Thursday, September 2, 2010

Rock News for Thursday 2nd September, 2010

 Frontiers Records presents the reformed Strangeways new album 'Perfect World'


The news of Strangeways reunion with American singer Terry Brock leaked when the announcement of Firefest 2010 festival line-up was launched with the inclusion of the band in the “Native Sons”/”Walk in the Fire” line-up on the bill. This came as a big surprise to many, since probably very few people would have hoped to see Brock crossing the ocean again and even less could think of a brand new Strangeways recording with the singer together with guitarist Ian J. Stewart, new bassist Warren Jolly, drummer Jim Drummond and keyboard player Dave "Munch" Moore.

Still the Strangeways reunion is now reality and the newly recorded studio album “Perfect World” will be released on Frontiers Records on October 15th in Europe and October 26th in the US.

Turning back the clock in 1986, Strangeways released their self titled debut for Bonaire/Arista Records. “Strangeways” received rave reviews, particularly from the british press which saw the potential for the band to break on to the US market. By the time the album hit the shops, original singer Tony Liddell had already been replaced by Brock who was persuaded to join the band by the album’s producer Kevin Elson (Journey, Europe etc.). Strangeways toured intensely supporting Europe, Bryan Adams and Meat Loaf but it was the following year’s “Native Sons” album that chiselled in stone the name of the band, who produced a full-blown melodic rock masterpiece, hailed by Kerrang! magazine as “the greatest and most preciously perfect AOR album of all time”.

In 1989, even if 'Native Sons' didn't sell as well as the critical acclaim gathered, Strangeways recorded a third album titled 'Walk In The Fire'. The band wanted to have a more personal approach, less leaning to the Journey sound of the previous record. The result was truly superb, a big step further compared to “Native Sons”. Still today songs as “Love Lies Dying”, “Every Time You Cry” or “Where Are They Now” are considered by the fans some of the most beautiful songs ever in British AOR style.

Strangeways were finally starting to see rewards from touring, particularly in Germany but after Brock flew to the US to secretly audition with Deep Purple to replace Ian Gillan, he never returned to the UK and left the band. Three more very different Strangeways albums followed with Ian Stewart at the microphone: “And The Horse” (1995), “Any Day Now” (1997) and “Gravitational Pull” (2000). All of them saw Strangeways exploring a more atmospheric and rootsy style which had nothing to do with the previous three albums.

Terry Brock in the meanwhile started a solo career which produced two acclaimed releases (“Back to Eden” and the very recent “Diamond Blue”) and collaborated with The Sign, Seventh Key and Giant.

“There was no real plan for Terry and I to work together again, it just kinda happened” says Ian Stewart. “With the Firefest gig offer and Frontiers showing interest in another Strangeways album it all just seemed to fall together naturally. The relationship with Terry is probably better than it's ever been, which I think is down to the fact that we're both older and dare I say wiser”.

“Perfect World” takes from where “Walk In the Fire” left off, with the band finding an even more mature musical identity, an amazing sense of spacious melodies and of course the magic voice of Terry Brock which connects the music with the classic Melodic Rock sound of “Native Sons” and “Walk in the Fire”.

“I honestly couldn't really describe the "new" sound as such, it's just honest melodic heart and soul rock music, good tunes played with attitude and feeling” concludes Ian Stewart.


Don’t miss their performance at Firefest 2010 hoping it will be the first of a long streak of dates
“Perfect World” final tracklisting includes:
Perfect World; Borderlines; Movin' On; Time; Cracking Up Baby; Liberty; One More Day; Bushfire; Too Far Gone; Can't Let You Go; Say What You Want.
Four samples can be heard here: www.frontiers.it/news/10413/

The songs “Perfect World” and “Borderlines” can exclusively be listened to in full by streaming on the Frontiers Web Radio from September 1st. Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Lineup:
Terry Brock – vocals
Ian J. Stewart – guitars
Warren Jolly - bass
Jim Drummond - drums
David "Munch" Moore - keyboards

Weblinks:

Frontiers records presents Asia - Spirit of the Night – Live in Cambridge 09



This Live CD / DVD 'Spirit of the Night,' captures Asia in their original line-up, performing to an enthusiastic crowd.
The masters come from the band’s own archive and this is a show they have personally selected to be filmed and released. It’s a raw and honest view of the musicians and the perspiration on their brows, as they play to a receptive audience. It is truly a compelling viewing and a “must have” for all Asia fans.

The DVD shows the band playing tightly together in harmony with each other and the audience in an energetic and energizing rock concert. The filing is “fly on the wall” placing the viewer seemingly in the audience rather than in a cinema. All of the band supports this type of filming and are looking forward to a dvd which allows the fans to almost join them on stage.

The set list features songs from their reunion album “Phoenix” along with a selection of the classics that all the fans would expect. The recording is a historical document of where the band was at the time and a snapshot of their musicianship, camaraderie and passion. This live CD / DVD is an irreplaceable companion to the studio album. “Spirit of the Night” shows the band at the top of their game. Don’t miss it !

Asia is:
John Wetton: bass and lead vocals
Steve Howe: guitars
Geoff Downes: keyboards
Carl Palmer: drums

Link to album at Frontiers: http://www.frontiers.it/album/4758/
Band website: www.originalasia.com/


AC/DC "High-Voltage Rock ’N’ Roll The Ultimate Illustrated History" Book Due October 15th


Available from Voyageur Press, “AC/DC: High-Voltage Rock ‘N’ Roll: The Ultimate Illustrated History” by Phil Sutcliffe follows the band from its roots in Sydney, Australia, to its most recent releases and sold-out world tours. No stone is left unturned, from the band’s formation and early gigs on the club circuit Down Under, to the 1980 death of singer Bon Scott and ultimately astounding worldwide success. Jam-packed with more than 400 illustrations—from handbills, posters, backstage passes, and vinyl from around the globe, as well as rare candid and performance photography—this massive contribution to the AC/DC library gives fans a all-access visual tour through almost four decades of unadulterated rock mastery. Additionally, sidebars and essays from top rock scribes examine all studio releases, document the band’s numerous personnel changes, and delve into the guitar gear of the Young brothers, while musicians past and present comment and reflect on the band’s lasting influence.

Complete with a specially commissioned band history and discography, an afterword from Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, and a complete index, this book brings fans as close to the band as possible without a ticket.

For those who can’t get enough of the boys from Sydney, AC/DC: High-Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll salutes you!
Contributors:
Phil Sutcliffe
Joe Bonomo
Daniel Bukszpan
Jen Jewel Brown
Anthony Bozza
Garth Cartwright
Ian Christe
David Dunlap
Andrew Earles
Dave Hunter
James McNair
Martin Popoff
Sylvie Simmons
Bill Voccia
Info from: www.acdc.com/us/news

Santana / Daughtry sneak peak at 'Photograph' cover

This from over at Def Leppard's website.
To be honest, I think this version of 'Photograph' is pretty lame, especially since they are performing it live too!

Santana's version of PHOTOGRAPH
As reported before, Carlos Santana's new album "GUITAR HEAVEN" will feature his version of Leppard's "PHOTOGRAPH", with Chris Daughtry on vocals. The album won't be out until September 21st, but here's a sneak peek of the song shot during a special showcase live show in Las Vegas last week.



From: www.defleppard.com/news/

'Foreigner Rockin' at the Ryman' Premieres on HDNet Concert Series

Foreigner's performance at Nashville's Historic Ryman Auditorium last March will appear as part of the HDNet Concert Series! Catch the premiere, 'Foreigner Rockin' at the Ryman,' on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 8PM ET!
This will be the first time Foreigner has appeared in HD so you won't want to miss this! Check your local TV listings as HDNet is available through a number of providers:

· AT&T
· Charter Communications
· Comcast
· DirecTV
· Dish Network
· Verizon

You can also use HDNet's channel finder to find a provider in your area here:
Foreigner website: www.foreigneronline.com/

Aerosmith Interview on CNN Newsroom

Tune in to CNN Newsroom on Friday, September 3rd between 1pm and 3pm ET to catch an interview with the entire Aerosmith band. Steven, Joe, Tom, Joey & Brad will all be there to discuss the current 'Cocked, Locked & Ready to Rock' Tour. In addition to that, there will be an interview with longtime fan Jay Conroy, who recently attended his 100th Aerosmith concert!

British AOR rockers FM update

FM - Islington O2 Academy Christmas Show
We have great pleasure in announcing the resurrection of our legendary FM Christmas Live Shows. We really wanted to thank every one of our loyal fans for making 2010 such a phenomenally successful year for us and thought what better way than a good old Christmas knees up. The venue will be London O2 Academy Islington on Dec 1st. For ticket information call 0844 477 2000 or go to http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/ 
The show promises to be an absolutely riotous affair and full details of the planned festivities will be posted here over the coming weeks. So get your glad rags on and party down with us at the coolest yuletide event this year!

Also though, don't miss the band on tour in the UK in October.


Second single from acclaimed Metropolis album added to Radio 2 Playlist
Now, as we head towards the end of the year, FM have released a second single ‘Bring Back Yesterday’ from the 'Metropolis' album and this too has gone straight onto the playlist at BBC Radio 2 for the whole of September! Quite an incredible feat as only 4 acts were added last week and this just goes to show how great this new album is and the support it is getting. In a recent interview for Classic Rock magazine Jeff Smith head of music at Radio 2 had this to say “Radio 2 is about timeless melodic music, Foreigner and FM fit into that.”

For more FM info: www.fmofficial.com/

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