Phoenix was the first of 3 studio albums from the reunited original line-up of ASIA. Released in 2008, following up the Fantasia (Live In Tokyo) release. At the time I thought Phoenix was a good album, and over time I’ve come to really appreciate those 3 albums (along with Omega and XXX), all made for a great set of follow ups to the band’s first 2 from 1982 and ’83. Standout tracks and favorites would be the opener “Never Again”, “An Extraordinary Life” – both of which would’ve been huge hit singles decades earlier, as well as “Alibis”, and ” Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Déyà”. Phoenix never came out on vinyl when originally released, so this will be a welcome addition to many Asia fans’ collections. *Check out the press release and links below…
ASIA are a multi-platinum selling, English Rock band who formed in 1981 and celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2021. ASIA announce the release of Phoenix for the first time as a 2 vinyl LP set on 26th May. Phoenix was originally released in 2008 and was their first studio album with the original line-up in a quarter century.
In terms of sound this emotional, compelling comeback album sees Asia continue the very high standards from where they left off in 1985, as ever displaying suppleness when stretching out into multi-part suites while retaining a knack for big, arena pop hooks.
Their 1982 self-titled debut album reached number one in several countries, including 9 weeks topping the US charts, with lead single ‘Heat Of The Moment’ making the top 40 in over a dozen, including US #4.
This is the second of four critically acclaimed ‘reunion’ releases (2007-2012) featuring vocalist John Wetton ex of King Crimson, guitarist Steve Howe and keyboard player Geoff Downes from Yes and drummer Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
The sleeve comprise unique artwork by world famous rock music artist Roger Dean.
In just a few years John Corabi (ex Scream, Motley Crue) recorded 3 studio albums and 1 live album with The Dead Daisies. The band founded by guitarist Dave Lowy has gone through a few personnel changes, and Corabi may not have been the original singer, but to me Dead Daisies is the perfect fit for John, where he belongs! So, with the recent news that Corabi has rejoined the band (for a ‘Best of‘ release and tour to start), I am looking forward to hear what comes. I like Glenn Hughes a lot, but to me Dead Daisies were better with Corabi at the mic. So, pulling out those LPs today, and welp Make Some Noise from 2016 is a favorite, and if you aren’t familiar with this band – this is a great place to start (and maybe the Live album), as it features so many great tunes, and a few choice covers. A lot of fast paced rockers, anthems, and heavy cuts that sound geared for the live show, so no wonder that more than half of this features on the band’s mammoth 2017 live release Live & Louder (released in a box set). Favorites gotta be “Freedom”, “Long Way To Go” (the single), “We All Fall Down”, and the band’s awesome take of The Who’s “Join Together” (complete with harmonica and voice-box). There’s also an excellent take of CCR’s “Fortunate Son”.
Make Some Noise also includes Doug Aldrich on guitar (Dio, Whitesnake), bass player Marco Mendoza (Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy/Black Star Riders, Ted Nugent), and drummer Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner, Lynch Mob). Cool album cover art from German designer Sebastian Rohde. 2-LP on red vinyl or single CD (with different cover) Check it out!
Nazareth singer Carl Sentance and guitarist Dario Mollo have reunited by popular demand, with a brand new band Twilight Road, and new studio album Trapped.
This is the duo’s second collaboration after Dario Mollo’s Crossbones’ Rock The Cradle, released in 2016. A culmination of several months of collaboration, Trapped is an uncompromising hard rock record, and one that will delight fans of loud music across the world.
Dario Mollo is an Italian guitarist/producer with a career which started in 1981, with the heavy metal band Crossbones, followed by albums with musical giants Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG), Don Airey (Rainbow, Ozzy, Deep Purple) and Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple). After participating in several local bands, Carl Sentance replaced John Deverill as a vocalist in the NWOBHM band Persian Risk, following which he received an offer to join Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) as lead singer in his solo project from 1986 to 1988. In 2015 Carl became the new singer for the legendary rock band Nazareth after founding member Dan McCafferty had to retire due to illness. More recently Carl has recorded Nazareth’s latest studio album Surviving The Law. Composed of eleven originals plus a rearranged version of Deep Purple’s ‘Perfect Strangers,’ Dario Mollo says: “I’m proud of every aspect of this album. We prepared fully, rehearsing the tracks live in the studio during pre-production and rearranged the song structures to perfectly fit Carl’s vocals. I’ve been lucky to find amazing local musicians, including Andy Senis on bass and Alessio Benedetto on drums. Together we’ve created a groove and a power that can only happen when you’re playing together in the same room. Working with Carl again has been an incredible; he’s a fantastic singer songwriter. I also want to give a big thank you to Eddie George, Dario Patti and Gianluca Sabbi (and his fantastic 1958 Hammond organ!) for their performances on keyboards. I’m sure that the fans will appreciate the huge efforts put in the release of this album.”
Trapped will be released on June 9th by Global Rock Records and Cherry Red Records.
Carl Sentance – vocals
Dario Mollo – Guitar
Andy Senis – Bass
Alessio Benedetto – drums
Special Guests on Keyboards:
Eddie George, Dario Patti and Gianluca Sabbi
Tracklist:
1 Trapped 2 Dirty Rock N Roll 3 Dark Angel 4 Perfect Strangers 5 Madonna 6 Empty Mirror 7 Mafia 8 Turn It Up 9 God Is Red 10 Warning 11 Shooter’s Paradise 12 Behind The Mask
Fans of British singer John Lawton will have a 2CD compilation celebrating John’s life in great music to be issued July 7. John, who passed away June 29, 2021, had been recording for over 50 years, and was best known as the lead singer for German progressive hard rock band Lucifer’s Friend, as well the singer for Uriah Heep in the latter half of the ’70s. He also recorded & toured with The Les Humphries Singers in the ’70s, and later recorded with such bands and projects as Rebel, Zar, Gunhill (a band he formed in the ’90s), The Lawton-Dunning Project, (his own) John Lawton Band, OTR, and The Intelligent Music Project, plus a few solo albums, and various guest appearances (notably with Uriah Heep years after he left). John’s last album was 2019’s Black Moon with Lucifer’s Friend.
Celebrating The Life Of John Lawton is a collection of 33 tracks, spanning his career from the early ’70s until 2015. And it appears to be a well thought out set, as opposed to something predictable. It is actually more about some of the rare recordings he did, singles, guest appearances, and one-off projects and albums he was a part of, including previously unreleased material . I don’t see any Lucifer’s Friend songs, or too many Uriah Heep titles, but this does touch on most of the bands and projects I mentioned above. So, this will be an essential purchase for fans of John’s career. The man put out so much great music, that this will be an excellent celebration of his work.
*Artist royalties donated to British Heart Foundation charity to research “Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm”.
Track Listing
DISC ONE 1 Corner Street Girl 2 Little Chalk Blue 3 Out Here 4 Is There Anybody There? 5 Eloise 6 Me And My Harley 7 Stargazer 8 Broadway Nights 9 Heart Of The Night 10 Dirty Tricks 11 Colgate Gel 12 Set The World On Fire 13 Back To The Highlands 14 Someone Sings 15 Come Together 16 Wise Man 17 I Am Alive
DISC TWO
1 Feelings 2 Tonight 3 It’s A Long Way To Go 4 Mama Loo Impromptu Jam 5 I’ll Be Here 6 Written On The Wall 7 Been Away Too Long 8 Mamonama 9 Shine 10 Ride On 11 Salvation 12 River of Dreams 13 Fairytale 14 Rain 15 Rock ‘n’ Roll Is My Thing 16 Things We Can’t Do
Dead Quiet’s new single “Leave The Light On” is a ballad, with a southern feel. Great guitars in this. Check out some of the band’s other new tracks from the upcoming ‘IV’ album , cool heavy guitars, and organ. (*For more info, check out the press release after this, and links below!)
Vancouver-based metal mercenaries DEAD QUIET have shared the latest single and video for their track, “Leave The Light On,” from the forthcoming full-length “IV” – out June 9th via Artoffact Records!
Joined by Marin Patenaude and Becky Black (Pack AD) on vocals, and Matt Kelly (City and Colour) on slide guitar, Dead Quiet’s infectious new track follows the album’s previously released, “No Gods, No Gold,” “High Roads,” and “The Hanging Man.” Each single takes listeners on their respective journeys with a soundtrack full of bluesy keyboard riffs and raspy, catching vocals, leaving them itching for the next track to drop – a wait that ends today!
On the single, vocalist Kevin Keegan comments: “Leave the light on is by far the saddest song we ever wrote. We had some very good friends pass away and we pay tribute to them with this one. It is definitely a ballad, but who doesn’t love a good ballad?“
Their new album “IV” will follow September 2020’s “Truth and Ruin”, which was a favorite of Exclaim! Magazine, Beatroute, V13, and more – reaching #1 on the National Canadian Campus Radio (Loud) and also being featured on CBC Rock Canada. On the new album, Keegan says “This, our 4th album, feels like the most fully explored of any of them. We really arranged everything as a group and it has the most character because of that. It’s definitely an adventure.” Listen to previous singles “The Hanging Man“, “High Roads“, “The Hanging Man” and “No Gods, No Gold“.
Forming in 2014, Dead Quiet established themselves quickly with the release of their debut self-titled record in 2015. By the time writing commenced for their follow-up record, Grand Rites in 2017, Dead Quiet had found their perfect lineup in Kevin Keegan (Barn Burner), Brock MacInnes (Anciients), Mike Grossnickle (Hashteroid) and Jason Dana. The release of Grand Rites on Toronto’s Artoffact Records was followed by two European tours, one of which being direct support for John Garcia (Kyuss), as well as numerous festival appearances including Desertfest Belgium and Into the Void (NL), further cementing the band as one to watch out for.
After a rigorous year of touring, the band had no intention of slowing down and swiftly entered the studio to record their third record: “Truth and Ruin”. Again teaming up with Artoffact, “Truth and Ruin” saw the addition of Mike Rosen to the band and further broadened the already keyboard-laden sound they’d established on previous efforts. Released in 2020 on Artoffact Records, “Truth and Ruin” proved that work ethic and chemistry can truly refine a band’s sound to what they had always been striving for: heavy instrumentation combined with rich melody and uniquely personal lyricism, making Dead Quiet one of the hottest, must-see bands on the Canadian landscape.
DEAD QUIET is: Kevin Keegan – guitar & vocals Brock MacInnes – guitar Michael Grossnickle – bass Michael Rosen – keyboards, vocals Jason Dana – drums
Following the release of their first-ever concert film Live At The Anienne Belgique and their celebrated digital EP One Of A Kind, roots rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck are continuing their prolific year with their studio track “Bring Me Back Home Again,” a blistering southern rock song that pairs mind-melting riffs with touching ruminations on love and isolation.
Produced by Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Journey, Black Crowes, Joe Bonamassa) at the legendary Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles, it’s the latest taste of a slate of new material the band has been releasing throughout 2023. The single release drops during their tour throughout the southeast of the USA this month. The band tours the UK 13-24 September 2023.
“We had the pleasure of writing this song with our good friend and frequent co-writer, Ian Cullen,” shares frontman Robert Jon Burrison. “The song touches on feelings of longing and isolation while being away from your loved ones, something we are all familiar with as we go on tour throughout the year.”
Prolific songwriters with a wealth of new material who refuse to be constrained by traditional release strategies, the band’s new partnership with Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records affords them the opportunity to work with the world’s top producers and release a steady stream of high-quality singles on an ongoing basis, cutting through the industry chaos and ensuring new music is accessible to fans as intended. “Working with Kevin was very easy and fluid,” Burrison continues. “He was super fun to be around and seemed to fit right in as a natural extension of the group. He also has an incredible list of people he’s worked with and was gracious enough to share some stories of his amazing career with us!”
The Wreck is fresh off the release of Live At The Ancienne Belgique, out now via Journeyman Records. Recorded during their sold-out show at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium on June 29th, 2022, the live CD/DVD set captures the Wreck amid their longest-ever tour – 67 performances in 75 days across 9 countries. The night was nothing less than spectacular, featuring a setlist that spanned the last decade of their prolific career, from their 2013 debut to their 2022 release. Watch the official live music video for “Oh Miss Carolina” NOWand purchase/stream Live At The Ancienne BelgiqueHERE.
photo- Blackham images
Robert Jon & The Wreck tours the southeast of the USA this month. They tour the UK from 13-24 September 2023. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://robertjonandthewreck.com (see dates below)
5/5/2023 The Guitar Sanctuary – Mckinney, TX 5/6/2023 The Continental Club – Houston, TX 5/7/2023 Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX 5/9/2023 Stickyz – Little Rock, AR 5/10/2023 Hernando’s Hide-A-Way – Memphis, TN 5/11/2023 Tooneys – Mccaysville, GA 5/12/2023 Artisphere Festival – Greenville, SC 5/13/2023 Jones von Drehel Vineyards & Winery – Thurmond, NC 5/14/2023 Salvage Station – Asheville, NC 6/9/23 NACHES, WA Chinook Festival 6/25/23 WINTER PARK, CO Blues From The Top Festival 7/14/23 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA The Coach House 8/5-6/23 MAMMOTH LAKES, CA Bluesapalooza Festival 8/17/23 SIOUX FALLS, SD Levitt At The Falls 8/18/23 CEDARBURG, WI Summer Sounds Festival 8/19/23 SHAWANO, WI Shawano Summer Festival
2023 EUROPEAN TOUR DATES
May 26 May 2023 Middelburg, Netherlands – De Spot 27 May 2023 Sneek, Netherlands – Bolwerk 28 May 2023 Peer, Belgium – Blues Peer Festival 29 May 2023 Raalte, Netherlands – Ribs § Blues Festival
July 23 July 2023 Maidstone, UK – Maid Of Stone Festival 27 July 2023 Weiher, Germany – Live Music Hall 28 July 2023 Breitenbach am Herzberg, Germany – Herzberg Festival
August/September/October 25 August 2023 Holzminden, Germany Schloss Bevern 26 August 2023 Herselt, Belgium Gevarenwinkel Festival 27 August 2023 Oberhausen, Germany Zentrum Altenberg 29 August 2023 Copenhagen, Denmark Beta 30 August 2023 Joldelund, Germany Gerd’s Juke Joint 31 August 2023 Köln, Germany Kantine – Biergarten 01 September 2023 Regensburg, Germany Eventhalle Airport 02 September 2023 Forst, Germany Manitu 03 September 2023 Dortmund, Germany Piano 06 September 2023 Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg 07 September 2023 Bremen, Germany Meisenfrei 08 September 2023 Isernhagen, Germany Blues Garage 09 September 2023 Vollmershain, Germany Open Air Festival 10 September 2023 Raismes, France Raismesfest (open air) 11 September 2023 Verviers, Belgium Spirit of 66 13 September 2023 Exeter, UK Phoenix 14 September 2023 Nottingham, UK Rescue Rooms 15 September 2023 Manchester, UK Academy 16 September 2023 Liverpool, UK 02 Academy 2 17 September 2023 Newcastle, UK Boiler Shop 19 September 2023 Glasgow, UK St Lukes 20 September 2023 Leeds, UK Wardrobe 21 September 2023 Bristol, UK Thekla 22 September 2023 Cambridge, UK Junction 23 September 2023 Southampton, UK The Brook 24 September 2023 Folkestone, UK The Quarterhouse 27 September 2023 Le Thor ( Aix en Provence ), France Le Sonograf 28 September 2023 Talcy (Blois), France Le Quai’Son 29 September 2023 Penmarc’h (Quimper), France Cap Caval 30 September 2023 Herent, Belgium GC De Wildeman 01 October 2023 Winterbach, Germany Strandbar 02 October 2023 Salzburg, Austria Rockhouse 03 October 2023 Rimsting, Germany Feuerwache 04 October 2023 Frankfurt, Germany Nachtleben 05 October 2023 Seon, Switzerland Konservi 06 October 2023 Basel, Switzerland Atlantis 07 October 2023 Torgau, Germany Kulturbastion 08 October 2023 Fulda, Germany Kulturkeller
Originally released as a B-side single, “Bad Side Of The Moon” would gain a life as one of Elton’s most covered songs. First released as the B-side to “Border Song” in March of 1970, before appearing on the live album 17-11-70, and years later as a bonus track to a few expanded reissues, and other live albums . Written by Elton John, with lyricist Bernie Taupin. This song was covered by a number of artists in the year that Elton John released it as well. It may not have been a hit for Elton , but it was a single for a few others, notably a big hit for April Wine. Aside from the list featured here, there are also a couple of versions in Italian by Giovanna and I Dik Dik – bother released in 1973. There are also a few more modern covers on Youtube, but I’ve only included those that were recorded in studio and/or released on vinyl. If I’m missing any of note, please leave it in the comments!
Birds Of A Feather (1970)
Birds of A Feather featured the Chanter Sisters (Doris and Irene), who would, following this – record under that name. Their version of “Bad Side Of The Moon” was included on their self-titled LP from October, 1970. The songs were arranged by Caleb Quaye (who played guitar with Elton in the early days), and with Elton, himself, playing piano on the album. It included 5 songs credited to Sasha Alexandro (aka Doreen Chanter on the CD release), and 7 covers – 4 of which were penned by Elton John & Bernie Taupin. As the Chanter Sisters they’d record a few LPs and a number of singles in the ’70s, as well as guest on numerous albums, notably by David Byron, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, and David Essex. The album was reissued on CD (w/ bonus tracks) in 2017.
Kubla Kahn (1970)
From Corpus Christi, Texas, Kubla Khan (as press items from the era spell it, but the record label spells as above) was a 5-piece band who signed to the small Texas label Spearway Records, and released this lone single. No idea how it did. In 1995 an 11-song CD was released of the band’s material recorded in 1970 (including “Bad Side Of The Moon” and the B-side “Out In The Country”)
Steve Lonsdale (1970)
Released as a single by Steve Lonsdale in South Africa. Not too much info about Steve Lonsdale out there, but he was formerly of a band named The Staccatos, who’d released a few albums and several single in their home country. The singer would release a number of singles in the ’70s, including a somewhat reggae version of The Eagles “Hotel California”. Not sure if this single was commercially released as I only see a promo copy of it online, but it was one of a few he recorded for Polydor US in 1970. After his time in the US, he relocated to London, England. From Billboard (70-07-18) – Lonsdale in U.S. – Polydor Records has brought Steve Lonsdale, South African recording artist, to the U.S. to record and prepare for concert and TV appearances. Polydor Inc. is conducting a full national promotion campaign for the artist...
STEVE LONSDALE-Polydor 2-24050 BAD SIDE OF THE MOON (Dick James, BMI) (TO LOVE YOU) BALLERINA (W.P.N., ASCAP) Everybody is picking up on Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s songs. An obscure flip side is brought to life by Lonsdale and friends. – Record World (70-12-17)
TOE FAT (1970)
Fronted by British soul/rock singer Cliff Bennett, Toe Fat also included ex Gods members Ken Hensley, John Glasscock, and Lee Kerslake. Their version of “Bad Side Of The Moon” featured on their debut LP, as well as issued as a single in various countries in 1970. The LP coming out in the UK in May, and in the US in July. But by then Hensley had left and joined Spice (who became Uriah Heep), with Kerslake leaving shortly after (joining Heep later), and Glasscock later joining Jethro Tull. The single was released in a number of countries, but I don’t think it charted anywhere. Band’s records were also known for those bizarre Hipgnosis covers.
Toe Fat – Rare Earth RS 511. Hard rock with heavy accent on the twang of guitars from these four guys. Just about any of the sides could step out as singles, but “Bad Side of the Moon” might just have the edge. No question that these guys are here for a while.
Toe Fat is a group which Robert Stigwood predicts great things for in 1970. Like a lot of his other groups, Toe Fat are ex -members of a well known group and make their new name -music debut on EMI with “Bad Side of The Moon.” Toe Fat have also signed a contract for their disks to be issued on Tamla Motown in the States.
Bo Diddley (1971)
From Bo Diddley’s Another Dimension album, released in April of 1971. Diddley was one of the greatest early rock n rollers, had a sound and style all his own. He did an outstanding take on this one. Another Dimension also featured songs by The Band, CCR (3), and Al Kooper (who also plays some guitar and keyboards on it). Diddley recorded over 25 albums (including a few collaborations).
April Wine (1972)
Released as the 2nd single from Canada’s April Wine, on their 2nd album On Record (released as their self-titled debut in the US). This gave the band their 3rd hit single in Canada, #16, and ‘bubbled under’ Billboards Top 100 in the US at #106. It also saw release in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. This would be the most successful version of “Bad Side Of The Moon”, still features on Canadian radio and in the band’s live set.
APRIL WINE, “BAD SIDE OF THE MOON” (Dick James, BMI). Group that came out of nowhere to score with “You Could Have Been A Lady” follow-up with an Elton John -Bernie Taupin song that’s perfectly suited to their sound. Looks like another hit. Big Tree 142 (Bell) – Record World (72, 06-17)
APRIL WINE (Big Tree 142) Bad Side Of The Moon (3:00) (Dick James, BMI—E. John, B. Taupin) Tune from Elton John’s first British LP is a catchy rocker, following the flow of their “You Should Have Been A Lady” success. Flip: “Believe In Me” (4:12) (Belwin-Mills, ASCAP—M. Goodwyn) – Cashbox (72,06-17)
John Verity (Argent, Phoenix) and Del Bromham (Stray) have joined forces and started playing together last year. They are now preparing to release a new album next month. John says: “I’m currently mixing tracks recorded at recent shows and expect the album to consist of 18 tracks in total- 12 covers and 6 originals. Official release date is June 18th at our show at the Stables Wavendon MK”.
The band is: John Verity- Vocals/ Guitar. Del Bromham- Vocals/Guitar. Colin (Curvy) Kempster- Bass. Chris Mansbridge- Drums.
Hard to believe this album is 21 years old this year. When it came out I received it to write about it. I thought it was ok at the time, but not overly enthused. Wanting to hear some Boston, I pulled Corporate America out over the last couple of days, and although I still don’t think it’s their best, it is better than I recall. The band at this point expanded by Tom Scholz with a number of newer recruits. Brad Delp is still there, though he’s not the only lead singer. Fran Cosmo (who sang on 1994’s Walk On) is also on this, as is his son Anthony (who wrote a number of tracks), and Kimberley Dahme.
Corporate America starts out good with “I Had A Good Time”, not as heavy as previous Boston, but still rockin’, promising and recognizable – a Scholz penned track that he played everything on, and Brad Delp sang on. Overall Corporate America is a more varied sounding album, plenty of ballads, but with more upbeat tracks like “Stare Out My Window” (penned by Anthony Cosmo, who adds guitar, and is sang by Fran Cosmo), “Someone” (another penned by Scholz and only featuring him and Brad Delp) and “You Gave Up On Love” (also penned by Scholz – who also plays almost everything here, and gets a vocal credit, along with Kimberley Dahme (lead vocal), and guests Charlie Farren and Beth Cohen) – are all really good Boston tracks, even if they lack the heaviness of the band’s early approach.
There are a couple of surprises here too, the first being the acoustic ballad “With You”, penned and sang by Kimberley Dahme, an excellent song that is only recognizable by Scholz’ guitar solo plastered over top; this one should’ve been a single and a hit. Corporate America also a live version of their 1994 hit “Livin’ For You”, which was originally on Walk Away, sooo not sure why someone felt the need to put a new version here(!?) But it does make for a good ending.
Anyway, this one charted briefly (Billboard #42), then disappeared along with the band for another decade. They did tour this album in 2003, and Scholz filed a lawsuit against their record company for not doing enough to promote the album. (see article). But, it is a good album, and a nice listen, despite lacking that ‘killer’ Boston rock track. (RIP Brad Delp)
The band Boston has filed a breach -of- contract suit against New York – based indie label Artemis Records and CEO Danny Goldberg, seeking damages in excess of $1 million. The action, filed June 24 in New York Supreme Court, claims that while Boston was told by Goldberg that its 2002 album “Corporate America” -the band’s first for the label -would be “the highest priority” for Artemis, the company “[failed] to execute almost every element of [the Boston marketing] plan.” An Artemis spokesman says the company has not received the suit and has no comment. Released Nov. 5, “Corporate America” has sold 119,000 copies to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan. – CHRIS MORRIS, Billboard, 2003, 07-05
The first single from the upcoming studio album, “Buffalo Rock City-II” will be a cover of Peter Criss’s “Love for Sale” on May 3, 2023. The song will be released as a digital download, exclusively on Bandcamp athttps://buffalorockcity.bandcamp.com/track/love-for-sale. Buffalo Rock City II will be released this September on digital media, and as a physical CD, and via Bandcamp.
Buffalo Rock City II follows the critically acclaimed KISS tribute album, Buffalo Rock City – Western New York’s Tribute To KISS cited as “the Best KISS tribute album ever” by “Music and Food,” and the 2022 live album, Buffalo Rock City ALIVE!Buffalo Rock City II will also be a musical tribute to all things KISS. Buffalo Rock City II is spearheaded by Buffalo, New York native, John Jeffrey, who co-produced the first two releases.
John is the “Ace” member of KISS THIS!, and–along with bandmates Kevin Blakita as “The Starchild,” Taylor Stursa as “The Demon,” and Julius Giambelluca as “The Fox”– they join cream of the crop Western New York musicians including “Buffalo Rock City” contributors Gene Schmidt, Jody Velletta, Shawn Przybylak, Nat Peace, Joe Teresi, and Debbie Knight from Buffalo Rock City ALIVE! Newcomers to Buffalo Rock City-II are Buffalo’s Larry Kremer, Kylie Velletta, and Valentino Rockgod, plus international favorites; these are players who’ve toured and recorded with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Alice Cooper, Motley Crue, Accept, the Hollywood Vampires, Ozzy Osbourne, Journey, the Plasmatics, the Ramones, Lillian Axe, Stryper, Tesla, Winger, Yngwie Malmsteen, Sons of Apollo, Hardline, Alcatrazz, Warlock, Mr. Big, Winery Dogs, and David Lee Roth. The “Love for Sale” single was mixed by Rochester native, C. Wood (Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Wayne Shepherd….).
The release date of May 3 for “Love for Sale” is significant, as it marks the 2 year anniversary of the passing of singer Phil Naro. A Rochester native, Phil was best known as the lead singer of Buffalo’s TALAS (Version 2 aka “V2”), which toured with many top hard rock attractions, including Anthrax, White Lion, Quiet Riot, and Iron Maiden. Phil was also the lead singer for CRISS, the solo band of the original drummer from KISS. Naro wrote songs, performed, and recorded with CRISS in the early 1990s, but left the group prior to the release of their sole record in 1994.
One of the CRISS songs Phil contributed to was “Love for Sale.” He eventually recorded an unrefined version of the song in the late 1990s. This forgotten gem was finally remembered by Phil’s bandmates from Talas – bassist Billy Sheehan, drummer Mark Miller & guitarist Kire Najdovski; they recorded their new version of “Love for Sale” for Buffalo Rock City II as a dedication to the memory and legacy of Phil Naro. Though he doesn’t appear on this song, Journey’s drummer, Deen Castronovo suggested vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, Journey, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Sons of Apollo with Billy Sheehan) to sing for the song. (Deen plays on another song on Buffalo Rock City II!)
In advance of the release of the single, there is a teaser clip, with a foreword from surviving members of Talas (V2), which can be viewed here – https://youtu.be/COpm4mIA5Yk
All proceeds from the single and the forthcoming album will go to the Maria Love Convalescent Fund, a Buffalo-based charity, which provides interim financial assistance for the people in the community with convalescent care needs.
Outsider Rock 