The following two new Rock Candy titles are available now from www.rockcandyrecords.com for a discounted price including postage to anywhere in the world for the next two weeks ending on April 22.
HANOI ROCKS 'TWO STEPS FROM THE MOVE' CANDY233
BACK IN THE early eighties when Hanoi Rocks moved lock stock and barrel from Finland to London the streets were on fire with possibilities. Looking like an explosion in a paint factory and sounding like a devilish mash-up of the Rolling Stones jamming with the Sweet, it's fair to say that they made a unique impression. With an anything can happen and it probably will vibe, the band's ferocious on stage performances were legendary, establishing them as the front runners of a movement that looked like it would instantaneously blast them to success.
Signed to CBS records and teamed up with renowned producer Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Kiss) 'Two Steps From The Move' was cut in the frenetic environs of New York City, polished in Toronto and completed in London. It was hailed as a masterpiece, bringing together all the hopes and promises of a band perfectly poised to assume complete control of the scene. However, during their American tour, front man Mike Monroe broke his ankle, forcing the group to postpone dates. Then, while Mike was recuperating, on Dec 8th 1984 the band's British drummer, Razzle was tragically killed in a Los Angeles automobile accident with M'tley Cr'e frontman Vince Neil in the driving seat.
Loaded with an incredible selection of songs, 'Two Steps From The Move' found them focussing on as much mayhem as humanly possible with a penchant for cheeky lyrics and catchy melodies. Tracks such as 'Don't You Ever Leave Me', 'Boulevard Of Broken Dreams', 'Up Around The Bend' and 'Boiler (Me Boiler 'N' Me)' defined their unique brand of swashbuckling bravado perfectly.'
Special Deluxe Collector's 2CD Edition, 11 bonus tracks, fully remastered sound, 20 page full colour booklet, new interview with Mike Monroe, 3,400 word essay, rare photos and enhanced artwork.
TRACK LISTING: DISC ONE (ORIGINAL ALBUM): 1. UP AROUND THE BEND 2. HIGH SCHOOL 3. I CAN'T GET IT 4. UNDERWATER WORLD 5. DON'T YOU EVER LEAVE ME 6. MILLION MILES AWAY 7. BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS 8. BOILER (ME BOILER 'N' ME) 9. FUTURAMA 10. CUTTING CORNERS 11. TWO STEPS FROM THE MOVE.
DISC TWO (BONUS TRACKS): 1. DON'T YOU EVER LEAVE ME (12' VERSION) 2. BACK TO MYSTERY CITY (SINGLE B-SIDE) 3. UNTIL I GET YOU (SINGLE B-SIDE) 4. MENTAL BEAT (SINGLE B-SIDE) 5. OIL & GASOLINE (JAPAN SINGLE B-SIDE) 6. MAGIC CARPET RIDE (JAPAN SINGLE B-SIDE) 7. SHAKES (JAPAN SINGLE B-SIDE) BBC FRIDAY ROCK SHOW SESSION: 8. I CAN'T GET IT 9. UNDERWATER WORLD 10. DON'T YOU EVER LEAVE ME 11. BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS
RIVERDOGS 'S/T' CANDY263
DESPITE COMING and going in the blink of an eye, the Riverdogs have always been held in high esteem. Sure, lots of underachieving acts are bestowed with acclaim but if one group genuinely deserves reappraisal, the Riverdogs are about as deserving as you can possibly get. And the reason isn't just because the band featured the presence of former Dio and Whitesnake (and future Def Leppard ) guitarist Vivian Campbell. They were formed in Los Angeles at a time when hair-metal was king, but were determined to avoid clich's, adopting a bluesy, almost Americana, style where restraint was central and excess frowned upon.
Naturally Vivian Campbell played an influential part in fashioning the musical palate but both bassist Nick Brophy and vocalist Rob Lamothe also attracted immediate attention. The latter displaying one of the most soulful voices this side of Paul Rodgers. Warm, commanding and instantly identifiable, Lamothe's voice didn't rely on meaningless bombast to get noticed.
Produced by Michael Frondelli (Kiss, Rolling Stones) and polished by Jeff Glixman (Gary Moore, Georgia Satellites) their album was greeted with universal acclaim but any hopes of hitting the big time were immediately extinguished when their label president was fired and a new regime installed showing zero excitement amongst the new team. It was a devastating blow and one that they never recovered from. One of the most overlooked records of all time.
Special Deluxe Collector's 2CD Edition, 11 bonus tracks, fully remastered sound, 16 page full colour booklet, features Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, new interviews, 3,400 word essay and enhanced artwork.
TRACK LISTING: DISC ONE 1. WHISPER 2. TOY SOLDIER 3. BIG HOUSE 4. HOLY WAR 5. BABY BLUE 6. I BELIEVE 7. WATER FROM THE MOON 8. RAIN, RAIN 9. SPOOKY 10. AMERICA
DISC TWO: LIVE RADIO STATION PERFORMANCES 1990 11. WHISPER 12. TOY SOLDIER 13. BIG HOUSE 14. HOLY WAR 15. BABY BLUE 16. I BELIEVE 17. WATER FROM THE MOON 18. RAIN, RAIN 19. SPOOKY 20. AMERICA 21. PENNSYLVANIA (NON ALBUM TRACK)
Asia and King Crimson Lead Vocalist John Wetton to Release Solo Career Retrospective 'The Studio Recordings Anthology' and Live Album 'New York Minute'
London, UK - Legendary John Wetton, best known for his work with Asia, UK and King Crimson, is releasing two new albums this month: The Studio Recordings Anthology 2CD Set and New York Minute - John Wetton & The Les Paul Trio, on Primary Purpose via Cherry Red Records.
As a singer, bassist and songwriter, John Wetton initially rose to fame as the lead singer of King Crimson and thereafter Wetton formed UK with Eddie Jobson and later he was the lead vocalist of the supergroup Asia, his biggest commercial success. The band’s self-titled debut album was the biggest selling album in the world in 1982.
Wetton also has a successful solo career releasing a large number of studio and live albums and these are showcased on the 2CD ‘The Studio Recordings Anthology’ meanwhile a unique live album with The Les Paul Trio includes a number of songs Wetton has never sung elsewhere.
The Studio Recordings Anthology 2CD Set
The Studio Anthology collects together the best of John Wetton's six solo studio albums within a 2-CD set with extensive new liner notes.
New York Minute sees John Wetton playing a selection of the songs that inspired him, many of which are not available on any other release. This new live album also includes unique renditions of his solo hit BATTLE LINES and the ASIA mega hit HEAT OF THE MOMENT.
I’m proud to continue running MelodicRock.com and bringing fans of great music all the news possible on their favourite new and old artists. I've been at this an unbelievable 18+ years now.
It’s been a big year already and I have about 50 album reviews demanding to be written, so stand by.
I haven’t forgotten about the 2014 MelRock Awards either and will post those ASAP!
This is probably the toughest business to be in anywhere in the world right now and artists and business across the spectrum continue to have to fight to stay alive.
I have no intention of going anywhere, but to run MelodicRock.com on a full time basis in this day and age does depend on the support of readers, so from time to time I do like to remind folks of the many ways they can support this site and the scene in general:
- If you feel inclined to offer a donation of any size, those are always hugely appreciated and go a long way. You can donate via Paypal link below.
- Head on over to www.melodicrockdirect.com and grab any one of the MelodicRock Records releases and take advantage of several discount deals running currently.
David Hungate is the original bass player in Toto. He has a legendary amount of studio session credits that include Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, Diana Ross, Shania Twain, Boz Scaggs, Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand, Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, Joe Cocker among countless others.
David made a triumphant return to Toto last year after an over 3 decade hiatus. He also contributed to the long awaited Toto studio release Toto XIV. Hungate was kind enough to lend Reggie Boyle some of his time to talk about his return to Toto and many other subjects.
Classic Rock Guitar Legend Pat Travers Blasts Into The Stratosphere With A Brand New Studio Album, Retro Rocket!
Los Angeles, CA - Even after three and half decades of smoking hot guitar licks, powerful vocal performances, and just plain kick ass, foot stomping rock & roll, legendary guitar slinger Pat Travers is still firing on all boosters! Fresh off the Rock Legends Cruise in February, Travers takes the helm of another ship with Retro Rocket, a powerful new album of studio recordings to be released by Purple Pyramid Records on March 17. Then, he’ll hit the road again with his superb band playing shows across the U.S. throughout March and April.
As its name suggests, Retro Rocket finds Travers digging deep into the early years of his outstanding career, finding inspiration in the fiery grooves of 1978’s Heat In The Street and, of course, his monumental 1979 live album Go For What You Know. The lead off track, “I Always Run,” kicks things into high gear with a multi-layered, guitar chugging hard rock thumper that shows this veteran rocker isn’t about to slow his pace. And even when things do slow down, like the first half of the gospel-tinged “Who Can You Turn To,” it turns out to be mere build up to a massive climax of shredding solos, monster drum fills, and all out frenzied rock ecstasy. Travers’ voice shines throughout the album, seeming to only get better, more raw, more passionate with age; must be all that cocaine drinkin’ and whiskey snortin’! When you’ve had a career as long and as rich as Travers, to be releasing an album with this much energy and passion is quite a feat indeed, and hard rock fans young and old should not miss this ride of a lifetime!
After releasing a trio of releases hailed as some of the slickest and hottest guitar-rock albums ever - the aforementioned classics of ’78 & ’79 plus the 1980 blockbuster Crash And Burn - Canadian-born Pat Travers would go on to deliver classy melodic rock throughout the ‘80s, followed by a blues period in the ‘90s, and into the new millennium with several unique projects both solo and band efforts. Cited by Metallica’s Kirk Hammett as one of his favorite guitarist, the Travers legend and influence extends beyond the barriers of time, place, or genre. His live shows continue to impress, deftly balancing old favorites with fresh new material. Retro Rocket carries on Travers’ proud tradition of seriously passionate musical prowess mixed with pure, unadulterated fun!
1. I Always Run
2. Searching For A Clue
3. Who Can You Turn To
4. Up Is Down
5. Mystery At The Wrecking Yard
6. You Can’t Get Their From Hare
7. I Am Alive
8. I Wanna Be Free
9. Hellbound Train
10. Looking Up (Live) [CD ONLY]
Danger Danger vocalist TED POLEY sent in an update about his new single:
"This is my newest "single" release...its the Monsters Of Rock Cruise Anthem! I have been a part of the cruise for a few years and this is our tribute to the fans who take the trip and the fans who would like to! I wrote the song and co produced it with Steve Brown.
Track features me on vox, Maz Mazza - Guitar, Steve Brown (Trixter) - bass, Hal Aponte - drums, Gary Gerber - Keys.
It's available on iTunes now and a lot of other digital sites soon..."
Tigertailz have released a new project of old demos and unreleased recordings entitled ‘Lost Reelz’ via FnA Records. The 18 track album has no shortage of never-before-heard recordings that pack a punch and will titillate any Tigertailz fan. Despite the fact that these unreleased recordings are demos, the sound quality is impeccable.
Tigertailz hail from Cardiff Wales in the UK and may already have the distinction of being the only UK band to share in some of the success of hairspray heavies like Mötley Crüe, L.A Guns, WASP, and Poison. They achieved it by being unique, by not following others and by doing it their way. Extremity in everything - in music, in image, in art, in life...
Tigertailz got their start with its first release in 1987 entitled ‘Young & Crazy’ which eventually channeled into the bands highly successful sophomore effort ‘Bezerk’. ‘Bezerk’ saw the band releasing multiple singles and heading out to play major markets and festivals. It’s at about this point, in 1994, that a lot of the songs from ‘Lost Reelz’ were demoed. Some of the songs morphed into other songs , while others were either lost or put away for a later day.
On ‘Lost Reelz’, the listener hears a new side of Tigertailz as Pepsi was being heavily influenced by the Trent Reznor/Nine Inch Nails sound. This is most evident on songs like: “Long Live The New Flesh”, “Twisted”, and “Falling Down”. The song “Hold Your Horses” was a track recorded for Tigertailz Thrill Pistol album, but was later pulled as it didn’t fit the mold. Some of the tracks like “Get Real”, “Daggerz”, and “In For The Kill” were recorded in 2005 when the band reformed. Additionally, the album leads off with a mesmerizing rendition of the Welsh National Anthem performed by Jay Pepper. Lastly, a brand new 2014 track entitled “FNA” was written and recorded specifically for the ‘Lost Reelz’ project . “FNA” harkens back capturing the 80’s/90’s vibe that Tigertailz is known for.
Don’t let the ‘new sound’ of the tunes on ‘Lost Reelz’ scare you off; this is a pure Tigertailz album through and through; you hear a band that is growing and changing while maintaining their uniqueness. Come share in the memories of Pepsi Tate and dig into his diversity alongside original member/guitarist Jay Pepper.
FnA Records is the home to many of the 80’s favorite hard rock bands like: Roxy Blue, Tora Tora, Dirty Looks, Roxx Gang, Tigertailz, Rock City Angels, Gypsy Rose, D’molls, The Godz, Wanted, Alleycat Scratch, Witch, Ruthless, and many others.
German hardrockers MIRACLE MASTER have started a search for a new singer following the depature of vocalist Oliver Weers. The band is currently working on the second album and a few summer shows are booked.
According to a press release: “The band is really sad about the decision, but they respect it. They wish him all the best for the future and want to thank him for the unbelievable time they had together.”
Oliver Weers: “It’s not an easy decision, we have together decided that I leave the band. MIRACLE MASTER will be looking for a new screamer now, so I sincerely wish them the best of luck with that! Love and appreciate all the support from fans and friends and hope for your understanding.”
Because of this departure, MIRACLE MASTER are searching for a new vocalist. The band ask that all interested parties send applications to promo@rockngrowl.com
MIRACLE MASTER are:
t.b.a. – Vocals
Aki Reissmann – Guitars
Selly Bernhardt – Guitars
Andy Minich – Drums
Michael Vetter – Bass
MIRACLE MASTER is kick ass, in-your-face Hard Rock with huge balls and heavy rockin’ guitar sounds!
THE IDES OF MARCH - LAST BAND STANDING – THE DEFINITIVE 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION
NEW DELUXE LIMITED EDITION 5-DISC SET RELEASE DATE APRIL 18, 2015
New York, NY (March 3, 2015)—2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the band that drove the 1970 Billboard smash “Vehicle” to the top of the charts: The Ides Of March. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the band will release a deluxe limited edition 5-Disc set Last Band Standing – The Definitive 50-Year Anniversary Collection on April 18 (via Ides Of March Records).
Last Band Standing is a perfectly executed celebration of The Ides Of March history and a showcase of a band still in their prime at 50 years deep. Original members Jim Peterik (also of Survivor fame and songwriter behind “Eye Of The Tiger,” and well as many other chart-toppers), Bob Bergland, Larry Millas, and Mike Borch started as group of teenagers whose love of Rock N Roll and R&B led them to showcases and bandstands around their native Chicago, eventually hitting it big nationally with “Vehicle.”
The first four audio discs contain material from across their storied career. Included are Warner Brothers albums Vehicle (1970) and Common Bond (1971), first-time-ever releases of the best of their RCA releases World Woven (1972) and Midnight Oil (1973), and choice cuts from the 90s, such as Spirit Of Chicago – an ode to the Windy City featuring some of the area’s most prominent artists – Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Dennis DeYoung (Styx), Gary Loizzo (American Breed), cult favorite Jim Ellison, and many more.
Rarities like “Like It Or Lump It” and “No Two Ways About It” have been remastered in all their mono glory, along with other highlights culled from the Ides vault, such as 1966’s Billboard charter You Wouldn’t Listen (Parrot). The audio portion is completed with brand new Ides of March tracks, including the brass driven “Who I Am,” the harmonious “Too Far To Turn Around,” and the aptly titled “Last Band Standing,” featuring Steve Cropper – the iconic songsmith of Booker T and the MG’s and organizer of the Blues Brothers.
Disc five is a live DVD of The Ides Of March performing 15 of their most iconic songs in an eleven camera shoot at the House Of Blues, Chicago on May 31, 2014. In addition to this high-energy hometown set, this DVD boasts a slew of extras: archival footage from their TV appearances in the 70's, new interviews, a look behind-the-scenes, a photo collage spanning 50 years plus an exciting new music video for the title track “Last Band Standing.”
Jim Peterik recently released his autobiography Through The Eye Of The Tiger: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Life Of Survivor’s Founding Member (BenBella Books). Showing no signs of slowing down, The Ides Of March, who continue to tour to this day, are truly worthy of the title Last Band Standing.
Nick Perri Group Becomes MOUNT HOLLY, RELEASES ‘IT AIN’T EASY’ SINGLE & MUSIC VIDEO - Silvertide Guitarist Confirms Plans for New Project
(LOS ANGELES) - Accompanying an official music video release for the group’s debut single, “It Ain’t Easy,” now available for download on iTunes and other music networks’ Nick Perri announced the new moniker of his blues-rock quartet this morning: Mount Holly.
Formerly titled The Nick Perri Group, the band has garnered attention over the past six months through brief East and West Coast tours. Today, Mount Holly revealed the “It Ain’t Easy” video on its new YouTube channel and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCkCGxhZgys
Filmed by digital media professional Austin M. Bauman, the riveting video transitions between scenic downtown Los Angeles driving and intimate, electrifying group performance. It showcases Perri alongside bassist Deanna Passarella, drummer John Bach and vocalist Josh Bartholomew - a Grammy-nominated artist who also recorded and mixed the single.
Perri says the group’s amended name more accurately reflects its collaborative nature and pays homage to the New Jersey town in which it initially formed in 2014.
“I started this project by calling some of the best musicians I know, who also happen to be dear friends, to play a handful of shows with me,” said Perri. “The remarkable chemistry experienced over the course of just a few short tours surprised us all. The decision was unanimous: ‘This is a real rock ‘n’ roll band. Let’s do it.’”
Addressing the group’s future plans, Bartholomew says Mount Holly is currently writing and recording more music, as well as scheduling both national and international tour dates.
“This has been a tremendously creative time for us, and everything is flowing and happening very naturally,” said Bartholomew. “We've been working hard non-stop, and it feels great - almost like we're getting away with something. This is the band all of us have always wanted to be in.”
The band will perform its inaugural show under the new name Tuesday, March 10 at The Sayers Club in Hollywood. Tickets can be purchased through the venue’s website.
To learn more about Mount Holly, and sign up for the band’s mailing list, please visit: www.mounthollyband.com
As of today, we have officially parted company with vocalist Henry Rundell. The decision is an amicable one and we thank him and wish him all the best for his future.
Henry: "It is with sadness I must inform you all of my departure from NxN. It is a decision I did not come to lightly but feel is the right one for me. I have had great fun playing with the guys & we had some amazing times both on the road & in the studio. I wish everyone all the best in what they do & say a big thank you to all who supported NxN & myself throughout the years.”
We will still play the next 3 shows (London, Grimsby and Hard Rock Hell) with the superb Dan Leigh of New Device. Thanks to all of you for always standing by us! :) If you or someone you know is interested in the role of lead vocalist for the band, get in touch.
Here's Dan Leigh; some of you may recall that he stepped into help us at Hard Rock Hell 2012:
You guys totally rock and we thank you so much for all your love and support over the years.
We look forward to seeing you all at the next shows! :D
TOTO'sDavid Paich acknowledges that he thought 2006's Falling in Between "was going to be our last album, ever." But a combination of resurgence, legalities and genuine creative desire led to the making of Toto IV, a new album featuring co-founders Paich, fellow keyboardist Steve Porcaro and guitarist Steve Lukather, along with longtime singer Joseph Williams.
"We're pretty excited about this," Lukather tells Billboard. "The band is tight. We're having fun. Everybody's revitalized, rejuvenated. We've got this buzz going right now that just came out of nowhere, so it's great." Paich adds: "I'm really proud of this album. It feels really good. It's kinda scary when you haven't made one in a while, and I really did think we were over. But we had a lot of fun doing it. I think our writing level is elevated, and we had a great time. It reminded me of making the first album, 'Toto IV' and 'The Seventh One.' The creative juices were flowing, as they say."
Toto reactivated in 2010, after bassist Mike Porcaro was diagnosed with ALS. A short tour of Europe went so well that the group decided to continue alongside the members' other activities -- including Lukather's current stint in Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. And with one album left on its deal with Italy's Frontiers Records, Paich, Lukather and company decided that Falling in Between might not have been its final word after all.
"We decided that instead of getting into a big, elongated dispute [with Frontiers Records], we should go in and make some new music, which is what we do," Paich says. "And it worked out really good. I've never seen the guys this excited again, like I said, since the early days, and I think it's because we're writing music with our original members here, and everybody was more together and more mature in their lives, so the band was really clicking. We worked on it every day, on and off, for a year, and I think you can definitely hear that effort."
There was material ready at the start of the project. "All of us are always writing and have stuff, and because it's us writing it, it just naturally sounds like Toto," Lukather says. Paich recalls that among the initial "little odds and ends" were "All the Stars That Shine," which the keyboardist said he started at the end of theFalling in Between sessions, and "Chinatown," which actually dates back to sessions for Toto's 1978 debut album. Initial studio sessions for Toto XIV, meanwhile, yielded "Burn," which Paich wrote with Williams. It's premiering exclusively on Billboard below:
"That came from a song Joseph had written, a whole song," Paich recalls, "and I said, 'I really love that.' And he said, 'Oh, you like the song?' I said, 'No, [just] the very little ending.' There's a piano riff, and that ended up being the riff that is the engine or the heartbeat behind 'Burn' that keeps playing over and over again in that song. That's probably the first song we started writing [specifically] for the new album."
Toto will spend the late spring and summer in Europe, starting May 21 in Glasgow, Scotland, and currently running until July 19. The rest of a planned world tour will take the band into 2016. Lukather and Paich, who refers to Toto XIV as the group's Abbey Road -- aka final -- project, won't rule out the possibility of more new music, but neither is voicing great optimism either.
"I doubt very much we'll make another album as Toto," he says. "I think this is our last record because of how much emotion we spend on it. It comes from our hearts and everything. It just wrings you out when you're making a record because everybody's so passionate about it. I want to say 'never say never,' but until we actually make another album, we can consider this to be the last Toto album. Everybody's still writing all the time and making music and doing stuff on their own, because we each have studios and stuff, but whether we'll get in the studio and make another album as Toto, that's something no one knows yet. It hasn't been revealed to me in my crystal ball yet."
You've already heard all the details, now pre-order links and advance audio have been posted for the VAN HALENLive In Tokyo 2013 release.
The audio unfortunately sounds horrible. The mix is way off for something the band has apparently spent months working on. The bass drowns out everything, the vocals are way back (but that might be a god thing, sorry Dave) and it all sounds very muddy. And this is coming from a HUGE Van Halen fan.
Pre-orders are available now at the following locations:
No formal press release yet, but simply put, GUNZO is a heavy rock band featuring Rudy Sarzo (bass; Quite Riot), Keith St John (vocals; Burning Rain), Shane Fitzgibbon (drums) and Tracii Guns (guitars; LA Guns).
