Thursday, December 8, 2011

God Bless Ozzy Osbourne DVD review

God Bless Ozzy Osbourne DVD review
Released on: Eagle Vision / Rock. Release date: Available now

Ozzy Osbourne is one of those fortunate artists who amazingly, put bluntly, is still alive today!
He’s certainly made his name, even after going through some seriously rough patches, but even though his health isn’t what perhaps it could be, in how the drugs have taken their toll on him, he still keeps going.

This DVD is actually an incredible, behind the scenes look into the life of Ozzy in a much different way than that of ‘The Osbournes’ reality TV show, that to me, just made Ozzy look bloody all the more ridiculous.
The downside on this for me and call me a prude if you bloody like, BUT … Does Ozzy really have to say f***, every other word or certainly in every sentence he speaks. Seriously, that gets old, very quickly.

It’s a shame in that sense, as I really think that the fact that it’s been made by Ozzy’s son Jack Osbourne, has allowed Ozzy to really be himself and it really captures some incredible moments, that go back a long, LONG way, so Jack has clearly done a lot, a hell of a lot of research on ‘The Ozzman!

There’s so much that's discussed throughout, covering so much of what Ozzy has done and of course, there’s a whole host of stars that speak up for the man, including his old Black Sabbath mates Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, then of course Sharon and all the Osbourne family are there and even Paul ‘Macca’ McCartney speaks up!
As you can imagine there are a whole host of other names too. A real who's who.

There’s his kids from his first marriage, Louis and Jessica who speak up to say how he wasn’t a good father at all, which even comes into play with his kids Aimee, Kelly and of course Jack, from his marriage to Sharon.

Sad moments indeed when the documentary touches on Randy Rhoads, especially with the then interviews with clearly a very, very young man indeed, which makes it all the more tragic and it gets to Ozzy and to be honest, it got to me too.
An incredibly sad moment in time, indeed … Absolutely tragic …


Astonishing moments too, as the viewer learns that Ozzy has only recently at 62 learned how to drive or should that be, got a driver’s licence! Now he’s been sober for some time of course speaks volumes, so good for him on that but seriously … It bloody took you long enough Oz! LOL!
It covers the times from being a very young lad, through the beginnings of being in a band, through the good and bad times of Black Sabbath, then how Blizzard of Oz stunned everyone, when perhaps most people had written the guy off.

Ever since Blizzard of Oz, even with his incidents of biting doves and bats heads off, to peeing on the Alamo, he has clearly got bigger and bigger and seriously, I mean he was the guy or should that be, the artist who was the FIRST to put together a real rock festival and tour with it. Cue Ozzfest!
Incredible!

To be honest folks that’s all I need say, as Ozzy fans will be buying this in their droves anyway, as will most Sabbath fans no doubt, then the occasional Sabs fan and the die hard rockers too.

It is good, it’s very well done and even if Ozzy is very much a shadow of his much younger former self, he’s quite the subject for such a video / DVD.
Again, if you don’t like a lot of swearing, don’t buy it, but if you are a rock fan, chances are, generally you’ll appreciate the whole thing.

Rating: 4 out of 5 … It is entertaining and does keep you watching.


 Official weblinks:

Brief Rock News Update for Thursday December 8th, 2011

Hey folks, sorry for updates being pretty few and far between lately, I still get formatting issues sometimes, when I try to share certain PR contacts Press Releases, for whatever reason it seems, Blogger.com is not helpful!
Not only that though I have as you may've noticed been starting to catch up on a few CD reviews and there's more where that came from folks!
I am hoping, someone is going to help me out with getting my interviews transferred to text for you guys to read here soon, although the voice recognition software 'thing' is not being that helpful at the moment and the people at Nuance who sell the 'Dragon' software, are not answering my questions on how best to be able to utilise the software, to do the transfer ... Ah well ...
Hope there's a little somthing in the three news pieces today that appeals, somehow!
Cheers folks, Al


Chickenfoot set to invade the UK in January 2012


Following the release of their acclaimed second album Chickenfoot III’, the hottest rock’n’roll band in the world, Chickenfoot featuring Sammy Hagar (vocals), Joe Satriani (guitar) Michael Anthony (bass) and Kenny Aronoff (drums), will perform two rare concerts in the UK in January 2012 - Manchester Academy (Jan 12) and London o2 Brixton Academy (Jan 14).
The Manchester Academy concert on January 12th is now sold out. Tickets are still available for Chickenfoot’s London o2 Brixton Academy concert on Saturday January 14th, and can be ordered from:

www.livenation.co.uk/artist/chickenfoot-tickets

Original Chickenfoot drummer Chad Smith has temporarily handed his sticks over to the legendary Kenny Aronoff, who will join the band for the upcoming UK and European concerts in January. Chickenfoot will perform songs from their gold-selling, eponymous debut album, alongside tracks from ‘III’, for the very first time in Europe.

The European tour also includes concerts at Paris Olympia (Jan 16), Tilburg O13 (Jan 17) and Dusseldorf Mitsubishi Electric Hall (Jan 19).
Read the official Chickenfoot UK and European tour press release:

www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/chickenfoot/tour.htm.



 




 

ROCK LEGEND ZAKK WYLDE TO BE HONORED AT

GUITAR WORLD'S FIRST EVER ROCK & ROLL ROAST;

EXCLUSIVE EVENT FEATURES SHARON OSBOURNE AS ROASTMASTER AND ALL-STAR PANEL OF METAL-LOVING LUMINARIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF MUSICARES.
PRESENTED BY EPIPHONE GUITARS.




(New York, NY) - Get ready for a raucous night of comedy, charity and chaos! Guitar World is proud to announce the magazine's first-ever Rock & Roll Roast with inaugural honoree Zakk Wylde. Presented by Epiphone Guitars and sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, EMG Pickups, Revolver Magazine, Marshall Amplification, Dunlop, Eagle Rock and Samson, the exclusive event will take place at The Grove in Anaheim, California on Thursday, January 19th, 2012; a portion of all proceeds will go to the MusiCares charity. Zakk Wylde was recently named one of the 100 greatest living rock stars by Revolver Magazine.


Roastmaster Sharon Osbourne and other metal-loving luminaries such as Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Jericho, Anthrax's Scott Ian, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Slipknot's Corey Taylor, as well as comedy and roast veterans Jim Norton, Brian Posehn, Jim Florentine and more will all take aim at the Black Label Society frontman and guitar icon, best known for his incredible axe chops, his golden locks and his signature Bullseye guitar line. Fresh from her recent stint on the Judas Priest tour, Lady Starlight (Lady Gaga's resident DJ) will also be on hand to serve as the evening's official DJ.


Roastee Wylde commented, "How can they roast me? I'm a good Catholic boy..." Roastmaster Sharon Osbourne explained, ""Zakk has always called me his Mom, but I think my boy needs a good kicking." Editorial Director of Guitar World, Brad Tolinski added, "We're excited to kick-off this new annual event, and who better than Zakk Wylde, to be our first... victim."
Click here to witness the Rock & Roll Roast's first viral video trailer, featuring both Zakk Wylde and Jim Norton:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOGUKUQvpw0.


This show will kick off on the opening night of the 2012 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. This live charity event is not open to the public, but, if you want to attend and learn more about being a sponsor for this once-in-a-lifetime event and be part of a great charity and cause, please visit www.rockandrollroast.com for more information and sponsorship opportunities.


About Guitar World

Since debuting in the summer of 1980, Guitar World has consistently reigned as the world's leading guitar magazine. Professionals and beginners alike turn to Guitar World for top coverage of their favorite artists, from rock titans like Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Metallica's Kirk Hammett to contemporary stars like the White Stripes' Jack White and Tool's Adam Jones. The magazine is also now available as complete digital issues on tablets like the iPad, Kindle Fire and Nook Color.
www.Guitarworld.com is the home of all the latest guitar news, lessons, tablature, behind the scenes photos and videos. Guitar World's "Lick of the Day" is one of the top downloaded apps on the iTunes store and has been voted 'App of the Week.'
Find out more at www.GuitarWorld.com
.


About Epiphone

Epiphone fretted instruments, amplifiers, strings and accessories are known worldwide for offering the best combination of quality, performance and value. One of Gibson's most formidable competitors through the first half of the 20th century, Epiphone was acquired by Gibson Guitar in 1957. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Epiphone is part of the Gibson family of brands. For more information on Epiphone, go to www.epiphone.com 
Follow Epiphone on Twitter at www.twitter.com/epiphone or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/officialepiphone


About MusiCares:

Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visit www.musicares.org


About Zakk Wylde/Black Label Society


In the two decades since Ozzy Osbourne hired him away from his job at a New Jersey gas station, Zakk Wylde has established himself as a guitar icon known and revered the world over. Wylde has won nearly every guitar award imaginable, graced countless magazine covers and is a major influence to a new battalion of rock guitarists. Writing and recording with Osbourne led to multi-platinum success, inspiring him to create the now iconic Black Label Society in 1998. In the decade plus since, BLS has turned the notion of what a rock band should be upside down by inspiring legions of fans (known as Berserkers) all over the world to follow the mantra: Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever (SDMF for short). Wylde and his Berserkers have established a heavy metal institution true to the vision of uncompromising, unfiltered and unrestrained rock 'n' roll. To date, Black Label Society has sold millions of albums worldwide and continues to be a massive presence on the worldwide touring and merchandising circuits. Black Label Society's ORDER OF THE BLACK (eOne Music), was released in August, 2010 and debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart.
For more information, please visit www.blacklabelsociety.com or www.zakkwylde.com


For more information please visit:
www.rockandrollroast.com





Michael Thompson Band - Future Past

Cult AOR luminaries MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND return with a brand new album "Future Past."

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the return of MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND with the release of the brand new album “Future Past” on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America.



In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang, guitarist Michael Thompson finally got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled "How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (MTB) monicker.

On "How Long" some great studio musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, singer Moon Calhoun (ex The Strand), Pat Torpey (later on drummer with Mr Big), bassist Jimmy Haslip, John Elefante (Kansas), Toto's Bobby Kimball and Great White associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album).
Songwriters would include, among others, AOR stars such as: Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Billy Trudel and Brett Walker.

As of today “How Long” is still regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting. “I think the album has stood the test of time with a great batch of songs and some really strong performances. It was heartfelt and I think people respond to music that comes from the heart. I'm glad that many fans of melodic rock still list this record amongst their favourites,” tells Michael Thompson.

“How Long” was reissued in 2007 with 3 bonus tracks and started a relationship between Michael Thompson and Frontiers Records, which finally brings the anticipated release of the new Michael Thompson Band album in early 2012. “I've tried to keep the new MTB album "Future Past" in the same spirit as "How Long". I'm hoping that people will hear the natural progression of my music and appreciate the new record as much as the first one,” continues Michael. “Although 22 years is quite a gap time-wise the music was recorded with the same feeling and spirit as I always had”.





For the new album Michael teamed up with the awesome singer Larry King from Soleil Moon. Larry brought a new and more rocking approach to the MTB sound, but certainly the trademark elements of songwriting and melodies are still to be found in the new album “Future Past”. In Michael Thompson words: “When I was considering singers for this new record I said to myself “Who is the best rock singer that I know?” and only one person came to mind - Larry King. The guy has such a phenomenal range and texture and it goes perfectly with my guitars. We started writing songs together a little over a year ago and from the first song, "Can't Be Right", I knew we had something special!”

MTB 2012 lineup is rounded up by Khari Parker on drums and Alan Berliant on bass. “Larry brought them into the picture and it was a pleasure for me to work with some knew guys that I wasn't familiar with. It brought a fresh approach to the music,” says Michael.

The production of Future Past is just flawless and the album is destined to become soon another AOR music classic. “I think that the title kind of says it all - "Future Past"” concludes Michael. “Larry and I are both big fans of Classic Rock and AOR Melodic Rock so we just naturally infuse that love into the music that we write. It's elements of the past with a modern approach”.

Future Past tracklisting includes: High Times; Can't Be Right; Future Past; When You Love Someone; Here I Am; Beautiful Mystery; Break Me Down; End Game; Gypsy Road; Can't Miss 2012; Fight For Your Life.

The first single “Can’t Be Right” can be listened in full in streaming on the Frontiers Web Radio now!
Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Weblinks:
www.michaelthompson.cc
www.frontiers.it

-----ooooOooo-----

Michael Thompson is one of today’s leading guitar players of the world. He was awarded the "Distinguished Alumni" award from his Alma Mater Berklee College of Music to commemorate his contributions to the music industry. Berklee's program for the event noted that "he is widely regarded as being among the elite studio session players, and his amazing list of credits includes such prominent names as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, 'N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, the Scorpions, Vince Neil, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Madonna, Babyface, En Vogue, Gloria Estefan, Stanley Clarke and Ricky Martin."

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Brief News Update for Wednesday 7th December, 2011

Cozy Powell - New documentary on legendary drummer
Cozy Powell photo Lastfm.com
Yes, friends of mine out there who know me best, would know all too well that anything happening that relates to the legendary, late, great rock drummer, Cozy Powell RIP (Jeff Beck, Rainbow, M.S.G., Whitesnake, E.L.P., Black Sabbath and many more!), would clearly get my attention!
When I started drumming, around 15 years old, Cozy Powell was the guy that had already impressed me in my younger years, during the mid 70's, with his solo UK hits, 'Dance With The Devil' and 'The Man In Black.'
I could talk for hours on Cozy Powell, I really could as he did inspire me and I was fortunate enough to have seen him live with Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group and Whitesnake and he always impressed!
Sadly Cozy was killed in a tragic car accident in 1998, after leaving a recording session with the Peter Green's (Fleetwood Mac) Splinter Group.
Some wonderful news to me, that a friend mentioned to me on Tuesday, was that there was going to be a new documentary on Cozy Powell and that I should look into it.
Here are the details that I found at the official Cozy Powell website:
Cozy Powell Documentary Under Production
Apparently, there’s an all new Cozy Powell documentary under production. It’s just started, so it won’t be out for awhile yet, but, there is a teaser trailer available, follow the link below.
Once we get closer to release, there will be more to say here.

'A documentary feature uncovering and celebrating the life and work of one of Britain’s most acknowledged and respected hard rock drummers of all time, Cozy Powell.
Featuring exclusive and extensive interviews with family, friends, work associates and fans, inbetween various archival footage, “Dance with the Devil – The Cozy Powell Story” will be an essential, in-depth and personal account of the man who, from humble beginnings, would go on to play an essential part in British and American rock drumming by playing in and alongside multiple bands and solo artists including Jeff Beck, Rainbow, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath and Brian May, as well as his own solo recordings including his signature instrumental “Dance With The Devil”, up until his tragic death in 1998.'

The documentary is being made by independant film maker, Lee Hutchings and the trailer for the film, can be found by following this link right here:


I for one, cannot wait to see this and ultimately, own a copy!



Beggars and Thieves
"We Come Undone"
Official video:
Taken from the album, 'We are the Brokenhearted,' out now on Frontiers records.



Special Guests:
Ron Keel, Jake E. Lee, Blas Elias, Sunset Thomas and Paul Shortino.

For more on this and all Frontiers releases, go to: 




 





Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Glyder - "Backroads to Byzantium" album review

Glyder - "Backroads to Byzantium" album review
Released on: SPV/Steamhammer Records. Release Date: Available now.

OK, confession time, as this one did get put a little …, well …, a lot on the backburner, as the opening two tracks here took me a little getting into and I wasn’t liking them as much as previous Glyder material I’ve heard.
This is 'Backroads to Byzantium' the latest album from Glyder.
Did you folks realise that this is the fifth album from these guys?!
Of course that’s an absolutely stupid question to fans of the band, but to other rockers out there ..., take note!
The Irish rockers have often been compared to Irish legends Thin Lizzy - Now regulars know why I'm checking this out, right?! - and at times I do hear that, but I hear a lot of other influences too, many others …
The band consists of: Jackie Robinson (Vocals), Bat Kinane (Guitars / B.Vocals), Pete Fisher (Guitars), Graham McClatchie (Bass) and Des McEvoy on Drums.
Newest member, singer Jackie Robinson does well as the bands frontman and certainly deserves praise for his contributions here.
Opening track, ‘Chronicled Deceit,’ rocks pretty good, but it was lacking a certain something for me, it’s since grown on me.

‘Long Gone’ up next – And you may think this strange – but it reminds me a little of a mix of say early Diamond Head meets Mr Big musically - I know, strange conclusion, but listen to it ... - and then throw in some backing Hammond organ.
At times vocalist Robinson reminds me of Spin Doctors singer Chris Barron, which sometimes throws a little different slant on some of the material presented here.

On ‘Fade to Dust’ it’s a really up tempo rocker, but not too hard / heavy rocking, that hints through the guitar of those Lizzy comparisons previously afforded the band, but song wise it’s really not, but ... I think you'll hear what I'm saying. 
‘Even If I Don’t know Where I’m Going Go’ also starts with that Lizzy type harmony guitar and then gets into a great kind of pop rocker track, that deserves to be a hit. It has a lot of influences scattered in there and hooks too ..., seriously, it's great!

OK now a lot more of the Lizzy influence is becoming apparent ‘On Don’t Make Their Mistakes’ in the song structure and I now the album is really getting through to me! In fact there’s moments where it almost sounds the chords structure of (Iron) Maiden’s ‘Run To The Hills’ … What?! Well, I don’t know, but it really did make me think of it for a moment or two!
‘Down and Out,’ I really can’t think to compare to anything as it has a certain dark, almost melancholy element about it and moments where it’s a little like some of the experimental material you’d hear from (Led) Zeppelin. Different …

OK, now we get back on track with the right tempo in ‘Something She Knows,’ and I really love the groove that this track has and there’s hooks here too that yell out ‘release me as a single!’ It’s a catchy little number indeed.
You know what’s funny? I hear keyboards all over the album in different places, but in the press release with the album, there’s no one credited with the keyboards? I have to say, they really do help make this album though.
Love the guitar solo on this track, awesome, yes really!

‘Two Wrongs’ has a darker, dirtier sound to it at the start, to get back to the more hard rock edge that the band touches on and then it grabs a hook line or two as it hits the chorus. There’s tempo changes up and down here that kind of remind me of the Spin Doctors again, with Robinson phrasings. Another really sweet guitar solo piece here too.

Oh yeah! ‘End of the Line’ starts strong, then eases back momentarily before getting back on track with the rockin’ and there’s some really great moments about this track. Very strong generally although the second vocal in the chorus seems a little odd and took a little getting used to but then once the guitar solo rips in … These guys have won me over!

Final album track is ‘Motions of Time’ which is an acoustic, well, kind of deep emotive, dare I say depressing number if the truth be known. Strange choice of closer perhaps …

So, it’s an album that’s a grower, more so with the opening track at least for me, then the sound seems a little different than earlier Glyder material, but then it clicked. Still not so sure on that final track though …
Overall it’s an album I do like a lot and would strongly recommend.
 
 
Rating: 4 out of 5
 
 
Official band website:

Rock News Update for Tuesday 6th December, 2011

Unbreakable the forthcoming album on Frontiers Records from Primal Fear



If you’re talking about today’s European top metal acts the discussion is heading straight towards Primal Fear. Former Gamma Ray vocalist Ralf Scheepers and bassist/vocalist Mat Sinner, two of the most respected German metal musicians founded the band in late 1997.

With eight studio albums released, two live products and a best of Primal Fear are certainly one of nowadays most beloved and respected European Heavy Metal bands. Their last studio album “16.6 – Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead” became their second highest chart entry in Germany on Pos. 46. The following world tour incl. two headlining tours in the US and Canada with a headlining appearance at the prestigious ProgPower festival in Atlanta.
The world tour was recorded in all continents and released on CD “Live In The USA” and on DVD “All Over The World” in summer 2010.

After a sensational tour through South America in spring 2011, more dates in Europe plus an outstanding appearance on the 2011 edition of the Wacken Open Air, the band was fired up to enter the recording studio to start tracking their ninth album “UNBREAKABLE”. The target was crystal clear - producer & bassist Mat Sinner: “After touring for two years without breaks, the guys realized the fan favourites very well and we wrote an untamed, powerful and crushing album together”.

“Unbreakable” was produced by Mat Sinner, engineered and mixed by Achim Koehler & the House Of Music studios and some more studios in Germany and Sweden between Summer and Autumn 2011.

“Unbreakable” combines the skills of the strongest Primal Fear line-up ever, with a well-balanced “back to the roots” vibe and an ambitious learning process during their longest tour so far. Classic and ultra-fresh Primal Fear riff-rockers like “Strike”, “Give Em Hell” or the high speed track “And There Was Silence” will hit the bulls-eye, like the rhythm paced metal anthem, first single and new video clip “Bad Guys Wear Black”. Less experiments, more rock! But there will be a nine-minute epic journey with a lot prog approach named “Where Angels Die”, a classic wonderful ballad “Born Again” and the melodic power bomb “Metal Nation”. Singer Ralf Scheepers adds: 'The plan was to record an album for the fans with rough metal riffs, screaming vocals and good melodies ...... and finally it became a monster – a tough 'bang-your-head' metal album called “Unbreakable."'

 

'Bad Guys Wear Black' video link:


 Magnus Karlsson and Alex Beyrodt are worldwide respected guitarists – together they are unbeatable! Ralf Scheepers vocal performance shines bright on a new level on all new songs. And what can go wrong if you’re backed by one of the best rhythm sections in metal with Randy Black and Mat Sinner? Plus backing vocals by the “Fantastic Four”: Ralf Scheepers, Mat Sinner, Erik Martensson and Oliver Hartmann.
You can hear the result on Primal Fears new statement called “UNBREAKABLE”! 

 Don’t miss the German Metal Commando when they’re coming to your town!
Primal Fear Ralf Scheepers – Vocals
Alex Beyrodt – Guitars
Magnus Karlsson – Guitar, Keyboards
Randy Black – Guitars
Mat Sinner – Bass & Vocals

Weblinks:


THE DARKNESS:
SET TO RETURN TO NORTH AMERICA IN 2012


FIRST U.S. TOUR SINCE 2004 TO LAUNCH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
IN TORONTO, AND WRAP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 IN SAN FRANCISCO
MULTI-PLATINUM BRITISH GROUP TO RELEASE THIRD STUDIO ALBUM IN
THE SPRING OF 2012


THE DARKNESS L-R: Ed Graham, Frankie Poullain, Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins. Photo credit: Marianne Harris.
THE DARKNESS return!

Continuing their worldwide whirlwind of a tour which started in the U.K. with a critically acclaimed reunion show at the Download Festival in June and has made stops in Sweden, Spain, Japan and Italy culminating this week with 14 sold-out U.K. shows, THE DARKNESS are taking their electrifying and outrageous rock n’ roll to North America.


From Lowestoft, Suffolk, frontman/guitarist JUSTIN HAWKINS says, “We literally cannot wait to hit back in the U.S. and Canada. We loved it last time and we’re sure to love it again. See you there!”

The new tour features all the guitar mastery and wild pyrotechnics that THE DARKNESS shows have become well-known for. The group will perform music from 2003’s multi-platinum album Permission To Land, including favorites “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” and “Get Your Hands Off My Woman”; 2005’s One-Way Ticket To Hell And Back with “One Way Ticket” and “Is It Just Me?”; as well as several new songs off their forthcoming yet-to-be-titled third album.
This marks the band’s first return to the States since their 2004 tour supporting Permission To Land.

THE DARKNESS will hit North America starting February 1 in Toronto and wrapping February 21 in San Francisco (see dates below). Tickets are on-sale this week and Facebook fans of the group will have an exclusive window to buy tickets before the general public:


After their reformation in March, THE DARKNESS have romped, roared and raged through summer and fall with appearances at many of Europe’s most prestigious festivals including a headlining appearance at Sonisphere in Madrid. This fall, they hit the road in Japan and England with new songs and fan favorites to crazed, capacity crowds.

About the sold-out U.K. tour, Alex Lai of Contact Music noted in his review of the group’s Manchester Academy show:
“Frontman Justin Hawkins emerges from a cage structure that houses drummer Ed Graham as the quartet begin with ‘Black Shuck’ and then ‘Growing On Me’, which causes a sing-along that would put some stadium performances to shame. …every track is dynamite, even non-singles such as ‘Friday Night’ and the splendid acoustic rendition of ‘Holding My Own’. Key to the reaction is Hawkins’ impressive vocal control, note-perfect in falsetto and without any cracks in the delivery, a truly powerful audio weapon. …[of the new songs] ‘Best Of Me’ has the crowd clapping and ‘Out Of This World’ already has people singing along by the final verse, but what sticks out about them as a collection is the quality of the guitar work.

At times it’s as if there is a competition between lead guitarist Dan Hawkins and his brother, with the winner being the audience, as they are treated to some great riffs and solos, boding well for any future album. The aural side of The Darkness live experience is truly still impressive … Welcome back The Darkness” (November 13, 2011).To read the entire Contact Music review, visit: http://www.contactmusic.com/review/the-darkness-live-november-2011.


Elsewhere, The Daily Star exclaimed,THE DARKNESS are both a spectacle and spectacular…Don’t miss out” (11/20/11) while The Gainsborough Standard added, “On the one hand it feels like they’ve never been away, but on the other you’re thrilled to bits that they’re back… This is music exactly as it should be–fun, huge, proud, and really, really loud.”


JUSTIN and his band mates including brother DAN HAWKINS (guitars/backing vocals), FRANKIE POULLAIN (bass) and ED GRAHAM (drums) have established quite a formidable legacy in less than a decade.
After winning three prestigious BRIT Awards, rocking sold-out crowds across the globe and selling millions of records worldwide, this is a new beginning, and THE DARKNESS, are here to stay.

THE DARKNESS 2012 North American Tour:


DATE
CITY
VENUE
Wed
2/1
Toronto,ON
Phoenix
Fri
2/3
Boston,MA
Paradise
Sat
2/4
New York,NY
IrvingPlaza
Tue
2/7
Philadelphia,PA
Trocadero
Wed
2/8
Washington,D.C.
9:30 CLUB
Fri
2/10
Detroit,MI
St. Andrew’s Hall
Sat
2/11
Chicago,IL
Metro
Sun
2/12
Minneapolis,MN
First Avenue
Wed
2/15
Denver,CO
Summit
Fri
2/17
Las Vegas,NV
House of Blues
Sat
2/18
Phoenix,AZ
Celebrity Theatre
Sun
2/19
Los Angeles,CA
House of Blues
Tue
2/21
San Francisco,CA
Fillmore



Introducing from Sweden
A new West Coast style AOR band

--- State Cows ---



After releasing the album "Days in L.A." to rave reviews in 2008, Daniel Andersson and collaborator Stefan Olofsson decided to embark on a full-fledged, no-compromise Westcoast/AOR project.
The project eventually turned into the band STATE COWS and an upcoming album of brand new songs. Smooth guitar lines, half-time shuffles, funky bass lines, slick harmonies, real Fender Rhodes, tight horn sectio...ns and some California sunshine ... it's all in there.

Daniel Andersson is a singer/guitarist from Umeå/Sweden. Together with bass player Peter Starefeldt, he released the Westcoast EP "Strange Ways" under the acronym DP. While an exchange student in L.A. he had the chance to meet David Foster and Jay Graydon as well as do some recordings with, among others, Jason Scheff (CHICAGO) and Jimmy Haslip (YELLOWJACKETS).

In 2008, he released his solo debut album "Days in L.A." based on his experiences in Hollywood.
It was very well received by critics and the listening community.

Stefan Olofsson is a keyboardist/bass player from Umeå/Sweden. He was a session player on "Strange Ways" and "Days in L.A." and released a solo album in 2003 entitled "Story of a Woman" combining elements of jazz, classical, progressive and Swedish folk music.
He has worked with, among others, Jay Graydon and Jeff Richman.
In STATE COWS he's taking a more active role of songwriting and production. He's also a member of art rock band DYNAMO BLISS, who released critically acclaimed "21st Century Junk" in 2010.


Editor's note: I have to tell you folks, if you like slick AOR / Melodic West Coast style sound, ala Steely Dan meets Toto then these guys need to be checked out, by you!

Here, check these samples out:
Center of the Sun - http://youtu.be/gxiUvCBaylU
Georgy Porgy - Yes, the Toto song - http://youtu.be/VFqK4KjS988


Official weblinks:






CRASH STREET KIDS 'SWEET CREATURES' ALBUM STREAMING ON AOL LISTENING PARTY


(5 December, 2011 - Phoenix, AZ) Phoenix based glamsters the Crash Street Kids currently have their new album, Sweet Creatures streaming on the AOL Listening Party program. Available for listening throughout the entire week of Dec 5 (5th - 11th) fans can listen to the album in it's entirety or select tracks "on demand" to listen to as they wish.
 
"This is a great opportunity for an upcoming band like ours to get noticed a bit," says drummer, A.D. Adams. "In the era of people downloading music illegally, you might as give them a platform to check your music out for free legally, for a whole week, right?!"
 
Sweet Creatures is out though Vanity Music Group in the UK on 16 January and in the US on 17 January 2012.
 
Crash Street Kids are:
Ryan McKay - Vocals, Guitars
A.D. Adams - Drums
Ricky Serrano - Guitars
Deuce - Bass, Vocals
Recently the band had a chance to hang out with their friends in CrashDiet when they met up in Tempe, AZ at CrashDiet's in store performance at Naked Dave's, as well as before and after their show at Club Red.
Above photo - left to right - Simon Cruz (CrashDiet), Ryan Mckay (CSK), Martin Sweet (CrashDiet), Ricky Serrano (CSK), Peter London (CrashDiet), AD Adams (CSK), Deuce (CSK) and Eric Young (CrashDiet)
 
Official website: