‘God Is Partying’ Napalm Records

ERIC BIBB ‘Dear America’ Mascot Provogue

CATS IN SPACE ‘Diamonds – The Best Of’

SAMANTHA FISH ‘Faster’ Rounder

GAMMA RAY ’30 Years Live Anniversary’ earMUSIC

GWAR ‘Scumdogs XXX Live’

STEVE HACKETT ‘Surrender Of Silence’ Inside Out

HAWKWIND ‘Somnia’ Cherry Red Records

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS ‘The Rain Just Follows Me’ Pure Noise Records

INGLORIOUS ‘Heroine’ Frontiers (covers album)

LOW ‘Hey What’ Sub Pop

MANIC STREET PREACHERS ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’ Columbia/Sony

MARILLION ‘Fugazi’ (3CD/Blu-ray/4LP deluxe reissues)

METALLICA ‘The Black Album Super Deluxe Box Set’ Rue Morgue Records

M.ILL.ION ‘Sane & Insanity’ AOR Heaven

NEWMAN ‘Into The Monster’s Playground’ AOR Heaven

PETER H. NILSSON ‘Sign Of Myself’ AOR Heaven

ANNETTE OLZEN ‘Strong’ Frontiers

ROBIN RED S/T Frontiers

SEVEN SPIRES ‘Gods Of Debauchery’ Frontiers

THE STRANGLERS ‘Dark Matters’

VEGA ‘Anarchy And Unity’ Frontiers

14th

‘Reinvention: Poem’ by RIK EMMETT (TRIUMPH)

‘Wembley Or Bust’ by JEFF LYNNE (Genesis Publications)

17th

BRAINSTORM ‘Wall Of Skulls’ AFM Records

CANDLEBOX ‘Wolves’ Pavement Entertainment

CARCASS ‘Torn Arteries’ Nuclear Blast

DON BROCO ‘Amazing Things’

DRAUGHTY ‘Dearly Beloved’

EDGE OF PARADISE ‘The Unknown’ Frontiers

GENESIS ‘The Last Domino?’ (4LP/2CD)

InterCore ‘Dreams For Sale’ Pride & Joy Music

LEAVE’S EYES ‘The Last Viking – Midsummer Edition’

ANETTE OLZON ‘Strong’ Frontiers

OZZY OSBOURNE ‘No More Tears’ (30th anniversary edtion – vinyl only) Sony

Planet Fatale ‘The Cycle Repeats’

RAGE ‘Resurrection Day’ SPV/Steamhammer

ROBIN RED Frontiers

ROBLEDO ‘Wanted Man’ Frontiers

KASIM SULTON ‘Kasim 2021′ Deko Entertainment

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR ‘The Blues Album’ KTBA Records

BONNIE TYLER ‘The East West Years 1995-1998′ (3CD Box Set) Cherry Red Records

VEGA ‘Anarchy And Unity’ Frontiers

21st

LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM S/T Reprise

24th

ANGELS & AIRWAVES ‘Lifeforms’ Rise

Barclay James Harvest ‘Time Honoured Ghosts’ Esoteric Recordings (deluxe re-issue)

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION ‘Black Country Communion’, ‘Black Country Communion 2′ Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group (vinyl)

BROTHERS IN ARMS S/T Deko Entertainment

JOHNNY CASH ‘Johnny Cash, At the Carousel Ballroom, April 24th, 1968′ BMG

DANNY DANZI ‘Tribulations’ Escape Music

DORO ‘Triumph And Agony Live’

JON GOMM ’Secrets Nobody Keeps’ Kscope (re-issue)

GRINDER BLUES ‘El Dos’ Metalville Records

HEADLESS ‘Square One’ M-Theory Audio

CHRIS HOLMES ‘Unbearable Influence’

MOSTLY AUTUMN ‘Graveyard Star’ Mostly Autumn Records

A Pale Horse Named Death ‘Infernum In Terra’ Steamhammer/SPV Records

PARADOX ‘Heresy II – End of a Legend’ AFM Records

Public Service Broadcasting ‘Bright Magic’ Play It Again Sam

SARAYA ‘When The Blackbird Sings’ Bad Reputation Records (re-issue)

SECOND REIGN ‘Gravity’ Massacre Records

SPIRIT ‘Sunrise & Salvation – The Mercury Era’ (8CD set) Cherry Red Records

RINGO STARR ‘Change The World’ (EP)

TREMONTI ‘Marching In Time’ Napalm Records

U.K.SUBS ‘Danger – The Chaos Tape’ Cherry Red Records

UNTO OTHERS ‘Strength’ Roadrunner Records

URIAH HEEP ‘Choices’ (6CDs) BMG

VANGELIS ‘Juno To Jupiter’ Decca

WICKED SMILE ‘Wait For The Night’

SAMI YAFFA (Michael Monroe, Hanoi Rocks) ‘The Innermost Journey to Your Outermost Mind’ Livewire/Cargo Records

30th

‘Beast: John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin’ by C.M. Kuskins (Hachette Books)

‘Rust in Peace: The Inside Story of the Megadeth Masterpiece’ by Dave Mustaine (paperback edition Hachette Books)

October

1st

ASKING ALEXANDRIA ‘See What’s On The Inside’ Better Noise Music

RONNIE ATKINS (PRETTY MAIDS) ’4 More Shots’ (EP) Frontiers

BLACK SABBATH ‘Technical Ecstasy’ (4CD, 5LP) BMG

DEAD MAN’S WHISKEY ‘Breakout’ (EP)

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS ‘Liberté’

ENSLAVED ‘Caravan To The Outer Worlds’ Nuclear Blast

KATATONIA ‘Mnemosynean’ Peaceville (rarities collection)

KK’S PRIEST (features KK DOWNING & TIM ‘Ripper’ OWENS) ‘Sermons of the Sinner’ Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records (delayed from August)

MINISTRY ‘Moral Hygiene’ Nuclear Blast

Karine Polwart ‘Still As Your Sleeping’ Hudson Records

RED SAND ‘The Sound of the Seventh Bell’ Unicorn Digital

SEETHER ‘Vicennial – 2 Decades of Seether’

THE SPECIALS ‘Protest Songs 1924–2012′

ROGER TAYLOR (QUEEN) ‘Outsider’

THE THE ‘The Comeback Special’ earMUSIC

VARIOUS ‘The Metallica Blacklist’ (features Elton John, Miley Cyrus, Ghost, Weezer, Sam Fender, Royal Blood, Biffy Clyro & more)

YES ‘The Quest’ InsideOut Music/Sony Music

NEIL YOUNG ‘Carnegie Hall 1970’

5th

‘The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music’ by DAVE GROHL (Simon & Schuster)

TERAMAZE ‘And The Beauty They Perceive’ Wells Music

8th

BAD HABIT ‘Autonomy’

CARAVAN ‘It´s None of Your Business’ Madfish Records

ECLIPSE ‘Wired’ Frontiers

MARK EDWARDS ‘Land of the living’ (deluxe edition) MelodicRock Classics

GUS G ‘Quantum Leap’ AFM Records

ROGER GLOVER (DEEP PURPLE) ‘Snapshot’ (re-issue with bonus tracks)

HOUSTON ‘IV’ Frontiers

LEVERAGE ‘Above The Beyond’ Frontiers

MANIMAL ‘Armageddon’ AFM Records

ANDY QUNTA ‘Legend in a loungeroom’ (deluxe edition) MelodicRock Classics

JEFF SCOTT SOTO ‘The Duets Collection Vol. 1′ Frontiers

STATION ‘Perspective’

TERAMAZE ‘And The Beauty They Perceive’ Wells Music

VARIOUS ‘The Best of Bond…James Bond’ (2CD)

WAYWARD SONS ‘Even Up The Score’ Frontiers

15th

THE AGONIST ‘Days Before The World Wept’ (EP) Napalm Records

ALCATRAZZ (featuring DOOGIE WHITE) ‘V’ Silver Lining Music

THE BEATLES ‘Let It Be’ Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe (deluxe reissue)

FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES ‘Sticky’

EVA CASSIDY ‘Live At Blues Alley’ (re-issue)

The Charlatans ‘A Head Full of Ideas’

COLDPLAY ‘Music Of The Spheres’ Atlantic

DAVID CROSBY ‘If I Could Only Remember My Name’ )remastered 50th-anniversary edition)

DEVOID ‘Lonley Eye Movement’ Frontiers

The Georgia Thunderbolts ‘Can We Get A Witness’ Mascot Record

GLASS HAMMER ‘Skallagrim – Into The Breach’

THE GRANDMASTER ‘Skywards’ Frontiers

RYAN HURD ‘Pelago’

JUDAS PRIEST ‘Reflections: 50 Heavy Metal Years Of Music’ (42 CD box set) Sony Music

LEVERAGE ‘Above The Beyond’ Frontiers

LORDS OF THE BLACK ‘Alchemy of Souls – Part II’ Frontiers

THE LUCID S/T Spoilerhead Records

Tom Morello ‘The Atlas Underground Fire’ Mom + Pop Music

DOUG PINNICK (KING’S X) ‘Joy Bomb’ Rat Pak Records

AL STEWART ‘Time Passages’ (3CD/DVD) Cherry Red Records

ANDY SUMMERS ‘Harmonics Of The Night’ Andy Summers Music/Cargo Records

TRIVIUM ‘In The Court Of The Dragon’ Roadrunner Records

PAUL WELLER ‘Days Of Speed’, ‘Illumination’ (first time on vinyl)

21st

Albert Bouchard ‘Imaginos II – Bombs Over Germany (minus zero and counting)’

22nd

ARMORED SAINT ‘Symbol Of Salvation Live’ Metal Blade Records

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION ‘BBCIV’ Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group (vinyl)

BURNING POINT ‘Arsonist Of The Soul’ AFM Records

NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS ‘B-Sides & Rarities’ (2CD/vinyl)

CRADLE OF FILTH ‘Existence Is Futile’ Nuclear Blast

DREAM THEATER ‘A View From the Op of the World’ Inside Out

DURAN DURAN ‘Future Past’

HEARTLAND ‘Into The Future’ Escape Music

ELTON JOHN ‘The Lockdown Sessions’

The Kentucky Headhunters ‘That’s a Fact Jack!’

DAN LUCAS ‘The Long Road’ Pride & Joy Music

MASSACRE ‘Resurgence’ Nuclear Blast

MY MORNING JACKET ‘The Waterfall II’ ATO Records

NESTOR ‘Kids In A Ghost Town’

OSUKARU ‘Starbound’ AOR Heaven

Premiata Forneria Marconi ‘I Dreamed Of Electric Sheep’ Inside Out

THE ROLLING STONES ‘Tattoo You’ Universal (deluxe re-issue)

SECOND REIGN ‘Gravity’ Masscare Records

SEPULTURA ‘Sepulnation: The Studio Albums 1998-2009′ BMG

SIX SILVER SONS ‘As Acorns Fall’ AOR Heaven

SIXX A.M. ‘Hits’ Better Noise Music

SLAYER ‘Show No Mercy’, ‘Haunting the Chapel’, ‘Live Undead’, ‘Hell Awaits’ (re-issues) Metal Blade Records

Supernova Plasmajets ‘Now Or Never’ Pride & Joy Music

U.D.O. ‘Game Over’ AFM Records

VADER ‘Blitzkrieg In Texas: Live 2005′

DONNIE VIE ‘The Donnie Vie Collection’ (6CD box set) USB

28th

‘Do You Feel Like I Do? – A Memoir’ by Peter Frampton (paperback edition Hachette Books)

29th

TORI AMOS ‘Ocean To Ocean’ Decca Records

BAD WOLVES ‘Dear Monsters’ Better Noise Music

BEAST IN BLACK ‘Dark Connection’ Nuclear Blast

BLACK VEIL BRIDES ‘The Phantom Tomorrow’ Sumerian Record (delayed from June 4)

JOE BONAMASA ‘Time Clocks’ Provogue Records

STAN BUSH ‘The Stan Bush Colletion’ (10CD box set)

JERRY CANTRELL ‘Brighten’

PETER CETERA ‘Love, Glory Honor and Heart: The Complete Full Moon and Warner Bros. Recordings (1981-1992)’

ELP ‘Out of This World: Live (1970-1997)’

MASTODON ‘Hushed and Grim’ Reprise Records

JONI MITCHELL ‘Archives Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968 to 1971)’

MOTORHEAD ‘Everything Louder Forever – The Very Best Of’

NEKTAR ‘The Other Side’ (CD/DVD reissue) Cherry Red Records

OVERKILL ‘The Atlantic Years 1986-1996′ (box set) BMG

PINK FLOYD ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason – Remixed & Updated’

PLUSH S/T

DAVID REECE ‘Blacklist Utopia’ El Puerto Records

R.E.M. ‘New Adventures in Hi-Fi’ (25th anniversary re-issue)

RUNNING WILD ‘Blood On Blood’ SPV/Steamhammer

RUNRIG ‘There Must Be A Place’ (DVD)

JOHN SLOMAN ‘Two Rivers’ Red Steel

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS ‘Book’ Idlewild Recordings (inc. 144 page book)

TRAGIK ‘Ultima Ratio’ Rock Company

WHITESNAKE ‘Restless Heart’ (reissue)

November

5th

ABBA ‘Voyage’

BILL BRUFORD’S EARTHWORKS ‘Stamping Ground’ Cherry Red Records

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE S/T Spinefarm Records

STEVE CONTE ‘Bronx Cheer’

CRAZY LIXX ‘Street Lethal’ Frontiers

FRANCIS DUNNERY ‘The Big Purple Castle’

FANS OF THE DARK S/T Frontiers

JETHRO TULL ‘Benefit’ (re-issue) PLG UK

MARTHA & THE MUFFINS ‘Marthology: In and Outtakes’

MEMORIA AVENUE S/T Frontiers

Nashville Pussy ‘Eaten Alive’ Slinging Pig Records

OCTARINE SKY ‘Close To Nearby’

ALAN PARSONS ‘The NeverEnding Show – Live In The Netherlands’ Frontiers

STEVE PERRY ‘The Season’ (EP)

JIM PETERIK & WORLD STAGE ‘Women Who Rock the World’ Frontiers

RADIOHEAD ‘KID AMNESIAE’ (‘KID A’ and ‘Amnesiac’ albums plus a rarities disc)

SANDSTONE ‘Epsilon Sky’ Limb Music

SEVENTH CRYSTAL ‘Live at NSL (Nordic Sound Lab)’ Frontiers

Alan Simon’s ‘Excalibur V – Move, Cry, Act, Clash!’

The Starlite Campbell Band ‘The Language of Curiosity’ Supertone Records

The Three Tremors ‘Guardians Of The Void’ Steel Cartel Records

9th

‘In My Life In Dire Straits: The Inside Story Of One Of The Biggest Bands In Rock History’ by John Illsey (Diversion Books)

12th

DAMON ALBARN ‘The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flow’

ERIC CLAPTON ‘The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions’

JEM DAVIS (FM) ‘Adventures In Pepperland’

ELECTRIC GUITARS ‘Freewheelers’ Mighty Music

ENUFF Z’NUFF ‘Enuff Z’Nuff’s Hardrock Nite’ Frontiers

DAVE GAHAN (DEPECHE MODE) ‘Imposter’

GOVT. MULE ‘Heavy Load Blues’ Fantasy

GROUNDBREAKER ‘Soul To Soul’ Frontiers

IDLES ‘Crawler’

INSANIA V ‘(PRAEPARATUS SUPERVIVET)’ Frontiers

L.A. GUNS (Lewis & Gunns version) ‘Chequered Past’ Frontiers

MORDRED ‘The Noise Years’ Cherry Red Records

MOUNTAIN ‘Live In The 70s’ (3CD) Voiceprint

NIRVANA ‘Nevermind’ (30th anniversary edition)

ROD STEWART ‘The Tears Of Hercules’ Warner/Rhino

UNLEASHED ‘No Sign Of Life’ Napalm Records

DAMIAN WILSON (ARENA) ‘Limehouse To Lechlade’

19th

BARNABUS SKY ‘Inspirations’ Pride & Joy Music

JAMES BLUNT ‘The Stars Beneath My Feet (2004–2021)’ Atlantic

THE DARKNESS ‘Motorheart’ Cooking Vinyl

The Eagles Of Death Metal ‘Eagles of Death Metal Presents A Boots Electric Christmas’ (EP)

ELBOW ‘Flying Dream No 1′ Polydor

EXODUS ‘Persona Non Grata’ Nuclear Blast

FireWölfe ‘Conquer All Fear’ Limb Music

GOVT. MULE ‘Heavy Load Blues’ Fantasy Records

HEART LINE ‘Back in the Game’ Pride & Joy Music

KING CRIMSON ‘Music Is Our Friend (Live in Washington and Albany, 2021)’ DGM

LITTLE CAESER ‘Redemption’ (reissue)

OBSCURA ‘A Valediction’

PINK FAIRIES ‘Duo’ Cherry Red Records

ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS ‘Raise The Roof’

RIVERSIDE ‘Best Of’ Inside Out

CARL SENTANCE ‘Electric Eye’ Drakkar Entertainment

SWALLOW THE SUN ‘Moonflowers’ Century Media

TEMPERANCE ‘Diamanti’ Napalm Records

WHEN RIVERS MEET ‘Saving Grace’ One Road Records

BRIAN WILSON ‘At My Piano’ Decca

25th

‘David Bowie All the Songs The Story Behind Every Track’ by Benoit Clerc (Black Dog & Leventhal)

‘Beaumonster: A Memoir’ by Jessie Dayton (Hachette Books)

‘Made in Hollywood: All Access with the Go-Go’s’ by Gina Shock (Black Dog & Leventhal)

26th

ASIA ‘The Official Live Bootlegs Volume 1 (10CD) BMG

MARK BAKER ‘The Future Still Ain´t What It Used To Be’ Melodicrock Classics

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY ‘Doom Crew Inc.’ eOne Music

BLACKBERRY SMOKE ‘Stoned’ (Rolling Stones covers)

DEEP PURPLE ‘Turning To Crime’ earMUSIC (covers album)

EDGE OF THE BLADE ‘Distant Shores’ AOR Heaven

PAUL GILBERT ‘Twas’ Mascot Records

HELMET ‘Live and Rare’ earMUSIC

HYPOCRISY ‘Worship’ Nuclear Blast

HOWARD JONES ‘At The BBC’ (box set) Cherry Red Records

LORDI ‘Lordiversity’ (seven studio albums – Skelectric Dinosaur, SuperFlyTrap, The Masterbeast From The Moon, Abusement Park, Humanimals, Abracadaver, Spooky Sextravaganza Spectacular)

BERNIE MARSDEN ‘CHESS’

TONY MITCHELL ‘Hot Endless Summer Nights’ AOR Heaven

MUD ‘The Albums 1975-1979′ (4CD) Cherry Red Records

PARADISE LOST ‘The Lost And The Painless’ Peaceville Records

The Pretty Things ‘Live at the BBC (6CD box set) Repertoire Records

RHAPSODY OF FIRE ‘Glory For Salvation’ AFM Records

MARK STEIN ‘There’s A Light’ Deko Entertainment

THE STRAWBS ‘The Broken Hearted Bride’ (re-issue) Cherry Red Records

THE TEA PARTY ‘Blood Moon Rising’

THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT ‘Covers & Rarities’

VARDIS ’100MPH @100 Club’ SPV/Steamhammer Records

VICTORY ‘Gods Of Tomorrow’ AFM Records

December

3rd

DEPECHE MODE ’101′ (documentray film re-issue)

DREAM THEATER ‘Lost Not Forgotten Archives: When Dream And Day Reunite (Live)’

JOHN LODGE ‘The Royal Affair and After’ (live album)

OF MICE & MEN ‘Echo’

SKID ROW ‘The Atlantic Years (1989-1995)’ (Vinyl EP Box Set)

DEVIN TOWNSEND ‘The Piuzzle’

TRAVIS ‘The Invisible Band’ (30th anniversary edition)

VOLBEAT ‘Servant Of The Mind’ Republic Records

PAUL WELLER ”An Orchestrated Songbook’

10th

AGARTHIC ‘The Inner Side’ Frontiers

BABYLON SHAKES ‘Vintage Soul Rock n Roll’ Blues Mountain Records

CAP OUTRUN ‘High On Deception’ Frontiers

HAWKWIND ‘Dust Of Time: An Anthology‘ (6Cd box set) Atomhenge/Cherry Red

Sharon Lazibyrd ‘Scrolling Back’

LAND OF GYPSIES S/T Frontiers

MERCURY X ‘Imprisioned’ Frontiers

THE MURDER OF MY SWEET ‘A Gentleman’s Legac’ Frontiers

ORPHANED LAND ’30 Years Of Oriental Metal’ (box set)

PERFECT PLAN ‘Live At Sharpener’s House’ Frontiers

MARC STORACE (KROKUS) ‘Live and Let Live’

WONDERWORLD ‘Live In Fire’

NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE ‘Barn’

ZELBO ‘In My Dreams’ Frontiers

17th

IRON FATE ‘Crimson Messiah’ Massacre Records

POWERWOLF ‘Blood Of The Saints (10th Anniversary Edition)’ Metal Blade Records

=========================================================================

2022

January

7th

DAVID BOWIE ‘Toy’

THE WOMBATS ‘Fix Yourself, Not the World’

14th

Elvis Costello and The Imposters ‘The Boy Named If’ EMI/Capitol Records

ELIMINATOR ‘Ancient Light’ Cherry Red Records

THE LUMINEERS ‘Brightside’

TONY MARTIN ‘Thorns’ Dark Star Records

SKILLET ‘Dominion’ Atlantic

TOUNDRA ‘Hex’ InsideOut Records

21st

ASHES OF ARES ‘Emperors And Fools’ ROAR! Rock Of Angels

BATTLE BEAST ‘Circle Of Doom’ Nuclear Blast

BILLY TALENT ‘Crisis Of Faith’

EDGE OF FOREVER ‘Seminole’ Frontiers

THE FALLEN STATE ‘Between Hope And Illusion’

GIANT ‘Shifting Time’ Frontiers

KISSIN’ DYNAMITE ‘Not The End of the Road’ Napalm Records

MAGNUM ‘The Monster Roars’ SPV/Steamhammer

SONATA ARCTICA ‘Acoustic Adventures – Volume One’ Nuclear Blast

TOKYO BLADE ‘Fury’ Dissonance Productions

28th

BIG BIG TRAIN ‘Welcome To The Planet’ English Electric Recordings

PAIL DRAPER (MANSUN) ‘Cult Leader Tactics’ KScope

EELS ‘Extreme Witchcraft

FASTER PUSSYCAT ‘Babylon – The Elektra Years 1987-1992′ (4CD box set) Cherry Red Records

ERIC GALES ‘Crown’

TBA

PRAYING MANTIS Frontiers

February

4th

MICHAEL ROMEO ‘War of the Worlds, Part II’ InsideOut Music

SAXON ‘Carpe Diem’ Silver Lining Music

11th

SCORPIONS ‘Rock Beliver’

SEA POWER ‘Everything Was Forever’

Slash with Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators ’4′ Gibson Records

FRANK TURNER ‘FTHC’

14th

FOXY SHAZAM ‘The Heart Beahead You’ EEEOOOAH Records

18th

DEGREED ‘Are You Ready?’ Frontiers

Girish & The Chronicles ‘Hail to the Heroes’ Frontiers

LIONVILLE ‘So Close To Heaven’ Frontiers

NIGHTRAGE ‘Abyss Rising’Despotz Records

Arjen Lucassen’s Star One ‘Revel In Time’ InsideOut Music

TEN ‘Here Be Monsters’ Frontiers

25th

DAYTIME TV ‘Nothing’s On But Everyone’s Watching’ Allotment

GUNS N ROSES ‘Hard Skool’ (EP)

SERIOUS BLACK ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ AFM Records

SOFT CELL ‘*Happiness Not Included’

TEARS FOR FEARS ‘Tipping Point’ Concord Records

March

4th

DAN REED NETWORK ‘Let’s Hear It For The King’ Drakkar Entertainment

SABATON ‘The War To End All Wars’, on March 4 via Nuclear Blast

STEREOPHONICS ‘Oochya!’

11th

BRYAN ADAMS ‘So Happy It Hurts’ BMG

Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper ‘Reaping The Whirlwind – Live British Steel Festival 2018′

18th

FEEDER ‘Torpedo’ Big Teeth Music

TBA

HARDCORE SUPERSTAR ‘Abrakadabra’ Golden Robot Records

June

PORCUPINE TREE ‘Closure/Continuation’ Music For Nations

*** 2022 TBA ****

ALTERED IMAGES

ANVIL

ARENA ‘The Theory Of Molecular Inheritance’ Verglas Music

D’Virgilio, Morse & Jennings ‘Troika’ InsideOut

HEKZ ‘Terra Nova’ (double concept album)

JETHRO TULL ‘The Zealot Gene’ Inside Out

KING’S X Golden Robot Records

LILLIAN AXE ‘From Womb To Tomb’ Global Rock Records

PINK CREAM 69 SPV/Steamhammer

DEREK SHERINAN (with SIMON PHILLIPS & MICHAEL SCHENKER)

SKID ROW (with new vocalist ZP Theart) earMUSIC

SHINEDOWN

THRESHOLD Nuclear Blast

TOUNDRA Inside Out

**** 2023 ****

TBA

BLACK STAR RIDERS Earache Records

In the works – no set date as yet

12.6 ‘The Barnum Effect’ Dennis Churchill Dries (White Sister) and Stan Cotey (Giraffe)

AEROSMITH

ALL THAT REMAINS

ALTER BRIDGE (recording due to start in Apr 2022)

AMMUNITION

IAN ANDERSON (JETHRO TULL)

ANGEL Cleopatra Records

ANTHRAX Nuclear Blast

ANVIL

ANY GIVEN SIN Mascot Records

APOCALYPTICA

Æther Realm Napalm Records

STEVE AUGERI (ex-JOURNEY/TYKETTO) ‘In The Moment’

AVA (features BILLY SHERWWOD) Golden Robot Records

AVANTASIA

AVENGED SEVENFOLD

BABYLON A.D.

SEB BACH

BAD COMPANY

ELLES BAILEY ‘Shining In The Half Light’

BATON ROGUE Frontiers

BEHEMOTH Nuclear Blast

BEYOND THE BLACK Nuclear Blast

DAVE BICKLER (ex-SURVIVOR) Deko Entertainment

BIG COUNTRY (covers album)

BIG COUNTRY

BITE THE BULLET Escape Music

BLACK SABBATH ‘Forbidden’ (re-issue – TONY IOMMI remastering it)

BLACK SWAN

BLIND GUARDIAN

BLONDIE

JOE BONAMASSA

GRAHAM BONNET BAND Frontiers

BRING ME THE HORIZON

BULLETBOYS (original line-up)

DEC BURKE ‘Life In Two Dimensions’ Gravity Dream Musi

GLEN BURTNICK

CAMEL

NICK CAVE ‘CARNAGE’

CHELSEA

CHICAGO Rhino Records

CHICKENFOOT

DESMOND CHILD & ROUGE

COLDSPELL

BRYAN COLE ‘Desire’ Indie

ALICE COOPER (to be recorded on the road)

JOHN CORABI (ex-MOTLEY CRUE, DEAD DAISIES)

COVERDALE/PAGE (30th anniversary reissue with newly recorded material)

CREDO

DAVID CROSBY

CRYPTA Napalm Records

DANGEROUS TOYS EMP Music

DANTE FOX

DARK ANGEL

DARE

DEADLY CIRCUS FIRE

DEF LEPPARD

DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA

DIAMOND HEAD

BRUCE DICKINSON

DIRTY THRILLS Frontiers

DOGS D’AMOR

DOKKEN

DOMAIN

DVNE Metal Blade Records

EASY ACTION

EDEN’S CURSE

EINHERJER Napalm Records

ELIXIR Dissonace Productions

ELVELLON Napalm Records

ENFORCED Century Media Records

THE ENID

ENTOMBED A.D.

ENVY OF NONE (Alex Lifeson & Andy Curran of Coney Hatch)

EQUILIBRIUM Nuclear Blast

EVERGREY Napalm Records

EXCITER

EXTREME

THE FACES

FAITH NO MORE

FILTER ‘Murica’ Golden Robot Records

FLEETWOOD MAC

LITA FORD

FOZZY ’2020′ Sony Music

HERMAN FRANK & DAVID REECE

ACE FREHLEY (studio album)

ACE FREHLEY ‘Origins Vol. 3′ (covers album)

PETER GABRIEL

JANET GARDNER (ex-VIXEN)

THE GATHERING

ROBIN GEORGE ‘Dangerous Daze Guest List’ (inc. unreleased material with JOHN WETTON)

GHOST

DAVE GILMOUR

GIUFRRIA Frontiers

LOU GRAMM

GRAND Frontiers

GREAT WHITE

GREAT WHITE (live DVD)

GREEN CARNATION ‘The Rise And Fall Of Mankind’

GYPSY ROSE

HALESTORM

ROB HALFORD (blues album)

HALL & OATES

THE HALO PROJECT Nuclear Blast

HANSON

HEART

HEAVY PETTIN’

THE HELLACOPTERS Nuclear Blast

THE HIVES

HOUSE OF SHAKIRA

HURRICANE

IMMORTAL Nuclear Blast

INTRONAUT Metal Blade Records

IT BITES

JOURNEY

JUDAS PRIEST

KAMELOT

KANDIA Frontiers

CHEZ KANE Frontiers

KELLY KEAGY (NIGHT RANGER)

NEIL KERNON

KILL SWITCH ENGAGE

KILLER DWARFS EMP

KING DIAMOND ‘Institute’ Metal Blade Records

KING KOBRA ‘Music Is A Piece Of Art’ Frontiers

THE KINKS

KROKUS

JAMIE KYLE

JAMES LABRIE (DREAM THEATER)

LAND OF TALES S/T Frontiers

LAST IN LINE Frontiers

LAWLESS

LEATHERWOLF

LION’S SHARE

KERRY LIVGREN ‘Cantata’ (inc. JOHN ELEFANTE, DAVID PACK & more)

LONERIDER Escape Music

Noora Louhimo (BATTLE BEAST)

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

MACHINE HEAD

MANIC EDEN (re-issue) Mascot Records

MARILLION

MICK MARS (MOTLEY CRUE)

ERIC MARTIN (MR BIG)

MEAT LOAF (EP)

MEGADETH

MEGSON ‘Unknown Waters’ (covers album)

JOHN MELLANCAMP

MEMORIA AVENUE Frontiers

MERCYFUL FATE

METAL CHURCH

METALLICA

MIDNIGHT Metal Blade Records

Marco Minnemann & Alex Lifeson

MISERY INDEX Century Media

MOLYBARON Inside Out

MICHAEL MONROE

1914 Napalm Records

GRAHAM NASH

NAZARETH

NICKELBACK

NOTORIOUS (Robin George & Sean Harris)

TED NUGENT ‘Detroit Muscle’

OBSCURA Nuclear Blast

ORANGE GOBLIN Peaceville

CHRIS OUSEY (HEARTLAND/SNAKECHARMER) (produced by MIKE SLAMMER) Escape Music

OVERKILL

PANIC ROOM

STEPHEN PEARCY (RATT)

PHIL X & THE DRILLS ‘Stupid Good Lookings Vol. 2′ Golden Robot Records

PORCUPINE TREE ‘Deadwing’ (re-issue) Snapper Music

TED POLEY Frontiers

PRONG

QUEENSRYCHE

QUIET RIOT

RADIO EXILE Mighty Music

RADIOHEAD

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

RAMMSTEIN (album recorded)

RATT

RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS

RHYDER’S CREED

MICHAEL RIESENBECK ‘Courage’

Michael Riesenbeck & Friends ‘Fanfields 3: A Fans’ Tribute to TOTO’

RIVAL SONS

NILE RODGERS (guests include ROBERT PLANT)

THE ROLLING STONES

STEVE ROTHERY (MARILLION) ‘Revontulet’

ROYAL BLOOD

TODD RUNDGREN ‘Space Force’ Cleopatra Records

RUNNING WILD SPV/Steamhammer

SANCTUARY

SARAYA

SAVATAGE

SHADOWSPELL Frontiers

TOMMY SHAW (STYX)

SHEWOLF Frontiers

THE SIGN (features vocalist Chitral “Chity” Somapala)

SILVER (MICHAEL VOSS on vocals)

PAUL SIMON ‘Seven Psalms’

SKAGARACK

SKINDRED Earache Records

SOULFLY Nuclear Blast

STAIND

JACK STARR’S BURNING STARR ‘Souls Of The Innocent’

STONE BROKEN ‘Revelatiom’

STRATOVARIUS

NITA STRAUSS (ALICE COOPER)

STRYPER Frontiers

SWEET & LYNCH Frontiers

SWORD

SYMPHONY X

TALAS Metal Blade Music

TANGIER

TANGO DOWN

ANDY TAYLOR BMG

THIS WINTER MACHINE ‘Kites’

TOOL

TOWERS OF LONDON

JOE LYNN TURNER

TYKETTO

UGLY KID JOE

VAIN

EDDIE VEDDER ‘Earthling’

VOIVOD

VOYAGER

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT BMG

BUTCH WALKER

WARLORD Frontiers

WARRIOR SOUL

JOHN WETTON ‘An Extraordinary Life’ (box set)

RAY WILSON ‘The Weight Of Man’

THE WINERY DOGS

WINGER

WITHIN TEMPTATION

RONNIE WOOD

THE YARDBIRDS

JOHN YOUNG (LIESIGNS)

XTC ‘Apple Venus Vol.1′ (reissue/remastered by Steven Wilson)

XYZ

ZELBO Frontiers

Release date unknown – may not happen

ANATHEMA Provogue (band on indefinate hiatus)

ASIA (on hold following JOHN WETTON’s death)

BRIGADE (features Howard Leese, Robin McAuley, James Kottak, Jason Boyleston)

BRITNY FOX (with TOMMY PARIS on vocals)

VIVIAN CAMPBELL (DEF LEPPARD)

DIO’S DISCIPLES (on hold as band plans touring more)

FINAL FRONTIER

FIREHOUSE

LOU GRAMM & MICK JONES (working on older FOREIGNER songs not previously released)

TONY IOMMI & TONY MARTIN (possibly an EP)

LEMMY (solo album)

MECCA ‘IV’

MR BIG

JIMMY PAGE (archive material release)

PAUL RODGERS (new songs)

SHAW/BLADES ‘Influence II’ (covers album)

THE STONE ROSES

JOHN SYKES

TOSELAND (on hold)

TRIUMPH (possible new album)

VELVET REVOLVER (on hold until a new vocalist is found)


January-March 2021

April-June 2021

October-December 2021


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)


Album review: LEE AARON – Radio On!

In this exclusive interview edit, containing non-broadcast material, Lee Aaron chats about her “return” to a hard rock format in 2016.

The full interview, first broadcast 1 August 2021,  includes a selection of tracks from her earliest albums to the present.

 LEE AARON - Radio On!

Metalville [Release date 23.07.21]

Lee Aaron was something of a poster girl for melodic hard rock in the 1980s.  She played the Reading Festival in 1983 even though her then latest album was only available on import in the UK.  She was popular in her homeland of Canada but with limited distribution and tour support wider success eluded her although remaining a “must-see” to those in the know.

In the 1990s with the musical tide turning again she released several albums including a not typical collaboration on ’2-preciious’ and by the early millennium she had two jazzier albums under her belt.

It wasn’t until ‘Fire & Gasoline’ (2016) – her first collaboration with guitarist Sean Kelly – and then ‘Diamond Baby Blues’ (2018) that she found her groove again and ‘Radio On!’ is – thankfully – a welcome continuation.

If you’ve seen the videos you’ll know Lee is as feisty as ever, and Radio On! is an album that should win her new, hopefully younger fans.

Yes, it’s bluesier than her classic eighties fare – when she wasn’t really a “metal queen” – and shows a depth and maturity whilst showcasing her fine vocals .

This is evidenced by the opening trio of ‘Vampin”, ‘Soul Breaker’ and ‘C’mon’.  The vocal inflections and general vibe on the latter remind me of Debbie Harry crossed with Nina Persson from The Cardigans. Essentially it’s a great pop rock blast.

Elsewhere there is the stomping rock of ‘Mama Don’t Remember’ whilst the title track will surely satisfy all radio presenters, this one included: “If you’ve gotta go, baby, don’t go alone.  I want to die with the Radio On.’

But it’s not all high energy, and ‘Devil’s Gold’ shows Aaron can slow things down with a song that could grace a thriller/spy movie (even if sounding a little like prime time Fleetwood Mac) ditto ‘Wasted’ which cranks up nicely, whilst ‘Twenty One’ is an excellent and poignant ballad which could certainly get lighters swaying in any auditorium.

If you haven’t checked out Lee Aaron’s music recently, start here and then work your way back with the previous two albums.  And, yes, those eighties albums beckon, too.  ****

Review by David Randall

Search Lee Aaron at GRTR!


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: BERNIE MARSDEN – Kings

Bernie Marsden is the subject of a two-part special on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, celebrating the release of a new album and his addition to the station’s exclusive “Featured Artists” section.  Part 1 (above) was first broadcast on 25 July, and Part 2 is also available via the station’s Mixcloud page.

More information

Bernie Marsden - Kings

Conquest Music  [Release date 23.07.21]

It’s seven years since Bernie Marsden’s last solo album called ‘Shine’, on which he struck the perfect balance between rock and blues

His new ‘Kings’ album, on the other hand, is the work of an elder statesman of rock once again broadening his options with a tribute album, supplemented by two excellent self penned instrumentals.

He’s long enjoyed covering the music of his heroes such as Peter Green and Rory Gallagher, while ‘Kings’ finds him taking a stab at the trio of elemental blues artists – Albert, BB and Freddie King – with a subsequent Chess Records homage in the pipeline.

The idea for this project stemmed from Billy F. Gibbons idea of playing the music of their early guitar heroes.

That being the case, I guess Bernie had to put the likes of The Swinging Blue Jeans and the Beatles on the back burner while exploring the well trodden path to the three Kings.

So the question is, does the world need another helping of the best of the three Kings? The answer is probably not. All the more kudos to Bernie Marsden then, for successfully siphoning old wine into new bottles, as well as adding two closing self-penned instrumentals which evoke his heroes on his own terms.

‘Kings’ is a solid album based on a well trodden familiarity, but refreshed by crisp arrangements and a bright sonic quality that illuminates his guitar playing.

He also strikes a nuanced balance between his rock chops and blues sensibilities, which always finds room for feel. And feel is something that has always distinguished Marsden’s playing from his rock contemporaries.

He evokes Peter Green for example, on ‘Help Me Make It Through The Day’ and he positively bristles on the ‘live in the studio’ feel of the Jerry Beach penned ‘I’ll Play The Blues For You’.

The latter requires something special to separate it from the original string led version, Albert’s horn led effort and even Marsden’s old mate Gary Moore’s keyboard-led (Don Airey) intro to yet another version.

For his part, Bernie settles into a very shrill sounding track, in sharp contrast to his own aching tone, and excellent phrasing.

His singing is also arguably the best of his career as he delivers his lines with gusto and total conviction, fattening them out with harmonies when required.

The album opens with the snap and crackle of ‘Don’t You Lie To Me’  which much like the original Albert King version, is locked in by a Cuban Latino rhythm, while Marsden glues everything together with enveloping tones and a warm vocal.

His muscular reading of Big Bill Broonzy’s ‘Key To The Highway’ is closer to Freddie than the BB’s version, while Freddie’s ‘Woman Across The River’ is short, sharp and succinct.

The whole album is essentially a balancing act of staying true to the original King covers, while adding his own oeuvre, though not everything sparkles as you might expect.

‘Help The Poor’ for example, is rooted in BB King’s version. It features a fine vocal, but misses the Latino bounce, and – in the case of the Robben Ford cover – an imperious funky feel. In sum, it doesn’t really add much to extant versions.

‘Me And My Guitar’ fares much better, being part of a big production number that is punctuated by crisp cymbal work and a sweeping organ opening instead of Leon Russell’s Muscle Shoals style piano.

No matter, there’s real frisson here as Marsden solos with real intensity. And if his vocal sounds positively smooth compared to Freddie’s guttural growl, it fits the new arrangement well. The impromptu ‘Going Down’ ending is also a satisfying replacement to Freddie’s original perfunctory finish.

‘Living The Blues’ strikes a fine balance between Freddie’s original stinging lines and Leon Russell’s boogie’s piano, but the Russell/Don Nix penned autobiographical lyrics were written with Freddie in mind,  making it difficult for Bernie to inhabit them with any real conviction.

That said, his guitar playing sparkles with a mix of feel and exuberance on an excellent track.

Then there’s ‘Same Old Blues’ which he’s covered before on Dobro, and here he applies intricate notes to good effect.

Everything flows mellifluously into his own instrumental homage to Freddie King called ‘Runaway’, on which he solos with alacrity over a drum-tight rhythm section complete with a significant tempo change.

The more languid ‘Up Town Train’ is closer to Albert King as he rounds things with long linear lines.

In fact the closing brace of instrumentals makes you wonder why Bernie didn’t run with the baton to the finish line and fill the whole album with his own self penned homage to the three Kings, rather than rely on the tried and tested?

That said, there’s plenty to enjoy here from a dependable British blues rocker and tone king who clearly enjoys reliving his youth.  ****

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: CATS IN SPACE – Diamonds (The Best Of)

CATS IN SPACE - Diamonds (The Best Of)

Harmony Factory [Release date 10.09.21]

The last time I saw CiS was in December 2019 – little did we know that a few months later the live music scene would change dramatically.  A pre-Xmas gig it certainly emphasised just how far the band have developed since their beginnings in 2015.

Since that time they have also added vocalist Damien Edwards replacing Mark Pascall who replaced original band member Paul Manzi.  This lack of continuity in respect of the front-person is regrettable in terms of band identity but these things happen.

I am always a bit suspicious when a band feels compelled to bring out a greatest hits with a new singer.  Perhaps the real reason is that the songs now sound better, having been remixed, and not just for Edwards’ contribution.

Often a live album is all that’s needed by way of update and we do get a live track in the shape of set highlight ‘Greatest Story Never Told’ which now sounds better than ever.

What ‘Diamonds’ does reiterate is that CiS are great songwriters and players with a genuine love of classic pop rock.  As ever, if they wear their influences firmly on sleeves it is always very well executed.

If the band are torchbearers for a certain nostalgic pop rock style, as I mentioned in my 2019 live review “You wonder, what next for the band? Will they persist with pastiche or fashion something more individual?”

Throughout, in some of their best-known songs, there has been a cynicism about the music business expressed in their lyrics (‘Silver And Gold’, ‘Hologram Man’, ’2.59′. ‘I Fell Out Of Love With Rock ‘N’ Roll’ all included here).  There is a certain novelty value in this when first heard but after some time it just gets a bit whingy, frankly, and potentially distracting.

To some extent the band’s last studio album (with Edwards on board) – ‘Atlantis’ – was a bold attempt to break the cliches but that wrestless dissatisfaction with the music industry and celebrity that permeated previous offerings remained.  Three tracks are featured here.

Six years on, you get the feeling that Cats In Space are still a little bit out of their time and in another era would have been huge.  Sadly, without persistent mainstream radio exposure and a weekly TV pop show, their momentum – in spite of smart and persistent marketing – remains a little uneven.  That is more a reflection of where we are with music in 2021, and notwithstanding the pandemic.  A great band nevertheless.  ****

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: TOBY HITCHCOCK- Changes

TOBY HITCHCOCK- Changes

Frontiers Records (Release Date 09.07.21)

Less than a year after the latest Pride of Lions album and only two after his ‘Reckoning’ release, powerhouse singer Toby Hitchcock is back in fairly short order with his third solo album. After using Erik Martensson and Michael Palace for his first two, this time the prolific Alessandro Del Vecchio is the chosen in-house Frontiers mastermind. The Italian has written or co-written every song, plays bass and keyboards, produced, engineered and mixed the album, and doubtless prepared the studio coffee.

Opener ‘Forward’ is a little different from before with a poppy keyboard-led backing, but in conjunction with Toby’s strong vocals the combination works. ‘Before I Met You’ though takes longer to appreciate and, in common with the rest of the album, has more of a Pride of Lions feel to it than its predecessors.

The title track threatens to take off but has a disjointed feel, not helped by a production that renders the rhythm section sterile, verging on feeble.  The sad thing is that I can hardly say I am surprised, as disjointedness and generic musical backing have been a feature of too many of these studio-only  projects.

In his day job Toby’s style benefited from the theatrical writing of Jim Peterik and Alessandro has similar leanings from time to time, so as a result the ballads probably come over better, including the piano-led ‘Tonight Again’, though ‘Don’t Say Goodbye’ is  another which does not flow as well as it should.

We also need to talk about the lyrics. Granted, to take aim at the soft target of someone for whom English is a second language is a cheap shot: moreover this is a genre that sticks to fairly safe territory of love and relationships and does not pretend to be profound.

However I found myself compulsively drawn to their deficiencies, and the way couplets are thrown together in a jarring and often unrelated way, almost like playing with a magnetic poetry kit. The title track, ‘Garden of Eden’, despite a promising chorus and ‘Say No More’ are particular offenders, while the transcription of the lyrics onto the CD booklet somehow manages to make things even worse.

 I can only rationalise my thoughts that, with Toby not being a songwriter, they stand out more coming out of the voice of very much an English language speaker.

In all fairness the last third of the album is actually very good, partially compensating for other disappointments, and even the production seems stronger and the arrangements more coherent.

Another ballad in ‘Run Away Again’ shows off that voice, and the AOR of ‘Two Hearts On The Run’ nearly but not quite manages to live up to a classic eighties keyboard intro, while the guitar solos from Martin Jepsen Andersen are all impressively tasteful and melodic.

‘On The Edge Of Falling’, with its ‘ who-oahs’ over some guitar runs from special guest Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake has a rockier and more anthemic  feel, but easily the best is saved till last in ‘Losing You’  an epic, theatrical ballad attacked by Toby with passion and with another good guitar solo in the middle.

So ultimately there was a fair bit to enjoy and overcome some of my reservations.  But let’s not kid ourselves; given the undoubted talent of the main protagonists, this is a flawed effort with only flashes of their real quality.  *** 1/4

Review 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:

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: BRITISH BLUES INVASION TO RUSSIA FESTIVAL – On-line Invasion Anthology

Pete Feenstra chatted to Boris Litvintsev in July 2021 for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio featuring several tracks from the new compilation.

BRITISH BLUES INVASION TO RUSSIA FESTIVAL – On-line Invasion Anthology

Hot Draft Productions [Release date 26.05.21]

“It’s 9 o’clock in Moscow, 7pm in London….”

Boris Litvintsev’s time check acts as a signifier for some splendid on-line, Anglo-Russian blues.

However, because of Covid, the usual collaboration between British blues invaders and Russian blues-rock musicians is reduced to 15 zoom broadcasts.  Recorded for posterity between May and August 2020, the sessions still manage to transmit enough spark, and passion to justify the project as a whole.

The British Blues Invasion of Russia has been the brand name of the indefatigable independent Russian music promoter Boris Litvintsev since 2013, while ‘The British Blues Invasion To Russia Festival’ box set, is his robust response Covid decimated tours.

Undeterred, he set about organising a streaming festival which he recorded and topped and tailed with archive crowd inserts from previous gigs by the same artists.

The result is a 16 CD box set archive of 15 solo CD and a compilation album, which apart from being hugely enjoyable, will become a historic archive of a year we all would probably wish to forget about.

Given the nature of the recordings, the audio is better than expected, the art work is superb and the packaging incredible.

The whole project represents a ‘can do’ spirit, while Boris’s contribution cannot be underestimated. Apart from setting up the original tour infrastructure, he employs a hands-on approach to synchronize the sprawling recording sessions, by adding succinct intro’s and editing 17 hours of live performance down to make a coherent whole.

Somehow he’s transformed a series of live zoom sessions into the closest thing to performing in front of a crowd.

Sad to report then that there is a sad footnote to the project as a whole. Jimmy Coletsis – aka Jimmy C, the original British blues invader of Russia – has sadly passed away.

And though he is not part of this recording, he appears on the related (bonus) ‘British Blues Masters -Merry Christmas’ recording.

But getting back to the box set, the individual albums provide a good balance of the new and the familiar.

Mike Ross is full of emotional veracity with strong songs such as ‘Don’t Worry Baby Just Call #1′ and the reflective ‘Grow In Your Garden’.

He mixes good covers and intricate dobro and acoustic playing, while Brent Hutchinson is a crowd pleaser – combining popular covers with a handful of outstanding self penned tracks of which ‘Blue’ and ‘Hero’ are the best.

Troy Redfern’s full throttle intensity effortlessly crosses all borders en route to Moscow. He takes off with the riff-driven Dobro and vocal snarl of ‘Waiting For Your Love. He is a little more circumspect on the hypnotic ‘Ghosts & Memories’ and is almost a beacon of restraint on the melodic ‘Hallowed Ground’.

Owen Houston shares the same sort of intensity but in a more refined way.  He really gets inside the blues with a mix of gritty resonator and gruff vocals, particularly on the gospel feel of ‘Honey In the Rock’ and a beautiful country cover of Steve Earle’s ‘Goodbye’.

Dom Martin adds plenty of Rory Gallagher tunes, while evoking John Martyn on his own ‘Mercy’ and nailing his own unique style on the hard hitting ‘Antrim Blues’.

Ron Sayer opens with a burst of hot picking and laughter, before finally settling on the languid ‘Don’t Make Me Stay’. He mixes good humour and thoughtful lyrics on his way to the epic 14 minutes worth of the ‘Smoke On The Water’ led, self explanatory titled ‘33 Rock Riffs’.

Ultimately, the ‘British Blue Invasion To Russia’ box set is a broad based celebration of what we were all missing during lockdown.

The artists are spread out demographically with for example, the exuberant bluster of Jack J. Hutchinson shifting from the slashing slide and grating vocal of ‘Too Much Too Soon’ to the big splash of ‘Electro Solo Improv’.

There’s the resonant sonic quality of Matt Long’s rocking shuffle ‘Leading Me On’, and the optimistic anthem ‘Better Days’.

Krissy Mathews opens in electric style with a cover of ‘Mystery Train’ and later switches to acoustic for the self penned ‘Healey’s Blues’ and pushes his vocals on Dobie Gray’s ‘Drift Away’.

Richard Townsend is a subtle pleasure. His authoritative narratives lose nothing in the translation, as he spreads his weathered Knopler style vocal over songs like ‘Ticket To Memphis’ and the poignant folk of ‘Just The Way It Was’.

Dave Ellis provides plenty of experienced gusto on a gutsy version of his own ‘Sun Goes Down’, before he switches to electric for Freddie King’s ‘The Welfare’, on which contrasts a shrill guitar tone with his vocal husk.

Ash Wilson’s relationship songs are born of experience and illuminated by fiery playing, of which ‘Broken Machine’ and ‘Words Of A Woman’ stand out.

Jon Amor brings his slick guitarist work to bear on original subject matter as on ‘In The Devil’s Back Yard,’ and Red Telephone’, while Julian Burdock provides even more variety with a mix of swing, jazz, blues and eventually the Beatles.

And if the rapped out blues of ‘Maxwell Street’ is evocative, ‘Grass Is Greener’ is even better, being a funky groove full of colourful imagery.

His closing ‘Pillhead’ is a unique mix of slide, electronic loops and fazed sounds, in a magical melange of electronic and subtle harmonies which pushes the blue into new territories.

Bex Marshall’ wraps things up eloquently as she moves from the genteel ‘You’re My Heart’ to the impassioned ‘House Of Mercy’, and the to husky heft of ‘Rattlesnake’.

There’s an avalanche of good music here, which means you probably need to listen in different sittings or cherry pick at your hearts content. But then that might shatter the illusion of the on-line festival.

The ‘British Blues Invasion To Russia Festival’ is the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It celebrates the need to connect, the power of shared emotions, a period of time, the enduring nature of the blues, and above all the debt we all owe Boris Litvintsev for making it all possible.  ****

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: BLACKTHORNE – Afterlife and Don’t Kill The Thrill (2-CD package)

In October 2021, Pete Feenstra chatted to Jimmy Waldo about Blackthorne for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.  First broadcast 3 October 2021.

The Store For Music [Release date 23.07.21]

Blackthorne is probably one of the more obscure Graham (Rainbow/MSG/Alcatrazz) Bonnet ventures. At first glance it looks anything but: Jimmy (New England) Waldo, Bob (Kiss/WASP) Kulick, Frankie Banali and Chuck Wright, both ex Quiet Riot. In its own way, this was a hard rock supergroup.

The debut, Afterlife (1993) features three co-writes with award winning songwriter/guitarist Steven Rosen, three more with Steve (Autograph) Plunkett, and some sturdy band collaborations, adding up to a solid slab of high calibre rock songs.

It’s a thundering, anthem heavy album, full of ragged edged guitars and Bonnet’s controlled vocal aggression, all underwritten by Banali’s percussive thump.And it’s loud. ‘We Won’t Be Forgotten’ and ‘Baby You’re The Blood’ are the picks, easily head and shoulders above the others, if only because of their lighter touch.

Enterprising UK label, The Store For Music has paired Afterlife with the band’s “lost” album, Don’t Kill The Thrill. Both are augmented by a multitude of bonus tracks. Afterlife with seven, including a fabulously raw, energised 1992 demo of ‘Since You Been Gone’, with a 2018, re-recorded vocal; and “live unplugged” versions of ‘Afterlife’ and ‘We Won’t be Forgotten’. Two high watermarks on this expanded version of the album.

By 1993/4, the world of rock’n'roll has shifted on its axis. The powerful, arguably tighter, harder, punchier, Don’t Kill The Thrill follow up album couldn’t find a label. Now it’s here with ten bonus tracks.

The dramatic, occasionally dissonant ‘Skeletons In The Closet’, and the aggressively infectious ‘Wild Inside’ are the most obvious picks among a close knit batch of exciting, tightly woven rock songs.

Most of the bonuses are demo versions of songs from Afterlife.

And so in a way, Bonnet has returned, with music that contains all the ingredients we expect, some of it previously unreleased and much of it perhaps at a more intimate level. ****

Review by Brian McGowan

Albums that time forgot (Afterlife)


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: 38 SPECIAL – Wild Eyed Southern Boys and Special Forces (2021 Vinyl Remasters)

Snakefarm Records [Release date 30.07.21]

In 2008, a major fire in Universal Studios’ Hollywood Warehouse devastated the company’s music archives. 38 Special were one of the bands to suffer a significant loss…and if nothing else, that gives these releases added resonance.

The master tapes of Wild Eyed Southern Boys, and Special Forces – two of the band’s definitive rock albums of the eighties – escaped destruction. And it’s hard not get excited when you further discover that they have now been dusted down and polished up using today’s cutting edge technology, and subsequently re-committed to vinyl.

The original releases, in 1981 and 82 (effectively their fourth and fifth albums) had signalled a game changing shift in style for the band. Vocalists/guitarists Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes had the foresight to see which way the rock’n'roll wind was blowing. And so these two albums were a mix of Southern Rock’s storytelling tradition and the ascendant Stadium Rock emanating from the US westcoast.

Producer Rodney (Lynyrd Skynyrd/Gregg Allman/Doobie Bros) Mills drafted in acknowledged genre giant, Jim (Survivor) Peterik, to add his commercial nous to the band’s songwriting approach. Several singles popped out of each recording.

‘Caught Up In You’, ‘You Keep Runnin Away’, ‘Fantasy Girl’ and ‘Hold On Loosely’, were all fully formed blasts of hard driving southern rock tempered with accessible hooks and catchy choruses. They all charted, pushing album sales up into multi platinum territory.

These remasters sound fresh and new. As always, it’s a band’s early stuff that benefits most from remastering, with vinyl buffs and audiophiles being the target audience.

The early eighties are not well known for durable recording technology. Given that, this remastering is all the more impressive. Maintaining the warmth and depth of those original analogue recordings, while at the same time achieving a surprising amount of sonic separation and loudness, is quite some feat.

The main beneficiary is lead guitarist Jeff Carlisi. Almost every track is laced with his razor sharp, cranked up axework, and there’s just enough friction in that transfer from vinyl to needle to create an extra frisson of excitement in our auditory perception.

Job done, as the saying goes. ****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: TANTRIC – The Sum Of All Things

Cleopatra Records [Release date 23.07.21]

Tantric have been around since 1999 and have more ex-members (especially drummers) to give Spinal Tap a run for their money! Vocalist/rhythm guitarist Hugo Ferreira is the sole remaining original member joined by bassist, backing vocalist Aaron Gulino, guitarist, backing vocalist Sebastian LaBar and new boy drummer Jon Loree, who joined the band last year.

After listening to the opener ‘Alone’ you can see why Hugo Ferreira is know for his singing, as he has a deep tone and does plenty of vocal acrobatics throughout the album. The other key element of Tantric’s sound is their use of vocal harmonics and a precise, crisp guitar sound. Sound wise listening to this album the names Nickelback and Shinedown keep coming to mind, especially on ‘Compound’ and ‘Walk That Way’.

‘Twisting and Turning’ is a proper modern rock banger with a massive chorus. It has a relentless riff and chorus. At the other end of the scale ‘Can’t Find This’ is a powerful ballad, made a little more special by Ferreira’s vocals and the piano intro.

Tantric have also re-recording three of their older songs of which ‘Breakdown’ is the stand out. ‘Down and Out’ sounds different as it features violin (played by Marcus Ratzenboeck who is no longer in the band) vying with the guitar and pounding rhythm.

Impressive listening, especially if you are after a grunge meets nu metal fix. ***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: MR BIG- Lean Into It (30th anniversary reissue)

MR BIG- Lean Into It (30th anniversary reissue)

EvoXS (Release Date 23.07.21)

While their debut appeared a couple of years earlier, it was their sophomore effort, ‘Lean Into It’ in 1991 that marked melodic rock supergroup Mr Big’s finest hour. It is of course remembered for their worldwide smash and rather untypical ‘To Be With You’, but was unquestionably their most accomplished album and forms a strong part of their set to this very day.

The album brings back fond memories for me including seeing them twice on that tour, at Hammersmith and at the Marquee the following spring just before the hit went stratospheric. However you know you are getting old when the reissue treatment is given to albums that were already a product of the CD age!

In this 30th anniversary reissue package the album has been remastered using cutting-edge technology, the description of which was greek to me but will appeal to the notoriously musically literate Mr Big fans.

There can’t be many potential new fans to pick up, but the album works on two levels – as a straight album of conventional melodic rock, yet intelligently arranged and brilliantly played in virtuoso style and with an exuberant enjoyment and playful sense of fun – such as the ‘electric drill’ jam between guitarist Paul Gilbert and bassist Billy Sheehan on ‘Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy’.

For those of us who have lived with the album for longer, in addition to those sonic improvements, the main interest is a second disc of additional tracks including those that did not make the final cut. My favourite is ‘Stop Messing Around’, which has quite a dry and bluesy feel yet Eric Martin works his melodic vocal magic on the chorus.  They are all rougher than the final polished Kevin Elson production and indeed ‘Love Makes You Strong’ has an almost punky edge to it.

The inclusion of early versions of ‘Alive and Kicking’ and the classic ‘Green Tinted Sixties Mind’ are of a similar quality and give an interesting ‘before and after’ insight into the development of the album’s sound.

A pair of songs in the excellent ‘Strike Like Lightning’, and ‘Shadows’ came from the pen of outside writers and were both used on the ‘Navy Seals’ soundtrack, though I recognised as later being used for the debut Khymera album.

There is a piano led version of Just Take My Heart’, which anyway I always preferred as the better of the two hit ballads on the album, but the reggae version of ‘To Be With You’ is terrible, albeit perhaps tongue in cheek.

Finally, the disc has two songs apiece without their bass and guitar tracks which the press release says are ‘especially made for musicians to jam with’. Normally this would come over as parody, but Mr Big always attracted that type of fan! And for an insight into their wider appeal, from muso types to housewives worldwide in the early nineties, this expanded version of their milestone album will do just nicely. **** 1/2

Review 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:

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: Decades – FLEETWOOD MAC in the 1970s by Andrew Wild

SonicBond Publishing [Publication date 14.05.21]

No band survived the seventies with a more spectacular transformation than Fleetwood Mac. They began it as a successful British blues band who were about to be left reeling by the departure of their founder and main creative force in Peter Green. By the end of it, several line ups changes later and fully relocated in California they were the epitome of smooth  soft rock, albeit with a bitter edge, releasing the follow up to one of the biggest selling albums of all-time.

The latest title in the ‘Decades’ series chronicles those moves step-by-step. As someone who leapt straight from the Peter Green era to the self-titled ‘white album’ in his Fleetwood Mac education, the first part of the decade is the more interesting read. There are all sorts of line up changes and with returns diminishing it is surprising on this evidence they did not call it a day, though it appears they were on the verge of doing so which led to the controversial ‘fake Mac’ tour put on by Clifford Davis, the Svengali-type manager every band seemed to have that decade.

Author Andrew Wild is good on picking out moments that presaged the Mac to come and conveying the fact that they consolidated a loyal fanbase in the USA through continuous touring,  while largely ignoring their native UK for some years even before their second coming.

Previous reviews on this site of this series have pointed to a patchy use of primary source material. I’m afraid this tome is at the worse end of the spectrum with no new input from members, all five of whom from the classic line up are still alive. Instead the extensive verbatim quoting of long passages (three pages alone of a Rolling Stone article about the fake Mac) makes for a jerky and disjointed read.

Worst of all some of it comes from sources, e.g. more contemporary press reviews, where Wild would, you hope, be equally qualified to venture his own considered opinion. It has the air of what the publishing world disparagingly call a ‘cuttings job’.

The first half of the book is very much in the chronological narrative, including album-by-album accounts, that readers of other titles in the series will recognise. However, from ‘Rumours’ in particular, it gets bogged down in detailed accounts,  mainly from producer Ken Caillat’s book,  on the making of each track, arranged by when they were written or first committed to tape rather than in their place on the album.

He bangs on somewhat about the numerous alternative versions and demos that have appeared on reissues in more recent years. Granted, this series is very much aimed at committed music fans – and the soap opera of the lives and loves of the Mac has been well covered elsewhere – but it makes dry reading except probably for the most diehard fan.

Nevertheless there are interesting nuggets, and one theme that emerges is the restless questing of the twisted genius of Lindsey Buckingham, even playing parts for John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, and deliberately delivering  the experimental and not as successful follow up to ‘Rumours’ that is ‘Tusk’.

It still makes me want to check out those missing years, not to mention give the better known albums a spin, but I’m afraid this book makes for a rather clunky read.  ***

Review 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:

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: HARDLINE – Heart, Mind and Soul

HARDLINE – Heart, Mind and Soul

Frontiers [Release date 09.07.21]

Album number seven from melodic hard rockers Hardline who still feature sole remaining original member vocalist Johnny Gioeli. The rest of Hardline is guitarist Mario Percudani, bassist Anna Portalupi, drummer Marco Di Salvia and on keyboards, backing vocals and production duties Alessandro Del Vecchio. The album also marks the first time the same line-up has recorded a second album together.

The album opens with a strong trio of melodic hard rockers, namely ‘Fuel To The Fire’, ‘Surrender’ and ‘If I Could I Would’. The latter is one of those blast out loud anthems. A great, uplifting tune and features one of the guitar solos of the album.

Johnny Gioeli is in fine voice as the ballad ‘Heavenly’ proves. Just the right amount of grit and melody in his vocal, a good combination. In fact there is little room on this album for the quieter moments as they keep their focus on the rock side of their sound.

‘80’s Moment’ is as the title suggests a bit of an 80’s hard rock wig out and great fun! Sort of song you could imagine Night Ranger having fun with.

‘We Belong’ rounds off the album and just listen to the way Johnny Gioeli holds the final note of the song – bit of a wow moment.

Hardline have released another enjoyable album chock full of melodic hard rock goodness. ***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)


Gig review: SPIKE- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 15 July 2021

SPIKE- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 15 July 2021

There can hardly be a rock fan who has not seen the Quireboys at some point in the last 35 years and whatever their view of the band, warmed to the bibulous, twinkly, laddish charms of singer Spike.

The Quireboys’ own occasional acoustic shows, notably when touring ‘Halfpenny Dancer’ a few years ago were surprisingly good, so he was an obvious candidate (though apparently one who needed a little persuading from promoter Paul Newcomb) to go out on the road in ‘an audience with’ style,  with the unplugged and seated format one of the few gig options in lockdown.

SPIKE- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 15 July 2021

The first show was at this South-West London bar where Noel Nevin has been bravely soldiering on with gigs during the pandemic, so this was a return visit and it seemed as if many of the audience were also back for more.

The tone was set as he asked us all to raise our glasses, while spying Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell in the crowd (is there ever a London gig the ex Bad Company guitarist isn’t seen at?) so he was the butt of much of the early humour.

SPIKE- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 15 July 2021

Sharing their Geordie lilt, cheekiness and naturally funny storytelling manner, purely as a comedy performer he could give fellow North Easterners Ross Noble and Sarah Millican a run for their money. The evening was peppered with stories and one liners, of which my favourite was ‘I went to name droppers anonymous- you’ll never guess who was there!’

However there was more music than I had expected from the ‘audience with’ billing from Spike, accompanied by Viking looking lead guitarist Christian Hellmann who was his straight man and avoided the banter.  He opened with what he called a favourite Geordie folk song in Lindisfarne’s ‘Run for Home’, perhaps lesser known than ‘Fog on the Tyne’ but in my view a superior song, as well as one untarnished by Gazza.

SPIKE- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 15 July 2021

Indeed the early set seemed drawn from a late seventies Top of the Pops episode that the young Spike would remember (as indeed I do) with covers of ‘Pearl’s a Singer’ and ‘Darlin’.

His ever huskier voice suited the latter perfectly and he joked that Frankie Miller’s wife had told him it was the song he most hated. There were two other songs with a Frankie connection in ‘Raining Whiskey’ and the duet he recorded with Bonnie Tyler on 100% Pure Frankie Miller, ‘Fortune’, with another hilarious one-liner that his mother had asked whose voice was who!

SPIKE- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 15 July 2021

While ‘You Can’t Always Get You Want’ had people joining along in a manner guaranteed to cause alarm among our SAGE scientists, other songs dipped even further into popular music tradition with some Ray Charles and even Frank Sinatra in ‘Little Ole Wine Drinker Me’.

With the break looming he unwisely asked what the time was and I could not resist shouting out ‘its 7 o’clock!’ before he closed the first set with ‘The First Cut is the Deepest’, the Cat Stevens song most associated with his idol and the man he referred to as the ‘cockney Scot’.

SPIKE- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 15 July 2021

The second set began with more Geordie heritage in ‘House of the Rising Sun’ and, though they were not the main focus of the evening, there were some Quireboys songs in ‘Baby Just Walk’ and a 1-2 of ‘I Don’t Love You Anymore’ which is surely his trademark song and ‘There She Goes Again’, apparently played as originally written. They were accompanied by nostalgic anecdotes from his days trying to make it in London in the 1980s, including his friendship with Tyla of Dogs D’Amour as he even played, in brilliant fashion, the latter’s breakthrough hit ‘How Come it Never Rains’.

His affection for his family shone through his stories, With Christian taking a short break he even played a couple of more personal, old fashioned songs dedicated to his mother, before playing what he admitted was his favourite song ‘Streets of London’ and a very fine version of ‘Wild Horses’ to close.

SPIKE- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 15 July 2021

I’ve seen Quireboys countless times but this was a great insight into his life and influences. When you marry that to his ability to tell stories in convivial fashion, these dates which are being rolled out around the country come highly recommended.

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:

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: BARENAKED LADIES – Detour de Force

BARENAKED LADIES - Detour de Force

Raisin’ Records [Release date 16.07.21]

It has been four years since Barenaked Ladies released their excellent ‘Fake Nudes’ and like many artists it was started before the outbreak of the pandemic, which delayed its completion and has played havoc with their touring plans (their Last Summer On Earth Tour is now scheduled for next year).

Produced by Juno award-winner Eric Ratz with Mark Howard, the album benefits of the so-called “pandemic pause effect” that has resulted in many excellent albums being released this year so far. With little or no live action many artists, Barenaked Ladies included, became immersed in making their albums in a way they hadn’t been able to before.

The opening duo of ‘Flip’ and ‘Good Life’ bodes well for the rest of the album. ‘Flip’ is one of those instant on the ears songs that should be a hit single. ‘Good Life’ sees them reflecting on their thirty plus years of performing, complete with a rap and again a chorus that you’ll be humming after just one play.

The pandemic certainly provided them with song ideas with ‘New Disaster’ reflecting on the seemingly never ending series of bad news stories on the mainstream news media.

After such an energetic start to the album the gentle, country refrains on ‘Live Well’ shows the other side of Barenaked Ladies musical world. The band’s love of a quirky lyric, and indeed musical backing (the keyboards parts on this one are superb!), come through loud and clear on ‘Flat Earth’.

‘National Park’ is one of those dreamy pop songs Barenaked Ladies seem to create with ease, as is the next song after it, ‘Man Made Lake’. Both are sumptuous on the listener’s ears.

Only the last track on the album, ‘Internal Dynamo’, seems a little strange even for this band. Little bit of rap, some weird electronics. Just seems to be missing that magic spark present on the rest of the album.

Barenaked Ladies show no signs of letting slip their excellent run of albums. I am sure when they tour the world next year many of the songs on here will feature in the set list. A quirky pop rock tour de force! ****

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)


EP review: SEETHER – Wasteland – The Purgatory EP

SEETHER - Wasteland - The Purgatory EP

Fantasy Records [Release date 30.07.21]

Seether’s new EP will certainly appeal to existing fans of the band as it features three never-before-heard tracks and an alternate take of ‘Wasteland’ (along with the original album version). The EP gets a limited edition vinyl release in October.

Written and produced by Shaun Morgan, engineered by the band’s newest member Corey Lowery and mixed by Matt Hyde, this EP follows the release of Seether’s ninth album, ‘Vis Pacem Para Bellum (“If you want peace, prepare for war”)’ last year.

‘What Would You Do?’ is one of those emotive songs beloved of alt/nu metal bands – you can almost picture the accompanying video. Shaun Morgan certainly has a set of pipes on him, perfect for this style of music.

‘Will It Ever End?’ recalls the mighty Soundgarden, a cracking song and digging those backing vocal harmonies, plus the razor precise riffing.

‘Feast or Famine’ has a whiff of Nickelback about it along with a nice bit of screamo in the mix.

The EP is bookended by two versions of ‘Wasteland’, the original album track and a new alternate version that adds piano and cello, adding a new and intriguing sound to the song.

Seether have been around now for over twenty years and are still coming up with thoughtful, enjoyable music. ***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: TRAGEDY – Disco Balls To The Wall

Napalm Records [Release date 30.07.21]

It was a genius idea to take some classic disco and pop music hits from the 70’s and 80’s, add some very loud guitars into the mix and crank things up to the max. Fortunately, six native New Yorkers had this very idea and Tragedy was born, unleashing an absolute of torrent of city block decimating heavy metal decibels and glitter upon the world. With eight releases already under their studded leather belts, the band have now signed to Napalm Records and this greatest hits is the first fruit from the new partnership, cherry picking some of their finest moments that provide the perfect primer of this high voltage, mirror ball madness.

Kicking off the fourteen-track smorgasbord in suitably gonzoid manner, ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)’ is a no holds barred, gloriously OTT retooling of the ABBA classic. Done with as much heart as humour, there appears here and throughout, a genuine love for the song writing, the band tailoring their style in subtle ways to suit the tracks themselves.

‘You’re The One That I Want’ glories in a huge intro before launching itself into unhinged fun, as Tragedy add their own little kinks and twists to the recording whilst ‘Evil / Baker Street’ is given a big, ballsy AOR treatment that throws in a power metal vibe too. There’s more of a Glam Rock feel to ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’, the latter coming off like Sweet meets early Def Leppard.

The brilliant mash up of ‘Raining Blood / It’s Raining Men’ throws suitably thrashing guitars and maniacal drums and bass at the Weather Girls staple, the original the favourite song of Homer Simpson it is rumoured, although quite what the cartoon character would make of this version is anyone’s guess. After that, ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ seems too much of a comedown and verges on the bland but this is quickly forgotten with the metal rush of ‘Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In’ and their ballsy take on Toto’s ‘Africa’.

Equalling the lack of restraint shown by the original, ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ is suitably bombastic and you feel that the late, great Jim Steinman would heartily approve as everything but the kitchen sink is thrown into this mini rock opera. Having saved the aforementioned sink, it’s then thrown into their take on the titular ‘Tragedy’, the track an absolute monster that turns up everything to way past eleven on the amps and this pattern of throwing any or all caution out of the window in the blazing, hard rock chaos that is ‘Dancing Queen’.

It’s just down to ‘Skyfall’, the Bond theme as it SHOULD be heard (the campaign starts here for Tragedy to write and perform the theme for the 26th outing of the super spy) and a vibrant live version of ‘Hot Stuff’ that features Alex Skolnick from Testament on guitar to wipe away the last vestiges of resistance. Whilst the proposal of melding campy disco, pop and blistering metal might sound an utter car crash, Tragedy manage to pull it all off with style and a deftness of touch that defies all expectations. Crafted with love, ‘Disco Balls To The Wall’ is an unalloyed triumph and shows you can’t keep a good song down, shoving ten thousand volts into its multi coloured dancefloor soul, a phoenix arising from the flames of one of Tony Manero’s discarded cigarettes. ****1/2

Review by Paul Monkhouse


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: TITO JACKSON – Under Your Spell

Pete Feenstra chatted to Tito Jackson for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio in July 2021.

Tito Jackson - Under Your Spell

Gulf Coast Records And Hillside Global [Release date 06.08.21]

‘Under Your Spell’ is an expected delight. Having made his solo debut in 2016 with ‘Tito Time’, this album strikes a balance between his formative musical styles and new material, all illuminated by ten special guests.

It’s an aptly titled album, especially in terms of the layered sounds, call and response vocals, hypnotic soulful grooves and catchy Motown style hooks, all overseen by both Tito and Michael Kurt Jackson (which may or may not be a cryptic name).

It’s all glued together by lashing of funk, soul and some old school r&b, which sometimes evokes Sly Stone.

In short, ‘Under Your Spell’ is a celebratory, uplifting, feel good album, but the initial tracks are very short, while there’s a semblance of clutter as he tries to incorporate 10 stellar guests into 11 restless, but musically related tracks.

In fact, despite the infectious funky moments, the snappy hooks and bass led grooves, it isn’t until the three quarter mark with the big band rendition of B.B. King’s ‘Rock Me Baby’ that the whole thing really gels.

You could of course make a case for the riff led single ‘Love One Another’. It features Stevie Wonder’s trademark harp alongside an infectious hook and could be an anthem for our times.

There are also guest vocals from Bobby Rush, Marlon Jackson and Kenny Neal, but it teeters on the brink of over egging the cake.

And just as the repeated chorus irresistibly lodges itself in the subconscious, it suddenly stops, robbing the song of a suitably climatic finish.

No matter, ‘Under Your Spell’ impressively pulls together various blues related styles that Tito is known for. There’s funk, soul, r&b and even a blues that his dad would have enjoyed.

His role is that of a catalyst as much as a front man, as he contributes lead and backing vocals, intricate guitar lines, and self-penned songs that never overstay their welcome.

He’s essentially team player, working throughout the album with producer/songwriter Michael K. Jackson, to achieve a balance between the pull of the dance floor and the disciplined song writing, as on the superb book-end ‘I Got Caught (Living In A Dream)’.

He immediately establishes a horn-led, hook-laden template on the opening ‘Wheels Keep Turning’ which feels like a composite of different recordings in one song. The mixed back solo in the middle also sounds like a kazoo, but it’s counterweighted by a killer hook with a call and response vocal.

His vocal comes to the fore with a faux falsetto lead on the big band feel of ‘Big Leg Woman’, which includes a couple of priceless rhymes :”big legs and scrambled eggs” and  “She’s got me waiting for the bacon.”

He also enjoys a sparkling duet with former O’Jays vocalist Eddy Levert on the excellent ‘All In The Family Blues’, which is full of passion and contrasting timbres.

Both Joe Bonamassa and Jonathan Long’s mixed back guitar parts struggle to make a significant impact on the funky title track, though if you listen carefully there is some aching slide and melodic riffs before the groove takes over again, and then suddenly stops.

Tito revels in his duet with B.B. King’s youngest daughter Claudette on B.B.’s ‘Rock Me Baby’, helmed by bass player Russell B. Jackson, who anchors the kind of groove with energy and feel to facilitate a stellar horn arrangement. George Benson finds enough space to let the first of his 2 solos breathe, while his second defining solo alongside Darrell Lavigne’s sprightly piano, is the work of a master.

The lilting funk of ‘Dyin Over Here’ is also a delight. The subtle bv’s and booming horns give the  track its swing-led bounce, but again a perfunctory finish leaves Tito having to fill the subsequent void.

However, does serve to illustrate Tito’s vocal ability. Whereas on the previous tracks he is mixed way back amongst sundry voices, here he applies his faux falsetto phrasing tellingly.

And somewhere in the middle of the mix is Kenny Neal on rhythm guitar, though you would be hard pushed to identify him

And that is the main problem with an otherwise enjoyable album. It’s simply too busy at times, so giving us only fleeting glimpses of Tito’s own abilities.

Much of the album is built on short tracks that once they have made their mark, quickly move on in a melange of funk, blues and soul.

But perseverance brings reward, as evidenced by ‘You’re Gonna Push Me Too Far’, which opens with a live crowd sample, before revealing itself as a soul classic with Steely Dan style harmonies and a contrasting sinewy guitar solo.

Tito finally teams up with Eddie Levert on the former Jacksons and Philly soul song-writing team of Kenny Gamble/Leon Hull who contribute the excellent ‘All In The Family Blues’.

It’s a sultry, soulful and delightful duet which flows into Eric Demmer’s resolving sax solo.

There’s even some Doo-wop bvs on a smouldering retro track of the highest order.

Better still, is the Memphis soul meets rap style of ‘I Got Caught (Loving In A Dream).’ Featuring Steven “Ice Buck” Powell on vocals, it also finds Tito doubling on guitar, bv’s and as the vocal engineer, on a song that significantly references Johnny Taylor.

It’s the perfect finish to a broad based album that beguiles smoulders and ultimately convinces.

There’s enough good stuff here to suggest that this could well be Tito Jackson’s long overdue step into the limelight. ****

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: INNER STREAM – Stain The Sea

INNER STREAM - Stain The Sea

Frontiers [Release date 16.07.21]

Produced by talented Argentinian producer, Guillermo De Medio, Inner Stream’s debut album, Stain The Sea is a minor delight of Symphonic Metal, programmed sounds and Gothic Rock.

The band is primarily singer/songwriter, Inez Vera Ortiz, who paid her dues circulating through several bands and related metal genres in her native South America. She now lives in Spain and subsequently drifted into Frontiers’ orbit, and was promptly signed up. This is the result.

De Medio has produced albums byTarja Turunen and Barilari (A Rata Blanca offshoot). Ortiz is a huge fan of Evanescense and Within Temptation, so clearly, writer and producer were on the same wavelength from the start.

It’s surprising then that some of these songs lack the strong melodies we expect, maybe the searching psychological elements in Ortiz’s lyrics are sometimes too heavy for a melody to carry. But they more than make up for that in presentation… the arrangements are light on their feet… Ortiz’s vocals skip across the slight melodies of ‘Fair War’ and ‘Aftermath’, turning them into songs about style. These are Symphonic Metal experiences that challenge audience expectations.

The Gothic rock undertones of ‘Massive Drain’ and ‘Hunt You’ are slickly presented. The melodies burn slowly, flaring brightly at the right times. De Medio double tracks Ortiz’s vocals, shadowing her natural mezzo with a whispering soprano, spicing the effect with bursts of busy guitars. It’s just one of many tricks he pulls out from his not inconsiderable producer/arranger playbook.

And so it goes with the rest of the album. It never settles into one recognisable style. De Medio makes sure of that. Like throwing pizzicato strings into one of his best pieces of writing, ‘Dance With Shades’, and counterpointing Ortiz’s doubled up vocal melodies on the atmospheric ‘Drown Me’, the nearest thing to a ballad here.

There’s never a dull moment, and even as the album spins down to a finish, ‘Real’ is there to remind us that the pairing can serve up powerful, jagged edged Symphonic Metal just as well as anybody. ***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)


Single review: MAGPIE – Dancing With The Devil

MAGPIE - Dancing With The Devil

3MS Records [Release date 17.07.21]

It’s no exaggeration to say that the late Cozy Powell’s seventies’ classic, ‘Dance With The Devil’ is etched into every rock fan’s consciousness.

It’s an eminently durable mini masterpiece that has withstood sweeping changes in music culture. It should be left alone, right? Well, you may have thought so until you heard this new, modified version, subtly retitled ‘Dancing With The Devil’.

Teenagers being no respecter of reputations, Dundee drummer extraordinaire, Garry (Magpie) Bowler (ex too many to mention), heard the track in his teens and modified it in part for his then band, Satan’s Empire, in the late seventies.

Forty plus years later he was invited to a commemorative lunch in honour of Powell’s musical legacy. As these things do, an exchange of ideas with Neil (Black Sabbath/ Whitesnake) Murray; David (Rainbow) Stone; Frankie (Bedlam) Aiello, and legendary guitarist, Bernie Torme spiralled up into the eventual recording of a new version, titled ‘Dancing With The Devil’.

It’s a stunning tribute, with just enough innovation to grab the attention of a 21st century audience. Bowler beats out the rhythm of change on a new, streamlined percussive intro and bolder drum patterns. New lyrics have been added to the melody. Each musician plays his part, bringing a slightly more contemporary sound to this classic track.

Suitably impressed, copyright owners, RAK Publishing have given Bowler special permission to release the track (on nostalgic 12” black vinyl), on Record Store Day, 17 July.

Classics never die.  ****

Review by Brian McGowan

An introduction to…Cozy Powell


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: MIKE ZITO – Resurrection

Mike Zito - Resurrection

Gulf Coast Records And Hillside Global [Release date 16.07.21]

It is 13 years since Mike Zito cut his first major label album, the David Z produced ‘Home’.

7 collaborations later, the duo reunite again on a project that sounds as if they were looking for a new sonic catalyst for their rock-blues template, while Zito digs deep for meaning right down to South Korean artist Yool Kim’s aesthetic artwork.

In 23 years as a recording artist Zito established himself as a vibrant force on the contemporary rock/blues circuit.  He made a successful career quantum leap with the all star Royal Southern Brotherhood, before returning to his solo career to achieve chart success with his last couple of pre-lockdown albums.

Even when Covid hit, he still remained a busy presence on the lockdown scene and this album breathes the oxygen of creative and post lockdown freedom.

His biggest challenge is to find a combination of great songs with an overarching theme to make his latest album more than just an aggregation of well played songs.

In the past he’s moved from the personal ‘Gone To Texas’ and the more universal ‘Make Love Not War’, to the self affirmation of ‘First Class Life’.

Then there was the self explanatory ‘Quarantine Blues’, a survivors creed to be set aside the celebratory ‘Rock N’ Roll Music – A Tribute To Chuck Berry’ album.

And in his ongoing search for meaning and context, he aims high with the thematically titled ‘Resurrection’. It’s an album that plays to his strengths of impassioned vocals, confident guitar work and an ability to slip into cross-genre styles from rock blues to Americana.

The latter style is represented by the horn inflected soulful ballad ‘Damned If I Do’, which he rounds off with a fiery solo that fades slightly too soon.

There’s plenty of contrast to match the band’s spirited playing, as on brush stroked feel of ‘In My Blood’ and the hypnotic mid-paced groove ‘Dreaming Of You’ which fits the song title perfectly.

‘Resurrection’ isn’t so much the rebirth that Mike Zito suggest, but rather a restatement of his song writing and playing credentials, all framed by a big production that places the emphasis on an imposing wall of sound.

David Z’s big production is readily apparent on the opening JJ Cale cover ‘I’ll Make Love To You’, on which Zito’s voice sound slightly doctored to fit an enveloping layered sound.  A delicious blend of Zach Zito on acoustic and dad Mike on electric slide guitar lines is finally resolved by Eric Demmer’s soaring sax solo in the last minute of the song.

It’s the kind of uplifting mid-tempo groove that he returns to on his own ‘You Don’t Have Me’, by which time the big wall of sound has receded enough to highlight the bright sonic quality of a relationship song.

There’s another JJ Cale vibe on the gentle shuffle brush stroked ‘In My Blood.’ Which embraces nuanced gospel bv’s

There’s more significant contrast on the 80’s sounding production of Blind Faith’s ‘Presence Of The Lord,’ on which the crunching drums and buzz tooth guitars support Zito’s impassioned vocal. It teeters on the brink of bombast, but is counterweighted by Mike stellar vocal performance which brings welcome feel.

‘Resurrection’ is an album that draws you into a linear progression, as Zito gradually unveils his many talents, no more so than on the swampy John Fogerty influenced  ‘When It Rains’.

Curiously the guitar solo sounds mixed back, as if drowned by the very rain of the title, but again its countered by subtle drone finish.

Ultimately, ‘Resurrection’ works so well because everything is perfectly balanced, from the tracks themselves to the way the album grows in intensity and flows via the sequencing. This serves to illuminate the baritone horn stabs, purposeful rocking and ironic lyrics of the outstanding Guy Hale co-penned ‘Running Man’ onwards.

The solo on this track seems to spark the rest of the session. So when the album veers towards the bone crunching riff intro of ‘Evil’, it’s not until the opening couplet that you realise this is a heavy version of the Willie Dixon classic.

Despite the obvious cover, we’re drawn into a raucous version of the song by Lewis Stephens organ link which ushers in sparkling band interplay, though I’m still not sure about the pedestrian drum sound.

No matter, as with the album as whole, the number builds momentum as Zito’s focussed riffs spark the song and everything flows naturally into the closing centrepiece title track.

The titular book-end provides the kind of theme Zito has been looking for. He pours everything he has into a soulful blues ballad full of raw gut emotion – both on vocals and guitar – bolstered by the kind of lyrical and emotional integrity that allows him to make a self-affirmatory statement for our times.

Too often rock and blues artists eschew the real problems and challenges of our time. This title track redresses the balance and stands like a beacon of hope readily applied to the personal as well as social landscape.

It’s the perfect finale to an album that takes its time to find its focus, but once free of the initial suffocating production, it realizes its organic potential through Zito’s melodic note selection, while his lyrical phrasing drips with emotion and feel as he triumphantly reunites with his band in the glorious service of the song.

‘Resurrection’ is a fine restatement of the best elements of rocking blues with a soulful heart. ****

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: VARIOUS – New Wave of Classic Rock Vol 1

VARIOUS - New Wave of Classic Rock Vol 1

RPM [Release date 23.07.21]

New Wave of Classic Rock (NWOCR) will be a term familiar to many but for the uninitiated, the NWOCR Facebook group was set up in October 2017 to support and promote the many new bands who were playing new music influenced by the classic rock bands of the 70’s, 80’s,90’s and noughties.

4 years later, with over 21,000 members, NWOCR have decided to release their own compilation CD featuring 42 bands (yes you read that right, 42 bands)

This compilation is a selection of the current NWOCR artists chosen by the NWOCR team and Rock People Management (RPM) to showcase the talent that exists and what a way to introduce people to new music.  Here’s a taster of everything that is good about new rock music today; try it – you’ll find something familiar and new all at the same time.

At first, if new to the scene, you might feel a little overwhelmed -  is there that much new music going on that you may not have been aware of? – don’t be, come in, get  yourself comfy and give this a listen, you’ll not be disappointed. This is rock education on 2 CD’s you don’t need to devour it in one go, take your time, revisit at your leisure.

Here’s a taster of the sheer talent involved  -

‘Tokyo (2021) – Massive Wagons & NWOCR friends (official music video)

I felt very much like I’d stepped back to a time when you’d get a treasured compilation album for Christmas (vinyl she says, showing her age) – this one however, is more like all your Christmases and Birthdays rolled into one, given the sheer number of tracks on Vol 1.

This could have easily been a more shorter list but NWOCR are passionate about what they do and it’s fair to say they have served up a very extensive tasting menu of mighty fine bands, some are further into their journey than others but all, undoubtedly, deserve their place on the album.

Like or loathe social media, it brings us together as a rock community and without sites like NWOCR, these bands simply wouldn’t get the exposure or following as quickly as they have, particularly as a global pandemic  has put paid to festivals or touring where these bands might usually start to appear and attract their own support.

The team that are NWOCR deserve absolute accolades for what they have achieved over the last 4 years, culminating with the liaison with a number of different labels including Off Yer Rocka, Nuclear Blast, Listenable Records, and Marshall Records, to produce this compilation concept and bring it to fruition.

This double CD is the proverbial cherry on top of the cake, that releases all of the talent that has been gathered and nurtured – what an absolute bargain for the jaw dropping amount of music that is included.

You might now start to think, I like this but how on earth am I going to support all of these bands? Easy, with a follow here, a like, a share, listening to their albums, buy some merchandise and maybe adding a few to your ‘must see list’ (I can’t be alone in keeping one of those can I?).

The bands should be delighted with this compilation, such diversity, such talent, what a peer group, they really are top of their game. What an introduction for anyone who thinks rock is a thing of the past or hasn’t yet dipped their toe into the world of NWOCR – buckle up this is going to be one helluva ride!

This is simply put a mammoth CD, utterly compelling and very fitting for those long road trips or your weekend shenanigans – I’d really like to mention all the bands and tracks individually but the review would be a book so let’s call out a few of the artists featured: Massive Wagons, Mason Hill and The Dust Coda, the legendary Phil Campbell, plus other fan favourites including The New Roses, Elles Bailey, Bad Touch, Skam, Empyre, Thundermother, Massive, Ryders Creed and Bastette.

Massive Wagons frontman Baz Mills says, ”It blows my mind how fast the NWOCR thing has grown! It’s literally exploded! They shine a real bright light on new bands all over the world, and it’s a real honour to be a part of this official NWOCR compilation album!”

“Marshall Records is stoked to have some of our artists include on this essential album. We have been long-time supporters of this amazing group of people keeping the flame of guitar rock burning brightly – NWOCR -we salute you!” - Steve Marshall.

“We’ve been looking into the possibility of putting together a NWOCR compilation CD since last year and thought that right now would be absolutely perfect timing to release the definitive version of a set of tracks from bands who together define the genre”, explains Richard Brindley (NWOCR).

 “With the help of all of the fans of all the bands, and the ever-growing membership of the NWOCR Facebook Group, we want to get this CD high up into the UK compilation chart, and raise the profile of the movement and the bands to a massively wider audience. This could be the truest execution of people power; a compilation by the community, for the community.”

I am literally already clapping my hands together with excitement at what Vol 2 and beyond could bring – cracking job NWOCR, awesome bands and music to tingle our collective taste buds – allowing us to delve in and find new treats as well as tracks from some of our recently established favourites.  *****

Review by Karen Clayton

Album tracklist
CD 1
1. Massive Wagons – Tokyo
2. Mason Hill – DNA
3. Hollowstar – All I Gotta Say
4. These Wicked Rivers – Shine On
5. Anchor Lane – Fame Shame
6. Empyre – New Republic
7. Daxx & Roxane – Without You
8. Sons Of Liberty – Fire And Gasoline
9. The Hot Damn! – Dance Around
10. Everyday Heroes – Find My Way
11. Elles Bailey – Woman Like Me
12. Scarlet Rebels – No One Else To Blame
13. Wolf Jaw – I Ain’t Ready
14. Tomorrow Is Lost – Hideaway
15. Dead Man’s Whiskey – War Machine
16. Dig Lazarus – Tell Me Why
17. The New Roses – Whiskey Nightmare
18. Shape Of Water – The World Is Calling Me
19. Haxan – Killing Time
20. Revival Black – So Alive
21. Gin Annie – Devil In Me
CD2
1. Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons – Son Of A Gun
2. The Dust Coda – When The Tide Comes In
3. Skam – Iron Cross
4. Collateral – Merry Go Round
5. Bad Touch – I Get High
6. Massive – Rise
7. Gorilla Riot – Still Doing Time
8. Thundermother – Driving In Style
9. King Creature – Captives
10. Rews – Today We’re Warriors
11. Twister – Call To Arms
12. South Of Salem – The Hate In Me
13. Jack J Hutchinson – World On Fire
14. Bootyard Bandits – Hoedown Showdown
15. Doomsday Outlaw – Turn Me Loose
16. Ashen Reach – Fighting For My Life
17. Bastette – Talk About It
18. Ryders Creed – Money
19. Takeaway Thieves – This Is Rock N Roll
20. Ward Xvi – Broken Toys
21. Blackwater Conspiracy – Soul Revolutionaries
www.nwocr.com
www.facebook.com/NWOCR2017
www.youtube.com/c/NewWaveOfClassicRock
twitter.com/NWOCRofficial


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: EMILY WOLFE – Outlier

EMILY WOLFE - Outlier

Crow’s Feet [Release date 25.06.21]

With one album to her name to date Emily Wolfe – who has a recently released custom guitar the Epiphone Sheraton Stealth, Emily Wolfe – she has decided to stretch her musical boundaries on this album – “This record is my attempt at crossing genres between classic ’70s rock, ’80s pop, ’90s grunge, and modern pop elements of today.”

Outlier was produced and co-written with Queens of the Stone Age’s Michael Shuman, although the album’s sound owes more the synth pop and rock than QOTSA’s sound.

The lead single ‘Something Better’ is a belter of a tune, all synth beats and a big chorus. A song to crank up loud. ‘Vermillion Park’ treads a similar musical path – another possible single? A song that you could imagine Pat Benatar singing back in her 80’s heyday.

‘No Man’ sees her delve back into her blues rock roots, albeit with a modern twist. ‘Cover Of Virtue’ sees Emily nail that modern pop vibe, with its funky beat and melodic vocals, it’s a winner folks. ‘LA/NY’ follows a similar style, complete with tasty ‘n’ funky guitar solo.

A female fronted Muse? ‘Damage Control’ sounds like that and like any song on this album, perfect for a bit of mainstream radio airplay.

Emily Wolfe is a name to watch out for and in ‘Outlier’ she has an album that can appeal to the masses. Cutting edge pop with a distinct rock guitar edge to it. ****

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)


EP review: DRAGGED UNDER – We’ll Do It Live

DRAGGED UNDER – We’ll Do It Live

Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group [Release date 06.08.21]

Dragged Under were formed from by former members of Rest, Repose in 2019. In just a few short years they have released their debut album (last year) and had a number of line-up changes. The band’s current line-up consists of Ryan “Fluff” Bruce (lead guitar, vocals), Anthony Cappocchi (vocals), Kalen Anderson (drums), Hans Hessburg (bass, vocals) and Sean Rosario (rhythm guitar, vocals).

The release is composed of tracks from the band’s 2020 debut album, ‘The World Is In Your Way’, and the band have already shared a stream of ‘Hypochondria’ from the EP.

To be honest a strange release to be found on Mascot, a label more known for blues and rock releases, as Dragged Under are one of the lovers of punk fuelled hardcore. ‘Just Like Me’ sounded like early Anthrax, whilst ‘Instability’ is a rebel rouser of a tune, heavy on the riffs and vocals. ‘Hypochondria’ is a touch more modern metal with Cappocchi’s vocals high in the mix.

I am assuming by live this EP was recorded in one take as there is no crowd noise. The youngsters will like this, possibly not that many over forty will though! ***

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: TARJA – Frisson Noir

Eddie 9V - Little Black Flies

earMUSIC [Release date 12.06.26] Tarja Turunen releases her tenth studio album and one she calls the “heaviest record of her career”. There are a few notable guest appearances including fellow ex-Nightwish member Marko Hietala, Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth), Apocalyptica, and Chad Smith (Red … Continue reading

Album review: EDDIE 9V – Little Black Flies

Eddie 9V - Little Black Flies

Ruf Records [Release date 28.05.21] The explosive Eddie 9 Volt (real name Brooks Mason), is a man on a mission. He’s the personification of a post Covid cathartic release. After all, what is there left to do after a year … Continue reading

Album review: JAGGED EDGE – Fuel For Your Soul / Trouble (Remasters w/bonus tracks)

JAGGED EDGE - Fuel For Your Soul / Trouble (Remasters w/bonus tracks)

Bad Reputation [Release date 30.07.21] A cracking little package: 2 CDs remastered and laden with bonus material, from Eighties’ hard rock band, Jagged Edge, brought to us by French label, Bad Reputation. The band, formed by guitarist Myke Gray in … Continue reading

Upcoming: New releases (CD/DVD) July 2021 – September 2021

Bernie Marsden - Kings

Compiled by Jason Ritchie January-March 2021 April-June 2021 October-December 2021 July 2nd AT THE GATES ‘The Nightmare Of Being’ Century Media JIMMY BARNES ‘Flesh & Blood’ Bloodline Records RICHARD MARX ‘Stories To Tell: Greatest Hits And More’ (2CD inc. demos … Continue reading

Album review: LEE AARON – Radio On!

LEE AARON - Radio On!

In this exclusive interview edit, containing non-broadcast material, Lee Aaron chats about her “return” to a hard rock format in 2016. The full interview, first broadcast 1 August 2021,  includes a selection of tracks from her earliest albums to the … Continue reading

Album review: BERNIE MARSDEN – Kings

Bernie Marsden - Kings

Bernie Marsden is the subject of a two-part special on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, celebrating the release of a new album and his addition to the station’s exclusive “Featured Artists” section.  Part 1 (above) was first broadcast on 25 … Continue reading

Album review: CATS IN SPACE – Diamonds (The Best Of)

CATS IN SPACE - Diamonds (The Best Of)

Harmony Factory [Release date 10.09.21] The last time I saw CiS was in December 2019 – little did we know that a few months later the live music scene would change dramatically.  A pre-Xmas gig it certainly emphasised just how … Continue reading

Album review: TOBY HITCHCOCK- Changes

TOBY HITCHCOCK- Changes

Frontiers Records (Release Date 09.07.21) Less than a year after the latest Pride of Lions album and only two after his ‘Reckoning’ release, powerhouse singer Toby Hitchcock is back in fairly short order with his third solo album. After using … Continue reading

Album review: BRITISH BLUES INVASION TO RUSSIA FESTIVAL – On-line Invasion Anthology

BRITISH BLUES INVASION TO RUSSIA FESTIVAL – On-line Invasion Anthology

Pete Feenstra chatted to Boris Litvintsev in July 2021 for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio featuring several tracks from the new compilation. Hot Draft Productions [Release date 26.05.21] “It’s 9 o’clock in Moscow, 7pm in London….” Boris Litvintsev’s time check … Continue reading

Album review: BLACKTHORNE – Afterlife and Don’t Kill The Thrill (2-CD package)

blackthorne double

In October 2021, Pete Feenstra chatted to Jimmy Waldo about Blackthorne for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.  First broadcast 3 October 2021. The Store For Music [Release date 23.07.21] Blackthorne is probably one of the more obscure Graham (Rainbow/MSG/Alcatrazz) Bonnet … Continue reading

Album review: 38 SPECIAL – Wild Eyed Southern Boys and Special Forces (2021 Vinyl Remasters)

38 special wild eyed

Snakefarm Records [Release date 30.07.21] In 2008, a major fire in Universal Studios’ Hollywood Warehouse devastated the company’s music archives. 38 Special were one of the bands to suffer a significant loss…and if nothing else, that gives these releases added … Continue reading

Album review: TANTRIC – The Sum Of All Things

tantric

Cleopatra Records [Release date 23.07.21] Tantric have been around since 1999 and have more ex-members (especially drummers) to give Spinal Tap a run for their money! Vocalist/rhythm guitarist Hugo Ferreira is the sole remaining original member joined by bassist, backing … Continue reading

Album review: MR BIG- Lean Into It (30th anniversary reissue)

MR BIG- Lean Into It (30th anniversary reissue)

EvoXS (Release Date 23.07.21) While their debut appeared a couple of years earlier, it was their sophomore effort, ‘Lean Into It’ in 1991 that marked melodic rock supergroup Mr Big’s finest hour. It is of course remembered for their worldwide … Continue reading

Book review: Decades – FLEETWOOD MAC in the 1970s by Andrew Wild

Decades- Fleetwood Mac in the 1970s

SonicBond Publishing [Publication date 14.05.21] No band survived the seventies with a more spectacular transformation than Fleetwood Mac. They began it as a successful British blues band who were about to be left reeling by the departure of their founder … Continue reading

Album review: HARDLINE – Heart, Mind and Soul

HARDLINE – Heart, Mind and Soul

Frontiers [Release date 09.07.21] Album number seven from melodic hard rockers Hardline who still feature sole remaining original member vocalist Johnny Gioeli. The rest of Hardline is guitarist Mario Percudani, bassist Anna Portalupi, drummer Marco Di Salvia and on keyboards, … Continue reading

Gig review: SPIKE- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 15 July 2021

P1190066 - Copy

There can hardly be a rock fan who has not seen the Quireboys at some point in the last 35 years and whatever their view of the band, warmed to the bibulous, twinkly, laddish charms of singer Spike. The Quireboys’ … Continue reading

Album review: BARENAKED LADIES – Detour de Force

BARENAKED LADIES - Detour de Force

Raisin’ Records [Release date 16.07.21] It has been four years since Barenaked Ladies released their excellent ‘Fake Nudes’ and like many artists it was started before the outbreak of the pandemic, which delayed its completion and has played havoc with … Continue reading

EP review: SEETHER – Wasteland – The Purgatory EP

SEETHER - Wasteland - The Purgatory EP

Fantasy Records [Release date 30.07.21] Seether’s new EP will certainly appeal to existing fans of the band as it features three never-before-heard tracks and an alternate take of ‘Wasteland’ (along with the original album version). The EP gets a limited … Continue reading

Album review: TRAGEDY – Disco Balls To The Wall

TRAGEDY – Disco Balls To The Wall

Napalm Records [Release date 30.07.21] It was a genius idea to take some classic disco and pop music hits from the 70’s and 80’s, add some very loud guitars into the mix and crank things up to the max. Fortunately, … Continue reading

Album review: TITO JACKSON – Under Your Spell

Tito jackson - Under Your Spell

Pete Feenstra chatted to Tito Jackson for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio in July 2021. Gulf Coast Records And Hillside Global [Release date 06.08.21] ‘Under Your Spell’ is an expected delight. Having made his solo debut in 2016 with ‘Tito … Continue reading

Album review: INNER STREAM – Stain The Sea

INNER STREAM - Stain The Sea

Frontiers [Release date 16.07.21] Produced by talented Argentinian producer, Guillermo De Medio, Inner Stream’s debut album, Stain The Sea is a minor delight of Symphonic Metal, programmed sounds and Gothic Rock. The band is primarily singer/songwriter, Inez Vera Ortiz, who … Continue reading

Single review: MAGPIE – Dancing With The Devil

MAGPIE - Dancing With The Devil

3MS Records [Release date 17.07.21] It’s no exaggeration to say that the late Cozy Powell’s seventies’ classic, ‘Dance With The Devil’ is etched into every rock fan’s consciousness. It’s an eminently durable mini masterpiece that has withstood sweeping changes in … Continue reading

Album review: MIKE ZITO – Resurrection

Mike Zito - Resurrection

Gulf Coast Records And Hillside Global [Release date 16.07.21] It is 13 years since Mike Zito cut his first major label album, the David Z produced ‘Home’. 7 collaborations later, the duo reunite again on a project that sounds as … Continue reading

Album review: VARIOUS – New Wave of Classic Rock Vol 1

VARIOUS - New Wave of Classic Rock Vol 1

RPM [Release date 23.07.21] New Wave of Classic Rock (NWOCR) will be a term familiar to many but for the uninitiated, the NWOCR Facebook group was set up in October 2017 to support and promote the many new bands who … Continue reading

Album review: EMILY WOLFE – Outlier

EMILY WOLFE - Outlier

Crow’s Feet [Release date 25.06.21] With one album to her name to date Emily Wolfe – who has a recently released custom guitar the Epiphone Sheraton Stealth, Emily Wolfe – she has decided to stretch her musical boundaries on this … Continue reading

EP review: DRAGGED UNDER – We’ll Do It Live

DRAGGED UNDER – We’ll Do It Live

Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group [Release date 06.08.21] Dragged Under were formed from by former members of Rest, Repose in 2019. In just a few short years they have released their debut album (last year) and had a number of line-up … Continue reading