After a quick search on the website I realised I had reviewed a single by Michael Armstrong, ‘Radio Days’, which makes this debut album. This self-titled album has been available since last year via Amazon and the physical version is worth getting as you have the lyrics and a proper CD inlay sleeve to peruse over.
Hard to pick out the best moments as there are no fillers. ‘Johannesburg’ has a Steely Dan feel in the guitar solo, namely down to guest guitarist Elliott Randall of the aforementioned Steely Dan. ‘Innocence Of Men’ recalls the Eagles in their prime – you can almost feel the warm summer breeze coming through on the music. Albert Lee guests on this one adding his own classy solos to the proceedings.
Special mention about the string arrangements, mainly arranged by Simon Lockyer, that add to the songs creating a rich, deep wall of sound. Take ‘Mrs. Patterson’ the ELO sounding strings swoop and swirl nicely into the main melody.
Two choice covers in Billy Joel’s ‘Allentown’, which adds strings to the piano/vocals of Michael to good effect. The other cover is Wings’ ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ and it really suits the albums overall sound and feel.
Wonderfully crafted songs and looking forward to his second album which is due next year via Pledge Music. In the meantime do yourself a favour and download/buy a copy of this album, top quality pop/rock from start to finish. ****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.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
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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.
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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
RIOGHAN Hands (Inverse Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 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)
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