Gig review: STRAY- The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 7 December 2024
My sixth and final trip of the year to the Cavern which has been keeping the flag flying for live music ‘Sarf of the River’ was, fittingly, for a true rock legend. Stray founding member and guitarist Del Bromham has not only kept the flag flying for the band, but last year’s ‘About Time’ album demonstrated their continued relevance with a fresh line up, and that he still has had something to say both musically and lyrically.
He has played solo shows here in the past but on this occasion fronted the full Stray band, minus second guitarist and singer Pete Dyer who was a victim of Storm Darragh, confined to home after an accident closed his road. The remaining quartet improvised admirably to cover his parts plus it did give them a little more space on the cramped stage. There was a good mixture of Stray fans, Cavern regulars and at least a couple of musos in Dave Bucket Colwell and John Fiddler in attendance.
For Stray’s own last show of the year, Del promised a varied set of old, new and some they had not played in a while and was as good as his word, opening with ‘Time Machine’ from their 1970 debut, among the very best of those memorable riffs from the band’s early days, worthy of ranking with the more famous Purple Zeppelin and Sabbath ones.
‘After the Storm’ was even better and a showcase for some outstanding soloing before he introduced a pair from second album ‘Suicide’ with a strong anti-war message that remains relevant in ‘Jericho’ and the much more rarely played ‘Son of the Father’. It featured a mid-set passage showcasing some military style drumming from the powerhouse Karl Randall and keyboards from Simon Rinaldo, a more recent addition which often, as in this case, gave the songs a bit of a Uriah Heep feel.
The new album was represented by ‘Better Day’, written in and about the strange days of the pandemic and the autobiographical ‘I Am’ before another with an anti-war theme in ‘1600 Pennsylvania Avenue’, and appropriately enough, during the folky elements of ‘Our Song’, he burst into a wickedly accurate Bob Dylan impression (with Jools Holland later another spot on target of his mimicry).
There were more new songs in ‘Shout’ with added keyboard stabs from Simon and ‘Living the Dream’ an illustration that the new material is certainly feels more mainstream and melodically song oriented than the vintage early seventies material.
As the set wore on the ‘Pye’ era mid to late seventies incarnation of Stray got more of a look in and ‘Houdini’ was a good example of how bassist Colin Kempster’s singing supported Del and helped cover Pete’s absence before a final newie in ‘Black Sun’, Del picking up a Les Paul and cranking out a riff every bit as good as his vintage ones.
As befits a man who has carried off ‘songs and stories’ type shows, there were plenty of anecdotes and reminiscences, and his quick, ‘cheeky chappie’ wit was in evidence with some innuendo laced humour delivered with old school music hall comic timing, as well as the tongue in cheek ‘ Percy the Pimp’.
There are two epics that every Stray set must feature. Over nine minutes plus, ‘I Believe It’ began with a long keyboard intro from Simon , then led into an anthemic chorus and lengthy, soaring solo, then after an unexpected diversion in ‘Buying Time’, with the band carrying off a funky mid-seventies groove, the song that Iron Maiden covered and returned Stray to the rock world’s consciousness in ‘All In Your Mind’. All that was missing was Del’s party piece of dangling the guitar from a speaker stack, though as he rocked out a monitor did nearly topple over.
That would have been a fitting finish but even after two hours the band were persuaded to do an encore in ‘Pretty Things’, which was a grower. This was a pretty definitive Stray set and showed that Del Bromham, over half a century and more, has been a significant talent, historically underappreciated but – along with his talented bandmates- still with much to offer.
Review and Photos by Andy Nathan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Gig review: THE SHEEPDOGS, THE COMMONERS- Islington Assembly Hall, London, 5 December 2024
By coincidence, for the second week running, Islington Assembly Hall played host to a pair of bands playing music inspired by the sounds of the American south, yet based thousands of miles apart. On the heels of Robert Jon and the Wreck and These Wicked Rivers, an altogether larger crowd was in evidence for a pair of bands all the way from Canada, but with their hearts way further down south on the other side of the Mason Dixon Line.
The junior of the two partners, The Commoners, have been regulars here for the last couple of years and impressed me when I saw them for the first time in the summer at Maid of Stone. The Toronto quintet’s sound on songs like openers such as ‘Shake You Off’ and ‘The Way I Am’ is strikingly similar- particularly in Chris Medhurst’s vocals- to the early Black Crowes.
‘Gone Without Warning’ had a faster and more urgent feel to it before a total change of pace as both the title track of current album ‘Restless’ and ‘See You Again’ were country-ish with delicate slide work from guitarist Ross Hayes Citrullo and Chris adding acoustic. The twin guitar intro from the pair and the prominent keys helped ‘Devil Teasin’ Me’ to be the nearest in the set to an epic. More Crowes-esque numbers (fortunately delivered crisply and without excessive jams) in ‘Fill My Cup’ and ‘Find a Better Way’ ended a very fine set from a band making the UK their second home.
Hailing from considerably further west in Saskatoon and sporting impressive facial topiary and retro clothing, The Sheepdogs seem to have built a larger following. I saw relatively few familiar faces from the London gig scene yet it is clear they have attracted an audience both young and old, male and female who don’t use the same channels as I do to find out about classic rock. My only previous show of theirs was at the Electric Ballroom a couple of years ago- at that time they were still bedding in a lineup change which has settled down nicely.
Opening with ‘Find the Truth’ and ‘Downtown’ where those fans were singing along to the ‘keep all my money in a paper bag’ chorus, their sounds were right up my alley, in particular the regular twin guitar harmonies between broad shouldered lead singer Ewan Currie and the diminutive Ricky Pacquette. They not only presented a visual contrast but had different guitar styles, the former more melodic and languid, the latter bringing a sharper hard rock edge, usually on a Gibson Explorer.
Ewan’s voice has almost an old-fashioned western feel which adds to their distinctive sound and ‘Let Me In’ was pure fifties style rock’n’roll while ‘Bad Lieutenant’ (sic) began in quite Creedence-esque fashion but was enlivened by a trading of lead lines between the guitars and the piano, the latter courtesy of Ewan’s brother Shamus.
But if Black Crowes are the band the Commoners most resemble, the Allman Brothers are the reference point for the Sheepdogs more than any other, particularly demonstrated on both ‘Southern Dreaming’ with a repeated twin lead passage and ‘How Late, How Long’ , with Shamus’ organ work and a Betts-like fluent guitar solo from Ewan, followed by a heavier one from Ricky on his Les Paul.
‘I’ve Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be’ was plainly a crowd favourite and ‘Now or Never’ was another stylistic throwback to the likes of Roy Orbison. ‘Take Me For a Ride’ was extended for a singalong, while the title track of recent EP release ‘Hell Together’ had a mellower start but turned into a jam prominently featuring piano and slide guitar.
After ‘Darlin’ Baby’ represented a diversion into old school country, ‘Scarborough Street Fight’ upped the hard rock element in the manner of the later seventies southern bands. By this stage some of the jams were perhaps a little long but, as with the Commoners, Allmans-like self-indulgence was in the main avoided.
Photo: Andy Nathan
‘I Don’t Know’ had me thinking that the Marshall Tucker Band are another noticeable influence, but the best was yet to come as on ‘Nobody’, Shamus in his dapper powder blue suit came out from the keyboard to complete a triple lead guitar line up, and their ‘guitar army’ pose as a jam came to a close was a sight to gladden any southern rock fan’s heart.
I actually thought first encore ‘Roughrider 89’ was one of the weaker songs of the night but things got much livelier when Shamus again appeared up front to play a synth solo on a keytar and generally ham it up with a knowing grin on his face. It set us up for a final encore to close this generous hour and 40 minute set in the fuzz-drenched ‘Feeling Good’ (ironically a rare song with a more contemporary sound), which summed up how we all felt after a night of retro sounds that deserved that old Kerrang! epithet ‘Maple Leaf Mayhem’.
(photo: Andy Nathan)
Review by Andy Nathan
Photos by Paul Clampin (except where indicated)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Gig review: GUN – Barrowlands, Glasgow, 14 December 2024
Over the years many bands have embarked on a pre-Christmas tour around the nation. Status Quo and Motorhead are two that spring to mind, and going further back in time, the Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s Xmas shows in the Glasgow Apollo have taken on legendary status.
Gun are the latest to join in on the festive frolics and their annual mid-December show at the Barrowloads has quickly established itself as a major ‘must do’ event on the Advent calendar. I, however, had other things happening the weekend of this year’s show, so decided to give it a miss. That was until I got an eleventh-hour call from a friend to say one of their party had fallen ill and did I want the spare ticket? Well, it would have been rude not to…
So, a quick run into Glasgow saw me entering the hallowed hall that is the Barrowland Ballroom just as the stage was being set for Kira Mac. I had, unfortunately, already missed an opening band, Collateral, which was a shame, but short of driving like Max Verstappen I was never going to make their set!
Kira Mac, though, did a good job of warming things up nicely. The set started slightly later than planned due to a few Gremlins in the system (well it is Christmas!) and Kira said things were a bit nervy on stage waiting for something to go bang. Luckily, we were only treated to banging tunes during the curtailed set. Kira has a big, ballsy soulful voice and she blasted out the vocals with aplomb.
Not having seen the band before I was slightly surprised at the heaviness of the tracks on offer. Of the 5 tracks aired the highlights were opener ‘One Way Ticket’ and ‘Climbing’ which rounded out the short, but very sweet, set. Kira announced at the end that they would be back in Glasgow early next year, and judging by the cheers as they left the stage, it could be a hot ticket.
However, the capacity crowd in the Barrowlands were there for one reason, to welcome back their local heroes, Gun. As the lights dimmed, we were treated to a festive blast of ‘Feliz Navidad’ which was then followed by the aforementioned SAHB with their live version of ‘Delilah’, complete with a mass singalong in the hall.
A huge cheer greeted the band as they took to the stage and kicked off with ‘Lucky Guy’ from their latest album ‘Hombre’. The crowd reaction at the end of the first song was such that I am surprised there is still a roof on the Barrowlands. Dante and Jools looked genuinely surprised and humbled by the crowd response as they took in the heartfelt cheers, in fact Dante looked gobsmacked all evening!
‘She Knows’ followed before old favourite ‘Don’t Say It’s Over’ had the Glasgow Choir in full voice, if you could have bottled the atmosphere at that moment it would have been worth a fortune. The set featured a number of tracks from the ‘Hombre’ album which has been a great success, reaching the top ten in the UK album charts and number one in the Scottish charts, a fact that would be celebrated later in the evening…
One of the highlights from the album was the band’s latest single ‘Falling’ which went down a storm. Another new track ‘Pride’ followed before we went back to the first album with ‘Money (Everybody Loves Her)’ much to the crowd’s delight. One more new song was aired, the aptly titled ‘Take Me Back Home’ which again had Dante thanking the crowd for their support and saying that the Barrowlands audience are the best in the world.
From there it was classic Gun tracks all the way and the crowd loved every minute. ‘Word Up’ featured the usual singalong on the chorus, and that was followed by my personal Gun favourite ‘Inside Out’, such a good song! ‘Steal Your Fire’ rounded out the main set and the band left the stage to rapturous applause.
Dante and Jools soon reappeared for an acoustic rendition of ‘The Only One’ which then segued into ‘Taking On The World’ with the Glasgow choir in full voice on backing vocals which again left Dante speechless.
The rest of the band soon re-emerged to blast through ‘Better Days’, before ‘Shame On You’ brought the curtain down on another fantastic night with a band that never fail to deliver, especially on home turf. Dante promised to return for more of the same next year, I already have it planned in on my calendar, a festive treat not to be missed!
Footnote -
At one point late in the set, the stage was invaded by local music business impresario Donald C Macleod, who was there to present the band with an award for sales of the ‘Hombre’ album. A timely recognition for one of Glasgow’s finest musical exports, and what better place to present it than in front of a sold out Barrowlands crowd?
Review and Photos by Dave Wilson
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Album review: WITHIN SILENCE – The Eclipse Of Worlds
Ulterium Records [Release date : 06.12.24]
On their third album now, Slovakian Power Metal band, Within Silence have reached the point where their grasp is the equal of an ambitious reach.
From the moment the opening track, ‘Land Of Light’ cranks up into sonic action, to the album’s last dying notes, all the pieces fit.
Yes, there are shades of Iron Maiden (The Mist, The Treason) and echoes of Stratovarius (Divine Power, Eclipse Of Worlds) running through the album like a trail of breadcrumbs, stopping off every few minutes to put a fresh spin on the genre.
But it’s clear that the band have developed considerably over those three albums. The writing is taut and honed to a sinewy strength, the melodies are memorable and the lyrics are for adults.
What impacts you most is the fact that there’s a rigour to the band’s music, hidden behind fluent, impressive playing, most notably on ‘Broken Thorn’ and the big ballad ‘Battle Hymn’.
Writer/guitarist Richard Germanus and vocalist Martin Klein will get the plaudits, and deservedly so, but it’s unquestionably a band album.
And it’s also an album that’s greater than the sum of its parts, even if one of those parts, the robust and thunderous, 12 minute closing track, ‘When Worlds Collide’ threatens to overwhelm all that’s come before.
But it doesn’t. Instead, it complements the preceding tracks, using social commentary to provide the song with a steady emotional pulse, and it works a treat. ***1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
We Are Bodies is the British duo of Dave Pen (BirdPen, Archive) and Robin Foster. They create anthemic electro-prog soundscapes that combine guitars and electronics with lyrical subjects inspired by love, loss, paranoia and….robots!
Now, before you think GRTR! has gone all NME on you, We Are Bodies have a lot that will appeal to open eared and minded music fans. The title track is a weirdly wonderful piece of electronic progressive music. Melodic, yet a challenging listen at the same time.
The shadow of Depeche Mode lurks over opener ‘World Is Out’, although to be fair, We Are Bodies sound a darn sight more melodic in the vocals. ‘Things You Can’t Control’ is another instant hit and again full of atmospheric music, whilst ‘Before the Blackout’ has a hint of Simple Minds and U2.
Although ‘Dancing In The Midnight Howl’ (a song about a pair of lovers torn apart) and ‘Lost’ (an upbeat earworm about a twisted relationship, with sublime guitar playing), were released as singles, ‘Lose The Fear’ is a definite contender. Like a dreamy, electronica version of Tears For Fears, this is one classy song.
Sadly a lot of albums released in late November and December get lost/missed in the plethora of end of year lists. Don’t let that happen to this little gem of an album. ***1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Della nova is a project born from the early days of lockdown, and has been meticulously crafted by Alex, the band’s frontman.
The new album has been four years in the making, having gone through various changes to its mixes and masters. The album eventually ended up in the hands of Ben Jeffes, a widely acclaimed sound professional in the film industry, and long-term friend of Alex. Working together, the pair have crafted an album that is deeply rich in its production.
My overall thoughts of this debut album is that it delivers a powerful and evocative experience that showcases both vocal range and musical craftsmanship. With lead vocalist Alex impressively navigating a wide spectrum of emotions, which effortlessly shift from hauntingly soft verses to explosive choruses that resonate with such raw energy. The vocal range is a standout feature, allowing for a truly transcendent and dynamic accompaniment with the melody ,that truly captures the essence of the stoner rock and gritty/underground sound which showcases the bands ability to create emotional depth.
The melodies throughout the album are so intricately crafted, blending catchy hooks with a gritty edge that is characteristic of the genre and the bands influences (deftones, Alice in chains to name a couple ) Each track is thoughtfully arranged, incorporating layers of guitar riffs and rhythmic intensity that enhance the overall sound. The musicianship is commendable, with each member contributing to a cohesive sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic. It transported me back to the late 90s/early 2000’s .
Whilst the whole album was very much up my alley, My stand out tracks are -
“Stand Up” – funky rock riffs in abundance.
“On the Blue” – hauntingly beautiful, the depth created through the vocal delivery and the slower paced musical accompaniment created such an intensity it was breathtaking.
“You Know” – musical grit and again haunting vocal leading to a truly electrifying guitar crescendo just making it a spellbinding musical symphony.
“Erica” – a literal unsung hero which showcases the drumming talents, it was percussion at peak perfection!
While many tracks are contenders I have to give my top track to “Rise with the wind”. I’m totally drawn to music that makes me want to move, especially when it has a bass line that just blows me away with gravelly vocals packed with emotion. The fast pace was so infectious! It had that grungy, gritty vibe that I can’t get enough of, with me being such a huge fan of the angsty grunge rock sound.
Overall, this debut album is a testament to the band’s potential, combining impressive vocal performances with strong melodies and meticulous craftsmanship. It’s a must-listen for any rock enthusiast looking for the next big thing in the genre.
I’m looking forward to seeing “Della Nova” in motion and seeing where their musical career takes them. If this album is anything to go by, I can see them heading on a very fast paced trajectory. ****
Review by Lucy Parr
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
You’ve really got to hand it to whoever guides Status Quo through the pop and rock music jungle.
Brilliantly marketed, with ads that hit all the right notes in the right places, Quo’s latest release, Driving To Glory looks like another winner. And just before Christmas too. What a stroke of luck.
Yes, the band’s considerable core fanbase will buy it anyway. But once word gets around, and a stocking or two needs filled, it’s easy to see it climbing the charts.
The basic logistics: Driving… brings together many of the band’s rare tracks from the late 1990s and early 2000s for the first time.
Producer, Mike Paxman has remastered all 14 of them – tracks he produced for the band back then.
It certainly proves that the half life of a quality Quo recording is impossible to calculate… Some of these songs have been unavailable for over 20 years. And still…
Understandably, ‘Driving To Glory’, a 1999 co-write between Rick Parfitt and Rhino Edwards leads the album and gives it its title.
Parfitt’s singing and playing here is at his fiercest and most undiluted, and surprisingly on the chorus, at his most melodic. Perhaps an attempt to navigate out of the “epic pop” cul de sac in which they found themselves in the late nineties.
A pounding, stripped back, ‘Analyse Time’ and the ornately arranged ‘Obstruction Day’, are again from 1999, both appearing as back up tracks on the ‘Twenty Wild Horses’ single.
Apart from their un Quo like titles, they seem like an English band’s attempt to emulate Tom Petty’s merge of rock and roots. A path never followed. Too many commercial risks.
The highlights elsewhere are a full length version of the fabulously titled ‘Famous In The Last Century’, and there’s a new version of ‘Whatever You Want’, a ‘98 version of ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ and a cover of ELO’s eminently danceable ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’.
Stocking filler tracks for a stocking filler album? ***
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
News: The Best of 2024 – The Get Ready to ROCK! Reviewer Selections (December 2024)
We started 2024 with the sad news that Tony Clarkin of Magnum had passed away just days before the release of the band’s latest album. The band have been venerated over the years by GRTR! and were celebrated in our GRTR!@20 promotion in December 2023 when they entered our “Grotto of Greatness”.
Whilst Magnum’s future may now appear doubtful hopefully the Tony tribute gigs in early 2025 will restore confidence and momentum. Clarkin’s passing does underscore our comments last year that rock is getting old and, frankly, a little infirm. Several tours have been cancelled this year due to illness whilst some artists have retired from touring altogether.
As if to make matters worse we learned that in 2023 more than 100 venues closed and there seems to be no respite from small attendances and rising bills for smaller operators. Artists are playing half the number of “grass roots” gigs than normal.
Get Ready to ROCK! Managing Editor David Randall responded to a feature in “i” newspaper on 9 September “Ticketmaster’s ‘Black Friday’ model is ruining pop culture“. This followed the Oasis ticketing controversy and “dynamic pricing” which makes prices extortionate depending on increased demand.
Randall wrote in the paper “It’s rather ironic that Oasis – working class heroes of the 1990s – should be subjected to such scrutiny about ticket pricing…If these and similar artists are really genuine why don’t they organise an extensive small-venue tour and give back something to live music, and those places that nurtured them?”
In terms of recorded music sales compact discs made a revival in 2024, although vinyl and streaming still shows the greatest growth. In October Billboard reported a decline in vinyl record sales in the U.S. This may be due to rising vinyl prices, fuelled by erratic supply and multiple formats issued by certain big name artists who hog the pressing plants.
The growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music has been a topic both for discussion and legal action.
If at times there appears to be an end of an era feel to the piece, there are any number of upcoming bands vying for our attention. As ever, our traditional end of year listings reflect this.
Again this year we have refrained from an overall top placing in each poll category (due to the sheer diversity of selections) but we have included the top genre selections of our specialist editors. We’ve also included one generalist category – classic rock – which was shared by two bands of the moment – at least in the ears and eyes of our reviewers - Brave Rival and Scarlet Rebels. Both acts also featured strongly in the Live Acts category.
On Sunday 22 December a special show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio will celebrate “The Best of 2024″
Photo: Andy Nathan
The Best of 2024 - Highlights
Albums Of The Year (by genre)
Blues Rock:
WALTER TROUT Broken
Classic Rock:
BRAVE RIVAL Fight Or Flight/SCARLET REBELS Where The Colours Meet
Vinyl sales in the UK during 2023 topped 5.9m units, aided by the likes of new albums from The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift. These represent the highest annual vinyl sales since 1990.
Streaming accounted for 87.7% of music consumption in the UK last year, according to UK record industry trade group BPI, with 179.6 billion streams being delivered across 2023. CD sales are still in decline, down 6.9% on 2022, and cassette sales were down by 30%, from 195,000 units to 136,000 units.
ABBA’s Voyage, the band’s digital concert residency, contributed £322.6m in turnover to the London economy in 2023.
RIP Magnum guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin (pictured).His family released the following statement: “On behalf of the family it is with profound sadness that daughter Dionne Clarkin is sharing the news of the passing of Tony Clarkin. Following a short illness, he died peacefully surrounded by his girls on Sunday 7th January 2024.”
Universal Music Group has removed all of its artists music from TikTok over a dispute over royalty payments.
AC/DC’s ‘Back In Black’ has now been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube.
Larkin Poe won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album for last year’s ‘Blood Harmony’ album. Paramore won Best Rock Album with Metallica picking up a Grammy for ’72 Seasons’ for Best Metal Performance.
Slash has announced details of his blues solo album. Titled ‘Orgy Of The Damned’, it will be released through Gibson Records on May 17 and features 12 revitalized blues classics. Guest vocalists include Gary Clark Jr, Billy F. Gibbons, Chris Stapleton, Dorothy, Iggy Pop, Paul Rodgers, Brian Johnson, Chris Robinson and Beth Hart.
Kate Bush has been announced as an ambassador for this year’s Record Store Day on April 20.
Slim pickings for rock & metal acts at this year’s BRITS with Bring Me The Horizon picking up the Alternative/Rock Act award.
One of the few recent rock albums where there are no skippable tracks. They will have to go some way to beat this album but if any band can, Scarlet Rebels can!
2. MAXIMO PARK Stream of Life
This band just keep getting better & better. Quiz Show Clue, Favourite Songs, You’re Own Worst Enemy and the title track are fine examples of modern indie pop rock.
Good to have them back and with some classy new songs like ‘In My Blood’, ‘Face the Master’ and ‘Rise Up’. Still the best thing to come out of Stoke along with oatcakes and Stoke City FC.
Nearly made it
4. Kid Kapachi – There Goes the Neighbourhood, anthemic punk meets indie pop and not one duffer. Even includes music royalty with a guest appearance from Suggs.
5. Kissin’ Dynamite – Back With A Bang, hands in the air, sing-a-along rock anthems.
6. Judas Priest Invincible Shield, the band’s best album since 1990′s ‘Painkiller’.
7. Amelia Coburn – Between The Moon And The Milkman, as my review said, “Honed over time, Amelia Coburn’s debut album is a thing to treasure and will be one of the finest singer songwriter albums you’ll hear this year”
Amelia Coburn is on tour in the UK from 17 January
8. Miracle Mile – East of Ely, Miracle Mile comprise of Trevor Jones and Marcus Cliffe who conjured up a splendidly enjoyable musical journey. The lyrics are things of beauty and the musical arrangements transport the listener off to marvellous places.
9. Cats In Space – Time Machine, may take a few more spins to get into than their previous albums, but it is well worth the effort. Queen, ELO, 10CC and Supertramp’s musical legacy all influence this fine album.
10. Hamish Hawk – A Firmer Hand, his breakthrough third album which deservedly received critical acclaim. ‘Men Like Wire’ and ‘Nancy Dearest’ are amongst the finest quirky pop songs released this year.
Finally got to see the Cats perform live and was not disappointed. Musically tight and the band enjoyed performing as much as the audience appreciated seeing and hearing them.
Classy Black Crowes and southern rock/soul infused show by the Commoners. Ably supported by Madison Galloway, a blues rock whirlwind!
Reissues
QUEEN Queen I
Full bells and whistles remaster including reinstating the track Mad The Swine, which was missed off the original release. Sounds very different now especially Roger Taylor’s drums.
Breakthrough Acts
POPPY
One minute melodic pop, the next screamo, then full on metal, Poppy is hard to classify but she will become much more well known throughout 2025 and beyond.
ACROBVT
Couple of singles into their new name and sound, with a couple of decent support slots and a few playlist spots these guys should be become deservedly better known.
GYPSY PISTOLEROS
Road hogs of late and with a new album, ‘Welcome To The Church Of The Pistoleros!’, due in May, expect bigger things from this band.
With an appealing female vocal and a Scandi folk vibe, a great way to contemplate the changing seasons.
Nearly made it
TERAMAZE Eli: A Wonderful Fall From Grace
Superior prog pop metal from an Australian band we’d never heard of. THESE WICKED RIVERS Force Of Nature
Full of great hooks and riffage MAGNUM Here Comes The Rain
Given poignancy now and maybe all the better for it. BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION V Like a David Gilmour album, easy to get a bit blase because of the predictable brilliance. Now all we need are some live dates.
AD INFINITUM Abyss
Swiss/German-based metal fused with electronica with excellent vocalist Melissa Bonny. KISSIN’ DYNAMITE Back With A Bang
The band’s motto: Bring Back Stadium Rock. A series of hard rock anthems perfectly designed to get bums off hard stadium seats and maybe a few lighters in the air.
Excellent stage presence, dancing girls, and great grooves.
David Randall chatted to Clark Datchler for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio following an earlier interview tracing his early career with Johnny Hates Jazz. He discusses the band, his solo career, and the 2024 tour dates. First broadcast 14 April 2024.
‘Heartwork’ is a real return to form by John Fiddler (aka Medicine Head), with heartfelt songs, deep grooves, sumptuous tones, some post-Lennon style phrasing and Belinda Campbell’s ethereal accompaniment.
It’s is a loosely defined conceptual album, captured in the chorus of ‘It’s all about the love’ – “It’s all about the feeling, its all about the love, its all about the healing.”
The album has a delightful lightness of touch which multi-instrumentalist and producer Fiddler uses to underpin the songs strengths.
Everything flows mellifluously from the beautifully voiced ‘Everybody Has The Blues 9Sometimes)’ into the reggae lilt of ‘Livin’ in a Bubble’, leading to the uplifting ‘Ridin’ In My Car’, which features guitarist Dzal Martin on a stellar West Coast finish.
Probably the most diverse album of his career and a great example of a rock blues artist with an innovative approach, an indomitable spirit and the drive, energy and feel to realise his vision.
The album is topped and tailed by ‘Broken’ and ‘Falls Apart’ – arguably two career highlights – which despite their pessimistic titles, tap into the self affirmative qualities of the album as a whole.
Just listen to the raw emotion of Trout and Beth Hart on the balledic title track and the magnificent ascending guitar line on ‘Falls Apart’.
‘Papillon’ is a polished song driven rock album by an Anglo-French band, led by the baritone vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Dick Grisdale.
The 12 tracks mix inherent artistry and emotional intensity, with shimmering guitar tones and eclectic lyrics.
The band’s arrangements push the filmic imagery of his song from melodic rock into jangly synth-pop, gothic imagery, Chanson Francaise and even a proggy, rock-blues finish on a monumental self titled anthem.
Drummer Jeff Gautier is a driving force who mixes power with subtly, while keyboard player Paul Mouradian adds electro pop and proggy flourishes, leaving bassist Simon Pearson to lock the grooves together.
There’s even a reworking of the Alex Harvey version of ‘Next’, but it’s the originality of Grisdale’s imagery, as on the evocative on ‘Dry Martini’, the transcendent ‘The Living Room’ and the extended anthemic bookend of Lazarus Heights’ that clinches a marvellous debut album.
Son of Man’s third album sees them trade their Man heritage for classic rock with nods to the gods of the genre such as Zeppelin, Purple, Floyd (with Dave Gilmour in particular), AC/DC, The Who, and on the last track Yes.
They’ve morphed into a powerhouse rock band with traces of AOR and symphonic edges, built on muscular grooves, keen dynamics and real intensity.
Check out ‘There Will Come A Day’ for an unlikely meeting of The Eagles with Pink Floyd, or the cinematic finish of ‘Thanks For The Ride.’
Sweden’s Blues Pills have cut one of the most vibrant and relevant pop rock albums of the year.
‘Birthday’ bursts with energy, spontaneity, fresh ideas, real intensity, deep grooves and contemporary crafted pop rock.
It strikes the perfect balance between a ‘live in the studio’ vibe and a song driven album, topped by Erin Larsson’s animated vocals.
It’s all there on the adrenalin rush of ‘Don’t You Love It’, and also ‘Holding Me Back’ which explodes like a spring coil, allowing the music to brilliantly illuminate the track.
Birmingham’s Vincent Flatts Final Drive is the kind of kick ass boogie band with a brilliant front man Steve “Bertie” Burton, who can start a party any time, any place, anywhere.
Burton’s belligerent phrasing and stage presence exudes passion, commitment and a sense of fun.
He’s backed by the sturdy rhythm section of drummer Rich Shelton and bassist Russ Cook who alternatively groove, boogie, stomp and rock out to give guitarist Gary Harper plenty of stylistic options over which to solo imperiously.
The band tear into the night with a mix of rock, boogie southern, rock, whiskey flavoured country and good old fashioned rock and roll!
The crowd roar along with the band, the bar staff are on the counter and the beer is flying in a magical moment in time.
Walter Trout is a supreme guitarist with a locker full of well crafted songs spanning rock, blues, ballads an even a boogie, full of meaningful personal narratives.
Then there’s his connection with his worldwide fans, as evidenced by his ability to charm an urbane Parisian crowd in the elegant Alhambra Theater.
Tonight, Trout digs deep to present his life stories, with contrasting moments of humour and despair, but always shot through with his band’s musical excellence and his own ability to make each note count like punctuations in a conversation.
From the pounding rocker ‘Wanna Dance’, through the plaintive ‘Say Goodbye to the Blues’, to the southern tinged ‘Ride’, rocking blues never sounded better in the heart of Paris.
Pete Feenstra chattied to John Butler for his show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio playing tracks from the current album. First broadcast 24 November 2024.
DPW’s blend of harmony rich, jingle-jangle bluster and strong songs still hold a timeless appeal some 35 years after the release of their critically acclaimed ‘Shakespeare Alabama’ album.
Tonight they flash through the archive leading into ‘Presley Trap’ a brand new album which shows they have worn well.
Front man John Butler is still the effervescent wiry figure of old, complete with a beret but still armed with a passionate Dylan meets Lennon vocal attack.
They rip into 2019′s ‘Let It Melt’, the Stonesy swagger of ‘Everybody’s Going Nuts’, the new ‘Wonder (Just A Word)’ and the county tinged ‘Wound That Doesn’t Heal’, which suggests Butler still has the songcraft.
As they roar into ‘Like Princes Do’, ‘All The Myths On Sunday’ and ‘When The Hoodoo Comes’, I quietly think this was a great band born out of time.
Reissues
EDGAR BROUGHTON BAND Gone Blue
While you may not have imagined underground heroes such as the Edgar Broughton Band being comfortable bedfellows with the Beeb (who used to be regarded as part of the establishment), their path forward was smoothed over by their champion John Peel.
The 4-CD box set with an illustrated booklet, includes Top Gear sessions, a mono ‘In Concert’ and even a “John Peel’s Sunday Concert” featuring favourites like ‘Dropout Boogie’ and ‘Freedom’.
SNAFU You Know It Ain’t Easy; The Anthology
One of several hard gigging Brit rock bands in the mid 70′s who in retrospect were probably too versatile for their own good.
Featuring soulful vocalist Bobby Harrison and one time Tramline and later Whitesnake guitarist Micky Moody, Snafu mixed up a gumbo of rock, funk, boogie, soul and rock and roll, well represented here in an excellent anthology.
The whole turbulent history of the South Welsh legends Man, in an exhaustive 5 DVD box set, spanning 9 hours, which took nearly decades to complete.
There are contributions from band members Deke Leonard, Terry Williams, Clive John, Martin Ace, Phil Ryan, John McKenzie etc as well as the former management team of Barrie & Jenny Marshall and label A&R guru Andrew Lauder.
There’s a full supporting cast and lots of great live footage, as the documentary also traces the backdrop of the changing times, making it an essential viewing (and listening) for all Man and rock fans in general.
Breakthrough Acts
GRACE BOWERS & THE HODGE PODGE
Grace is a teen guitarist from Nashville who doesn’t sing, but plays guitar with both guts and subtlety.
She’s influenced by among others Leslie West and Slash, but her music has contemporary appeal as evidenced by the debut album ‘Wine On Venus’, which is a cool mix of rock, soul, funk, pop and classic rock.
LINDY URBAN
The 16 year old Muscle Shoals singer-songwriter has a big future.
Hailing from N.W. Alabama, and influenced by Steve Stills and Bonnie Rait, her music is an ethereal blend of folk and rock.
Her vocal is a cross between the grit of Eliza Neals and the husk of Joanne Shaw Taylor.
She’s already been writing with the award winning Spooner Oldham who helped shape the Muscle Shoals sound, the very place where she cut her debut single ‘Ain’t Bound Now’ with leading indie producer Grant Walden.
MINE ROAD
Dublin based, Mine Road is an old school, riff-driven powerhouse rock band with a melodic undertow, and always with an eye on a good hook.
The band feature the Cash brothers (Stuart on guitar and Steve on drums), who are joined by Ken Carthy (vocals) and Dave Flood (guitar), plus Donnacha Neary on bass.
They sound as if they are powering their way though a lot of pent up frustration on the dynamic thrust of ‘Snowplough’, the opening cut of their impressive ‘Tomorrow’s Sky’ debut album.
Following hot on the heels of the first Megalomanium released in 2023, this album proved to be another slab of perfect melodic rock with anthem after anthem encouraging you to sing along.
Devin is a force of nature that you can never second guess. This album contains full-on rockers, big soundscapes and huge riffs which Devin blends together perfectly into one cohesive piece. A twisted genius at work.
24 studio albums in and Saxon are still producing quality metal of the first order. This was also the first album to feature Brian Tatler on guitar and co- writing duties which was no bad thing. Worth a listen for the monstrous title track alone.
Chris Sumby and the team managed to pull together an amazing line up for this years festival with something for everyone. The sun shone (mostly) and the music a was top notch with my personal highlights being Tailgunner, Eclipse, KK’s Priest and the mighty Saxon.
The Friday party night was also well worth my trip down with The Quireboys headlining and a fantastic set by Paul Di’anno which sadly proved to be one of his last.
This was the first of two nights in Glasgow Quo played at the bandstand and it was an excellent night. Francis Rossi was on great form, laughing and joking with the crowd throughout and the set list was a great mix of old and even older tracks. If the 2024 tour proves to be the band’s last (heard that before!) then they definitely went out on a high here.
Alice is now rocking in his mid-seventies and shows no signs of slowing down, thankfully, as he is still the master of shock rock. Surrounded by one of the best bands in the business, this show should be held up as a masterclass in stagecraft for any upcoming band. He may no longer be 18, but we most certainly still like it!
One of the band’s of the Stonedead weekend for me. For such a young band to be recreating the glory days of the NWOBHM is unusual, but the fact that they do it so well is staggering. 2024 has been a great year for them which I think will only continue into 2025
Having heard so many good things about this band, especially in a live setting, I was keen to see them for the first time recently. By god, they were good! With a big headline show at Chepstow Castle already booked in for 2025, the trio look poised to step things up in the coming year.
Their debut was impressive enough but its even more diverse successor lived up to the promise I felt when hearing the new songs live. Adventurous, refreshing and imaginative.
In a really disappointing year for new melodic rock releases the veteran Canadians bucked the trend with a very fresh sounding pop rock album, their strongest in years.
For several albums now the Germans have consistently delivered with a strong set of songs, rough edged yet always with strong songwriting skills, and their latest was no exception.
There will be few if any further chances to see the Scorps in the UK, and I didn’t begrudge paying top whack for a brilliantly choreographed show, not least as they played nearly all of LoveAat First Sting, a seminal album in my rock upbringing.
At 74, The Boss and his band still put on a show of remarkable energy and warmth, especially memorable at a huge stadium steeped in history and in a country with which ‘The Boss’ has a special bond.
A spring and an autumn show in intimate environments confirmed that Britain’s premier melodic rock act are playing as well as ever and their unforced joy in doing so transmits itself to the crowd
Nearly made it
I’m afraid the old ones are the best and as well as those three honourable mentions to a Saxon given a shot in the arm by Brian Tatler – both arguably outshining Judas Priest at Wembley Arena, then the perfect headliner for Stonedead, and Deep Purple, again regenerated by a new guitarist in Simon McBride but the rest of the seventy-something band still so vibrant and giving off a childlike sense of enjoyment.
It was a great year for festivals too and some of the best sets I saw were there – Maid of Stone (Those Damn Crows and Tyketto), Malmo Melodic (Dare, Houston, Chez Kane and Remedy) and Firefest (Coney Hatch, Robin McAuley and Midnite City), while Firevolt again proved to have the best vibes of any small festival in the UK.
I was rather late to the party but this year’s ‘Beneath the Neon Glow’ album charted highly, and I was very impressed with her stage presence and varied, Americana influenced sounds which should have wider cross over potential.
3 NITRATE played their first live show this year which should give a springboard for them to take off with their classic old school anthems. And among the many young Scandinavian acts, Streetlight’s new album is one to particularly look forward to together with the return of State of Salazar.
David Gilmour is to release his first studio album in nine years. ‘Luck And Strange’ is released on September 6 on Sony Music, whilst lead single ‘The Piper’s Call’ was released on April 25. The lyrics were composed by his wife Polly Samson.
KISS have sold the rights to their music catalogue, brand name and intellectual property to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group AB for a reported $300m.
This year’s Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductees will include Peter Frampton, Foreigner, Dave Matthews Band and Ozzy Osbourne.
Retailer Our Price Records is back with an online store launched on April 30 and physical stores planned in the UK after the online relaunch.
Billboard is reporting that, according to sources close to Linkin Park, the band is considering a 2025 reunion tour with a female singer and three members from the band’s classic line-up.
A growing list of musicians have joined Steve Marriott’s children and former bandmates to protest against the release of “new” recordings featuring AI-generated versions of his vocals. As reported by Variety,Cleopatra Records are in discussion with the Marriott estate about completing some of his unfinished demos with the aid of AI technology.
RIP Robin George known for his solo work, including his 1984 hit ‘Heartline’, as well as producing and working with Phil Lynott, Asia, Notorious (with Diamond Head’s Sean Harris) and Damage Control (which featured Spike and Pete Way).
Bruce Springsteen has cancelled a number of shows on his current European tour due to vocal issues. The tour will resume on June 12 in Madrid, with dates in Marseille, Prague and Milan all being postponed.
Heart have cancelled their upcoming UK & European tour as Ann Wilson will undergo a medical procedure and needs six weeks recovery time.
Robin Trower (pictured) has cancelled his US dates set for September and October over health concerns. Cross-sector lobbying group
UK Music has written to the leaders of the UK’s political parties urging them to pledge support for the music industry in the run up to the General Election on July 4. The letter calls for specific action on AI, touring and tax credits, as well as new investment in music education and a ban on for-profit ticket resale.
The venerable Mr. Hackett appears to be on a creative roll at the moment. Putting his ‘Genesis Revisited’ shows and albums to one side, his solo output over his last few albums has been nothing short of exceptional, and is surely topped here with ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’.
His first ‘concept’ album since his initial solo effort ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’ in 1975, the tracks take the listener through the various stages of Hackett’s life and career and the result is nothing short of masterful, with superb songwriting, backed up with a brilliant band and that glorious guitar soaring all over it.
Jon Anderson, lest we forget, was eighty years old this year and yet the voice of Yes continues to both thrill and surprise in equal measure.
Accompanied by a band of beyond-exceptional musicians, you struggle to believe that this is not a Yes album from the seventies – the voice is as mellifluous as it ever was and the songwriting and musicianship are just off the scale.
One of the biggest, and best, surprises of the year.
Leon Alvarado is a consummate musician who specialises in making albums that sound like ‘tribute albums’ to other artists, but which are definitely not, if you know what I mean.
On ‘The Changing Tide’, he’s turned his hand to the sound of Pink Floyd – and produced an album that Gilmour, Waters, et al would have been proud to hang their names on.
Ignore any naysayers claiming “plagiarism” – yes, it sounds like Pink Floyd, but it’s written to sound like Pink Floyd, and, as I mentioned in my review, what are Pink Floyd pumping out now other than remastered remasters of remasters?
Since Gavin Harrison (drummer with Porcupine Tree, King Crimson, et al) joined Bruce Soord and The Pineapple Thief on the ‘Your Wilderness’ album a few years back, the band’s profile has definitely been on an upward trajectory.
‘It Leads To This’ is the next step on this journey and compares favourably with their last two albums ‘Dissolution’ and ‘Versions Of The Truth’ – although definitely heavier in both sound and subject matter.
But despite its relentlessly dystopian aura, the music is just tremendous in every respect.
Following the tragic loss of main man David Longdon in 2021, Big Big Train have picked themselves up and, led by founder member Greg Spawton and new vocalist Alberto Bravin, have produced one of their finest albums since 2016’s ‘Folklore’.
It sounds different, yet reassuringly the same, as the band have made a splendid effort at moving on from the past by using Bravin’s voice and instrumental skills as a complement to, rather than a cloning of, its previous sound.
SLASH Orgy Of The Damned
Where G’N’R fretmeister Slash turns his attention to the blues – and what an album this is.
Helped out by the likes of Paul Rodgers, Billy Gibbons, Iggy Pop, Brian Johnson and others, Slash’s guitar cuts through like a buzz-saw and his duet with Beth Hart on the blues classic ‘Stormy Monday’ is a wonder to behold.
Very much the ‘forgotten’ album of the Yes canon, ‘Talk’ has been given the full ‘box set’ treatment, which, in hindsight, it fully deserves.
Produced by Trevor Rabin and with the lineup of Anderson, Kaye, White, Squire and Rabin, the album bombed at the time (mostly due to the record label going bust) but should be recognised by both Yes fans and lovers of progressive rock in general as very much a ‘lost gem’ – especially for the sixteen minutes plus epic ‘Endless Dream’.
A new(ish) name on the progressive rock scene, but on the evidence of the band’s sophomore album ‘Blood On Water’, definitely a band to keep an eye on.
KATHERINE PRIDDY
A marvellous singer/songwriter from Birmingham whose voice could melt butter and whose two albums to date ‘The Eternal Rocks Beneath’ and ‘The Pendulum Swing’ are essential listening.
Catch her performance of ‘A Boat On The River’ on ‘Later with Jools Holland’ on YouTube.
What impresses you most with Body Of Work is the sheer variety of songs and sounds and styles, and yet, very clearly, it’s all Albert Hammond. He never really had an instantly recognisable sound, or even a particularly distinctive voice. What he has are distinctive songs.
Ever since that point the band have been honing their sound, making minor adjustments here, small changes there, cultivating musical deftness in order to further animate their lyrical ideas.
The album is well stocked with pulse quickening hooks, often outdoing some of today’s better Melodic Rock albums, not something commonly encountered in Metal.
…Love Street compiles a faultless collection of tracks from a unique era in the history of popular music. And hearing it now, much of it seems just as relevant today as it did then.
Pallas are not front page news, and never have been, but they have produced a body of work that demands the kind of celebration we have here with this anthology.
Their first new music since 2009 and the reunion in 2019. This is a really fine album. Not always guaranteed for a band who have been away from the studio for so long, even with their pedigree. But this has the groove, swagger and style of old.
Mogg called a halt to UFO’s Last Orders European tour when a heart attack intervened. I thought that would be the end of the line for the veteran frontman. But no. He came back with a fresh, classy album full of hard rock gems. It’s not UFO, but it’s very good.
I’ve always thought a lot of this band. Bucket loads of energy and always some fine, powerful tunes. This is their best release in some while. As my esteemed colleague, Jason Ritchie commented, ‘If Metallica hailed from Morecombe they may have sounded like this…’
An institution, given a new lease of life by a thrilling new guitarist. No-one plays and sounds like this. No-one does this hard rock, blues, prog thing wrapped around elegant, refined, memorable songs with such class. How long this renaissance might last is anyone’s guess. But we will sure miss them when they are gone.
Samantha Fish at Koko in October was a proper barnstormer of a gig. Rollicking and hard-hitting blues rock, high on power, intensity and pyrotechnics. More so than this reviewer had anticipated. And with a top band to back her too. She is quite a talent. Go see her if you can.
It had been a while. 35 years in fact, since I last saw Anthrax. March 1989 at this very same Hammersmith Apollo. Though it was the Odeon then, of course. This was a great gig. It felt like a party. Some kind of potent homecoming to a spiritually important venue where the band’s enthusiasm and energy were exactly what was needed. Long live thrash.
Bywater Call’s third album this Summer, ‘Shepherd’ cements the seven-piece Canadian ensemble as a very fine act indeed. They are even better live. Bringing, rock, southern soul, roots and a bit of jazz and country too. If you like music how can you not like this lot?
DEA MATRONA
I first caught this Northern Irish band, led by Orláith Forsythe and Mollie McGinn, supporting Kris Barrras at the Craufurd Arms in 2023. This summer, they supported Sheryl Crow at the Halifax Piece Hall. I was staggered to see the improvement in confidence, musicianship and material. At this rate of increase they will be stratospheric in another year.
THE ZAC SHULZE GANG
A really exciting power blues trio. Formed in 2020, their ‘Made of Three’ debut EP has six electrifying tracks. Live, they deliver their own material and well-chosen covers like a rocket-fuelled slalom. Sights and sounds to behold and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
Sweet will release their final studio album, ‘Full Circle’, on September 20 via Metalville Records. It marks drummer Andy Booth’s recording debut with the band following Bruce Bisland’s retirement last year.
Stevie Nicks postponed her Glasgow and Manchester shows due to a leg injury.
Channel 4 has closed its music TV channels, including The Box, 4Music and Kerrang!
RIP Influential blues musician John Mayall OBE, whose band The Bluesbreakers was a springboard for stars including Eric Clapton, Walter Trout and Peter Green.
Queen have announced a remastered and expanded boxset of their 1973 debut album ‘Queen.’ Retitled ‘Queen I’, the album has been remixed and restored by Justin Shirley-Smith, Joshua J Macrae and Kris Fredriksson to sound the way the band always wanted it to. It will be released on 25 October as 6CD + 1 LP ‘Queen I’ collector’s edition boxset, containing 63 tracks with 43 brand new mixes, with ‘Mad the Swine’ restored as the fourth song on the album’s running order.
Mick Box (pictured) has announced Uriah Heep will retire from full scale touring and plan to announce farewell tour dates soon. The tour is expected to start in February.
BMG has reported a 11.1% increase in revenue to €459m ($491.7m) for the first half of 2024. Digital revenue, which accounted for nearly 70% of the company’s overall revenue, grew by 20.3% compared to the same period in 2023.
Compiled by Jason Ritchie
Joe Geesin
Albums
DEEP PURPLE =1
The British veterans are back with a wonderful album, some cracking tunes, and new guitarist Simon McBride. The guitar fits in perfectly, rest of the band on form; songwriting and Gillan’s vocals all standing out.
A long overdue overhaul of the four Tony Martin albums not previously remastered (sadly no explanation of why the live set was omitted), but proof that Headless Cross and Tyr are excellent and essential parts of the Sabbath catalogue.
The former Procol Harum’s breakthrough album and an absolute classic. This multi disc reissue includes a surround sound mix which I was lucky enough to experience at the Dolby Atmos studios in central London – worthy of any price for that alone.
My first time seeing the Boss, it won’t be my last, an absolute masterclass in how to deliver the goods.
MICHAEL MONROE
Playing the whole of Hanoi Rocks Two Steps From The Move album plus a set of solo favourites, this man does not slow down, Hanoi Rocks are my favourite band and this was just a very special gig
THE BLACK CROWES
This was one of those gigs that you will never quite recover from, and if the Black Crowes themselves weren’t enough the encore featuring Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler may well prove to be his last live vocal appearance
I can never understand why The New Roses are not a lot better known by now, this surely must change soon. Absolutely brilliant live act.
Reissues
TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS Long After Dark
Nicely put together package with a load of great bonus tracks
VAN HALEN For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
I’ve no doubt there is a wealth of material in the 5150 vaults that could have made this even better but the live show added here is enough to keep my on board
New album ‘Should’ve Known Better’ is great and the band are well worth catching live
RED VOODOO
Definitely worth a listen if you haven’t already come across the band. This US band may not make it over here to play but they should get a couple of turns on your stereo.
Kate Bush revealed in an interview on BBC Radio 4 that she is ready to create new music.
Pink Floyd have sold their rights to their recorded music to Sony Music for $400m. The deal includes Pink Floyd’s recorded music, the band name and the artists’ “likeness”, meaning that the label will have the rights to merchandise and spin-offs.
Johnnie Walker told listeners that he’s decided to step down from presenting his two Radio 2 and BBC Sounds shows later this month. Walker has been diagnosed with terminal pulmonary fibrosis. Shaun Keaveny will be the new presenter of The Rock Show with Bob Harris taking over on Sounds of the 70s.
WHSmith has announced it will start selling vinyl again in 80 of its High Street stores.
Thin Lizzy release ‘Acoustic Sessions’, their first new release in over four decades. The album reimagines beloved songs, where the original vocals from Phil Lynott are paired with brand-new guitar parts from founding member Eric Bell (pictured). The album is released on January 24 via Decca.
Poison are set to reunite and tour in 2026.
Christie’s will be auctioning 90 guitars owned and played by late guitar legend Jeff Beck, plus his amps and ‘tools of the trade’ on January 22.
RIP Producer, musician, songwriter and soundtrack composer Quincy Jones.
Linkin Park’s ‘From Zero’ album reached number one in UK albums charts, as well as taking the number one in Germany, France, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand.
Drummer Nicko McBrain has announced he is leaving Iron Maiden, who he joined in 1982. The band have an yet as unnamed, replacement lined-up. Nicko McBrain suffered a stroke last year. His last show with Iron Maiden was on December 7 in Sao Paulo.
This album which hit the mainstream charts in the top 20, takes the Welsh rockers to a whole new level, from the Album opener “Secret Drug” the bar is set, and I was hooked.
The whole album includes foot stomping, catchy songs with deep lyrics, interspersed with ballads including a beautiful track with Elles Bailey, ‘Out of Time’ and a collaboration with Ricky Warwick
‘My House, My Rules’ which closes the album, this was worth the wait and is definitely my pick for album of the year.
The Treatment always feel like a fresh new band but this is in fact their 6th studio album It’s been 3 years since “Waiting For Good Luck” (2021), which was the album of 2021 for me.
So, what does “Wake Up The Neighbourhood” deliver, the bar has been set so high, can The Treatment deliver another belter….. the singles (Let’s Wake Up This Town, Back to the 1970’s and ‘When Thunder and Lightning Strikes) released so far suggest we are in for a treat and indeed we are!
Let’s Wake Up This Town – from Tom’s opening rallying call, this is setting the scene for an absolutely classic rock ‘n’ roll album, with a heavy nod back to those classic bands of the 1970′s, this album showcases classic rock pulled off by a NWOCR band and surely this is enough to wake up the masses to the fact that rock is well and truly alive, this established band deserve more attention in the rock community. Please, please check them out if you haven’t already.
This is another fresh invigoration as Covid-19 put plans for a re-launch of Grand Slam firmly on the back burner, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a testimony to both Laurence Archer’s songwriting and Mike Dyer’s powerful love of language.
Initially I was underwhelmed by the opening track as it sounded classic Thin Lizzy, but as the album goes on, the new different direction is showcased, the tracks get better and better and the nods to the past are rightly included, the legacy is legendary. I have found myself returning to listen to this album time and time again.
What a gig, what an atmosphere for a stadium gig! I’ve seen them before and yes, they are getting on these days (aren’t we all?) but their love of rock n roll, their fans and playing hasn’t changed.
Angus still has the energy to run round the stage like a mountain goat and Brian still can sing, those tickets were gold dust and so was the experience, so glad I was fortunate enough to be there, for I what suspect is their last world tour.
2. NICKELBACK
Nickelback are a marmite band, i have loved them since hearing ‘The Long Road’ album way back, they are heavy, they are melodic, they’re a party band and they know how to have a good time and they want you to have a good time too.
An interesting back story (check out the documentary on NetFlix) and a long line of challenges have been overcome to be back on that stage, as ever, they sell out and the Nickelback lovers are out in force to share a cracking night, always good, always on a high post gig, never disappointed, long may it continue.
This was my induction (finally) into Rebel Club, same band, two venues, both were good but the night at the Thekla was absolutely incredible, that boat rocked and then some!
The band have great presence, good connection with the audience and are slick in every aspect, this tour was for the new album (Where The Colours Meet) as well as older favourites, the Rebels know what they’re about, what they stand for and their fans adore them, rightly so too!
Breakthrough Acts
1. JOANovARC
Major festival band and most recently seen at Winterstorm and supporting Gin Annie, these girls absolutely rock! Be sure to check them out and catch them live, you won’t be disappointed!
These guys are awesome live, they bring the party to every gig and raise the roof, a long time fan, now must be their (well-deserved) time to hit it big.
Blues, rock and more than a little Cajun spice, this will get you dancing.
Live Acts
BRAVE RIVAL
You’ll laugh, youll cry, you’ll see the true power of music to change lives.
JULIE CHRISTMAS
Like a feral Bjork fronting Nine Inch Nails with an overall Kate Bush aesthetic, she was jaw dropping at Hellfest in France this year.
AMY MONTGOMERY
Truly a force of nature, few people can dominate the stage like this.
Worth leaving the house for
Bamboozle Primal yet classy, theyre utterly magnetic. Tom Morello An artist for whos live shows the word incendiary was invented for. Beaux Gris Gris and The Apocalypse A guaranteed good time and some incredible vocals and fretwork. Flint Moore A band who not just touches souls but also draws everyone into the family. Constant Follower Indescribably gorgeous songs, played with a transcending sprit. The Blackheart Orchestra Unguarded and bewitching, Beth Eliza Sparkling and fresh songs played with grace and effervescence. Emily Fraser Soulful and disarming, one of the best new talents around, each gig is an intimate delight with the power to transport. Teiger Unutterably cool, few bands have grasped the concept of light and shade the way this trio have, the results electrifying. Deep Purple Proving they still have it, their recent show at the O2 crushed the notion that rock is dead in a phenomenal display of new songs and old classics.
Reissues
FISH Vigil In A Wilderness of Mirrors
His debut solo album and still one of the finest things hes ever done.
IRON MAIDEN Powerslave
Arguably their peak as a force and full of some absolutely incredible material.
KISS Creatures Of The Night
After a few wobbly years KISS decided to get heavy again and the results put this alongside such classics as Destroyer.
Breakthrough Acts
FLINT MOORE
Jeff Buckley meets Radiohead meets Pearl Jam in a head spinning blend that makes them unique.
BAMBOOZLE
Old school rock n roll meets indie sensibilities.
PREYRS
Pure passion and thrills, the quartet are an explosive force.
More crystal ball gazing
Jehenna Young guns with the tunes and talent to see them win hearts and minds with their modern take on rock.
Teiger Quiet is the new loud with the fast climbing London trio, their second album promising nothing but greatness.
Constant Follower Award winning Scottish troubadours who are just getting started in their inevitable rise to the top.
Beth Eliza Charming and fiercely talented, expect to hear her on your radio soon.
Emily Fraser Cambridge’s own sublime singer/songwriter who’s about to make some huge waves
“…this debut album is a testament to the band’s potential, combining impressive vocal performances with strong melodies and meticulous craftsmanship. It’s a must-listen for any rock enthusiast looking for the next big thing in the genre.”
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Gig review: THE DAMN TRUTH – The Grace, London, 26 November 2024
I saw The Damn Truth last Summer at the Islington Academy and was impressed. Eighteen months later, the Montreal rockers were back in town, playing to a sold out The Grace, and put in an even better show.
The band bounded on stage and struck quite a statement in their vibrant ‘70’s west coast garb. I’m pretty sure I once owned a pair of curtains similar to the bassist’s shirt. But it was Lee-La Baum on vocals and rhythm guitar with Tom Shemer on lead guitar alongside who really owned the stage.
As last year, the opener was ‘This Is Who We Are Now’, and it set the tone with a hard-driving rhythm overlaid with strong vocal hooks. ‘Full On You’ followed in double-quick time, again the big chorus was nailed with a powerful, characterful voice by Lee-La Baum. Seriously one of the best female voices in rock right now. Already, Tom Shemer was up on the wedge serving up the lead breaks from the lip of the stage. A pose only slightly undermined by a mate next to me who said he was reminded of Noel Fielding from Bake Off…
Next up, ‘Love Outta Luck’ was a new track and came across as rawer and tougher than the more established material. In a good way.
‘Lonely’ is a bluesy ballad and was wrung dry for all its audience participation qualities by Lee-La who brought an enthusiastic response for the crowd. ‘Only Love’ followed quickly, advertising with a sledgehammer the band’s commercial/melodic hard-rock credentials.
‘Look Innocent’ has become Tom Shemer’s moment. As at the gig last year, he jumped down from the stage and lapped the room without missing a note of his solo and this time unencumbered by the guitar lead that nearly caused his downfall previously.
Another new one in the shape of ‘The Willow’ followed and was well received, before PY Letellier on bass stepped forward to chat to us about how much the band meant to him what it meant to play gigs like this. The assembled punters gave him a warm cheer and Lee-La commented, ‘Hmm. Must let him talk a little bit more in future!’
‘Devilish Folk’ has become a bit of an epic. From the album of the same name, the band worked hard make bring a widescreen feel to this track and the sheer musicality shone through. Shemer again throwing wild shapes and holding poses from the front of the stage.
The third new track of the evening is delivered in the shape of ‘I Just Gotta Let You Know’ and then ‘Get With You’, packed with reverb guitars, distorted vocals and a screaming lead break.
The final track of the set is possibly their best studio cut and fared equally well in the live arena: ‘Tomorrow’ brought a towering blues riff and gorgeous melodic refrain.
For the encores, Lee-La shed her rhythm guitar and was free to dominate the tiny stage with even more energy. ‘Too Late’ was a fractured, bass driven thing that comes from ‘Dear in the Headlights’ and finally ‘Heart is Cold’, strung out with a couple of breakdowns, slow sections and Shemer twisting and contorting on the searing solos.
The band left nothing behind here and fed off the dancey, jiggy, noisy crowd who were clearly loving it. In Lee-La Baum and Tom Shemer, The Damn Truth have talented, livewire musicians. This lot should surely be playing to bigger audiences than they currently do. Here’s hoping.
Review and photos by Dave Atkinson
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Album review : BLUE OYSTER CULT – Live In NYC Third Night (2 CD+DVD Deluxe Ed)
Frontiers Music [Release date : 13.12.24]
The third time’s the charm.
In 2022, Donald (Buck Dharma) Roeser and Eric Bloom, plus “new boys”, Richie (Band Geeks/Jon Anderson) Castellano, Danny Miranda and Jules Radino celebrated their 50th Anniversary as the Blue Oyster Cult, by playing three consecutive nights at the Sony Hall in New York.
Each night, one of their first three albums.
Third in the “black and white” trilogy, Secret Treaties, came on the last night.
Thom Jurek : “Secret Treaties is the purest distillation of all of BÖC’s strengths.” (Allmusic).
Eric Bloom : “Secret Treaties has been the basis of our live act since we released it. It’s an album we feel strongly about…it’s held up beautifully” (Music Radar).
‘Career Of Evil’ is the right way to get a gig started, never mind a studio album. Used as the basis of JK Rowling’s third adult murder mystery (as Robert Galbraith), it draws deep from a well of existential lyrics, written by as yet undiscovered beat poet and punk (ish) singer, Patti Smith.
When the Byrdsian, psychedelic blues of ‘Subhuman’ gives way to ‘Dominance And Submission’, they’re really having fun, especially on the call and response chorus. The Crowd sound like they’ve been rehearsing for months.
Other biggies, like ‘Harvester of Eyes’ and ‘Flaming Telepaths’ get deeply embedded in the band’s stratified sound, creating a carelessly layered, organic, overlapping resonance, where everything bleeds into everything else. It’s electrifying.
The audience are loving every moment. This is the night they’ve been waiting for. You can feel it. You can hear it.
The gig’s second half and the boxset’s second disc is a joyous, juke box set of songs.
The Black Sabbath tribute, ‘Cities On Flame’ still carries an unqenchable, guitar fuelled torch for the liberating, anarchic effect of rock’n’roll.
And, full of yearning, ‘Burnin For You’ describes the other side of rock’n’roll. Eric Bloom’s scorched voice allows for the song to sound as bruised and battered as a 50 year old rock song should.
‘Shooting Shark’ and ‘the Alchemist’ step into the gap between the the band’s gritty rhythms and ornate arrangements, and deliver, alternately, a worked up slice of metalised country rock and a deep dive into the darkness of one of the band’s finest moments.
And of course ‘Godzilla’ and ‘…The Reaper’ are here too.
The gig was recorded and videotaped in 4K UHD. There’s a depth and clarity here you don’t get unless its a headline band.
2 CDs, 1 DVD, 24 tracks, just shy of 120 minutes of music. What’s not to love ? *****
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Gig review: LAZARUS HEIGHTS – The Auditorium, Bassilac, SW France, 7 December 2024
It’s not everyday a Dordogne based Anglo-French band records a live album in a local auditorium, but Lazarus Heights are nothing if not adventurous.
They are also resilient and versatile, related facets which serve them well in a seated venue with plush cinema seats, an excellent stage and good sight lines, but slightly blighted by poorly placed lights and a wilful smoke machine which sometimes renders the band as looming shadows.
No matter, they and their enthusiastic crowd make light of the situation, on an evening when the focus is on successfully recording a live album, while a video team trawls the stage for useful shots in the “fog”.
The band hit the stage with purpose on the thunderous opening chords of ‘Papillon’ the title track of their current album.
But while ‘Papillon’ is their debut album, they have also released a 7 track ‘Strangers’ EP (for sale in the foyer), meaning they have an extensive catalogue of songs to choose from.
And it is the song ‘Strangers’ that provides a chronological uplifting prequel to the excellence of the new ‘Papillon’ material.
Front man Dick Grisdale clearly enjoys the bigger stage, which gave him room to angle his guitar when sustaining a note and making shapes when hitting one of several booming choruses.
Bass player Simon Pearson also occasionally cuts an equally pivotal figure, when surging to the front of the stage to extend an arm or cup his ear in the direction of those now dancing at the front of the stage.
You get the feeling he knows they are there, even if he can’t see them.
And while Jeff Gautier provides the bluster, phrasing and textures to shape the band’s sound and keep it interesting, it is keyboard player Paul Mouradian’s mix of short angular synth solos, motifs and attentive bv’s that catch the crowd’s attention.
This is particularly so on the flighty ‘Fall For You’, on which Gautier’s lightness of touch and Grisdale’s clarity of diction are topped and tailed by Mouradian’s delightful riff.
And as the final note of his keyboard gently descends and decays there’s a palpable moment of tension before the crowd ruptures the attentive silence with thunderous applause.
The Mouradian and Gautier combination is equally impressive on the ‘Waterfall’, a song full of muscular chords and a propulsive feel which effectively mirrors the lyrical imagery.
Mouradian’s breezy synth solo and subsequent melodic coda rounds off a well structured song.
Lazarus Heights is very much the sum of its parts, as evidenced by their self titled complex anthem, which moves from a Spaghetti Western filmic intro with a cricket reference, to a sweeping chorus, a proggy Gilmour style guitar solo and a final whistled outro.
It provides the perfect snapshot of a confident combo who clearly relish the prospect of nailing a live album.
There’s still time for a couple more Grisdale penned big hitter such as the bombastic ‘Dry Martini’, full of keyboard and guitar double lines, a rumbling bass, cinematic lyrics and another booming chorus.
There’s also the heavy duty riff driven ‘The Pleasure’ on which Grisdale conjures up some impressive Eastern sounding tones.
Two French related tunes obviously connect with the crowd, with much punching of the air on Jacques Brel’s Tango ‘Next’, as re-imagined all those years ago by Alex Harvey.
The band also reach for another sonic level on Alain Bashung’s dynamic ‘Fantasie Militaire’, with a slow building portentous opening with Grisdale singing in French.
An explosive stop-time resolution ushers in a wall of sound with Grisdale’s frenzied and sinewy toned guitar attack which again intuits with lyrical anger.
And with the job of nailing the live album complete, the band throw in several crowd pleasers like The Doors ’LA Woman’, a Bowie sing-along on ‘China Girl’ and even some punk injected rock and roll on Iggy’s ‘Lust For Life’.
Cue Zeppelin’s ‘Rock & Roll’ on which Gautier excels in his role as John Bonham, before a sweeping finale with Cristophe’s ‘Les Mots Bleus, which brings the room to its feet.
A final bow at the front of the stage and they are gone, just like a ‘Papillon’.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
… it is everything you might expect from a vocalist who has a rare ability to unravel, explore and ultimately deliver a universal emotion with a soulful voice which wrings every last drop of meaning from every last word. ****
… there really isn’t a skippable track on “Wardour Street”, an album which is the very heart and soul, the spirit of The Quireboys – but that could easily be said about Spike himself. Welcome back!! *****
Cats In Space are in a field of their own as nobody really does music with all the pomp, melody and musical shenanigans that these guys do. Recalling the glory days of Queen, the Who, Sweet, Slade and 10cc with their own modern twist, these Cats have still got it! ****
Perhaps this album will see piano led songs back in vogue? Even if it doesn’t you can hear that Willie Dowling had fun creating these songs and as ever, his lyrics pack a powerful punch wrapped in sugar coated melodies. Simply marvellous. ****1/2
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Librarians With Hickeys are an indie pop rock duo consisting of Ray Carmen and Mike Crooker. Here both of them choose an eclectic Baker’s Dozen…
Ray Carmen (in more or less no particular order)
1. Paul McCartney – Maybe I’m Amazed
From Macca’s debut solo LP. The best song on the album (which to this day I find enjoyable to listen to, even though Paul himself didn’t think much of it) and one of his greatest compositions.
2. Queen – Somebody To Love
Although the album this is from isn’t one of my favorites (A Day At The Races) this is still my all-time favorite Queen track.
3. The Monkees – Daily Nightly
Written by Monkee Mike Nesmith about the mid-60s curfew riots on Sunset Strip which resulted in Pandora’s Box being burned to the ground. Micky Dolenz sings and plays the spacey Moog synth part, while Peter Tork plays organ and Nesmith plays guitar. Davy is in there on percussion I’m sure. To this day, Mickey is one of the greatest unsung (no pun intended) vocalists in rock.
4. The Beatles – Long Tall Sally
No one covered this song better than the Fabs, and no one else could imitate Little Richard like Paul. Listen to the live version on the long-out-of-print legit bootleg Live at the Star Club. It’s the beginnings of punk rock. They sound like the Damned. Nuthouse insane.
5. Elvis Costello & the Attractions – Man Out Of Time
Elvis has never put out a bad album, and Imperial Bedroom is a masterpiece. Man Out Of Time is the centerpiece of an album filled with fifteen literate pop gems. There’s vitriol here, but it’s also—to my ears, anyway–surprisingly tender.
Written by the late great Kirsty MacColl, and one of the greatest tributes to 60s girl group pop ever written. Ullman’s album, You Broke My Heart In Seventeen Places, is a LOT of FUN.
7. Kirsty MacColl – What Do Pretty Girls Do
From the late singer’s greatest album, Kite, an album that makes me long for 80’s British pop again.
8. Marshall Crenshaw – Our Town
It’s rather difficult to pick a track from Field Day, where Our Town is from. So many great songs…Whenever You’re On My Mind, Our Town, Monday Morning Rock, For Her Love…all great tunes. A joy from start to finish.
9. The Rolling Stones – Happy
As it turns out, my absolute favorite Stones tune was sung by Keef. And that guitar riff is one of his greatest.
10. The Residents – Mr. Wonderful
I’ve loved the Residents since I first discovered them in the early 1980s. They make great music when they’re angry, but they also make surprisingly beautiful music when they’re in an introspective mood. This track from Demons Dance Alone (an album recorded in the wake of 911), is about a homeless man looking back on his life. The live version from that tour saw the lead singer reflect on the band’s career and the death of their collaborator, Phillip “Snakefinger” Lithman.
11. The Surfrajettes – Easy As Pie
Along with Russia’s Messer Chups, the Surfajettes are keeping modern surf very music alive and well. Easy As Pie is the title track to their latest rekkid. Catchy as hell, and their drummer, Annie Lillis, is from Akron!
12. Honey Radar – Play-Box Relay
These gents from Philly are the brainchild of Jason Henn, one of the greatest writers of post-it note length pop tunes. He could give Robert Pollard a run for his money. Play-Box Relay is the title track from a 2021 EP.
13. Alvvays – Belinda Says
A friend of mine introduced me to these folks last year, and I am now an Alvvays super-fan! This track is from their most recent album, Blue Rev, and has shades of My Bloody Valentine, with vocalist Molly Rankin soaring over the song’s finale.
Mike Crooker
1. Husker Du – Celebrated Summer
I first heard this on a 45 at the radio station I worked, at and promptly fell in love with this song. The pain, the yearning, the power. The whole fucking New Day Rising album could have been the entirety of this list.
2. The Replacements — Left Of The Dial
As a musician who did, indeed, “grow old in a bar” this song nailed the ache that is baked into in a musician’s lifestyle like no other. See also “Unsatisfied” and “Bastards Of Young”
3. Robyn Hitchcock – I Often Dream Of Trains
If Mr. Hitchcock didn’t exist, why, we’d have to invent him. Basingstoke, here we come! I could have also picked “Raymond Chandler Evening.”
4. Pink Floyd – Lucifer Sam
Early “world–building within one song Syd” is the peak Syd. I would watch six seasons and a movie built upon this one song.
5. Dream Syndicate – Merritville
As much as “Days Of Wine And Roses” rules, this is the noir version of “world–building within one song” and my favorite from the Medicine Show. I’m still trying to copy the Steve/Karl guitar interplay and Tommy Zvoncheck’s piano in our stuff. Honorable mention “John Coltrane Stereo Blues”
6. The Smithereens – Behind The Wall Of Sleep
Punchy, crunchy, and throbbing… imagery for miles. Such a rocking band. I’ve been trying to nick Mike Mesaros’ bass fills (and failing) for years! RIP Pat. Also could have gone with “Blood & Roses” because of that bass line.
7. Dukes Of Stratosphear – Vanishing Girl
XTC gets in a time machine and transports everyone to 1967 where we will happily live out the rest of our lives with this as the soundtrack. LWH has been know to play this one vigorously on stage.
8. Mission Of Burma – That’s When I Reach For My Revolver
From “Signals, Calls, and Marches” A slow–motion intro that led to an explosion that ble away my tiny Midwest corporate rock world in 1981 (see also: Devo). When first I saw that my girlfriend (now wife) had a copy of this and “Days Of Wine And Roses,” I knew she was the one (I was right). Honorable mention: “Academy Fight Song.”
9. The Church – One Day
Technically it would have been “Fly / One Day” because that’s how it rolls on the Seance album. Most days of the week, The Church are my favorite band. Also you can really hear that influence of twin-guitar attack of Marty Willson-Piper and Peter Koppes, harmonies and songwriting on us. Honorable mention for “Almost With You.”
10. The Smiths – Cemetry Gates
Not the obvious choice (Panic, Shoplifters, William, Heaven Knows, How Soon Is Now) but it’s got that Johnny Marr pop guitar bounce and (for a change) Morrissey’s less dramatic (or maybe more dramatic) lyrics.
11. Translator – Everywhere That I’m Not
The agony in Steve Barton impassioned vocals in the last chorus is palpable. It’s got a great weird intro, lyrics, chiming guitars, melodic bass line, propulsive drums – it’s all there!
12. Librarians With Hickeys – No More Goodbyes
… wherein I throw all of these above songs in a blender and it somehow sounds like us! Somehow!
13. Sunshine Boys – Caroline Yes (2018)
I first heard this on Mike Lidskin’s show on Woody Radio and immediately had to hear it again (and I am listening to it as I type this) – I urge you to listen to it right now as well. You’re welcome!
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Album review : STORACE – Live And Let Live (plus bonus live CD)
Frontiers [Release date : 13.12.24]
Marc Storace’s Live and Let Live is an album born in the depths of the Covid pandemic.
Skipping through the “singer meets musician, they swap ideas” part of the plot, the album was eventually recorded with a bunch of studio professionals.
Live and Let Live was the result, but the pandemic was still upon us, and the album, subsequently released in 2022, got buried under an absence of publicity.
Still, enough people with influence heard it, and that led to support gigs touring with Kiss, The Scorpions and Alice Cooper.
Word gets around. Two years later, it’s been resurrected by those arbiters of good taste, Frontiers Music. A live CD has been added and the result will be released later this month.
The music’s got the same rhythmic heartbeat that energised seventies’ classic rock bands like Bad Company and The Faces.
‘Live and let Live’, the track, is an urgent melodic rock song, smartly agile, with a stunning barebones production design and an elegantly minimalist axe motif.
The ballad, ‘Lady Of The Night’, is a satisfyingly rough edged rock’n’roll anthem, loose limbed but laser focused. It shares a cool Hammond organ backing and a moody bassline with ‘Time Waits For No One’, creating a convincing bluesy feel to the music.
The hard rocking ‘High On Love’ and ‘Carry The Burden’ remind us that Storace spent years fronting Krokus, and the catchy arena rock ballad, ‘Broken Wings’ reminds us that Storace can do commercial just as much as he can the pure hard rock stuff.
The live album is a fine addition.
In simple terms, it’s just Storace and a bunch of rock musicians who’ve been round the block a hundred times.
The set just bristles with in-the-moment energy. These guys are loving every minute, working hard to make it sound effortless.
It’s essentially the studio album done live plus some Krokus biggies, ‘Hellraiser’, ‘Midnite Maniac’ and ‘Telephone Man’, which goes way back.
While searching for a vocalist in 1979, Chris Von Rohr and Fernando Arb heard the ‘Telephone Man’ song on a UK NWOBHM sampler. The band was Eazy Money, fronted by Storace. The rest, as they say, is history. ****
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Album review: THE BLACK CROWES – Happiness Bastards
Silver Arrow [Release date: 15.03.24]
Well, seeing as I picked this as one of my albums of the year, I really ought to review it! Released in March, it is refreshing to pen a few words about an album I’ve been able to wear around the house for a little while, like an old pair of slippers.
That level of comfort is close to what you feel when you realise this album is a long overdue return to form for the Black Crowes. Back in the day, I remember an acute sense of disappointment on listening to ‘Amorica’ after the barnstorming quality of their first two albums. Some might disagree, but with a few exceptions, I don’t think they really caught that early wave again. ‘Happiness Bastards’ has restored the balance. Their first album of new material for 15 years.
It is a really fine album, with much of the groove, swagger and style of old. Opener ‘Bedside Manners’ is a belter: up-tempo, a touch of blues, livewire solos, piano and soaked in those gorgeous 90’s vibes; and ‘Wanting and Waiting’ finds a similar feel with a gorgeous guitar piledrive on the chorus that makes you feel warm all over. Brilliant.
Later on, ‘Follow the Moon’ is full-on dirty slide guitar and lacquered vocals that sees the Robinson brothers bouncing off each other like they never fell out at all. How glad we are that they buried the hatchet again, and not in each other.
But it’s far from all old school. ‘Rats and Clowns’ brings stacked vocals and hard rock power driven by a kicking drum track with more backbone than a stegosaurus’s spine (sorry, the analogies start to run thin this late in the year).
The good stuff keeps coming. ‘Bleed it Dry’ has a fat, crawling riff, harp overlays and channels the Stones at their raunchiest. ‘Flesh Wound’ picks up the pace and hints at a celtic mood on the mid-track change up. ‘Cross Your Fingers’ brings the subtle acoustic moments before twisting into a track with a cobra’s bite.
Chris is singing with character and passion, whilst Rich plays his backside off. The band sound up for this and there is depth to everything here. No weak links. A couple of ballads contrast nicely with each other. ‘Wilted Rose’ features Lainey Rose and is a country thing with shimmering drops of organ and vibrant guitar that morphs into an edgy beast, whilst album closer ‘Kindred Friend’ is subtle, tender and warm. There are mood changes aplenty.
The production throughout is thoroughly modern and razor sharp. Jay Joyce has concentrated the essential Black Crowes sound into a tight 38 minutes. This is as good as anything they have ever done and I am one Happiness Bastard knowing that they are back. ****½
Review by Dave Atkinson
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Gig review: ROBERT JON AND THE WRECK – Islington Assembly Hall, London, 28 November 2024
On Thanksgiving Day, what could be more appropriate to go to than a gig, from a California based band peddling the very best in southern rock? Luckily in recent years Robert Jon and the Wreck seem to have constantly been on tour here, so the chances were high.
There was an all too short set from another band who are southern in spirit despite hailing from thousands of miles away, in Derbyshire band These Wicked Rivers. I am a big fan of the hirsute quintet, who look like a gang from the old west, but this was not the best time to catch them.
With their traditional stage set, lampshades and all, rather shoved to the side, they were given a mere 25 minutes and on opener ‘Force of Nature’ the sound was shocking with neither lead vocals nor guitar cutting through. Things looked up somewhat on ‘Shine On’ with some fine soloing from Arran Day, master of the tilting the guitar skywards pose. However, in tuning up between songs, he inadvertently kept drowning out soft spoken singer John Hartwell.
Last single ‘Black Gold’ was more commercial, then ‘Testify’ featuring some harmonica playing from keyboardist Rich Wilson, a fine heavy blues. Their very short set ended with what is their signature epic, the six minute plus ‘Don’t Pray For Me’, building from slow beginnings to a brilliant solo from Arran, pulling that pose with his twelve string and a snatch of Neil Young’s ‘hey hey my my’ as a coda.
Robert Jon and the Wreck entered without fanfare and opened in rather ordinary fashion by their standards with the conventional hard rock of ‘Hold On’ and ‘Rager’, albeit the latter with the first sparkling solo from Henry James, his Afro grown to a size not seen since Neal Schon was in Santana and concentrating to the extent he was almost in a trance. Indeed, the first four songs were all taken from brand new album ‘Red Moon Rising’, with ‘Boss Man’ having a more southern feel before the looser swamp-like grooves of the title track.
After a first older song in Waiting For Your Man’ with some crisp southern fried riffery that reminded me of the likes of Doc Holliday, The Outlaws and Point Blank, their most recent single ‘Point of View’ was enlivened by a stunning solo from Henry. ‘Shine A Light on Me Brother’ was the first to really get the crowd moving and was also the first demonstration of Henry’s equal prowess on slide, especially as he jammed with guest guitarist Joe Coombes, looking like the young Glenn Frey. Complete with lengthy intro there was more slide work on ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ before a change of pace in the country rock ballad ‘Gold’ which really grew on me.
Robert is a gruff singer who says little between songs, yet his bearlike figure exudes real authority when he does. He correctly surmised that the crowd would want to partake in a massive singalong when ‘Oh Miss Carolina’ finally got to the chorus. Among the new songs, ‘Ballad of a Broken Hearted Man’ really made an impact on me. Rockier than its studio counterpart, when a piano solo from Jake Abernathie was followed by a guitar solo from Henry, I was reminded of the great playing of Skynyrd’s Billy Powell and Allen Collins respectively.
After Robert graciously gave a special Thanksgiving Day gratitude to various parties, the best was left to last with traditional set closer ‘Cold Night’. This was a trip back to the days when every southern band used to have to have a lengthy epic and indeed began with an Allman Bros-style harmony lead between Robert and Henry which they returned to every so often. The latter went on a lengthy yet always melodic solo, crossed the stage to jam with Jake’s equally seventies inspired synth sounds, and resumed going into another dimension as the song finally weighed in at over 15 minutes.
It was matched in its epic scale by the sole encore ‘Last Light On The Highway’- bookended by a slow opening and closing was some more wonderful musicianship, with a beefy riff, an orchestral style arrangement and comparisons with UFO’s ‘Lights Out’ album and ‘Love To Love’ in particular only enhanced by the way Henry took off into an extended, rapid yet ever melodic and controlled solo in Schenker-esque fashion.
Those two last songs would have gone down a storm with viewers of the Old Grey Whistle Test in the seventies and are proof that at their very best, there is no-one to match Robert Jon and the Wreck among the myriad southern influenced classic rockers treading the boards right now.
Review and Photos by Andy Nathan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Five year veterans of the Japanese rock/metal scene, Illusion Force have now been recognised by Frontiers’ Music as indeed, a force to be reckoned with worldwide.
They cite Dragonforce and Helloween as being among their influences.
Accordingly, an intense sense of drama permeates all of the tracks, as the band deploy powerful images and memorable music in compact, episodic chunks. All of them armed with a cutting, power metal edge.
Band leader/ vocalist/ songwriter, Jinn Jeon: “it was a great challenge to properly utilize the elegance and versatility of Japanese music”.
He’s referring to Gagaku, a type of Japanese classical music that was historically used for imperial court music and dances.
Fused with the band’s bold power/prog metal, this innovative sound design courses through the music’s bloodstream, a carefully calculated plunge down a never ending helter skelter ride.
It begins with ‘Kaleidescope’ and continues with ‘Captan No.5’. Both are light footed and fast on their feet, and both switch quickly, almost imperceptibly, from ritualised Japanese music to full, shrill progmetal mode.
The transitions can appear clumsy, but the dazzling, twinned axework pieces (between the brothers Shiramoura) are utterly inspired, as the duo negotiate hairpin curves in the arrangements with skill and aplomb.
‘Halfana’, the title track rushes at breakneck speed, mixing and matching competing melodies in a fast dance to the finishing line.
Like so much of the album, ‘Miracle Superior’ can sound chaotic and frantic. But its combination of melodic abandon, agile guitars and Jeon’s crazy soprano is wildly entertaining.
A spiralling melody, undulating rhythms and impeccable harmonic textures single out ‘The Serene Valley’ as one of the album’s key tracks, as it moves with grace and agility from one spine tingling moment to another.
It comes as no surprise to learn that the multi-talented, classically trained musician, Matias (Stratovarius) Kupiainen had a hand in the making of the album.
We will hear more of Illusion Force. Halfana is just the start. ****1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Gig review: STEVE HOGARTH – The Crypt, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, 5 December 2024
What we need in the pre-Christmas period is a warm and cosy festive gig, maybe in an unusual location, to lift the flagging spirits. To help us take our mind off political posturing, the smell of Musk, Black Friday overspend, and Masterchef misdemeanours (alleged).
In former times, we have enjoyed Thea Gilmore’s pre-Xmas hoolies when she warmed us up with her good cheer and a great selection of seasonal tunes (do go investigate ‘Strange Communion’ our regular pick for a festive playlist).
So it came to pass that the object of our Christmas pilgrimage this year was one h, aka Steve Hogarth. He occasionally moonlights from his regular job fronting Marillion, sits himself behind a piano and treats the faithful to an intimate solo gig, inviting requests and with general bonhomie.
I was looking at Marillion’s Piss Up In A Brewery video recently, recorded in Burton on Trent in 2000 and was shocked that Hogarth – over a decade after he joined the band – still seemed somewhat shy and not particularly effusive, almost like a rabbit in the headlights. He also looked very young.
No such worries now, maybe it takes another 20 years to firmly mature into the role of raconteur troubadour? Hogarth has natural charisma and is one of the great frontmen (and vocalists) of the age. A solo gig should be a piece of (Christmas) cake, shouldn’t it?
The show was informal, although an 8:15 start and an extended intermission meant we had to cut short our second half reverie. Note to self: in future don’t take the bus. And it was only after a disciple directed us to a “secret door” that we avoided a rather undignified scramble for seats.
Steve’s opening spiel revealed quite a bit about these intimate performances. These end of year sorties started when he panicked about a rather large looming tax bill and it was suggested that some solo gigs might help balance the books. It’s an honest revelation, certainly.
Having got hammered at the legendary The Crooked Billet a few days earlier he was by his own admission rather delicate, suggesting that these gigs go better when fuelled with some of the hard stuff. Certainly it may have loosened up more inter-song banter whilst the set list he told us was unpredictable. But you got a sense that h knew exactly what he was going to play and in the first half several shouts for ‘Somewhere Else’ went unactioned.
Stripped back and personal, this was a chance to hear some classics reinterpreted, both cover versions and those of his band. If Marillion’s music matures like fine cheese, Hogarth is able to breathe new life – a secondary fermentation if you will.
It was especially heartwarming hearing the more obscure band stuff in this way. ‘Nothing To Declare’ for example was given greater heft with the use of laptop accompaniment whilst the simple arrangements of ‘Fantastic Place’ and ‘Beautiful’ revealed an inner quality found in all the best songs.
Amongst the other highlights a slowed down version of ‘Dry Land’ with a suitably impassioned delivery enhanced one of Hogarth’s best tunes (written in his pre-Marillion band with Colin Woore).
As Hogarth intimated at the start Liverpool has become almost a “second home”, playing host to many a Marillion gig and his solo shows (although his earlier band gigs appeared to be tagged on to the main tour as a warm-up and are sometimes not listed) and the band have used the local Parr Street Studios.
In the hallowed portals of a cathedral crypt, I was half expecting a confused Justin Welby to leap out at any minute waving his P45. If Marillion and their frontman invoke almost religious zeal amongst their fans, this was another second coming from h warmly welcomed by those that keep the faith.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Gig review: THE VAN MORRISON ALUMNI BAND – The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 25 November 2024
Few artists have gained the stature of Van Morrison, the Belfast born troubadour a true legend whose blend of soul, jazz, blues and rock is oft imitated but seldom bettered. Whilst his recorded output has never been less than industrious with over a thousand songs and forty-six solo albums to his name alone, his reputation as a hard task master has caused some to label him difficult to work with.
The truth though appears to be in his search to find the very best people to help him bring his songs to life and the rolling cast of musicians backing him have always been some of the very best in the business.
Bringing together some of this stellar talent, The Van Morrison Alumni Band sees sax master Leo Green joined by Matt Holland on trumpet, pianist Robin Aspland, drummer Geoff Dunn, and Alec Dankworth on bass, along with singers Jo Harman and Natalie May Paris on vocals and Hammond player Gary Baldwin and guitarist Joe Garland.
Whilst the man himself may not be present, this fulsome tribute to his craft and catalogue is nothing but sublime and shot through with both spirit and class. Whilst Van Morrison is not known for being verbose, the effervescent Green brings undoubted bounce to the night, acting as MC, telling stories and playing with showmanship, his praise of the songs and their author a labour of love.
It’s a career spanning set, the hits complemented by deeper cuts that seldom get an airing and runs the gamut of styles that shows that Van the Man is someone passionate about his craft, something that he himself has tellingly dubbed “the Healing Game”.
There’s an undoubted power here and with the punchy and swinging Gospel of ‘St Dominic’s Preview’, the smoky ‘Days Like This’ and ‘Caravan’ weaving its magic spell, the whole is mesmerising. Of course, big numbers like ‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You’, ‘Into the Mystic’ and ‘Moondance’ score big but the extraordinary ‘Queen of the Slipstream’ and ‘The Philosopher’s Stone’ are breathtaking in their scope and depth of emotion.
At some point in the evening it seems like you’re suddenly struck by just how good these songs sound, not both vocalists have been well chosen, adding their own layers to the sounds but never showboating as the whole takes the spirit of the pieces, the band allowing both to shine in their own ways.
Of the two, Paris brings something of her West End dazzle into play to help sell the numbers and adding a subtle physicality to her performance but Harman uses her ability to inhabit the very bones of the compositions, her ability to bring joy or despair whilst stood there, her eyes closed as she’s utterly lost in the music. The man himself is a master craftsman of tone and intonation but these two certainly breath life into every note, the smiles all round a show of appreciation.
Stories behind the songs are told, Green a natural ringmaster and raconteur and laughs are plenty, the chemistry and respect onstage something that can only come through the laying aside of ego.
Opening the second set with a bubbling ‘Bright Side of the Road’ and Bo Diddley’s arrangement of ‘I’ve Been Working’, there’s an instantly upbeat feel in the air and a new spin on ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ is a surefire winner. Green, Holland and Aspland’s solos throughout add a classy sheen to proceedings and Harman’s performance on the superb and epic ‘Ancient Highways’ is arguably the peak of a night with countless highs.
As with the best of these types of evenings, there’s an overwhelming urge to dig out the originals to play for the rest of the week when the audience have all dispersed to their own homes but there’s a hope that these performances may be released in their own right before too long, such is their quality. Given the weight of the talent onstage, this is so much more than a tribute act or jukebox musical could ever be, instead taking a life of its own and sings with its own angelic voice. We were all well and truly healed.
Review & photos by Paul Monkhouse
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
When frontman Phil Mogg called a halt to UFO’s Last Orders European tour in 2022 on Doctor Doctor’s orders, I thought that was the end of the road. I was disappointed, not only because I was left clutching a ticket for the Prague show with no band to see, but also because Mogg was singing as well as ever.
I should have known better. A great survivor of the band’s hedonistic heydays (witness the sad departues of his former band mates Pete Way, Paul Raymond and Paul Chapman), Mogg has come back barely two years after his heart attack with a really strong album. Released in September, the more I’ve played it since then, the more I’ve loved it.
This is a classy, fresh album full of hard rock gems. But don’t run away with the idea this is UFO by another name. Moggs Motel is from the same gene pool, but it has taken a different evolutionary path (to mangle some scientific analogies). I read one review on release that described Phil Mogg as ‘the Frank Sinatra of rock, if you will’. I’m not sure what that says about music’s interbreeding population, but the sentiments are clear.
Alongside Mogg, the band comprises Tony Newton (bass & keyboards) from the band Voodoo Six and former UFO and Gary Moore band multi-instrumentalist Neil Carter (guitar, keyboards, vocals) who between them have written the material. Joe Lazarus (drums) and Tommy Gentry (guitar) complete the line up.
The initial impression is of a straight-forward, uncomplicated set of tunes. Lead track, ‘Apple Pie’ might confirm that view. It is one of the best on show, with bright, sharp guitar high in the mix and Mogg’s almost soulful delivery very much intact, powering a vibrant hard rock outing.
But there’s more going on here. ‘Sunny Side of Heaven’ ploughs a heavier furrow than most of UFO’s output and the stacked harmonies lift the track out of the ordinary; ‘Face of an Angel’ and ‘I Thought I Knew You’ are catchy, commercial tracks with a twist. Mogg’s wry lyrical look at life is ever-present: ‘I have a sentimental memory for the things we never said’.
The twin guitar on the chugging ‘Princess Bride’ gives way to a keyboard layers and the track again benefits from strong backing vocals with lovely synth/guitar passages. It segues into ‘Other People’s Lives’ with a toll of a bell and a heavy, atmospheric undertow that can’t help but suggest Iron Maiden, given that this was recorded in Steve Harris’s studio. These are some of the best moments on the album.
The guitar work on the full-bore ‘Tinker Tailor’ stands out and it’s noteworthy that Neil Carter has shared lead duties here (and elsewhere) with Tommy Gentry. He never got a look-in when alongside Chapman and Moore, et al. Carter’s keyboard prowess is also well to the fore and seems to grow in prominence as the album progresses in a deliberate (or otherwise) twist of the track rostering.
The quirky ‘Harry’s Place’ is a short cinematic b-flick piece and bleeds in to ‘Wrong House’ led initially by Tony Newton on bass, then sweeping synth strings and edgy guitar come forward, before more off-the-wall lyricism from the Moggster about his old German Shepherd dog: ‘She don’t sit up and beg, And she don’t do tricks, But she’ll chew off your arm, And she’ll rip off your leg.’
‘Shane’ is a glorious, rich creation driven by complementary keyboard and guitar riffs, with an easy vocal from Mogg, lighter in weight compared to tracks that precede it, but losing nothing in quality.
‘Storyville’ is a ballad not to be under-estimated and is the closest on this album to classic UFO material, bringing something of the moody feel of ‘Gone in the Night’ or ‘This Fire Burns Tonight’ from ‘No Place to Run’. A fine way to end the album.
This is a very good come-back from a one-of-a kind frontman. Lots here for UFO fans, but better to think of Mogg’s outings with $ign of Four or even the chunky-riffed Mogg/Way albums of the mid-90’s as waymarkers for this album. In truth it stands up as a powerful, layered and beguiling hard rock album by any standards. ****½
Review by Dave Atkinson
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Album review : LAZY DAYS – The British Progressive Sounds of 1975 (3-CD set)
Cherry Red [Release date : 06.12.24]
1975: all around the UK, a huge variety of rock and pop genres, sub genres, splinter groups and so forth were fighting it out for recognition, and ultimately, sales.
The summer of love was just a memory, but it had changed the world of popular music beyond recognition.
“Progressive Rock” was an offshoot, and inch by inch it had gained a foothold in the music media, and was standing its ground.
Lazy Days, The British Progressive Pop Sounds of 1975 is a 3 CD, 65 track anthology, documenting the year in sound.
Who’s here? Pete Hammill, Hawkwind, Jethro Tull, The Kursaal Flyers, Barclay James Harvest, Caravan and more. The usual suspects, but these and others formed the backbone of the Prog movement, going forward.
They stood out all the more against a backdrop of seventies hard rock, with bands like Nazareth, Bad Company and Thin Lizzy (all here) creating what would eventually come to be called “Classic Rock”.
Progressive Folk artists raised their head above the parapet too. It was a year in which there was room for everyone: Stealers Wheel, Richard and Linda Thompson, Al Stewart, Stackridge, The Brinsleys. All key players in the social and political evolution of popular music, and all featured across these 3 CDs.
As you might expect, Pop Music remained a staple of Daytime Radio.
Slade, The Kinks, Roxy Music, ELO, Mott, 10cc, Sweet, Sparks, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel…all bands who’ve stood the test of time.
And, to top it all, 3 of the greatest rock / pop songs of all time are here:
Ian Hunter : ‘Once Bitten Twice Shy’. UFO : ‘Shoot Shoot’. The Sutherland Brothers with Quiver : ‘The Arms Of Mary’.
Some bands ploughed their own, almost impossible to define musical furrow, but are just as memorable. And they are here: Heavy Metal Kids: ‘Blue Eyed Boys’. SAHB : ‘Delilah (live)’. The Shadows (gulp!) : ‘Run Billy Run’ and BeBop Deluxe : ‘Jean Cocteau’.
There’s something for everyone here. Did we say that? ****
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
‘Good To Me’ is the latest stand alone groundbreaking single release from the Audio 54 stable.
Leicester born singer, songwriter and musician Craig Marshall has quietly, but confidently emerged as an innovative producer who fashions interesting arrangements, sculpted sounds and deftly used samples, drop-ins, echo reverb etc, to bring to life loosely defined concepts, which become clearer as the song progresses.
He has successfully applied his craft to fellow Leicester bluesman Mick Pini’s back catalogue and new work, giving him a much broader and more interesting musical palette.
He has similarly worked with an array of singers, giving them different musical contexts from what they are normally used to.
The same processes are at play here. Built on the rhythmically strong foundation of a pounding bass and feverish wah-wah inflected rhythm guitar as part of gospel tinged groove, ‘Good To Me’ could be regarded as contemporary dance friendly alt.world music.
It opens with a slightly distorted lead vocal punctuated by startling metallic sounds and vocal samples, over shifting jagged electronic beats and an insistent funky undertow.
The slight distortion on the lead vocal and the subsequent lack of clarity of diction pushes our attention to the intricately layered track.
The song feels like a detailed audio musical journey with an inherent filmic quality. It celebrates the wonder of our surroundings and the spontaneity of human interaction, while inviting us to rediscover our joie de vivre.
It barely stays still long enough to gives us time to digest what’s going on. In fact at the 2 thirds mark, it’s the lyrics give the song some further momentum: “Oh You made a way and I thank you, Save Me, You opened up doors and I thank you.”
And as it moves purposefully towards a belated resolution with faux strings, muscular horn stabs and a repeated vocal hook, you almost float along contentedly.
The subtle melange subliminally taps into the subconscious deep enough to get the feet moving, put a smile on our faces and then, as if under hypnosis, suddenly drops away to leave a void which only a musical anecdote like this can fix.
There’s also an accompanying and very creative video from Dave Larder, which shows just how subjective an appreciation of music like this can be.
The fact the song draws on the disco staples of funk, soul and r&b and adds jazzy hip-hop and similar soulful touches within a world music and gospel setting, teasingly pushes it beyond easy definition
But then, who said good music should always be easily definable. Hendrix laid that theory to rest years ago.
****
Review by Pete Feenstra
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Gig review: MASSIVE WAGONS – SWG3, Glasgow, 27 November 2024
Wednesday nights are not renowned as party nights, but with Massive Wagons back in town a healthy crowd gathered in SWG3 to rock along with the band that always get the party started. With a full on night of thrash happening about half a mile down the road in the Hydro, I did wonder if that would affect the crowd numbers here, but the hall was near capacity with people looking for a good time despite it being a school night!
Opening up proceedings just as I arrived was Cam Cole. A powerhouse one man band who is picking up quite a following, his dirty turbo charged blues got things warmed up nicely (thankfully as it was Baltic outside!). His ability to play rocking blues on guitar whilst creating a full on rhythm section with his feet was entertaining to watch.
Opening with the aptly names ‘New Age Blues’, the noise he created was impressive for one man as he managed to sound like a blues power trio in full flight. He was joined for a few numbers by a sidekick who provided a bit of percussive support, but the focus was definitely on Cam.
The bulk of his set was thrashed out on an acoustic guitar with tracks like ‘Mama’ and ‘Truth Be Told’ going down well with the swelling crowd. It was later in the set though, when Cam brought out the electric guitar, that things go really heavy, man can he play!
If I was being critical, you could level the accusation that a few of the tracks played sounded very similar to the point I wasn’t too sure where one ended and the next began. Maybe I was just unfamiliar with his music and need to give him more airtime. No matter, as he left the stage the crowd gave him a rousing and well deserved cheer as he raised his top hat.
Next up were a band I was looking forward to seeing as I had heard many good things about them and Florence Black certainly didn’t disappoint. The South Wales trio kicked off, aptly, with ‘Start Again’ and rocked hard and heavy.
Whilst Cam Cole may try to replicate a power trio, Florance Black are the real deal. Tristan Thomas on vocals and guitar crunched out the ultra-heavy riffs with aplomb whilst the rhythm section of Jordan Evans on bass and Perry Davies on drums provided a low down punch akin to being hit with a baseball bat.
Over the course of the ten song set there wasn’t much chat as the guys let the music do the talking and crammed as much into their allotted slot as they could. The bulk of the set was taken from their latest album, ‘Bed Of Nails’, a record I really need to get more acquainted with in the coming weeks. Tracks like ‘Warning Signs’, ‘Look Up’ and ‘Bed Of Nails’ had some very enthusiastic converts to the Florence Black cause bouncing along, fists punching the air.
They rounded off the set with a couple of older numbers ‘Zulu’ and crowd favourite ‘Sun and Moon’ which provided a great climax to an excellent set. I have seen many bands over the years that have been hyped in the press and social media, but who have fallen short when in a live setting, no risk of that here. Florence Black lived up to the plaudits heaped on them and are a band I will be looking out for in the future.
One band that always rises to the occasion are Massive Wagons. As ‘Hello There’ by Cheap Trick blasted out the PA the guys took to the stage and fired into ‘Missing On TV’ from their latest album ‘Earth To Grace’. Baz Mills was bouncing around the stage like an expresso fuelled kangaroo as the crowd responded in kind. Baz actually apologies later in the set for his more subdued performance as he had contracted a bug and was suffering big time. To be honest, if he hadn’t let everyone know we would never have guessed, although he was clearly flagging towards the end of the set.
The set was a good mix of the old and the new. ‘Tokyo’ was up next, which then led into Baz doing his best cheerleader impression during ‘A.S.S.H.O.L.E’, encouraging everyone to spell out the word like a demented primary school teacher.
As always with Wagons the musicianship on display was top notch. Adam Thistlethwaite and Stephen Holl cranked out the riffs whilst the rhythm section of Alex Thistlethwaite and Adam Bouskill provided the thumping bassline.
‘Fuck The Haters’ saw many middle fingers raised in solidarity whilst ‘Please Stay Calm’ encouraged a more laid back approach to life. Talking of that, this tour has also been supporting Andy’s Man’s Club which aims to give a safe space for men struggling with mental issues, a great cause. The club now has over 200 meeting locations nationwide and are highly recommended if you feel the need to chat with like minded guys who can offer advice and help you through.
‘Fun While It Lasted’ and ‘Night Skies’ then brought things bang up to date. It is testament to the quality of the new material that there was no lag in the set when these tracks were played despite the album only having been out for a few weeks prior to the tour.
‘Generation Prime’ followed and ended with a mass reggae singalong of ‘No Woman, No Cry’ on the outro. We were now on the home straight and by the looks of Baz, it was just as well, he was fading fast. However, ever the trooper, he soldiered on through ‘Bangin’ On Your Stereo’ and ‘In It Together’ to round off the main set.
Not content to leave it there, the guys reappeared for a couple of encores, ‘Ratio’ and a huge version of ‘House Of Noise’ to finish of a great evening.
Massive Wagons really put their all into a performance and tonight Baz, in particular, went above and beyond for the greater good. This is a band that put their fans first and do everything they can to make sure the show goes on. That’s the reason why, on a chilly Wednesday night, so many dragged themselves from a cozy fireside to get to SWG3, to show their support for one of the most genuine bands in rock.
Review and photos by Dave Wilson
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Album review: BRAZEN ABBOT : Eye Of The Storm and Bad Religion
Frontiers [Release date : 13.12.24]
Prior to his Rock Opera project, Nostradamus (2001), classically trained Bulgarian multi-instrumentalist, Nikolo Kotzev had founded Brazen Abbot.
The band’s second and third releases, Eye Of The Storm (1996) and Bad Religion (1997), have now been remastered by Frontiers Music, in readiness for a December reissue.
Protracted contractual negotiations led to three vocalists (rather then just one) contributing to both albums. Goran Edman, Joe Lynn Turner and Thomas Vikstrom.
Europe’s rhythm section, Mic Michaeli, John Leven and Ian Haugland was also recruited.
An EU Premier League line up, no question.
Kotzev is on record as confirming that he was so pleased with the result, that he kept this format for subsequent albums.
These musicians – proven, successful artists – easily stepped up and into Kotzev’s high concept rock music.
Thus JLT handles ‘Twist Of Fate’, a song cut cleanly from Deep Purple cloth, and ‘Line Of Fire’, matching the dramatic events in the lyrics with the music.
The swirling studio texture and spiritual lyrics of ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’ are a perfect fit for Edman’s soulful baritone.
And then he gets the funk out on ‘Common People’, clearly enjoying every second.
The hooky, more mainstream rock pieces, ‘Highway Cindy’ and ‘Wake Up Everybody’ are made to sit up and beg by Vikstrom. Another perfect fit.
With the same Premier League line up, Bad Religion was released a year later (1997).
And yet another eleven 24 carat hard rock songs from Kotzev.
Opener ‘The Whole World Is Crazy’ is the trailer track for the album, available to watch on YT.
By now Kotzev’s style will be familiar. Classically orchestrated opening succeeded by brittle hard rock guitars, underlined by a solid percussive thump and emotive vocals (JLT on this one).
It’s a formula that’s hard to break, and anyway, who would want to?
It works on the opener, and equally (if not better) on the hi-speed bpms of ‘Day Of The Eagle’, with Edman reaching for another octave. We’re guessing this one was earmarked for Glenn Hughes, who couldn’t make the gig.
Edman signs off the album with the enigmatic ‘The Empire Of The Sun’. A song within a song, a drama within a drama. A powerful piece of well crafted hard rock. It leaves us hanging.
A magnificently apposite finishing touch to two albums of classically minded hard rock. ****1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Album number three from Cory Marks, with his last album, 2020’s ‘Who I Am’, making the UK and Australian country charts, plus number 16 in the album charts in his native Canada.
The single of this album, ‘(Make My) Country Rock’ (which features guests Sully Erna, Travis Tritt and Mick Mars), made the upper reaches of the US hard rock and mainstream rock charts. Cory Marks is one of the few artists to fully embrace the country and rock genres.
It is a rocking ride for sure, with the aforementioned ‘(Make My) Country Rock’ a real foot stomping anthem and little surprise it has done well on airplay and playlists. A harder version of this song lurks towards the end of the album.
The other guest is DL of Bad Wolves who pops up on ‘Guilty’, adding a modern rock air to proceedings. Speaking of modern-ish music, a cover of the Foos ‘Learn To Fly’ rounds off the album. Decent cover with the country guitar embellishments making it that extra bit special.
The title track is the sort of country rock Nickelback try to do, and to be fair don’t often succeed at yet, yet Cory Marks makes it seem easy on this song. He has that country twang to his singing, along with some seriously heavy drumming and a perfect guitar solo midway through.
Really good album of mood swings, as ‘1949’ and ‘Late Night Drinking Again’ (always a good country song topic!), are easy on the ear, strong on the storytelling. In between these two sits a rebel rousing hard rocker, ‘Lit Up’. A single if ever there was one and a song to play loud.
Cory Marks has a winning album on his hands, full of memorable songs. Some country purists may be heading for the nearest Patsy Cline album, but the rest of us can enjoy this album that has a rocking heart and a country soul. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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 on 24 November 2024.
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). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
My sixth and final trip of the year to the Cavern which has been keeping the flag flying for live music ‘Sarf of the River’ was, fittingly, for a true rock legend. Stray founding member and guitarist Del Bromham has … Continue reading →
My sixth and final trip of the year to the Cavern which has been keeping the flag flying for live music ‘Sarf of the River’ was, fittingly, for a true rock legend. Stray founding member and guitarist Del Bromham has … Continue reading →
By coincidence, for the second week running, Islington Assembly Hall played host to a pair of bands playing music inspired by the sounds of the American south, yet based thousands of miles apart. On the heels of Robert Jon and … Continue reading →
Over the years many bands have embarked on a pre-Christmas tour around the nation. Status Quo and Motorhead are two that spring to mind, and going further back in time, the Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s Xmas shows in the Glasgow … Continue reading →
Ulterium Records [Release date : 06.12.24] On their third album now, Slovakian Power Metal band, Within Silence have reached the point where their grasp is the equal of an ambitious reach. From the moment the opening track, ‘Land Of Light’ … Continue reading →
Bandcamp [Release date 06.12.24] We Are Bodies is the British duo of Dave Pen (BirdPen, Archive) and Robin Foster. They create anthemic electro-prog soundscapes that combine guitars and electronics with lyrical subjects inspired by love, loss, paranoia and….robots! Now, before you … Continue reading →
Facebook [Release 13.12.24] Della nova is a project born from the early days of lockdown, and has been meticulously crafted by Alex, the band’s frontman. The new album has been four years in the making, having gone through various changes … Continue reading →
Cherry Red [Release date : 06.12.24] You’ve really got to hand it to whoever guides Status Quo through the pop and rock music jungle. Brilliantly marketed, with ads that hit all the right notes in the right places, Quo’s latest … Continue reading →
We started 2024 with the sad news that Tony Clarkin of Magnum had passed away just days before the release of the band’s latest album. The band have been venerated over the years by GRTR! and were celebrated in our … Continue reading →
I saw The Damn Truth last Summer at the Islington Academy and was impressed. Eighteen months later, the Montreal rockers were back in town, playing to a sold out The Grace, and put in an even better show. The band … Continue reading →
Frontiers Music [Release date : 13.12.24] The third time’s the charm. In 2022, Donald (Buck Dharma) Roeser and Eric Bloom, plus “new boys”, Richie (Band Geeks/Jon Anderson) Castellano, Danny Miranda and Jules Radino celebrated their 50th Anniversary as the Blue … Continue reading →
It’s not everyday a Dordogne based Anglo-French band records a live album in a local auditorium, but Lazarus Heights are nothing if not adventurous. They are also resilient and versatile, related facets which serve them well in a seated venue … Continue reading →
A quarterly feature highlighting album releases rated highly by the GRTR! review team and worthy of your investigation MARY COUGHLAN Repeat Rewind (Strange Brew) … it is everything you might expect from a vocalist who has a rare ability to … Continue reading →
Librarians With Hickeys are an indie pop rock duo consisting of Ray Carmen and Mike Crooker. Here both of them choose an eclectic Baker’s Dozen… Ray Carmen (in more or less no particular order) 1. Paul McCartney – Maybe I’m … Continue reading →
Frontiers [Release date : 13.12.24] Marc Storace’s Live and Let Live is an album born in the depths of the Covid pandemic. Skipping through the “singer meets musician, they swap ideas” part of the plot, the album was eventually recorded … Continue reading →
Silver Arrow [Release date: 15.03.24] Well, seeing as I picked this as one of my albums of the year, I really ought to review it! Released in March, it is refreshing to pen a few words about an album I’ve … Continue reading →
On Thanksgiving Day, what could be more appropriate to go to than a gig, from a California based band peddling the very best in southern rock? Luckily in recent years Robert Jon and the Wreck seem to have constantly been … Continue reading →
Frontiers [Release date : 13.12.24] Five year veterans of the Japanese rock/metal scene, Illusion Force have now been recognised by Frontiers’ Music as indeed, a force to be reckoned with worldwide. They cite Dragonforce and Helloween as being among their … Continue reading →
What we need in the pre-Christmas period is a warm and cosy festive gig, maybe in an unusual location, to lift the flagging spirits. To help us take our mind off political posturing, the smell of Musk, Black Friday overspend, … Continue reading →
Few artists have gained the stature of Van Morrison, the Belfast born troubadour a true legend whose blend of soul, jazz, blues and rock is oft imitated but seldom bettered. Whilst his recorded output has never been less than industrious … Continue reading →
Steamhammer/SPV [Release date: 06.09.24] When frontman Phil Mogg called a halt to UFO’s Last Orders European tour in 2022 on Doctor Doctor’s orders, I thought that was the end of the road. I was disappointed, not only because I was … Continue reading →
Cherry Red [Release date : 06.12.24] 1975: all around the UK, a huge variety of rock and pop genres, sub genres, splinter groups and so forth were fighting it out for recognition, and ultimately, sales. The summer of love was … Continue reading →
Bandcamp [Release date : 19.10.24] ‘Good To Me’ is the latest stand alone groundbreaking single release from the Audio 54 stable. Leicester born singer, songwriter and musician Craig Marshall has quietly, but confidently emerged as an innovative producer who fashions … Continue reading →
Wednesday nights are not renowned as party nights, but with Massive Wagons back in town a healthy crowd gathered in SWG3 to rock along with the band that always get the party started. With a full on night of thrash … Continue reading →
Frontiers [Release date : 13.12.24] Prior to his Rock Opera project, Nostradamus (2001), classically trained Bulgarian multi-instrumentalist, Nikolo Kotzev had founded Brazen Abbot. The band’s second and third releases, Eye Of The Storm (1996) and Bad Religion (1997), have now … Continue reading →
Century Media [Release date 06.12.24] Album number three from Cory Marks, with his last album, 2020’s ‘Who I Am’, making the UK and Australian country charts, plus number 16 in the album charts in his native Canada. The single of … Continue reading →
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***** Out of this world
**** Pretty damn fine
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan of the artist or genre
** Instant bargain bin fodder
* Ugly, just ugly
