Author Archives: jason

Album review: JEFF SCOTT SOTO – Retribution

Posted on November 23, 2017 by jason

Frontiers [Release date 10.11.17] You do wonder at times when Jeff Scott Soto (JSS) finds time to rest, as he is involved in the recently released album from Sons Of Apollo, he has his more metal edged Soto band, there … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, The Best of 2017 | Tagged album, hard rock, Howie Simon, Jeff Scott Soto, melodic, Retribution, review, rock, Sons Of Apollo, Soto | Leave a comment

Quick plays: PENDULUM OF FORTUNE, TOMI MALM, THE ESKIES

Posted on November 21, 2017 by jason

PENDULUM OF FORTUNE Searching For The God Inside [Release date 08.12.17] Pendulum Of Fortune are based around former Eloy drummer Bodo Schopf, who is joined by Pink Cream 69/Almanac vocalist David Readman, guitarist Vladimir Shevyakov and bass player Franky R (who … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged album, And Don't Spare The Horses, AOR, Dennis Ward, hard rock, Headstrong, melodic, Pendulum Of Fortune, Pink Cream 69, review, rock, Searching For The God Inside, soul, The Eskies, Tomi Malm, Walkin' On Air, West Coast | Leave a comment

Album review: BLIND GUARDIAN – Re-issues

Posted on November 19, 2017 by jason

Battalions Of Fear/Follow Me Blind/Tales From The Twilight World/Somewhere Far Beyond/Tokyo Tales’/Imaginations From The Other Side/The Forgotten Tales (compilation)/Nightfall In Middle Earth/A Night At The Opera/Live Nuclear Blast [Release date 27.10.17] German power metal band Blind Guardian have produced some … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged albums, Blind Guardian, Hansi Hursch, metal, Nuclear Blast, power metal, re-issue, review, Thrash | Leave a comment

EP review: DANDELION CHARM – Riding The Flood

Posted on November 16, 2017 by jason

www.dandelioncharm.com/ Riding The Flood is a new five-track EP from Newhaven-based duo Dandelion Charm, who comprise of John and Clare Fowler. Clare Flowler says that ‘the themes we deal with in our songs are not frivolous ones. They are all … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged Clare Fowler, Dandelion Charm, EP, folk, John Fowler, melodic, review, Riding The Flood | Leave a comment

Album review: BARENAKED LADIES – Fake Nudes

Posted on November 14, 2017 by jason

UMC [Release date 17.11.17] Barenaked Ladies, a band you have to be careful when Googling particularly with this latest album title… Barenaked Ladies have deservedly won many awards in their native Canada – 8 Juno awards to date – for their harmony filled pop songs, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Barenaked Ladies, Fake Nudes, folk, indie, pop, pop rock, power pop, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: ROSE TATTOO – Tatts Live In Brunswick 1982

Posted on November 10, 2017 by jason

Golden Robot [Release date 24.11.17] Classic Australian hard rock band synonymous with the shaven headed frontman Angry Anderson and a tattoo or two, as well as a few AC/DC connections, Rose Tattoo were formed in the mid 70s and took AC/DC’s … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged album, Angry Anderson, blues, hard rock, live abum, Pete Wells, review, rock, Rose Tattoo, Tatts Live In Brunswick 1982 | Leave a comment

Gig review: SQUEEZE – Royal Albert Hall, London, 6 November 2017

Posted on November 10, 2017 by jason

Squeeze - BEARDED THEORY FESTIVAL, Catton Hall, Derbyshire, 26-29 May 2016

Nearly 40 years after emerging as one of the best bands from that burst of creativity known at the time as the New Wave, Squeeze are not content with the easy option coasting on the Rewind-style nostalgia circuit. Instead the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Chris Difford, gig, Glenn Tilbrook, London, pop, review, rock, Royal Albert Hall, Squeeze | Leave a comment

Gig review: JON BODEN – Cornerstones, Didcot, 9 November 2017

Posted on November 10, 2017 by jason

A first for me a gig in walking distance of my home! Cornerstones is a cosy, modern theatre. It was a sold out show to see former Bellowhead frontman Jon Boden play a solo gig in support of his recently … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, The Best of 2017 | Tagged 9 November 2017, Afterglow, Bellowhead, Cornerstones, Didcot, folk, gig, Jon Boden, review, singer songwriter, Solo | Leave a comment

Album review: BLITZEN TRAPPER – Wild And Reckless

Posted on November 9, 2017 by jason

Lojinx [Release date 03.11.17] Not stumbled across Blizten Trapper before until their new album arrived onto my review pile. They have been around since 2000 and ‘Wild And Reckless’ is their ninth studio album, so some catching up to do … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, alternative, Americana, Blitzen Trapper, country, Eric Earley, review, rock, Wild And Reckless | Leave a comment

EP review: INDIA ELECTRIC CO. – Seven Sisters

Posted on November 7, 2017 by jason

www.indiaelectricco.com [Release date 17.11.17] The talented duo that is the India Electric Co. are back with their second EP in a trilogy loosely based on contrasting town and country. Cole Stacey provides his haunting vocals, along with percussion, whilst Joseph O’Keefe adds … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged Cole Stacey, EP, folk, India Electric Co., Joseph O'Keefe, review, Seven Sisters, traditional | Leave a comment

Album review: DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION – Skyscraper Souls

Posted on November 7, 2017 by jason

David Randall chatted to Chris Braide in October 2015 and this hour special provides background to the singer-songwriter’s career and on hooking up with Geoff Downes. First broadcast on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio. Magical Think Tank Records [Release date … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Andy Partridge, Asia, Big Big Train, Buggles, Chris Braide, DBA, Downes Braide Association, Geoff Downes, Marc Almond, melodic, pop, progressive, review, Skyscraper Souls, Tim Bowness, XTC, Yes | Leave a comment

Album review: DEEP PURPLE – A Fire In The Sky

Posted on November 5, 2017 by jason

Parlophone [Release date 15.09.17] British classic rock legends are still going strong, and basking on the back of the rather wonderful ‘iNfinite’ album, released earlier this year. And while compilations may be so common they’re on a street corner with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged A Fire In The Sky, album, best of, classic rock, compilation, Deep Purple, hard rock, Ian Gillan, Jon Lord, review, Ritchie Blackmore, rock, Steve Morse | Leave a comment

Quick plays: DANTE FOX, CHEAP TRICK, KATE RUSBY, LOTS HOLLOWAY

Posted on November 1, 2017 by jason

DANTE FOX Six String Revolver AOR Heaven [Release date 24.11.17] This album sees Dante Fox re-record ten songs from their first two albums ‘Under Suspicion’ (1996) and ‘The Fire Within’ (1999) – five songs from each album. Joining the band … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged album, Angels & Men, AOR, carols, Cheap Trick, Christmas Christmas, Dante Fox, folk, Kate Rusby, Lots Holloway, melodic, review, rock, Roy Wood, Six String Revolver | Leave a comment

Album review: MARK “PORKCHOP” HOLDER – Death And The Blues

Posted on October 31, 2017 by jason

[Release date 03.11.17] Recorded as the follow-up to debut “Let It Slide” only 9 months ago, the Porkchop is back with another collection of wonderfully uncomplicated, dirty and mean blues cuts. You’d have to be comatose not to feel the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, Death And The Blues, guitarist, Mark 'PORKCHOP' Holder, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: BUFFALO KILLERS – Alive & Well In Ohio

Posted on October 31, 2017 by jason

Alive Naturalsound Records [Release date 20.10.17] Honest, consistent and true to themselves and their inspirations, the Buffalo Killers have been spinning their mazy blend of spacey, psychedelic Americana over seven albums to-date and number eight, “Alive and Well in Ohio” … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Alive & Well In Ohio, Buffalo Killers, Gabbard, psychedelic, review, rock | Leave a comment

EP review: GOYA – Kathmandu

Posted on October 31, 2017 by jason

[Release date 08.12.17] Hailing from Stoke-on-Trent, Goya are a bit like a progressive/stoner Stoke City – fans that love them, love them but a lot won’t like the stuff they play. That said, and with all the usual trepidation of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged EP, Goya, instrumental, Kathmandu, progressive, review, rock, Rush, Stoner | Leave a comment

Album review: VIRGIL & STEVE HOWE – Nexus

Posted on October 31, 2017 by jason

Inside Out [Release date 17.11.17] ‘Nexus’ is the collaborative record by Yes guitarist Steve Howe and his son Virgil Howe who passed away suddenly on September 11, 2017 aged 41. Not an easy decision then to release this album, however … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, cinematic, instrumental, melodic, Nexus, progressive, review, Steve Howe, Virgil How, Yes | Leave a comment

Album review: STEVE WALSH – Black Butterfly

Posted on October 31, 2017 by jason

Escape Music [Release date 10.11.17] After Steve Walsh retired from Kansas back in 2014 many thought that would be it and we’d hear no more from Walsh, luckily this was proven wrong and here we have a new solo album … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Black Butterfly, Kansas, melodic, Mike Slamer, progressive, review, rock, Steve Overland, Steve Walsh, Streets, Tommy Denander | Leave a comment

Album review: LA GUNS – The Missing Peace

Posted on October 31, 2017 by jason

Frontiers [Release date 06.10.17] To be fair, I am a big fan of L.A Guns. Now before you assume that this review is going to be a one sided love fest, let me assure you that this is an upfront … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, The Best of 2017 | Tagged album, glam, LA Guns, metal, Missing Peace, Phil Lewis, review, rock, sleaze, Tracii Guns | Leave a comment

Gig review: THE STRAWBS – Under The Bridge, London, 29 October 2017

Posted on October 30, 2017 by jason

As a kid in the 70s I do recall frequent radio plays of the Strawbs novelty hit ‘Part Of The Union’ in what was that fractious decade for industrial relations. And as an adult and Sandy Denny fanatic, the latter’s … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged classic rock, Dave Cousins, folk, gig, London, October 29 2017, progressive, review, rock, The Ferryman's Curse, The Strawbs, Under the Bridge | Leave a comment

Rising Stars: LOUISE STEEL

Posted on October 28, 2017 by jason

Louise Steel has just released her new album ‘Heartstorm’, one for lovers of passionate melodic rock. We ask Louise a few Qs about the album, its recording and her future musical plans… Louise Steel Music What have you got planned … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Interviews/Rising Stars | Tagged Heartstorm, interview, Jim Steinman, Louise Steel, melodic, Pat Benatar, Rising Stars, rock | Leave a comment

EP review: JOSH TAERK – Stages

Posted on October 28, 2017 by jason

Apple Music [Release date 02.02.18] Josh Taerk has long been a favourite here at Ritchie towers and he is now back with a new five song EP, although one song ‘After The Fall’ is lifted from his last album ‘Here’s To … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars Revisited, Single and EP reviews | Tagged EP, interview, Josh Taerk, melodic, pop, review, rock, singer songwiter, Stages | Leave a comment

Album review: PUGWASH – Silverlake

Posted on October 27, 2017 by jason

Lojinx [Release date 25.11.17] Pugwash, the brainchild of Thomas Walsh, was a band until earlier this year when he disbanded it and went back to Pugwash being a solo project. However, on this album he finally managed to work with friend and fellow … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, ELO, Jason Falkner, Jellyfish, pop, pop rock, power pop, Pugwash, review, rock, Silvertide, Thomas Walsh, XTC | Leave a comment

Album review: JAIMZ VOKINS – Time Machine

Posted on October 27, 2017 by jason

AOR Blvd [Release date 06.10.17] Jaimz Vokins is the new project from former Tigertailz vocalist Steevi Jaimz and guitarist Phil Vokins, who is probably best known for his time in Wrathchild. Teaming up with producer Dave Draper (The Wildhearts/The Professionals) the pair have … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged AOR Blvd, Chris Laney, Covers, covers album, glam, Phil Vokins, rock, Slade, Steevi Jaimz, Tigertailz, Time Machine, Wrathchild | Leave a comment

Quick plays: GREGORY PORTER, DYED IN BLUE, KIRSTY MERRYN, JOE HENRY

Posted on October 25, 2017 by jason

GREGORY PORTER Nat King Cole & Me Decca/Blue Note [Release date 27.10.17] Gregory Porter has shot to fame from his jazz background to become a major name in the jazz and soul world. On his latest release he pays homage … Continue reading →