Author Archives: GRTR! HQ

Album review: THE LYNNeS – Heartbreak Song For The Radio

Posted on January 9, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

The LYNNeS [Release date 02.02.18] It’s been a while since GRTR! last encountered Lynne Hanson – with her third album Once The Sun Goes Down (2010) – a finger picking folk/country/Americana artist with loyal followings in Canada, the States, Europe … Continue reading →

Album review: TONOCHROME – A Map In Fragments

Posted on January 9, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

Bad Elephant Music [Release date 02.02.18] The debut album from London based art rock quartet, has proggy undertones, but at heart is more rooted in jazz and ambient soundscapes. The brainchild of singer and main songwriter Andres Razzini, it’s an … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged A Map In Fragments, album, ambient, art rock, prog, Progressive Rock, review, Tonochrome | Leave a comment

Album review: BILLION DOLLAR BABIES – First Ever Live Show Flint 1977

Posted on January 9, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

Gonzo Multimedia [Release date 17.11.17] The ill-fated Billion Dollar Babies project is something of a holy grail amongst acolytes of the original Alice Cooper band. And there are many, myself included. The last time this recording hit the streets was … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Alice Cooper, Billion Dollar Babies, Dennis Dunaway, First Ever Live Show Flint 1977, hard rock, Michael Bruce, Neal Smith, review | Leave a comment

Album review: HEAVEN & EARTH – Hard To Kill

Posted on January 4, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

Quarto Valley Records [Release date 13.10.17] It would be cruel to say that ‘Heaven & Earth’ is Rainbow-by-numbers but, cripes, bandleader – UK-born Stuart Smith - looks like Ritchie (check the CD booklet!!) and apparently was mentored by him. The … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, hard rock, Hard To Kill, Heaven & Earth, Kenny Aronoff, Lynn Sorensen, Rainbow, review, Ritchie Blackmore, Stuart Smith, Ty Baillie | Leave a comment

Album review: GORDON GILTRAP – Peace Will Fall

Posted on January 2, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

Angel Air Records [Release date 12.01.18] A bit like the proverbial bus, Gordon Giltrap’s recent albums are few and far between and then two arrive within a relatively short space of time. Last year’s ‘The Last of England’ was a … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged acoustic, album, Carol Lee Sampson, Christian, folk, Gordon Giltrap, instrumental, Martin Green, Peace Will Fall, religious, review | Leave a comment

News: A Year in Rock 2017 – Get Ready to ROCK! photo highlights

Posted on December 31, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Get Ready to ROCK! ends 2017 by publishing a selection of photos taken by their photographers during the year following on from the publication of the Best of 2017 popular poll results. Says Reviews Editor Jason Ritchie: “Each year we … Continue reading →

Posted in GIG REVIEWS, NEWS, Photo Galleries, The Best of 2017 | Tagged 2017, best of, Download, festivals, gigs, Glenn Hughes, highlights, HRH Prog, Kiss, Marillion, Michael Schenker, photographs, reviews, rock music, Steelhouse | Leave a comment

Album review: MAGMA – Mekanïk Destruktï? Kommandöh

Posted on December 30, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Seventh Records [Release date: 25.11.17] When the album ‘Mekanïk Destruktï? Kommandöh’ hit the racks in UK and US record stores in 1973, it was assumed to be a debut because nobody had heard of the band, and – judging by … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged album, Christian Vander, Krautrock, Magma, Mekanïk Destruktï? Kommandöh, prog, progressive, reissue, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: THE GARDENING CLUB

Posted on December 29, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Gonzo Multimedia [Release date 22.09.17] A lost prog classic? That might be applied to this reissue of an album originally released in 1983 and the work of UK-born, now Canadian resident Martin Springett. The album will appeal to fans of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged album, Camel, Don Geppert, Genesis, Martin Springett, prog, Progressive Rock, review, The Gardening Club | Leave a comment

Album review: SIMON PHILLIPS – Protocol 4

Posted on December 29, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Phantom Recordings [Release date 27.10.17] We couldn’t resist ‘Protocol III’ with its fusion flavours and great musicality but arguably it is edged by the latest iteration. This time Simon Phillips (best known for his work with Toto) brings in guitarist … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Dennis Hamm, drummer, drums, Ernest Tibbs, funk, Greg Howe, jazz funk, jazz fusion, Protocol 4, review, Simon Phillips, Toto | Leave a comment

Album review: STRAY – All In Your Mind (The Transatlantic Years 1970-1974)

Posted on December 23, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Esoteric [Release date: 20.10.17] Unless the thought of ‘your collar being felt’ finds favour, there are some tracks that should never be played while driving. Formed in 1966 when they were callow youths of 14 years of age, West London … Continue reading →

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Gig review: EXTREME/Dan Reed Network – Bristol Academy, 18 December 2017

Posted on December 23, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

A double bill tour that not only sees the return of Extreme to these shores – capitalising soon after a headline slot headline at this summer’s Ramblin Man – but also the return of the groove masters in Dan Reed … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 18 December, Bristol Academy, Dan Reed Network, Extreme, funk, Gary Cherone, gig, metal, Nuno Bettencourt, review, rock | Leave a comment

News: THEA GILMORE tops popular poll for best album of 2017, Marillion voted Top Live Act

Posted on December 18, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Singer songwriter Thea Gilmore has won the popular vote in Get Ready to ROCK!’s end of year poll. Thea’s album ‘The Counterweight’ was voted ‘Best of 2017′ by readers and listeners. Alan Jones from Get Ready to ROCK! has been … Continue reading →

Posted in NEWS, The Best of 2017 | Tagged Austin Gold, Best of 2017, breakthrough act, Marillion, poll, popular, rock, singer songwriter, The Counterweight, Thea Gilmore, top album, top live act, vote | Leave a comment

Album review: RJ THOMPSON – Echo Chamber

Posted on December 16, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Chicken Wire Records [Release date 17.11.17] Currently on tour opening for Jools Holland, and with the endorsement of broadsheets like The Times and The Guardian ringing in his ears, North-East singer songwriter RJ Thompson’s debut studio album sails about as … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Echo Chamber, pop, review, RJ Thompson, rock, singer, songwriter | Leave a comment

Album review: JOE SATRIANI – What Happens Next

Posted on December 13, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Sony Music [Release date 12.01.18] Satch’s energy and work output seem to have no chance of exhaustion. He releases fairly regular albums, always including a smattering of greatness, and making his peers sometimes seem lazy. That continuing zest for performance … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Chad Smith, fusion, Glenn Hughes, guitar, guitarist, Joe Satriani, review, rock, What Happens Next | Leave a comment

Gig review: THEA GILMORE – Telford’s Warehouse, Chester, 12 December 2017

Posted on December 13, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

No, the GRTR! Christmas Party was not being held in a phone booth this year, but my fellow scribe Pete Whalley and I instead felt the glow of Thea Gilmore’s traditional gathering at a favourite venue in Chester. In a … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 12 November 2017, acoustic, Chester, Christmas, festive, gig, Nigel Stonier, party, review, singer, songwriter, Telford's Warehouse, Thea Gilmore, Xmas | Leave a comment

Album review: MAGNUM – Lost On The Road To Eternity

Posted on December 8, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

SPV [Release date 19.01.18] We’ve always said Magnum should be cherished. Even more so in 2018, and with the arrival of their 20th studio album. The latest magnum opus also introduces new members Rick Benton (keys) and Lee Morris now … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AVANTASIA, Bob Catley, Lost On The Road To Eternity, Magnum, melodic rock, pomp, review, rock, Tobias Sammet, Tony Clarkin | Leave a comment

Upcoming: New releases (CD/DVD) January – March 2018

Posted on December 8, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Compiled by Jason Ritchie January 12th ASKING ALEXANDRIA S/T Summerin Records AUDREY HORNE ‘Blackout’ Napalam Records AVATAR ‘Avatar Country’ BLACK VEIL BRIDES ‘Vale’ CORROSION OF CONFORMITY ‘No Cross No Crown’ Nuclear Blast FLEETWOOD MAC S/T (re-issue of 1975 album with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, NEWS, Upcoming (Tours & Releases) | Tagged 2018, album, AOR, Bluray, CD, DVD, February, heavy rock, January, March, melodic rock, metal, New releases, progressive, rock | Leave a comment

News: Get Ready to ROCK! Reviews Editor hits 50 for charity

Posted on December 8, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Get Ready to ROCK! Reviews Editor Jason Ritchie has long been a supporter of various charities and in the past he has put on his running shoes in aid of good causes. Now, as he approaches the grand old age … Continue reading →

Posted in NEWS | Tagged awareness, charity, gigs, music, music therapy, Nordoff Robbins, promotion | Leave a comment

Quick plays: TALK-SHOW, STEVE RAVENSFIELD

Posted on December 7, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

TALK-SHOW Permanent Honeymoon (Wooden Piano Records) The brainchild of Maidstone singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lawrence O’Shea, Talk-Show brings together Gustaff Llunggren (brass, woodwind, strings and lap steel) and Chris Pepper (drums, percussion, programming, electric and bass guitars and syths), overseen by … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged album, Boo Hewerdine, Into The Next Life, Lawrence O'Shea, Permanent Honeymoon, pop, pop rock, review, Steve Ravensfield, Talk-Show | Leave a comment

Album review: BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE – Medicine Songs

Posted on December 7, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

True North Records [Release date 07.11.17] A new album from the now 76 year old Buffy, and guess what? Yes, lurking there amidst a collection of old, new, and borrowed, (and Blue) material are career defining numbers like ‘Soldier Blue’ … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged acoustic, album, Buffy Sainte-Marie, folk, Medicine Songs, protest, review, singer, songwriter | Leave a comment

Album review: DAVE KERZNER – Static

Posted on December 7, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Recplay [Release date 10.11.17] The second solo album from Miami-based keyboard maestro and co-founder of Sound Of Contact (Kernzer/Simon Collins) is creating something of a stir in prog circles. Perhaps, of little surprise given the heavyweight guest appearances of Steve … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Colin Edwin, Dave Kerzner, Nick D’Virgilio, prog, Progressive Rock, review, Static, Steve Hackett, The Sound Of Contact | Leave a comment

Album review: SKID ROW – Skid/34 Hours (reissues)

Posted on December 7, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

BGO [Release date: 21.07.17] 2 on 1 CD “I remember Paris in ‘49” … five words guaranteed to cue the leery lads of the night to grab and clinch their squeezes for that last, up close smooch in the smoke … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged 34 Hours, album, blues rock, Gary Moore, hard rock, Phil Lynott, review, Skid, Skid Row, Thin Lizzy | Leave a comment

Album review: ALICE DIMICELE – One With The Tide

Posted on December 2, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

Alice Otter Music [Release date 19.01.18] DiMicele’s last offering the sparsely arranged, jazz influenced, Swim a beguiling melting pot of roots infused with breathy Hammond B3 keys, gospelesque vocals, Americana-tinged fiddle, dobro, lap steel, and Tex-Mex horns – came within … Continue reading →

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Album review: ELECTRIC DUCKS – Change Your Mind

Posted on December 2, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

The Store For Music [Release date 17.11.17] Originally starting out as an AC/DC tribute band, it’s taken the Ducks three albums and a line-up change to shake off, pretty much, the final vestiges of their former modus operandi. Their 2007 … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Change Your Mind, Electric Ducks, review, rock | Leave a comment

Quick plays: SONIC TOOLBOX, THE MAGNETIC SOUTH

Posted on December 2, 2017 by GRTR! HQ

SONIC TOOLBOX A Space In Time Double Dutch, anyone? Sonic Toolbox, a fairly grizzly pair of old proggers (?) from Denmark who – on the cover art – look like Boris Becker and Robert Plant after a night on the … Continue reading →