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2023 marked the 20th anniversary of Get Ready to ROCK! This may not have been a vintage year for album releases but many artists consolidated their position with touring and the odd reissue.
In spite of the economic crisis it did feel as though music was getting back to normal business following the decimation wrought by, and slow recovery from, Covid.
Once again our reviewers have been active selecting their personal favourites. GRTR! is all about diversity of opinion and the end of year selections are usually… diverse. We haven’t therefore attempted an overall top chart placing in each category. But we have included the top selections of our genre editors.
And it is worth mentioning that four reviewers gave Europe as their Top Live Act with the band’s 40th anniversary tour.
Rock is getting old and in 2023 we lost such stalwarts as Jeff Beck and more recently Bernie Marsden. It’s fitting that Bernie’s posthumous album – completed this summer – tops one of the best of genre listings.
On Sunday 17 December, a two-hour special was broadcast on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio featuring a selection of reviewer favourites
The Best of 2023 In Brief
Albums Of The Year (by genre)
Blues Rock: BERNIE MARSDEN Working Man
Melodic Rock: MIDNITE CITY In At The Deep End
Progressive Rock: KATATONIA Sky Void Of Stars
Metal: ELVENKING Reader of the Runes – Rapture
Singer Songwriter: THEA GILMORE Thea Gilmore
Selected Breakthrough Acts
SKINDRED
DEAD MAN’S WHISKEY
KIRA MAC
DIRTY HONEY
ROSALIE CUNNINGHAM
SKINNY KNOWLEDGE
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News of 2023 (January-March)
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Jason Ritchie (News & Reviews Editor)
Albums
First album by the band I have heard fully and not a duff song in sight. Metal, reggae, rock, pop, rap – this one has it all.
Only waited twenty years for a full album of new songs from these talented pop rockers. Melodic pop bliss awaits the listener…
My review’s last line sums up this album – One of the finest folk albums that will be released this year. ‘Nuff said.
Bubbling under
TEMPT
Second album from these US melodic hard rockers. Choruses that recall Def Leppard in their prime and guitar riffs and solos aplenty.
SPARKS The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte
The Mael brothers continue with their purple patch with another album that melds pop, electronica and even some crashing guitar riffs!
CASEY MAUNDER Until Your Heart Starts Beating
Catchy and addictive melodic hard rock anthems aplenty on this very impressive debut album.
NINEBARROW The Colour Of The Night
This folk duo show no signs of slowing down in both the quality of their musical output and gigging, along with walking tours, calendars and more.
ALICE COOPER Road
Back with one of his strongest albums to date which includes some of his best songs in years in ‘I Am Alice’ and ‘Welcome To The Show’.
MICHAEL CATTON Point of No Return
The year’s best melodic hard rock album and don’t let this one pass you by if you enjoy the likes of Def Leppard, Pretty Maids et al.
Photo: Steve Goudie
Live Acts
BONNIE RAITT New Theatre, Oxford
First time seeing Bonnie Raitt live and what a performance. With a top notch band, coupled with her guitar playing and singing, made for one of the gigs of a lifetime, never mind 2023.
JOHN OTWAY & WILD WILLY BARRETT West End Centre, Aldershot
Two legends back together for a memorable night of music, anecdotes and wheelie bin solos!
CALUM GILLIGAN & KATIE GRACE HARIS Corn Exchange, Faringdon
Had not heard a note of music by either artist before the gig and left it mightily impressed by both performers and a firm fan of both. Folk gigs are a little bit special as it is where the stories and tales really come alive at the hands of such talented performers.
Breakthrough Acts 2023
Yes they have been around awhile but their hard work in gigging and series of hard hitting albums will finally see them reap their well deserved success in 2024 and beyond. This year they supported the likes of KISS and early next year they embark on their first UK arena healdine tour.
After the impressive and well received ‘The RAK Tracks’ EP and new music due next year, along with further live shows, will see Tom Webber finally make the next step up the musical ladder of greatness.
His Glass Knight album just missed my year end choices. He’s on a quest to build enough of a following through gigging and social media, to play his own headline gig at the Royal Albert Hall. Based on his talent and determination this will be happening sooner, rather than later.
Kip Winger chatted to David Randall for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, featuring tracks from the new album. First broadcast Sunday 7 May 2023.
David Randall (Managing Editor)
Albums
Best in class melodic hard rock album although playing second fiddle to Steel Panther on their May UK tour was frustrating for longer term fans.
This is what happens when you are a death metal band with time on your hands during Lockdown. Add in excellent vocalist Brittany LeAnn and ‘Lilac’ is all ambient groove and very compelling.
Electronica (synthwave) mixed with rock and with different vocalists. Our guilty pleasure.
Bubbling under
ANN WILSON & TRIPSITTER Another Door
With new Heart material predicted for 2024, this album shows Ann Wilson’s versatility, great voice and great songs.
STRAY About Time
After live albums and the blues, Del Bromham back doing what he does best: thoughtful lyrics, hard rock and riffs. A real triumph.
HANFORD FLYOVER Source
An Anglo-American duo with compelling psychedelic blues/rock infused by the spirit of the sixties but remaining contemporary.
TIZANE Forever Is Nothing
A co-write with Mud guitarist Rob Davis shouldn’t put you off – it’s a real standout. Female fronted “dark pop-rock”.
MVI (Mark Vickness Interconnected) The Rain Shadow
An instrumental album to soothe the soul.
Live Acts
ELEANOR McEVOY Alexanders, Chester
Our March Grotto entrant and fully deserved. Always entertaining and engaging, still touring her very fine ‘Gimme Some Wine’ album.
A 40th anniversary outing for the Swedish melodic hard rockers, mixing documentary film footage with key landmark albums/tracks. Here’s hoping they recover the energy and urgency of their comeback albums in the early noughties, with a new studio album due for 2024.
Breakthrough Acts 2023
There are a handful of riff merchants worth keeping an eye out for. DEAD MAN’S WHISKEY released their second album this year whilst South Wales based FLORENCE BLACK have postponed another sophomore release – ‘Bed Of Nails’ – until February when they play UK dates. They impressed our man Andy Nathan when they replaced another fine band (Mason Hill) at the last minute at this year’s Stonedead event.
Bournemouth rockers SOUTH OF SALEM release their second album in January and most recently played a sell-out series of headline dates. Reviewing the band at Stonedead this year Andy Nathan commented “For many people they were the discovery of the day and I must admit my own expectations had been pleasantly exceeded.”
I enjoyed the EP released by SIN DOGS – ‘Renascence’ – a nice blend of melodic rock groove and we await more gigs and an album in 2024.
On the lighter side of the spectrum Liverpool based EXPLORING BIRDSONG continue to enthral and intrigue in equal measure with their EP – ‘Dancing In The Face Of Danger’ – released in March this year and their most recent single – a Deftones cover – ‘Diamond Eyes’.
Reissue
A classic album, and done full justice by a multi-vinyl boxed set with added live material and memorabilia.
Dave Wilson (Live Editor)
Albums
This album followed on from Standing On The Edge, which was crowned my to album of 2021, and proved to be another cracker. Robin’s voice is in great shape and the songs rock hard and heavy.
D’VIRGILIO, MORSE & JENNINGS Sophomore
This was a surprise release as I had no idea the guys were back in the studio and proved to be another laid back, melodic masterpiece. As with ‘Troika’, released in 2022 and winner of my top spot last year, this album is all about the glorious harmonies and melodies. Best listened to whilst driving down Pacific Highway in California, top down and shades on!
The ex-Yes guitar maestro returned to vocal duties on this album for the first time in over 30 years. An eclectic mix of prog, pop and everything else in Trevor’s creative mine, he delivered an album shot fuel of great songs and fantastic musicianship.
Live Acts
This was my first Sabaton gig and they didn’t disappoint. With a huge stage set, fantastic light show, pyro, flames and the best tank drum riser since Eric Carr of Kiss rolled in on his back in 1983, the guys put on a stunning show. Add in an undercard of Lordi and Baby Metal and you had all the ingredients to make this my gig of the year.
This was an unexpected, but most welcomed, chance to Rock ‘n’ Roll All Nite one final, final, time with Gene and Paul. The show and setlist hadn’t changed much since the first farewell show in 2019 but no one cared, this was a celebration of all things Kiss and they went out with one hell of a bang! By the time you read this Kiss will have played their last show in New York and the rock world will be a little less fun without them.
Photo: Dave Wilson
EUROPE Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
This show was all about celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary and with a setlist culled from all points in the band’s history, it made for a night to remember. It’s easy to label Europe, as people do, on the strength of The Final Countdown, but that is to do them a huge disservice. The gig served to show how diverse and heavy the band can be, especially when John Norum lets loose on the fretboard. This was the perfect anniversary party complete with a fantastic soundtrack.
The show was courtesy of my brother who was still having a guilt trip about not getting me a ticket to see Mr Gabriel at the Glasgow Apollo back in 1983! So glad I finally made it along (thanks Iain!) and the show was well worth the wait. Gabriel was in great form and given the fact that the set was full of new and unreleased songs from his upcoming new album, no one felt short changed.
Re-issue
When Bad Magic came out in 2015 it silenced many a critic that said Motorhead were done and that Lemmy was a spent force. This album was 100% Motorhead with the power and f**k you attitude both present and correct. This re-release also had additional tracks and a full live set recorded in Japan with Lemmy and Co doing what they did best, playing rock n roll!
Melodic Rock Album of the Year
MIDNITE CITY In At The Deep End
ANDY NATHAN (Melodic Rock Editor)
Albums
1. URIAH HEEP Chaos and Colour
Heavily inspired by their distinguished past and the classic Heep sound with a praiseworthy willingness to embrace lengthier songs and instrumental passages. Yet it still comes over in a very fresh manner, and Heep join a select bunch of veteran bands (including close contemporaries Deep Purple) who are sounding as good as ever. Indeed classic heavy rock does not come much better than this.
2 LUKE MORLEY Songs From The Blue Room
This mellow and beguiling album, with its timeless pop-influenced melodies, demonstrates a totally different string to Luke Morley’s bow and comes highly recommended as the perfect easy listening for the summer’s hot days.
3 = MIDNITE CITY In At The Deep End
Combining a sleazy glam image with the ability to craft more AOR styled melodies and choruses to rank with the very best…this feels like their most convincing and best produced effort yet.
One of the standard bearers for a new generation of contemporary AOR out of Scandinavia with their most consistent sound yet.
Live Acts
1 EUROPE London Palladium
In an august setting, a beautifully presented sonic autobiography of Europe’s first 40 years. With many oldies restored to the catalogue, I haven’t enjoyed a Europe show so much in years.
Photo: Andy Nathan
2 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BST Hyde Park, London
Sobering perspectives of the passage of time and losing friends along the way was matched by a vibrant performance of youthful energy from these (mainly) seventy somethings, celebrating the joys of live music and the interaction between musicians and audience, and that unique combination made this show special even by their standards… for me, there is no better live act than the E Street Band.
I’m so glad I saw him end such a glorious career of live entertainment on a high. A great showman, but more importantly one with an instantly recognisable body of work to rival the Beatles, the Stones and Queen as British pop acts for the ages, and with a depth that his fine band was able to bring out.
Best multi-band bill of the year: FM, Dare and Tyketto
Best festival of the year: Firevolt Festival
Breakthrough Acts 2023
I am a huge convert to BRAVE RIVAL’s unique and distinctive melange of styles. I see both they, and KIRA MAC who are releasing follow up album, maintaining their upward momentum.
In the melodic rock world, yet more Scandis in STREETLIGHT produced the debut album of the year, fresh but drawing on the greats of the AOR genre.
Forward Look
Gig-wise, I’m looking forward to two festivals – Malmo Melodic and the first festival under the Firefest banner in a decade, and to Judas Priest’s long overdue tour with Saxon and Uriah Heep making for a night of British rock and metal glory.
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News of 2023 (April-June) Sir Brian May has been named the greatest guitarist of all time by readers of Total Guitar Magazine. Joe Bonamassa enters “The GRTR! Grotto of Greatness” MAY Dolly Parton’s new album ‘Rockstar’ is announced for release in November. Guests include Slash, Rob Halford, Elton John, Paul McArtney, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin and Pat Benatar. Walter Trout enters “The GRTR! Grotto of Greatness” JUNE Watchet Festival ends after ten years – “Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unfortunately not able to renew our lease on the land that we use at Parsonage Farm. Because of this we feel after much soul searching and debate that this is the right time to allow Watchet Festival to come to a natural end.” FM enter “The GRTR! Grotto of Greatness” Compiled by Jason Ritchie |
Blues Rock Album of 2023
PETE FEENSTRA (Blues and Features Editor)
Albums
Hot off the block, but sadly the last new release from the late Bernie Marsden. ‘Working Man’ marks a big return to form on a strong self penned album full of jangling guitars, strong hooks and a surprisingly broad mix of rock, blues and Americana, illuminated by a bright production.
10 generous bonus tracks include superb re-workings of some Whitesnake highlights.
Pete Feenstra chatted to Laurence Jones for his show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio. First broadcast 17 September 2023.
LAURENCE JONES Bad Luck & The Blues
‘Bad Luck & The Blues’ is a riff driven, big toned and Robin Trower influenced album that sees Laurence Jones move into the hard rock market.
He started as a blues-rocker, achieved pop-rock success in The Netherlands and now rocks hard on the back of some relentless road work, with intense rockers like the wah-wah drenched ‘I’m Gone’, the dynamic ‘Out In The Distance’ and the explosive ‘You’re Not Alone’.
JOHN WILLIAMS SYNDICATE Into The Light
It may be unusual for a pop rock album to make my top 3, but the songs here are as well crafted, polished, catchy and sonically beguiling.
John almost under uses his own warm vocal style, best exemplified by ‘I Started Something’.
An array of guest vocalists includes the noir sophistication of Claudia Brucken, the pop sensibility of Nicki Leighton-Thomas, the durable spark of Petula Clarke (yes you heard that right), the husky John Moore and the urban grit of Slicko DiCaprio.
It all makes for a 60′s sounding album with updated contemporary production. The result is 10 tracks which much like the album title radiate optimism.
Bubbling under
WARREN HAYNES PRESENTS: The Benefit Concert
Comprising 31 tracks and nearly 4 hours of music, you may be forgiven for a knee jerk reaction along the lines of “Never mind the quality, feel the width”. But once you dip into this smorgasbord of roots rocking blues, Americana and beyond, you will discover that rare thing, a huge gathering of musician at the top of their game all working to make a charitable event the best of could be.
MICK PINI/AUDIO 54 Way Ahead
The album is an intricate lattice of deep toned guitar work, esoteric beats, drones, samples and consistently subtle textures, topped Pini’s aching tone and expressive baritone.
LAZARUS HEIGHTS Lazarus Heights
An unashamedly retro tinged Anglo- French band led by the baritone voiced songwriter Dick Grisdale, who contributes 5 of the 7 songs on an impressive self titled debut album.
They are an anthemic rock band who incorporates elements of Bowie, Simple Minds and David Gilmour style guitar figures.
Photo: Andy Nathan
Live Acts
LAURENCE JONES Boom Boom Club, Sutton
Who would have thought that 10 years into his career LJ would become an archetypal power trio, with that rare ability to pack hard hitting riffs and a stream of catchy hooks in 4 minute songs.
Tonight he rocked hard, bounced off his audience and gave them back their energy in spades.
Drummer Ashe Sheehan was an explosive presence, with bassist Jack Alexander Timmis the perfect foil, leaving LJ to indulge in flamboyant shapes and killer licks.
LAZARUS HEIGHTS Birthday Jam, Bars SW France
A capacity birthday crowd turned out to celebrate drummer Jeff Gautier’s milestone bash.
Playing a handful of favourites, from their self titled debut album and new material for the nascent 2nd album, charismatic front man Dick Grisdale cut an imposing figure with a resonant vocal, and fluid guitar solos to back up his gothic image.
The band revels in an 80′s style wall of sound and had the capacity crowd singing along to their booming hooks, no mean achievement in the unforgiving world of self penned material.
The fiery Aussie blues rocker provided an object lesson in functional cool.
He plugged in, barely paused for breath and launched into of several shuffle boogie outings, punctuated by killer riffs, booming power chords and flinty dynamics which served to highlight his snappy choruses.
Tognoni doesn’t do subtle. He simply goes for the throat in a relentless blur of unfettered energy and physicality in true rock and roll style.
Breakthrough Acts 2023
ROSALIE CUNNINGHAM
With an effortless vocal range, original material ranging from folk to prog and psychedelia with electro edges and a fine band, it can surely be only a matter of time before Cunningham finds a significant niche audience.
It’s been over a year since her’ Two Piece Puzzle’ album, so 2024 might be the big year.
ASHLEY SHERLOCK
New Ruf Records singing Ashley Sherlock has already paid his dues round his native Manchester, but now he has the keys to Europe and the festival circuit.
His grainy vocal timbre has the ability to bring emotion to a single line and is matched by some killer guitar chops.
His debut album is called ‘Just A Name’, it’s a work in progress with bags of potential.
BISON HIP
Glasgow’s finest may be long in the tooth but they put their experience to the very best use in crafting catchy songs based on real life experiences.
They deliver great harmonies with top line musicianship on a long awaited album with a positive titular message; “Older Stronger Better.”
Reissues
ROUND AND ROUND: Progressive Sounds Of 1974
This 4-CD prog compilation is living proof that there was some great music in 1974 beyond the chart friendly Glam bands.
Look no further than Nektar’s ‘Fidgety Queen’ which crosses over from prog rock to Glam with a horn section, or the rhythmic layered groove of ‘ Living In The World Today’ by the Man spin off band The Neutrons.
Man are also represented by the West sounding ‘Scotch Corner’/ Exit’.
Significantly the album also finds room for Italian prog torch bearers PFM who collaborate with former King Crimson lyricist Pete Sinfield on the synth orchestration of ‘The World Became the World’.
There’s even room for the shrill synth beats of ‘Gravy Train’, alongside bankers such as Tull, Traffic, Trower, Caravan, Camel, Hawkwind etc, with mercifully no ELP or Yes in sight!
THE DREAM SYNDICATE Expanded Edition
You cant argue with 4 CD’s which include 10 hard-to-find rarities and 31 never released recordings, except to say that you have to be a die-hard fan to be into some very raw demos, rehearsals and ragged live tracks. Then again, if you start with the bonus tracks and work backwards, you can feel the band honing its craft.
At times they sound like the Velvet Underground without the drugs (ie. the Paisley underground).
There are smatterings of jangling guitars and angst filled vocals.
There’s even a 1982 live track called ‘Sure Things’ which they announce as: “San Francisco psychedelia, Quicksilver and Blue Cheer.” Enough said!
DAVE MASON Long Lost Friend
Presumably the album title (taken from ‘Split Coconut’) can be interpreted as an ironic reference to Dave Mason’s extended absence from the UK, as he rebuilt an FM Radio friendly career in the States with CBS.
By the time of 1980′s ‘Old Crest On A New Wave’ he was busy sharing a duet with Michael Jackson on ‘Save Me’.
This album is all about the journey from 1973 to that point.
It includes his two chord groove ‘Feeling Alright’ and ‘Misty Morning’ which is proto Steve Miller, while his interpretative qualities come to the fore on Jim Krueger’s ‘We Just Disagree’ and the very commercial Conrad/ Williams penned ‘So High (Rock Me Baby and Roll Me Away)’ which over eggs the cake.
However, compared to the Punk infested UK at the time, Mason provided a satisfying haven for old school music lovers.
Great music at a budget price!
Progressive Rock Album of 2023
ALAN JONES (Progressive Rock Editor)
Albums
Following on from her emotional catharsis after the breakdown of her relationship – expressed in all its harrowing detail on the exceptional ‘Afterlight’ album – Thea Gilmore, now without doubt the finest British singer / songwriter of her generation, has delivered her best album ever.
Moving forward, but with bitter hindsight in the rear-view mirror (‘That’s Love Motherf*cker’), Thea has crafted an album for the ages that anyone with even half a heart can enjoy – but for those who have experienced relationship breakdown, a psychological comfort blanket delivered in words and music that’s simply breathtaking.
My album of the year by a country mile.
2. KATATONIA Sky Void Of Stars
This is the sound of a great band getting even better – re-inventing themselves, yet instantly recognisable.
The album is a heavy-hearted affair from beginning to end and yet uncannily life-affirming – due, in no small part, to the brilliance of the musicianship but, primarily, to the inherent quality of the music itself.
Despondency never sounded this good – ever, and yet I would defy any metal / progressive rock fan to finish listening to it with anything other than a smile on their face and a knowing nod to the brilliance within.
RPWL have always been in the vanguard of tackling contentious issues – be that organised religion, the mis-use of science, humanity (or the lack of it) and even space travel – and ‘Crime Scene’ continues this thread, focusing on the links between crime, psychology and punishment.
It’s a concept that has the potential to be excessively morbid but is handled with much dexterity and empathy – in classic RPWL fashion.
Despite these difficult and somewhat controversial topics, one is left with the feeling that RPWL, with their extraordinary musicianship and laser-like insightful lyrics, have produced yet another masterpiece.
Singer Songwriter Album of 2023
Bubbling under
4. BRUCE SOORD Luminescence
Bruce Soord, together with his day-job band The Pineapple Thief, are on an unstoppable upward trajectory at the moment – the ‘Thief’s last two albums were a triumph and this is, without doubt, the finest collection of songs yet that the PT’s leading light has put together.
Soord has reached for the acoustic guitar on most tracks – backed with delicate and sympathetic string arrangements – and has produced an outstanding, melancholic album – best listened to on headphones in a darkened room.
And, as one of the ‘go-to’ men for artists needing a remaster, it goes without saying that the recording quality is phenomenal – so much so that I recommend everyone use it as a test-disc for new hi-fi kit!
5. RIVERSIDE I.D. Entity
Progressive rock of the highest order from one of the finest exponents of the genre.
I.D. Entity is the second foray into the studio since the tragic death of guitarist Piotr Grudzinski following the superb ‘Wasteland’ from 2018.
They’ve done his legacy proud again here with a more attack-minded clutch of songs – but which are always kept under control and always calmed by dreamy quiet interludes in precisely the right places.
Add the song-writing skills and euphoric vocals of Mariusz Duda and it’s nothing short of genius.
Reissue
RICHARD WRIGHT Wet Dream
First solo outing originally released in 1978 from Pink Floyd keyboard maestro Rick Wright – here given the full Steven Wilson remaster / remix.
The album was great when it first came out – the ‘Floyd influence being undeniable but not all-consuming – and with a coterie of fine musicians (as you’d expect) including Snowy White, Mel Collins and Robin Trower’s drummer Reg Isidore.
But Wilson has extracted even more from the original (as he always does) making it sound like it was recorded yesterday – yet with that cosy familiarity of renewing an acquaintance with an old friend.
Metal Album of 2023
ELVENKING Rapture, Runes Part 2
BRIAN McGOWAN (Metal Editor)
Albums
ELVENKING Reader of the Runes – Rapture
Heavy metal pirates, Elvenking, set sail again, boldly going where few bands dare to go.
Prog Rock albums often find themselves trapped by a concept that ties them into meaningless repetition. It’s not a trap that DGM have fallen into.
Its wall to wall choruses and macho harmonies are nothing less than we expect. You can’t say much better than that.
Reissues
KINGS X In The New Age (6 CD Boxset)
“Anyone who got truly tuned into King’s X will be familiar with words like “memorable”, “original”, “intoxicating”.
Our only objection might be that these adjectives don’t go far enough.”
THE RUNAWAYS Neon Angels On The Road To Ruin (5 CD Boxset)
Going toe to toe with genre giants like Motley Crue and Kiss might have seemed inadvisable, but arguably, The Runaways, realising only too well, were saying good bye to traditional views of femininity.
FOGHAT The Complete Bearsville Recordings 1972-1975 (6 CD Boxset)
Britband Foghat clocked up a considerable number of tour miles after relocating to the USA in 1970, road testing their material, looking to kickstart their career. It worked a treat.
DAVE ATKINSON
Albums
Seven years since this band’s last album. Too long, but here it is, packed full of electric blues and hard rock nods from Zep to Cream; and also laced with funky, soulful, melodic, commercial passages that might be sometime Thunder fodder. This excellent album deserves to build some momentum and push Albany Down towards enduring, wide-spread success.
After 25 albums, Heep are on something of a roll! Chaos and Colour is the latest in a great run of albums. This has the energy of a band half their age, bringing trade mark heavy keyboards/guitar, prog flourishes and widescreen vocals. The songcraft remains uplifting and the scope and depth of the material is utterly convincing. For instance, just check out ‘One Nation, One Sun’.
ELEGANT WEAPONS Horns For A Halo
Richie Faulkner’s supergroup project pulls off a corker. Old school metal wrapped in nu-skool production. Great songs that land somewhere between Priest and grunge, with changes of pace, tone and intensity. The playing is excellent, as you would expect from this crowd and even Ronnie Romero sounds pretty good!
Live Acts
BYWATER CALL, The Grace, London
Just a small show on the band’s debut European tour, but this was a stunner. The band played with confidence, professionalism and an unshakeable enjoyment in the sheer exuberance of their performance. Blues, rock, soul, country, hints of jazz. We’ve had Total Football, heck we’ve had Total War. This was Total Music. A privilege to have been there.
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Great band, but this is all about KWS himself. I love this guy every time I seen him play. A show stuffed with swaggering blues rock, unhurried-build-to-torrid-explosion solos and all the showboating and grandstanding that such remarkable talent demands. Two hours of top quality entertainment and as usual, nothing was left behind.
THOSE DAMN CROWS, Islington Assembly Hall, London
This was a celebratory gig back in February as TDC’s album hit number 3 in the charts. A full blooded show of punchy, tight, hard hitting riffs undercut here and there with keyboard melodies. And then Shane Greenhall out front, absolutely pumped, smashing out quality vocals and barely able to contain his excitement. A great atmosphere and a top night.
Breakthrough Acts of 2023
Creating a buzz right now, there is something a little different about this band. The sound is commercial hard rock, with blues undertones, but there’s a creeping spirituality and hippiness that permeates at a softer level. Latest album ‘Now or Nowhere’ is a real step up in songwriting and production. Live, headlining at Islington back in the Summer, they were superb entertainment.
Seen supporting The Damn Truth in July, this Indiana trio is led by guitarist/vocalist Chris Tapp and long-time associate and drummer Brian Mullins. I was immediately struck by the assured sound of the band, peeling off engaging heavy blues and rolling, lowdown hard rock – thick and rich as black treacle. Definitely going places.
Excellent debut in 2022 with ‘Chaos is Calling’, Kira Mac have steadily built their reputation this year with a string of dates and latest single ‘Scorned’. Powerful, catchy, raw classic rock with stacked backing vocals, melodic twists and an arresting image. Another tour is already on the stocks for 2024.
Reissues
UFO – No Heavy Petting (Deluxe)
Latest in the run of UFO high-end re-issues. What Andy Pearce has done with this superb remaster is to strip away the hint of wool and mud in the production of the 1976 original to unearth the energy, power and drama at the heart of this landmark album. This is no feather-duster polish up. This is a full-on deep clean.
BLACK SABBATH – Live Evil (40th Anniversary Edition)
A qualified endorsement because of the cost of the physical packages, but if ever a live album needed revisiting, this is the one. The remaster of the original album seems fine, but the remixed ‘bonus’ set on CD discs 3 and 4 hits the mark and brings everything that the original album lacked: power, clarity, RJD in full pomp and even a hint of audience presence (!)
TEN YEARS AFTER – A Space In Time (50th Anniversary Edition)
Apart from the best known material, TYA are a band that I’ve missed out on for some reason. This album’s re-issue came along at the right time and I have enjoyed sinking in to the glorious jams and melodic blues here, given a sparkle by Chris Kimsey’s remixes. Better dig out their back catalogue then…
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JOE GEESIN
Albums
The former Samson and Iron Maiden thumper has returned with a new line-up and a real corker of an album.
FOGHAT Sonic Mojo
The boogie maisters have come back an amazing album, and the coloured vinyl LP sounds as good as it sounds.
GIRLSCHOOL WTFortyFive
One of Britain’s finest return with their first album in 8 years.
Reissues
BEDLAM The Anthology (6-CD)
Wonderful set featuring Cozy Powell, and several live sets long since out of print. But worth it for the remix of the studio album alone.
BERNIE TORME Lightning Strikes (4-CD)
Even without the pre ’82 45s, there’s some fantastic music here, 2 live sets and some bonuses. Imagine if Hendrix played punk, and you’ll understand why he gave Gillan such an edge.
KEITH EMERSON Variations (20-CD)
Pretty much everything (bar 1 album or 2) of Keith’s solo work, and a disc of rarities, Keith was a genius and here’s the proof.
NIKK GUNNS
Albums
THE ROLLING STONES Hackney Diamonds
I may be biased but this late career near masterpiece easily stands amongst the band’s best since 1972.
DIRTY HONEY Can’t Find The Brakes
Having been a fan of this band since I first saw then a few years ago in the US, this new album and recent gigs by the band have finally seen them make a bit of a breakthrough in the UK.
BLACKLIST UNION Letters From The Pysch Ward
This one was an early contender for my album of the year, and I am pleased to say that I am standing by that
Photo: Andy Nathan
Live Acts
GUNS N’ ROSES Hyde Park, London
Part of the British Summer Time gigs, this superb set more then made up for the previous years slightly iffy offering.
BLACKBERRY SMOKE The Roundhouse, Camden
The band never fail to leave the crowd with a smile on their faces and this was no different. Looking forward to the band’s return to these shores in 2024.
EUROPE London Palladium
With the band celebrating 40 years, they have never sounded better and I have been quoted as saying that this one gig could be my favourite of this millennium (so far…)
Breakthrough Acts 2023
CHRIS SHIFLETT (Foo Fighters)
Already a well know band member in the UK, he has now picked up a fair bit of airplay as a solo artist and the forthcoming UK gigs look to be very good.
I had no doubts that these boys would breakthrough in the UK and now you can see and hear why I like them so much.
THE BITES
another great new L.A based band that seem to roll back the decades with ease, great album and I look forward to some UK shows in the near future
Reissues
TOM PETTY Mojo
BILLY IDOL Self-titled
WHITESNAKE Still Good To Be Bad
Take your pick from these classic albums, all re-packaged with additional extras and all worth buying again
KAREN CLAYTON
Albums
MCLXXX takes inspiration from horror and sci-fi films with cleverly crafted, story-telling lyrics that will entice you in. The album has 10 tracks all of which are monstrously good! What an album, it is hard to believe that it is a debut, but it is, I am sold! King Kraken, a legend is born.
So it’s been seven long years wondering if The Answer would ever come back, what an album, it’s been well worth the wait! All the heavy riffs are as you’d expect, so welcome back The Answer, we have missed you!
3. SKINNY KNOWLEDGE Twenty Two
This (2nd) album is truly no follow on, this is an album that grabs you from the off and makes you listen up, no fillers on here, every track delivers with bigger hooks, heavier sound, fast pace and clever story telling lyrics that are delivered completely on point, with the bonus of complimentary harmonies from other members of the band, this album is packed full of talent – don’t take my word for it, give it a listen!
Bubbling under
GYPSY PISTOLEROS Duende A Go Go Loco
Gypsy Pistoleros are unique, completely unique, never have I heard such a blend of styles merge so successfully that you’d struggle to label it (don’t bother trying) but the album is absolute killer, high energy, high octane, pedal to the metal all the way, you’re in for one hell of a ride and an absolute blast.
What a superb debut album. This band is certainly going places it’s very catchy tapping rock I defy anybody not to enjoy it. Every track is killer.
Live Acts
King Voodoo step up and bring the place alive with sublime, rock perfection delivered brilliantly to an enraptured crowd you can see loads of people engage.
An absolute ball of energy, bringing a very explosive, great fun set delighting the crowd, who frankly were eating out of their hands 2 songs in, a highlight of the weekend!
VERA CRUZ
This band really know how to engage an audience, a 3 piece with a heart and oh my god, stand out vocals that make the hairs on the back of your neck go up. Get to see them, they are amazing!
Breakthrough Acts 2023
THE REVENANT
| News of 2023 (October-December)OCTOBER
The Beatles announce release of ‘Now And Then’ on November 2, and it is being advertised as the final ‘new’ Beatles song ever. Stevie Nicks has said in a recent interview that Fleetwood Mac will not continue without Christine McVie, who died in November last year. Thunder enter “The GRTR! Grotto of Greatness” The Rolling Stones debuted at number one in the UK albums with their latest album ‘Hackney Diamonds’. It is also the third highest selling album of the year to date in the UK. Not to be outdone, The Beatles final single ‘Now And Then’ is the UK’s fastest selling single of 2023, plus the biggest selling vinyl single since 2000. Dolly Parton’s ‘Rockstar’ album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard charts selling 128,000 album-equivalent units. The album debuted at number 5 in the UK album charts. Saxon enter “The GRTR! Grotto of Greatness” A sequel to ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ starts filming in February and will once again be directed by Rob Reiner, with the original cast set to return and cameos from Elton John and Paul McCartney. ‘Queen Rock Montreal’ will be released in over 450 IMAX locations globally for four days beginning January 18. The concert was originally recorded back in 1981.
|
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
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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 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.
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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)
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