URIAH HEEP – 12 favorite Album covers

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URIAH HEEP has a huge catalogue, including 25 studio albums, numerous live albums, endless compilations, and a few box sets. I’ve chosen 12 favorite album covers, from the studio discography. I understand there are some other favorites to fans, so please drop your own list or comments….

Demons And Wizards

I’ll put this first on my list, not because it’s my favorite Uriah Heep album, but because it was this fantasy artwork that first drew my attention. I knew nothing but “Easy Livin” when I first picked up a used copy of this LP, but I had picked it up and looked it over a number of times in a local shop before then. One of a few Roger Dean drawn covers, who would become more know for his work with YES and ASIA. The packaging came in a tri-fold, with photos, added artwork, and liner notes. Simply a classic cover and package all-round from the time.

The Magician’s Birthday

The follow up to Demons And Wizards, and 2nd conceived and drawn by Roger Dean. Plenty of references to the songs and lyrics on it, and very different from it’s predessecor. Another mystical Heep cover, in a gatefold, with a lyric sheet inserted, the end of an era. A shame Bronze did not continue with Roger Dean for subsequent Heep covers, as their catalogue never really had any common theme or logos, at least for decades to come.

Uriah Heep

The debut LP, the North American version! Yeah, I like the Very Eavy…Very Umble cover, but for me, there is something pretty dark and unique here, with that big centipede (or whatever) that takes up the cover, in a simple black & white (or burgundy & white). The cover was designed by John Craig, but the actual art came from American – Virgil Finlay, who was an early science fiction and horror illustrator. Craig also designed covers for Blue Cheer, Sir Lord Baltimore, and Rod Stewart, among others.

Wonderworld

I know a few bandmembers didn’t like this cover. Designed by Graham Hughes, who was better known for his covers for The Who (being Roger Daltrey’s cousin). I liked this one, featuring the classic line up members as statues, on a black background. Not one of my top few Heep albums, but i like this cover. No more gatefolds though, particularly in North America.

Look At Yourself

The classic cover, featuring a ‘mirror’ on the front, so the listener could do as the title song said. This cool idea was suggested by guitarist Mick Box at the time, and is a favorite among fans. Credited to Douglas Maxwell Ltd, who aside from this LP, can only be found having designed 3 other covers (all in 1971). The cover varied a bit in different countries.

Wake The Sleeper

The first cover done by the late Ioannis, a Greek born artist who did many covers from the ’90’s onward. This drawing of the Budda on a dark green cover was perfect for this comeback album. Wake The Sleeper was Heep’s first new album in nearly a decade, and was heavier than anything they’d done in years. This cover reflects the feel of the album perfectly. Iaonnis would go on to do a number of Heep covers, including many for the Heep live bootleg series.

Return To Fantasy

In a few ways, this album was trying to recapture the Heep of a few years before. The previous album, Wonderworld, did not do as well as expected, and the band had replaced bass player Gary Thain with John Wetton. Perhaps between the title track, and the ‘fantasy’ cover, Heep was trying to get back to that era(?). Drawn by Dave Field, who released a book of his adventures in the 60s and 70s in 2020 titled Cheques, Drugs, and Rock N Roll. Field was better known for his invovlement with The Rolling Stones (among others). Came in a cool gatefold cover, with bandmember photos inside, and lyric sleeve.

Outsider

2014’s Outsider album was the first Heep cover since before Wake The Sleeper that was not done by Iaonnis. Instead, Polish artist Igor Morski’s piece was used. To me it suits the album title, and music, with Outsider being a bit harder edged. Morski also did the cover art for the subsequent live album, Live At Koko.

Firefly

From 1977, Firefly was drawn by British artist Martin White. It’s a very eye catching drawing. Interesting that some in (around?) the band thought the character on the firefly looked a bit too much like Ken Hensley. The North American version came in a simple straight sleeve with nothing else, but elsewhere, this cover came in a stunning gatefold, with bandmember drawings on the inside, as well as lyric sleeves. Martin was intended to do the follow up cover, but that changed when the album title was changed.

Sweet Freedom

Heep band photos rarely featured on the album covers. 1973’s Sweet Freedom was the first one. It’s bright red/orange cover, with the band front and centre, with the sun in the background was shot by legendary rock photographer Fin Costello. The album was the first to mark a new direction and period for the band, having just signed to Warners in North America, and the band purposely getting away from the Demons and Magicians themes of the previous 2 studio albums. Came in a nice tri-fold, with band member photos and lyrics printed inside.

Fallen Angel

The band’s 1978 album, and last released while John Lawton was still in the band. Fallen Angel, named after the album’s last track, featured cover-art by fantasy artist Chris Achilleos, who after this cover, drew Whitesnake’s Lovehunter album cover. For various reasons, he didn’t like the business and did very few album covers after that. Fallen Angel came in a nice gatefold cover with band photo and lyrics on the inside. European issues came with an insert picturing the band’s discography on one side and photo and tour schedule for 1979 on the other. North American copies came in a straight sleeve, with a lyric sleeve.

Abominog

I get that many (including bandmembers) didn’t like this cover, as it really is kinda misrepresentative of the music within. You might expect something much more ‘metal’, but be honest – love it or hate, this Abominog cover, by Les Edwards, grabs your attention. And sometimes, grabbing a record buyers attention works well. Edwards originally drew this monster cover for a book cover, and it was also used for a Metallica single.

Honorable Mentions: Innocent Victim (US/Canada version), Sea Of Light (Roger Dean), Living The Dream (Planet P)

TOM EVANS – ‘I Believe In You’, new archived release

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I Believe In You is the follow-up release to 2024’s I Am Myself, a new collection of never-before-heard demo recordings by Liverpool’s Tom Evans, bassist and co-lead singer of the iconic power pop group Badfinger. It will be released as a limited-edition CD by Y&T Music and available on all streaming platforms on October 30, 2026..

Like his Badfinger bandmate Pete Ham, Tom Evans was a prolific songwriter; he gave the quartet many of their greatest “deep cuts,” including “Money,” “It’s Over,” “Believe Me” and “Blind Owl.” Evans and Ham co-wrote “Without You,” which went to No. 1 for both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest pop ballads of all time.

He sang lead on “Come And Get It,” Badfinger’s smash hit debut, written and produced by Paul McCartney; his soaring tenor voice made “Maybe Tomorrow,” recorded for the Beatles’ Apple Records when they were still calling themselves The Iveys, an international sensation.

Among the 20 tracks on I Believe In You, six went on to be recorded by Badfinger: “Money,” “When I Say,” “Blind Owl,” “Queen Of Darkness,” “Lost Inside Your Love” and “Sail Away”. Another song, “Get To You” went on to be released by The Dodgers in 1976 as the B-side of their debut single, “Don’t Let Me Be Wrong.”

Performed mainly on acoustic guitar plus some on electric guitar or piano, with some assistance on guitar and backing vocals from Badfinger/Dodgers member, Bob Jackson, the album showcases Tommy’s growing maturity as a serious songwriter and lyricist during the 1970s spanning the middle period of his musical career between 1970-1977.

I Believe In You came to be after an exhaustive 2 year search for previously unheard songs and demo versions of well known Tom Evans tracks for Badfinger and The Dodgers. The recordings were once again compiled & edited by Tom Brennan, and restored & mastered by Kevin McElligott.

Marianne Evans shared photos from her personal collection for the 12-page booklet included with this new collection and Tim Boyle took the front cover photo. Released with the full support and cooperation of the Evans Estate, I Believe In You is a limited edition of 1200 CDs.

Earlier in 2026, Y&T Music issued Miniskirts And Rainbows, their 2nd collection of unreleased demo recordings by The Iveys, which included Tom Evans on rhythm guitar and vocals.

I BELIEVE IN YOU track listing:
1. I Believe In You (version 2)
2. Try To See Eye To Eye
3. Don’t Let it Go
4. Friday Night
5. It’ll Be Alright
6. Money (original demo)
7. When I Say (original demo)
8. Blind Owl (demo version 2)
9. Queen Of Darkness (demo version 2)
10. So Far
11. I’m Gonna Love You
12. Till You Came Along
13. A Dream Come True
14. Fade Away
15. Lost Inside Your Love (demo version)
16. Sail Away (demo version)
17. Get To You (demo version)
18. Twenty-Four Reasons
19. Has Anybody Seen Her
20. I Believe In You (version 1)

For more information:
https://www.amazon.com/I-Believe-You-Tom-Evans/dp/B0HMXCTRWY
https://badfingerlibrary.com/
www.ytmusiconline.com

Tale Of A Band: The Listener’s Guide To TOTO, new book from Tim Durling

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Canadian rock author Tim Durling has just issued him latest book. Tale Of A Band: The Listerner’s Guide to TOTO, is Durling’s look at the legendary rock/pop/aor band’s catalogue and history. Toto had begun in the late 70s and became known for such huge hits as “Rosanna”, “Hold The Line” and “Africa”.

Tale Of A Band comes in at just over 150 pages, and can be purchased on Amazon right now.

STRAWBS 50 Years On – Grave New World Live

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Witchwood Records To Release Strawbs ‘Grave New World Live’ On Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl October 23

• One time only limited pressing
• The only live performance of ‘Grave New World’ in its entirety
• A live realisation of Cousins’ vision for how his proudest work was to be experienced
• Produced and mixed by Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Tyler, Kate Bush, Foreigner)
• Mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Geoff Pesche (Gorillaz, Coldplay, New Order, Dire Straits)
• 180g translucent red vinyl, gatefold outer sleeve, printed inner sleeve with deluxe trifold booklet

In marking the death of David Cousins on 13 July 2025, Witchwood Records is absolutely delighted to announce the release of the first recording from Strawbs 50th Anniversary – ‘Grave New World Live’.  This will be released as a limited pressing, just 1,000 for the world, gatefold LP with booklet – presented libretto-style, as was the original studio album. This is the first of a series of recordings to be released from Strawbs 50th. This release captures the only ever concert rendition of this landmark record.

Grave New World, released on 4 February 1972, reached number 11 in the UK Albums chart, selling almost 100,000 copies in the UK alone. It was one of the albums of which David Cousins was most proud. He continued to perform songs such as New World and Benedictus throughout his career.

In developing Strawbs 50th Anniversary, to be held in Lakewood, New Jersey, USA from 26 April through 28 April 2019, David decided that the programme should include the only live performance of the album. As such, he invited Wesley Stace to collaborate with him in writing a narration for this ‘theatrical performance’.

John Ford and Blue Weaver, both of whom had performed on the original album, were invited to take part. They were joined by Wesley Stace, Eric Bazilian (of the Hooters), Tony Fernandez, Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig. With only an afternoon’s rehearsal, the performance took place on the early evening of 27 April. As would be the case for a theatrical performance or classical concert, the audience was asked not to applaud until the end.

In addition to the numbers that David sang, and Wesley’s narration, John Ford sang Heavy Disguise and Wesley performed The Flower and the Young Man.

David’s ill health, together with COVID-19, meant that it wasn’t possible for Grave New World Live to be completed as soon as he would have wished. Work had already been started by Larry Fast, a pioneer in electronic music production, and record producer Blue Weaver, before David’s death in July 2025. In accordance with his wishes, this recording, on vinyl like the original, is now presented as the first major work from the 50th Anniversary. Unlike many “live” albums, however, the songs are heard as they were performed.

Track listing:
1. Benedictus
2. Hey Little Man Thursday
3. Queen Of Dreams
4. Heavy Disguise
5. New World
6. Hey Little Man Wednesday
7. The Flower And The Young Man
8. Tomorrow
9. On Growing Older
10. Ah Me Ah My
11. Is It Today Lord
12. Journey’s End
13. Benedictus 2

Dedicated to the life and work of David Cousins.

To pre-order: https://a.co/d/095UlkWa

Witchwood official website: https://witchwoodrecords.com/

Ten Band Catalogues I Would Keep

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At my age I’ve started thinking about downsizing my record collection; not so much my CDs, but LPs, which I have the most of. Between age, other things I want to do with my life, and hope to some day move house again, I gotta wonder what I really want to listen to from here on in and how much I might actually get the time to. There are records I’ve kept for years, for decades, and things I’ve picked up in recent years that I’ve thought One day I will have the time to really get in to this and enjoy it much more. Well, that time is now, because I’ve gotten plenty of albums and catalogues that I still rarely pull out (if ever), And more so, I have catalogues of bands and artists I can pull out any day and enjoy, and would gladly add more to that catalaogue if there’s something more or new of interest. So, here is 10 bands or artists that I would be putting aside. It is important to look at quantity and quality too – I love Boston, but 6 Boston albums. I also include direct or significantly related works…..

Now that I struggled through this, I may do a part 2 eventually including some of those shorter catalogues). And then there’s the band’s catalogues that I don’t even know why I still have!

URIAH HEEP (Ken Hensley, David Byron, Peter Goalby, Phil Lanzon….solo)

Well, for me the most obvious….Uriah Heep have 25 studio albums, 20 (official) live albums, numerous non-LP tracks that have ended up on compilations or reissues. There’s been 5 lead singers, each adding a different appeal to the band. There’s also been a number of name keyboardists, drummers, and bass players pass through the band, with 2 keyboard players providing a major part of the songwriting during their time in the band. So, aside from the studio and live albums, I’d be including the most obvious solo releases from Ken Hensley, David Byron, Peter Goalby, and Phil Lanzon. Sure, there’s plenty more, but those are most signifigant IMO.

BLACK SABBATH (Ozzy, Dio solo)

Some of the first albums I ever owned were the early Black Sabbath albums, so I can easily live with those 8 studio albums with Ozzy. I loved the Dio albums (mainly the first 2), and subsequent albums with Gillan, Hughes, and Tony Martin are largely great by me. 20 studio albums (I’m counting the Heaven & Hell releases), 8 live albums (though I’m not crazy about all these). Throw in the post-Sabbath catalogues from Ozzy, Dio, Bill Ward, and Tony Iommi, and i’m happy.

MAGNUM

British hard-rock/Aor band Magnum have been releasing albums since the late 70s. Their last coming 2 years, around the same time as guitarist & songwriter Tony Clarkin passed away. Few of the band’s albums actually got released over here, so I’ve still got a few gaps to fill in, but 23 studio albums, 10+ live releases. Lots of classic British rock to be heard, and keep me busy.

RUSH

Well, another no-brainer…. For being just a 3 piece band, Rush released a ton of excellent albums in their catalogue. 19 studio albums, 10+ live albums, plus lots of must-have bonus material (largely live) on box sets and reissues. The band changed direction a few times, always trying to stay modern and fresh, so there’s one can;t get bored of the band’s massive output since 1974.

STYX (Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw solo)

Another band I got started with when I began collecting records. Styx released a string of hit albums from the mid 70s til 1981 Their catalogue though is worth having also for the band’s more obscure early releases, and most recent albums. 18 studio albums (albeit a few post-81 I am not keen on), plus 9 live albums (even though a number of these came after the band split with founding member Dennis DeYoung). But the has redeemed themselves in recent years with 3 excellent studio albums (w/ Lawrence Gowan). Not a lot of rarities in the band’s catalogue, but definitely worth keeping the solo albums from DeYoung and Tommy Shaw, as well.

PINK FLOYD (David Gilmour solo)

Since 1967, British psych and progressive band have released 15 studio albums, and 8 live albums (tho’ may of these are archived releases coming decades after the fact). I’m not crazy about the band’s earliest stuff, but the addition of David Gilmour, his guitar playing and vocals are the draw for me, largely. Pink Floyd did not record every year like most bands in the 70s, which seems to make many of their releases seem more like ‘events’. Love their 70s output (meh, not so crazy about The Wall), but also enjoyed 80s releases, and any David Gilmour solo releases, with his live albums always featuring a good chunk of Pink Floyd material. Roger Waters, well I like his first solo album.

ASIA (John Wetton solo, John Payne) ,

When Asia came out in 1982, that debut album was outstanding beginning to end! Rock, AOR, prog….a band consisting of 4 ‘name’ players, 3 big hit singles…. The follow ups were never as good, but I still liked them a lot. Featured the voice of John Wetton. Bu the band began to fall apart by the 3rd album, and endless changes occurred til Wetton left around 1990, and keyboardist Geoff Downes reformed the band around himself and new singer/bass player John Payne. The Payne era of the band, which released 8 studio albums of material and a number of live albums, never really caught on commercially and many fans simply overlook this period, but there is some excellent releases in there. The original band eventually reformed, released a couple of fine studio albums. Sadly Wetton passed away in 2017, but Downes has more recently regrouped with new guys, notably unknown singer/bass player Harry Whitley, who sounds remarkably like Wetton, and have (so far) released 1 live album and recorded 1 studio album, all sounding very promising. With the Asia releases, I’d include John Wetton’s solo records, and John Payne’s post-Asia solo , GPS and Dukes Of The Orient albums

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

Not a huge catalogue, especially what is considered the ‘real’ Lynyrd Skynyrd, the 70s stuff. But, as much as some of us (including myself on occasion) about this band continuing after the plane crash that claimed their leader and singer in 1977, there’s actually been some pretty good albums from the band, with Johnny Van Zant sounding close enough to late brother Ronnie, and enough originals or key guys there for years, that all make this a catalogue I’d be keeping and expanding on (especially archival releases). 13 studio albums (excluding the frigging Christmas album), tons of live releases (post reformation and archival), box sets, rarities releases….

APRIL WINE

One of my favorite Canadian bands. This band has been around since 1971, but there’s lots of gaps, so we only have 16 studio albums, 4+ live albums, a pile of compilations, though not a lot of rarities or related/solo material. But I can pull out these albums most days.

ALICE COOPER (band, solo…)

The original ALICE COOPER was a band, and my favorite American band. AC only released 7 studio albums in their day, before Alice went solo and has released over 20 solo albums. We also get solo and related albums from the other members over the years (Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith), as well as a reunion album, an archvied live album, a reunion live mini album, box sets, and numerous live and compilations from Alice, solo.

DAVE FIELD – ’70s album artist releases new book.

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Many years ago I connected with British artist Dave Field. Dave drew and designed albums, posters etc.. for many classic artists in the 70s, notably The Rolling Stones, Status Quo, AC/DC, and Uriah Heep.

A few years back Dave released a smaller book more so about his time doing these covers, logos, etc…called Cheques, Drugs, and Rock N Roll.

Dave has a new book out, telling more about his time as being part of and around the British music scene in the late 60s, early 70s, and his life over the decades.

Check out more info at – https://www.newhavenpublishingltd.com/product/the-many-lives-of-dave/

ANDY CURRAN ANNOUNCES LIMITED-EDITION ‘ROCKAHOLIC’ COLLECTOR’S LP 

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Featuring two brand-new songs, “Rockaholic” and “Lookin’ for Love,” plus newly remixed and remastered versions of his Top 10 Canadian rock radio hits “No Tattoos” and “License to Love” 

For rock fans who remember the ’80s and early ’90s, Andy Curran needs little introduction. 

Now, the founding member and lead vocalist of CONEY HATCH is revisiting his solo legacy while adding two brand-new songs with the release of Rockaholic, a limited-edition collector’s LP that connects Curran’s past with where he is today. 

*The first 100 copies purchased will receive a set of handwritten lyrics autographed from Andy’s personal archives

The Rockaholic EP is the first of three vinyl releases planned from Curran’s archives on Vault Press.

Two additional releases, Caramel and Leisureworld, are scheduled to follow in 2027. 

Recorded at Metalworks Studios in Toronto, Halo Studios in Hamilton and Noble Street Studios in Toronto, Rockaholic was mixed and co-produced by Juno Award-winning Vic Florencia and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Harry Hess at HBomb Mastering. 

Curran’s history with Canadian rock runs deep. As a founding member and lead vocalist of Coney Hatch, he helped establish the band as one of the country’s most respected hard rock acts. Coney Hatch shared stages with Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Cheap Trick, Peter Frampton, Ted Nugent and others, while the band’s self-titled debut album went Gold in Canada and produced rock radio favourites including “Devils Deck” and “Monkey Bars.” 

Curran subsequently launched a solo career, with his self-titled debut producing three Top 10 Canadian rock radio hits: “No Tattoos,” “License to Love” and “Let Go.” These songs became staples of Canadian rock radio and MuchMusic, while Curran embarked on an extensive touring schedule that included shows with Rush, Kim Mitchell, Glass Tiger and Rik Emmett. 

His accomplishments also include a Juno Award win for Most Promising Male Vocalist, as well as a nomination for Best Rock Album. On that occasion, Curran ultimately bowed out to his friends in Rush, who took home the award. 

Curran’s musical résumé also includes co-founding ENVY OF NONE, with Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, further cementing his place in the history of Canadian rock. 

Now, Curran is bringing the music from his solo years back to the stage in 2027 along side APRIL WINE. 

“This is the first time since 1992 that I’ll be playing some of this material,” Curran explains. “Songs we’ll be performing are ‘Nickels & Dimes,’ ‘Whiskey & the Devil,’ ‘License to Love,’ ‘No Tattoos’ – plus the new song ‘Rockaholic’ and selected Coney Hatch favourites.” 

Curran will be joined onstage by Sean Kelly, James Naro and Dave Ketchum. Kelly and Ketchum are also Curran’s Coney Hatch bandmates, while Naro is the son of the late Phil Naro, best known for his work with TALAS. 

With Rockaholic, Curran isn’t simply looking back. The release offers a snapshot of where he came from, where he is now and what remains to be discovered in his archives. 

As Curran states, “I wrote this song about my bandmate, Sean Kelly, but I think deep down everyone has a little ‘Rockaholic’ in them.” 

Rockaholic Track Listing:

“Rockaholic” (Album Version) 

“Lookin’ for Love” (First time ever on vinyl

“No Tattoos” (2026 Remixed & Remastered) 

“License to Love” (2026 Remixed & Remastered) 

BUY NOW : https://vault-press.com/products/andy-curran-rockaholic?utm_source=press-release&utm_medium=pr

Andy Curran Live: 

January 22, 2027 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Ottawa, ON w/ April Wine 

March 5, 2027 –      Fallsview Casino Resort – Niagara Falls, ON w/ April Wine

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:  andycurranmusic.com

ASIA – Indigo (a review)

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It’s 2026, and there’s a brand new ASIA album out next month. Since the band’s massive debut album in 1982 there have been a lot of Asia albums and Asia line up changes, with keyboardist/songwriter Geoff Downes being the constant. The original Asia reunited 20 years ago, and recorded 4 more albums (though without Steve Howe on the 4th). When singer/bass player/songwriter John Wetton passed away in 2017, I think most assumed that was the end of Asia. Downes would put together a couple of versions of the band from 2019 onward, to tour. But enter Harry Whitley, who’d guested at the John Wetton tribute show in 2023. Downes put together a new Asia line up with Whitley on bass & vocals, along with drummer Virgil Donati and guitarist John Mitchell. The band toured North America in 2024, and has since released a live album, a full performance of the debut album. Seeing the band in 2024, I thought the band sounded great, but what struck me most of Whitley’s enthusiasm in playing the classic Asia songs, as well as his vocal similarities to John Wetton. So, when news of this line up recording a new studio came out, I was pretty hopeful, and looked forward to it, not to mention that some of these songs were began with Wetton after the band’s last album Gravitas.

So, my first thoughts on Indigo are that this is excellent, as it seems to include all those elements that made Asia great in the beginning. There’s the band’s memorable AOR, progressive pieces, harmonies, and that majestic sound that Asia records seem to posess. The first single and lead off track “The Traveller (Into The Light)” is a great start, upbeat and easily likeable like many early Asia classics, keyboard lead, but we get a cool guitar solo from John Mtchell. The harmonies are perfect, on par with that Asia sound, and Harry Whitley sounds remarkably like Wetton here (and throughout, the similarity is almost a comfort to hear. Initially, I thought this was a bit ‘eavy on the ballads, but songs like “Change Of Heart”, “Arcadia” and “In This Life” all have something different and those memorable melodies from one song to the next. There’s also the lighter piano & guitar ballad “Chesapeake Bay”, which features Steve Howe, and this is one that started with Wetton. But it’s not all lighter material, with the upbeat pop rock of “Night And Day”, as well as “Life In The Sun”, where we get to hear more from John Mitchell on guitar, and then the single “Echo Of You”, which has a lengthy intro before picking up. I like this one, lots of changes, atmosphere, and reflective lyrics. But the centerpiece of this album is the 3 part “Tattoo Indigo”, which brings back prog to Asia, with “Part 1” being an instrumental, which is reminsiscent of that first Asia album, with each player featured here. “Part 2” is an acoustic, vocal piece, and “Part 3” being more of a progressive rock epic, featuring more heavier guitar. This whole album gets better with each listen. Looking forward to holding a physical copy of it with that awesome Roger Dean artwork, and will be curious to hear how much of this fits in to the band’s live show next time out.

Pre-Order INDIGO – HERE

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THE EXILES – 30th anniversary reissue

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Recently looking in to my favorite HURRICANE album, Liquifury, from 2000. This was the last Hurricane album, (the 80s band) that featured singer Kelly Hansen (later of FOREIGNER, now of DEAD DAISIES). Among the guitar players and songwriters on that album was Sean Manning. I knew little about Manning, but was aware he also had an association with QUIET RIOT (see 1993’s Terrified album). I also found The Exiles, and in checking this out, discovered the band’s lone album from 1996 has more recently been given a 30th Anniversary reissue. The Exiles was a project released by Manning, and (singer) Paul Rafferty. both British, who had relocated at some point to the US. Rafferty had been the original singer in BONHAM, though before the band released anything. The original 10 track CD release of The Exiles was produced by Neil Giraldo (Pat Benatar), and included members of Benatar;s band, as well as White Lion, Foreigner and Santana.

With this 30th Anniversary reissue, THE EXILES – Turning Time spearheaded by Manning, 5 recently unreleased tracks were discovered, mixed, and included. Now, if you like your classic British blues influenced rock, like FREE, BAD COMPANY, LED ZEPPELIN, and even pre-hair metal WHITESNAKE. Turning Time will seem like a long lost album you need to have. It is in that style, feel, and class, and it’s genuine, without coming off as another Zeppelin clone act. Highlights include “Rainmaker”, with it’s acoustic intro and heavy rock feel, the more laid back “Ain’t No Fool”, the ballad “Woman Let It Shine”, which really reminds of The Alllman Brothers (especially with the harmonies), and the rockin’ “Tearing Up A Storm”. There’s lots to get in to here, with different tracks, plenty of acoustics, harmonies, organ, …Check out the 3 videos and links below.

THE EXILES have released the music video for the track ‘I’m The (One’ from their album ‘Turning Time”, available now on Bad Reputation Records. 

The first single “Rainmaker” recently entered the top 10 on 97 Underground radio, debuting at #4.

Lead Guitarist Sean Manning talks about the song “I’m The One”, “I was really into Jimmy’s Outrider solo album when I initially wrote this riff. I love the Telecaster—such a raw and honest guitar. Paul came up with the chorus, which really finishes it off, and I added the heavy Les Paul onto the new track here in Dallas at Empire Studios….And it sounds like I nicked some early Bernie Marsden rhythm work for the chorus.”

Track list:

01. Turning Time 

02. Rainmaker 

03. Soul Woman 

04. Tearing Up A Storm 

05. Ain’t No Fool 

06. Travelling Blues 

07. Friend 

08. Feminine Side 

09. Richmond Castle Walk  

10. Woman Let It Shine 

11. Mission Bell 

12. Soul Has No Home 

13. I’m The One 

14. High Old Times

15. Carry You Home 

LINKS:

https://badreputation.fr/THE-EXILES-TURNING-TIME

https://theexilesuk.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theexilesuk

https://bravewords.com/news/the-exiles-team-up-with-bad-reputation-records-for-reworked-expanded-30th-anniversary-reissue

https://www.instagram.com/theexilesuk

EUROPE – Come This Madness, out now

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Photo: Andy Ford

Well overdue, EUROPE’s brand new album comes 9 years after Walk The Earth. I really got reintroduced to the band with 2015’s War Of Kings, an outstanding record that made me want to go back and pick up all the albums since their reunion, so after 2 great albums, 9 years is a pretty lengthy break. So, was Come This Madness worth such a wait!? I think so. Musically heavier than it’s precdecessor, lyrically a bit deeper in places, as the band take on a few topics in the state of the world these days, as well as hope.

Certainly songs like “One On One”, “Scandinavian Eyes”, “In A Different World”, and the ballad “This Time Of Year” all stand out for me and sit comfortably among the band’s best. But really a very strong album, that I’m sure someone else could easily pick a few different favorites. John Norum stands out more here via his solos, and riffs on this record than the previous few, there’s a few classic intros from Mic Michaeli , and Joey Tempest, who’s voice hasn;t lost anything over the years. Again, for those who never got past Europe in their 80s pop-rock era, this is an excellent guitar driven, classic rock album, with latter day Europe filling the void of bands like Thin Lizzy and Gary Moore. Ends on a high note with “Nothing Can Follow This”.

*See below for the videos from this album, as well as press info, links…..

Europe’s new studio album Come This Madness signals a powerful new chapter for one of rock’s most enduring acts. Across songs like ‘One on One’, ‘The Cult of Ignorance’, and the title track ‘Come This Madness’, the band channel tension, truth, and raw energy into a record that feels both deeply personal and globally resonant.

Come This Madness was recorded at RMV Studio, the Stockholm-based recording facility founded by Benny Andersson and Ludvig Andersson. The album features special guest appearances from Tobias Forge (Ghost) and Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) and was produced by acclaimed producer Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Rammstein, Pixies, The Cult, Opeth), who became a true creative force throughout the process, deeply embedded in the band’s writing and recording, shaping the album’s sound from the ground up. To bring the project to its final stage and complete their vision, the band turned to one of rock’s most respected recording and mixing legends Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Van Halen, Metallica, The Cult, Loverboy) to mix the record.

With Come This Madness, Europe deliver a landmark record that finds them fully realised and present, confronting the realities of the modern world with conviction and creativity. Building on the momentum surrounding the album’s release, the band will also embark on an extensive run of live dates, including numerous festival appearances and a major tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Final Countdown. Kicking off in Glasgow on September 30th, The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour promises to unite the legacy that defined them with the renewed energy, driving them forward today. 

Come This Madness album artwork by Storm Studios (Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin…).

Track listing:
One on One
The Cult of Ignorance
Come This Madness
This Time of Year
In a Different World
Scandinavian Eyes
Takin’ It Back
In the Absence of Grace
The Angels Must Have Flown
The Devil’s Back
Nothing Can Follow Thi

Come This Madness will be available on vinyl, CD and digital formats. Pre-orders can be placed Here

EUROPE are: 
Joey Tempest – Lead Vocals
John Norum – Guitars
John Levén – Bass
Mic Michaeli – Keyboards
Ian Haugland – Drums

EUROPE links:
www.europetheband.com 
www.facebook.com/europetheband 
www.instagram.com/officialeuropetheband 
www.youtube.com/europethebandtv 
www.tiktok.com/@europethebandofficial 

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