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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Brief News Update for Wednesday 28th June, 2011

Todd Rundgren confirms intimate UK concerts in October

Todd Rundgren, rock and roll icon, guitar genius, interactive progenitor, consummate singer-songwriter and record producer, will get up close and personal with four rare UK concerts in October 2011.

Todd will be performing “An Evening with Todd Rundgren”, universally described by the US press as “The greatest hits tour his fans have been waiting to see for years.”

Dates include HMV Ritz, Manchester on Saturday October 1st, and the London Jazz Café on Monday October 3rd, Tuesday October 4th and Wednesday October 5th. Tickets go on sale from 10:00 GMT on Tuesday June 28th. Ticket Hotline: 08700 603 777, http://www.seetickets.com/.

The October 2011 dates mark Rundgren’s first UK shows since 2010’s sold-out London Hammersmith Apollo concert where he performed the entirety of his 1973 milestone album A Wizard, A True Star. An acclaimed record producer, composer, songwriter and recording artist, Rundgren is widely regarded as the acknowledged godfather of the marriage of music and multimedia. Having founded and fronted The Nazz, the quintessential `60's power-pop psychedelic band, in 1969 he left them to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, the classic Runt.
It was 1972's seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight. Among Rundgren's impressive 50+ production projects are albums by Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, Hall & Oates, and Meat Loaf’s multi-platinum debut Bat Out Of Hell.
Read the official online press release and download hi-res photos - http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/meanfiddler/ToddRundgren.htm


Dream Theater new track available and new album details

Progressive rock favourites Dream Theater share some new music with fans, this update from the bands website:

Be The First To Listen To Dream Theater's New Track!

Roadrunner Records and Dream Theater are proud to announce the premiere of Dream Theater's new track "On The Backs Of Angels" taken from their highly anticipated upcoming album "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" due out this September.
Tune into Roadrunner Records' YouTube channel this Wednesday, June 29th from 11 AM EST to stream the new track!
http://www.youtube.com/roadrunnerrecords

Here's the press release for the forthcoming new Dream Theater album:

Progressive titans Dream Theater have announced the title/release date of their new album.

(New York, NY): The recent announcement that Mike Mangini would be joining DREAM THEATER, replacing departed drummer Mike Portnoy, caused such fanfare that Mangini was a trending topic on Twitter, second only to Will and Kate's recent nuptuals!
Now, the band have finally revealed more about their imending new opus - 'A Dramatic Turn of Events.'
The much-anticipated platter, which marks Mangini's recorded debut, will be released via Roadrunner Records on September 12th and will be supported by a massive world tour.


"I'm incredibly psyched with the way this album came out and can't wait to share it with everybody," guitarist John Petrucci, who also serves as the album's producer, said. "We are currently in the mix stage with the great Andy Wallace and it's all sounding amazing!"


"We have poured our hearts and minds into the creation of this album," keyboardist Jordan Rudess continues. "All the life changing events that surrounded us before, as well as during the whole process, fueled our desire to dig deep within ourselves and create the best music we possibly could."
Vocalist James LaBrie adds, "In the grand scheme of Dream Theater's career, the last several months have been such an incredibly positive, fulfilling and rewarding experience. The new songs and sound has never been so spirited or rejuvenating. I cannot wait for every one of our fans to sink their audio senses into this batch of tunes."

The track listing for 'A Dramatic Turn of Events' is as follows:

1. On the Backs of Angels
2. Build Me Up, Break Me Down
3. Lost Not Forgotten
4. This is the Life
5. The Shaman's Trance
6. Outcry
7. Far From Heaven
8. Breaking All Illusions
9. Beneath The Surface

Official band website:
 http://www.dreamtheater.net/


STRYPER - NEW US FALL TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED!
After having already toured the US in certain market areas in support of their latest release, 'The Covering,' Stryper are to hit the North American road again in the Fall.
This slight update from the band's site.

As promised, Stryper is booking more tour dates!
Check out the TOUR DATES section for the latest dates. More dates will be added as they are confirmed!
http://www.stryper.com/Tour/Dates/dates.htm


 

XorigiN “State of the Art” – an AOR newcomer not to be missed!
Hailing from Scandinavia, XorigiN is the newest addition to the Frontiers Records ever expanding roster of artists and will release their debut album entitled “State of the Art” on August 23rd in North America and August 26th in Europe.



The band was originally named Orange Crush and was formed in Los Angeles in 1999, while the members where studying music at the Musicians Institute. The founding members Johannes Stole (vocals) and Daniel Palmqvist (guitar) later returned to their home countries of Norway and Sweden and continued collaborating on various projects in between their other engagements. Johannes is currently a sought after session singer/artist in Oslo, Norway and has released 2 critically acclaimed albums with progressive rock band Slaves To Fashion.
Daniel has released a well received instrumental solo album, appeared as a session guitarist on a number of albums and is the former guitarist for the band The Murder Of My Sweet



Melodic hard rock with a modern edge would be a fitting description of XorigiN's music.
Musically they draw on influences such as Toto, Giant, Journey and Yes (“90125”/”Big Generator” era) to name a few, but still keeping their own personal sound and musical identity intact. Strong melodies, well crafted songs and catchy vocal arrangements are their trademark. “It is our version of what AOR should sound like, catchy melodic tunes with rocking guitars and big hooks!”, says Johannes, “Our musical influences definitely shine through, but there’s also something uniquely ours mixed in there as well” adds Daniel.
“State of the Art” was produced by Daniel Flores (Mind’s Eye, The Murder of My Sweet) and promises to put the band on the radar of all the classic Melodic Rock fans! You will certainly hear more from these guys “We're in this for the long run and are already writing for the next album” says Stole while Palmqvist adds “Hopefully the album will be well received and we certainly have a wish to take these songs to the stage”.
“State of the Art” includes the following songs
Can´t Keep Running; Crying For You; In The Blink Of An Eye; Too Late; Gina; This Is It; The One For Me; Said And Done; Matters To The Heart; What Love Is All About; Mend My Heart. Includes bonus videoclip Can’t Keep Running.

You can enjoy the album trailer following this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdGgf7DfEDw

“Can’t Keep Running” can be streamed and listened to in full on the Frontiers Records web radio: http://www.frontiers.it/webradio

Weblinks: www.myspace.com/xorigin /
http://www.frontiers.it/



Johnny Winter releases "Live Rockpalast 1979" DVD and
Live Rockpalast 1979 features Johnny Winter and his three piece band live on Germany's famous Rockpalast TV show in 1979... Straight up blues like only Johnny can deliver, lean and mean. Johnny and the band also blaze through some killer covers like the Rolling Stones' "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Suzie Q."
Of this program, guitar journalist Sean McDevitt writes:
Cover Art

Johnny Winter had nothing to prove by the time April of 1979 arrived. Thirty-five years old, he was an established international star and already a decade removed from his seminal 1969 debut-a groundbreaking record followed by an unforgettable appearance at Woodstock, scores of sold-out arenas, a well documented stint in drug rehabilitation, and a steady stream of celebrated albums.
But as this performance makes clear, Winter's musical soul wasn't entirely at peace the night he stepped before a massive audience in Essen, Germany, to record a performance for the popular German television program Rockpalast ("Rock Palace"). The Texan, armed with his Gibson Firebird was on a mission to reaffirm for his audience-including millions watching the broadcast across Europe-his devotion to the blues, the music that consumed him as a young man during the 1950s and '60s but was later cast aside as rock stardom beckoned.
The proof can be found in the night's setlist: "Hideaway," the guitar workout made famous by Freddie King, kicks things off. It's followed by "Messin' with the Kid," a staple of Chicago harp master Junior Wells. "Walkin' by Myself," co-penned by another Chicago great, Jimmy Rogers, follows.
But it's not just what Winter plays that tells the tale; it's what he says. "I hope there's some people out there that get off on blues," he offers. "I know we've got a lot of rock and rollers. But you've gotta remember that if it wasn't for the blues, there wouldn't be no rock and roll."
And with that, the master goes deep into the Delta, unleashing a breathtaking, 17-minute reading of Willie Brown's "Mississippi Blues," an undeniable highlight of this unforgettable night. Winter follows up with Sleepy John Estes' "Divin' Duck" before attacking Dale Hawkins' "Susie Q."
Ever gracious, on "I'm Ready," Johnny picks up a bass as his bassist fires away on guitar. The arrangement continues for "Rockabilly Boogie," a joyous performance replete with some crowd-pleasing showmanship. But then it's back to the blues.
"Well I know I'm fighting a losing battle, but I'm gonna to try to do some more blues," Winter says. "I hope there's somebody out there that might understand what that is and might want to hear a little bit of it." And with that, Johnny delivers a master class medley that leads off with Robert Johnson's "Stones in My Passway."
The artist finally throws a bone to the rock enthusiasts with a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash." But it's best to think of this offering as a reward, not a concession. Johnny Winter's statement on this night had long since been made.

Check out a You Tube clip for the DVD right here:
To get a hold of a copy of of this:



AXEL RUDI PELL TO RELEASE "THE BALLADS IV" SEPTEMBER 27TH IN NORTH AMERICA ON SPV/STEAMHAMMER
 
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Another seven years has passed since the release of the "The Ballads III"  from Axel Rudi Pell. Seven years of writing, recording and collecting even more emotional and melancholic songs. To keep with the tradition, the band decided to record 3 brand new tracks for this ballad compilation.
Here is a short introduction by AXEL himself to every new song in the specific running order:

WHERE THE WILD WATERS FLOW -"My own composition in the true ARP ballad style.
This song is not about love, it has a more mysterious content and it captures the long and hopeless journey of human beings trying to get away from some dark nights. One can apply this to many different thoughts and situations nowadays. I definitely think that this song is one of the strongest ballads I´ve ever written with a hookline that will stick to everyone´s ears !"

HOLY DIVER - "As everybody knows, my soul mate and friend Ronnie James Dio sadly passed away last year. It was very clear to me I needed to use one of his songs to pay him tribute. It had to be a song, which was very easily recognizable as one of his tunes and therefore I picked "Holy Diver". Of course the original track isn´t a ballad, so I decided to re-arrange the song completely and we made a Piano version out of it, featuring some Orchestra strings, a Cello and a clean and melodic guitar solo. Johnny gave his very best vocal performance and after the track was finished, there were lots of tears in some eyes..."

HALLELUJAH - "At least one of the best ballads around. Originally written and released by Leonard Cohen in 1984, it wasn´t his version giving me the idea to cover this tune. Actually it was all the good and bad performances of some TV casting show participants, who gave me the real kick to create one of the, hopefully, ultimate versions of this song. We recorded a children´s choir for this, which fits perfectly to Johnny´s emotional and soulful voice. There are 2 different versions of this track: the CD album version which features a slightly wilder guitar solo and the "Single" (and downloadable) version which features a calmer guitar solo. "

"The Ballads IV" will be released as standard version and digital download in North America through SPV/Steamhammer.

"The Ballads IV" - Tracklisting:
1) WHERE THE WILD WATERS FLOW (new song)
2) HOLY DIVER (new song)
3) HALLELUJAH (new song)
4) NORTHERN LIGHTS
5) NOBLESSE OBLIGE (Opus #5 Adagio Contabile)
6) LOVE GUN
7) GLORY NIGHT
8) IN THE AIR TONIGHT
9) TOUCHING MY SOUL
10) LIKE A CHILD AGAIN
11) NO CHANCE TO LIVE
12) HAUNTED CASTLE SERENADE (Opus #4 Grazioso E Agresso)
13) THE CURSE OF THE DAMNED
"Where The Wild Waters Flow", "Holy Diver" and "Hallelujah" were recorded, mixed and co-produced by Charlie Bauerfeind at Twilight Hall Studios in Grefrath, Germany, in May 2011. The CD was mastered by Ulf Horbelt at DMS Mastering Studios in Marl, Germany. The cover illustration was created by Martin McKenna.



 "The Ballads IV" - Release Dates:
Germany: September 23rd, 2011
Europe: September 26th, 2011
USA/Canada: September 27th, 2011
Line-Up:
Johnny Gioeli - Lead und Backing Vocals
Axel Rudi Pell - Lead, Rhythm und Acoustic Guitars
Ferdy Doernberg - Keyboards
Volker Krawczak - Bass
Mike Terrana - Drums
For More Info Visit:


CHICAGO to perform only UK concert in London, on July 6th
CHICAGO, one of the most successful rock’n’roll bands of all time, will perform a special one-off “Greatest Hits” UK concert at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo on Wednesday 6th July. Tickets are available from 0844 888 9991 and 0844 847 1642. Book online: http://www.ticketline.co.uk/, http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/. The London show will be their only UK date this year.
The multi-million selling band’s greatest hits set will include classic songs such as Colour My World, Hard to Say I’m Sorry, Saturday In The Park, and If You Leave Me Now, which reached topped the singles charts, both in the UK and America.



Chicago’s numerous lifetime achievements include multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their record sales are in excess of 100 million; including 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles. Twenty five of their 32 albums have been certified platinum.

Read the official online announcement here - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/kennedy_street/chicago.htm
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Journey – Eclipse album review
Released through: Walmart (USA / Canada), Frontiers (Europe)
Release Date: Available now!

Yes, it’s here!
The new album ‘Eclipse’ from Journey, possibly or should that be probably ..., America’s favorite AOR / Melodic rock band is here!
That of course is a ‘bold’ statement, but based on how fans of the band seem to vote with their feet, in attending the bands’ constant lengthy US road trips and how the fans have once more rallied behind the band and the latest albums, with ‘Revelation’ charting at number five, in Billboards Top 200 back in 2008 and this one having already charted at number thirteen.
Not bad for a band now featuring a lead vocalist they found through You Tube?
To be honest that’s very harsh on the very talented Arnel Pineda, who was previously fronting ‘The Zoo,’ a covers band in the Philippines, but whose talents vocally are all too clear to hear.
Journey,  currently features founder members Neal Schon (Guitars, b/vocals) and Ross Valory (Bass, b/vocals), alongside longtime member since 1980, Jonathan Cain (Keyboards, Guitars, b/vocals), drummer / vocalist Deen Castronovo and the aforementioned, Arnel Pineda.

So, are you all excited? Enjoying it so far, those that have already bought it?
It’s probably going to take a lot of diehard Journey fans some getting into I must say. There’s a distinctly heavier, harder, dare I say almost darker edge to it than anything from the band in years.
It’s clearly a very good piece of work, but it’s taken me a little getting into and I can honestly say, that I have enjoyed every Journey line up, I’ve ever heard over the many years.

 Opening track ‘City of Hope,’ will no doubt keep the diehard fans very happy!
Some nice guitar build up from Neal Schon, with keys easing in with the band close behind and a vocal from Arnel that will keep the old fans of Steve Perry’s vocal style very happy.
I’d just like to add at this point that yes, the band did pick the man to sing for them since he could clearly hit those Perry notes, but he’s also got his own pitch / tone, which you’ll hear throughout the album.

Guitars, alongside hi-hats lead next track ‘Edge of the Moment’ and Schon’s guitar leads this track, right the way through.
Fans of old may be thinking, OK, this sounds a little different and it does, but fans that have stuck with the band since Perry’s departure may well remember the different edge the band kicked in, when Steve Augeri initially replaced Perry.
Augeri for those that didn’t know it, sung on three Journey studio albums over an eight year period.

‘Chain of Love’ starts atmospherically, not unlike an ‘X Files’ intro, as it builds with keyboards growing and swirling, alongside Arnel’s haunting vocal and then in kicks a Led Zeppelin style riff and supporting mystic string sounds through the verses.
The vocal drives a big chorus and this is one track that has really grown on me.
Some seriously nice layers in this six plus minute mini epic track, give it a chance and you’ll grow to love it too!

OK Journey power ballad fans, here’s a track for you starting with strings, piano and vocals before the drums kick in, slightly in and out of time initially and it freaks me and I’ve played the track a number of times back and forth and it still sounds clever. Schon is busy playing his heart (Guitar!) out throughout. When you play it, take a moment here to hear how much he’s squeezing every ounce of sound that he can from his guitar.
It's another long’ish track at just under six and a half minutes and you’ll find that in fact there is just one track that is less than four minutes and that's the closing instrumental.
Everything else on here is pretty much five or six plus minutes long, quite possibly why it takes a little more getting into overall.


‘Anything Is Possible’ starts a little laid back before getting into a mid-paced more commercial (Traditional) Journey style song. Just listen to the big harmonies in the choruses here, much more predominant.
Schon really goes for it toward the latter part of the song, riffing ‘til his heart’s content!
Atmospherics are back on the intro to ‘Resonate’ which is a darker number generally, as it grows and builds to a slower, deeper, yet steady paced number, but Arnel still puts his mark on this with a very strong vocal.
‘She’s A Mystery’ next is quite different again for Journey, a very interesting track, that starts very off the wall if you will, with just the vocals/guitar/bass/strings going, then about a third of the way into the song, just a little hi-hit and some brushes on the snare, then just past the halfway mark it starts to grow and then as it hit hits the final third, it really kicks in and rocks darkly!
This track is actually a co-write between Schon, Cain and Pineda, the only one here from these three..


With ‘Human Feel’ I guess you could almost be forgiven for not thinking we’ve not got a little Santana going on, with the big rhythmic drumming intro that just builds the song up. There’s sound Hammond, some riffing and chunky guitars and big harmony kicks in just before the halfway mark and then Mr. Schon just let’s rip with some serious licks! Another epic like track for sure.

I will say, the band try to get a little more on track to true Journey with ‘Ritual’ next, some synths, piano in a punchy up tempo number, ala ‘Separate Ways’ or ‘Be Good To Yourself,’ although still a little rockier.
One thing that is apparent and is perhaps a little sad is that all songs are written by just Schon and Cain, with the exception of two tracks, the previously mentioned 'She's a Mystery' and the next number ’To Whom It May Concern,’ with input from Arnel and it seems a family member E. Pineda(His wife?), which works towards a more classic Journey sound, but again as much of the album is, it’s another mini epic in its own right.  
‘Someone’ is the last vocal track on the album and it’s a lot more again working the traditional Journey sound, mid to up tempo driven number.
Neal Schon guitar playing is clearly the overall driving sound throughout, more so perhaps than in a long time.
‘Venus’ is an instrumental riff fest for Neal Schon basically; although I think Deen Castronovo is getting quite a free reign on this one too.
The previous album ‘Revelation’ was overall a more safe direction perhaps; whereas with ‘Eclipse’ the band is without doubt trying to reach out to a wider audience and I would say they will most likely win a few new fans with this one too.
It’s a bold move and a bold new world for Journey with a more edgy vibe.
 Let’s hope the old ones aren’t disappointed by lack of more syrupy ballads!
Rating:  4.25 out of 5
Official site: http://www.journeymusic.com/

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Sunday, June 26, 2011

Christopher Cross – Doctor Faith album review

Christopher Cross – Doctor Faith album review
Released through: Edel GmbH / Eagle Rock Entertainment.
Release date: Available now

It’s really been close on twelve years since the last ‘proper’ Christopher Cross in ‘Red Room,’ back in 2000.
The two Christmas albums, I’m sorry, I’m not going to even go there ...

I know there’s been an acoustic release of his best known songs but again, that’s really not new material, so here we are, it’s 2011 and the man that bought a bunch of well-known songs to many and some really well put together albums – ‘Christopher Cross,’ ‘Another Page,’ ‘Every Turn of The World’ and ‘Back of my Mind’ – that were very good indeed, has a new album.
'Doctor Faith' is the product in question and ..., well, if you read through it and like what you read and have a pretty good memory there's giveaway competition at the end ... So read on! 
The guy has had two number one hit singles in the US alone, in ‘Sailing’ and ‘Arthur’s Theme (The Best that you can Do),’ and ‘Ride like the Wind’ was number two on Billboard as well!
 Your thinking, Al, this isn’t rock...? I’m sorry, listen again folks, no it’s not hard rock, well, not even classic rock as such, but you can hear the underlying sound of rock guitar, without doubt. It’s smooth, laid back pop rock, of a class nature.
The man has had some class session musician’s play with him in the past, I’m not going to name them, you go look yourselves, class stuff and the man can play himself, which he’s proven right here too!
In the past, he’s called on many name artists to help out, but on this new one perhaps just two of the special guests will sound familiar, smooth vocalist Michael McDonald (Doobies, Steely Dan) and Eric Johnson, a guitar star in his own right.
Other guests are on Sax, David Mann (James Taylor, Paul Simon, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart) and John Thomas on piano.
The other musicians on the album are drummer Dave Beyer and Mark Browne on bass.

It really is a good album which opens well with ‘Hey Kid’ and this is nice, laid back pop rock / AOR, really with some help on guitar from Eric Johnson on this one! Love it!
Welcome back Christopher, this opener had me hooked and pleased to hear new material from you once again.

‘I’m Too old for This’ is another prime slice in a similar style to ‘Hey Kid,’ very slick stuff indeed and in fact he brings to mind the late, very talented Gerry Rafferty (RIP) to a degree. Really nice track indeed!

In ‘When You Come Home’ it’s time to get laid back for real and he’s got the big old orchestra going on here too, it’s another smooth piece of work, from the man that seems to know just how to present this material so well.
‘Dreamers’ continues the laid back sound, with an almost Celtic touch and his voice sounds as smooth as it ever did with some almost Beach Boy’s style harmonizing, not to mention the absolutely ace of a guitar solo, that gives the song a special lift, sweet!
 The ballad driven style continues with ‘November’ which is simply piano, strings and that man’s slick voice.

Things pick up in an almost Chicago style manner with ‘Leave it To Me’ next, which is a more mid paced number, with some nice brass touches, some nice bass work too. Good stuff, but a guitar break would’ve fitted well too, guess I’m too greedy!?

Michael McDonald helps out mainly with the choruses and the bridge, with the title track, ‘Doctor Faith’ which is a slow to mid-paced number. I do like the drum fill on this, a little fancy, but not overboard.

The way the sax from David Mann brings in the opening of ‘Rescue,’ almost leads, like something on a Steve Lukather or Toto album, but it’s a lot more laid back and moody styled. More smooth sax later in the track too.

Some vibrato to the main man’s guitar on ‘Help Me Cry,’ which is a little more commercial sounding laid back pop ballad, that at times brings to mind Chicago. I guess at times Mr. Cross sounds not unlike Peter Cetera.

Vocally Christopher Cross tries to pick things up with next number ‘Still I Resist,’ but it’s still generally melancholy stuff.
The soulful guitar solo midway through, is brief, but effective.

Time to pick things up just a little with ‘Poor Man’s Ecstasy,’ which although starting slow, kicks up a gear soon enough and wants to rock and you just wonder why the man doesn’t really just let rip sometimes, I reckon he’d be great!
‘Everything’ brings David Mann’s sax back again, along with some strings for a steady, but gentle pop ballad.
Final track ‘Prayin’’ is in a similar style as ‘November’ with vocals, strings, but driven by a lightly strummed acoustic guitar.
So overall, what would people expect from Christopher Cross for a new album? Easy going ballads?
Well if your answer is yes, there are quite a few of them here, a few more upbeat numbers, couple of poppy tunes too, but overall, slick laid back stuff indeed.
The musicianship is all too clearly classy, the numbers that pick up obviously tend to be my favorites and I do wish there were a few more, but the guy has come back with an album that is bound to please the majority of his old fans, looking to reminisce.
If you’re thinking you long to hear numbers like, ‘Sailing,’ ‘Arthur’s Theme’ and ‘Think of Laura’ and I’m sure you’ll be happy with this. I’d have preferred an album more like ‘Back of my Mind,’ but this is still very well done!
 Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Full tracklisting:
Hey Kid
I'm Too Old For This
When You Come Home
Dreamers
November
Leave It To Me
Doctor Faith
Rescue
Help Me Cry
Still I Resist
Poor Man's Ecstasy
Everything
Prayin'

Official website:
http://www.christophercross.com/
So, who is ready to answer a question on Christopher Cross for an autographed copy of 'Doctor Faith' from Christopher Cross, courtesy of Universal Music and a runner up prize of a regular copy of the CD, not autographed?
The first correct answer will get the signed copy, the second correct answer will get the regular copy.

The question is this, Ride Like the Wind was covered in a very different way, in 1988.
Who was the act that did so?

Giveaway rules:
1. Answers to me at: alun_williams@comcast.net
2. Please provide your full name and postal address.
3. The contest is open to US and Canadian residents only.
4. Please understand, there are ONLY  two copies, one signed, one not and the editors decision is final.
 5. Competition closes Friday 1st July, 2011.




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News Update for Sunday 26th June, 2011

Folks, I'm really sorry this is getting to you so late ... I was away on business Thursday and Friday, not getting home until late Friday night and then all day Saturday, out with family at a graduation party and didn't get home from that until late, so ... It's all put me further behind on everything ...
Anyway, here we go with some news items that have actually been in my Inbox since Wednesday that I'm sure my PR contacts aren't best pleased about the delay in getting this info to you.
Apologies to all of those folks.
On a positive note, I will soon be offering a 'new' release, from an artist who has just released his first new music in 12 years.
Not, it's not hard rock, it's a little more laid back, but this guy has had some seriously big hits and those good folks at Universal have provided a signed copy of this guys latest release and there's also another copy, not signed, but hey, it's something for nothing, well, not completely nothing as there WILL be a question. Now that's got you thinking, hasn't it?!
So, onto the news! Cheers, Al


RECORD COVER ARTIST IOANNIS ON TOUR WITH URIAH HEEP



Record cover artist Ioannis (Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, Fates Warning, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Free Reign, UFO, Dokken, Quiet Riot) has just released, for a limited time only, a URIAH HEEP INTO THE WILD cover art print signed by Ioannis and the band.
Each limited edition print is approved and individually hand signed and numbered by Ioannis and the members of URIAH HEEP (Mick Box, Trevor Bolder, Bernie Shaw, Phil Lanzon, and Russell Gilbrook).
This special edition will be limited to these three hundred prints only and will never be reproduced again.
To further, Ioannis will also be appearing on selected dates of the U.S tour with URIAH HEEP to show his work and sign art for the fans.

The remaining selected dates are:
6/27 INFINITY HALL CT.
6/28 LONDONBURRY NH.

To learn more information on these appearances please go to http://www.dangerousage.com/

Also, join the official DANGEROUS AGE FACEBOOK page on the DANGEROUS AGE WEBSITE for a chance to win a original Ioannis drawing.

Uriah Heep official site:

 
UFO ANNOUNCES NEW NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
MINDFLOW TO SUPPORT UFO ON ALL SHOWS
Seminal British rockers UFO have confirmed a new run of North American dates kicking off this September in Santa Rosa, CA. The band will be touring North America in support of their greatest hits collection "Best of a Decade" which is out now on SPV/Steamhammer. UFO is also in the process of working on a new studio album which is scheduled for release in early 2012.
 True rock legends such as UFO are characterized not only by the fact that they have added several classic anthems to the annals of rock history, but that their musical output, after many years, still remains at such a consistently high level and they always have something new and fresh coming up. With classic albums such as "Phenomenon", "Force it" and "No Heavy Pettin" Phil Mogg, Vinnie Moore, Andy Parker and Paul Raymond still sound vital and imaginative to this day.
 Providing direct support on the tour with be Brazilian rockers MINDFLOW.
Their latest release "With Bare Hands" is available now on Nightmare Records. 
Heavy metal, hard rock, modern rock...try to put MINDFLOW's music into a category and you either don't know where to stop or you can't find the words. It's all there - the compelling energy of the rhythm section - drums and bass pounding relentless power.

UFO ON TOUR WITH MINDFLOW
September 2011

9/15: Santa Rosa, CA @ Last Day Saloon
9/16: Sacramento/Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk
9/17: Santa Clara, CA @ Avalon
9/19: Portland, OR @ The Aladdin Theater
9/21: Modesto, CA @ The Fat Cat
9/23: Las Vegas, NV @ Boulder Station Casino
9/24: Los Angeles, CA @The Key Club
9/29: San Juan Capistrano, CA @ The Coach House
October 2011

10/1: San Bernadino, CA @ Orange Raceway
10/6: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
10/7: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Studio
10/8: San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
 For more info visit:



Robert Plant's Blue Note on DVD August 23
In-depth documentary detailing Plant's musical journey,
featuring live performances and rare footage.
Robert Plant's journey through the territories that have most acutely informed and inspired his music is perhaps one of the most multi-faceted of any artist from his generation. In a remarkable career that has spanned five decades, Plant has travelled from gold-maned god of hard rock to balladeering country troubadour, a process of reinvention guided by an ever-expanding musical palette and tireless searches through global song. His fantastic voyage has essayed the plantations of Mississippi, the deserts and townships of Africa and the settlements of the Appalachians.

This film follows Robert's incredible and on-going tour of musical styles and acts as travelogue in its unique approach to documenting and reviewing a career that has been built on endless fascination, consistent experimentation and a unique talent that makes the incorporation of his discoveries into a popular contemporary form seem almost effortless.

Featuring rare footage, performance archive, recorded interviews, contributions from his closest collaborators, expert critique from the finest music writers, plus location film, news reports seldom seen photographs and a host of other features.

For more info on this release, go to:
Official Robert Plant website:



Voices of Extreme to release 'Break the Silence' in August




VOICES OF EXTREME is a New York-based metal/hard rock act that burst onto the scene in 2006.
The band's debut CD "Hypocrite" immediately found favor with critics and listeners alike, propelling them to the forefront of metal’s hierarchy. Experts at their craft, V.O.X. has earned song writing credits on Van Halen's DVD "The Early Years," as well as endorsements with ESP, Charvel and Hartke.

Their line-up includes Don Chaffin on lead vocals, guitarist Nick Gertsson, drummer John Macaluso, and bassist Bob Brennan.
With the task of completing their second full length CD at hand, V.O.X. has added guitarist David Mercado to theirline-up.

Over the past three years, V.O.X. has shared the stage with Paul Di’Anno, Kamelot, Godsmack, Symphony X, Alice in Chains, Dokken, Zebra, and Twisted Sister, proving themselves as a premier live act on the Eastern Seaboard.

The band's continued success and ascension into the ranks of metal royalty have garnered the attention of managers David R. Swales and Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden). The culmination of the band's talent with this management team will mark the precursor to the next chapter of metal.
Tracklist:
1. Damned
2. Tell Me What It Takes
3. Apocalypse
4. Break The Silence
5. Numb
6. Did it Again
7. Hollow
8. Made of Stone
9. Blown Away
10. Sorry

For More Info Visit:
http://www.voicesofextreme.com
http://www.myspace.com/voicesofextreme
http://www.metalville.de


TESLA - 'TWISTED WIRES & THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS...' OUT JULY 25TH IN EUROPE ON SCARLET RECORDS

Scarlet Records is proud to announce that it will be releasing Californian rock legends' TESLA's new album 'Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions...' on July 25th in Europe.
The album will feature 6 tracks that were recorded back in 2005 at bassist Brian Wheat's J Street Recorders studio (which are the last recordings with original member Tommy Skeoch) and 6 newly recorded tracks which include acoustic remakes of songs from their entire catalog and two brand new songs called '2nd Street' and 'Better Off Without You'. 'Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions...' is the follow up to 2008's 'Forever More'.
2011 also marks the 25th anniversary of the band!
To stay updated on everything TESLA visit their Official Site (www.teslatheband.com),
and
You tube channel (www.youtube.com/teslatheband).
 

KILLINGER REVEALS BRAND NEW VIDEO FOR "HOLDING ON" FROM SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM "KILLINGER" NOW DUE
OUT AUGUST 30TH



(New York, NY) - Hard rocking quartet Killinger have just revealed the sexy new video for the track "Holding On" from their forthcoming self-titled debut album. Click here to witness (and download)! 
The band is gearing up for the release of the album which incorporates a contemporary sound with the best elements of classic 80s hard rock and metal. KILLINGER is now due out on August 30th in North America via Sunmor Entertainment, distributed by BDG. BDG is distributed by RED Distribution, LLC (a division of Sony Music Entertainment).
Hailing from the Western Canadian frontier that is Edmonton, Killinger is comprised of frontman Dave Williams, lead guitarist Kevin Morin, bassist R. J. Killinger (whose last name serves the band well as its moniker) and drummer Chris Challice. Produced by Rick Plester (Michael Schenker, George Lynch) and mixed by Mike Fraser (Aerosmith, AC/DC, Metallica), the band's debut album, KILLINGER, features catchy melodies, big guitar riffs and a guest appearance by guitar great George Lynch. 
With an over-the-top live show, the band has already established a solid fanbase in Western Canada, touring with the likes of Lynch Mob. Of Killinger, Exclaim! best describes their sound as "gritty, double-time rock with soaring vocals and dive-bomb guitar solos...", while The Belleville Intelligencer avowed, "Laden with crunching guitars, thunderous drums and old-school lyrics...the sound is huge like the classic arena rock albums of the 1980s..."
For more information please visit:

Editor's Note: My review of the album can be read right here:


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