News Update for Saturday September 29th, 2012

 

 Hi folks,

 

Doing a little catch up here, with some news items and press releases from this past week.

Looking forward to Dio Disciples coming to Detroit in November.

Friends in England that have caught the show have told me it's good, but really makes you realise just what a huge loss Ronnie's passing has been to the music world.

We miss you Ronnie, they don't make 'em like you anymore mate, RIP.

 

On a brighter note, hope you're enjoying your weekend, read on!

Cheers,

Al 

 

 

DIO Disciples Announce US Tour for Fall 2012

 

 

 

 

 

With the impending October 9th release of The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2, the all-star group Dio Disciples couldn't have picked a better time to launch their next set of U.S. tour dates. Beginning October 20th and running until November 20th, Dio Disciples will be rocking venues nationwide.

 

 

Dio Disciples is comprised of singers Tim "Ripper" Owens (Judas Priest, Yngwie Malmsteen) and Oni Logan (Lynch Mob), guitarist Craig Goldy (Dio, Giuffria, Rough Cutt), bassist Bjorn Anglund (Yngwie Malmsteen), keyboardist Scott Warren (Dio,Heaven & Hell), and drummer Simon Wright (Dio, AC/DC, UFO).

 

 

The group touches upon almost every era of Dio's stellar career, as you can expect to hear faithful and heavy renditions of all the Ronnie James Dio classics, including Man on the Silver Mountain, Neon Knights, Heaven and Hell, Holy Diver, Rainbow in the Dark, and The Last in Line, among countless others.

 

 

Dio Disciples has issued the following statement:

"We could NEVER replace Ronnie and that is not our intention - there will ever only be one RJD. Dio Disciples is a celebration of the music and legacy of the greatest singer in the world, Ronnie James Dio."

 

 

The 17-track The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2 CD (released via Niji Entertainment) picks up exactly where the first volume left off - from 1996 onward. And in addition to featuring such latter-day Dio classics as Killing the Dragon, Push, and Fever Dreams, the compilation will also include several rarities that fans have long requested on a single disc - Electra (which previously was only a part of the ultra-rare Tournado box set), Prisoner of Paradise, and Metal Will Never Die.

 

It has been over two years since the legendary Ronnie James Dio passed away after a battle with cancer. But his music continues to live on - as heard by the upcoming The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2 and Dio Disciples tour dates.

 

 

CONFIRMED DIO DISCIPLES TOUR DATES:

 

Sat 20 Oct Anaheim, CA, House of Blues
Tue 23 Oct Seattle, WA, El Corazon
Wed 24 Oct Portland, OR, Hawthorne
Fri 26 Oct Las Vegas, NV, Hard Rock on Strip
Sat 27 Oct Tempe, AZ, Club Red
Sun 28 Oct Ventura, CA, Ventura Theatre
Wed 31 Oct Hollywood, CA, The Avalon (RJD SUASCF Charity Show)
Thu 08 Nov Ft Wayne, IN, Pierre's
Sat 10 Nov Detroit,MI, Harpos
Tue 13 Nov Portland, ME, Asylum
Thu 15 Nov Sayerville, NJ, Starland
Sat 17 Nov Amityville, NY, Revolution
Tue 20 Nov Allentown, PA, Crocodile Rock

 

 

To celebrate the release of "The Very Beast Of Dio Vol. 2," Dio Disciples will be the featured guest on the nationally syndicated radio show ROCKLINE with host Bob Coburn Wednesday October 10, 2012 at 8:30pm PDT / 11:30pm EDT.
Fans are encouraged to call to speak with Dio’ Disciples toll free at 1-800-344-ROCK (7625).

For a station near you and for information regarding how to log onto the Internet for the broadcast go to:

www.RocklineRadio.com

 

The show will be streamed on the Rockline website for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.

Official website:

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

 

 

 In a related update from Toby Jepson

 

 

 

 

Toby Jepson (Little Angels, Gun, Fastway), who had been singing alongside Tim 'Ripper' Owens, on Dio Disciples European live dates, paying tribute to legend Ronnie James Dio, has posted on Facebook why he will not be joining the band on the US Tour:

 

"In case anyone is wondering, I've bowed out of Dio's Disciples for their forthcoming US tour due to prior commitments. I wish Tim, Simon (Wright), Craig (Goldy), Scott (Warren) and Steve well and happy rockin!!! See ya soon!"

 

In response to his fans comments on Facebook, folowing his announcement, he added this:

"Thanks for the great comments everyone, I'm gutted not to be part of the US tour this time around, but I know the lads will put on stunning shows as ever.

I am currently producing two albums that have been in play for several months and then straight into the Angels tour so it was impossible to commit. Hopefully, I will be back next time around!

It's been an honour, and one I will cherish. Good luck to Oni and all! You Rock!

 

Toby will be playing UK live dates with the Little Angels, in December with Skin opening for them.

Good luck Toby!
 

 

 

Weblinks:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/toby.jepson

http://www.littleangelsofficial.com/

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

 

 

 

ISSA to revisit a dozen AOR Classics on her new album "Can’t Stop"

 

 

 

 

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of ISSA’s third album entitled “Can’t Stop” on November 2nd in Europe and November 5th in North America.

 

 

“Can’t Stop” is a very special album for ISSA, since it includes some blistering versions of carefully selected hidden AOR gems that the singer treats her own way. 

These tracks have been originally included on albums by Mark Free, Aviator, 21 Guns, Atlantic, Regatta, Worrall, Blvd, Tower City and other AOR luminaries.

 

 

Issa has created her own style and approach to Melodic Rock by mixing her peculiar and unique melodic sensibility with a rocking attitude which is unseen in today’s Pop singers: real rock with a commercial sheen. These reworkings show how Issa is at ease when working on classic AOR musical material.

 

 

 “Serafino at Frontiers came up with the concept of me recording an album of some loved and cult melodic rock songs and sent me through the song choices” says Issa “Some I was familiar with, like Tower City’s “Surrender” and Mark Free’s “State of Love”, but several others were new to me.

I thought the songs that suited me best are  “Just a Wish” and “These Eyes” originally recorded by 21 Guns. They have nice structures and ballad like intros that build to a big chorus. Can't Stop is a great rocker too and I love the melodies and lyrics in the Tower City track”.

 

 

Issa versions of these amazing tracks ooze class and update to the modern day some truly immortal melodies with some masterful arrangements provided by producer Alessandro Delvecchio (Hardline). Since her debut “Sign of Angels”, Issa has often been compared to such music stars as Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne and Amy Lee (Evanescence). Though she is now ready to take her legitimate place in between the great AOR chanteuses such as Ann Wilson and Robin Beck. 

“Can’t Stop” shows that Issa is a solid Rock Music star and a true uprising Rock diva, who is set to alight hearts and minds of Melodic Rock fans for the years to come.

 

 

 

 

“Promoting this album is my priority for now with some live dates around Europe” concludes Issa.

“I have 3 albums now so my set is really cool. I've been doing a lot more songwriting as well for my next original album which i hope we can start working on at some point next year”.

 

“Can’t Stop” includes the following tracks:

Can't Stop; Power Over Me; Wherever I Run; Just A Wish; If You Ever Fall;  Do You Ever Think Of Me; Dream On; Stranded; Heat Of The Night; I Won't Surrender; State Of Love; These Eyes.

 Click to view a the album EPK:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji_4MCd6z2E

 You can enjoy the first single “Can’t Stop” streaming on the Frontiers Records webradio www.frontiers.it/webradio

 

ISSA:

Issa (Isabell Oversveen) - Lead Vocals
Alessandro Del Vecchio – Keyboards
Mario Percudani – Guitars
Anna Portaluppi – Bass
Alessandro Mori - Drums

 

 

Issa Weblinks:
http://www.facebook.com/issa.oversveen
http://www.myspace.com/isabelloversveen

Frontiers Records website:
www.frontiers.it

 

 

Some Brief Rock Updates ...

 

 

Toto new website

 

 

 

 

Yes, those wonderful exponents of melodic rock Toto, have officially just launched their new website.

Toto is excited to introduce our new updated website, www.totoofficial.com.

This is the first step in the amazing journey towards the celebration of our 35th Anniversary in 2013. The new site introduces a lot of new features, and we will be continually adding content. This is all in preparation for our new 35th Anniversary site coming soon.

 

 Thank you for sharing this exciting new chapter as we launch totoofficial.com for all our fans to enjoy!

 

I have to tell you, if you've missed the band live and have been weighing up, whether or not to go and see them, go over to the new site and check out the forty second promo video, it's great!

 

 http://www.totoofficial.com/

 

 

 

HELLO QUO! - The Documentary

 

 

 

Status Quo will celebrate the new cinema release of the definitive fly on the wall documentary HELLO QUO! on Monday 22nd October 2012.

Directed by Emmy Award nominee Alan G. Parker (Monty Python: Almost the Truth, Who Killed Nancy), HELLO QUO! tells the candid story of Status Quo’s 50 years as a touring and recording rock band, fully supported by the group and featuring input from a host of the biggest names in rock – including: Brian May of Queen, Thin Lizzy, Buzzcocks, Slade, Paul Weller, Sir Cliff Richard and Midge Ure.

The documentary exclusively features the moment when the original line up of the band met again for the first time in over 30 years at Shepperton Studios. A truly poignant reunion, after years of legal wrangling, saw the band not only clear the air but also plug in and play together once again.

On Monday 22nd October Quo will make an appearance at a special one night only screening of HELLO QUO! in London’s Leicester Square followed by an exclusive Q&A session with Director Alan G. Parker and Francis (Rossi) and Rick (Parfitt).

See an exclusive sneak preview from the film thanks to our friends at Classic Rock Magazine: www.classicrockmagazine.com

The DVD, Blu-ray and Collectors Edition DVD of HELLO QUO! will go on sale on 29th October.

 

Pre-order links can be found over at Quo's site here:
http://www.statusquo.co.uk

 

 

 

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT OFFERS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MERRIMENT

TWISTED SISTER
A TWISTED XMAS – LIVE IN LAS VEGAS
 

 

 

 

 

~ON DVD, CD, AND DIGITAL VIDEO/AUDIO OCTOBER 30~
 

New York, NY (September 27, 2012)–On October 30, 2012, Eagle Rock Entertainment will deliver an early holiday treat, with the release of Twisted Sister’s A Twisted Xmas – Live In Las Vegas on DVD, CD, and Digital Video/Audio.

 

Previously available only on DVD, as part of the 2011 Bars To The Stars 5 DVD boxed set, A Twisted Christmas features the classic tracks “I Wanna Rock”, and “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll” alongside such Christmas favorites as “White Christmas,” “Deck The Halls,” “12 Days Of Christmas,” and many more. “O Come, All Ye Faithful” gets a very special Twisted treatment, with a music bed of “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” 

This is the kind of Christmas spirit that only Twisted Sister can unleash, produced as always by Twisted Sister bassist extraordinaire Mark "The Animal" Mendoza.

Vocalist Dee Snider (or Snider Claus, taking the stage in Santa’s suit), guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda, bassist Mark Mendoza, and drummer A.J. Pero took the merriment on the road in 2006, following the release of their holiday album A Twisted Christmas. This tinsel-trimmed, heavy metal holiday extravaganza, filmed in Las Vegas, has also become an annual tradition in New York City.
 

 

“The Twisted Sister Live in Las Vegas performance was the realization of all that the show could be,” states French. “It brought together all the elements which made the Twisted Christmas album such a huge success combining the unique transformation of some of the world's greatest Christmas classics done in pure Heavy Metal style with extraordinary visuals. The energy of the live performance on the recording reflects our own shock and awe as we, the band, watched our dreams unfold.  It really was A December to Remember.”

A Twisted Xmas – Live In Las Vegas offers a unique Xmas show from a truly original band.  “Mistletoe and Wine” this is not…
 

 TRACK LISTING

DVD:
1) Intro* 
2) Have Yourself A Merry Christmas 
3) White Christmas 
4) Shoot ‘Em Down 
5) I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 
6) You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll 
7) Deck The Halls 
8) The Price 
9) Come All Ye Faithfull 
10) Burn In Hell 
11) Drum Solo* 
12) Silver Bells 
13) I’ll Be Home For Christmas 
14) Satan Claus!* 
15) I Wanna Rock 
16) 12 Days Of Christmas 
17) We’re Not Gonna Take It
* = not on CD

 

Twisted Sister:
http://www.twistedsister.com/

 

Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:
Facebook: 

www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews

YouTube:

www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv

 

VICIOUS RUMORS to Release Live Album!

 

 

Live You to Death Available November 27th in North America on Steamhammer/SPV 
The legendary US metal band VICIOUS RUMORS are back with a thundering new live CD called: Live You to Death.

The power of the band`s live show is now finally caught on CD!

2011 was the year the band stormed European stages with their highly acclaimed studio album Razorback Killers playing 92 shows in 12 months!

 

This new live album was recorded last December on the European tour with the mighty Hammerfall. It features 11 songs , 9 classics and 2 very special studio recordings including
''Sign of the Southern Cross" by Black Sabbath and "Running Wild " by Judas Priest.

 

"We wanted to do a few covers of our metal gods Sabbath and Priest as a tribute to where it all started" said guitarist Geoff Thorpe. "VICIOUS RUMORS is known for their wicked live performance and Live You to Death captures the fire and energy of VICIOUS RUMORS live and in your face!"

 

 

Recorded by Pontus Norgren of Hammerfall, mixed by Juan Urteaga and produced by Geoff Thorpe the live album will be released through Steamhammer/SPV in Germany on November 23rd, Europe November 26th and in the USA November 27th!

 

Tracklisting:

1) Replicant / Digital Dictator
2) Minute to Kill
3) Murderball
4) Lady Took A Chance (intro) / Down To The Temple
5) Abandoned
6) Let The Garden Burn
7) Hellraiser
8) Soldiers Of The Night
9) Don't Wait For Me
10) Sign Of The Southern Cross (cover-version Black Sabbath)
11)Running Wild (cover-version Judas Priest)

 

Track 1-9: recorded live on the Hammerfall-Tour Autumn / Winter 2011

 

Vicious Rumors live 2012/2013:

 

11/1: Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
11/2: Portland, OR @ The Tonic
11/3: Vancouver, WA @ Malibu`s
11/29: Oakland, CA @ The New Parish\
12/1: Hollywood, CA @ The Joint

 

For More Info Visit:

http://www.viciousrumors.com  http://www.spv.de 
 

 

 

 

 And finally ....

Any metal vocalists out there looking for new gig?

Metadox “Open Call for Vocalist”

Frank Tosi, the driving force behind New York’s DesDemon, resurrects his band Metadox after the demise of DesDemon and announces an open call for a vocalist. 


Originally established in 2001, Metadox had rose quickly in the New York metal circles when signing with Metal Mayhem Music, to opening for respected artists Dragonforce, Kamelot, and Moonspell. 
The band imploded prematurely during their studio recording sessions in 2006.  
Frank Tosi mentions “Metadox deserved a lot more than what was afforded at the time. I'm a little older now, I have more knowledge, contacts, and  I'm a much better musician now.  As much as I will always love and cherish the good points of what DesDemon became, I know Metadox will be much more appealing to a broader spectrum of metal fans."

Metadox is currently holding vocalist auditions globally. 
If interested and have the passion and the vocal range similar to: Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Iced Earth, King Diamond, Huntress, Slayer, or Firewind, then contact us. 

Frank Tosi states, “We are looking for someone who is seasoned, dedicated, have similar interests, able to front a band, and write quality lyrics”. 

Metadox will revamp their existing material and collaboratively write new music for pre-production of their debut release.  

Provide some information about yourself, any audio, video, or EPK links.

All interested, please contact Frank Tosi at: Auditions@MetadoxMetal.com
           
Weblinks:
www.metadoxmetal.com
www.exilemetal.com


 

 

Loverboy – ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival’ album review

Loverboy – ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival’ album review

Released on: Frontiers Records. Relase date: Available now.

 

Boy, is there a lot of good albums doing the rounds this year, each year it does seem that the quality of material available in the hard / melodic rock genre, seems to go from strength to strength.

 

 So the thing is who remembers a certain Canadian band from the 80’s by the name of Loverboy?

Some people sadly may well say who cares?!

 

Well, the thing is, if you ever liked any of their material back then at all and / or you do like good, catchy and hook laden songs, with big old easy to remember – and sing-along …! – choruses, then seriously, go and track this one down.

 

The band are back together and have been for some time now, minus sadly, long time bassist Scott Smith who was lost at sea in a tragic boating accident, where a freak wave washed him overboard, in a shark infested San Francisco bay, back in 2000.

In 2001 the band announced Kenneth "Spider" Sinnaeve as Scott’s replacement and he’s been there ever since.

 

The current line up is:

Mike Reno - Vocals

 Paul Dean - Guitars

 Doug Johnson - Keyboards

 Matt Frenette – Drums

 Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve – Bass

 
 

The band is currently on a bit of a resurgence, as they are currently on tour, alongside other 80’s greats, Journey and Pat Benatar.

 

 So what do we have here then?

Well, there are three brand new tracks, alongside re-recorded versions of some of their best known songs and other favorites of the bands.

 

Opening with the hugely infectious title track, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival,’ they don’t hold back and it really is to these ears, as strong as anything like ‘Working For the Weekend’ or say ‘Turn Me Loose’ or any other band favourite. Great start here guys!

 

Then ‘No Tomorrow’ really reminds of some latter years Bon Jovi material.

I actually really enjoy this and it’s funny, as I really don’t understand why on the strength of these new songs, why they couldn’t have done what REO, Kiss, Foreigner, Journey, etc, have done with Walmart and negotiated a release of re-recorded hits, plus a full new album and live DVD, in the same triple pack, that those bands have done.

 

‘Heartbreaker’ is no less strong. It’s different from the previous two, but I think it has just a little bit more modern a pop rock sound, but in a good way. Again, great track.

So next we get to the re-recordings …
 

‘Turn Me Loose’ is the first of these and what I do hear that stands out, is the raunchier intro sound of Paul Dean’s guitar and throughout, there’s a few more little squeals and short breaks from the guy.
More emphasis is clear on the backing / harmony vocals and a much richer overall sound.

More cowbell please! Certainly the cowbell that kicks off ‘Working For The Weekend,’ is certainly loud and clear.

There is clearly more going on with both keyboards and guitars than originally or maybe they’ve just emphasized them a little more on this new version. 

 

‘Lovin’ Every Minute of It’ is next and it’s good but perhaps Doug Johnson’s keyboards are a little more overpowering than they need to be, with Paul Dean’s guitar, a little further back in the mix. What is pretty cool is this new version is significantly extended, with some good interplay between Johnson and Dean, further in.

 

Next up is ‘The Kid is Hot Tonight,’ which is without doubt fuller in sound, with what seems to be a case of overplaying, I wonder how many tracks were used to record each song, especially this one.

No question to me that they certainly did put a lot into re-recording this album.

 It’s ‘Lucky Ones’ next which captures loads of sound sampling and once again reflects lots of extras used in the recording of this new album.

 

Strange choice perhaps next with ‘Always On My Mind,’ from the band’s first album and it’s a track that sounds very different than most of the preceding tracks here, as it’s a lot more simplistic, not too much going on.

Easy going pop number, not a power ballad, but certainly laid back.

 

‘Queen of Broken Hearts’ from the ‘Keep It Up’ album is next and to be honest, it shows that I haven’t listened to Loverboy for some time and seriously, I don’t believe I ever saw the band live, in all the gigs I’ve been to. I didn’t recognize the song until I heard the chorus, then it rang some bells.
Remember, I’m from England and these guys were not a band that did much chart wise over there.
Sounds OK here …

 

Another one from ‘Get Lucky,’ in the ballad ‘When It’s Over,’ and again there’s clearly much more going on here, than on the original version, so it sound richer for it.

 

‘Hot Girl’s In Love,’ is the album’s closer here and again, good, strong catchy tune and no complaints with it …, but …

I was a huge fan of one of the bands least successful and very much overlooked albums, ‘Wildside’ and I supposed I would’ve loved to have heard something on here from that, especially the opening track ‘Notorious,’ that was actually co-written by a certain Jon Bon Jovi.

Ah well, maybe Jon wouldn’t let them use it again, without a big paycheck for himself!

 

This really is a good album, that I could easily play again and again and in fact, I have done so!

Love the three new songs and would’ve certainly preferred a full new album of fresh material over a bunch of re-recorded hits.

Maybe they’ll be inspired if they get good live response to the new songs, to do a full new album, I’m hoping so for sure.

 

Rating:

For overall quality and enjoyment – 4.5 out of 5

In terms of freshness overall – 3.75 out of 5

 

Final word goes out to the band ... Please record an album of completely new material!

 

Official website:

http://www.loverboyband.com

 

 

Various Artists – Rick Springfield Working Class Dogs Tribute album review

Various Artists – Rick Springfield Working Class Dogs Tribute album review

Released on: Melodic Rock Records. Release date: Available now

 

 

Andrew McNiece (Melodicrock.com) has never hidden his perhaps, unrivalled admiration of Rick Springfield’s musical abilities and to be honest, I don’t blame him, as I often feel a very similar mindset. Of course, let’s not forget that both Andrew and Rick are both Aussie music lovers!

I got over the fact that the guy did the TV Soap Opera ‘General Hospital,’ respecting the fact that the guy was a musician first and foremost and long before he started doing ‘General Hospital’ in the early 80’s. He actually started his musical career in 1969, so if you’re thinking the guy got on the musical bandwagon after his TV success, you’d be sorely mistaken!

 

Anyway, enough on that, I just wanted to set the record straight, before rockers start questioning why I would give anything Rick Springfield related, the time of day.

You can also check out my review of the man’s ‘Venus In Overdrive’ review, from when I wrote for About.com, right here:

 http://80music.about.com/od/reviewsrecommendation1/fr/springfieldCD.htm

The man has some serious, rockin’ musical talent and has written and performed some great songs, cue this release.

 

Andrew McNiece and Shawn C. Lane (Fastlane Records) have called upon the services of many of their ‘world of rock’ contacts and some very respectable ones at that too, to play on this tribute to Rick Sprngfield.

For example, James Christian (House of Lords) takes on perhaps one of Rick’s lesser known songs in ‘Right Planet, Wrong World,’ Eric Martin (Mr. Big) and Vic Rivera (Ted Poley) cover ‘Souls,’ Steve Newman (Newman) and Vinny Burns (Dare, Ten, Steve Overland) play ‘Human Touch’ and a host of others, provide their interpretations on some great Springfield material.

 

US rockers Waltham, who were some years back tipped for great things – I still think that ‘Waltham’ CD/DVD was a winner! – open proceedings with ‘Light of Love,’ which was always a good live track for Rick and these guys rock it well!

Good opener indeed!

 

Possibly the guy’s best known hit, ‘Jessie’s Girl’ is covered by the lesser known American Anthem, who come across a little like Green Day, a little punky, but it certainly throws an edge at the song. Sung and presented well though.

 

‘Love Somebody’ next is covered by Handsome Devil, a Californian punk band, who have actually been around for a while and they actually cover it well, although at the very end it cuts off a little funny.

 

Gary Schutt (Jeff Scott Soto) covers ‘Carry Me Away’ really well and it actually captures an almost Styx like sound. Sweet!

 

For ‘I Get Excited,’ we get another borderline punk edginess about from CJ Szuter, who is another artist I really know very little if anything about, except that he was once a part of Ohio band Magna-Fi. Still not too shabby at all though.

 

I have always loved the song ‘I’ve Done Everything For You’ dated back to hearing Sammy Hagar playing it live in the 80’s, but here we get another band that I have no previous knowledge of, The Meddling Kids.
Once more, an unknown artist to me surprises me!

 
Springfield’s band backs Tom Cinefro for ‘Kristina’ and it’s very classy actually.

Seriously, this tribute has done nothing but pleasingly surprise me with hearing a bunch of artists I’ve previously known nothing about, pay tribute musically to Rick Springfield’s back catalogue.  

This tribute continues with some big names in the AOR game next, with Mr. Big vocalist Eric Martin, joined by classy guitar slinger Vic Rivera (Ted Poley, Adriangale) for ‘Souls.’ To this reviewer, Eric Martin is one of those vocalists that never seems to sing anything wrong and Vic is no slouch either. Nice one guys.

 

Argentinian band Hardway are joined by Trillion vocalist Thom Griffin for a very Toto like ‘Stranger In My House.’

This just sounds so slick … Would love to hear more from Hardway. Very good indeed!

 

House of Lords main man James Christian is joined by Jeff Silverman for an ‘interesting’ version of ‘Right Planet, Wrong World,’ kind of electronic sounding ala what John Parr and many others back in the day would put out. Think of some of the sampling sound of ‘Naughty, Naughty,’ and you’ll understand perhaps where I’m coming from.

 

Slick production is generally present throughout this album, that is until 7^th Heaven’s version of ‘Affair of the Heart’ which at times sounds distorted. I know they’re messing with the speaker to speaker effect, but that’s OK, it’s just sad when a band of their talent, doesn’t get a good overall sound. Shame, as I really do like these guys.

Steve Newman (Newman) is joined by Vinny Burns (Dare, Ten, Burns Blue) for ‘Human Touch’ and of course, Steve Newman is no beginner to the studio and has done some great work on engineering / producing his own Newman work and others and this track sounds spot on for performance. Of course, Steve Newman does not sound like Rick Springfield, but it’s certainly got the energy!



‘Calling All Girls’ is significantly different, edgier, punky metal type edge, from Brand New Machine.


Keith LuBrant (?), another stranger to me to be honest, but he takes on ‘Rock Of Life’ and he can certainly play some guitar though and vocally it’s good.
Really makes me think of Billy Squier’s ‘The Stroke’ though. More so than when Rick plays it ...


Well, Paul Sidoti was another name that didn’t ring any bells, but then if I’d taken notice of Andrew’s (McNiece) press release, I would’ve realized he was Taylor Swift’s guitar player. Well, I guess it kind of shows on ‘What Kind Of Fool Am I?’
It’s a very well presented, easy going pop rock version of Rick’s song.


‘Tear It All Down’ by Mitch Malloy and Vinny Burns is a pretty cool song, I hadn’t heard the original from Rick before actually – No I don’t have ‘Rock of Life.‘ – so it was kind of new to me. Likewise to be honest, I am very guilty of not being familiar with Mitch Malloy’s previous work, so didn’t know his voice and yes I know he’s released a bunch of albums and worked with some great players … Lack of time and money previously.
Sorry Mitch, I do like how you sound, so I must investigate more!
Vinny I know and have always respected. Nice one guys!


Barely Pink cover ‘Don’t Talk To Strangers,’ in fact very well.
They are apparently often compared to Cheap Trick, I think there’s a little City Boy about them too actually. Not bad.


Who is Fig???! Band?! Solo artist?!
This guy’s voice, very much reminds me of Robbie Williams.
You could probably be a big hit over in England!
‘Wasted’ is the track covered here, one of Rick’s lesser known tracks, from his ‘Shock, Denial, Anger, Acceptance,’ album.
This really sounds alternative / indie like, but then that album was quite the mix itself. It’s OK.


Another pretty much unknown player – to me – Clay Howard covers ‘Beautiful You’ and it doesn’t do too much for me really.


Wrapping the album up, ‘Living in Oz’ is presented by Endway …, no, I hadn’t heard of them either, but I do like what they do and this really rocks along in a very modern rock style.
Good stuff guys, I’ll have to keep an ear out for these guys in future.


So overall there’s more good and very good music here, than simply ‘ok’ stuff and for a tribute album with twenty tracks on, to give a nod to Rick Springfield, its worth checking out for sure and I for one will be looking into finding out more about some of the acts here too!
So, hat's off to Andrew and Shawn for pulling this off!
Enjoyable release.


Rating: 4 out of 5


Weblinks:
www.melodicrock.com
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