SAGA – 20/20

Ear Music/Edsel 2012

A lot has happened since Saga’s last studio album ‘The Human Condition’ back in 2009. The biggest news is the return of original vocalist Michael Sadler, replacing Rob Moratti. The band also have a new drummer in Mike Thorne and have left Inside Out for their new label Ear Music/Edel.

This album picks up from where the last album with Sadler, ’10,000 Days’ left off. It is full of catchy, upbeat songs that may have a reflective lyric but contain a positive spin. The album also includes one of the heaviest songs they have ever recorded in ‘Spin It Again’. This song has a driving bass line Lemmy would be proud off.

‘Any Where You Wanna Go’ and ‘Six Feet Under’ combine keys, tasty guitar riffs and highly infectious choruses. If there was any justice in daytime radio these songs would be regular plays.

Throughout the album the keyboards are certainly back more in the mix and quantity with Sadler back onboard. That’s not to say Ian Crichton’s guitar solos are not present – he is one of the most underrated guitarists in the rock scene.

‘Lost For Words’ is a ballad and a chance for Sadler’s vocals to shine, along with some lovely backing harmonies. ‘Show And Tell’ is the nearest the band get to a prog rock wig out. Mind you Saga have stuck to their guns and produced albums they enjoy and for this fan I am glad they are not doing albums like those from the mid-90′s.

Fans of the band will love this album and those who like keyboards led melodic rock would be well advised to grab a copy.

****1/2

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

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

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 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 22 October 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 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)