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 Lovespirals - Windblown Kiss
(Projekt)
- Tasteful, seductive, and intriguingly mesmerizing, Lovespirals offers up a most ecclectic smattering of jazzy musical beauty. Rivaling any current smooth jazz idol out there, this duo is sure to be heard by the jazz and easy listening mainstream before long, becoming a standard. There is something so comforting about this CD that just makes me want to melt into a chaise lounge in forested mountains or a tropical beach. Nice, nice, nice!
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Cairo - Time Of Legends
(Magna Carta)
- Progressive rock trio Cairo has released a very classic piece of work. Very reminiscent of mid-career ELP (and rather looking like them too), the tunes herein are finely crafted and very tasty. There is a real sense of honesty and emotion that flow within the songs. This all adds to the beauty that Cairo seems very adept at creating. I would hope that a larger market for this style of classic prog rock would come back to the mainstream.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Quarashi - Jinx
(Time Bomb)
- With the freshness of the first Beastie Boys' release, Iceland's Quarashi bursts onto the scene with one of the freshest sounds today! This album RULES!!! I have barely been able to take it out of my car CD player since I got it. Street smarts and beats mixed with gripping guitar and very intruiging samples all throughout. This album is not only original, it rocks, and it gets the feet moving and the head bopping. Opening tune "Stick 'Em Up" is one of the strongest opening numbers of any CD, going right into a very 1970s disco influenced intro of "Mr. Jinx". From there, we are bombarded with "Baseline", with it's very direct house sound along with Shaggy lyrics thrown in. This CD is a virtual "what's what" of sounds and styles that are hand-picked from the best of music past and present. The simulated mid to late-1970s samples just add to the overall groove and sexiness of this band's sound. I am hard-pressed to find a favorite cut on here, as the entire album can be considered classic. If I must, I would shout out the following cuts: the very R&B influenced "Malone Lives", the absolutely mind-bending beats of "Tarfur" (with Icelandic rapping), the hardcore driving "Copycat", the subtle Trip-Hop feel (with hidden lounge sound) of "Transparent Parents", the party anthemic "Weirdo," ending with the hypnotically trance "Bless." I said it already, but just so you know... this CD RULES!! Buy it! Buy it! Buy it!
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Headstrong
(RCA)
- Newcomers Headstrong prove that there is still room for craftily created punk/rap/metal. This is one awesome CD! From the opening number "All Of The Above" through the final chord, this is chock-full of angst, anger, barraging guitars and beats, and an intensity that is equalled by very few. Vocalist Matt Kinna masters the art of jumping from melodic singing to some disturbingly harsh screaming. Joel Krass grinds that guitar to the nub and then some. The rhythm section of Jon Cohen and Brian Matthews serve up some intense bass runs and drum down beats. Choice cuts: "Inside Joke," "Swing Harder" ("always remember your temper temper") with its NIN influenced beginning, the harmonius "Build"/"Adriana" ("if I put my mind to it, I can figure it out"), and "Get In" (which could have easily been a Henry Rollins tune). There are many influences in this band - from Rollins to NIN to even Red Hot Chilli Peppers and more. I say... DO IT! Get this CD now!
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Steve Dawson - Pandemonium Circus
(Angel Air)
- Of all the stalwarts of the classic British heavy metal scene, Saxon was amongst the most known. Their sound has been recognizable through the decades, primarily due to the songwriting input of bassist/co-founder Steve Dawson. His style set the tome of what would make Saxon infamous. Since his still-unexplained dismisal from the band he helped create, not as much has been heard from the man once known being amongst the Top 10 metal bassists in the world. Angel Air Records has finally released a complete CD of what could be called a solo collection. This includes songs written and performed through different stages in his career, culminating in offerings of Dawson's Saxon that is currently playing. The songs herein are classic hard rock style - nothing too flashy, fast, or mean, just straight-forward and honest. This is from a time when rock was a breath of fresh air and not trying to compete with everything else. One little known fact that can be found in the liner notes is that comedian Harry Shearer founded his Derek Smalls character from "Spinal Tap" primarily on Steve Dawson. This came about after a meeting or two were stories from the road about different bands and musicians were exchanged, thus making that rock film classic. This CD offers no frills, but a nice return to what hard rock is about.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Melanie - Solo Powered
(Angel Air)
- One of the pop heroines of the 1960s, Melanie Safka (known primarily by only her first name) has a new CD released by Angel Air Records. This 2-CD outing has Melanie performing all of her pop hits "unplugged." Opening with the infamous "Brand New Key," this CD is cute and catchy and includes some covers as Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday," "Bitterblue" by Cat Stevens, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by Goffin/King, "Long Train Runnin'" by Doobie Brothers, "Every Breath You Take" by Sting, "Any Time At All" by the Beatles, and more. Melanie's voice is strong as ever and her songs have just as strong of a meaning. Soft and sensuous, this CD can take you right back to the heyday of the 1960s while keeping you grounded in today. Nice!
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Michael Schenker - Thank You 2
(SPV)
- One of the most popularly innovative axe-meisters around, Michael Schenker has embedded himself into rock history forever with his uniquely creative style that remains unequaled. When one hears Michael playing, there is no question of who it is. As well, with great creativity many times comes eccentricities, of which Michael is no exception - most noted in his almost rare peformances (comparitively) and on again/off again disappearing acts. Regardless of personal issues, Michael's playing remains important and vital to music in general. This disc is the follow-up to the wildly popular acoustic "Thank You" from the early 1990s. Basically recorded at home, the musical offerings herein are stylish and tasteful. One may find the songs, not overly long in actuality, to perhaps draw out a bit long. This seems to be from the repetition of the melodies that tend to drone the same idea out a bit long. As well, there is a bit of over-distortion on the acoustic guitars which sounds like a problem in the recording process. One other thing to note is that many of these songs do sound as though they are missing much-needed vocal lines to fill in the blanks. But, as with much of what Michael offers his fans, this is more of a sampling of "work in progress" and where he is at the moment in his musical mind. Nice, delightful, but not the most brilliant of sparks.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Anoushka Shankar - Live At Carnegie Hall
(Angel)
- At 20 years old, this incredibly talented daughter of sitar legend Ravi Shankar, makes an appearance at Carnegie Hall. Having studied under her father for 11 years, Anoushka proves herself to be quite a virtuoso on the sitar - not an easy instrument to master. In February 2000, she became the first woman to perform at The Ramakrishna Centre in Calcutta, India. Continuing in her live performance successes, Anoushka amazes at this live concert recording. All compositions are by Ravi, as Anoushka blazes through her instrument like a life-long veteran. As a fan of East Indian music, or just to hear one of the most talented women in music, this CD is a treat to the ears.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Wagner: Tristan Und Isolde - Wilhelm Furtwängler, Philharmonic Orchestra of London
(EMI Classics)
- This four CD set, originally recorded in 1953, has been remastered by EMI and released in its original mono as part of EMI's "Great Recordedings Of The Century" series. Richard Wagner - himself of legendary German music anthems - had dared to change the sound of Western classical music with this opera. The tale is an old Anglo-Norman legend, brought to life on the stage and in song here. The music is powerful, although uplifting in places - as opposed to some of Wagner's other very strong pieces. For any collector of classical music, this is certainly one to have on the shelf - at least for something a bit different than the standards. This set comes with a 262 page booklet that documents the story, as well as the importance of the piece, along with the opera lyrics. Very nice package from EMI.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Darren Hayes - Spin
(Columbia)
- A nice mix of mid-1980s pop mixed with 2000s R&B, Darren Hayes knows how to spin a tune. I never thought that I would hear the day when a man sounds like Destiny's Child, but in some ways... hmmm. And he's a white guy who sounds as sultry as any cousin of color who can turn on the heart-melting vocals with ease. In any case, this is a very sweet and subtle album that is sure to get anyone in the mood for romance. Groovy, funky, and seductive, Darren Hayes delivers.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Montany - New Born Day
(SPV)
- Metal on, dude! This CD made me have to think for a bit before really pondering what I thought of it. Upon first listening, this comes off as almost a spoof of what metal has been known to be - soaring, screeching vocals along with super-speed guitar and backing. In the end, this is some decent stuff. Nothing great, mind you, but worth the listen. Lines like "Where are they now? / Where are the aliens / Now will they come back from the skies" are not typical metal-fare, but almost more amusing if nothing else. I could come up with several reasons to mock this release, but I think I will be gracious and say that this is actually a good attempt at a particular musical style and is sure to bang the head of any true old-school Metal master. So, go for it!
- Written by Philip Anderson
 The Beatnuts - Classic Nuts Vol. 1
(Loud)
- Yo, yo, yo, the infectious groovin' sounds of The Beatnuts and their musical history are offered up herein. Coming from someone who had never much listened to this duo before, I am coming to realize what I had been missing. Personal faves include "World Famous," "Watch Out Now," "No Escapin' This," "Se Acabo Remix," "Get Funky," and "Off The Books." Actually, they are all great tunes. Mixing some truly fancy Latin grooves with funk for backing, this hip-hop duo really knows how to mix it all together. Not to be missed.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Deep Purple - This Time Around: Live In Tokyo
(CMC)
- It would be best to start out this one with noting a few things that this release is not. First off, it is not a collection of previously unreleased material. It is not material from a single live performance. For all of its brilliance this is definitely not the best that Deep Purple has ever sounded live and finally this release is not to be missed by even the most transient fans of either Deep Purple or Tommy Bolin.
The largest bulk of material here was originally released in 1977 under the title "Last Concert In Japan" with that release actually only being in Japan ostensibly because Deep Purple was a dead issue everywhere else in the world. For years the hard core Deep Purple fan waited for the disc to be released on CD which it was, again only in Japan, sometime in the mid nineties and for as much as there was want for the disc it was a disappointment. The sound quality was none too improved from the vinyl release and there was nothing in the way of any "bonus" material that CD reissues usually featured. The release was slammed by the professional Deep Purple critics, (yes they do exist), and attention was focused on the current goings on in the world of Purple.
Now, years later and with a full 180 degree turn by the critics turned reissue experts an expanded version is available featuring nearly twice the material from the period on two discs along with extensive liner notes. The package was retitled "This Time Around" and issued to an audience of Purple people deserving of a genuine bargain after years of buying two or three discs at high import prices that contained the exact same material, (check the "Scandinavian Nights / Live And Rare" scam for reference here) and all rejoiced.
As a package what you get is Deep Purple in their very last days, well their very last days with the seventies version of the group. Tommy Bolin has replaced Ritchie Blackmore on guitar and the sound is Deep Purple with a funky twist which itself is further warped by the fact that Bolin was playing these gigs injured, some say with a paralyzed fretting arm, leaving the keyboard heavy final result as unique as anything that has ever been issued under the Purple banner. I mean, Jon Lord did so much more than pick up the slack on numbers like "Getting Tighter" and the show opener "Burn," he made them live again and not only live but scream, this was Lord at his best and it is an honor just to listen to the man torch his Hammond organ.
Where the "Last Concert In Japan" version credits a drum and keyboard solo as "Woman from Tokyo" this new package gives a truer set list though there have been some additions, properly credited, from other shows on the tour. Honesty in packaging and advertising, who would have thought? In any case this two disc, liner notes heavy, refined sound, expanded version of 'Last Concert In Japan" is a brilliant time piece worthy of many afternoons of play while you go about what you do but don't be surprised if you catch yourself trying to sing along to the screaming Glenn Hughes or air keyboarding to the master strokes of Jon Lord.
- Written by David Lee Wilson
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 The Residents - Demons Dance Alone
(East Side Digital)
- If you don't get The Residents, don't worry, you are not alone. Most don't. However, that leaves the rest of us to enjoy a truly mystical world of wondermental music that is filled with equal parts humor, irony, sarcasm, and noteworthiness. Who are The Residents? Who knows. Who cares! The point is to just listen and enjoy without speculation. This album is inviting and captivating. The Tongue Trilogy, and all its parts, takes up most of the digital space on this CD followed by the title track. Interesting and always mysterious.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Echobrain
(Chophouse Records)
- Years can go by and music fans can believe over and over that they have found some great music, until a band like Echobrain pops up to show that all the rest was simply a facade. Much more than "ex-Metallica's bassist's" band, Echobrain is a musical smorgasbord of flavor and style that is both infectious and flowing. Almost taking the best of what made Led Zeppelin so immensely popular in their time, while adding more of a modern feel, or modern twist of the late 1960s and mid 1970s, Echobrain has reinvented music into a stylish mecca of aural delights. The songs flow and move from one aural space to another without notice. Once started, it is almost impossible to remove this CD from your player as you will undoubtedly put it on eternal loop forever. It took a long time, with withdrawals, to finally stop playing this CD continuously. Excellent musicianship, exceptional songwriting, everything on here is absolute brilliance. Jason Newstead made perhaps his most important musical move of his career.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Angela Gheorghiu - Casta Diva
(EMI Classics)
- One of the most spirited, operatic voices today, Angela Gheorghiu tantalizes and amazes in this new collection of works in her recital. Covering Bellini, Rossini, and Donizetti, Angela's voice is of the purest form as she weaves her notes in and around the London Symphony Orchestra. For those who do not care for opera, this is still a chance to hear a wonderful voice at its finest. Anyone from fans of Sarah Brightman to Kiri Te Kenawa would find this release to be spectacular.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Step Kings - 3 The Hard Way
(Fantastic Plastic)
- Opening with the vicious "Nucleus," the StepKings return with their new lesson in musical brutality. This threesome knows how to crank the knobs to get way past 11, in both sound and fury. Choice cuts included the opening tune, "California," "The Dove," "Goodbye," and the most political "Helicopters." This band serves up a healthy dose of some very heavy tunage that demands a good stereo system in your car to disturb the traffic around you.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Kittie - Oracle
(Artemis)
- Once the darlings of the media as the underage girls who play metal as violently as the big boys, Kittie has kind of fallen into the space where they will continue at their current fame, but it could remain there. Stripped down to essentially a sister duo with a new bassist, and an unfilled lead guitar spot, Kittie pounces forth in their metallic domain. Vocally, I still prefer the smooth vocals over the gutteral "I'm on fire! Put me out now!" screechings (rendering any attempt at understanding lyrics completely futile). The songs herein are what Kittie are known for. Nothing that reaches out to grab you, but not amateurish either. However, I'm not sure where it's all heading.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Valley's Eve - Deception Of Pain
(SPV)
- Barring what I believe to be an exceptionally stupid band name, I cannot stop stating out loud that "I LOVE THIS BAND!" Whether or not I had sworn off heavy metal years ago, Valley's Eve has rekindled not only my interest, but a most voracious appetite for it. Pure, honest, and driving, practically every song herein is blistering with unstoppable headbangingness (is that a word?). Another in those "Don't make me pick a fave song" CDs, if I had to, I would suggest - "The Fire Burns," "Point Of No Return," "The Sun," "Mirror In Your Eyes," and the "hidden" 13th track. Musically beyond capable, this band is just awesome. I cannot reccomend this enough.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Candy Butchers - Play With Your Head
(RPM)
- Mike Viola returns with another classy and classic Candy Butchers release. Mike's voice is made up of what rock 'n' roll crooning is all about. Rough enough, but learned in the melodious manner, Mike's vocal style catches the ear and brings it along for the entire ride. The songs are hard-edged enough, in their own style, while flowing around the auditory senses. This is what good pop rock is meant to sound like. Many up and coming acts could use to take notice of what makes the Candy Butchers work so well. This is a great CD.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Lana Lane - Project Shangri-La
(SPV)
- Lana has one of the more powerful female voices in progressive metal. Her last release proved herself as being one of the more viable progressive rock entries. This CD however finds Lana relying a bit more on a pop feel (and I use that term lightly). This does not negate this release, but might be a bit much of a change for some who have become used to a certain sound from her. Musically, the playing could not be better, while the songwriting is layered with aural textures that bring the listener to all areas of sensory realms. Nothing overly heavy on here, nor overly ambient, but Lana's voice stands out above all. Good to go. This will not disappoint.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Anyone
(Roadrunner)
- Jane's Addiction meets Pink Floyd meets any number of acid-rock influenced metal bands, Anyone rips through what they consider to be original rock. In the end, noting their influences - who are all very distinctive - it would be hard to find too much originality in here, but musically this is a very unique offering. Quite a full sound for a three-piece, Anyone does deliver a whole-hearted release that warrants listening to. Good stuff.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 The Sound Of Urchin - You Are The Best
(RCA)
- Ecclectic is the style that comes to mind when listening to TSOU. From the ambient opening of "Zen Magic Marker" to the Limp Bizkit Lite sounds of "Rock N' Roll Jubilee" to the very 1970s funk/disco feel of "Scary Skull Eyes" and on, TSOU has a very "user friendly" sound to them that brings about a pelthora of emotions and musical memories. Perhaps not something easily digested audibly by everyone, this is sure to be a hit around any true music afficianados who enjoy picking apart the creative processes of songwriting and styles. Perhaps a background in Zappa and Abba may help, but not necessary to enjoy this. Among other very distinctive sounds herein are "Billy The Eagle" (very rap-core), the very death-metalish "The Millipede/Who'll Stop The Beggar", the cajun/reggae-ish "Alligator Swamp", "The Clearing Hole" with a distinctly Ziggy Stardust-era David Bowie feel, and so on. Don't question, just pick this disc up.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Iron Maiden - Rock In Rio
(Columbia)
- Arguably the most infamous of any metal rock band, Iron Maiden offers up its twenty-millionth album, of which this is their umpteenth live recording. But hey, who cares? It's MAIDEN! Time has proven that there is no stopping this band - even with various member changes that has left it grown by one extra guitarist. Iron Maiden deserves their success for all the hard work that they have put into what they do. Rock In Rio samples up their ability to tear up the South American continent. With primarily non-English speaking peoples singing along to all the words, here is a band who could teach ESL with ease. Spanning the whole of their careers from the early - "Sanctuary", "Iron Maiden", "Wrathchild" - to the very successful middle - "The Number Of The Beast", "Run To The Hills", "2 Minutes To Midnight" - to the latter - "The Wicker Man", "Brave New World", "Dream Of Mirrors" - this CD is truly satisfying. What makes it more interesting is the added guitar of Janick Gers (who they smartly kept in the band). This 2-CD set also contains extra bonus multimedia offerings of "Brave New World" and "A Day In The Life". Worth every penny!
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Sundance
(Angel Air)
- Featuring ex-Dusty Springfield member Mike Hurst, along with ex-ELO Michael de Alberquerque, and the tastefully seductive vocals of Mary Hopkin, Sundance was formed in the early 1980s as a response to want to create something akin to mid-career Fleetwood Mac. Unfortunately, the musical timing of the group was a bit out of sync with the ever-changing times and it appears that they may have been a bit soft for the era at hand with New Wave coming in amongst other styles. Thus, this release is of their only album ever recorded. The band had broken up shortly after as an ill Mary Hopkins had continuous fainting spells and could not continue. The magic was not found again without her. The music on this CD has flowing, melodic vocals that are of the folk/pop ilk. Nothing too trendy, nor too edgy. They did have one hit with the heavily synthsizer laden "What's Love?". Nice for the collector of late 1960s music who wants to fill out his catalog, but perhaps a bit washed-out for fans of the 1980s era. Otherwise, very nice music overall.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 U.D.O. - Man And Machine
(SPV)
- What can't be said about Udo? This is the main man of any heavy metal scene. Udo has become legendary around any metal circle. His gritty, gutsy vocals can rip through any stucco and barbed wire walls to tear your ears off. Udo is to be respected no matter what he does. If he belches up phlegm, you should buy a recording of it because... it is Udo. This particular release teams Udo up with former Accept-mate Stefan Kaufman on guitar. Hmm... that makes this a 2/5ths Accept album. No matter, with Udo at the helm it is always going to be a part of Accept. What matters is that this CD will not disappoint. Hard and heavy, like pounding fists on a spiked wrist, the songs bash forth with abandon throughout. All in all, never mind any words to describe this offering, it just rocks! Get it!
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Rage - Unity
(SPV)
- Apparently having been together since around 1983, why has this band not been absolutely huge on the American shores? Especially through the mid to late 1980s, when bands like Bon Jovi were ruling the charts. This is a band who know how to really mix up styles and make it sound as though that is how it was always meant to be. From the opening of "All I Want" - starting with an almost death-metal bashing, flowing right into an early Van Halen-tinged verse (with crunching vocals), and leading into an over-the-top operatic chorus that would make Jon Bon Jovi smile with pride. This band has everything done just right. The only thing questionable is that the lead vocalist seems to try too hard to "be" metal, coming out a bit forced. This is also one of those CDs were I hate to have to pick favorite songs, but if forced I would have to suggest - "All I Want," "Insanity," "Down," "Set This World On Fire," and "Seven Deadly Sins." As well, "Dies Irae" has a smoldering guitar solo offering. This threesome is truly a world unity with members from Europe, Russia, and America. Do not miss this CD, it will burn your ears off while making you smile with pop/metal giddiness.
- Written by Philip Anderson
 Dream Theater - Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence
(Elektra)
- I was quite prepared, and not the slightest bit mournful of the fact I must say, to accept that Dream Theater had produced their definitive master work with "Scenes From A Memory: Metropolis Pt. 2" but now I am gleefully forced to reconsider. What buoys the question in my mind is the group's latest set of sonic bliss, "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence." Could Dream Theater really have bested itself again? "Turbulence" is a concept piece, as was "Metropolis Pt. 2" and therefore was expected to be grand, perhaps even to the point of overbearance. In true fact this does come close to the edge but the confidence with which the members of Dream Theater wave a foot over oblivion only to step back and puff out their chest is no less an experience than any musical ride this side of Pink Floyd's "The Wall."
- In all there is better than 97 minutes of music across two discs with the entirety of disc two being a single track that will make even the hardest core Progressive Rock fan blink in disbelief. Disc one is the more conservatively paced of this two disc set with its five tracks, none could possibly be a radio single, thank God, reaching from one musical boundary to the other leaving all audio limits if not shattered at least warped with each beat, flourish and stroke. From the static opening of "The glass Prison" to the wandering fade of "Disappear" the listener is convinced that the prospect of hearing another group of five move with such passion and precision has simply never been possible. This is not only the definitive Dream Theater disc it may be the best Prog-Rock ever. As with their previous disc this is a collection of songs so interwoven that they demand to be performed as a whole piece which means, and I am hoping beyond hope here, that the upcoming tour will feature the entire record perhaps with an extended encore of DT historical favorites finishing the evening. If not to be I am more than happy to hear what I can from 'Turbulence," I mean, how could you even fathom a complaint given the opportunity to hear even a snippet of this masterpiece of sonic expression? I am not sure that Dream Theater will ever be able to outdo themselves but I damn sure am looking forward to hearing them try.
- Written by David Lee Wilson
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