Quick plays: MARC RING, LENKA, THE PROWLERS

MARC RING – The Long Road Home
www.marc-ring.co.uk

Marc Ring was previously a member of folk rockers Jasper (who have recently had a re-issue campaign through Angel Air) and Good Thinking, who released a comeback album back in 2011. For this solo release Marc Ring handles most of the instruments himself and is joined by Geoff Adler (guitar) and John Lancaster (banjo/mandolin/pedal steel).

The music is mainly country rock with a little rock ‘n’ roll thrown in for good measure, like the opener ‘Jailer (Bring Me Water)’. There are gentler tunes like ‘Take Me In Your Arms’ and listen out for a Mark Knopfler approved solo. In fact this album would definitely appeal to fans of Mr Knopfler’s solo work. ‘Too Many Teardrops’ brings to mind those traditional country tunes I use to hear on Radio 2 in the 1970’s, whilst ‘Don’t Say Goodbye’ has a touch of the Bob Dylan in it.

Sure to appeal to fans of his earlier work and country rock fans who like the more traditional sound, as opposed to the more modern Americana. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

LENKA – Shadows
Fontana/Universal (released June 4th)

This is Lenka’s third album and what a wonderfully relaxing listen it is. Vocally she has a little of Bjork about her and the lush musical arrangements bring to mind Enya. The strings and synths really add to the vocals, which themselves are quite simply divine.

Highlights would include ‘After The Winter’ which features Tracy Bonham guesting on violin. ‘Two Heartbeats’ features the in utero heartbeat of her son and is a joyful celebration of life. ‘The Top Of Memory Lane’ is like a female fronted Beatles/ELO, a superb song.

It won’t be for all as the music is mellow and gently paced, only ‘Heart To The Party’ gets the tempo up and would be a perfect single choice. Lovely voice and an enjoyable album. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie

THE PROWLERS – Point Of No Return
Perris Records

Fourth album from this Italian power metal band. Released back in January it kicks off with the shred of Touchy Too, plenty of keyboards and guitar. Face To Face is chunkier and crunchier, some Edguy and Leatherwolf in here.

The album nods to Queensryche and Iron Maiden too, while at times the high vocals are reminiscent of Hammers Rule. Victims has some fast keyboard guitar interplay before slowing down quite moodily, and while the soaring vocals in The Death Of Me make it a big song the time and pace changes make it almost progressive.

Modern power metal with some classic influences, well worth a listen. 3.5/5

Review by Joe Geesin

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

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 1 December 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 3 December 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)