tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73523884249058611692024-03-13T06:01:26.538+00:00Classic Rock RadioClassic Rock Radio is a 24/7 Internet radio station playing Classic Rock Music that also includes Interview Features, Rock News, Reviews and Information.Jon Kirkmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665194783809396065noreply@blogger.comBlogger1308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-30896672446006289382023-09-18T12:30:00.018+01:002024-02-08T14:02:50.684+00:00Hush Money - US Rockers with Southern Style<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvPdXteYpEC97HarvSOqioEyXmAMfFNds-MaeJYUpqJlvUekcy3J3Lb126QdF7bpmLfU0lNeU8kzdC_f15RBqFJ5TfCOKbsAEkOrmLypRAhgwPzdZV33zDUMVd0Tu4fIjgN7AGwGslZDKacWeNFQmmt7AT97ijBklWNjjDkwx9CgzEg1TH12hnQpQP0M/s2048/wall%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1753" data-original-width="2048" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvPdXteYpEC97HarvSOqioEyXmAMfFNds-MaeJYUpqJlvUekcy3J3Lb126QdF7bpmLfU0lNeU8kzdC_f15RBqFJ5TfCOKbsAEkOrmLypRAhgwPzdZV33zDUMVd0Tu4fIjgN7AGwGslZDKacWeNFQmmt7AT97ijBklWNjjDkwx9CgzEg1TH12hnQpQP0M/w436-h373/wall%20banner.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div>Can you describe 'Southern Rock' ? it is immensely difficult to nail it to a post because of</div><div>the differing styles of rock bands from the Southern states of the USA. A band from the southern end of the Appalachian mountains (Georgia, South Carolina etc) Hush Money can lay claim to the geographical title of a Southern Rock band but that is not really telling you how they sound their songs on the new album<b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kJaLOS_DXdNxUkcrX4SCMTD2_ovLF5kgw">Industry Standard </a></b> punch the buttons in the same way Skynyrd and ZZ Top do - with outright killer riffs, inspired lyrics you can hear the influences of both those great bands but there is more. Some will make you think of the era of the British Invasion with bluesy passages others have a distinct nod towards the later Beatles Sgt Pepper era. </div><div><br /></div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMTyeZuqzzRS53KekFGiy7iJoW64FtAUmCWOuhlPMOs56f6u3oOzHNQr1NO4Sp8FbNTJ-9xzZHMjHEkALfKQhJLGSkbU1L_yHcEzae_OWAL4QiPpasTtJVAi2zokYa5ul_CeKixXJ3dyfgzdzneO63q7IsUzOhKceh_VvcbFb1__GqZo5fX27ydQUpaQ/s2048/bar%20shot%203_n.jpg" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMTyeZuqzzRS53KekFGiy7iJoW64FtAUmCWOuhlPMOs56f6u3oOzHNQr1NO4Sp8FbNTJ-9xzZHMjHEkALfKQhJLGSkbU1L_yHcEzae_OWAL4QiPpasTtJVAi2zokYa5ul_CeKixXJ3dyfgzdzneO63q7IsUzOhKceh_VvcbFb1__GqZo5fX27ydQUpaQ/w422-h266/bar%20shot%203_n.jpg" width="422" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;"> When you start listening to the album some songs start quiet bluesy slow like ripples in a lake expanding in to big waves of sound filling and washing over , you find the next song lands like a float plane you hear the intro coming and then<b> POW</b> its all motion and action. The changes in style through the album are partly achieved by changing vocalists each bringing his own flavour into the songs. This makes it a little difficult to sum up the overall impression of the album, I've not really had this issue since Slash released his amazing solo album which drew on the talents of his many friends to bolster the experience into something unexpected and great. Hush Money have achieved an album that keeps you guessing they bring headbanger's tunes like 'Devil on my Tongue' which surely must get my denim brothers rocking, then to the slightly slower 'Tied Down' which is a pure stomping rocker. Then 'Still Around' is more core Southern Rock with a touch of steeliness inserted You have eleven songs to enjoy on the record no duds and all very individual. Is there a stand out song in the bunch? It depends on my mood I have run through the eleven repeatedly attempting to pull out the plum and I probably have it down to 'Where It All Went Wrong' but that might just be the truck driver in me surfacing<br />.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsZpvgxfwzxZchjkVGfBIpS_5nr1F67LbaLjiIcGz3sOD60GZLa3NXV74u_JfxdW8AZnDca1R1u8gwNg40kDmyX_unB6a2fuzd3KbSQZNOlWsmloshnOwVg9ce7YlI53U1N7TySFvbDcUX61AQ19rC6MHU9yJBbqgfAbVPpagbZy0nfS494uYbo26QRT4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsZpvgxfwzxZchjkVGfBIpS_5nr1F67LbaLjiIcGz3sOD60GZLa3NXV74u_JfxdW8AZnDca1R1u8gwNg40kDmyX_unB6a2fuzd3KbSQZNOlWsmloshnOwVg9ce7YlI53U1N7TySFvbDcUX61AQ19rC6MHU9yJBbqgfAbVPpagbZy0nfS494uYbo26QRT4" width="240" /></a></div><br />Hush Money will be visiting the UK in 2024 and we are awaiting updates on the tour latest news is they are confirmed for </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;">Call of The Wild Festival, Lincoln May </span><span style="text-align: left;">24-26th<br />A load of the bands earlier songs are available on YouTube including the album and the kickass <br /> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65_uxWOTYwg">Bourbon Street Queen</a><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kJaLOS_DXdNxUkcrX4SCMTD2_ovLF5kgw">Industry Standard </a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1q-L5X7IV9O6XSpo-K1epPjXcZ08mhA2aIFEgLTzKHbqbimJ5WwJNeQRiN5kgV1prCeo45e_2tYTbx5faEGiGWigW8Norl8EH1ByEQmQI3ukZwE3E2Ts4Jsb1Ja3XXhFhHqkOnGcR0qI5133doStkZ2ydDvM7HLFq7T2ESZHtgXZ8T0d_KZzIswjvMpc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1q-L5X7IV9O6XSpo-K1epPjXcZ08mhA2aIFEgLTzKHbqbimJ5WwJNeQRiN5kgV1prCeo45e_2tYTbx5faEGiGWigW8Norl8EH1ByEQmQI3ukZwE3E2Ts4Jsb1Ja3XXhFhHqkOnGcR0qI5133doStkZ2ydDvM7HLFq7T2ESZHtgXZ8T0d_KZzIswjvMpc" width="181" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></span></div></span><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Derek Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04555497218040412381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-29607467325800892572016-10-21T14:56:00.001+01:002016-10-23T11:05:41.563+01:00Saxon on Tour (with special guests Fastway & Girlschool)<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
SAXON are heading to MANCHESTER Nov 2 with some very special guests!</h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>SAXON</b> play <b>Manchester – Ritz </b>with <b>special guests</b> <b>FASTWAY</b> & <b>GIRLSCHOOL</b> on<b>Wednesday 2nd November 2016</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>NWOBHM</b> icons <b>Saxon</b> have announced <b>10 dates</b> for the <b>UK</b> leg of their upcoming<b>Battering Ram World Tour.</b> They will be joined by special guests Fastway and Girlschool for the much awaited shows, opening in Newcastle on 28th October. (<b>all</b> UK dates shown further below)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">"<b><i>Gonna be a great tour with Fastway and Girlschool</i></b>” - said <b>frontman Biff Byford. “<i>I think this line up is unique, you don't wanna miss it. Looking forward to battering some halls… Welcome to the metal church!</i>”</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Battering Ram</b>, Saxon’s <b>21st </b>studio album, was released in October 2015 reaching the UK Top 50 and #12 in Germany. It was described by frontman Biff Byford as “<b><i>a natural progression from Sacrifice</i></b>” with “<b><i>a bit less rock’n’roll and a bit more ‘heavy’ on it</i></b>”. Following its release Saxon hit Europe with Motorhead for their 40th Anniversary tour, accompanied by Girlschool. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Sadly, the tragic passing of Lemmy in December put an early end to the tour, and the UK leg planned to begin on January 16th was cancelled - bar a Saxon headlining show in Brighton.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Joining <b>Saxon</b> and <b>Girlschool</b> on the new dates will be <b>Fastway</b>, the brainchild of ex-<b>Motorhead</b> guitarist <b>Fast Eddie Clarke</b> with UFO bassist Pete Way. The current line up features Fast Eddie Clarke with <b>Toby Jepson</b>(<b>Gun/Little Angels</b>) on vocals, <b>Steve Strange</b>on drums and Mama’s Boys’ <b>John McManus</b>on bass. More info on<a href="http://www.fastwayofficial.com/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;">http://www.fastwayofficial.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Saxon released their self-titled debut in 1979, followed by “<b>Wheels of Steel</b>” the following year, which reached <b>#5</b> in the <b>UK charts</b> and gave fans two classics in the title track and “747”. They established themselves as one of the iconsof the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal throughout the 80s. Later the band tried to attack the US market taking a more melodic direction with release of “Destiny” in 1988, before going back to their original sound with 1991’s “Solid Balls of Rock” , reaffirming their influence on the European metal scene. They continued touring and recording enjoying renewed success and released their current album Battering Ram in 2015. They also recently released a 9 Vinyl album box set Eagles and Dragons containing the bands nine studio albums recorded between 1991 and 2009.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Saxon saw album sales topping 15 million worldwide including 8 UK Top 40 albums across their career. They are considered a seminal NWOBHM act and are known to have inspired the likes of Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Motley Crue and plenty more.</span><br />
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Wednesday 2nd November <br />
MANCHESTER – Ritz<br />
Box Office No: 0161 714 4140<br />
Tickets are available from the following website –<a href="https://www.academymusicgroup.com/o2ritzmanchester/events/845214/saxon-tickets" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;">https://www.academymusicgroup.com/o2ritzmanchester/events/845214/saxon-tickets</a><br />
Tickets - £26.00 Advance<br />
Doors – 6.30pm<br />
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<table class="eventset" style="border-bottom: 0px dotted rgb(192, 192, 192); border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Dosis, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 15px; outline: none !important; padding: 5px; width: 800px;" summary="mod_jem_wide"><tbody style="outline: none !important;">
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="28.10.16"><b>On 28.10.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">UK</span> - <span class="cal-city">Newcastle</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title"><b>Academy</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a></b></td></tr>
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="29.10.16"><b>On 29.10.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">UK</span> - <span class="cal-city">Glasgow</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title"><b>ABC</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a></b></td></tr>
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="30.10.16"><b>On 30.10.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">UK</span> - <span class="cal-city">Belfast</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title"><b>Limelight</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a><span class="cal-ticketlink"><a href="http://myticket.co.uk/search?query=saxon" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" title="Belfast - Limelight">Buy Ticket</a></span></b></td></tr>
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="01.11.16"><b>On 01.11.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">IE</span> - <span class="cal-city">Dublin</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title"><b>Academy</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a><span class="cal-ticketlink"><a href="http://myticket.co.uk/search?query=saxon" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" title="Dublin - Academy">Buy Ticket</a></span></b></td></tr>
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="02.11.16"><b>On 02.11.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">UK</span> - <span class="cal-city">Manchester</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title"><b>O2 Ritz</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a><span class="cal-ticketlink"><a href="http://myticket.co.uk/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" title="Battering Ram World Tour 2016">Buy Ticket</a></span></b></td></tr>
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="03.11.16"><b>On 03.11.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">UK</span> - <span class="cal-city">Bristol</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title"><b>O2 Academy</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a><span class="cal-ticketlink"><a href="http://myticket.co.uk/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" title="Battering Ram World Tour 2016">Buy Ticket</a></span></b></td></tr>
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="outline: none !important; vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="05.11.16"><b>On 05.11.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">UK</span> - <span class="cal-city">London</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="outline: none !important; width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title" style="outline: none !important;"><b>O2 Shepherd´s Bush Empire</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a><span class="cal-ticketlink"><a href="http://myticket.co.uk/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" title="Battering Ram World Tour 2016">Buy Ticket</a></span></b></td></tr>
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="06.11.16"><b>On 06.11.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">UK</span> - <span class="cal-city">Wolverhampton</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title"><b>Wulfrun Hall</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a><span class="cal-ticketlink"><a href="http://myticket.co.uk/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" title="Battering Ram World Tour 2016">Buy Ticket</a></span></b></td></tr>
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="08.11.16"><b>On 08.11.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">UK</span> - <span class="cal-city">Sheffield</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title"><b>O2 Academy</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a><span class="cal-ticketlink"><a href="http://myticket.co.uk/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" title="Battering Ram World Tour 2016">Buy Ticket</a></span></b></td></tr>
<tr class="cal-event-tr" style="vertical-align: top;"><td class="cal-date-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 95px;"><span class="cal-date" title="09.11.16"><b>On 09.11.16</b></span></td><td class="cal-info-tab" style="vertical-align: top; width: 224px;"><b><span class="cal-state">UK</span> - <span class="cal-city">Nottingham</span></b></td><td class="cal-info-tab2" style="width: 281px;"><span class="cal-title"><b>Rock City</b></span></td><td><b><a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en2/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"></a><span class="cal-ticketlink"><a href="http://myticket.co.uk/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" title="Battering Ram World Tour 2016">Buy Ticket</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OYcT3bk4IlkqgestwH8CMymewMtSdWN0abTVYYpZgiTmN3eJk1wo9mtLa2jRnnoH_-fzLmZexl8dPlNgpV2Jftzao04-LTVVpr0jefuOMrFhUlkHEdMoqG3J3FAxgcsD3kQ6_E7SQV4o/s1600/Saxon+battering+ram+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #6699cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OYcT3bk4IlkqgestwH8CMymewMtSdWN0abTVYYpZgiTmN3eJk1wo9mtLa2jRnnoH_-fzLmZexl8dPlNgpV2Jftzao04-LTVVpr0jefuOMrFhUlkHEdMoqG3J3FAxgcsD3kQ6_E7SQV4o/s400/Saxon+battering+ram+image.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">For further information on <b>SAXON</b>, check out the following websites / social media links:</span><br />
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Website – <a href="http://www.saxon747.com/en/index.php/news-blog" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;">http://www.saxon747.com</a><br />
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Facebook – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saxon" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/saxon</a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Marilyn Michaelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11651943334296075483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-36122706272629199222016-08-02T15:43:00.001+01:002016-08-02T15:43:43.405+01:00Roger Corman_Charles Band_Kings Of Cult<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">31 July 2016<br />Uncle G's FUN Movie Reviews<br />Documentary: Roger Corman_Charles Band - Kings Of Cult (2016)<br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Photo: Charles Band_Roger Corman</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last September I remember being pretty excited to find out about a new documentary that focused on movie makers, Roger Corman, and Charles Band. Each having extraordinary careers, both of whom I've been following for decades now. Independent film legends. Between the two, their names are on a thousand or more … wait … let me correct that … hundreds of movies. The promo for this documentary states a "thousand mad mad movies", but according to the International Movie Data base (IMDb) website, here's their current score:<br /><br />Roger Corman: Producer (412) / Director (56) / Actor (37).<br /><br />Charles Band: Producer (270) / Director (50) … and he hates acting. Is more comfortable behind the scenes than in front of the camera. <br /><br />Now, Mr. Corman who is now ninety years old, is just a few months shy of being twenty five years older than Mr. Band, so that gives him a somewhat advantage. Story goes Charles Band, whose father, Albert Band, was also a filmmaker, grew up watching many of Roger Corman's films. Has always admired / looked up to the filmmakers' work. And it shows in this documentary. From here the two 'Kings Of Cult', answer questions about their experience in the motion picture business. A lot of these, B horror flicks, which is what caught my attention. But check it out, Mister Corman done some outstanding action / dramas / comedies as well. Here's just a few titles (including horror):</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Fast And The Furious (1955) / A Bucket Of Blood (1959) / Attack Of The Giant Leeches (1959) / House Of Usher (1960) / Little Shop Of Horrors (1960) / Voyage To The Prehistoric Planet (1965) / Death Race 2000 (1975) / Eat My Dust (1976) / Grand Theft Auto (1977) / Piranha (1978) / Rock n' Roll High School (1979), and Sharktopus (2010).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Movie Poster: Grand Theft Auto (first film Ron Howard directed)</span><br /><br />And just so we're on the same page , a few personal favorites of mine that Charles Band had a hand in:<br /><br />Parasite (1982) / Ghoulies (1984) / Re-Animator (1985) / Troll (1986) / Puppet Master (1989) / The Pit and the Pendulum (1991) / Demonic Toys (1992) / Bad Channels (1992) / Head Of The Family (1996) / Hideous! (1997) / Freeway II: Confessions of a Trickbaby (1999) / Gingerdead Man (2005) / Evil Bong (2006) / Dangerous Worry Dolls (2008), and Trophy Heads (2014).<br /><br />Uncle G Discusses … Roger Corman_Charles Band - Kings Of Cult<br /><br />Before making it's way to DVD, 'Kings Of Cult' debuted, having an exclusive showing on Charles Band's Full Moon Streaming (Dot Com). An Internet channel that for only around six bucks a month (current price), one can have access to a countless number of not only films Charles Band is associated with, but a ton of other B horror movie / sci-fi movie entertainment. A Netflix kind of service for the more freakier side of cinema. Full of the weird titles you use to be able to rent when the DVD / VHS rental business was still flourishing.<br /><br />I got to see ‘Kings Of Cult’ by participating in a Fourth of July sale Charles Band Full Moon Direct (Dot Com) website was having just weeks ago. With every purchase they were giving away the documentary. Living in the mountains nowadays, trying to survive being separated / divorce proceedings, the Internet here is spotty at best. Doing any streaming service would kill the allotment of gigabytes I get monthly, in the matter of a few hours. So old school me is still doing DVD’s / Blu-rays. Even if I had the wireless Internet AT&T offered back when I was in Katy Texas, I really much prefer the physical discs. I think it’s cool still maintaining a movie collection. One can not only see the titles, but touch and feel the case they come in. So I ordered the last Evil Bong installment; Evil Bong: High 5, and got the ‘Kings Of Cult’ DVD for free. Pretty cool really. Let’s see Amazon (Dot Com) do that.<br /><br />The 'King Of Cult' documentary besides showing a few quick clips from the two filmmakers hundreds and hundreds of movie credits, is mostly just a filming of Roger and Charles sitting in director chairs, being asked questions about various topics associated with what they are best known for. The interviewer (Jim Kunz), maintaining a casual off camera approach, does a very good job at bringing the viewer from the beginning of each man's appreciation of movies, all the way up to what projects they were currently up to when this documentary was filmed (2015). If a fan like myself of these two, an hour long session of one interesting story after another. Examples would be:<br /><br />Charles Band reveals that Marilyn Monroe was his babysitter one evening. And how he grew up in Italy while his father labored at making motion pictures. His successes and failures following in his dad's footsteps. And one of my favorite stories. How himself and a pothead friend came up with the promotional campaign for Ghoulies; "They'll get you in the end."</div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Movie Poster: Ghoulies (1984)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Roger Corman talks about getting his start, being a writer, the 1960's, all the fabulous actors he's worked with over the years, up to his association with the SYFY channel, and what was then his latest movie for them; Sharktopus Vs. Whalewolf (2015). <br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Uncle G Rates … Roger Corman_Charles Band - Kings Of Cults (2016)<br /><br />Using the same ten star rating system that the IMDb website uses, whereas one star means it's too horrible to watch, to ten stars which means it's worthy of not only your disposable money, but your free time as well, I rate the Full Moon Features documentary Roger Corman_Charles Band - Kings Of Cult … 10 stars! Again, I've been a 'devoted' fan of these two for a long time now. Sure, not every movie they participated in was box office gold, but many of them just downright entertained the hell out of me. This documentary made an hour fly right by, and while glued to the widescreen, I forgot all about my personal life going to shit. For that I'm grateful. Thanks Full Moon Direct (Dot Com) for the freebie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />OH, regarding the count which I addressed in the first paragraph. I can't say for sure if the IMDb website statistics is one hundred accurate regarding how many individual movie titles these two gentlemen was responsible for since the both of them started out being involved with motion pictures. Even if not officially adding up to a thousand, I can safely say that if they included all the movies that were made that these two film geniuses inspired, that the count would be in the THOUSANDS. I offer thanks to both Roger Corman and Charles Band, for the world would be a much duller place without the celluloid art in which they both helped cheaply create. <br /><br />For more information, please consult the following websites:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Roger Corman: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RogerCorman">https://www.facebook.com/RogerCorman</a><br /><br />Charles Band: <a href="http://fullmoondirect.com/">http://FullMoonDirect.com</a></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-83698708314319370472016-07-25T14:23:00.002+01:002016-07-25T14:23:28.426+01:00Music Review_Leon Alvarado - The Future Left Behind<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ClassicRockRadio.co.uk<br />24 July 2016<br />Music Review: Leon Alvarado - The Future Left Behind (2016)<br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am pretty sure my admiration for progressive rock concept albums started back when I began seriously getting into collecting record albums. <br /><br />As a kid in my single digits, and entering my teens, I had 45's (singles) of whatever bubble gum / novelty songs that caught my ear. At around age twelve, from hanging out with my school friends, and sometimes their older siblings, I became exposed to more of what they were playing on the FM radio stations, then the AM ones. Bottom line, rock n' roll was my thing. I'm drawn to music having a catchy melody, and many times over, with a solid beat. <br /><br />My first real rock album; <a href="http://www.thebeatles.com/album/sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band" target="_blank">The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band </a>(1967). Then came bands like Pink Floyd, <a href="http://www.alicecooper.com/" target="_blank">Alice Cooper</a>, and <a href="http://www.yesworld.com/" target="_blank">Yes</a>. Time wise for myself being the first half of the nineteen seventies. Records albums around then cost on the average of five dollars. Double albums more. To help keep in perspective, the minimum wage was under three dollars an hour. <br /><br />My parents were both dead by my 12th birthday. I was thrown into foster care. No one gave me money. Having no real skills, I did what I could do to make a buck, so I could buy the things I wanted. This would include selling weed. A typical joint would go for a dollar. Rolling twenty in the morning, I'd have them gone by the evening. Doing that, and working full time as a dishwasher at age 16, I managed to keep myself in cigarettes, and I always had a pretty cool record collection. Saw a lot of concerts too. Even with not being able to play an instrument, music was definitely my thing. <br /><br />An LP record as it was back then, and still is today, was typically a collection of songs. Whereas a single would play out, side A and side B at say ten minutes, an 33 RPM album would clock in playing both sides, at around two thirds of an hour. When playing LP's, I got into the habit of listening to the whole release, and wasn't into skipping around the record, only listening to the hits. Occasionally a song I labeled a stinker would be included in the mix, but I try not to focus on that too much, and just hang in there till the next track. This is where CD's were cool. One could program the player to not play a song(s) one disliked. No more having to walk over to the turntable, and moving the needle, if a song didn't interest you. I enjoyed the advancement in technology, but frankly it didn't really matter much to me. All that time I had trained myself to persevere, when I heard a tune I wasn't into. That and maybe I was too lazy to bother trying to learn how to program the newest advancements in playing music. Easier to put in the disc, press play, and let it go till it was over. I'm a CD guy nowadays. Vinyl to me, was always a pain in the ass. My CD count is in the thousands. And if a disc has more music on it that I don't like, more than I do, I simply just don't play it anymore. <br /><br />One type record which was designed to be played from start to finish, and not skipped all around, was the concept album. This is where the lyrics were all about one idea. Like Yes' Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973). Some even told a story, such as <a href="http://www.nektarsmusic.com/" target="_blank">Nektar</a>'s Remember The Future (1973), or <a href="http://www.spocksbeard.com/" target="_blank">Spock's Beard</a> - Snow (2002). Many bands / musicians saw success doing this while others were mocked / laughed at; Styx - Kilroy Was Here (1983). My best loved concept albums were by keyboardist, <a href="http://www.rwcc.com/" target="_blank">Rick Wakeman</a>. His 'Six Wives of Henry VIII' (1973),'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' (1974), and 'The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table' (1975), was one solid piece of work, after another. The subjects of each release intrigued me. I got into how the stories were presented, and of course I dug the music. Another one I could not play enough times by Rick was his 1977 release, Criminal Record. Yes' Chris Squire (RIP), and <a href="http://www.alanwhite.net/" target="_blank">Alan White</a> both contributed to this record. The album contained three thirds of what was then Yes. Squire and White was one of the absolute best bass / drum teams in all rock n' roll music. They played together in and out of Yes for over forty years. These guys were amazing! <br /><br />Uncle G Discusses … Leon Alvarado - The Future Left Behind</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First off, I became aware of Leon Alvarado a couple years ago. Was sent an EP CD he put out called, 'Music From An Expanded Universe', for possible review. I ended up doing so praising it not only for its musical contents, but it's cover art as well. A year and a half later (give or take) I get another package in the mail with Leon's newest release. A forty one minute full length concept album entitled, 'The Future Left Behind.' Includes guest players <a href="https://www.facebook.com/billy.sherwood.54" target="_blank">Billy Sherwood</a> (Yes - Circa:) on guitar, and a legendary musician I already mentioned; Rick Wakeman. He's credited with a Moog solo on the second track (Launch Overture), and extra keyboards. Seeing how Leon plays keyboards himself, it's figuring out, and then knowing the different styles of the two men to guess who's playing where. The majority of the keyboard work is Leon. That much I know. Leon also takes care of the drum work. On top of that, the sci-fi story is by him, and he writes all the all the songs on 'The Future Left Behind' except for one where he shares songwriting credit. That would be with guitarist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/johnny.bruhns" target="_blank">Johnny Bruhns</a> (Circa:) on a number called; To Be Loved. An outstanding acoustic guitar number performed by Johnny, who appears on that one track. <br /><br />What I labeled a sci-fi story, takes place in the 22nd century, if my calculations are correct. The Earth as we know it, has gone to shit. Blamed on pollution, and overpopulation. The wealthy get to live life anew, being blasted off into outer space, and living in one of the many huge space cities, that orbit our planet, and also that of Mars. A work in progress for those there, and also for the poor people left behind. For they need to come up with a solution to the planet's problems, or die trying. We learn all this through a narrator. No singing, thus not through lyrics. Instead in between instrumental tracks, we hear the story unfold before us. A brilliant job done by Steve Thamer, who at first listen I thought was Michael Dorn (portrayed Worf on Star Trek: The Next Generation). Oops … my bad.<br /><br />Music wise I have my favorite tracks. One would be 'Launch Overtune' that I also stated included the Moog playing of Mr. Rick Wakeman. Another song on here, 'The Ones Left Behind' reminds me of Rick, and his backup band; The English Rock Ensemble. And I really dig the last track; The Star Seekers.<br /><br />Uncle G Rates … Leon Alvarado - The Future Left Behind<br /><br />Using the one to five star rating system in which one star means it's absolutely dreadful, to five stars which means it's safe to spend your hard earned disposable cash on it, I rate Leon Alvarado - The Future Left Behind … 5 Stars! I wish in places it rocked out a tad harder. Genuinely, music wise, I find it hard to complain. Also, I can't say enough good words about the story. A solid futuristic, apocalyptic tale that inspires intelligent thought. <br /><br />In closing, I strongly recommend to the consumer to shell out the extra money and get the physical CD. The total packaging really compliments what you hear. The artwork / photography stands out. Comes with a very well done booklet, that includes the story in written form, plus comic book illustrations. I can't say enough good things here. Leon Alvarado - The Future Left Behind, is really, really well done! Okay to buy the download as well. The rest so they say, is icing on the cake. </span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For more information: <a href="http://www.leonplaysmusic.com/">http://www.leonplaysmusic.com</a></span><div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-31324033643539526462016-07-17T17:18:00.001+01:002016-07-18T01:57:07.045+01:00Interview_Neal Morse <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://classicrockradio.co.uk/">ClassicRockRadio.co.uk</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Interview: Neal Morse (The Neal Morse Band)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By: Gary “Uncle G” Brown<br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <b><span style="color: lime;">Photo: Neal Morse</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Intro</span>: ClassicRockRadio.co.uk welcomes American multi-instrumentalist / singer / composer Neal Morse. A co-founder / past member of Spock’s Beard. A current member of progressive rock groups Transatlantic / Flying Colors. Has a successful solo career, in which Neal launched over a decade ago, a part of which consists of; The Neal Morse Band. The year 2015 gave us a new studio album written by all five members called; The Neal Morse Band – The Grand Experiment. Was followed up by a successful tour. Now in 2016, stemming from that, a brand new 2 CD / DVD which includes a ‘making of documentary’ and the band in concert (same as audio). Also available on Blu-ray. Released by Radiant Records; The Neal Morse Band – Alive Again. It is our pleasure here at Classic Rock Radio to be able to ask Mr. Morse, some questions about this release, and of course while at it, some inquires about himself. Let us begin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: The one hour and three minute long documentary, ‘Inside The Neal Morse Band 2015 Alive Again Tour’, covered roughly a five month time span. From a two day rehearsal with the band in Tennessee, to the end of the tour overseas. A brilliant fly on the wall look at what that was all like. One thing it didn’t address, was the creation of the set list. Now we’re told how your solo spot would change from one show to the next, with even the rest of the band members not knowing what you were going to perform each evening. The rest of the show seemed to be set in stone. Taking into account that you’re touring the group’s latest studio recording, The Grand Experiment (2015), so a given that some of those tracks get played, how did the rest of the song selections that made up the set list, come about?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Neal Morse</span>: We kicked it around a lot, Mike always has a lot to do with the set lists. But, as I recall, on that tour we kept changing the encore slightly. But we couldn’t vary it that much as we had only learned so much material. But, I would say, as far as the set list goes, it was a band decision with Mike at the helm. As for my little solo acoustic spot, I really enjoyed changing that up every night. Some nights I didn’t know all the words, but it was still cool. It’s fun to be spontaneous you know?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: Speaking of the set list, one song, ‘Harm’s Way’, was included from your time with the bearded ones; Spock’s Beard. Played flawlessly by The Neal Morse Band, as a matter of fact. Six Spock’s Beard studio albums to pick from, that you were involved with. It must have been difficult at best to select just one Spock’s Beard number, if that’s what was originally intended. Now keep in mind that I’m happy with your choice, so it isn’t like I’m complaining any. Why Harm’s Way?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Neal Morse</span>: You’re right. We thought about a lot of different Spock’s songs to do. Someone suggested that one and I went with it because I can really feel that one right now for some reason. Some songs you really connect to at different times of your life, and that one I really felt connected to on the tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: Do you think in future tours we might get to see The Neal Morse Band incorporate any Transatlantic, Flying Colors, or even a Dream Theater song into the show? Either answer, yes or no, could you please elaborate why?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Neal Morse</span>: Sure! I’m sure we’ve done some Transatlantic before. At least “We All Need Some Light “and “Stranger In Your Soul”, but I can see us doing some of those songs. The reason why is because we all really love the music, and it’s nice to do some things that surprise the audience sometimes, and not just do your latest album. We always like to mix it up a little bit and I think the audience does too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: Speaking of Dream Theater, for those readers who are not aware of the story, how did you meet up with their ex-drummer Mike Portnoy, and how did it come about you two working together?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Neal Morse</span>: Somewhere around ’97 or ’98, Mike called me on the phone. We had a mutual friend that gave him my phone number, and we had a very nice chat. I was really grateful because at that time he was saying such marvelous things about SB, I mean, he was just glowing about us in some of his interviews, so the first part of our conversation was me telling him how thankful I was that he was doing that for us! And then he mentioned that he was thinking about doing a side project with me and Jim from Fates Warning. Jim wasn’t available, and so I suggested Roine Stolt from the Flower Kings, and Mike brought in Pete from Marillion, and so Transatlantic was born. Since then Mike and I have made more than 20 albums together. Crazy, huh?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: Hard to tell by just listening to the two audio CD’s that help make up The Neal Morse Band – Alive Again product. Yet another bonus of watching the DVD is witnessing your band do something I first saw done by progressive rock legends Jethro Tull, on their Songs From The Wood Tour. This would be the trading up of each others instruments. With y’all being skilled multi-instrumentalists, perhaps easy to do. For the audience, many fun moments. How did the idea come about to incorporate this bit into the show?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Neal Morse</span>: Well, I knew right from the beginning that Eric and Bill were crazy good multi instrumentalists because when they auditioned on YouTube they sent in multiple audition tapes on different instruments. It was crazy! Plus they both sing great! Anyway, I always wanted them to show people all the ridiculous stuff that they can do, and Randy as well, while Mike goes to bass and me to the drums. Lots of fun! We call it the “switcheroo”.</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo: Left to Right: <a href="http://www.ericgillettemusic.com/" target="_blank">Eric Gillette</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/randygeorgebass" target="_blank">Randy George</a>, Neal Morse, <a href="https://www.mikeportnoy.com/" target="_blank">Mike Portnoy</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/bhubauer" target="_blank">Bill Hubauer</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: Seeing the certain hardships one might encounter from touring by watching the documentary that is accompanied with The Neal Morse Band – Alive Again DVD / Blu-ray, can one say the recording process is understandably better than hitting the road supporting the album? Also, in the documentary, and I also just read a new interview with Ringo Starr where he pretty much said the same thing, that the hassles of traveling are all worth it, just for the performance. Besides being exhausted, how do you feel at the end of the night after the gig is over? Also, are you heavy into self evaluation?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Neal Morse</span>: Of course, it depends on the show. But, generally I feel pretty good after our gigs. Sometimes it’s just an amazing experience! When the spirit and the music touches just right, there is nothing like it! And other times you feel like maybe you missed it a little. But I try not to do too much self-evaluation. Because, many times you’ll find out later, at a gig you thought didn’t go so well, that someone’s life was changed! So, you just gotta flow with it as best you can, and be glad you can do it all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: One more question from watching the ‘Alive Again’ DVD. When the camera’s turn to the audience, it’s hard not to notice many of them with cell phones in hand. What’s your opinion on the subject? Are you okay with fans taking pictures / recording audio / video while watching the show on their cell phone screen, or would you personally prefer they turn them off, and experience the concert without them?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Neal Morse</span>: Personally, being someone who films a lot of stuff himself, I don’t really mind. I think it’s just the way things are now anyway. Actually, it was years ago now, but someone on a comedy website. It said something like “wrestling battle of the Prog all stars” and it said “here comes Neal Morse, weighing in at 300 pounds. 180 pounds of his natural weight, and 120 pounds of camera and recording equipment he has strapped to his body to film and sell it later on his website!” Haha! So, far be it from me to give anyone a hard time about filming things! God bless you all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Closing</span>: On behalf of Classic Rock Radio and myself, we’d like to thank you Neal for the time answering our questions, and we wish you much continued success in whatever the future holds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">WebLinks:<br /><br /><span style="color: lime;"><b>Official Neal Morse Website:</b></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nealmorse.com/">www.NealMorse.com</a><br /><br /><span style="color: yellow;"><b>Radiant Records:</b></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.radiantrecords.com/">http://www.radiantrecords.com/</a><br /><br /><span style="color: lime;"><b>Spock’s Beard Official Website:</b></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.spocksbeard.com/">http://www.spocksbeard.com/</a><br /><br /><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Promotion: William James</b></span> at <a href="http://www.glassonyonpr.com/">www.glassonyonpr.com</a><br /><br />Photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.nealmorse.com/">www.NealMorse.com</a></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-89636905079028027572016-07-14T13:35:00.001+01:002016-07-14T13:38:28.858+01:00Classic Rock Radio Movie Review - The VVitch_A New-England Folktale<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://classicrockradio.co.uk/">ClassicRockRadio.co.uk</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">14 July 2016<br />Uncle G’s FUN Movie Reviews<br />Spotlight: <span style="color: red;">The VVitch_A New-England Folktale (2015)</span><br />Age Suggestion: 16+</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By: Gary “Uncle G” Brown<br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The odd spelling of 'The Witch' jumped out at me first; The VVitch. Followed by the subtitle; A New England Folktale. It certainly catches the eye, which I'm sure it was intended to do. I actually passed on this movie when first seeing it offered on Netflix, and then did so a few more times, before finally deciding to give it a go. After the third or fourth pass but continuing to notice the film's poster, I figured what the hell. And also, Netflix's summary sparked an interest. The story itself, takes place in the 17th century. After all, I am on record as saying I do like historical period pieces. It was also categorized, an indie horror movie, and as anyone knows who read my movie reviews before, know I also dig independent B horror films. Sometimes having less money, means the ones involved try harder. Doing more with less. Two quick examples; John Carpenter's Halloween / Sam Raimi's Evil Dead. <br /><br />Opening up another browser, I decided to do a little more research before committing to the selection. I found out the film was released at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival (Winner: Best Director), and then made available to the masses, the beginning of this year. Is said to have cost about three million to make, and up to this point, grossed over thirteen times that according to the website, Box Office Mojo. Out on disc a couple months ago. Putting everything together, 'The Witch' certainly met my criteria. Added it to my Netflix queue, and before I knew it, the Blu-ray was in my snail mailbox. That evening, having some candy and a cold drink, I watched the previews that were also on the Blu-ray, and then settled in to view the main feature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The story starts showing a family in a courtroom like setting, being banished from the Puritan colony, in which they were making a home. Possibly, a difference of opinion. The next scene shows a beat up horse and carriage departing the settlement and venturing off to parts unknown. Inside, a middle aged man of strict religious beliefs, his wife, their four children of various ages, and all their earthly belongings. Off they went, heading deep into the forest to find themselves a new place to call home. Upon finding land that the elders believe will suffice their needs, they settle in, building a home and farm in the process. At first, it appears to be the ideal life. The couple has another child. But all is not what it seems to be. For sharing the same woods as them, is a witch. The nastiest of it's kind. The newborn disappears. Their harvest is deemed worthless. An older child after going missing, returns naked and evidently bewitched. These chain of events, have the otherwise tight knit family unit, question their own past actions, and what children that are left, accuse each other of wickedness. And all while this is going on, they had best keep an eye on their outside critters. For one especially is keeping an eye on them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />I conclude after seeing 'The Witch' that it was superbly written and directed. All by one man, Robert Eggers. Unbelievably, his first time receiving director's credit. The man hit a home run! Besides a well written story, 'The Witch' is spot on regarding its verbal and visual authenticity. And as for the horror aspects of it, I can say that what's brought forth on the screen is capable of sending shivers of terror down the spine of many. Frankly, I was not expecting a movie of such high quality. One would think it launched Mr. Eggers and all those associated career's, well into Hollywood's stratosphere. <br /><br />Uncle G Rates … The VVitch - A New-England Folktale (2016)<br /><br />Using the same rating system as the IMDb website uses whereas one star means it's horrible, to ten stars which signals it being the best possibly created, I give the indie motion picture The VVitch - A New-England Folktale … 10 stars! Regarding the actors, the one portraying the family, especially deserve high praise. And a tip of the hat for those behind the costumes. The sets as well. A well done job indeed! Count me as as to being a new follower of writer / director Robert Eggers. His solid script, and a vision as to how it should be filmed, clinched my regard as to The VVitch - A New-England Folktale, being a motion picture that if a fan of these type films, simply shouldn't be missed.<br /><br />Blu-Ray: Includes very good bonus features, including a documentary called, "The Witch: A Primitive Tale", which acts as a behind the scenes / making of the film, and also a very informative half hour Question and Answer Session with experts from the time period (1700's), plus the writer / director, and one of it's stars, the very beautiful and talented, Anya Taylor-Joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://a24films.com/films/witch/">http://a24films.com/films/witch/</a></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-55172257527419831882016-07-09T13:23:00.001+01:002016-07-09T13:23:23.394+01:00New Music Review_MJ12 - MJ12_debut album<a href="http://www.classicrockradio.co.uk/" target="_blank">ClassicRockRadio.co.uk </a><br />
New Music Review<br />
Spotlight: MJ12 - MJ12 (2016 Gonzo Multimedia)<br />
By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />
Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a><br />
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The four man ensemble that makes up MJ12, are all seasoned professionals, and as a group, been playing together for some time now. A little experimentation at first with the drums and bass remaining constant, and others coming in and out of the fold. A good time, I assume was had by all, but still the bassist and drummer had their favorites. Two guys, and when all was aligned just right, the quartet was formed. Next came music, written to fit their style, and for two whole days in the summer of 2015, at Shelter Island Studios in Manhattan, the foursome banged out the nine tracks that make up MJ12's debut album.<br />
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For those wondering about the name of MJ12, I'll let bassist Percy Jones explain; "We took the name of Majestik 12, which was supposedly a group of 12 scientists and engineers assembled in the late 1940's to investigate unidentified flying objects."<br />
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Then Mr. Jones goes on about their being an ongoing debate as if the group actually existed or not. True or not, what a cool ID for a band. Their music, a combination of jazz / fusion / progressive rock. All instrumental, with catchy song titles like, 'Guns And Pussy.' A pretty solid track by the way. All about weapons and felines (insert smiley face).<br />
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So I mentioned the incredible bass player, Percy Jones. From Brand X fame. For the first time in years, Brand X is getting ready to go back on the road. I'll supply a link to a website at the end of the story so one can find out details about that. But don't stop reading this yet. For MJ12 is a quartet with three other musicians, who are all as equally talented as the legendary bassist. If I may introduce; Stephen Moses (drummer / trombonist), Dave Phelps (guitarist), and rounding out the band, a man who played in some of the best jazz bands ever assembled on the Earth, saxophonist Chris Bacas. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is MJ12.<br />
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Uncle G Discusses … MJ12 - MJ12 (debut studio release)<br />
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Starts off hot right off the bat with a number called; Call 911. You hear Percy and Stephen right away. An almost eight minute track. In parts, David's guitar smokes. If I was going to compare his playing to someone's, just to give you, the reader a good indication as to what I was hearing, it be King Crimson's Robert Fripp. The man's certainly no slacker. Equally strong contributions throughout the whole disc. As are Stephen Moses. A drummer whose worth finding out more about.<br />
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Icing on the cake is Chris' saxophone. Gives the music a different sound altogether in contrast to having a keyboardist, in which some of these fusion line-ups have, that I also dig as a rule. Moving onto other tracks, Chris' playing also adds in my opinion an avant-garde feel. Keeps things fresh, and not typical.<br />
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Eight more selections follow. Some moments sounding more traditional jazz, while others more experimental. The second song, Bad American Dream Part 2, starts off with that Percy signature bass playing. Each note played, deep with a profound sound. Slow and melodic. All three band members follow suit. At the three minute mark it's Geritol time. Guitar screams. Chris Bacus is wailing. Percy and Mr. Moses are right there. Another fun listen, and we're just two numbers in.<br />
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The longest track is next; Talk Time. Just over nine minutes. On the proggy side. Kind of has a sci-fi movie score feel to it.<br />
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The rest of the CD is a mixture of compositions with each one having a place for each member to stand out, and to also emphasize the fact that MJ12 is a group that's on top of their game. Includes the aforementioned Firearms And Vagina … oh wait … my bad … Guns And Pussy. Original compositions. All group composed except 'Talk Time' which was written by saxophone extraordinaire; Chris Bacas.<br />
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Uncle G Rates … MJ12 - MJ12<br />
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Using the five star rating system in which one star means it's bargain bin material, to five stars which means it's a serious must have, I rate MJ12's debut studio release … 5 stars! A fusion lover's delight! It's a very well done / good sounding instrumental record. Speaking of, it reads along with the credits; "Note: No compression was applied to this recording, so don't be afraid to crank it up." For followers of this type of music, you can't lose.<br />
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Weblinks:<br />
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Brand X Official Facebook Page (reunion news): <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBrandX/">https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBrandX/</a><br />
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Percy Jones Official Website:<br />
<a href="http://www.percyjones.net/">http://www.percyjones.net</a><br />
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To Purchase MJ12 CD:<br />
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<a href="http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15925">http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15925</a> (USA and Canada)<br />
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<a href="http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15925">http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15925</a> (Europe)<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-23494018145485448432016-07-06T13:05:00.003+01:002016-07-06T13:08:36.738+01:00Interview_Jon Anderson <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">26 June 2016<br />Jon Anderson Interview with <a href="http://www.classicrockradio.co.uk/" target="_blank">Classic Rock Radio</a><br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: Congratulations on the new release / collaboration with Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings / <a href="http://www.transatlanticweb.com/" target="_blank">Transatlantic</a>) entitled, Invention Of Knowledge. For those unaware, it's available now through InsideOut Music, via your favorite music retailer.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Q & A</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: Invention Of Knowledge is a little over an hour long, and is comprised of four musical compositions. The longest being the title track, that comes in at almost twenty four minutes, to the shortest track which clocks in at around a little over eleven minutes. Was it imagined from the start that the songs on this new collaboration with Roine Stolt, be longer pieces of music, or did it just work out that way? <br /><br /><span style="color: lime;">Jon Anderson</span>: I always felt we should work on the long form musical journey concept right away...Roine's vision and mine were so on the same path...and after I sent him the songs I had in mind, he very quickly replaced some of the original music and sent his unique take on them, which really helped me add lyrical ideas and make everything connect and expand to create the design that it became, it was always a great surprise to hear the music evolve the way it did.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Photo: Roine Stolt_Jon Anderson</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: How do you know when doing lyrics for a song, that it's complete? When finished, do you ever go back to it for a re-write, or do you just move on to something new? <br /><br /><span style="color: lime;">Jon Anderson</span>: Interesting question, I seem to write lyrics as I sing that first idea, in my minds eye, I get a feeling of what I want to say, and the words flow out like a fountain of expression, later on as everything starts to click, I change a word or phrase, sometimes it's a last minute idea that needs a word changed...but it's always fun, and at times, I will listen to what I wrote 30 years ago like 'Song of Seven', and think 'wow, I was really dancing an interesting word dance, lyrically'.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: As a long time fan of your music, I can comment that the music of Anderson / Stolt - Invention Of Knowledge sounds remarkable so much like a Jon Anderson album would / should sound like. I take it you were pleased with the outcome. Being progressive music, how would you compare it to some of your other past musical accomplishments?<br /><br /><span style="color: lime;">Jon Anderson</span>: I truly feel that this album is like the 'corner stone' of my artistic life...as though I can really move forward and challenge myself more and more, and I thank the musical Gods for introducing me to Roine..I'm very excited for people to relax and enjoy the journey...<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: Having worked in various studios creating music with groups / individuals, and then also by using a computer and sharing files back and forth as is how this album was created, what are the pros and cons of working each way? <br /><br /><span style="color: lime;">Jon Anderson</span>: Well as I say 'we are all on the same planet,' so the Internet is an amazing tool for progress, in a way it cuts out the meandering that can happen when you have a group of people looking for a musical or artistic breakthrough all in one room, I do remember the days, when I would go home, thinking, 'that was a waste of a day'. <br /><br />With this new form of creating via the Internet, I find it so much easier to go into my studio, or on my 'laptop' download the music from someone out there, and all of a sudden I'm singing ideas that I would never of thought of, that's the beauty of the modern studio system..<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Classic Rock Radio</span>: Lastly, and knowing how busy you have been keeping yourself as of late, do you think it possible that Anderson / Stolt might be hitting the road for some concert dates? If not a full tour, then just maybe a few shows for recording.<br /><br /><span style="color: lime;">Jon Anderson</span>: I really feel it would be just the best to perform 'Invention of Knowledge', plus another couple of songs we didn't finish, and maybe 'Open' with a large choir and orchestra, I think it would be a dream to do that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">InsideOut Music: <a href="http://www.insideoutmusic.com/index.aspx">http://www.insideoutmusic.com/index.aspx</a></span></div>
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Official Jon Anderson Website: <a href="http://www.jonanderson.com/">www.jonanderson.com</a></div>
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Official Flower King (Roine Stolt) Website: <a href="http://www.flowerkings.se/">http://www.flowerkings.se/</a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-80459019950909102322016-07-02T12:00:00.002+01:002016-07-02T12:00:46.524+01:00Music Review_Armonite - The Sun Is New Each Day<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://classicrockradio.co.uk/">ClassicRockRadio.co.uk</a> New Music Review<br />01 July 2016<br />Spotlight: Armonite - The Sun Is New Each Day<br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><div>
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One day here recently I get a package in the mail, all the way from Italy. I opened it to find a music CD, and a very politely written letter asking me if I'd be so kind to do a review. Made a positive impression. Along with the request, it also came with a press release. Having just made a cup of coffee, I take a sip, and give it a read. Off the bat it states that the recording was produced by Paul Reeve. I recognize the name having seen it in the credits of Muse's debut studio album; Showbiz (1999). One of my favorite releases from Muse to this day. </div>
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<br />Next I see that Armonite - The Sun Is New Each Day, was mastered by Geoff Pesche, at the Abbey Road Studios. That sparked my curiosity, in which I find out while doing a little research that he's worked with a army of talent, including one of my favorite musicians, Mike Oldfield. <br /><br />Just about hooked at this point, I decided to research Armonite itself. Out of Italy, Armonite was formed in 1999. Labeled a prog-rock group. They put out one album (Inuit), toured a bit, and called it quits. Fifteen years later, two members of that project, the classical-trained violinist (electric; The Sun Is New Each Day) Jacopo Bigi, and keyboardist / composer Paolo Fosso decided to bring Armonite back, and doing so added a couple new players to fill out the group. One was Dutch drummer Jasper Barendregt, and a name I knew immediately, bassist Colin Edwin. This guy played with Porcupine Tree. I had the luck and the pleasure of being in the front row, standing right in front of Colin back in 2005 when the band played in Houston Texas, and was touring their eighth studio album, Deadwing. His playing was simply extraordinary. And then I got to see Porcupine Tree again, also in Houston, when they toured their next studio album; Fear Of A Dead Planet (2007). In my opinion, one of the best progressive hard rock albums of the 21st Century. So what's not to like? I advanced Armonite - The Sun Is New Each Day, to the front of the line. Started giving it repeat plays.</div>
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<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Photo: Paolo Fosso_Jacopo Bigi</span></b></div>
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This new Armonite studio offering, The Sun Is New Each Day, clocks in at around thirty-one minutes. Consists of nine tracks. All instrumental with some slight verbal audio thrown in, which compliments the music nicely. The band keeping to its roots, it's indeed a true progressive rock album. Very keyboard heavy. The electric violin gives it a unique sound. Music rocks! Nothing boring that motivates sleep. And the drums and bass are spot on, as expected with musicians of this caliber. </div>
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<br /><a href="https://garyunclegbrownarchives.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Uncle G</a> Rates … Armonite - The Sun Is New Each Day<br /><br />Using a five star rating system, whereas one star means it's stinks, to five stars which means it's a must have, and especially if into instrumental prog-rock music, I rate Armonite - The Sun Is New Each Day … 5 stars! This is an excellent recording. Is enjoyable from start to finish. And for a limited time, is completely FREE for the taking. No shit! It's as easy as going to the band's website, and following the easy instructions on how to download. Reason being is simple. To help ensure that the music itself, gets heard. A BIG expense for Armonite to absorb, but is hoped to be reimbursed by fans buying tickets going to their shows. Dates in which can be found on the group's website. I strongly recommend downloading 'The Sun Is New Each Day', and if possible, supporting the band anyway one can.<br /><br />Honorable Mention: Cool cover artwork by AquaSixio (Cyril Rolando) <br /><br />Website - <a href="http://www.armonite.com/">http://www.armonite.com</a><br /><br />Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/armonitemusic" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/armonitemusic</a><br /></div>
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Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/armonitemusic">http://www.twitter.com/armonitemusic</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-64147827013480251652016-06-29T00:19:00.002+01:002016-06-29T00:22:14.999+01:00Classic Rock Radio Movie Review - The Boy<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">28 June 2016<br />Uncle G's FUN Movie Reviews<br />Spotlight: The Boy (2016)<br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Released in the beginning of this year, The Boy, in which I caught this past weekend on Blu-ray thanks to Netflix, kept me glued to my television screen, from start to finish. One reason being it's lovely star; Lauren Cohan. Followers of the television show, The Walking Dead, will easily recognize the name, for Lauren plays Maggie Greene, a character that was introduced to the program on season two of the drama. In the film, The Boy, she plays Greta, a young woman who leaves the States, and goes to the United Kingdom to be a nanny. While doing so, escaping a relationship with a seriously controlling guy, who when angry, like many other dicks out there, becomes violent. Enough so that Greta had to have a restraining order prohibiting him from approaching or contacting her. Not that it stops him, but I'm getting ahead of myself. A lot of disturbing, and spooky shit happens up to the time we finally get to meet the horse's ass. Once we do, it's obvious why she left the United States (Montana) to escape him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />'The Boy' is described as a ninety eight minute psychological horror film. Written by Stacey Delay, and directed by William Brent Bell, who was also behind the scary 2012 film on exorcisms; The Devil Inside. A movie I admit I have not seen yet, but after seeing 'The Boy', I looked up what other movies Mr. Bell directed, and finding that, added it to my Netflix queue. Am looking forward to seeing it. Back to 'The Boy' , besides Lauren Cohan, it also stars Rupert Evans (Hellboy). He plays a likeable sort, who delivers groceries on a weekly basic to the Heelshire estate. The rest of the cast is a rather small group. A fine job by all involved. I especially liked Jim Norton, and Diana Hardcastle who portrays Mr. and Mrs. Heelshire, the elderly, parents of eight year old Brahms, aka 'The Boy'. <br /><br />Now I mentioned Lauren Cohan's character, being a nanny. And I mentioned the people she works for, the Heelshire's, and their eight year old son, Brahms. But I didn't yet say the story takes place in modern day, while Brahms was killed in a fire, back in 1991. So the eight year old boy, Greta finds out soon enough, is a life size porcelain doll, being treated by the Heelshire's like it was a real human little boy. And before leaving Greta with the doll / boy, she's informed Brahms is not like any normal child. Lucky for Greta, Brahms approves of her. Something he didn't do with the rest of the nannies who applied for the job. Greta is pleasing to the eyes, whereas the others might have not been? Or maybe they just thought it ridiculous to babysit a toy, which in return upset the young lad? And as peculiar as this all is, Greta needs the job / money. So having the approval of the Heelshire's as well, who by the way appear quite wealthy, and pay weekly in cash, they go off on holiday, leaving Greta with Brahms, and the rather large home to themselves. The first getaway in ages for the older couple.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Photo: Lauren Cohan as Greta</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As what any normal person might do in this situation, for as soon as the parents of 'The Boy' are gone, Greta immediately concludes the doll as creepy, and covers it up with a blanket, proceeding to do more housesitting, than babysitting. Her routine a normal one, ignoring not only Brahms, but also the daily rules regarding caring for the pretend eight year old boy. Something Brahms don't like, and slowly but surely makes her aware of it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Brahms aka 'The Boy'</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rated PG-13, 'The Boy' does all it can to focus on it's star Lauren Cohan in various stages of undress, without having her downright showing any naughty bits. The same formula with countless of horror movies before this one. We see Lauren in her panties briefly. We see Lauren in the shower. We see Lauren wearing only a towel. We see Lauren wearing a nightie that from the top half, leaves little to the imagination. And for those with foot fetishes, we see Lauren, or a stand in, for several seconds walking barefoot across the floor. No complaints from me. Not that I'm into feet. A movie's purpose, at least in this sense, is to entertain. Where some actresses are just eye candy, Lauren Cohan is not only a pretty lady, but she's a skilled, talented actress as well. Her character Greta over time starts to believe the doll, is real. And that's when things start to get really interesting. <br /><br />Uncle G Rates … The Boy (2016)<br /><br />Using the same one to ten star rating system that the IMDb website uses, whereas one star means it sucks, to ten stars in which means it's a cinematic masterpiece, I give the feature film 'The Boy', a solid … 8 stars! Watching it, I did kind of feel like I been there, and done that before. Whereas I'm older and seen a shitload of horror movies in my life, someone younger might think differently. The movie itself was a success financially, and served as a nice vehicle to show that Lauren Cohan could be a box office draw. Is just as good in my opinion as actress Jennifer Lawrence, and as I already implied, way more pleasing to the eyes. But then, I always preferred brunettes over blondes. <br /><br />Official Website<br /><br /><a href="http://theboymovie.tumblr.com/">http://theboymovie.tumblr.com</a></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-92180389149005049252016-06-16T01:52:00.000+01:002016-06-20T00:48:46.157+01:00New Live Music Review_The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)<br />16 June 2016<br />Classic Rock Radio NEW Live Music Release Review<br />Spotlight: The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again (2016)<br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk<br />Twitter @GBrown16</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The house lights fade. Full focus is now on the stage. Instrumental music (Alive Again Intro) plays. The sold out crowd at Concert Hall Boerjerij, in the Netherlands, springs to it's feet. Loud cheers and applause follow. For they know what's next. For in their immediate future, one of the most talented / tightest progressive rock bands in today's current music scene, will entertain and dazzle them for the evening. And that they do. Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce; The Neal Morse Band. In concert, promoting their newest studio creation; The Neal Morse Band - The Grand Experiment (2015). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Neal Morse Band hails from the United States. It's namesake, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter whose attention level rose with a progressive rock band he was co-founder in called; <a href="http://www.spocksbeard.com/" target="_blank">Spock's Beard</a>. I became aware of them after their second studio release called, Spock's Beard - Beware Of Darkness (1997). One of those albums you play once, and then give repeat plays for the next two weeks. Maybe it was longer? Their debut album called, The Light, is the same way. A prog-rock masterpiece! I got to see the band perform at ProgFest '97 in Los Angeles, California. Totally mind blowing! Long live the bearded ones! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On drums for The Neal Morse Band is former Dream Theater personal; Mike Portnoy. Like Neal Morse, I became aware of Mike and Dream Theater, quite early on. When their second studio album, Images And Words (1992) was brand new as a matter of fact. A friend turned me on to them, one late evening. I have stayed a follower ever since. I honestly can't say I dig their music as much now that Mike isn't a part of the band anymore. No disrespect to his replacement, Mike Mangini. Different direction / vibe nowadays. I dropped a twenty of their latest studio, Dream Theater - The Astonishing (2016). Here's my three word review; "It's total rubbish!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Establishing that I know Neal and Mike's previous work, I can say the same isn't with the other musicians who finish making up the Neal Morse Band. Wish it was, for this live recording put each of these musicians on my radar; Randy George (bass, and backing vocals), Eric Gillette (lead guitar, and vocals), and Bill Hubauer (keyboards, and vocals). All three after hearing / witnessing for myself by watching the accompanying DVD, extremely talented multi-instrumentalist. And they can sing. Along with Neal and Mike, some beautiful harmonies. Professional musicians of this caliber, needed if playing alongside Neal Morse, and Mike Portnoy. In my opinion, these two have been at the top of their game since first entering the music business. Someone like myself might not dig everything these guys have participated in. The range here with these two players goes from Death Metal to Christian, and all in between. Both Neal and Mike, both having big catalogs of work to show for themselves. I'll quickly state that this here new two audio disc / one DVD release entitled, The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again, should be a crowning achievement for all involved. A nice new addition to the previous achievements of yesteryear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G Discusses … The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First off, on disc one, out of eight tracks, I am only familiar with one song. That would be a Spock's Beard tune called; Harm's Way. Brilliantly performed here by the way. The other seven numbers, were brand new to me. Two songs from the group's newest (2015) studio effort; The Neal Morse Band - The Grand Experiment. The five left, all from Neal's solo catalog. My favorite, a song Neal performs on his own called; There Is Nothing God Can't Change. Shocking in a way I'd pick this, when taking into account all the fine material disc one of Alive Again, has to offer. It's a song Neal performs by himself. He sings, accompanied by an acoustic guitar. A story song, that Neal introduces by saying all stories told, were true. It's an out and out Christian number. The lyrics pass along several difficult situations. A blink from death. The Grim Reaper turning the last corner to it's destination. And then things are OK. People believed. A song filled with strong emotion that I as a person, have always had a hard time dealing with. With yours truly, I'm either happy, or pissed off. And if around me, watch the latter of the two. This song, There Is Nothing God Can't Change, touched my heart. Nice something can. Worth mentioning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The second audio disc again includes two helpings of the groups super proggy album, The Grand Experiment. The studio has five tracks, (not including bonus tracks) and this live offering, giving forth four of the five. Enough for me to conclude that I need to add The Neal Morse Band - The Grand Experiment to my collection. Seeing how it's missing only one song, might as well as the studio, right? Besides, I have been kind of slack in buying Neal's stuff lately. The last CD I got of his, and totally fell into it, came out back in 2005, called; Question / Questionmark. Included Mike Portnoy, and Randy George of this band. Track five of that album (In The Fire) is performed flawlessly here, at the Netherlands, 06 March 2015 concert. Trust me … ? (the name of the album) is another Neal Morse must have! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm not fond of labels, but if I had to describe what I hearing / seeing, I would say the Neal Morse Band, as a whole is a hard rocking / modern day prog-rock band. As talented as any other out there. The lyrics can sometimes push it towards the land of Christianity. While mention of God, there is no real preaching anywhere on the two disc recording. Lyrics can be inspirational. As a real representation of Neal's musical career, The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again, covers Neal's past. From the last studio album which not only did Neal have a hand in writing, but the rest of the band as well. To his involvement in Spock's Beard to his new life journey as a born again Christian. The results, a glorious set list. A collection of sounds and thoughts that don't insult your intelligence. The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again, represents Neal, then and now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Musically, there are times on this two disc live recording, where this band totally smokes. When there is no holding back Mike Portnoy. Which to me, is a good thing. Neal certainly rocks at times. Complimenting those two, three players, continually making their contributions known. What's nice here, is that there is plenty of room given to see Randy, Eric, and Bill each shine as not only a solid member of the band, but then on their own. For the band members solos found on Alive Again, are not only for getting up, relieving oneself, and getting another beer. Simply not the case here. Besides one can do all that either before or after the performance. Of course the listener / viewer can hit the pause button. Near blasphemy in my eyes. Each second, of each minute, of each track, deserves full attention. Stopping and starting, as annoying as listening to an old eight track tape. Click Click (insert scream). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G RATES … The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Using the five star rating system, whereas one star means it's should be condemned to Hell, to five stars which can be interpreted as being a personal slice of Heaven right here on Earth, Uncle G rates The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again … 5 stars! I'm more into progressive rock than I am the other forms of music that have been mentioned here. This double CD / DVD is full of prog-rock, at it's finest. Performed by one of the most solid five member prog-rock groups, on this planet. It's been watching (twice) the DVD that really pushed my appreciation level up a notch. If you have not witnessed their performance yourself, the DVD demonstrates all I'm saying, plus more. Filmed beautifully by the way. In closing, when time permits, I'll next dig into the catalogs of each member, for anything I don't know about, or may have missed. And like I said, I'm going to secure the album, that the group was touring behind; The Neal Morse Band - The Grand Experiment. How could I not? Besides, I imagine it would go with 'Alive Again' PERFECTLY! This one I already have (insert smiley face).</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/629-the-neal-morse-band-alive-again-dvd2cd-set-and-blu-ray.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/629-the-neal-morse-band-alive-again-dvd2cd-set-and-blu-ray.aspx</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-54558650534358131822016-06-15T22:44:00.001+01:002016-06-15T22:45:47.119+01:00THE UNDERTONES play CHESTER – Live Rooms on Friday 17th June 2016!<img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=6eedcd8b96&view=fimg&th=154f357a32359b1d&attid=0.1&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ_AIf0efT-6yhWWuj_IQ0fc8Q6DJ6phgfYIEVrU18rP3sYUiKUj760IcqSnxD-CounIkFKkbm449zpH9BDAjZY1amt7OMN7tRjxWmZ5efBspF8LQFI5BqCh7_o&sz=w1246-h882&ats=1466026059970&rm=154f357a32359b1d&zw&atsh=1" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>2016 </i></b>is the <b><i>40th Anniversary</i></b> of <b><i>The Undertones</i></b> and they are delighted to announce that they will be celebrating this anniversary with national and international live shows and some exciting releases.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Undertones</b> emerged from <b>Derry</b> in 1976, the result of five friends learning how to play basic rock and roll. Even by the standards of that decade Derry was not the rock and roll capital of anywhere. With no live bands worth watching, they learned by listening to mail order records, reading one of the few copies of <b>NME</b> that made it to Derry but most of all from listening to <b>John Peel</b>’s wonderful show on BBC Radio One. Practicing in their bedrooms eventually led to the band recording <b><i>Teenage Kicks E.P</i></b>. in 1978 on Terri Hooley's Good Vibrations label in Belfast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The legendary DJ <b><i>John Peel</i></b> received a copy and like it so much he played it twice in a row on his radio show.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Undertones signed with <b><i>Sire Records</i></b> and ‘<b><i>Teenage Kicks</i></b>’ was released followed by further punk pop gems such as `<b><i>Here Comes The Summer</i></b>`, Jimmy Jimmy`, `My Perfect Cousin`, `You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It)’ and four LPs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tickets for the <b>CHESTER – Live Rooms</b> show are available from the following:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friday 17th June 2016</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">CHESTER – Live Rooms</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Box Office No: 0871 220 0260</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Website - https://www.theliverooms.com/event/the-undertones/</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Doors: 7.00pm</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tickets - £20.00 (advance)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more information on THE UNDERTONES, check out the following website / social media links:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.theundertones.com/_/Home.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Website</b> - http://www.theundertones.com/_/Home.html</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Facebook</b> – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTheUndertones">https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTheUndertones</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Undertones BBC 4 Documentary - You Tube Link - </b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxTOMcPax6k">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxTOMcPax6k</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Marilyn Michaelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11651943334296075483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-20399843482675851012016-06-12T01:57:00.002+01:002016-06-12T02:25:02.370+01:00Classic Rock Radio NEW Music Review_Cabinets of Curiosity - Eponymous<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)<br />12 June 2016<br /><a href="http://classicrockradio.co.uk/">ClassicRockRadio.co.uk</a> NEW Music Review<br />Spotlight: Cabinets of Curiosity - Eponymous (2016) <br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk<br />Twitter</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So there I am one evening doing much of nothing, scrolling my Facebook wall, when I see mention of a new progressive rock band out of New Jersey called; Cabinets of Curiosity. A seven piece band consisting of five males, and two females. All appearing to be in age around the twenty something range. All members having a healthy appreciation for progressive rock bands of the past; King Crimson, Jethro Tull, and Yes, just naming a few. Giants of prog rock's past. Yet </span><span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cabinets of Curiosity make it clear that they are very much a modern day unit, with a </span><span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">very in your face, twenty first century sound. </span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I find the band's official Facebook page, and see pretty much right away, that the guitarist / songwriter, James Naprawa, is seriously into Yes' guitar player <a href="http://stevehowe.com/" target="_blank">Steve Howe</a>. My inner voice yells out; "I am too!" So of course, I keep scrolling. Other posts I find very favorable as well. I tell myself "okay", and proceed to secure their brand new debut EP CD, in which is called; Cabinets of Curiosity - Eponymous. </span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Cabinets of Curiosity - Band Members<br /><br />James Naprawa (guitar) / Jared Hirst (bass) / Matt Montagano (drums) / Joe Oliver (keyboards) / Anthony Warga (saxophone) / Kristina Bacich (flute) / Natalie Hornyak (vocals).</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />The debut Cabinets of Curiosity EP entitled Eponymous was released in the Spring of 2016. Recorded in a very scenic New Jersey town called, Bordentown. The EP has a running time of about twenty six or so minutes long, in which includes a hidden track that is close to four minutes. More about that later.<br /><br />The Cabinets of Curiosity EP 'Eponymous' starts off with a song called, Dr. Quantum. A tight rocker with a Jethro Tull kind of vibe to it. And not only because it has a flute in it. For Kristina does not try copying the playing style of Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, but instead plays her own style, which naturally fits everything else I'm hearing just fine. Add some badass saxophone playing. Along with keys, guitar, bass and drum, the group is so tight, they could stop on a dime if needed to. James Brown had a band like that, as did Frank Zappa (Mothers of Invention). Plus Natalie's vocal literally jumps right out at you. Smacks you right upside the head. All this combines for a very powerful introduction track (Dr. Quantum), that when primed, equates to a musical wall of sound that can move buildings. <br /><br />More follows on the second track; Nowhere Near The Blade. An almost seven minute song that builds as it goes. Very proggy! Could be my favorite song on here? Well written, and is presented musically in a way that holds my attention. Got some earworm material here. Nat's in a trance with her vocals and at one point reminds one of someone possessed. <br /><br />Not one musician in Cabinets of Curiosity does any slacking throughout. Jared Hirst on bass and Matt Montagano on drums seem a perfect pair. And could you even have a prog rock band without a gifted keyboard player? That answer would be, the opposite of yes. I hear good things, and expect more in the future of Cabinets of Curiosity keyboardist, Joe Oliver. Add the electric guitar playing of James Naprawa, and at all the right times. <br /><br />The third track is called, The Abducted. The song itself is a mellow number, then the two tracks before this one. Anthony saxophone helps kind of push it over the edge. <br /><br />The last song on the Cabinets of Curiosity - Eponymous EP is called, Nobody's Angel. By this time, after hearing the first three songs, one is getting accustomed to the band's music, and their vocalist. Makes for a cool closing number.<br /><br />Hidden Track: A little studio fun! Kind of strange. Natalie seems to be having a good time. Has a certain Beatles quirkiness to it. Absolutely trippy! <br /><br />Uncle G Rates … Cabinets of Curiosity - Eponymous<br /><br />Using the one to five star rating system, whereas one star means it's not worth paying attention to, to five stars which means it's solid enough to buy, Uncle G rates the debut EP, Cabinets of Curiosity - Eponymous … 5 stars! All day long! I love the seven piece band format. A regular five piece prog-rock band with a full time flutist, and saxophone player. Presents lots of possibilities. A bright future for this group should be in store. Long live prog-rock, and those who keep the vibe alive! </span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cabinetsofcuriosityofficial" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/cabinetsofcuriosityofficial </a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bandcamp: <a href="https://cabinetsofcuriosity.bandcamp.com/album/eponymous">https://cabinetsofcuriosity.bandcamp.com/album/eponymous</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/cabinetsofprog">https://twitter.com/cabinetsofprog</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">YouTube Page: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-fMVYvloE4V54SoykUxTYg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-fMVYvloE4V54SoykUxTYg</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Cabinets of Curiosity - Eponymous (promo video)</span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-15823106117277524902016-06-05T20:14:00.000+01:002016-06-05T21:35:16.184+01:00New Live Music from Classic Rockers_Billy Sherwood-Tony Kaye_Live In JapanClassic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK) 05 June 2016<br />
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C.R.R. Presents:New Live Music from Classic Rockers </div>
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Spotlight: Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye - Live In Japan </div>
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By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown </div>
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American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk </div>
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Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Released this past April, Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye - Live In Japan, is a two CD plus DVD deluxe edition recorded five years ago while on tour, that completely caught me by surprise. Eighteen tracks that does any excellent job featuring songs from both of their careers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tony Kaye is best known for being a co-founding member in the progressive rock band; Yes. Every day on classic rock stations all over the world, one can hear Tony's keyboard work on such outstanding Yes songs as; I Seen All Good People, Time And A Word, Yours In No Disgrace, Starship Trooper, It Can Happen, Love Will Find A Way, Hold On, and the number one YesSmash, Owner of a Lonely Heart. Just to name a few. From there Tony was in the British rock band, Badger. I play their live album, One Live Badger (1973), even since purchasing back in the 1990's as an import (compact disc). Add to that, Mr. Kaye's is also a co-founding member with the modern prog-rock recording group, Circa:, a group where we also find the second half of this performing duo that I'm currently writing about, Billy Sherwood. Released their debut release back in 2007. A new studio release is on the horizon by the way. Described by Billy as; "Super-proggy." Be sure to look for that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I first got to know Billy Sherwood back when he was playing with Yes, the first time around. A protege of the late and great Yes player, Chris Squire (1948-2015). Billy's work with Yes could be found as a player, or behind the scenes (studio), on several Yes projects. The guy really is amazing. A multi-instrumentalist, and singer. Others bands he was in include Lodgic, World Trade, Yoso, and the already mentioned Circa: which has a history of very cool drummers; Alan White (drummer:John Lennon_Yes), and Jay Schellen (drummer:Asia_GPS). Currently behind the Circa: drum kit, is Scott Connor, who played on what could be called William Shatner's best music CD; Ponder The Mystery (2013). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G Discusses … Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye - Live In Japan </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Talk about deep cuts. Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye - Live In Japan is full of them. As a YesRelated collector, I am literally blown away by these in concert performances. A simply MUST HAVE for everyone like myself, who not only collects YesMusic, but also anything else a Yes member, past or present participates in. Something I been doing for several decades now. Not that I have everything, because that would be super hard to do, and frankly would cost a fortune. Example, pertaining just to Billy Sherwood, that would mean having all his solo records, guest spots on other albums, plus, and this is a BIG one, everything he produced or did studio work on over the years. Including all those tribute albums he participated on, in which I lost count there is so many. My all time favorite, and it's really a Paul Rodgers solo record; Muddy Water Blues - A Tribute To Muddy Waters (1993). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Japan in the year 2011, was trying to recover one of the biggest earthquakes ever recorded, as well as a tsunami, which devastated parts of the country. Over fifteen thousand people died. Over six thousand injured, and more than twenty five hundred missing, according to 2014 statistics. In it's wake, armed with pre-recorded drums and bass tracks that Billy Sherwood recorded himself, both Mr. Sherwood and Tony Kaye toured Japan, entertaining all those who were lucky enough to be able to attend. The show itself, close to two hours. Songs included tracks from Yes, Circa:, and a healthy dose of titles from work Billy did with Chris Squire, and his own solo material. Part of the show also is a wonderful as always, Tony Kaye keyboard solo. I'll elaborate on that more before I'm finished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Highlights </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Any material originating from the two records (Chris Squire_Billy Sherwood - Conspiracy + Conspiracy - Unknown) Billy did with Chris Squire, are just special to me. The double CD Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye - Live In Japan release, includes several songs from Billy and Chris' time together. This here alone is worth the price of admission. Not only due to the performance, which are pretty true to the original recordings, but also because they are songs that unless already a fan and playing the CD's on a regular basis, that you just don't hear everyday. One song would be a bonus track on the first release they did (Chris Squire_Billy Sherwood - Conspiracy) called, Say Goodbye. A tune that actually originates from A band Billy is in; World Trade. The track appears on their 1995 album; World Trade - Euphoria. There are other Chris Squire - Billy Sherwood / Conspiracy numbers also included; Confess, I Could, and Red Light Ahead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Did you know Billy helped write a Toto song? He sure did. It could be found on Toto's eighth album; Kingdom Of Desire (1992). This was the last album Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro participated in, before his untimely death at age thirty eight. So sad to have died that young. The tune entitled, The Other Side, could be found on the second disc of this two CD / DVD deluxe edition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Billy Sherwood's solo material I always find very well done. Intricate in nature. Musically, I'm always impressed, due to Billy himself at most times playing every instrument heard. He's as talented a drummer, as he is a guitar or bass player. I'm trying to learn keyboards myself, and getting nowhere fast. A lot of dedication involved. Billy's devoted his life to music, and one can tell. Besides the musicianship, Billy's singing stands out as does the lyrics, in which a lot of times, Billy tackles heavy / serious subject matter. From the Japan live shows with Tony, we get two solo Billy Sherwood tracks, both from the same 2003 release; Billy Sherwood - No Comment. The two songs make for a solid representation of what Billy is capable of doing when away from a group setting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Speaking of, I save the two biggest bands Billy is in, for last. Both also having co-founding member Tony Kaye in them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Circa: On the first disc of this two audio disc / one DVD collection are a couple Circa: numbers; Together We Are / Cut The Ties. Both tracks from Circa: debut 2007 release. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes: Eight songs from Yes' vast catalog. Some instantly recognizable, and a few of them, songs that Yes themselves rarely do themselves live anymore, if at all. One that really stands out is a track off the band's 1993 album Talk; I Am Waiting. Performed by Sherwood & Kaye as an instrumental. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another track that makes this release a must have for the YesHeads out there. I was surprised how much I liked 'Owner of a Lonely Heart', with Billy's vocals. He's no where the alto tenor the main vocalist on that hit, Jon Anderson is. Yet, along with Tony's key's and Billy's instrumentation, the duo does a version that is just as delightful as the original Top 40 composition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two Yes songs that could be labeled deep cuts, can also be heard on this Billy Sherwood & Tony Kate live collaboration. From Yes' 1991 Union album, a track Chris Squire / Billy Sherwood penned together called, The More We Live - Let Go, and from 1997's Yes - Open Your Eyes; No Way We Can Lose. Both presentations are a breath of fresh air, and surprised me when I played this CD, the first time around. As a matter of fact, and probably due to 'Open Your Eyes' not really being a favorite Yes album of mine, I recognized the 'Open Your Eyes' number, but could not identify it, immediately. Had to research, and actually was not really shocked I didn't know it right away, coming from the seventeenth Yes studio album. I favor about half the tracks from that album, along with the cool hidden track that Billy put together. In my opinion, 'Open Your Eyes' would have been a far better release, if the length wasn't so long, eliminating several of the tracks that's I feel appears more as filler, than actual substance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tony Kaye Solo: My first time witnessing a Tony Kaye keyboard solo was back when I saw a YesShow from the band's 90125 tour. Every note / chord played counted. Nothing excessive! Been that way with every solo I heard Tony play after that. The same goes for his portion of the show here. Listen up, and you'll recognize in the almost four minutes that he plays other numbers from Yes' 90125 that Sherwood and Kaye don't perform; Hearts and Changes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The DVD: Songs performed are the same as the two CD audio track listing, but also has some cool behind the scenes footage that come from the tour. I wish the visual quality was better. Back in the nineteen seventies there were those who believed rock n' roll concerts were not worth filming. Mainly due to the lighting. Bullshit for the most part. Though unfortunately that might apply here. Add the fact I'm spoiled by an army of high definition camera's filming live events nowadays, and having a budget that could feed a third world nation, in which I'm guessing this production, didn't have. Seeing the DVD as a bonus disc, the audio is very good, and I'm certainly not going to hold the lack of quality in a visual sense, against it when rating. And speaking of which... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G Rates … Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye - Live In Japan (Deluxe Edition)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Using the five star rating system, whereas one star means one can totally ignore it, to five stars which means one should be asking themselves where they can buy it, Uncle G rates Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye - Live In Japan (Deluxe Edition) … 5 stars! Pointing out the obvious, anyone reading this could have guessed what I would rate it, just by reading the first few paragraphs. No surprise really. Still, needed to make it official. I'm real happy adding Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye - Live In Japan (Deluxe Edition), to my already fairly large, YesRelated collection. I strongly recommend to new listeners as well. The music these guys have involved themselves with over the years, make Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye some of the best players in the prog-rock scene. Really hard to go wrong with anything these two gentlemen do musically. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And CONGRATS to Tony Kaye, for we now have an album with your name right on it, and not a group you belong to. Worth noting! </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;"> Sales Link - </span><span style="color: red;">Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye - Live In Japan </span><span style="color: lime;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Note: This review, can also be found via the <span style="color: red;"><b>WordPress</b></span> website, on the 'Gary "Uncle G' Brown Archives Page:</span> <a href="https://garyunclegbrownarchives.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/uncle-g-reviews-billy-sherwood-tony-kaye-live-in-japan/">https://garyunclegbrownarchives.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/uncle-g-reviews-billy-sherwood-tony-kaye-live-in-japan/</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-25659313413076171202016-05-30T22:25:00.003+01:002016-05-31T16:24:16.864+01:00Uncle G's FUN Movie Reviews_Moonwalkers<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: yellow;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)<br />31 May 2016<br />Uncle G's FUN Movie Reviews<br />Spotlight: Moonwalkers (2015)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: yellow;">Age: 16+<br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk</span><br /><span style="color: yellow;">Twitter</span> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If I'm into the subject matter, and it's a well written story, I tend to enjoy a good period piece film. In a way it's the closest thing we have to a machine that can go back in time, where we can actually see events unfold for ourselves. Researched thoroughly, it's contents can not only be entertaining, but a learning experience as well. Unless if based on a conspiracy theory, then all bets are off. And this is where the film, Moonwalkers, comes in. The premise being that the American Government had a Plan B just in case the 1969 Apollo Eleven mission was not successful landing on the Earth's only natural satellite. <br /><br />Debuted in 2015, and released to the masses in the beginning of 2016, the indie comedy 'Moonwalkers' which goes back in time to June of 1969, marks the directorial debut of France's Antoine Bardou-Jacquet. Written by English writer Dean Craig. Stars American actor Ron Perlman, Irish actor Robert Sheehan, and from the mega successful Harry Potter motion pictures, British actor Rupert Grint. Together helping create a well made film, that's I'm sure any viewer who sees it, won't forget for a long time. Let me elaborate. <br /><br />As soon as I put the Blu-ray disc in, and pressed the play button on the remote, Moonwalkers had my attention. Two things. The introduction of Ron Perlman's character Kidman, and the trippy animated opening titles. That's all it took. Check it out. When viewing, the credits look for the caricature of President Nixon. Here's just one of many laugh out loud moments.<br /><br />The next scene takes place in the States, and is set just ten days before the United States Apollo Eleven mission is scheduled to land on the Moon. Here it's established in a top secret military meeting that Kidman has just returned from doing three years in Vietnam (Special Ops). Before this scene, we have witnessed he's strung out, suffering flashbacks that involve seeing spooky hallucinations, and that he also is racked with high anxiety. Facts he's not openly elaborating on. Yet the government thinks he's the right man for the job. His new assignment is to go to London, England, seek out famous film director Stanley Kubrick, and persuade him with a briefcase full of cash, to secretly make a movie of a successful Apollo 11 moon landing. This would also include, of course, getting out of the lunar module, and walking around on the surface. Footage that could be used just in case the real mission screws up, in which the odds of actually doing so, according to those giving orders to Kidman, are better than the odds of the mission succeeding. As I said, ten days. Sounds simple enough. What could go wrong? In this cinematic farce, the answer to that question, would be; everything. Take my word, it's really fun watching the events unfold from here. <br /><br />As I already stated, Moonwalkers is a comedy. An adult comedy that is. It contains cursing, consumption of alcohol, cigarette smoking, and drug use, but nothing really super hardcore, or anything I didn't do back in the 1970's myself. Except for opium. If around, I suppose I would have done that too. Oh, and I wasn't into huffing. Not my thing. I once, saw a female do that, and then shortly thereafter proceed to piss herself. Speaking for myself, when it comes to urination, I'd rather use the toilet, or go outdoors. Meaning, not in my pants.<br /><br />Did I say anything about the cocaine use? Well maybe the drug play is kind of hardcore? No one really dies or anything as a result. There is a nose bleed scene, as a result from snorting blow. Keep in mind, this is a period piece on the late nineteen sixties. So whatever is depicted, is a reflection of the time. Some funny scenes involving CIA Agent Kidman and drugs, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. Add some heavy comic book violence, and then some nudity sprinkled in here and there for good measure. </span><span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nothing real graphic. Remember, in this decade not only was there rampant drug experimentation, but there was a sexual revolution going on as well. </span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Once in London, we are introduced to a bottom of the barrel rock n' roll manager, named Jonny Thorpe. Portrayed by twenty something year old actor, Rupert Grint. His character is barely getting by. For the last three years he's been managing a rock band who call themselves, The Yellow Blackguards. Things up to this point, have not gone well. Matter of fact, instead of making money, Jonny's borrowing money from a loan shark (Ironmonger) to keep the group afloat. <br /><br />With things continuing to not work out, this situation goes from being bad, to even worse. Adding insult to injury, the band now holds Jonny accountable for their lack of prosperity, and threatens to fire him. Really more than it is Jonny's fault, critically speaking the blame really lies within themselves, and squarely focuses on the group's lead singer / songwriter, Glen. His live performance borders on the obscene, as do his lyrics and song titles such as 'Grandma's Nipples.' Next comes Glen's demands to be able to record a rock opera. Which is borderline absurd. Motivated by not wanting to be unemployed, and have to sink to complete and utter failure, Jonny refuses to give up. And let's not forget, The Ironmonger. For just hearing the name spoken aloud, frightens people. An undesirable who has a reputation for having hired thugs cut off body parts if not paid back promptly. And Jonny's loan, is now due. <br /><br />Trying to come up with the cash to pay that back, Jonny goes to a cousin, with whom he thinks he could get some help. After being laughed at and ridiculed, that idea seems a bad one. Until Jonny meets Kidman. He's now in London, seeking out Stanley Kubrick, and by accident runs into Jonny, who quickly comprehends Kidman to be an American idiot, and an easy mark. But when over, what Jonny mistakenly concludes to be a brilliant con, with help from his best mate Leon (Robert Sheehan), whose life revolves around being wasted, turns out to be nothing of the sort. For it seems Leon forgot to mention one thing. That the one they swindled out of a briefcase full of cash, isn't really who he initially said he was. Truth is he's a CIA Agent. Surprise! </span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now I hate when doing these reviews / write ups to give away the whole story. Cutting to the chase, there is no Stanley Kubrick. Story goes he's away from London doing promo for what was then his newest masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey. The film that gave the United States government the idea that an idea like this, could work to start with. But it's OK because once Kidman catches up with Jonny, the at wits end manager states he knows another movie maker, whose name is Renatus (portrayed by Tom Audenaert), that could pull this off. An avant-garde out of this world type director, who surrounds himself with a harem of pretty women, and an assortment of talented / hippie type young people. From here till the movie's conclusion, a continual amusing tale that even the most hardened conspiracy theorist should be able to smile at. </span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Uncle G Rates … Moonwalkers (2015)<br /><br />Using the ten star rating system that the IMDb uses, whereas one star means it's dreadful, to ten stars which means it's the best one could hope for, I rate the Antoine Bardou-Jacquet motion picture Moonwalkers … 10 stars! It sucked me in from the very beginning, and kept me entertained all throughout. Isn't that what a ten star rating should be? Was a solid story, that along with being amusing, was filmed very well, never boring me in the process. Excellent special effects also. Watching it twice, I feel as if I certainly got my money's worth. Which by the way, it was a Netflix rental. Cool bonus features included with the disc. Kept me glued to the TV for hours. </span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-58853998350248717952016-05-24T20:49:00.003+01:002016-05-25T12:27:02.376+01:00Greg Lake Solo Reissues<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)<br />23 May 2016<br />Classic Rock Reissues (2015 Double Disc CD)<br />Musician: Greg Lake<br />Disc # 01. Greg Lake - Greg Lake (1981)<br />Disc # 02. Greg Lake - Manoeuvres (1983)<br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk<br />Twitter @GBrown0816</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What a pleasant surprise to find out the two albums Greg Lake did in the early 1980's have been reissued. A nice double CD, accompanied with a multi page booklet where Greg gives new insights on both releases. Plus photos! Very informative, and most importantly the CD's themselves sound great. A definite upgrade for me. I had both on cassette.<br /><br />Uncle G Reflects on … Greg Lake - Greg Lake (1981)<br /><br />Greg Lake's first solo record starts off with a real rocker called; Nuclear Attack. The intro screams electric guitar. Different from what fans like myself expected of Greg Lake. The song ends up being the biggest hit of the album. Written by Gary Moore (1952 - 2011). A very talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Just one of many wonderful musicians who participate on this unfortunate, over all, lack luster release. A topic that Mr. Lake himself addresses in the booklet that accompanies this reissue. His honesty / self evaluation I find to be refreshing.<br /><br />The music itself, more in the vein of adult contemporary than what made Greg a household name; progressive rock. His voice instantly recognizable to fans of classic rock / rock music in general due to his participation in not only one, but two very successful prog-rock bands; King Crimson, and the mighty Emerson, Lake, & Palmer. His first record with Chrysalis Records is a mix of songs, that according to Mr. Lake, had no real sense of direction. A reflection of his professional life, being up in the air. For the 1980's was a new decade, and for Greg Lake seeing how ELP had just broken up, that meant new career decisions. Not joining another band where the main focus would not be on him, and instead recording under his own name, was one of them. Sales of Greg's self titled album wasn't exactly what the label was expecting. Disappointing, especially when compared to the millions sold under the band names he was a part of. Keep in mind, this was a fresh start. <br /><br />Highlights<br /><br />Nuclear Attack / Love You Too Much (in part written by Bob Dylan) / It Hurts / Let Me Love You Once / For Those Who Dare.<br /><br />Not an out and out bad song anywhere. Just some might be better than others. People's taste varies. What tracks I give repeat plays too, someone else might not be that fond of. The one thing we Greg Lake fans all have in common is enjoying Greg's work in general as a musician. The man could create a song and have lyrics focus around doing a Google search on reptiles, and I'm sure it would be better than a lot of what could be found on today's record charts. Is my generations Tony Bennett or Andy Williams. Blessed with a singing voice that may have changed some as he aged, but has always remained strong and captivating. Also a very talented bass, and guitar player who knows his way around a recording studio. A professional career that started in 1969, that generated a song catalog any professional musician would be envious of. <br /><br />Greg Lake - Greg Lake Reissue Bonus Tracks<br /><br />01.) You Really Got A Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson song)<br />02.) You're Good With Your Love (recorded with members of Toto)<br />03.) Cold Side of a Woman (recorded with members of Toto)<br /><br />Uncle G Reflects on … Greg Lake - Manoeuvres (1983)<br /><br />This was Greg Lake's second solo record. I conclude it's a more cohesive effort, in which Greg is playing with one set of musicians throughout the album. His touring band in which he gotten use to working with. If I had to pick a favorite between his self titled first solo, and this one, I'd pick the latter. A mix of rockers, and power ballads. A solid listen from start to finish.<br /><br />The Greg Lake Band<br /><br />Greg Lake - Guitar, Vocals<br />Gary Moore - Guitar<br />Tristian Margetts - Bass<br />Tommy Eyre - Keyboards<br />Ted McKenna - Drums<br /><br />Highlights<br /><br />A Woman Like You / Famous Last Words / Haunted / It's You, You Gotta Believe.<br /><br />Greg Lake - Manoeuvres Reissue Bonus Track<br /><br />01.) Hold On (original tune by Greg Lake)<br /><br />Greg Lake - Manoeuvres Song Writing Credits<br /><br />Mister Lake has his name on eight songwriting credits on this album. Bonus track makes nine. Either as the sole writer, or in part.<br /><br />Uncle G Rates … Greg Lake - Greg Lake / Manoeuvres (2 disc reissue CD)<br /><br />Using the one to five star rating system in which one star means one can skip over, to five stars which means every Greg Lake fan should have this in their collection, I rate Greg Lake - Greg Lake / Manoeuvres (2 disc reissue CD)… 5 stars! I am so glad I have this now. Have played both disc numerous times since acquiring. A wonderful addition to the many titles I have already with Greg Lake's involvement. <br /><br />For additional information, please visit Greg Lake's official Website:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.greglake.com/">www.greglake.com</a></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-41574576145952977732016-05-21T14:28:00.001+01:002016-05-21T17:43:07.535+01:00Uncle G - Memories of Space City Comic Con 2015<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)<br />21 May 2016<br />Memories of Space City Comic Con 2015<br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk<br />Twitter</span> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a><br /><br /><span style="color: lime;">My first Space City Comic Con was three years ago, back in 2013. I had a super time spending the day checking out all their was to see, as well as meeting the majority of the special guests that had appeared. Two years later (2015) and I was back at it again. Instead of one day, I spent the entire weekend there. Reason being so I could cover the event for the classic rock station I write for. Ended up being quite a task. <br /><br />My main focus, was on the live music Space City Comic Con 2015 had to offer. One guest in particular, Tim Russ. Most know the name from the television show; Star Trek: Voyager. Besides his acting, Tim is really a very talented musician. I had the pleasure of interviewing him before the convention about a new CD he had at the time, just put out called; Tim Russ - Lifeline. I enjoyed the task of reviewing the CD, and wanted to go a step further with it. Tim was all too happy to oblige. I then picked up on the fact that not only was Mr. Russ going to be a special guest at Space City Comic Con 2015, appearing with several other actors from the Star Trek show he did, but that he was also going to be a musical guest there. Seeing how I review music concerts as well, it just seemed a given that I be there. And that I was! In my opinion, things could not have worked out any better. The response from all the pieces I wrote, not only on Mr. Russ, but on my experiences at the convention, amazed me. For myself, it was a really cool writing experience. I thank all who made it possible. To those who assisted, and to everyone else who found the free time to hang out, and shoot the bull with me some. <br /><br />Seeing how Space City Comic Con 2016 is getting near (May 27 - 29), I figured I put all my stories together that I done centering around last years mega successful Space City Comic Con, and again let them fly. I know there are some are out there reading this now, that are not one hundred percent sure if they are attending or not. So this re-posting, for those on the cusp. A gentle nudge to push one in the right direction of good times, and everlasting memories.<br /><br />As for myself, I wish I could attend. Things have a funny way of changing over the course of one year. For this Space City Comic Con, instead of driving in, and going home at the end of that day's events, I would have to fly in, rent a car, and crash at a nearby hotel. Two words explains it all; separation / divorce. As ugly as that is, my friends tell me I'm all the better because of it. So not a bad thing. A life lesson to pass on; don't take anything for granted. As it pertains to Space City Comic Con 2015, the special guests you have an interest in seeing this year, but are thinking you might pass on till the next time around, could have other obligations preventing them from making it in 2017. Events could change. Items you might be interested in obtaining, purchased by someone else. Catch my drift? Believe me, this year's Space City Comic Con, will be unique in it's own way, and the only way you will have the opportunity to experience it, is to be there. Even if it be on a shoestring budget. Just do your best to make it happen. And to all who have already made plans on attending … enjoy! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;">OH, and should anyone have contact with William Shatner, please pass on that I'd still would love to interview him on his music. Seriously! I enjoyed his last album (<a href="http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2013/11/spotlight-william-shatner-ponder.html" target="_blank">William Shatner - Ponder The Mystery</a>), and I am also a big <a href="https://www.facebook.com/billy.sherwood.54" target="_blank">Billy Sherwood</a> fan, who helped Mr. Shatner on that project. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stories: Space City Comic Con 2015</span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">01.) One Question with Uncle G (Star Trek: Voyager Alumni)</span><br />
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<a href="http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/07/one-question-with-uncle-gstar-trek.html">http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/07/one-question-with-uncle-gstar-trek.html</a><br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">02.) Concert Review_Tim Russ at Space City Comic Con 2015</span><br />
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<a href="http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/08/concert-reviewtim-russ-at-space-city.html">http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/08/concert-reviewtim-russ-at-space-city.html</a><br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">03.) Space City Comic Con 2015 - Chapter Three: The Trade</span><br />
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<a href="http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/08/uncle-gtales-from-space-city-comic-con.html">http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/08/uncle-gtales-from-space-city-comic-con.html</a><br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">04.) Space City Comic Con 2015 - Chapter 4 - It's A Wrap!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/08/uncle-gtales-from-space-city-comic-con_28.html">http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/08/uncle-gtales-from-space-city-comic-con_28.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bonus: Tim Russ Interview</span><br />
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<a href="http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/06/tim-russ2015-interview.html">http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/06/tim-russ2015-interview.html</a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-73709581360388184702016-05-19T22:15:00.000+01:002016-05-23T13:03:41.447+01:00Uncle G's Fun Movie Reviews_Bloodsucking Bastards<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)<br />20 May 2016<br />Uncle G's FUN Movie Reviews<br />Spotlight: <span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards </span>(2015)<br />By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back in 2008, vampires movies were forever changed by the downright horrible, yet popular teen Twilight films. These motion pictures made so much money, that whatever story one could insert a vampire in, was done, so to also cash in on the fad. Besides films, television programs, and books, also polluted the landscape. Worse thing was most times, they made these bloodsucking walking and talking corpses, the most un-coolest characters one could imagine. They had emotions, and feelings. Storylines were filled with angst. People like myself who grew up with old school Bela Lugosi, or Christopher Lee's evil Prince Of Darkness, was instantly repelled by this girlie new version of one of cinema's most popular monsters. Personally, I quit watching anything with a vampire storyline in it. In my opinion, all this new vampire stuff sucked, and it wasn't nowhere near in a good way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seven years from when that first Kristen Stewart snooze fest hit the silver screen, here comes an indie film centering around vampires called; <span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards</span>. Found it on Netflix. Great title! Caught my attention. Then I saw it starred actor Fran Kranz (The Cabin In The Woods), who had a terrific role in Joss Whedon's TV show; Dollhouse (2009 - 2010). An episodic television hour long sci-fi / drama that in my opinion, was prematurely yanked off the air. So Fran's involvement made me even more interested. A little more research showed '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards'</span> to be a unrated American comedy / horror indie offering, clocking in at just under ninety minutes. Good enough for me. My boycott of vampires movies, was over. I added it to my Netflix queue, placing it third behind the newest Quentin Tarantino offering, The Hateful Eight, and a movie that I had several friends recommend to me called, The Big Short. Years ago I was a loan officer for a division of Countrywide Home Loans (Full Spectrum Lending) that specialized in subprime lending. Stressful, yet I was compensated well which motivated me to continually deal with the day to day hassles. Back to Netflix, neither movie title was in my snail mailbox the next time it came to receiving an envelope from the rental giant, but '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards'</span> (Blu-ray_Scream Factory) was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like 'The Big Short', '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards</span>' takes place in the white collar office world. A present day blood-soaked tale directed by Brian James O'Connell, with major involvement by <a href="https://twitter.com/DrGodComedy" target="_blank">Dr. God</a>, in which the director is a part of. A Los Angeles based comedy group that before viewing '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards</span>', I didn't know existed. Better late than never to jump on the fan bandwagon. According to Internet research, Dr. God consists of five people; BOC (Brian James O'Connell), Sean Cowhig, Neil Garguilo, David Park, and Justin Ware. Now on my radar, it should be interesting to say the least, keeping up on them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Viewing '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards' </span>twice (the second time in commentary mode), and without giving away the whole thing, here's a few things that I really liked best: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">01.) The Acting: From the main cast to the supporting players, all did a really bang up job. The ones I liked their performances the most; Fran Kranz (Evan), Joey Kern (Tim), Emma Fitzpatrick (Amanda), and Marshall Givens (Frank aka Mr. <a href="http://www.redbull.com/us/en" target="_blank">Red Bull</a> … a one of a kind performance / character). Basically these are the main stars of this feature. A combined effort by all involved, including those behind the scenes, is what made this work as well as it did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">02.) Story: One that adults like myself could chill out to, and enjoy. I'm a 54 year old man. The teen shit I can appreciate at times, but it's not what I'm looking for in a nights entertainment. Unrated, one can call this adult fare. No nudity, but there is some cursing, which is fine. Matter of fact, the funniest moments involve blue language. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">03.) Mean Vampires: They kill with glee. The way it should be. And it's just awesome watching them perish when their time comes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">04.) Filming: Indie films as a rule, usually have some kind of financial restraints. Starts with a solid story. All through production it's a struggle of having to do more, with less. A challenge I always find interesting, and explains why at least in part, why I seem to prefer independent movies more often than BIG Hollywood. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards</span>' has just as good a look / sound to it, as the major popcorn flicks one will find at the local cinema. And I'm sure it didn't cost half a billion dollars to create. Seriously, when you have that much funds available, and are able to hire the best talent in front of, and behind the camera, how can you flop? Yet it happens all the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weird in a way. I typically expect less from indie movies, and as with '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards</span>' got more. With BIG Hollywood presentations I expect more, and typically get less. Adding to the assault on my wallet, an insult to one's intelligence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G Rates … <span style="color: red;"><b>Bloodsucking Bastards</b></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Using the one to ten star system that the iMDB website uses, whereas one star means it blows chunks and should be avoided at all costs, to ten stars which means … holy shit this film was rated <u>10 stars</u>, Uncle G rates '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards</span>' … 10 stars. Wow! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I pay a ten spot a month for snail mail <a href="https://www.netflix.com/" target="_blank">Netflix</a>. If I would have went out to a theater and seen '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards</span>' on the big screen for ten bucks, I'd be happy. The money I put out to be entertained, means a lot to me. If I give a stripper a dollar I expect … only kidding. I'm nearing nine hundred words now. Just seeing if you the reader, are still paying attention. All kidding aside, nearing age 55, besides money, I don't like to waste time. No such thing happened viewing '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards</span>'. And remember, I watched it twice, listening to the commentary by Dr. God the second time around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blu-ray Disc: Nice job by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ScreamFactoryDVD/" target="_blank">Scream Factory</a>. Well put together. Cool bonus features / easter eggs. I recommend not only renting '<span style="color: red;">Bloodsucking Bastards</span>' like from Netflix, but also purchasing. Something extra special for those who still collect discs, and are not into streaming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Official Website: <a href="http://www.bloodsuckingbastards.com/">http://www.bloodsuckingbastards.com/</a></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-85813853333519027322016-05-15T21:38:00.001+01:002016-05-16T13:16:38.394+01:00Doing Liner Notes...with Uncle G<span style="color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)<br />14 May 2016<br />Liner Notes - Generation:landslide!</span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk<br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglF8et0H-8nIzcEvDnk0oRR-5t8a9LgMOQdCgSGOWEAvpQrzr5XvNJmAHSUAC3ruX3AzdY9xrM_UjagJgDY8brXHr8zUMHBYvtW1gyUeVwMtD5uuyD8f4uxjYRddiJ8bGzp7Fho1S_ut1V/s1600/Generation+landslide+-+Carousel+-+front+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglF8et0H-8nIzcEvDnk0oRR-5t8a9LgMOQdCgSGOWEAvpQrzr5XvNJmAHSUAC3ruX3AzdY9xrM_UjagJgDY8brXHr8zUMHBYvtW1gyUeVwMtD5uuyD8f4uxjYRddiJ8bGzp7Fho1S_ut1V/s400/Generation+landslide+-+Carousel+-+front+cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Generation:landslide 2016 EP</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Towards the end of last year I was approached by musician Tom Underwood, asking if I'd be interested in doing the liner notes for a new CD (expanded single) that his band has scheduled for release around Spring of next year. Without hesitation, my answer was; "Yes". I have been exposed to the band, and knew their music for some time. When going into more detail about this writing assignment, Tom added that I would be limited to about five hundred words, give or take. This made it more a personal challenge. For a lot of what I author on a semi-daily basis, easily exceeds that word allotment. The reason for the limitation Tom explained was due to what was planned as far as the printing of the actual CD booklet that would come with the physical CD. The band wanted a single page fold, so when you opened the CD single, one could pull out the cover insert and open it up to reveal a page in which the liner notes would be. After saying OK, I said I'd start to work on it soon, after bouncing some ideas around as to what I was going to say. Tom thanked me, smiled, and it was a done deal. I thanked him as well for considering me for the job. A couple weeks later on a beautiful Houston Saturday afternoon, we got together at his home. While eating a delicious meal along with Tom's wife / bandmate Kathie Muncy-Underwood, we further discussed the plans for the up and coming five song EP.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Weeks later, I submitted my over six hundred words to Kathie. All was fine. We went from Fall of 2015, to the start of Spring in 2016. Then one chilly day in the great State of Pennsylvania, I receive a padded envelope containing the newest Generation:landslide! release, entitled: Carousel. A just under thirty minute CD EP, containing 5 new songs, with the last track being an instrumental, called; One Dead Rose. A group composition, while the other four tracks, all written by Tom and Kathie. Generation:landslide!, a five piece band out of Houston Texas. Mister Underwood is a guitarist and does lead vocals, while his wife Kathie plays bass and does lead vocals as well. A two guitarist band, Tom is joined by Sellers Thomas, who makes his debut here on lead vocals, with the song; Watch The World Die.<br /><br />On drums, Mr. Charles Zittle. One of a kind. As I say in the liner notes, his style of drumming I find akin to Alice Cooper's; Neal Smith. That's "Uncle G" high praise there. The Generation:landslide! catalog is filled with amazing drums beats. I witnessed Charles play on several occasions. The man's a natural behind the drum kit. As with Neal Smith, if the name is new to you, or perhaps you have only seen it mis-spelled in a syndicated PR story, the man is a rock n' roll legend. For the record, from here on out, the correct spelling of his name: </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.nealsmith.com/" target="_blank">NEAL Smith</a></span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. I, Gary "Uncle G" Brown can be quoted as saying it's cool to buy any song / album with Neal Smith's name on it. Plays different styles, while never forgetting he's a professional rock n' roll drummer. Always plenty of bang for your buck! And directed to the newbies, check out the Alice Cooper song, Billion Dollar Babies. Focus on the drumming. Your only thoughts should be after hearing that song, played very loud, but not distorted, is that was fu*king incredible, and that Neal Smith pounding the skins, RULES! After that, feel free to dig into the rest of his work (drummer_guitarist_singer_songwriter), and you'll find out quickly, I'm NOT wrong. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />And then there is keyboardist, Mr. Alan Cunningham. For those unaware, Generation:landslide! didn't always have a keys player. My first time seeing Alan perform with the group was when they played the House Of Blues (Houston) on my birthday, back in 2014. No secret I'm a fan of piano / keyboard playing. For myself, I think the additional added layer(s) of sound, opens more doors that a rock band like Generation:landslide! can go through. In my opinion they found the right person in Alan, to do just that with.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generation:landslide! from left to right: Sellers Thomas, Tom Underwood,<br /> Kathie Muncy-Underwood, Alan Cunningham, and Charles Zittle. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Photo taken by Missy Baxley-Wallace. </span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By The Way: Joining Generation:landslide! on two tracks (Days Of You / One Dead Rose) of this EP (Generation:landslide! - Carousel) is saxophonist; Ralph Armin Kaethner (</span><a href="http://www.mydollsmusic.com/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Mydolls</a> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">/ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Dead-Roses-232683603420051/" target="_blank">Dead Roses</a> ). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just one of many reasons why I feel it's so imperative to buy this 2016 Generation:landslide! offering. Besides the fact I did the liner notes (insert smiley face).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Speaking of which, playing writer, I always found it a huge pleasure to see whatever it was that I creatively had a part in, appearing in print, or as a part of a commercial venture. I thank all those who acknowledged, and have used my work either in part or in whole, for the exposure. That would of course include; Generation:landslide!, who kept / printed every word I submitted to them for this liner note assignment. I also am very grateful to Jon Kirkman - ClassicRockRadio.co.uk - Yes' Cruise To The Edge MC for sharing with me the writing rules he follows when doing liner notes himself. Good advice as always!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Sneak Peek: Here's the first paragraph of what I came up with, used as liner notes on Generation:landslide! NEWEST studio release, the EP; Carousel. For the rest of what I said, please support the band, and buy the actual CD, so you can read the liner notes for yourself. As for those who rather not and is more interested in downloading, the MP3 version, is cool as well. Either or helps pay the bills, in which I'm sure the band is very appreciative. <br /><br />GenerationLlandslide! - Carousel (2016)<br /><br />"Generation:landslide! A band that co-founder Tom Underwood explained to me one fine Saturday afternoon as being akin to something that should be locked up at a top secret military facility like Area 51. A remote detachment of Edwards Air Force Base, within the Nevada Test and Training Range, and studied thoroughly. Then the both of us shared another bowl, laughed and decided that being dissected was a bad idea because not only might it hurt some, but then only a selected small group of people in white coats, would then know about the Houston Texas (USA) based band, inside and out. How fair is that we pondered. What about the rest of the world?"<br /><br />Uncle G's Closing Remarks<br /><br />It's almost the last paragraph (that you have to purchase the physical disc to find out) where I describe Generation:landslide! as; "...a Houston based psychedelic, garage power-pop group..." In the above paragraph I just quoted from the liner notes, three words in particular, jump right out at me; "...shared another bowl...". If I was the reader, and not the author, I would assume that was referring to, a bowl of marijuana. Saying someone is 420 friendly in 2016, isn't as bad as outing others and yourself, as being pot smokers, forty years prior. Word got around to the wrong person back then, and here comes Sargent Stadanko and the boys. May I safely assure everyone, that it isn't like that. And so there is no misunderstandings, let me explain exactly what I was referring to when I typed, those three words. It was, a big bowl of … peanuts. Charles like peanuts as well. Ends up we shared many a bowls on many occasions. I can't say Kathie and Sellers do. Last I heard, Alan was said to be allergic, and could not be anywhere near peanuts. Oh well. Sorry Alan. More for those who can indulge! And if you haven't already, pick up Generation:Landslide! - Carousel. I thank you, as does the band. And keep an eye out, for whenever there is Generation:landslide! news to report, ClassicRockRadio.co.uk / yours truly will be right there with the details. Nevermind the fact if I had too much … peanuts … or not! <br /><br />Important Generation:landslide! Web*Links</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Social Media</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GENERATIONlandslide-146761458684303" target="_blank">Generation:landslide! Official Facebook Page</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sales</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ET23L6O?ie=UTF8&keywords=GENERATION%3Alandslide!&qid=1463350240&ref_=sr_1_1&s=dmusic&sr=1-1-mp3-albums-bar-strip-0" target="_blank">Generation:landslide! Amazon Dot Com (Carousel EP)</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/generationlandslide12" target="_blank">Generation:landslide! CD Baby (Carousel EP)</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generation:landslide! Carousel EP produced by Steve Bundrick & Generation:landslide! - Recorded at Bundrick and Sons Studio in Houston, Texas, USA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bonus Video: From their 2012 album "A Beautiful Accident" - 3AM (in concert)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Special THANKS to Debbie Lyons-Fogel (story editing) </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-92205828786673466292016-05-12T14:07:00.002+01:002016-05-12T19:58:07.073+01:00In The News_The Alice Cooper Band REUNITES<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)<br />12 May 2016<br />*Original Members of Alice Cooper - Reunite*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By:Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />American Correspondent for <a href="http://classicrockradio.co.uk/">ClassicRockRadio.co.uk</a><br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816 </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;">So I went to a local grocery store yesterday, early in the afternoon to pick up a few items so I can have hot dogs for lunch. Mustard, sweet relish, and bread. I already had the wieners. While there, I see the local free newspaper called; The Weekender. Not exactly published in the same town I'm in, but close by. Comes out of Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania. A good little paper that highlights among other things, the music scene in the northeastern Pennsylvania area. And fresh off the presses, a cover with a picture of Alice Cooper on it. I'm not surprised. He's playing Wilkes-Barre tomorrow night. Is sold out, in which I am not fortunate enough to have a ticket, but still I thought of going. Am sure I can get my way in, as long as I had the cash to do so. I have seen Alice's solo act twice over the years. He always puts on a good show. Sitting here typing this … maybe?<br /><br />The headline on the newspaper, made me curious as to what the story contents were going to be about. It reads:</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">"Alice Cooper's Latest Release, A Mini-Reunion And His Vampire Side Gig". </span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: lime;">The story is written by Alan Sculley. I conclude even before reading the piece, that it's promo for the Wilkes-Barre gig, and The Hollywood Vampires that Alice is included in, along with actor Johnny Depp, and Aerosmith's Joe Perry. After performing live here and there, The Hollywood Vampires are about to begin their first real tour. Would love to catch a show. Distance away might prevent me. Even if I can't attend, I strongly recommend anyone who can, to catch one show or several, if able to do so.<br /><br />Once home from the store, I make lunch, and while sitting down to eat, I start reading the newest Weekender edition. On page four is a full page picture of Alice Cooper, wearing a blood soaked white shirt. Has his left eye closed, and his right eye open. Looks rather murderous. Page five is where the article begins. Nothing that uncommon until one gets to the end of the third paragraph. It's mentioned that Alice is working on new music. His last studio record was 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare', which came out almost five years ago. A sequel to Alice's mega hit, and debut solo album; Welcome To My Nightmare (1975). Between then and now, is his involvement with; <a href="http://www.hollywoodvampires.com/" target="_blank">The Hollywood Vampires</a>. The man stays busy, and has been for the most part, throughout his whole musical career. <br /><br />Between the original Alice Cooper, and his solo act, he's somewhere in between twenty-five and thirty studio records. Started in 1969, with himself and four others calling themselves Alice Cooper, and an album called; Pretties For You (1969). Their first big hit, I'm Eighteen, released a year later, on the band's third studio album called; Love It To Death. Long story short, the band that consisted of Michael Bruce (rhythm guitar / keyboards), Glen Buxton (lead guitar), Dennis Dunaway (bass), Neal Smith (drums), and Vincent Furnier (playing the part of Alice) after much success, crashed and burned. Alice's solo career started in 1975, and has not stopped. The band had a reunion of sorts doing three tracks, on the previously mentioned Nightmare 2 recording. The group was inducted in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame around the same time. This was all, minus Glen Buxton (RIP), who passed away back in 1997.<br /><br />To continue the new story on Alice, this is where my jaw and the hot dog I was eating, dropped on the floor. Again Alice mentions he's working on new music. But get this, he goes on to say he's doing that with Neal Smith, and Mike Bruce. That they wrote, and demoed about three or four songs recently, and how this could be a follow up to the bands fourth album, Killer (1971). Next came the news that Dennis Dunaway, who is busy on a book tour, has two or three songs put aside for the project. No information on a release date, or anything of that nature. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;">A new Alice Cooper (band) studio album … in the works. OMG! At one time, an impossibility. Now it appears to be a reality. I imagine the involvement of producer Bob Ezrin. He produced the bands four most popular albums; Love It To Death, Killer, School's Out, and Billion Dollar Babies. I can't think of anyone I'd like to hear doing this job, besides maybe Jack Douglas, who produced the groups last studio album; Muscle Of Love (1974). And while on the subject, I'd like to hear that guitarist <a href="http://www.stevehunter.com/" target="_blank">Steve Hunter</a> is also involved in some aspects. Steve graciously took over Glen's role when the guys were inducted in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame (2011). Myself, a fan of the original band since before they split up, I'd be cool with that (if possible). He'd be my first pick. <br /><br />And there you have it. Until more news comes out, this is pretty much all we got for the moment. I put a call in with Michael Bruce. Newly married, he's been active starting up a new band (Michael Bruce Force), and meeting up with the Cooper members doing various things. All that I'm sure has everything to do with this announcement that the original members are being creative again. Am sure I'll hear from Michael sooner or later. When I do, I predict more off the record comments, than anything else. One evening way back when, he poured ketchup on my TV screen. Another story for another day. <br /><br />Will keep you updated...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: yellow;">Source: The Weekender - <a href="http://www.theweekender.com/">www.theweekender.com</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And for those interested, I just reviewed the debut album of </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Hollywood Vampires</span><span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. You can find that here:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2016/05/classicrockradiocouk-new-music.html">http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2016/05/classicrockradiocouk-new-music.html</a></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-34824904496934925142016-05-03T14:21:00.002+01:002016-06-04T19:03:38.264+01:00ClassicRockRadio.co.uk NEW Music Review_The Hollywood Vampires<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">03 May 2016 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ClassicRockRadio.co.uk </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">NEW Music Review </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spotlight: <span style="color: red;">The Hollywood Vampires - The Hollywood Vampires (2015)</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twitter @GBrown0816</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After Alice Cooper released the sequel to one of his most popular solo records, Welcome To My Nightmare (1975) entitled 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare' back in 2011, my hope was that it would be followed up by a tour. One that would include the three other original surviving members of Alice Cooper (1969-1974); Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith. Reason being because they were included on the Nightmare 2 album. Three different tracks. But that never happened. Instead Alice toured like he's done since separating from the original members of Alice Cooper, with his own band. In my opinion, the three strongest tracks on Nightmare 2, was the ones written and performed by the surviving founding members of Alice Cooper (RIP Glen Buxton), and performed again as a group. Their first time doing so since 1974's Muscle Of Love album. And not that the rest of 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare' sucked. The track, 'I Am Made Of You', contains some excellent guitar work by Steve Hunter, and is one of the best solo tracks in my opinion that Alice has done in ages. The album was touched on live, and that's about it. Next came talk of a covers record, in which quite frankly I really wasn't that excited about. Not until it expanded / grew into what we have today. The debut album of; The Hollywood Vampires. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Hollywood Vampires self titled record that came out last September, is very much a Alice Cooper project. Produced by longtime associate; Bob Ezrin. The same man who dared recently to voice aloud what I thought was constructive criticism of rap music's, Kanye West. Of course that flew over like a lead balloon, as one would expect from Mister Kardashian, and his homies. Bob Ezrin, who was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame twelve years ago, is also a songwriter, and plays the piano / keyboards extremely well. On the Hollywood Vampires album, Mr. Ezrin plays keyboards / piano, gets partial writing credit for three tracks, does backing vocals, is credited as producer, and also gets partial credit again, this time for helping mix the recordings. A studio wizard, whose work and dedication to his craft helped sell millions and millions of records worldwide. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The idea for this concept album originated from what lyricist Bernie Taupin labeled a; "drinking fraternity". A bunch of famous guys who putting their celebrity aside, would meet up to see who could out drink one another. All heavy drinkers / alcoholics, whose reputation for partying preceded them. Didn't take long for the Grim Reaper to start picking them off, one by one. Not all mentioned in this tribute to their memories died because of a result of abusing King Alcohol. The Beatles, John Lennon for example, was assassinated by a crazed fanatic on the 8th of December in 1980. Rumor had it back in the day, John was capable of being a very sloppy drunk. Yet it's said the last five years of his life he spent raising their son Sean. Am thinking he didn't do so in a constant drunken stupor. One can conclude that if not for the asshole who shot him multiple times, that John Lennon might be still alive today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back in the seventies / eighties, I had my own battles with the bottle. Ends up some of us cleaned up our act some, while others unfortunately didn't. I loss my Mother who was a professional musician due to her drinking, when I was seven years old. Worked in bars. You'd think I know better, yet I went through and survived the DT's, back when I was just twenty four, after a decade of consuming any and all booze I could get my hands on. Withdrawal almost killed me. Made me learn to respect the bottle, and of course it's contents. Alice took on sobriety after damn near dying. Lucky for him because many try, and fail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G Reviews … The Hollywood Vampires (self titled debut album) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Starts off with a very cool spoken word track entitled 'The Last Vampire', by the late actor; Sir Christopher Lee (1922-2015). Both Johnny Depp (guitarist for The Hollywood Vampires), and Alice Cooper worked with him in the Dark Shadows film they did together back in 2012. One of my all time favorite movie actors. His body of work with just Hammer Studios is simply outstanding. Who else but he could take the role of Dracula made famous by Bela Lugosi, and profitably make it his own? The opening track ... 'The Last Vampire' ... excellent intro! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next we get one of two original songs on the Hollywood Vampires album, called; Raise The Dead. Along with 'The Last Vampire' it helps set the tone for everything that follows. Here's the first track one gets to hear actor / musician Johnny Depp play guitar, and do backing vocals. That to me was a curiosity. My good friend Charles Zittle (drummer for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GENERATIONlandslide-146761458684303" target="_blank">Generation:landslide</a>) informed me before I really dug into this release that Mr. Depp is actually quite a skilled guitarist, and was into playing guitar before becoming famous for his Hollywood roles. News to me. Listening to this album, I found what Charles told me, very much on the money. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next comes eleven tracks of not just cover songs, but songs that speak the name(s) for whom they were picked. Every track is enjoyable to listen to. Some rock harder than others. Most of the compositions picked, people will recognize pretty quickly. Here's a few highlights: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">01.) <span style="color: red;">My Generation</span>: Having The Who's drummer Zak Starkey (Ringo's son) playing drums on this track, is icing on the cake here. Always been one of my favorite Who songs. The song's a nod to the original Who drummer Keith Moon (1948 - 1978), who was a Hollywood Vampire back in the day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">02.) <span style="color: red;">Whole Lotta Love</span>: I always dug Alice's harmonica playing, and if you do too, then you'll seriously dig this track. Also joining Alice on vocals is former AC/DC singer, Brian Johnson. The Hollywood Vampires version of the Led Zeppelin classic, has five guitar players, and again we have Zak Starkey pounding the skins. On bass, Kip Winger. All involved make it one of the coolest covers, being that it's not an exact copy of the original. Dedicated to Led Zeppelin's John Henry Bonham who died of alcohol poisoning (1948-1980). Came close to doing that myself, more than once. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">03) <span style="color: red;">Come And Get It</span>: Written by the Beatles Paul McCartney, and made a hit by the band Badfinger. Released in the States in 1970, it charted on Billboard's Top 10. This version is nothing short of being blessed, having Sir Paul's participation; vocals, bass, and piano. Sharing guitar duties; Johnny Depp and Aerosmith's Joe Perry. On drums, the very talented, Abe Laboriel Jr (Sir Paul's regular drummer). Hollywood Vampires producer Bob Ezrin joins in on backing vocals. Worth repeat plays for sure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">04.) <span style="color: red;">Jeepster</span>: A fun rocker credited to Hollywood Vampire Marc Bolan (1947 - 1977), and made a hit by the band, T Rex. Includes a standout performance by singer Alice Cooper, who by the way, shines throughout the album. Another feather in the cap for the long time musician. Already inducted in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland Ohio) for his work with the original Alice Cooper band, I say it's about time he was acknowledged for his solo work. Should be just a matter of time before we see him on the ballot again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">05.) <span style="color: red;">School's Out / Another Brick In The Wall part 2</span>: Amazing how closely School's Out sounds like the original. Seeing how aging didn't change anything, we have three other people who participated on the 1972 hit School's Out, involved here; Dennis Dunaway (bass), Neal Smith (drums), and producer Bob Ezrin, who helps out here musically along with Kip Winger doing backing vocals. A tribute to Glen Buxton, original lead guitarist for Alice Cooper who passed away back in 1997. Noticeably absent from participating on this Alice Cooper group reunion; Michael Bruce. Main songwriter, rhythm guitarist, and keyboardist for the band. Still very much alive, and who recently came out retirement debuting his new band; Michael Bruce Force. Note, I believe it's Michael that is referred to in the last page of the Hollywood Vampires booklet that comes with the CD. Found listed with a bunch of other names under; "Johnny and Alice wish to thank." It's reads; "Mike Bruce". Those who know Michael, know that he seriously dislikes being called, Mike. So perhaps a typo, or maybe it's another person entirely? Regardless, always nice to at least hear Mr. Dunaway, and Mr. Smith on a record that includes Alice again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pink Floyd's mega hit 'Another Brick In The Wall part 2', gels perfectly with School's Out. Alice has been including the mix (School's Out / Another Brick In The Wall part 2) in his live show for some time now. A natural to appear on this record. The Pink Floyd number, a tip of the hit I imagine to deceased Pink Floyd members, Syd Barrett (1946 - 2006) and Richard Wright (1943 - 2008). Guitarists on this track include Slash, whose a long time Alice Cooper fan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Original Track - My Dead Drunk Friends: Over four minutes, this is an excellent closing number. Just as the first two tracks did their job setting the scene, My Dead Drunk Friends, does a superb job ending the album. Containing a serious message in it's lyrics, the song takes a more humorous approach in it's delivery, both lyrically and music wise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G Rates … The Hollywood Vampires (self titled 2015 album) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Using the one to five rating system, whereas one star means it's downright horrible, to five stars in which means one is safe to spend their hard earned cash on it, I rate The Hollywood Vampires debut album … (a Neal Smith drum roll please) … 5 stars! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For a mostly cover record, this kicks ass! Due to it's storyline / presentation, it's not just another "tribute" / "cover" album. Is a wonderful introduction to the group. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The live Hollywood Vampire shows critiqued by critics and fans alike that I have read so far, have all been good. The band smoked on television debut at this years Grammy's. The group played a new song called, As Bad As I Am, that comes with the new deluxe version of the Hollywood Vampires album, and as a tribute to Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister (1945 - 2015), the Motorhead song, 'Ace Of Spades.' </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In closing, my hope is to see another Hollywood Vampire album follow. A super group for sure, even if hard to get everyone together, the effort I'm sure would be worth it. A mixture of cover / original material would be fine. And I'd also like to see these guys live. Catch them on the road if you can. Should be a solid night of entertainment / hard rocking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For additional information on The Hollywood Vampires, please check out their official website @ <a href="http://www.hollywoodvampires.com/">www.HollywoodVampires.com</a></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-76354959111164704492016-04-27T18:23:00.001+01:002016-04-29T12:19:53.305+01:00Yes 2016 UK & European Tour <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">27 April 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">YesTour 2016 / UK & European Tour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By: Gary "Uncle G" Brown</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">American Correspondent For ClassicRockRadio.co.uk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twitter @GBrown0816</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes kicks off their 2016 Spring UK & European Tour tonight starting off in Glasgow Scotland. The band is said to be excited, as are the fans who plan on seeing them. According to Yes' bass player Billy Sherwood's official Facebook page, the group is well rehearsed and ready to go. Twenty five dates total, with the group finishing up on June 1st, in Vicenza Italy.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes Personal 2016 (brief history)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Founded in 1968, and releasing their first album in 1969 (self titled), we find in 2016 that no actual original Yes members are left in the group. Chris Squire who passed away last year, was the last remaining of the original five players to stay with the band. Still, the iconic progressive rock group still has within it's ranks, vital players that been around since the early days.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The one with the most seniority, is guitarist Steve Howe. He joined Yes after their second album, Time And A Word (1970). Not that he was with the group all this time. In and out of the band more than once, he's been Yes' guitarist for the longest amount of time. An outstanding musician whose abilities are admired around the globe, be it for his work with Yes, or any other of his achievements in professional music over the years.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Drummer Alan White came on board, right after the bands fifth album came out. The mega success, Close To The Edge (1973). Friends with then Yes Producer, Eddie Offord. Alan's been with the group over four decades now, and on paper has more consecutive time in with Yes, than any other player.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Keyboardist Geoff Downes came after a major personal shake up in the late nineteen seventies. Yes' third official keyboardist, he replaced Rick Wakeman, a favorite of fans. His Yes album debut was an album called; Drama (1980). Yes' tenth studio album. For a long period of time that would be the only Yes album Geoff would appear on. Until 2011, when he was back in the line up, participating on Yes' first studio album in a decade; Fly From Here. With the group ever since, he divides his time being keyboardist for Yes, and another mega successful rock band; Asia. An original member along with already mentioned Yes guitarist Steve Howe, who retired from Asia after leaving and coming back into the fold, three years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">American singer Jon Davison replaced Canadian singer Benoit David (Fly From Here), who was a replacement for another YesFan favorite, original Yes vocalist Jon Anderson. Before Yes, Jon Davison was best known for being lead vocalist for progressive rock band, Glass Hammer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bass player Billy Sherwood came on board after the unfortunate death of original Yes bass player, Chris Squire (1948 - 2015). Personally picked out to be his replacement by Chris, after being diagnosed with Acute Erythroid Leukemia, a rare form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Billy has worked on and off with Yes, be it behind the scenes or on stage since Yes' thirteenth studio album; Union (1991). Away from Yes, a multi-instrumentalist , and studio wizard, Billy is a founding member of Circa:, along with original keyboardist for Yes, Mr. Tony Kaye.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For those who will be lucky enough to see Yes on this tour, several treats are in store. For one, the band will be playing in it's entirety, all of 1980's Drama album. Joining them for two very special dates (Oxford / London) will be Yes - Drama vocalist, Trevor Horn. For myself, a long time YesFan, this is very exciting. And since I'm in America and cannot go, am hoping the shows will be professionally recorded, and released at the conclusion of the tour. What a stocking stuffer at Christmas that would be.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes will also be performing all of their 1972 studio album; Fragile. This is the one that contains YesHits; Roundabout, Long Distance Runaround, and Heart Of The Sunrise. I witnessed the band do this back on their 2014 tour. Blew me away!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tickets I imagine are on sale right now for the various locations Yes will perform on this leg of their 2016 tour. A trip to America will follow. I'll try to catch at least one show myself. Am certain I won't be disappointed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For additional information, please consult Yes' official website; <a href="http://www.yesworld.com/">www.YesWorld.com</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">YesTour 2016 Spring UK & European Tour Dates / Locations. Note the two dates with YesAlumni Trevor Horn are marked with asterisk.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">27 April @ Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, United Kingdom</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">29 April @ Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, United Kingdom</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">30 April @ Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">02 May, @ Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, United Kingdom</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">03 May, @ City Hall, Sheffield, United Kingdom</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">04 May, @ Colston Hall, Bristol, United Kingdom</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">06 May, @ Symphony Hall, Birmingham, United Kingdom</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">07 May, @ Brighton Centre, Brighton, United Kingdom</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">09 May, @ New Theatre, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom *</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10 May, @ Royal Albert Hall, London, United Kingdom *</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">13 May, @ L'Olympia, Paris, France</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">14 May, @ Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, Belgium</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">15 May, @ Tivoli De Helling, Utrecht, Netherlands</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">17 May @ Mehr Theater, Hamburg, Germany</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">19 May @ Alte Oper Hall, Frankfurt, Germany</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">20 May @ Haus Auensee, Leipzig, Germany</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">21 May @ Admiralspalast, Berlin, Germany</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">23 May @ Beethovenhalle, Bonn, Germany</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">24 May @ Liederhalle Hegel-Saal, Stuttgart, Germany</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">25 May @ Circus Krone, Munich, Germany</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">27 May @ Volkshaus, Zurich, Switzerland</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">28 May @ Barclays Teatro Nazionale, Milan, Italy</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">29 May @ Gran Teatro, Padova, Italy</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">31 May @ Obihall, Florence, Italy</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">01 June @ Teatro Olimpico, Vicenza, Italy </span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-44113643835414103912016-04-23T16:39:00.004+01:002016-04-23T19:17:27.917+01:00In The News_Bathroom Wars_What Uncle G Thinks<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)<br />23 April 2016<br />Bathroom Wars<br />Opinion Piece by: Gary "Uncle G" Brown<br />Rating: 16+<br />American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk<br />Follow on Twitter: @GBrown0816</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hot in the news are stories about musicians, and those associated with the entertainment industry about bathrooms, charges of discrimination, and boycotting. Since some big name classic rockers have come out canceling performances because of this, I figured I'd throw in my two cents on the subject(s). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In one corner, transgendered / transsexual human beings trying to make life for themselves and others like them, more tolerable. I completely understand. Pertaining to the subject of having to eliminate waste, when the urge hits, it is my impression that Transgendered / Transexuals want the freedom to be able to use the ladies facilities when out in public, whenever mother nature calls. Problem is they still have a penis, because they were born male. They may look female, act female, and even talk like a female. Without clothing, and upon closer examination, doctors having all that schooling on the human body would conclude, they were male. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the other corner, those trying to defend children and females from the mentally sick individuals who will stop at nothing to fulfill their own deranged sexual desires. Those who can possibly kill after having their kinks. Not all sex crimes are violent. Those are the ones we as a community should be aware of, and always try to prevent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If a pedophile figures out all they got to do is dress the part to gain admittance so to sit in the next stall to little nine year old Susan who needs to go potty, finding this sexually exciting, they will. Here comes the dress, high heels, and blonde wig. What we have here is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Little Susan is prey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Using this one example, I just identified a serious problem. But maybe it's not a pedophile, and instead it's a rapist. Or a pervert just looking to take pictures and run video of people going pee or poop, for either fun or profit? So I ask myself. I say Self; How can a rational thinking adult human not at least acknowledge that safety issues could arise should just anyone for any reason be allowed into male or female designated public bathrooms? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some concerned men and women who, while trying to show compassion for the transgendered / transexual community, are putting their collective foot down on allowing men for whatever reason, access to a room in which females are in, to use a toilet. Allowing who they see as guys in women's clothing hanging out / sharing a bathroom with their moms, wives, daughters, and just females in general, is totally unacceptable. So strongly do they feel this way, that if provoked, violence can and will erupt. Just a matter of time. States have passed laws recently (Mississippi and North Carolina) or are considering to do so, that point blank say whatever your birth sex is, is what public bathroom you are allowed in...period. This angers others, including the President of the United States. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In my opinion, this has already gone seriously out of hand. The answer to this I believe, has actually been around for a few decades; Unisex Bathrooms. Also labeled; Gender Neutral Facilities / Restrooms. Not for all. I believe children / young adults (age 16 and under) should still have traditional boys / girls restrooms. And adults should realize before going in, what the word 'unisex' really means. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of course businesses and those places open to the public could still have traditional Mens and Ladies' rooms, along with the Unisex ones. Problem solved. Those running a public business in the twenty first century need to understand, this is the way it is now. That only offering the traditional Mens and Womens Bathroom, just isn't enough. That's the way it was. Man up, swallow the cost, and do it. Sadly some will fight that to the end. There they go dragging their knuckles on the ground again. The truth is if wanting to compete for today's dollars, that it's time to update ones thinking, and get with what's going on in today's world. Although the count may be low, there are numerous of people in today's America that would feel at peace using a bathroom that had them in mind when designed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Regarding Bruce Springsteen / Ringo Starr. Two normally, very cool classic rockers. Both have canceled appearances recently in states where they believe practices discrimination. Here's one law I would stand behind. After an announcement is made that so and so is coming to such and such venue, at such and such date and time, and one ticket is sold, from that point on, the show must go on. Am I wrong? Unless people for whatever reason could be in danger, or it's due to some unforeseen circumstance that could not be avoided; performer taken ill. What I'm saying is please cancel your shows if you MUST, for something legitimate, and not just a difference of opinion. Which is really what we have here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In closing I'd like to say that I personally commend those who stick up for others, on both sides of this issue(s). Saying that I understand business is business, and in my opinion, boycotting is not the answer. When canceling a concert, a ton of people are affected. Financially punishing a State, is also punishing it's population, including the ones who make a living selling hot dogs and beer at your shows. Are they heterosexual, gay, transgendered, or transexual? Why not ask them what they think on the subject, before pulling the plug on what would been money well earned, and probably due to not being millionaires like y'all, money needed to pay bills, and for everyday expenses? I'm saying everyone loses money. Gone because of you taking a stand. Something that can still be done, before or after your performance. But please not during the show. Believe me, not all in the audience feel the same way you do about everything. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4b; font-family: "segoe ui" , "arial" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-46178889195896029122016-04-20T18:54:00.003+01:002016-04-20T19:11:24.733+01:00<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK) PRESENTS</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G's FUN Movie Reviews</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spotlight: Cheech & Chong's Animated Movie (2013_20TH Century Fox)</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">20 April 2016</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Note: In honor of it being April 20th & always enjoying the humor of comedy legends Cheech & Chong, this is a reprint of review(s) published back in 2013. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Authored by:</b></span><span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: black; color: red;">Gary "Uncle G" Brown</span></a> <span style="color: red;">05 May 2013</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So after viewing this DVD four times, I'm ready to comment. Four times? Let me explain. In the wee hours of the 4th or May, I entered my neighborhood Walmart is search of medical relief. A few days before I was diagnosed with strep throat. Am taking antibiotics. For the fever, runny nose, sore throat symptoms, something over the counter. Compliment the real medicine my Doctor prescribed. Once securing that and while working my way over to the orange juice, I walked past the new Cheech & Chong flick / DVD; Cheech & Chong's Animated Movie. Life should not totally suck when feeling under the weather. So along with the cold medicine, orange juice, and a box of snot rags, the kind with Aloe to help the nose from it's over use of being blown, I grabbed the second to last DVD available, and made my way to the check out counter.</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Arriving home and while under the influence of...cold medicine...I laid up on the couch, and pressed play. Was so entertained at the end of it that when hitting special features, I decided to listen to all three bonus commentaries. The first one with the legendary comedians themselves; Cheech & Chong. Worth the price of admission, all by itself. May I point out that this is the legendary comedy duo reminiscing together in the year 2013. Semi-seriously discussing not only the movie, but their careers together. Not only funny, but fascinating. Learning the inner workings of what made all the pot / drug jokes so good to begin with.</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saying all that...I'm glad I don't pay attention to movie reviews. If I did, I would have passed buying the newest Cheech & Chong product. What a shame that would have been. From reading how the animation sucks, to the lack of new routines, the ratings are near the bottom of the ladder. I ask myself; I say Self...WTF? Plenty of reasons pop in my head. Let me spit out a couple:</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">01. The reviewers expect old school animation. Every item hand drawn like they did in the early days of Disney, and Warner Brothers. Guess what, it's not. Still, looks as good as what we currently have on television; The Simpsons, or South Park. I think the over all look to Cheech & Chong's Animated Movie totally fits the material myself. Quality well enough to pause the picture and admire everything in that frame. When watching more then once, one notices items in the background they might not have seen the first time around. Sight gags. A sign awarding Dick Chaney Water-boarding Champion for several years running. In the same sketch, Tortured Old Man, on the wall in the background it reads in BIG letters; Helliburton. About two blocks up the road from me, is a company called; Halliburton. A more modern reference then the original Nazi story line. Summing up picture quality...seriously...looks fine to me. I might even use the word, outstanding. We'll see a few paragraphs down if I do.</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">02. To say all this film consists of is OLD ROUTINES...duh....it's a visual greatest hits depicting some of the best Cheech & Chong sketches ever assembled in one place. Every word said in the classic routines is preserved, the way it should be. Because of the decades that has gone by, there are certain words, locations, and even objects, like a payphone, that has departed our existence. Cool references to days gone by. Stoner's are as a rule, not stupid. Just generally speaking. The under age 30 ones who watch this, are bright enough to use Internet search engines to look up whatever puzzles them. That or I suggest with them knowing this is the duo's original routines, watch it with an older pothead so to ask questions to. So the backdrops may be more 21st century, but done so without rewriting comedic / pop culture history. To me, the movie's a very cool way to archive / preserve some of Cheech & Chong's funniest bits. All details paid close attention to. A job well done by all involved. </span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As one views the movie, one grows in appreciation they have for the comedy duo. Example, every voice you hear in the sketches, are theirs. The joke is they were too cheap to hire anyone. The beauty of it, is that they were good enough to pull it off. Dialects from around the globe. All characters done in a way so to individualize and make memorable. Add to that, Cheech & Chong wrote their own material. When on stage or film, they project the words further by acting out the scenes fans heard and envisioned, mostly while under the influence of their favorite substance; pot. Not Cheech & Tommy. Sure they admit to using at times, but both for decades has been into a healthy lifestyle, including going to the YMCA between gigs in the old days to work out. Comedy is a business folks. Both men into their seventies now. Still going strong from a reunion a few years back. This writer lucky enough to see them twice in concert since the two started performing together again.</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G's Rating: Using the one to five lid system, I give Cheech & Chong's Animated Movie, five lids. Trust me, that's a lot of grass. It's a DVD that one will give repeated views / listens to. Sound wise, it's like playing the old albums but without having to hear the scratches and skips. Visually, straight or high as a kite, it's catches, and holds your attention. Oh yeah...I almost forgot; outstanding! A solid new product in the Cheech & Chong official products category.</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Note: The film has a soundtrack as well. Contains original...NEW...material from Cheech & Chong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;">Spotlight: Cheech & Chong's Animated Movie!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Musical Soundtrack Album (2013 Ode Sounds & Visuals)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: red;">Authored by: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">Gary "Uncle G" Brown</a> 23 Aug 2013</span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We'll resume with the regularly scheduled program already in progress...</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh ho, oh ho, oh ho ho ho</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It’s Cheech & Chong time</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh ho, oh ho, oh ho ho ho</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It’s Cheech & Chong time </span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Instructions: Repeat chorus and dance around like a fool. More fun in your underwear if listening to within the confines of ones own home. </span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of the coolest dudes to ever walk the planet man, are back; Cheech & Chong. And somehow they miraculously after decades of threatening to, found themselves in a recording studio with Lou Adler being one of the producers, and made a new album. I’m in shock!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For a couple decades, fans of Cheech & Chong hoped for a reunion. And then it happened. After that, rumors of new movies, and various other projects including performing in concert again (yours truly seeing them twice in recent years) and television appearances. </span><br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So what’s the deal Man? </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The official 411 is that this is a part of the new Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie project. May I please introduce you to, the accompanying musical soundtrack album; Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie !! Musical Soundtrack Album.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Check it out Man. This is where the STUFF is. Includes NINE, count them NINE brand new songs (DON’T FREAK OUT) that are in essence NEW C & C sketches. So here it is mostly stoner folks who are reading this – word for word -- after all this time has gone by…A BRAND NEW CHEECH & CHONG ALBUM. Now YOU can say it; Like WOW Man!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not to give everything away, but I will tell you the new material celebrates the old, while making references to today’s twenty-first century world. It’s great hearing the old names / characters mentioned. Just as AWEsome is the guys new material. Put it all together and it’s an incredibly funny listening experience that begs for the repeat button to be hit once the disc stops playing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rating: Using the one to five bong rating system, Uncle G rates Cheech & Chong's NEW comedy record; Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie !! Musical Soundtrack Album, FIVE BONGS MAN !! Uncle G's TOTALLY blow away. The whole production is tight…job well done to ALL involved. It's what you expect from Cheech & Chong, and that’s including having HIGH expectations for like FOREVER Man.</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352388424905861169.post-41230345827161494832016-04-13T13:17:00.003+01:002016-06-18T13:45:13.716+01:00Uncle G_Stairway To The Courthouse<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">13 April 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stairway to the Courthouse</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Opinion Piece by: Gary "Uncle G" Brown</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">American Correspondent for <a href="http://classicrockradio.co.uk/">ClassicRockRadio.co.uk</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GBrown0816" target="_blank">@GBrown0816</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Note: This is a Gary "Uncle G" Brown opinion piece. His views may not reflect that of the station, the staff, or for that fact any other human being on the planet. You been warned!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While reading the news and drinking coffee this morning, I saw headlines on several websites mention that members of Led Zeppelin, will soon have to go to court. And then it dawned on me why. Over what is said to be similarities in music between a song by an oldies rock band called Spirit, and one of the biggest selling hits the mega popular hard rock band, Led Zeppelin, ever had; Stairway To Heaven. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The subject of plagiarism is a very serious one. Ruins reputations, and flat out empties bank accounts. By definition, it's the stealing of someone else's work, and taking credit for it. Especially bad when done so for profit. There are serious laws in place that try to prevent this. And here is what Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, are having to face. The credited songwriters of, Stairway To Heaven. Lawyer-ed up I imagine, and in a federal courtroom this coming May 10th. The proceedings will be heard in a federal court, located in Los Angeles, California. Would luv to have a press pass for this. Main reason is because I believe Mr. Plant and Mr. Page will be exonerated of any and all wrongdoing. And here's why.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Exhibit A as found on YouTube; Spirit - Taurus. Released in 1968.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY3GH6GIFCU&nohtml5=False">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY3GH6GIFCU&nohtml5=False</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Exhibit B as found on YouTube; Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven. Released in 1971. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPSkNFODVRE&nohtml5=False">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPSkNFODVRE&nohtml5=False</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G's Analyst</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know the Led Zeppelin song 'Stairway To Heaven' so well, that it only took one listen to it, so I could be refreshed. For the record, it isn't something I listen to everyday. That was a few decades ago. I enjoyed playing / hearing the studio recording, as well as the live version from the band's album, The Song Remains The Same (1976), many many times. The live performance rocks more towards the end. Jimmy's guitar work is absolutely amazing throughout. Saying all that helps me establish that I know the song very well. Enough so to check for similarities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My first impression when hearing the first forty four seconds of the Spirit song, Taurus, is that it's totally different from, Stairway To Heaven. So far the Zeppelin guys are safe. What's in question happens when you hear a guitar at the forty five second mark. The next eight seconds after that. Played twice then, and twice another time. I broke up the descending guitar sound as a eight second bit, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">instead of connecting for sixteen. More convincing</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Coming in at two minutes and forty seconds, the notes / chord progression I just pointed out, in my opinion is what motivates the lawsuit. Nothing else matters, or should be in question. In my mind, the accusations, or what we can call the bread and butter of this going to court, sprout from this. Eight seconds of guitar playing, and nothing more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let's FIGHT! If I was a lawyer, I'd want to make damn sure that the Spirit song 'Taurus' was indeed played live, and was a part of the band's set list, when Led Zeppelin was around them. Said to be written in November of 1967. Released the next year. For this is what Mr. Page and Mr. Plant of Led Zeppelin is said to have copied / ripped off. The opportunity given was when they both worked the same shows, in what would be referred to regularly by rock n' roll writers like myself, as Led Zeppelin's early days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One thing I want to get established is just how under the influence, Mr. Page or Mr. Plant was supposed to be, regarding their exposure to the under three minute song. Did Jimmy or Robert together or apart, hear it once, or so often they knew it better than their own material? I might even ask Mr. Page when being questioned, if he owned the record. And if so, I'd ask if he recalls about how many times he played it. And here's why. Only hearing the Spirit song 'Taurus' a limited questionable amount of time(s) if proven, and then not even owning the record, could be helpful information to the jury to take into consideration. Remember, all information no matter how big or how small, needs to be taken into account, to be properly judged by your peers. Being found liable as I already touched on, could prove to be disastrous for reputations, and future sales. For now, innocent till proven guilty. That's how it works here, in America. The band Spirit and those associated already state the Led Zeppelin rockers are guilty. We'll see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Still thinking about this, I wonder if Led Zeppelin even found a group like Spirit relevant. Sure they were a little popular, but The Beatles they were not. Being from the UK, and Spirit from the States, was the band members in Led Zeppelin, that up on them? Were they friends? Attended each other shows? Back stage every night sharing a bottle of Jack Daniels? Did the Zeppelin guys know other songs in the Spirit catalog, besides Taurus? I ask because information can be forthcoming, saying that the Zeppelin guys didn't like, and or pay any attention to Spirit. Sound believable? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Was the song 'Taurus' that BIG a hit song for Spirit? Played on FM radio a lot? Both answers are; NO. Besides being a wise ass, why ask those questions? Point being it's hard to rip off what you barely know, or just plain don't realize, exists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Facts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Led Zeppelin's Stairway To Heaven is 8:02 minutes long (studio version). Song writing credit goes to Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spirit's Taurus is 2:36 (studio version). Written by Spirit guitarist, Randy Wolfe (deceased). Randy Wolfe aka Randy California (Feb 20, 1951 - Jan 02, 1997)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's said Spirit and Led Zeppelin played at the same gigs, but never shared the same stage. That's an important piece of information. Makes it's possible that Spirit may have indeed played the song 'Taurus', while Led Zeppelin was on the same grounds. That being so makes me question the distance from the stage Spirit played on, to where the location of the stage Led Zeppelin appeared on? For sure if I was the attorney for Spirit, I'd want to make doubly sure Mr. Plant and Mr. Page was within earshot. Why you ask? Because from what I gather, it's being automatically assumed that Robert Plant and Jimmy Page learned / knew of the song based on them performing at the same shows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Question; "Was any or all of the Zeppelin men, even paying attention To Spirit?" Weren't they playing their own shows? Having to do whatever was required of them, to enable them to perform. I imagine so. Touring and playing live in concert, is a lot of work. I heard recollections from many a professional musician who toured and was accompanied by other bands, saying they never had the opportunity to check out the opening band we'll say, because of being so busy having to do other pre-show activities; bathroom break, prayers-meditation, pot smoking, press, meet & greets, more pot smoking, etc. Just saying. Might pertain, might not? Seriously so, all information needs to be considered. Millions and millions of dollars are at stake here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another Question: Was the Spirit song '</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Taurus</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">' played exactly the way it appears on the studio recording, or was it altered any when played in concert? I have a hard time imagining it being part of a working set list. To me, the instrumental is kind of on the low key side. Even a bit artsy-fartsy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The main focus is on the eight seconds. This would be Mr. Page on guitar, playing a series of notes, whereas it should be known, that there is only so many. Where Mr. Page might start off with a note sounding close to what one can hear in the Spirit song, anything familiar sounding to their tune '</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Taurus</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">' stops very quickly after it's heard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Uncle G Concludes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I say to Spirit; I got a line on you. Lawsuit is bogus. Wishful thinking. This is a money grab. I hope to God as I am sitting here now, that it don't work. Eight seconds of music. Page and Plant must be fucking genius' to come up with what is one of the most popular songs ever created, out of just eight seconds of guitar playing that any first year guitar player could have probably dreamed up. Accounts for 32 seconds of music. And I repeat it's not thirty two seconds of original music, but eight seconds worth, heard four times throughout the recording. Eight seconds of material, and not in my mind, the building blocks of what is one of rock n' roll's all time greatest hit songs, Led Zeppelin's Stairway To Heaven. Am sure the trustee of late Spirit guitarist Randy Wolfe, will not be happy reading that. Grasping for straws defense. The attempt to grab the brass ring, should fail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's NOT May 10th. Nothing has gone to trial yet. My calendar is reading the 13th of April. Fact is, no matter how wrong I think it is, the ruling could come in the trustee's favor. Personally, I'd be disappointed to hear it. The notes played on a guitar are not limitless, as I have already stated. Eight seconds do not make a 8:02 masterpiece of modern rock n' roll music. The Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame musicians either ripped off the estate of Randy Wolfe, or they didn't. It's yes or no, and I think not. My opinion. Will be interesting to find out the legal outcome. Good luck Mr. Page and Mr. Plant. Hope this all plays out to YOUR favor. Regarding Stairway To Heaven … GREAT song! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Source: Daily Mail Dot Com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3534915/Judge-clears-Stairway-Heaven-copyright-case-trial.html">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3534915/Judge-clears-Stairway-Heaven-copyright-case-trial.html</a></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">View our website at http://classicrockradio.eu for the latest rock music news and our 24/7 streaming radio station.</div>Gary "Uncle G" Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917961250669106832noreply@blogger.com0