JORN- ‘Return of the Jorniverse’, out December

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A new release from JORN will be out next month (Dec 11), coming after the release of Jorn Lande’s work with Tony Iommi. The is compilation containing 30 songs, available on CD, Vinyl…Check out the press info below.

Pre-Order HERE

Described as one of the greatest rock singers of our time, the Norse God of Metal, and a driving force in the renaissance of classic hard rock, Jorn Lande has established himself as one of the genre’s most distinctive and respected voices. Renowned for his world-class vocal range, rich tone, and unmistakable delivery, JORN has built an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades of releases, earning worldwide recognition not only as a powerhouse vocalist but also as an accomplished songwriter and lyricist.

Since the release of JORN’s debut album, Starfire, in 2000, the project has amassed an extensive catalogue of 21 releases, encompassing original studio albums, live recordings, compilations, and the acclaimed Heavy Rock Radio cover albums. With millions of albums sold worldwide and chart appearances across the globe, including Billboard, JORN has consistently demonstrated the enduring appeal of classic hard rock and heavy metal. The band’s most recent studio album, Over the Horizon Radar, arrived in 2022, reaffirming that JORN’s rock crusade shows no signs of slowing down. A third installment in the Heavy Rock Radio series is also planned for 2026, continuing his tradition of reimagining beloved rock classics in his own unmistakable style.

In 2025, JORN celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of powerful songwriting, commanding performances, and a musical legacy shaped by an impressive roster of musicians. Now, that legacy takes center stage with a comprehensive retrospective personally curated by Jorn Lande himself. Bringing together many of his favorite original JORN songs, the collection offers a journey through the full spectrum of the band’s sound, from epic, majestic heavy metal anthems and dark, hard-hitting tracks to timeless melodic classics. It also highlights the contributions of the acclaimed musicians who have helped shape JORN’s distinctive identity over the years.

The collection arrives at a time of renewed interest in the band’s back catalogue, with original JORN material that has been unavailable on physical formats for years generating growing demand among fans and collectors. Available in premium triple-vinyl, double-CD, and double-cassette editions, this release is both an essential addition for longtime fans and an ideal introduction for newcomers discovering the world of JORN.

JORN’s extraordinary versatility extends well beyond his own band. Since 2008, he has frequently toured internationally with Avantasia, the acclaimed metal opera project, showcasing his voice alongside some of the biggest names in rock and metal. He has also ventured into the gaming world, lending his unmistakable vocals to Karthus, the undead champion in League of Legends’ virtual metal band Pentakill.

Another major milestone in JORN’s career comes with his collaboration with Tony Iommi, the legendary Black Sabbath guitarist widely regarded as the Godfather of Heavy Metal. On Iommi’s solo album From the Dark, scheduled for release on October 23, 2026, JORN contributes all the lyrics and vocal melodies, while delivering his signature powerhouse vocals alongside Iommi’s iconic riffs. The collaboration further underscores Jorn’s stature as both an elite vocalist and a songwriter capable of standing alongside the most influential figures in heavy music.

On stage, JORN leads a formidable lineup of musicians who bring their own character and fire to the band’s unmistakable sound. Featuring guitarists Tore Moren and Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt, bassist Øyvind Strønen, drummer Francesco Jovino, and keyboardist Alessandro Del Vecchio, JORN delivers a wall of powerful hard rock that hits with the force of a freight train.

Driven by an enduring love of music and fueled by the connection between the band and its fans, JORN continues to carry the torch for classic hard rock and heavy metal, honoring the genre’s legacy while keeping its spirit alive for a new generation.

JORN LINE-UP:
Vocals: Jorn Lande
Guitar: Tore Moren
Guitar: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Bass: Øyvind Strønen
Drums: Francesco Jovino
Keyboards: Alessandro Del Vecchio

https://jornlande.com

TOP 15 CANADIAN ALBUMS 1979

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Well, now I’m going backwards in to the ’70s. 1979 was a big year for Canadian rock, lots of big albums and plenty of forgotten gems.

I’ve chosen 15 (there was just so many records released in’79, and too many tough decisions), and I’ve also included a gallery of album covers that I didn’t include in my list (at end).

Feel free to drop your favorites or anything I’ve missed, in the comments.

APRIL WINE – Harder, Faster

The 8th album from April Wine, 2nd with the 3 guitar line up, released in October. Featured the hits “Say Hello” and “I Like To Rock”, as well as live favorites “Before The Dawn” (by Brian Greenway) and an epic cover of King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man”. The first of their’s to crack the UK top 40 (#34), while hitting #25 in Canada and 64 in the US.

HARLEQUIN – Victim Of A Song

The debut from Winnipeg’s Harlequin. Those first 2 Harlequin albums were my favorites from the band’s short catalogue, both being more guitar heavy & rockin’. Cool Hugnosis cover art. Jack Douglas, legendary for his involvement with Alice Cooper and Aerosmith, among other mixes this and is listed as Executive Producer.Included 3 singles, “You Are The Light”, “Survive” and “Sweet Things In Life”, as well as the heavy ballad title track, a cover of Billy Squier’s “Who Knows (What A Love Can Do)”, and cool rocker “Shame Shame”. Great album!

TRIUMPH – Just A Game

One of the band’s top 3 albums (IMO) with “Hold On” , “Lay It On The Line”, “Movin’ On” and the title track. Cool gatefold cover, came complete with a board-game inside, designed by bassist Mike Levine. Their first big album in the US, with “Hold On” making the US top 40.

TEAZE – One Night Stands

Windsor’s Teaze – their 3rd and arguably their best studio album. Featured their best known song – “Heartless World”. Plenty of rockers here like “Young And Restless”, “Back In Action”, “Reach Out”. Produced by Myles Goodwyn, who does an outstanding job here. This album should have done it for them, but wasn’t to be.

SAGA – Images At Twilight

Saga’s 2nd album, and one of their best (that 5 album run from the debut on is their greatest peiod, IMO). Released in, it features “See Them Smile”, You’re Not Alone”, “Take It Or Leave”, and “It’s Time (Chapter Three)”, and “Hot To Cold”. Cover illustration by Tony Roberts, who also illustrated the next Saga LP cover, as well as covers by John Verity and Robin Trower.

FRANK MARINO & MAHOGANY RUSH – Tales Of The Unexpected

The 3rd album as Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush. This one coming in the spring of that year features the first side of studio tracks, and the 2nd side live tracks! Killer guitar throughout, classic tracks like “Sister Change”, “Down Down Down”, “Woman”, as well as great covers of “All Along The Watchtower” and “Norwegian Wood”. Cool coverart by Joseph Malec.

GODDO – An Act Of

One of Toronto’s other classic trios; this is Goddo’s 3rd album. Features the classic opener (and used for stage intro) “Anacanapanacana”, which leads in to one of the band’s best known songs “So Walked On”. Also here is the ballad “Chantal”, and favorites like “Work It Out” and “Sign On The Line”, Produced by Thomas Morley Turner (aka Greg Godovitz!).

STAMPEDERS – Ballsy

The last from this band for years to come. By this point the only original member left was Ronnie King, who added his brother on bass, and 2 guitar players. The band relocated to Toronto, signed to MCA and released this one album in August. This is hard / blues rock album, featuring covers of blues standard “Mojo”, as well as Chuck Berry’s “Bye Bye Johnny”. There’s also some solid driving rock here, such as “We’re Here To Rock And Roll” and “How Does He Do It”. Closing track “If You Really Want To” is another gem here.

WIRELESS – Positively Human Relatively Sane

The 2nd album from Toronto’s Wireless. Plenty of cool guitar rock on here beyond the single “I Know You Know”, such as “Goodnight Ladies”, “The Hard Way”, and “Right To Beg”. This band featured Canadian and Australian members. Marty Morin (ex Goddo drummer) sang lead on this one and the next album. Their only album to get a US release.

MAX WEBSTER – A Million Vacations

The 4th studio album from Max Webster (name of the band!). Included 3 singles, “Paradise Skies”, “A Million Vacations”, and “Let Go The Line”, as well as the UK-only single “Night Flights”. A unique sounding band, with lots of different tracks throughout this.

STREETHEART – Under Heaven Over Hell

A solid album, though not as outstanding as the debut, but featured hits “Hollywood”, and “Here Comes The Night”, as well as just solid likeable rock tunes in “Fight To Survive”, “Baby’s Got A Gun”, and “Dreaded Dotted Line”. Closing track “Storyteller” ( a good track) would be replaced on later prints with the band’s version of “Under My Thumb”.

BTO – Rock N Roll Nights

The 8th album from BTO, and the 2nd to include Jim Clench (bass, lead vocals – on 6 tracks), as Randy Bachman had left 2 years before. This is not a bad album at all! Regardless of no Randy here, there’s plenty of good songs, with a few outside penned ones, such as “Jamaica”, which was a hit single in Canada, and a lesser hit in the US. That was penned by Jim Vallance (who also produced this record) and sang by Clench. There was also another minor hit in Fred Turner’s “Heartaches”. The title track is favorite, and this album includes “Rock and Roll Hell”(Vallance), which would be later re-done by Kiss. The last BTO album until 1984.

PRIVATE EYE – Private Eye

A 4 piece featuring Hughie Leggat (ex A Foot In Coldwater) on lead vocals & guitar. This LP was split into a ‘Hard side’ and a ‘Soft side’. The band signed to Capitol, got released in Canada and the US, and had 3 singles, notably the excellent hit “Your Place Or Mine”, as well as the softer “Changes”. A good album that never really took off. Hughie and Gord (on guitar here) went off to release Illuminations, under the Leggat name.

PRISM – Armageddon

Released in the summer of that year, Armageddon would be the Vancouver band’s 3rd and biggest selling album. It boasted 5 singles, including the hits “Virginia”, “Night To Remember”, the epic title track, as well as an early Bryan Adams’ penned track “Jealousy”. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, who’d produced the band’s previous albums (his first production credits, prior to huge success with Loverboy and others).

TROOPER – Flying Colors

The band’s 5th album, and one of their better ones. Featured 3 hit singles, favorite being “3 Dressed Up As A Nine”, as well as “Good Clean Fun”, and “Janine” (Top 10). Other good tracks included “Mr Big” and a cover of The Kinks “All Day And All Of The Night”. This album reached #11 in Canada. Cover design and illustration by James O’Mara, who did other covers for Trooper, as well as Prism, BTO, and Loverboy.

10 Classic Band Photo Album Covers (Part 2)

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A follow up to my previous list of album covers featuring a band photo. Again, an actual photo, not a drawing or seperate photos of bandmembers. A lesser few known gems in here. If you’ve got any favorites that aren’t here, please put it in the comments.

SLADE – In Flame

This one features the classic shot of SLADE by rock British photographer and art director Gered Mankowitz. Mankowitz did a lot of work with Slade, as well as the Rolling Stones, the Strawbs and various other throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s. In Flame was from 1974, when Slade were at their peak in the UK (not so much over here). There’s a bit of info on this pic at his website – https://mankowitz.com/galleries/the-70s-gallery/page/1/?view=carousel&start=1156

ALICE COOPER – Easy Action

One of the album covers that inspired me to do such lists. This being Alice Cooper’s (the band) 2nd album. From 1970, with the band photographed from the back – on the front cover, with the photo of the band from the front – on the back. There’s also black and white shots of bandmembers on the inner gatefold. According to Discogs, Easy Action was the first album cover to feature the photography of Lorrie Sullivan, who went on to work with numerous bands and covers, including Grand Funk, Jo Jo Gunne, Joe Walsh, Tommy Bolin…. Cool packaging for the time, and being on a smaller label.

APRIL WINE – Stand Back

This album was big in Canada, in 1975. April Wine’s 4th studio album. The band (new line up) posed around a canon. The canon would become part of the band’s stage show for that tour, a tour which became the highest grossing tour in Canada by a Canuck band back then. Photos by Graham Fowler, who worked alongside Bob Lemme on many Aquarius Records’ covers.

YESTERDAY & TODAY – Struck Down

The 2nd album by LA’s Yesterday & Today, which would be shortened to Y & T by the next album. Struck Down features a cool band shot on front, framed, and individual band member photos on the back. From 1978. Lacking some credits on the album sleeve (if anyone knows who took this photo?)

WIRELESS – Positively Human, Relatively Sane

The 2nd of 3 albums from Canadian band WIRELESS, released in 1979. This is a great cover, with the band in straight jackets on the front. The back features individual live shots. Cover designed by Paul Hodgson, who also did Max Webster’s A Million Vacations, cover photo by John J Wood.

SCORPIONS – Virgin Killer

One of those album covers that was a replacement for a cover that was too controversial. And this wasn’t the last time The Scorpions were required to change an album cover, either for the censors or the record company. This photo of bandmembers, oddly posing, was taken by German photographer Michael von Gimbut, 1976. https://www.pickledpriest.com/single-post/album-cover-story-5-do-the-scorpions-shock-you-like-a-hurricane-or-merit-a-total-blackout

AEROSMITH – Get Your Wings

The band’s 2nd album, from 1974, and 2nd to feature a shot of the band on the cover. This one was improved – the cover and the music. With Jack Douglas brought in to produce, Get Your Wings would be the band’s breakout album, with multiple singles, and regarded by many fans as their best . The band photo on a black cover, and that early logo designed by their former guitarist Raymond Tabano, made for a pretty decent cover. https://www.goldminemag.com/features/aerosmith-explored-many-album-cover-options-with-designer-ernie-cefalu

MOTORHEAD – Ace Of Spades

MOTORHEAD’s 5th album, released in 1980, and titled after what would become their most famous song. This one, art directed by Martin Poole, who was also designing covers for URIAH HEEP and MANFRED MANN’s EARTHBAND that same year, featured a band photo taken by Alan Ballard. The band appearing in some desert scenery, with leather and hats, like outlaws. But the shot was taken in England, and below is a link to the story about it. Back cover features a photo of the band sitting around a table.

https://www.behindthecovers.com/covers/ace-of-spades

TWISTED SISTER – Under The Blade

The debut from New York’s TWISTER SISTER, in 1982. The band all dressed up in make up, rags, leather, etc… I’m sure this cover shot taken by legendary photographers Fin Costello drew lots of attention. Design (outfits, make up…) by Dee Snider’s wife Suzette, who would go on to design most of their album sleeves afterwards. When Under The Blade was remixed & reissued in ’85, it used a different photo on the front (same shoot), and changed the lettering type and color.

YES – The Yes Album

The 3rd YES album, the first to feature Steve Howe, and the one to feature the band on the front prior to Roger Dean getting invovled and doing the artwork for most of their covers onward. Cover photo of the band, looks to be in a closet or something, green lighting, a nice gatefold, designed by Jon Goodchild, with cover photo taken by Phil Franks and more photos by Barry Wentzell.

https://www.ibiblio.org/mal/MO/philm/yes

URIAH HEEP – Head First (1983)

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HEAD FIRST was Uriah Heep‘s 15th studio album, and second from the new ’80s line-up of Mick Box, Lee Kerslake, John Sinclair, Bob Daisley, and Peter Goalby, This album would be an excellent follow up to 1982’s comeback album Abominog, an album that has gotten a lot of attention over the last few years with a few podcasters and rock journalists championing it, and Head First came before the controversial Equator album, the 3rd Goalby era album, which is often cited as a low point in the band’s catalogue. Where as Abominog consisted of many outside written songs, and Equator featured 0 cover songs, Head First, again produced by Ashley Howe (Abominog), featured just 3 carefully chosen covers, presumably to give the album a more commercial appeal. Two of these covers would be the albums singles, and all 3 covers feature on side 1. Neither made much of an impact on the charts, and neither would remain in the live show beyond the tour for this album.

For me, Head First is divided with side one and side two each having a different purpose. Side one features those more commercial songs, which could or would become singles, more pop oriented, while side 2 was the heavier, more hard rock Heep approach, which likely appealed to longtime fans more.

The album opens with “The Other Side Of Midnight“, which is a rocker, but with a pop/commercial appeal. A solid riff, a memorable solo, modern keyboards, and a great vocal. Strangely not issued as a single, but one song from this album And the Goalby era that would return to the live set over the years. It did get some radio airplay in the US at the time too. Next up is the first cover and single, “Stay On Top“, penned by Scottish singer/songwriter Tom Jackson. It’s got a very different feel to it, kinda like a dance tune. Not one I’m crazy about, although live versions of this certainly make it a bit more of a rock tune. Track 3 is another cover and other single – it’s Bryan Adams’ “Lonely Nights“. A very good song, and Heep do a standout job on it, and Goalby loved this song. The problem was “Lonely Nights” had been a huge hit in North America, especially in Canada, about a year and a half prior to, so hard to see it as anyone else’s song, as the Adams’ version was all over the radio here for so long. Next up is the band composition “Sweet Talk“, a good pop-rock song, with plenty of keyboards, and an effect (or filter?) on Goalby’s voice in the beginning, giving the effect that he’s singing over the phone. I like this one, with Mick Box’s guitar here adds a lot of weight to it, This song, and the next one, both would have been interesting singles. The first side closes with “Love Is Blind“, an upbeat number written by Joey Carbone and Richie Zito, and first given to American actor John O’Banion to record for his first solo album in 1981, as Carbone and Zito wrote most of, played on, and produced O’Banion’s album. Again, I really like this song, a shame it only became another album track.

Now side 2 is the ‘Heep ‘eavy’ side. It opens with John Sinclair (and Frank Ricotti on percussion) mainly, on the instrumental “Roll Overture“. Heep didn’t have many instrumentals, and this was an excellent dramatic piece that the band would use as their conert intro. I wonder why this wasn’t used to open the album!? As “Roll-Overture” ends, the fast heavy riff to “Red Lights” comes crashing in, and this is more like it. It’s a fast paced, hard rocker, complete with the Heep harmony ‘Ahhs’, and a standout solo from Mick Box. “Rollin The Rock” is a bit lighter, with the first minute plus being just vocal and keyboard before the band comes in. Still though it keeps the rock end of this side up,. Bryan Adams had a song titled “Straight From The Heart”, and funny enough, Heep have “Straight Through The Heart” here, another heavy pop rocker, on par with “The Other Side Of Midnight”. Head First closes with the heaviest track here, and fan favorite, “Weekend Warriors“, this one is heavy on the guitar, and heavy on the bass. A great rocker/anthem. I’ve often wondered if this one originated from Bon Daisley and Lee Kerslake, as it leans towards that more ‘metal’ feel the 2 had been such a huge part of on the first 2 Ozzy (Blizzard of Ozz) albums.

There were a few B-sides and outtakes of interest, “Playing For Time” was another heavier rock song, the B-side to “Stay On Top”, and this would’ve added a good bit of classic Heep to the album, with John Sinclair’s Hammond organ throughout this song. There were a few live tracks issued on the remastered CDs, which begs the question – where’s the live album from this period? And there is the instrumental demo of “Searchin”, another song originally from Peter Goalby’s ‘Destiny’ project. Presumably for lack of time, as Heep never finished it; “Searching” could’ve been another excellent track.

The Head First title, again came from Bob Daisley, and the album art, directed by Martin Poole, has an interesting cover of the desert landscape with the guillotine, lizard, by British artist Peter Goodfellow.. Interesting as that desert cover would turn up on a few other artists’ covers, notably Led Zeppelin’s 2003 DVD release. The title Head First would also be used before and after (see my post about the album’s sharing this title, elsewhere). The album came in a single sleeve, with individual band member photos by Fin Costello on the back.

Inside of Stay On Top double 7 inch single

Unfortunately, Uriah Heep’s Head First did not build on the comeback strength of Abominog, as it only hit Billboard Album chart at #159, but did get as high as #35 on Billboard’s Rock Chart, and the UK charts at #46, though it did crack the Top 20 in Norway. By the time the album was released Bob Daisley had left to return to writing and playing with Ozzy, and Trevor Bolder rejoined Heep from Wishbone Ash. Bolder had been on one studio album with Wishbone Ash, Twin Barrels Burning, also produced by Ashley Howe. Heep’s American label had decided the album’s fate before it’s release, with changes at the label taking on other new releases, and passing over Head First from the beginning. Bronze label and Heep were also at odds, with Heep soon being without a label, and Bronze going under not long after. The band’s move to Portrait (CBS) for their next album wouldn’t turn out as hoped, with Portrait having problems as well (see Aldo Nova). However, Head First remains a solid Uriah Heep and a solid 80s rock album, with plenty of overlooked gems. Check it out.

HEAD FIRST – Uriah Heep – Mercury/ Poi yGram 812 313-1 M-1 –
Producer: Ashley Howe – List: 8.98 – Bar Coded
Only two members of the original Uriah Heep – guitarist/vocalist Mick Box and drummer Lee Kerslake – appear on “Head First,” the follow-up to last year’s demonic “Abomingog.” But that shouldn’t dissuade the headbanging fans of the heavy metal quintet, as they return to crunch out yet another dose of hard -edged rock’n’ roll. Best cut here is the majestic instrumental “Roll -Overture,” which has classical overtones … believe it or not. Other than that oddity, the LP abounds with loud metallurgy anthems about love (“Straight Through The Heart,” “Love Is Blind”) and the art of macho posturing (“Weekend Warriors”). (Cash-Box-1983-05-28)

Even the kids in Def Leppard can’t make Uriah Heep feel old

TEAZE in Ten Songs

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Canadian band TEAZE returned a few years ago, and more recently released a brilliant live album, followed by an excellent studio album. But, the band which had some 46 years between their new Rev Your Engines and 1980’s ill fated Body Shots, is still unknown to many of those outside Canada. During the band’s 5 year run of 4 studio albums (and one live one), Teaze received plenty of press, with opening slots on tours by other Canadian acts like April Wine and Triumph. They had a hit single, but it wasn’t a song that necessarily represented the band’s 2 guitar hard-rock sound. So, in those near 40 years that the band was gone, classic rock radio may have not been as kind as their catalogue deserves. So, consider this list for those who know little to 0 about Teaze; those that I’ve mentioned them to, who aren’t familiar. This is Teaze classics for those who do know the band’s albums, so if you’re new to them (or curious), check it out.

Most recently the band has also launched their brand new website, which is being taken care of by new drummer Jim Bonventre. So, anything you need to know and want to discover about this Canadian band can be found there. Pay the website a visit, check out their history, discography, download a new(er) track, and sign up!

https://teazeofficial.com

Rockin With The Music

The first track on the band’s debut album from 1976. Written by guitarist Mark Bradac. A fast paced, guitar rocker, an anthem, and an obvious opening cut to set the tone for the album. Also featured as the opener on the band’s Tour Of Japan album.

Boys Night Out

Also from the Teaze album, written by Bradac and drummer Mike Kozak. Another rocker and anthem celebrating the ‘boys night out’. An easily likeable and memorable song, which was released as the single in Canada. This was re-recorded for the band’s Body Shots album a few years later. Pre-dated the Toronto hit “Girls Night Out” by 7 years. Honestly, it was difficult cutting it down to 2 songs from the debut, this album rocks pretty solid right to the end. Classic ’70s guitar rock, and a good place to start if you’re curious about this band. “Boys Night Out” appeared on the 1985 UK release Heavy Metal America (w/ “Back In Action”), as well as 2LP Castle Communications release Metal Killers Kollection, Volume 2, in 1986.

Sweet Misery

From Teaze’s 2nd album, On The Loose, in ear;y ’78. “Sweet Misery” would become the band’s lone charting single, but … The song written by guitarist Chuck Price and Mike Kozak, was a country flavored ballad, which was unlike Anything the band had done. It probably confused fans and record buyers back then, and even the band steered clear of playing it live, as it had nothing to do with their 2 guitar, energetic rock reputation. In retrospect, maybe not a wise decision. Still a great song. The band did eventually play it (when they reunited), and even re-recorded by the band for their new album Rev Your Engines. “Sweet Misery” would be included on K-Tel’s Hot Ones collection from ’77.

On The Loose

The title track to their 1978 album. This one, which opened side 2, written by Mark Bradac and singer/bass player Brian Danter, is another hard edged high energy rocker. These guys wrote plenty of easily likeable and memorable choruses, as is this here. Love the sound on these early albums, not too polished, just cool raw late ’70s guitar rock.

Heartless World

Prior to 1979’s One Night Stands, Teaze had released Tour Of Japan album, their first live album, and more importantly, signed to Capitol Records to finally get their records released in the US. Capitol US had signed April Wine in ’78, breaking them in to the US market with “Roller”. One Night Stands came out in March of ’79, and was produced by Myles Goodwyn (April Wine). And everything about this is a step up – from the songs, performances, and production, even the front cover and packaging. I think by and large this is considered the band’s best work, and it’s tuff to pick a few songs from it, but the most obvious choice is the band’s epic “Heartless World”. This one, written by Bradac and Kozak starts off with acoustic guitar, then vocal, before the band kicks in. There’s a number of changes here, as well as a bit of keyboards, piano, sax, and the band’s heavy gallop, but more so, it has Brian Danter’s vocals, and his finest vocal in the band’s entire catalogue. There is nothing else like it in the band’s 70s catalogue, and how it did not become of a hit (it was a single) or remain an FM radio staple is baffling. “Heartless World” would feature in 2 films, Twists Of Terror (1997 Canadian), and Metalhead (2014, Iceland). The song was also covered by Canuck band Unleash The Archers in 2019.

Young And Reckless

Also from One Night Stands, “Young And Reckless”. A bit of funk-rocker., love the bass, and the shift between chorus and verse. This one’s very easily likeable. Written by Bradac, Danter, & Kozak. Would’ve made a nice single, but was used as the B-side to the 2nd single, and ballad “Loose Change“.

Touch The Wind

The closing track on One Night Stands. Written by Brian Danter. Again, featuring acoustic guitar, and build up. Features a cool instrumental section, with an extended heavy solo, softens up (bass and drums mainly), but speeds up before eventually building up and dropping back into acoustic guitar. This one has such a cool late night ’70 rock feel, with a Blackmore guitar tone in the solo. Oddly, makes me think of the April Wine cut “Silver Dollar”, a similar vibe. Classic track!

Sure Thing

Well, despite One Night Stands sounding so good, it didn’t put Teaze on top, and unfortunately Myles Goodwyn was not recalled to produce the follow up, Body Shots, from 1980. Whether is was the label and/or producer Nick Blagona, Body Shots was a step back, and sideways. There’s some good songs here, the bandmembers will tell you some of their best, but it’s largely marred by the production in some attempt to make the Teaze sound a bit more pop or new wave or something. The standout track here, for me is “Sure Thing”, credited to Danter, Bradac, and Kozak (as are all the song here). It’s another funk rockier tune, much in the style of “Young And Restless”.

Rev Your Engines

So most bands that might make a new album 45 years after their last one (kidding, who does that!?), might make an album that is a shadow of their former self, but nope Teaze comes out with Rev Your Engines, an album that can arguably be called their best album. The band now features guitarist/keyboardist/producer Chuck Lambrick (who’s been playing with Teaze since 2019), and drummer Jim Bonventre. The album kicks off with this rocker, geared for the stage, written by Bradac, Lambrick, and J.J. Garrisi. An excellent song to get things going, cool guitar blends in the solo….

Man Of Vision

The first single from Rev Your Engines, the first brand new Teaze song since 1980, and what could one expect!? Well, “Man Of Vision” is another featuring acoustic guitar, build up, to the chorus, with harmonies…. Just put this one in the same class as “Heartless World”. Musically epic, it says something lyrically, and is a powerful song. Penned by guitarists Mark Bradac and Charles Hambrick, with vocal from Brian Danter, who still sounds as powerful as he did in 1980.

I could’ve picked more from this album, but these 2 tracks are the most obvious, IMO.

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.

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