HOT NEW REVIEWS


UPDATED March 20th 2020


Stiletto 'Don't call me sweetie' (FNA Records/USA Import)

There have been numerous bands called STILETTO in the glorious Hair Metal past of the 1980s, but this one is an all-female band from Canada with sadly only demos releases in the early 1990s. Thanks to FNA Records, there is now an official silver pressed CD available, which contains some sensational pure 1980s classic Melodic Rock/AOR in the style of VIXEN, HEART, HEAT, LAOS, WITNESS, LITA FORD, ENVY, MISSLEAD, MEGHAN (the closest comparison for sure!), etc. etc. It might not be original, the band sounded very sensational and could have easily been picked up by the major labels 30 years ago. It did not happen sadly, but now via this CD release there is some justice after all. Fans of mentioned bands need to check out melodic rockers like Best of me, Don't turn away (fantastic AOR, HEART meets TORONTO meets DANTE FOX), Bring back the fire (killer AOR chorus a la WITNESS) and Through the ages. The sound quality is not always the best and is clearly demo/independent bands, but musically this is prime time must-have female fronted AOR/Melodic Rock that is absolutely needed in your collection if any of the mentioned bands is up your alley! Not all of the songs are sensational, because somewhere halfway there are a few groovy rock fillers, but in general we have something very interesting here to check out a.s.a.p. Available through www.fnarecords.net

(Points: 8.5 out of 10)

Strip 'Glad to meet you ... sucker! (FNA Records/USA Import)

With a bandname like STRIP and a bunch of hairspray looking guys on the picture sleeves, this should be a Glamrockband and yes indeed their CD Glad to meet you... sucker! is pure 80s Glamrock, exactly sounding like we're back in 1988 when PRETTY BOY FLOYD, POISON, TIGERTAILZ, BITCH'S BRUE and WRATHCHILD were pretty much waving the flag for this genre, which basically completely died when Grunge entered the scene in 1991. Of course in the underground there were still new bands putting out new Glamrocksongs during the 1990s (BIG BANG BABIES, FINSTER BABY...), but it took until the mid 2000s before this genre found new bands to breakthrough, although those acts were not really serious (WIG WAM and STEEL PANTHER). Anyway, those 2 acts still put the genre back on the map and if you're into such Glamrock then you will love this STRIP CD as well, because here we can hear classic 80s inspired L.A. Glamrock a la POISON/WRATHCHILD) during uptempo tunes like It doesn't matter, Lullaby (hello POISON!), To be with you or You should be mine and Power Ballads like Love story and Love can hold the light. Must-have if you want it to be 1988 all over again and albums like Stakk attakk, Look what the cat dragged in, Leather boyz with electric toyz and such are belonging to your favorite albums of all times! Like it or not, STRIP are doing it at a very high level actually, so this is picture perfect 80s L.A. Glamrock and the album POISON fans have been waiting for these past 30 years! STRIP themselves are not a new band, because this FNA Records release is a collection of the 2 demo tapes of this Chicago based band which were originally released in the early 1990s. The CD is available through www.fnarecords.net

(Points: 8.4 out of 10)

Shyboy 'Just wanna rock!' (FNA Records/USA Import)

Out of thousands Hair Metalbands SHYBOY was basically just another act that wanted to follow the footsteps taken by acts like WARRANT, POISON, SKID ROW, WHITE LION , WINGER and such during the late 1980s. They should not be confused with a couple of other same named bands (such as the one with a 1998 CD release on ESCAPE MUSIC), because this SHYBOY from New Jersey was formed in 1988 and released quite quickly thereafter a cassette album titled Stop-n-go, which featured the kinda Hair Metal you would expect when mentioning the aforementioned bands. Their sound was very close to the hair-Sunset Strip-Spandex/Hairspray Melodic Metal of WARRANT and WHITE LION when listening to such classic uptempo melodic rockers like Cryin' over you, Are we are on love, I'm the one and Hangin' on (WHITE LION meets DOKKEN) or big Power Ballads like Don't walk away (pure WARRANT's Sometimes she cries imitation!) and Waiting for you (BON JOVI/DANGER DANGER/PAUL LAINE style). Also need to mention here their more AOR based material, such as the ultra-catchy Do or die (CRYSTAL meets NIGHTWORK meets WHITE SISTER), with it's dut-dut keys, and the chorus of the already mentioned I'm the one, but overall this is a mixture of 80s Hair Metal and Melodic Mainstream American Hardrock of the late 80s. Perhaps not originalat all, they did it a high level, although eventually they never signed a label deal, because in the early 1990s they already split up. The CD Just Wanna Rock! on FNA Records contains the cassette tape songs, their 2nd demo from 1989 and a bunch of live recordings from their 1988-1990 period. In total 18 tracks are included, the sound is not always the best, but nevertheless fans of Hair Metal/80s Melodic Rockstyle will like this CD! Available through www.fnarecords.net

(Points: 8.1 out of 10)

Airstrike 'Initial attack Remastered + 10 bonus tracks' (FNA Records/USA Import)

2019 brings much joy for the fans of classic 80s sounds in all kinds of new releases (both re-releases and new albums in classic 80s style) and FNA Records brings us one of these lost bands, namely AIRSTRIKE and their Initial attack release from 1986. This is one of those highly sought-after vinyl releases that finally gets a proper re-issue onto CD, along with 10 unreleased demo tunes. AIRSTRIKE were a bunch of youngsters in the mid 1980s whom recorded this rare LP and a bunch of demos between 1985 and 1989. The bandmembers went their seperate ways eventually, ending up in new bands, projects and playing with members of legendary bands. Anyway, this CD is filled with classic 80s US Melodic Metal that fits somewhere between RATT, FIFTH ANGEL, BLACK'N'BLUE and early BONFIRE. The guitarwork is classic 80s fist-in-the-air Metal riff orientated, while the vocals and lyrics are classic Glam/Hair Metal based, so it is clearly a mixture of mentioned bands. Highlights include You'll get your way, Right before your eyes (pure BLACK'N'BLUE faster uptempo melodic heavy rocker), the melodic rockers Angel of pain, Teaser (very catchy!) and Aimin' for the heart (early BONFIRE/CACUMEN Melodic Hardrock). Definitely recommended to fans of classic 80s US Melodic Metal, whom don't mind a touch of RATTish Glam/Hair Metal! Vocals and production are not always that strong, but they make up with some great musicianship Available through www.fnarecords.net

(Points: 8.0 out of 10)

Fallon 'Fallon' (FNA Records/USA Import)

Lead singer MATT FALLON had the unfortunate luck to hit twice the jackpot, but sadly did not get a chance to enjoy the fame and fortune which would follow for the particular band. First he joined ANTHRAX and started recording their classic Spreading the disease, but was replaced by JOEY BELLADONNA during the recording process. The second band was SKID ROW, with whom he recorded a demo at Jon Bon Jovi's studio in 1986 and even played as support to BON JOVI in those days, but in end SEBASTIAN BACH replaced him in 1987. Both ANTHRAX and SKID ROW became big acts that lasts until the present day. Matt decided to start his own band called FALLON and although they recorded an EP and several songs throughout the years, by 1993 the music climate had changed and they quit the band. Many years later FNA Records releases a CD filled with 12 tracks of FALLON, doing Matt justice for his past recordings that never found the big fame and fortune like had happened with is former bands. The included music is a mixture of classic 80s Melodic Hair Metal/Melodic Hardrock and some Power Ballads, not that far away from classic SKID ROW. Songs like the uptempo melodic rocker Blue sky in the rain, the Power Ballad The rain inside, the midtempo sing-a-long Hair Metal piece No stranger and Tears (a rare demo song, sounds like a great mixture between TESLA, LILLIAN AXE and EVERY MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE). show 4 great musicians hard at work trying to be next big Hair band in the late 1980s. As with thousands others, their music was almost buried forever until this CD was released. Fans of classic SKID ROW, WARRANT, WHITE LION, FIREHOUSE, SLAUGHTER and such will absolutely love this FALLON as well! Available through www.fnarecords.net

(Points: 8.2 out of 10)

Big Guns ' On dangerous ground + Stick 'em up' (FNA Records/USA Import)

 

The British Melodic Rockband BIG GUNS was formed in the early 1990s and despite their incredible high level of musicianship, they did not manage to release anything in the UK, Europe or North America, which was due to the changing music climate. Thankfully they eventually found a label deal in Japan, because in the land of the Rising Sun Melodic Rock had its peak during the 1990s with many great successful bands (JADED HEART, FAIR WARNING, FRONTLINE, HAREM SCAREM) whom did not had luck in their home countries. BIG GUNS was another one, although I am not sure how much success they achieved in Japan with their debut On dangerous ground, which was originally released on ZERO CORPORATION RECORDS. The original CD is now very rare and hard to get, going for about USD 500, so it is a much appreciated welcome that FNA Records re-released this album and also added the 2nd album Stick ‘em up as bonus. The band did split up I believe for a while, but around 2007 they released this follow-up on the Australian label SUN CITY RECORDS. Now the 2 albums are available again on 1 CD, so for anyone who missed this great deal of classic 80s inspired catchy Melodic Rock, make sure to check it out. It might not sound original, but the result was and still is a great album that will definitely please fans of early DANGER DANGER, KNOW ILLUSION, HEAVEN’S EDGE, FIREHOUSE, 80s BON JOVI…. Uptempo melodic rockers like Living It Up, Love Gets In The Way, Let's Get Crazy and the sensational City Lights, as well as an midtempo AOR/melodic rocker like Picking Up The Pieces are all highly recommended to hear if you’re into the classic 80s US Melodic Rocksound! Available through www.fnarecords.net

 

(Points: 8.6 out of 10)

71 Spiders '71 Spiders' (Independent/USA Import)

71 SPIDERS is a band from Cincinnati, USA formed around SPIDER FINGERS, who actually does everything on his own here. In the past he played in bands like FLYING 69 and ELECTRIC MONSTER, but now went solo more or less on this same titled CD. The included music is 70s inspired, sometimes reminding me a lot of ALICE COOPER somehow, so with a sort of theatrical or semi-gothic approach. It definitely rocks, but it takes a few listens to really get it and the vocals are quite raw and raspy sounding. I think there's also some BOWIE influences here and there, while Blues can be heard during the opener Spider web blues and closing track Goodnight. Check it out for yourself at: http://71spiders.com/

(Points: 7.1 out of 10)

Coco Montoya 'Coming in hot' (Alligator Records/USA Import)

Alligator Records is one of the ultimate American Bluesrocklabels which exists since 1971 when it was grounded by BRUCE IGLAUER in Chicago. Almost 50 years this amazing label still releases the finest new Bluesrockalbums and we are proud to review 4 of those which have been released in 2019. Guitarist/vocalist COCO MONTOYA began his solo-career in 1993 and hasn't looked back ever since. Now 26 years later he already releases his 5th album for ALLIGATOR RECORDS. The album is titled Coming in hot and is a very strong heavy bluesrockalbum, produced by TONY BRAUNAGEL (ERIC BURDON, BONNIE RAITT, TAJ MAHAL...) and blueswise clearly going back to the classic bluesrockdays of ALBERT COLLINS, ALBERT KING, BB KING, BUDDY GUY, JOHN MAYALL, MUDDY WATERS, etc, etc. Before he went solo, Coco played in the bands of ALBERT COLLINS during the 1970s/1980s and in JOHN MAYALL's BLUESBREAKERS during the 1980s/1990s, so actually he now has almost reached 50 years of playing, touring and recording in the music business. You can hear this very clearly on the new album, which also features musicians whom played with BOB DYLAN, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, JIMI HENDRIX, JOHN FORGERTY, ERIC BURDON, BONNIE RAITT, etc, etc. The result is as mentioned a highly recommended classic bluesrockalbum, with one of the highlights for me personally Stop runnin' away from my love, which is a JEFF PARIS written tune! However, every single fan of classic blues will like this for sure! More info at: https://www.alligator.com/

(Points: 8.2 out of 10)

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats 'Contemporary' (Alligator Records/USA Import)

Harmonicaplayer/vocalist RICK ESTRIN is a virtuoso in what he's doing on his harmonica and his way of singing, which makes him very recognizable when hearing the music he played with THE NIGHTCATS. Comtemporary is their 4th album, which musically is mostly classic Bluesrock the way it should sound like, which is as if it was recorded in a small smokey bar somewhere in a dark alley in downtown Chicago. This is Chicago Blues at it's finest (just listen to the first 2 songs), with however also enough room to explore some other modern bluesrockstyles, which can best be heard during the rather catchy titletrack Contemporary that also adds modern rock and even some hip-hop infuences. Also don't miss the funky and groovy New shape or House of grease, which also drift away from the aforementioned classic blues. On the other hand, a lot of times we're basically deeply into classic Chicago blues a la MUDDY WATERS (Nothing but love is a fine example here), so people who like their blues to sound like that will not be disappointed, although Rick also smoothly puts other influences into the songs, which personally is a good move and shows him at his very best. The album was produced by multi-instrumentalist (and THE NIGHTCATS guitarist) Kid Andersen and Estrin himself, whom together made it sound crystal clear and it is highly recommended ro all the bluesrockfans out there! More info at: https://www.alligator.com/

(Points: 8.3 out of 10)

Toronzo Cannon 'The preacher, the politician or the pimp' (Alligator Records/USA Import)

Out of Chicago comes TORONZO CANNON, of whom we reviewed his excellent and much-praised 3rd album The Chicago way back in 2016. That album was regarded by many as the absolute highlight in bluesrock that particular year. Now he returns with The Preacher, The Politician Or The Pimp, showing once again he is one of the finest bluesrock performers around these days. He can easily compete with GARY CLARK JR. , JOE BONAMASSA and KENNY WAYNE SHEPHARD and therefore I would like to add his new album to the list of best Bluesalbums of 2019! His guitarplaying is superbly melodic and very smoothly a la ERIC CLAPTON, while vocally he has a sort of relaxing warm approach a la GARY CLARK JR. I am quite surprised he has not broken through yet like the big guys mentioned in this review. Toronzo is high-class and should be playing the big festivals and huge venues. He can do it all, very slow and smooth like on the titletrack and the fantastic She loved me (again) or more uptempo like JIMI HENDRIX meets GARY MOORE in the sensational rocker The Chicago way. 12 songs are included in total, produced by Toronzo himself and the founder of his label ALLIGATOR RECORDS, the legendary BRUCE IGLAUER. Together with his bandmembers Roosevelt Purifoy (piano, organ), Marvin little (bass), Melvin Carlisle (drums) and a whole list of guest musicians, this might be one of the finest bluesrockalbums I have heard the past few years. More info at: https://www.alligator.com/

(Points: 8.9 out of 10)

Tinsley Ellis 'Ice cream in hell' (Alligator Records/USA Import)

Ice cream hell is already the 18th album of blues guitarist/vocalist TINSLEY ELLIS, who played and recorded with some of the great musicians in rock and blues history and already released an album of ALLIGATOR RECORDS way back in 1988. He never looked back, although left the label for a few years in the early 2000s, but has now been releasing records on the label since 2005. His new album is said to be his rawest so far, with influences from JEFF BECK and ERIC CLAPTON, so with that classic rough late 1960s classic Gibson guitarsound. Hardrockin' blues is probably a good description for this album, which was produced by himself along with organ/pianoplayer KEVIN MCKENDREE (JOHN HIATT, DELBERT MCCLINTON...). Tinsley's voice is not as strong as some of his bluesrockfriends, but he nevertheless knows where his limitations are and therefore the somewhat relaxing slower bluesrock tunes like the wonderful titletrack, Hole in my heart and Everything and everyone (with a slight SANTANA vibe) are the best songs. His guitarplaying is excellent and will please any bluesrockfan out there for sure. More info at: https://www.alligator.com/

(Points: 8.2 out of 10)

The Sheepdogs 'Changing colours' (Warner Music Canada/Canada Import)

It's impossible to check each and every band in the world, so it is a pity that the Canadian band THE SHEEPDOGS wasn't discovered by yours truly much earlier, because this is a great Classic Rockband that should get a lot more attention from the rocking press outside of Canada. In Canada they are actually quite popular, with already 6 releases so far, of which this Changing colours is the latest album, originally released early February 2018 on the major label WARNER MUSIC. It even gave birth to 3 singles and the album went to number 5 in the Canadian Billboard Album Charts Anyway, almost 2 years later it now luckily did find it's way to our desk and I am very glad it did, because this is a wonderful record! The band is from Toronto, was formed in 2006, and their line-up consists of EWAN CURRIE – lead vocals, guitars, clarinet, Drums, Ukelele, piano, Synthesizer, Tambourine, Organ, SHAMUS CURRIE – Organ, piano, Mellotron, trombone, backing vocals, guitar, percussion, JIMMY BOWSKILL – Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Pedal Steel Guitar, Viola, Violin, backing vocals, RYAN GULLEN – bass, backing vocals and SAM CORBETT – drums, Glockenspiel, Gong, Mandolin, Percussion, backing vocals. They are playing a mix of pure Classic Rock and calmer melodic soulful westcoast pop/rock, all in the traditional 1970s direction. In fact when listening to fantastic rockers I've got a hole where my heart should be, Saturday night, Cool down (has a lovely pure 70s classic twin-guitarsolo-part halfway the song) and You've got to be a man, it's like we're back in the mid 1970s and Canadian bands APRIL WINE, MOXY, BTO, HARLEQUIN,STREETHEART, THE GUESS WHO, TROOPER, RED RIDER, CHILLIWACK and such were among the first wave of Canadian Hardrock/Classic Rock to make an impact outside of Canada. During those rockers you can easily put THE SHEEPDOGS in between those legendary Canadian bands, although the band's influences actually come from THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND and HUMBLE PIE. As mentioned earlier in the review however, it's not only Classic Rock we get to hear, because they also slow things down and offer calmer tingled material that could be labeled as melodic almost soulful pop/rock during songs like opener Nobody, Let it roll, I ain't cool (superb pure mid 1970s westcoast a la STEELY DAN), and the lovely The big nowhere (early 1970s almost THE IDES OF MARCH meets CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL or BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS sounding, quite soulful westcoast influenced with a nice Organ solo). Also have a listen to the truly superb I'm not just waiting for my time, a sorta semi-ballad with amazing vocalwork and melodies straight out of a late 1960s/early 1970s classic pop/rock book, once again reminding of BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS again. In the end, they are a very diverse band that always goes back musically to the 1970s, which sometimes rocks, but also takes the time to slow things down, add some funky soul sounds here and there and even experiments a bit, such as during the closing Medley track that contains 6 short different songs that combine Canadian Folk with THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BANDish Southern Rock. Anyway, my only conclusion is that if you're into Classic Rock (APRIL WINE), Southern Rock (THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND), Westcoast (STEELY DAN) or any classic 70s Pop/Rock sounds (CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL or BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS), then please check out this sensational Canadian band a.s.a.p. at: http://thesheepdogs.com/

(Points: 8.9 out of 10)

Todd Herfindal 'Two track mind' (Single Recordings/USA Import)

L.A. based multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter TODD HERFINDAL should definitely get a lot of attention, because his 3rd album Two track mind is a rather catchy Melodic (Pop) Rock record with a sorta Powerpop approach in classic tradition. Overall it reminds me of classic BRYAN ADAMS, THE REMBRANDTS, THE ROMANTICS, TOM PETTY, PHIL SEYMOUR, KEVIN LEE, THE POSIES, RICK SPRINGFIELD and such acts. Todd has a great voice and his songwriting is quite excellent, especially since he comes up during each and every song with catchy hooks and memorable choruses, which all together is the most important thing when making this kind of Melodic Poprock. He did almost everything himself, except for the drums (Tommy Rickard) and a few guitar parts (Rich McCulley) and I could not discover a weak song among the 12 included tracks. Especially uptempo rockers like Bright white light, Muddy water, Bound for the sun and  Sweet and low are a pleasure to listen to. BRYAN ADAMS is definitely the closest comparison here, so fans of that classic Melodic Poprock/Powerpopsound need to check this out a.s.a.p. at: http://toddherfindalmusic.com/

(Points: 8.4 out of 10)

The Incurables 'I don't feel so well...' (Independent/USA Import)

Out of the Detroit area comes THE INCURABLES and they were kind enough to sent me their latest EP I don't feel so well... The included music by this foursome (Ray Lawson (bass/vocals), Pat Kelly (guitar/vocals), Darrin Lawson (drums/vocals), Dennis Pepperack (rhythm guitar)) is classic Garage Rock/Powerpop with guitar solo's and melodic sing-a-long choruses which you heard on the radio most of the time during the late 1970s. CHEAP TRICK meets RICK SPRINGFIELD is a nice description when listening to the catchy opener Detroit steel, an uptempo Melodic Powerpop tune that you will be humming along for days after you heard it the first time. The 6 included songs are short, sweet and catchy uptempo rockin', the way it should with this kind of rock. Besides the opener, other highlights are Down, the instrumental Atomic fun and Eloise (70s Hardrock that reminds me a bit of THE ROCKETS, also from Detroit, Michigan). Check out more on them at: http://www.theincurables.net/

(Points: 8.1 out of 10)

Cliff Beach 'The Gospel according to Cliff Beach' (Independent/USA Import)

Already released back in 2015, but so far no review from us, so it is about time to give it a spin and discuss it over here, as this is musically definitely very interesting. CLIFF BEACH is a producer, keyboardplayer, singer/songwriter from California and together with a long list of musicians he recorded a 'Gospel' ish CD, which is basically classic 70s funky pop/rock in the style of STEVIE WONDER. 8 tracks are included and most of them are very funky groovy in classic 1970s style, pure Soul-Funk-R&B like we haven't heard it since 1975! The production is of a high level and as mentioned, the music is also without a doubt very interesting to check out, as it is sounds like a major label release and different than most other new albums. This could easily bring forward hitsingles for the radio, such as the songs Music, Sugar and especially closing track Right side of the tracks (a fantastic catchy very cool uptempo R&B-Rock and Roll song a la VINTAGE TROUBLE, with vocals a la LENNY KRAVITZ). Cliff has a Soul voice which you don't hear much nowadays, sorta like JOHN LEGEND, while musically he brings us a mix of very funky R&B tunes (Joy, Hold on me and Sugar) and more Soulful polished pop (Save my soul and Music), but as mentioned more songs like Right side of the tracks next time would definitely make it all sound even more sensational. Don't miss this album at: https://soundcloud.com/cliffbeachmusic

(Points: 8.2 out of 10)

Roof Down 'Lost'  (Sliptrick Records/Dead Pulse Records/Sweden Import)

Out of the beautiful Stockholm area comes ROOF DOWN, who were kind enough to sent me their new album Lost. Musically speaking this foursome is playing a 1990s influenced Grungy Altrockstyle that is clearly influenced by PEARL JAM, SOUNDGARDEN and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS. They are doing it very well and therefore fans of this sound will definitely like Lost. The band was formed in 2013 and consists of Johan Sjöberg – Vocals, Mats Stille – Guitar, Thobbe Hermansen – Bass and Staffan Westelius – Drums. 10 songs are included, of which the highlights are the grungy slow rockers (CREED/PEARL JAM/ALTER BRIDGE ish) Corrosion, On and on and the catchy uptempo more melodic Not for sale. The band is definitely also putting some catchy melodies and choruses into their songs, which makes them sound a bit closer to Melodic Hardrock here and there like the WHITE LION/FREAKS OF NATURE ish On and on. Anyway, if you're becoming interested, then do check out more info at: http://roofdown.se/

(Points: 8.1 out of 10)

Bitch Queens 'City of class' (Luxnoise/Spaghetti Town Records/Swiss Import)

Now this is Punky Rock and Roll at it's very best, with 11 short, but very catchy and memorable uptempo rockers you can easily sing-a-long with on the 6th CD City of class of the Swiss band BITCH QUEENS. This will easily attract fans of TURBONEGRO, CRASHDIET, BACKYARD BABIES, GUNS'N'ROSES (Appetite) but also the fans of late 1980s Glamrock a la PRETTY BOY FLOYD, MOTLEY CRUE if you listen to the Glam Anthem Superboy (the best song on the album)! In your face big anthemic rockers is the name of the game of this rather excellent Glam/Sleaze/Rock and Rollband from Basel, Switzerland, which was formed in the mid 2000s by Mel Quitt (Vox/Guitar), Harry Darling (Drums/Vox), Danny Schönenberger (Guitar) and Marcel Colomb (Bass /Vox). Besides the already mentioned Superboy, other highlights are City of class, When did I die and On and on. Check them out a.s.a.p. if you like that dirty mean rock and rollsound with a touch of Glamrock like the bands mentioned earlier in the review. More info at: http://www.bitchqueens.com/

(Points: 8.3 out of 10)

Drowning Effect 'Vibraphone' (Independent/USA Import)

Not that much information on this San Francisco based trio called DROWNING EFFECT, but they have released a great album titled Vibraphone. The band is formed around Thad Baker on guitar/vocals, James Spadaro on Bass and Mark Loftin on drums. They play mostly classic late 1960s Psychedelic Classic (Hard) Rock with strong similarities to classic CREAM, JIMI HENDRIX, THE STOOGES and a tiny bit of THEM, while there's also some stoner and SABBATH ish guitar riffs to be heard in a SMASHING PUMPKINS 90s like altrock sound (Electric eyes) and if you listen very closely you might also detect NIRVANA meets THE DOORS during Howl, so there's a lot of diversity to be heard. When listening to the first 2 rocking tunes The reason and Holiday as well as later on I can't change, it is clear we are dealing here with a very strong impressive band that could easily breakthrough, as this kind of Retro Classic Rock is very popular, especially in Europe. What makes them standout is the already mentioned diversity in the material of their CD Vibraphone, because they switch a lot between the late 60s/early 70s and mid 90s kinda rocksounds. This might put off some people perhaps, but personally I think it is interesting they can do both rockstyles and therefore I would recommend anyone to check them out at: http://drowningeffect.com/

(Points: 8.3 out of 10)

Steve Katsikas 'Hidden village' (Hipkat Recording/USA Import)

Multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter STEVE KATSIKAS comes out of Louisville, Kentucky and with Hidden village he releases his debut solo-album. He played in several bands in the past, of which I remember LITTLE ATLAS quite clearly. The included music is very high quality calmer melodic Progressive Rock and when listening to opener America I instantly got a sorta DAVID BOWIE kinda approach, both vocally and musically, but then a little more proggy of course. Hidden village is a very strong high quality release that could easily end up on someone's best of 2019 album lists. It is the kinda progrock that will appeal to a wide audience, as it is not too proggy, because there are strong memorable melodies and choruses here and there, while the music itself is not that freaking or stretching to the usual prog lengths. It is a bit comparable to STEVEN WILSON, yet with the vocals and melodies one would expect from DAVID BOWIE. Combine these 2 heroes with a bit of RPWL/PINK FLOYD, THE BEATLES and you have STEVE KATASIKAS! The only remark would be that the production is not as huge as you would hope it to be, but if you listen purely to the music, you can hear quality stuff for sure. Just check out the finest track on the album Sleep is for longer days for example, as this basically combines the best of all mentioned influences. There is enough diversity also going on, because a song like Fall also contains clear Jazz influences, so concluded, this is a strong release, which is recommended to check out at: https://stevekatsikas.bandcamp.com/

(Points: 8.2 out of 10)

The Atom Age 'Cry 'til you die' (Tiger Dream Records/USA Import)

Out of Oakland, California comes the band THE ATOM AGE and they have been in the music business since 2009, with Cry 'til you die being their 4th album so far. This new record was produced by Dave Schiffman (TOM PETTY, ANTI-FLAG, BAD RELGION, JIMMY EAT WORLD) and after a few spins it is clear that this is a high quality release that combines the best of 1960s-surf-punk and garage-rock, with a touch of classic retro modern rock, sounding fresh and ready to take on the world with a bunch of catchy, but very raw edgy uptempo punky garage rock anthems. The songs are rather short, but easy to sing-a-long to, such as during the rather strong Blink twice, and they also feature a saxophonist (BRENDAN FRYE) and organplayer (FRED BROTT) besides 2 guitarist (PETER NIVEN and RYAN PERRAS), while the line-up is completed by drummer FAT TIM. Their overall sound is very dynamic and I am quite eager to see how this will go down live on stage. Definitely one of the better Garage/Punkrockalbums of 2019! One more remark is the big surprise to see it was mastered by HARRY HESS (of course known as the frontman of HAREM SCAREM!) at his own H BOMB MASTERING FACILITY. More info on THE ATOM AGE at: https://theatomage.bandcamp.com/

(Points: 8.2 out of 10)

Mike Della Bella Project 'One' (Independent/Italy Import)

Sometimes you are completely surprised by a new release and in this case it is the debut CD of the Italian musician MIKE DELLA BELLA, who presents a high quality AOR/Westcoast-CD with wonderful female vocals of NANA PETROSSI and superb AOR melodies (both vocally and instrumentally), all done in a picture-perfect production. I am safe to say that we have one of the better authentic AOR releases of 2019 here that is sometimes dangerously close to WORK OF ART, yet with female vocals. One starts with 2 wonderful midtempo ish AOR tunes called Turn you on and Until a better day, which are both basically classic female fronted AOR in the style of DANTE FOX, LAOS, HEART, IF ONLY, ALYSON AVENUE and early ROBIN BECK. The music has also a more groovy/Westcoast vibe here and there, such as during the TOTO ish Challenge the sky, so it is thankfully not the standard cliche tingled AOR album from start to finish, but nevertheless it is still definitely pure AOR, yet done in a very sensational and ultra-professional way. Hot stuff is an incredible tune that combines the best of classic 80s AOR (chorus), Westcoast of the 1970s and still sounds incredibly fresh and modern somehow. We're only reaching halfway the CD and already I can highly recommend this must-have AOR CD! Fans of female fronted AOR of the late 1980s kind (a lot of times it reminds me of ANGELA AND THE RUDE!), this album is a total must-have and please don't forget to check out the other album's highlights besides the already mentioned tracks, because there are a lot of more sensational AOR songs included, such as the AOR ballad A 1000 ways to say I love you, the TOTO meets PAT BENATAR ("We belong") / LUBA ("Let it go") ish Demanding life and closing track I won't follow (pure ALYSON AVENUE AOR!) . However, the diversity of this album should also be mentioned, because the jazzy She's a dream takes us into a complete different but still sensational direction and features another great unknown Italian female singer (CHIARA STROIA)! Concluded, don't miss this album for God's sake! More info at: https://mikedbproject.com

(Points: 8.9 out of 10)

Dede Booth 'This strange confinement' (Independent/USA Import)

Out of Boston, Massachusetts, USA comes DEDE BOTH, a multi-instrumentalist who combines Post-rock, Goth-Rock and Dark Progressive Rock on her album This strange confinement. She did everything on her own here and the result is a very dark somewhat sinister and melancholic album that contains mostly calm slow Post/Progressive Rock like a combination of early THE CURE, SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES and STEVEN WILSON. Dede started in the Gothic rockband SENTENTIA and released albums with that band, but I am not familiar with them, so I can only judge this album, which is a very interesting record. As mentioned, it combines 3 worlds, a Gothic sorta way of singing, a proggy touch in the arrangements and instrumental parts, while the melancholic approach is somewhat Post-Rock based. The combination can best be heard during the song In every cell. This is definitely something you might want to check out if you're starting to become interested in DEDE BOOTH. More info at: https://dedebooth.bandcamp.com/

(Points: 8.0 out of 10)

Ally Venable 'Texas honey' (RUF Records)

Recorded in Nederland (!!!), Texas, this Texas honey is a sensational album from a very talented young beautiful vocalist/guitarist called ALLY VENABLE. She is sounding like the new sensation in heavy bluesrock and could easily become HUGE! She has a very strong rock voice and plays the guitar extremely well, but her music is a little more than heavy bluesrock, because it taps out of the KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD meets JOE BONAMASSA meets BETH HART school, with a very slight melodic hardrock approach of the let's say WHITESNAKE/RIVAL SONS school of rock. This makes her 3rd album definitely an interesting one to check out, which can heard right from the start during such great tracks like Nowhere to hide (a little bit LITA FORD ish), Broken (lovely guitarsolo), Whit flag and Running after you. Besides the guest appearance and production by MIKE ZITO, also the legendary ERIC GALES plays guitar/co-sings on 1 song (Come and take it) and with the overall praises from several other musicians, ALLY VENABLE is a name to remember and follow closely, because we are definitely dealing here with someone who is as good as for example SAMANTA FISH, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR, ANA POPOVIC... Fans of those female musicians will absolutely love ALLY VENABLE! More info at: http://www.allyvenableband.com/

(Points: 8.4 out of 10)

Doug Collins & The Receptionists 'Good sad news' (Independent/Hemifran)

When looking at the frontcover and while listening to the CD of DOUG COLLINS & THE RECEPTIONISTS from Minneapolis, Minnesota, it seems like we stepped in a time machine and went back to the early 1960s (the frontcover and the music) and the early 1980s (some of the music). Good sad news brings us classic early 80s Powerpop/College-Rock like NICK LOWE, ELVIS COSTELLO, JACK GREEN, DWIGHT TWILLEY and such, with a strong early 1960s approach as well in the classic rootsy sorta THE SHADOWS (especially the almost country ish twangy/pedal steel guitarsound) meets BUDDY HOLLY direction. The result is a very fun album that combines uptempo tunes with early THE BEATLES ish melodies (Conversation with my heart, Little house and Crush on you) and slower lovely romantic 60s poptunes a la PAUL ANKA/BRYAN HYLAND (Please don't make me leave you, Tomorrow and I saw you dancin'). Doug is the excellent singer/songwriter/guitarist, while the musicians in THE RECEPTIONISTS are Chuck Varley - bass, vocals, Randy Broughten - pedal steel and Bill Dankert - drums, vocals. It's a little record with 10 short catchy tunes, but definitely done as good as in the past, so a must-have for fans of classic light Powerpop like the early 1960s and early 1980s revival of that sound (although in the early 1970s there was also a revival with THE RASPBERRIES and College-Rockbands like THE POSIES (the 90s) and THE DAWES (the 00s) kept this style more or less alive. Anyway, Doug is doing it very well and secretly has released one of the better 60s orientated Powerpopalbums of the past few years! More info at: https://www.dougcollinsmusic.com/

(Points: 8.3 out of 10)

Justine Vandergrift 'Stay' (Independent/Hemifran)

Stay is the 4th album of the Calgary, Canada based singer/songwriter JUSTINE VANDERGRIFT. She has Dutch roots and perhaps therefore was able to do a small promotional tour over here for this new album. Sadly I missed it, because she has an amazing voice and musically speaking it is lovely classic Americana/Country/Melodic Poprock with some AOR melodies here and there. Opener Stay for example is almost midtempo AOR/Poprock, but as the CD continues, the country/singer/songwriter influences slightly take over completely, but that is definitely not a punishment, because if you only listen to the stunning Anymore, which is a small acoustic tune, you can enjoy Justine's beautiful voice at it's very best! There is enough diversity on the CD to keep you interested and Justine's vocals seem to be able to sing every style, because the bluesy bar tune Crazy enough once again shows her amazing skills. Also a highlight is the duet she does with JOEY LANDRETH (THE BROS LANDRETH) titled Oh, Sister! You can sometimes compare her music to our own ILSE DE LANGE, but for the voice you really need to check it out for yourself at: https://justinevandergrift.com/

(Points: 8.4 out of 10)

Jamie Michaels 'If you fall' (Appaloosa Records/Hemifran)

Singer/songwriter JAMIE MICHAELS comes out of New Mexico, but is somehow popular in Italy. His new album If you fall is also released on an Italian label, so he must be doing something right over there. His music is singer/songwriter and reminds me a lot of RANDY NEWMAN, especially due to Jamie's raspy and almost talking kinda way of singing. 12 tracks are included and fans of the mentioned RANDY NEWMAN and perhaps also PAUL SIMON (just listen to Almost deadalus) need to check out Jamie at: https://www.jaimemichaels.com/

(Points: 7.0 out of 10)

Dan Navarro 'Shed my skin' (Red Hen Records/Hemifran)

Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist DAN NAVARRO has been in the music business for a long time and is best known as part of the duo LOWEN & NAVARRO. Together as duo they wrote hits for THE BANGLES and PAT BENATAR (We belong) and also recorded a lot of records. Shed my skin is Dan's first official solo-studioalbum and I must say it is a very impressive highly recommended singer/songwriter record. He is first cousins with Dave Navarro of JANE'S ADDICTION and RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS, so I guess you can easily say that music runs in the family. The songs are quite calm and relaxed, but Dan has got a superb dark voice that gives the material a very interesting vibe that you keep listening to discover so many great melodic tunes, such as Night full of run, Bulletproof heart or Straight to the heart of me. Besides Dan on vocals and guitar, there is a long list of guest musicians, such as LELAND SKELAR, WENDY WALDMAN, JAVINA MAGNESS, DANNY KORTCHMAR, etc. etc. Fans of classic JACKSON BROWNE, DAN HILL, DAN FOGELBERG, JAMES TAYLOR, JIM GROCE and such will absolutely love this singer/songwriter record which in the 1970s would probably become a megaseller. Anyway, fans of mentioned artists should check this out a.s.a.p. at: www.dannavarro.com

(Points: 8.5 out of 10)

Katarina Pejak 'Roads that cross' (Ruf Records/Germany Import)

Out of Serbia comes vocalist/keyboardplayer KATARINA PEJAK, who releases her debut with Roads that cross, a musical adventure between blues, rock and jazz and everything in between. She is helped out by Laura Chavez on guitar, Lonnie Trevino Jr. on bass, Damien Llanes on drums, while guitarist MIKE ZITO also contributes here a bit and produced the record. Like I said, the music is a mix of bluesy and jazzy tunes and it all sounds quite radio-friendly, with potential hits, such as the uptempo Chasing summer that somehow reminds me of SHERYL CROW. Katarina is definitely influenced by both Blues and Jazz legends, because she covers for example 2 JANIS JOPLIN tunes (Turtle blues and Sex kills), which are besides Chasing summer the best songs on the CD. Her voice is not really powerful, so don't expect someone singing like JANIS JOPLIN, as she has a rather sweet jazzy kinda tone in her voice, sounding quite relaxed and together with her calmer jazzy meets blues based songs, this is an album that works quite well as background music. More info at: https://www.katarinapejakmusic.com/

(Points: 7.6 out of 10)

ELS BAND 'Dark blues sky' (Independent/Hemifran)

It's a pity only 2 original tracks of the ELS BAND are included on their debut album Dark blues sky, because they clearly show they are a strong bluesrockband. The band was formed in 2015 and on this first album we can hear 11 well-played covers of classic artists like ERIC CLAPTON, ROBERT CRAY, STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN, JOHN HIATT, JIMI HENDRIX, STEVIE WONDER... The band hails from Sweden and besides a great singer/guitarist called Stig Pettersson, the other members are drummer Erik Lindstedt, keyboardplayer Peter Dahl and bassist Lasse Lövgren. The result is a very nice melodic bluesrockalbum with superstrong vocals and impressive guitarwork, with as highlights Palace of the king, Need your love so bad and Old love. As mentioned, more own material would be interesting for sure, because now we can only judge 2 original compositions (Bad boy and Take mine). Potential band and looking forward to see them develop to greater things in the future. Meanwhile check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/elsbluesband

(Points: 8.5 out of 10)

Michael Lee 'Michael Lee' (Ruf Records/Germany Import)

Although it is a same titled CD, it is not the official debut album of singer/songwriter/guitarist MICHAEL LEE (originally born as Michael Clemmer in Fort Worth, Texas, USA), because he already released an album back in 2014. However, I am afraid not many people were aware of that record before he participated with the American version of THE VOICE. He performed the BB KING Classic The thrill is gone on that show and afterwards the Youtube video gave him the push to start a real music career and reach many more people. He signed with RUF Records and now releases a superb full-length record on which he sang, wrote and played guitar almost all included 11 tracks. This is one of those debut records that will be regarded as a cult classic in years to come, easily as good as for example VINTAGE TROUBLE, JOHN MAYER, RIVAL SONS, JOE BONAMASSA, GARY CLARK JR., KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD... He succeeded to not only show he is a fantastic singer with a soul tone in his voice, but also plays guitar very well and writes his own sensational tunes. Not a single dull moment can be found here and also the diversity of the record is remarkable and should attract a wide audience for sure.

Besides Michael, other involved musicians are Nathan Ziehm - Drums, Brian Miller - Bass, Colin Cambell - Keys, Preston Lewis - Saxophone and Evan Templeton - Trumpet. Opener Heart of stone is a very strong bluesy rocker with a vibe a la JOHN MAYER and right from the start you know you're onto something really sensational, because his voice is incredible and the song itself is also reaching the level of let's say KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD. Next track Don't leave me is a slow sorta 50s R&B Ballad in it's most classic traditional way, while Weeds is a sensational uptempo happy classic and very melodic, almost Motown kinda tune that has all it takes to become a worldwide hit! Back to classic retro heavy bluesrock with the superb Praying for rain, which sounds like a perfect mix between JOE BONAMASSA, RIVAL SONS and GARY CLARK JR. And then a switch to a lovely radio-ready song called Love her that could also become a massive hit and is a must-hear for any fan of JOHN MAYER! After the calmer classic 60s R&B/Bluesy ballad This is and the bar-room-boogie midtempo bluesrocker Can't kick you, we get to hear the song where it all started (BB KING cover The thrill is gone). The final 3 songs are Fool of Oz (a beautiful bluesy rockballad with a lovely guitarsolo), Here I am (another beautiful ballad with superb soulful vocals of Michael) and Go your own way (nice bluesy rocker).

Let's hope Michael will be able to also support this record, because I learned that he also plays in a BB KING BLUESBAND, which tours and records a lot, so the focus is of course on that at the moment. Anyway, MICHAEL LEE has delivered a superb record where Blues is combined with superstrong memorable melodies and amazing vocals/guitars by Michael. If only the mass media would notice, MICHAEL LEE could easily become the next big thing. By far, this might be the best 'Blues' album of the past few years, so anyone into the mentioned artists should get this as soon as possible! More info at: http://www.themichaelleeband.com/

(Points: 8.9 out of 10)

The Litter 'Future of the past' (Blackberry Way Records/USA Import)

The Minnesota/USA based band THE LITTER was quite succesfull 50 years ago in the 1960s with their Punk/Garage Rock hitsingle Action woman. Although they released more records and made several reunions throughout the following decades, they never achieved the same success as they did with Action woman, which was their first single. However, now in 2019 they release a very strong new Classic Rockalbum, which consists of mostly newly written original material of the band, with also a few covers here and there. The result is a surprisingly strong record that can easily be called Classic Rock in it's purest format, reminding of classic THE WHO, THE YARDBIRDS, LED ZEPPELIN and such. Most of the tunes are rockers, with here and there a slower song, such as Stay with me, which actually has got hit potential written all over, as this is a 1960s inspired but still quite rocking sorta shuffle-ballad. The band is at their best during the Classic Rocksongs like Crazy horse legend, Its not and the instrumental The mummy's revenge and the sensational You can't feel love (LIZZY meets B.O.C.). The vocals are strong and a bit raw, but not from the original singer MARK GALLAGHER, because he sadly died in 2009. However, his replacement RONNIE LONG (of KATZ BAND) is a very good singer, which can be heard very clearly during the calmer acoustic piece Voids can be filled and the aforementioned rockers. Classic Rockfans need to check out this album a.s.a.p. if they long back to the 1970s sound of bands like THE WHO, BLUE OYSTER CULT, LED ZEPPELIN, THIN LIZZY... More info at: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/thelitter and http://www.blackberrywayrecords.com/buy_music/

(Points: 8.1 out of 10)

The April Fools 'Third' (Blackberry Way Records/USA Import)

What if NEIL YOUNG would join FLEETWOOD MAC and record an album with B.O.C. backing up here and there, well, then it might sound like THE APRIL FOOLS. This band hails from Minneapolis, MN and is formed around Brian Drake (vocals, guitar), Brad McLemore (guitar, vocals, harmonica), Terri Owens (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Ben Kaplan (drums, vocals), Scott Hreha (bass guitar). Together they already recorded a few albums and third is as expected their 3rd album so far. The included music is nice mixture of classic rock, bluesy rock, americana and rootsy rock, with a clear focus on strong melodies in each and every song. For example there is a gorgeous semi-rockballad called Long shadows that sounds like a rockier version of CALEXICO, which is of course a big compliment for THE APRIL FOOLS! Other highlights are rockers like Bell of stone, My back pages (BOB DYLAN cover), the heavy bluesrocker 15 minutes and You make my heart beat too fast. Check out more at: https://theaprilfools.net/music

(Points: 8.0 out of 10)

Michael Owens 'The right kind of crazy' (Blackberry Way Records/USA Import)

Singer/songwriter/guitarist MICHAEL OWENS has a long music history behind him going back to the 1970s when he was part of the band FINGERPRINTS. Fast forward to 2019 and a new solo-album is out. Musically speaking it is a nice mixture of classic rock, americana and powerpop. Michael has a very recognizable voice that reminds me a bit of 1960s VAN MORRISON or a very raw ALICE COOPER, while musically it is a bit reminding me of ELVIS COSTELLO, NICK LOWE and STEVE EARLE. It is actually a meling pot of all kinds of 60s-80s pop/rock styles, so somwehere in between all the mentioned acts perhaps. Not bad at all, with as highlights the more ballad orientated songs, such as Old man Joad that even recalls a bit of classic BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. I think by now you more or less get an idea how this sounds like, but it's best to check it out for yourself at: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/michaelowens4

(Points: 7.3 out of 10)

Thierry Condor 'City nights' (Niro Music/Swiss Import)

We almost missed this amazing release from 2019, because vocalist THIERRY CONDOR from Switzerland delivered a Westcoast Classic Masterpiece with his 5th album City nights in 2019. I had not heard of him before, but I am completely surprised here with the superb high quality of authentic late 1970s/early 1980s Westcoast-MOR-AOR/Yacht-Rock that is completely in the style of legendary records by PLAYER, DAVID ROBERTS, AIRPLAY, ROBBIE DUPREE, JAY GRUSKA, but also recommended if you like RICHARD MARX, POCO, TOTO, 80s CHICAGO, CHRISTOPHER CROSS, AMERICA, STEELY DAN and of course newcomers YOUNG GUN SILVER FOX. To some this might sound dated and old-fashioned safe and extremely polished, while others will fall in love with this perfection soulful classic sound that will please you with so much brilliant melodies, you forgot how wonderful the late 1970s/early 80s were for this genre. Thierry has a superb clean voice and the first 3 songs (One night in Monte-Carlo, Driving to L.A. (with great guitarwork by the legendary JAY GRAYDON!) and City nights) are instant classics in the Yacht-Rock/Westcoast-genre! How about Day by day, which sounds like it was recorded in 1978 or something, dangerously close to those legendary late 70s/early 80s records from AL JARREAU, BILL LABOUNTY, DAVID ROBERTS, BOBBY CALDWELL, GREG GUIDRY, PAGES, MARC JORDAN, PAUL DAVIS, KENNY LOGGINS, GINO VANELLI, LEE RITENOUR, DAVID PACK, etc. etc. A little less Westcoast and more slightly modern Pop are songs like You're lifting me up and The same melody, although among the 13 included tracks not a single weak tune can be found. Besides the already mentioned highlights, one of the other sensational songs is Only the lonely (uptempo Westcoast-AOR a la DAVID ROBERTS) and the only comment I could make in general is that I would love to hear more of such uptempo pieces on a future record! Without a doubt, if you like Westcoast old-School or Yacht-Rock like DOOBIE BROTHERS BAND (with MICHAEL MCDONALD), KENNY LOGGINS and YOUNG GUN SILVER FOX, you will absolutely find this CD a new highlight in your music collection! Check out more at: http://www.thierrycondor.com/

(Points: 8.8 out of 10)

Marc Jordan 'Both sides' (Linus Entertainment/Canada Import)

Canadian singer/songwriter has done quite a lot in the past 50 years, starting as guitarist for BOBBY VEE in the 1960s, before becoming a solo artist in the 1970s and releasing in total 17 albums between 1977 and 2019. New CD Both sides is his 18th album release, which musically is a calm Jazz/Classical/Musical/Piano orientated Popmusic record that is a mix of a few originals and mostly covers. Marc of course is known best for his Westcoast/AOR albums from the late 1970s and 1980s (including the classic Blue desert), but just like fellow countryman ALFIE ZAPPACOSTA, he took a step into a calmer jazzy direction during the 1990s, which even led to a deal with BLUE NOTE MUSIC. Fast forward to 2019 and Both sides is released, a very impressive relaxing record that contains very original Jazz versions of classics from LOU REED, ROLLING STONES, JONI MITCHELL, CURTIS MAYFIELD, etc. He got help from  legendary musicians such as Randy Brecker, Lou Pomanti, Marc Rogers, Kevan McKenzie and Mark Lalama, so you can imagine that this album sounds pretty much perfect. Marc's vocals are as good as on any record he released and even at his age of 71 years old, he still sounds very impressive. Anyone who wants to hear really beautiful music like it was made decades ago, please check out some of the most lovely orchestral accompanied music put on record the past few years, because when hearing the BARBRA STREISAND classic What are you doing for the rest of your life as sung by Marc, it's like you stepped into a timemachine back to the 1940s or watching a very old JAMES BOND movie, because that is what this song is giving you. I am safe to say that fans of FRANK SINATRA or MICHAEL BUBBLE will instantly fall in love here! Check it out for yourself at: https://www.marcjordan.com/

(Points: 8.5 out of 10)

Dominic Argiro 'Stop working me over' (Independent/USA Import)

Out of New Jersey comes DOMINIC ARGIRO, an independent musician who plays typical American orientated Pop/Rock, sometimes reminding a bit of RICK SPRINGFIELD, just listen to Celebrate your life for example. His CD Stop workin me over contains 15 tracks and Dominic did everything on his own. The only remark I would make is to use a real drummer next time, as now this seems to be programmed and also vocally Dominic there are improvements possible. He can surely sing, but sometimes forces too much and then sounds unnatural (Another day), which is a pity, because if you listen to a calmer song like Sunshine or rain, he does show he can sing with a soulful vibe a la JEFF SCOTT SOTO. Anyway, the pop/rock is quite standard, but I do have hopes that Dominic is able to make something much better, because he can sing and write a good tune, however some more involvement of others (drummer/producer) could easily help him to achieve the best! Check it out for yourself at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oCTdsDr0QlymfPv4uuYto

(Points: 6.4 out of 10)

Frank Migliorelli & The Dirt Nappers 'The things you left behind' (Rave On Productions/Hemifran)

Retro 1960s rootsy British Pop/Rock (THE KINKS), 90s US College Pop/Rock or early 1980s British/American Quirky Powerpop is the best way to describe this album, which sounds quite close to ELVIS COSTELLO, DWIGHT TWILLEY, TOM PETTY (especially vocally!) or NICK LOWE if we have to mentioned some comparisons. 11 tracks are included on the new CD The things you left behind of the New York based singer/songwriter/guitarist FRANK MIGLIORELLI, with a split between uptempo and midtempo orientated melodic pop/rock tunes. Higlights are the rockier midtempo Take it back (even a bit THE ROMANTICS here), the catchy calmer TOM PETTY ish The fire inside, the midtempo Key to your heart (which reminds me somehow of ROBERT CRAY's classic Don't be afraid of the dark), the hit potential midtempo Only here and the uptempo I wanna know that even sounds a bit like BILLY FALCON or JON BON JOVI solo when doing a JELLYFISH kinda happy tune. Powerpop, rootsy Garage Rock and eveything in between is included on this rather catchy album that will also please the fans of bands like THE POSIES, THE JAYHAWKS, MATTHEW SWEET, JELLYFISH and even TEENAGE FANCLUB, although perhaps Frank's music is a little less rockier. Definitely a recommended album to check out! More info at: https://dirtnappers.bandcamp.com/ and http://www.frankmigliorelli.com/

(Points: 8.2 out of 10)

Ghalia 'Mississippi blend' (RUF Records/German Import)

In the past it was quite rare to see and hear a female blues singer, altough of course there were exceptions like BONNIE RAITT (bit more country/pop), ETTA JAMES, MAHALIA JACKSON, JANIS JOPLIN or the Black Gospel blues singers from the 1920s/1930s/1960s, but actually it all really took off during the 1990s when singers like SASS JORDAN, ALANNAH MYLES and of course BETH HART broke through. In the slipstream we have seen countless more female blues artists in the past 20+ years, with as most well-known ANA POPOVIC, SAMANTHA FISH, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR, SUSAN TEDESCHI and probably a few more I forgot to mention. Anyway, each year new ones pop up and GHALIA is probably the next in line to have the potential to become the next big thing. She does play rhythm guitar and sings and writes her own songs on this 2nd album Mississippi blend, although the overall sound is completed by her band, which consists of Cody Dickinson (drums), Cedric Burnside (drums, the son of blues legend R.L. BURNSIDE), Lightnin’ Malcolm (guitar), Watermelon Slim (harmonica), Dean Zucchero (bass) and Smokehouse Brown (guitar). GHALIA VAULTHIER/VOLT originates from Belgium, but found her fame and glory in the USA, where she met a lot of musicians that helped her out to create her own Bluesrocksound. The result is a very strong BETH HART meets JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR ish raw bluesy rockalbum with 11 great tracks that will definitely please any fan of this genre. Ghalia has a great soulful raw voice and I cannot imagine that she will not breakthrough someday soon, because she has got it all! Her album is released through the 'major' German Bluesrockalbum RUF Records, so this should give her a boast to get recognition quite quickly. Check her out at: https://www.ghaliavolt.com/

 (Points: 8.4 out of 10)


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