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LONELY ROBOT – A Model Life (John Mitchell)

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The fifth album under the Lonely Robot name is to be released August 26th… I have to admit I wasn’t overly familiar with John Mitchell until his performances on Phil Lanzon’s (Uriah Heep) 2 excellent solo albums (If You Think I’m Crazy, 2017, and 48 Seconds, 2019). His vocals on Lanzon’s albums made me curious about his other work – such as It Bites and Arena. A Model Life is full of fine melodies and well crafted songs & productions from the opener “Recalibrating”, the softer ballad “Species In Transition” (with a cool guitar solo), the excellent title song, and “Rain Kings” (somewhat of a ballad, John reminds me of Peter Gabriel on occasion). But really, this album of 10 tracks has a lot going on, progressive, very modern / fresh sounding, great vocals, and it gets better with each listen, as there is so much going on with differences from song to song.

*for more info check out the press bio and links below…

A lone soldier on the frontlines of creativity, John Mitchell has been at the forefront of forward thinking and progressive rock for decades now. As a member of such revered prog ensembles as It Bites, Arena, Frost* and his own projects Kino and The Urbane, he has become a uniquely vital contributor to the modern scene, while his credentials as a producer for countless contemporary rock acts are unquestionable. But since 2015, John has been operating under name Lonely Robot: a solo project in all but name, it has enabled him to fully express his own musical vision, via some of the most vivid and fascinating music of his career to date. 

Remarkably, Lonely Robot’s catalogue is already four albums deep. From 2015’s cosmic debut Please Come Home and its grandiose follow-up The Big Dream (2017), to the multifarious charms of 2019’s Under Stars and most recent full-length Feelings Are Good (2020), John has cemented his reputation as a prolific and inspirational songwriter. Two years on from his last release, the Lonely Robot is back in action again in 2022. The fifth album to bear the name, A Model Life is John Mitchell’s first communication to a post-pandemic world. 

“The truth is, I only ever intended to make three albums and then stop,” he laughs. “Then we got to the end of the three albums and I had a discussion with the label about maybe not releasing the next one under the name Lonely Robot, but with true Germanic business sense, they said, ‘We have established the brand now!’ So then everyone’s wondering where the guy in the spacesuit has gone! But I don’t really care what it’s called, as long as I get to keep making music. The thing I find most freeing about Lonely Robot is that I can just sit there on my own, get on with it at my own pace and not wait around for other people!” 

If the first four Lonely Robots offered wistful, sci-fi-tinged observations on the state of things, A Model Life is perhaps understandably infused with the anxieties and ominous omens of the real life, present day. As John explains, the new songs have a little more grit under their fingernails than any of their predecessors; even if the relentlessly inventive, melodic splurge of his songwriting remains soundly intact. 

“A lot of shit has happened, and one quite traumatizing thing was that I split up with my girlfriend of 16 years and it hit me very hard,” he says. “Then quite a few people I know died, and that hit me very hard. I thought, this isn’t how it’s supposed to go. What happened to the forever ever after, into the sunset? That’s where the title comes from, A Model Life. It’s about what people’s fantasies of what they would like their lives to be, rather than what they actually are. Endless positive affirmation on social media and everything looking pure and white and like an Enya video. So every song is about being pissed off about someone or other. There’s no robots or space or anything!” 

An album that brims with frustration at the state of things, while tugging remorselessly at the heart strings, A Model Life is plainly the most honest and vulnerable Lonely Robot record to date. From opener Recalibrating, which muses on the aftermath of a broken relationship, and Digital God Machine – a sardonic tribute to keyboard warriors everywhere, to the boys-don’t-cry pathos of Rain Kings and the absurdly moving, adoption-themed Duty Of Care, these new songs provide a scattershot but profoundly emotional soundtrack to a restless and uncertain world. 

“Recalibrating is about splitting up with somebody and the nail goes into your head and you realize that there is no second act for that relationship. Digital God Machine is about fucking morons in their bedrooms, typing hate at people like me for writing music and thinking they know better. Then there’s The Island Of Misfit Toys, which is about people that don’t have a sense of belonging. I like the analogy of knackered toys with eyes hanging out, for people who don’t fit in and are socially awkward… a bit like myself! I was thinking about an article I read about how Google go out of their way to employ people on the autistic spectrum, because they’re much better at figures and numbers. One day those people will take over the world!” 

In musical terms, A Model Life marks a notable departure from the synth-fueled futurism of 2020’s Feelings Are Good. Songs like the darkly euphoric Starlit Stardust and the tense sprawl of Species In Transitions are full of punchy riffs and blazing solos, not to mention all the ingenious instrumentation and studio trickery that John Mitchell has made such an essential part of his music. 

“I do think this record is different,” he notes. “There’s lots of weird sounds and soundscapes. I’m just trying to make odd sounds out of things. On Digital God Machine, that’s me beating the shit out of a cello through a distortion pedal. At the risk of sounding like Peter Gabriel, there’s a lot of ethnic elements like marimbas and things I haven’t used before. I was under a self-imposed solo ban for the last Frost* record, so I really went overboard and played too many guitar solos this time. The last album was all about synthesizers, but this one is all about getting back to what I think I probably do best, so it’s all about guitar playing again.” 

Yet another career peak from one of modern prog’s most prolific polymaths, A Model Life hits harder than any previous Lonely Robot record, but with a warmth and wit that few can match. Meanwhile, with long-awaited tour dates tentatively etched into the horizon, John Mitchell declares himself ready and cautiously optimistic for whatever the future holds. 

“There’s a tour in February and some dates in Europe. But if the various hoops we have to jump through haven’t been sorted by then, When we planned this tour it was three albums ago, so I don’t know what I’m doing anymore! [Laughs] I’m really proud of A Model Life, so I might focus on that. I’ve got no idea what I’m going to play because I’ve got far too many songs! I’m sure I’ll put my nose back to the grindstone soon and make another album too.”

Links:

https://lonelyrobot.lnk.to/AModelLifeID

https://www.facebook.com/johnchristianmitchell

johnmitchellhq.com

https://centurymedia.store/dept/lonely-robot?cp=102832_103046_111858

https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnMitchellMusic/about

08/’21

SPIRIT ADRIFT – 20 Centuries Gone

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Austin, Texas based doom-metal act SPIRIT ADRIFT release their 5th album – 20 Centuries Gone. The band started as a project by guitarist/songwriter Nathan Garrett over a decade ago. 20 Centuries Gone features 2 original tracks and 6 covers. The 2 new tracks lead off the disc, “Sorcerer’s Fate” is a good lead off rocker, with influences of Iron Maiden and Metallica, followed by “Mass Formation Psychosis”, which is a bit more dark, and a bit of more of a Sabbath or Black Label Society feel, but dig the guitar sound here. Of the others , I am not much of a fan of a few bands covered, but I do like the band’s take on Thin Lizzy’s “Waiting For An Alibi” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Poison Whiskey” – nicely done! The band’s own songs are the most interesting here, so interested in hearing more of the catalogue.

*for more info and see press release & tracklisting below…

Photo credit: Dave Creaney

SPIRIT ADRIFT expand their prolific catalogue with “20 Centuries Gone”, a collection of two new original songs and six cover songs that span the timeline of the band’s most foundational influences. Featuring artwork by Brian Mercer (Lamb of God, High on Fire, Mastodon), and mixed by Zeuss (Overkill, Crowbar, Municipal Waste), this release is a powerful journey through the past, present, and future of trad-metal’s most exciting new band.

Available on August 19th via Century Media, “20 Centuries Gone” sees SPIRIT ADRIFT put their trademark swagger on classics from Type O Negative, Pantera, Metallica, Thin Lizzy, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd..

SPIRIT ADRIFT mastermind Nate Garrett comments: “I always thought it would be a cool experience to record some songs by bands that are foundational to the DNA of SPIRIT ADRIFT. These choices are obvious and on the nose to me, but maybe unexpected to the fans. That made the whole thing a lot of fun. A band like Lynyrd Skynyrd might not be the first thing you think of when considering SPIRIT ADRIFT’s influences, so the task for me became figuring out how to honor these great songs, but in the distinct SPIRIT ADRIFT style. To make the whole thing even more special, I channeled these influences and wrote a couple of new songs to kick things off.”

Regarding the band’s own track “Sorcerer’s Fate”,  Garret continues, “When I wrote this one, I was obsessing over the film director William Friedkin. I’ve been a fan of his since I saw ‘The Exorcist’ as a kid, but when I discovered the documentary ‘Leap of Faith’, it sparked a much deeper interest in the man and his process. I started watching as many of his interviews as I could find, and I read his autobiography which was just amazing. Friedkin’s life and art are inseparable. His human experience, search for higher truth, and borderline-psychotic level of obsession/perfectionism all coalesce into his artwork. I relate to that on a profound level. This song is about our search for purpose, and humanity’s struggle to understand ‘the mysteries of faith and fate.’  Musically, I would say it’s one of our heaviest and most straightforward songs. Inspired equally by New Orleans sludge, flipped-cap crossover, and Scandinavian metal, but with the distinct SPIRIT ADRIFT sound and approach.”

Track listing:
1.  Sorcerer’s Fate
2.  Mass Formation Psychosis
3.  Everything Dies (Type O Negative)
4.  Hollow (Pantera)
5.  Escape (Metallica)
6.  Waiting for an Alibi (Thin Lizzy)
7.  Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings (ZZ Top)
8.  Poison Whiskey (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

The band is currently on tour, check out their website for dates.

SPIRIT ADRIFT touring line-up:
Nate Garrett – guitar & vocals
Leanne Martz – guitar
Sonny DeCarlo – bass
Michael Arellano – drums

Links:

https://www.spiritadrift.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SpiritAdrift/

https://spiritadrift.lnk.to/20CenturiesGoneID

https://centurymedia.store/product/Y4CE631COMBO/spirit-adrift-20-centuries-gone-transparent-sun-yellow-lp-digital-download

08/’21

BABE RUTH – Darker Than Blue: The Harvest Years (1972-1975) out now!

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BABE RUTH was one of those unique British progressive bands, originally lead by guitarist / writer Alan Shacklock, and featuring the vocals of Jenny Haan. Alan was a member of The Juniors in the ’60s, along with Mick Taylor and the Glasscock brothers. After The Juniors, the band evolved in to The Hi Numbers and The Favourite Sons. Shacklock went on to work with Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds before eventually forming Babe Ruth. Following the 3rd album Shacklock left (tho he contributed to Stealin’ Home). The band carried on with Bernie Marsden on guitar for 2 more albums, with the 5th and final album not including any original members! Bassist Dave Hewitt would go on to work with Whitford/St Holmes and Georgia Satellites, Haan recorded a solo single in ’79, while Shacklock went on to a lengthy career as a producer. The original band reformed decades later, even releasing a new album in 2009 (Que Pasa).

This 3 CD set features the band’s first 3 albums, on Harvest Records. The debut First Base is perhaps the band’s most easily recognizable, with the Roger Dean artwork, and classic like heavy rockin’ “Wells Fargo”, as well as their best known cut “The Mexican”, and favorites “Black Dog”, the ballad “The Runaways”, and a cover of Frank Zappa’s “King Kong”. *A few bonus tracks on this one, notably the pop-rock single “Ain’t That Livin'”.

The band followed that up with the album Amar Caballero, and it is quite different than the debut, as the band takes on more influences of soul, r & b, and Spanish music. There’s plenty of strings, flutes, congas, trumpets, sax…. Not overly rockin’, but a pretty interesting album. The cover (created by Hypnosis) features a photo of horses out in the desert (Poco anyone?). This disc features favorites “Gimme Some Leg” (which features a couple of heavy solos from Shacklock), and the funky “Doctor Love”. *Includes the bonus track “If Heaven’s On Beauty’s Side”, which was released as a single in ’74, and it’s the only real hard rock’ track here.

The band’s 3rd album was self-titled, featuring a slightly more interesting cover of bandmembers dressed as characters from another era. And this one is back on track, and the band’s hardest rockin’ with heavy hitters like “Dancer” and “Somebody’s Nobody” – which kicked off this album, as well as “Jack O’ Lantern”, and ‘ “Sad But Rich”. A couple of excellent covers included on this album – Curtis Mayfield’s “We People Darker Than Blue” the theme to “A Fistful Of Dollars” (by Italian composer Ennio Morricone), and Booker T Jones’ “Private Number” (which featured Shacklock sharing lead vocals) was issued as a single (single edit here as ‘bonus’ track). The heavy ballad “The Duchess Of Orleans” was the other single from this album. This last of the trio is the best of the era IMO, and it’s hard to believe it wasn’t a huge charting success for the band. Oh well….but you can check ’em out in this package!

*For more info, check out the press & bio info below…

• NEW 3CD CLAMSHELL BOXED SET OF THE ALBUMS AND SINGLES BY THE BAND BABE RUTH RECORDED FOR THE HARVEST LABEL
BETWEEN 1972 AND 1975
• FEATURING THE ALBUMS ‘FIRST BASE’, ‘AMAR CABALLERO’ AND ‘BABE RUTH’.
• NEWLY REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL HARVEST MASTER TAPES WITH AN ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET FEATURING AN ESSAY

Babe Ruth was formed Iin Hatfield in 1970 by guitarist Alan Shacklock and featured vocalist Janita “Jenny” Haan, bassist Dave Hewitt and drummer Jeff Allen. Their unique brand of soulful Progressive Rock soon gained many admirers and in 1972 they signed a contract with EMI Records’ Progressive imprint, Harvest. By this time Jeff Allen had departed and Dick Powell joined on drums. The band’s line-up was also expanded by the arrival of keyboard player Dave Punshon. Babe Ruth stood out from many of their labelmates, partly due to Haan’s vocals and through the band’s ability to generate a soulful edge to their music. Their debut album, ‘First Base’ was issued in 1972 and featured the classic tracks ‘Wells Fargo’ and ‘The Mexican’ (later
covered by Jellybean Benitez in 1984), which gained considerable air play in Canada (where the album gained Gold Disc status) and the USA, but the record inexplicably failed to match this success in the UK. The arrival of Chris Holmes on keyboards and new drummer Ed Spevock in 1974 saw them follow their debut with ‘Amar Caballero’, before the band’s final album for Harvest in 1975, the eponymous ‘Babe Ruth’ which was a hit in the USA and Canada and featured the band’s memorable cover of the theme from the film A Fistful Of Dollars and the Curtis Mayfield composition ‘We People Darker Than Blue’. Soon after the album’s release Alan Shacklock departed the band (to be replaced by Bernie Marsden) and Babe Ruth moved labels to Capitol
Records.


Tracklisting:

Wells Fargo
The Runaways
King Kong
Black Dog
The Mexican (Interpolating Per Qualche Dollaro in Piu)
Joker
Bonus tracks
Wells Fargo (single version)
Theme from A Few Dollars More (B-side of single)
Ain’t That Livin’ (A-side of single)
We Are Holding On (B-side of single)

Lady
Broken Cloud
Gimmie Some Leg
Baby Pride
Cool Jerk
We Are Holding On
Doctor Love
Amar Caballero
a) El Caballero de la Reina Isabella
b) Hombre de la Guitarra
c) El Testament De ‘Amelia
Bonus track
If Heaven’s On Beauty’s Side (A-side of single)

Dancer
Somebody’s Nobody
A Fistful Of Dollars
We People Darker Than Blue
Jack O’Lantern
Private Number
Turquoise
Sad But Rich
The Duchess of Orleans
Bonus track
Private Number (single version

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/bandbaberuth

https://alanshacklock.com/

http://www.baberuthband.co.uk/

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/babe-ruth-darker-than-blue-the-harvest-years-1972-1975-3cd-box-set/

http://www.alexgitlin.com/baber.html

08/’21

LUGNET – Tales From The Great Beyond Interview

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Sweden’s LUGNET have recorded 3 albums; including their brand new album – Tales From The Great Beyond, which will be released on August 26. Over the past few years the band went through a few changes, and their new album will appeal to classic hard rock and metal fans, with heavy influences of Rainbow, Sabbath, and a few ’80s metal acts. (*Check out my review in a previous post) . In this new interview bandmembers – (Johan Fahlberg, Lennart “Z” Zethzon, Matti Norlin, Fredrik Jansson-Punkka, and Micke Linder)  answer my questions pertaining to the band’s previous work, influences, and most importantly about their excellent new disc Tales From The Great Beyond.

*Check out more on the band at the links below….

How was reaction to the band’s previous 2 albums, and what did you want to do [perhaps] differently on the new album?

Lennart Zethzon: Overall the reaction has been very good for the first two albums. What we might have lacked a bit is in the production part.
For the third album we decided to focus more on the recording and mixing. We also wanted to record with the whole band at the same time to get a live feeling. For the first two albums we only recorded Drums and Bass at the same time.

Where did the band’s name come from – what is the meaning behind it?

Jansson Punkka: There is a small area close to where we had our first rehearsal space called Lugnet. Our old guitarist Bonden suggested it and it stuck. It means calm in Swedish. Oh the irony…

Can you guys tell me about the band’s last few years since 2019’s Nightwalker album — what’s changed in the band? And was the new album conceived and written during the pandemic?

Jansson Punkka: When the pandemic hit we were lucky enough not to have that much booked so we spent a year writing and arranging songs instead. We also got a new guitar player called Micke Linder that joined us in 2019.


The title Tales From The Great Beyond might suggest some sort of concept of stories [storyline]. Why the album title? and is there any themes or concept to this new album?

Jansson Punkka: No not really, the title just came to me one day, thought it sounded nice and majestic and fitting for the music. Could be the title of an old novel.

There is definitely a ’70s hard rock feel / sound to this album.  Was there any sorta deliberate approach to make it sound a bit old school?

Jansson Punkka: We have always sounded like this so it wasn’t like we planned it. In fact I would say that we might be leaning a bit towards the early 80’s on some of the songs.
Lennart Zethzon: In the mixing and mastering we decided to not press it to hard and let it be more dynamic.

Can you give me a bit of story behind a few of the songs, like Pale Design, Black Sails, Another World, ..? [and any others]

Johan Fahlberg: I guess all of them are about the search for a better place, a better you. Trying to find the inner peace in your self. A life long struggle. I know, it’s a little bit dark but there’s sunshine too, hahaha… Pale Design is about a nightmare, but also a dream of a better world and a better life. 
Black Sails is a feeling of being not normal, being an outsider. A feeling of people looking at you with disgust. Only thing you want is to live your life and be who you are without judgment.  
 Another World is a story of how hard you try to stand your ground and believing in the truth. The struggle to navigate through what’s real and what’s fake, and everyone that believes they have all the right answers.


There is lots of great heavy guitar playing on this album [riffs, solos, etc…]  Can you guys talk a bit about guitar influences and sounds you wanted and how the guitar parts were worked out in the studio?  

Mike:
For me sound-wise for this band it’s very simple; just my early 70’s sounding Fender Strat’ into a 1971 Marshall Superlead on about 8; that combined with Matti’s a bit more saturated guitar tone I think creates a well balanced, quite heavy humbucker/single coil rhythm guitar sound on this album, with good clarity for the clean parts.
Guitar players that I look up to and have listened to a lot over the years and probably been a bit influenced by: Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Morse, Billy Gibbons…

Matti:
I wanted the guitar to sound like a mix of AC/DC and early Black Sabbath. Loud. We worked out the parts in our rehearsal studio.

Carl Westholm plays the keyboards on some of the album tracks [?] Was he just recording with the band as a ‘guest’  or might he be performing with the band live?

Lennart Zethzon: Carl was just recording as a guest but who knows, maybe he will guest with us live sometime as well.

Can someone explain the meaning of the final track “Tåsjö Kyrkmarsch”?  It’s quite a piece, and a nice ending to the album. Where did the musical idea and idea to use it at the end come from?

 Matti Norlin: Tåsjö is a village close to where I grew up, and the place where the church is located in that area. I came up with the tune around year 2000, and wrote it down for church organ in 2016 to be played at my father’s funeral in that church (where I also made the recording for our album).

What have been some of the bandmembers biggest and favorite shows in recent years? [certain festivals or opening slots for anyone in particular?] And what major shows have you got coming up that you guys are looking forward to?

It must be Sweden Rock Festival 2018. We played at the same time as Ozzy entered the main stage. One could think that it would give us a reduced audience, but we managed to get around 4000 people choosing Lugnet instead of Ozzy. We got a great review in Sweden Rock Magazine, 8/10 and Ozzy got a 7/10 :))

Can you tell me a bit about the album’s artwork – who created it and how much input and who’s  went in to it?

Jansson Punkka: Vance Kelly did the artwork, he did our first album as well. Such an amazing artist. We sent him the songs and let him do his thing and it turned out great. It’s one of those covers that you could look at forever and still find new things. Make sure to buy the vinyl version if you want to see the whole artwork.

Hard Rock and metal seems to be alive and well in Sweden. Can you comment on the scene there and some of your favorite [or recommended] fellow Swedish acts ?

Jansson Punkka: There is a band called Stew that we had the pleasure of doing a couple of gigs this year. Really nice guys and a great band as well.

Can each of you guys give me a short list of a few favorite players, singers, etc… as well as a Top 10 of favorite albums from your youth?

Jansson Punkka: Favorite drummer of all times would be Bill Ward, if we’re talking about new drummers Eloy Casagrande is something out of this world.
Favorite albums: The first 8 Sabbath-Albums, Born Again and “En ny tid är här with November.

Matti Norlin: In this style of music I list as follows:
Guitarists: Angus Young, Ace Frehley
Albums: Master of reality, Rising, Powerage, Who Do We think we are, Kiss Alive, Iron Maiden, Restless And Wild, Are You Experienced, Sweet FA and Melissa.

Johan Fahlberg
Singers: Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Ian Gillan, Ray Gillen
Albums: Destroyer, Van Halen, A Dangerous Meeting, Let There Be Rock, Defenders Of The Faith, Restless And Wild, Masters Of Reality, Heaven And Hell, Desolation Boulevard, Never Mind The Bollocks.


Lennart Zethzon: In this style of music:
Bass players: Jack Bruce, Geezer Butler, Roger Glover and Neil Murray
Albums: Destroyer, Kiss Alive II, The Jimi Hendrix Concerts, Mob Rules, Mahogany Rush IV, Made in Japan, Rising, Live In the Heart of the City, Strung Up, Foghat Live.


Mike:
A few of my favorite rock oriented electric guitar players of all time would be Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Gilbert, Eric Clapton, Mark Knophler, Eddie Van Halen…there’s so many…
Favorite albums: Machine Head, In Rock, Burn, Voulez Vous, Dark Side Of The Moon, Led Zeppelin IV, Down To Earth, Tyr, Paper Money, Eliminator

Links:

http://www.lugnetrock.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lugnetrock/

https://lugnet.lnk.to/tales

http://www.prideandjoy.de

08/’21

GOLDEN EARRING LIVE – REMASTERED & EXPANDED 2CD + DVD out now!

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Newly expanded and 45th anniversary edition of the first
Golden Earring Live album. Remastered from the original IBC Studios master tapes. Featuring 5 bonus tracks, including 3 previously unreleased recordings from the concert in Brugge in March 1977, Including a 30-page booklet with a new essay, memorabilia, and photos
Founded in 1961 by George Kooymans and Rinus Gerritsen, Dutch rock band Golden Earring (or Golden Earrings, until 1969) started off as a beatband, experimented as a psychedelic quartet and finally became a heavy rock group. Their ninth album Moontan (1973) hit the international album charts and is the band’s most successful album in the United States, being the only Golden Earring album to be certified Gold by the RIAA, alongside the classic single “Radar Love”, that reached #10 on the Cash Box Top 100 and #13 in Billboard in the United States.

Live is the band’s first live (double) album released in 1977. With it’s long, spun-out versions of classic Golden Earring songs, this record is vastly different from other live registrations by the band. It’s also one of only three albums featuring guitarist Eelco Gelling as a band member, adding a new dimension to the band’s sound. Furthermore, this album emphasizes Golden Earring’s strong rhythm section on swinging songs like “Mad Love’s Comin’” and “Radar Love”. Live celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2022 and has been being remastered for the first time from the original IBC Studios master tapes. It includes three bonus tracks recorded during the concert in March 1977 in Brugge and the
double A-sided single “Radar Love/Just Like Vince Taylor” which was issued to promote the album and features edit versions of the respectable album tracks. In addition, a DVD entitled Golden Earring Live features four tracks filmed at the IJsselhallen in Zwolle on 28th August 1977, which were broadcasted on Dutch television four weeks later. This footage has been restored and remastered from the original 16 mm film reels. The 2LP edition of Live (remastered & expanded) has been released by Music On Vinyl on 10th June 2022.
This 2CD+DVD edition of Live is the second volume in a special series of
remastered & expanded albums by Golden Earring, overseen by Red Bullet catalogue and band archivist Woute Bessels.

TRACKLISTING
2CD: Original album version remastered plus bonus tracks
CD1-

Candy’s Going Bad 5.06
She Flies On Strange Wings 8.09
Mad Love’s Comin’ 9.49
Eight Miles High 10.06
Vanilla Queen 11.42
To The Hilt 6.40
Fightin’ Windmills 8.50
Con Man 9.20

CD 2

Radar Love 11.16 / Just Like Vince Taylor 6.24
BONUS TRACKS: Fightin’ Windmills (Brugge 1977) 7.50 / Eight Miles High (Brugge 1977) 9.13 / I Need Love (Brugge 1977) 6.45 / Radar Love (single version) 4.46 / Just Like Vince Taylor (single version) 4.00

DVD: Golden Earring Live

Mad Love’s Comin’ / Leather / Radar Love / Just Like Vince Taylor

Live (remastered & expanded) was released by Red Bullet Productions on 29th July 2022 and is available through all renowned worldwide music dealers and online shops

Order info- https://shop.rockart.nl/product/golden-earring-live/

SIX BY SIX – Debut album featuring members of Saga, Saxon, and GTR.

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SIX BY SIX is the new trio consisting of Canadian guitarist Ian Crichton (Saga), British drummer Nigel Glockler (Saxon), and American multi-instrumentalist & vocalist Robert Berry (Hush / 3 ) . An interesting combo, with progressive and metal backgrounds. As a fan of early Saga and in later years Saxon (and years ago I interviewed Robert Berry for something), so I am keen to hear this. As with Saga, what is first noticeable is the distinctive guitar sound of Crichton from song to song. But where Crichton’s guitar usually shares the songs or is overshadowed by keyboards in Saga – that is not the case here. This is a ‘heavy’ guitar album, not ‘metal’, just a big sound, heavy rock, and progressive, with some fine vocal arrangements. Fave picks are melodic rockers “The Upside Of Down” and “Save The Night”. Plenty of solid tracks here like “The Last Words On Earth” (awesome big organ intro), and more progressive cuts like “Casino” and “Battle Of A Lifetime”, and the short ballad “Live Forever”. A cool sounding album, well worth checking out. The album is due out August19 (CD & LP!), and there will also be a graphic novel – The Journey Internal to be published on September 30th 2022, as a companion. *check out the bio/press release below …

The term six by six can conjure various images. It could be something of large and impressive stature or perhaps the dimensions of a newly discovered space on the planet. For some, it may be the exponential potential of those numbers. For others, it might bring to mind the rhythmic pulse of sound waves. 

Now, for the initiated, for those in the know, SiX by SiX is perhaps all of those things. It’s also the name for an exciting new band. It’s a sizable collaboration filling a massive sonic space and driven by three renowned and diverse musicians of international origin. The anticipation is palpable as the group is about to release its eponymous debut album on the InsideOutMusic label, part of Sony. 

SiX by SiX is composed of three hugely accomplished and highly acclaimed, musicians hailing from disparate corners of the globe and each with the pedigree to back up the claim. They are guitarist Ian Crichton from the acclaimed Canadian prog rockers Saga, recognized as one of the top rock players in North America, powerhouse drummer Nigel Glockler of English heavy metal masters Saxon, and U.S. based Robert Berry, perhaps best known for his association with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer in their group ‘3’ on bass, keyboards and vocals. 

The roots of SiX by SiX can be traced back decades to a time when Glockler and Berry were together as part of Yes guitarist Steve Howe’s continuation of the band GTR. Then there’s the Asia connection, where Crichton and Glockler contributed to sessions and recordings, while Berry was the link for his guitarist friend Pat Thrall joining that band. Time marches on, paths cross and fate brings these three musicians together, born from a conversation with an industry insider in the UK who connected Ian Crichton in the Toronto area with Robert Berry outside San Francisco, who in turn reached Glockler at his home on the south coast of England.

While the chemistry of the band transcends audio speakers and their sound is distinctly their own, comparisons to other power trios past and present will likely be inevitable. SiX by SiX boldly say, “Bring it on!” Certainly, discerning listeners will hear an expansive guitar-driven pallet, paired sonically with the unique flavor of the Crichton/Berry songwriting collaboration. If you don’t already know Ian, Nigel, or Robert individually or collectively as SiX by SiX, you’ll likely know them soon. Management is in place; the record company has assembled an enthusiastic support team and a tour is in the works. All in all, the SiX by SiX equation adds up to winning numbers. And that’s good news for everybody.

SiX By SiX 
“SiX By SiX”
 Playing time: 46 min 48 sec 
1. Yearning to Fly 
2. China 
3. Reason to Feel Calm Again 
4. The Upside of Down 
5. Casino 
6. Live Forever 
7. The Last Words on Earth 
8. Skyfall 9. Battle of a Lifetime 
10. Save the Night 

About The Journey Internal :

THE JOURNEY INTERNAL, A Graphic Novel is based on the songs of SiX By SiX, and is the result of a collaboration between the band and renowned Chicago-based artist J.C. Baez. It will be available for purchase through www.StNicksPicks.com for customers in North America and through Burning Shed www.burningshed.com worldwide.

Though not conceived as a concept album, the band and the artist have woven the songs into a compelling tale of one man’s adventures and struggles. THE JOURNEY INTERNAL is a poignant and captivating story of his quest to find beauty and peace. Drawn in dramatic graphic detail, it chronicles the journey of Reign searching for sunlight in a very dark world. Following him from the highest highs to the lowest lows. The pages turn from battles of fire to demons in dungeons, from the confines of Reign’s inner mind to the realities encountered on the streets. From his solitude in battle to finding inspiration from a dream not yet realized.

Ian Crichton comments: “This graphic novel is amazing. The way that J.C Baez has blended the lyrics and captured the emotion of each song into a visually stunning graphic interpretation is simply amazing.

Nigel Glockler comments: “One word sums up this incredible visual feast: stunning!!!

Robert Berry comments: “When J.C. approached us we were intrigued to see what he would come up with based on our songs. The results are masterful.”

J.C. Baez, a Chicago-based artist has collaborated with Jon Anderson of Yes, Steve Hackett of Genesis, and Walter Koenig, of Star Trek fame, and now Six By Six.

J.C. Baez comments: “I am fortunate to be working with Ian, Nigel, and Robert, bringing their amazing musical ideas into the visual realm. The process has been very much a collaboration and I’ve been made to feel like part of the Six By Six family. This story is dynamic and exciting and I’m thrilled to work on this graphic novel which is in the vein of Genesis’s ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and other classic albums.”

SiX By SiX, featuring Ian Crichton, Nigel Glockler & Robert Berry, launch third single ‘China’

With the release of the record only two weeks away, the band are releasing one final track prior to fans getting to hear the album in full. Watch the video for ‘China’ now here: https://youtu.be/stTEYLiTYWQ

Robert Berry comments: “The song China came about differently than most of our songs. Ian had sent me a very cool finger picking type riff, which was playing repeatedly in my head as I tried to go to sleep one night. Earlier that evening the television news ran a story about China, including the appalling oppression of the Uyghur Muslims. I couldn’t get that out of my head either. I have many Chinese friends who do not agree with what the government of China is doing. Suddenly, inspired by Ian’s finger picking, this heavy riff came to mind. Then, as I paired it with the news story, the lyric just poured out. Born from anger and disbelief but also with respect for my Chinese friends, this song came to me in one big flash. When Ian heard the basic writing demo he immediately headed into new territory with the guitar solo. It’s angry, edgy, and totally psychotic in nature – a perfect fit!  And of course we all must say ‘goodnight’ and good riddance to any government that treats its people so harshly.”

Links:

http://sixbysixband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Sixbysixband/

nigelglockler.com

http://www.robertberry.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/97599663247

https://www.insideoutmusic.com/

WHITE SPIRIT – Right Or Wrong featuring the late Brian Howe, now out.

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White Spirit was around briefly during the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal era. The band’s time included a lone album in 1980, some line-up changes, and further recordings, which never saw the light of day then. The significance of those unreleased recordings was that they featured singer Brian Howe, who’d replaced Bruce Ruff, And guitarist Mick Tucker (ex Axis, pre Tank) – who’d replaced Janick Gers (who went on to Gillan and Iron Maiden) . Following the death of Brian Howe in May of 2020, Tucker, and (keyboardist) Malcolm Pearson (who is the lone original member of White Spirit on this album) set about finding the tapes and then getting the album done and out. (*see bio below for more details). Anyway, the album features newly recorded parts, including the recently recruited rhythm section of Russell Gilbrook (Heep) and Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Sabbath).

As a fan of Howe’s work with Bad Company – sure I would’ve loved to hear all of his vocals here, but from old tapes they couldn’t all be saved, and you can’t go wrong with the singers used to finish this album – Jeff Scott Soto and Lee Small (Lionheart) each sing lead on 2 tracks, while Steve Overland (UK’ FM) sings on an excellent new version of “Holy Water”. Right Or Wrong is classic British hard-rock, with easy favorites being “Runaway”, “Got To Get Out” and “Lady Of The Night”, the first 2 featuring grand keyboard intros, and all just really good tracks sang by Howe. This album is full of energy, great guitar and keyboard leads, melodies, harmonies, and solos. If these songs were originally written and intended for 1981, you would never know by hearing it!

Safe to say if you like Brian Howe’s era in Bad Company – these songs will be very enjoyable, as if they would’ve fit anywhere on one of the 4 Bad Co albums he wrote and sang on! Jeff Scott Soto sings the title track, which leads off the album – a strong melodic rocker, as well as the Rainbow-ish rocker “Better Watch Out”, while Lee Small sings the excellent “The Dice Rolls On”. My fellow Uriah Heep fans will dig Russell Gilbrook’s performance here, especially on “Rock n Roll (Is Good For You)”. Am thankful to hear this album, a very good album, and it’s release is a fitting tribute to Brian Howe.

“Right Or Wrong” is the title track of the new album from White Spirit, out now and features the colossal vocals of Jeff Scott Soto.
White Spirit’s self-titled debut album was released in 1980 to great acclaim, and a constant schedule of touring saw the band build up a large and loyal following. Line up changes introduced us to a then unknown singer named Brian Howe and the band entered the studio in 1981 to work on their second album, with then Gillan keysman, Colin Towns at the production helm. The album was never completed. The band broke up and Brian Howe went on to mega platinum success replacing Paul Rodgers as the singer in Bad Company.
Those 2nd album session tapes were rediscovered in 2020 and after a delicate restoration process, the performances were transferred to digital. Some of the sound quality had deteriorated over the years, so the musical backing was completely replaced by White Spirit veterans Mick Tucker and Mal Pearson, along with Russ Gilbrook (Uriah Heep) and Neil Murray (Whitesnake). Brian Howe’s vocals on five of the tracks survived well, but the other takes had too much degradation, so guest singers stepped in as tribute to the late singer who tragically died in 2020. Jeff Scott Soto was a powerhouse in replacing the original Brian Howe vocals on “Right Or Wrong”, delivering a performance that is as good as anything in his illustrious career.
Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall) mixed the album in Sweden, and the result is an incredible body of work with power, finesse, great songs, and amazing vocals.
Ten tracks with a nod to the past, but fresh and vibrant arrangements fit for 21st Century ears.
Be prepared for an album that, had it come out when it was originally written, could have placed White Spirit amongst the giants of melodic rock.
The album Right Or Wrong featuring lead vocals from Brian Howe, Jeff Scott Soto, Steve Overland and Lee Small, was released on 29th July 2022 through Conquest Music on limited edition CD and via the digital platforms.–

Links:

https://slinky.to/RightorWrong?fbclid=IwAR3ZKK5L7ml98xO5572RbqDO-7lLqRUaK9T7Nl3H4cgd4qPDMJFcJxO-5bs

https://white-spirit.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057431412727

www.conquestmusic.co.uk

Pete Feenstra

RORY GALLAGHER – Deuce 50th Anniversary box set

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“DEUCE” SOPHOMORE ALBUM
50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION BOX SET

SET FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
ALL FORMATS AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER HERE

4CD DELUXE BOX SET, 2CD, LIMITED EDITION 3LP,
LIMITED EDITION 1LP COLOURED VINYL (D2C),
DELUXE DIGITAL HD AND DELUXE DIGITAL STANDARD

Formats: 4CD / 2CD / 3LP / 1LP Colour (D2C) / Digital HD & SD
Release Date: September 30, 2022
Label: UMC

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rory Gallagher’s  “Deuce” sophomore solo album from 1971, a deluxe CD boxset will be released by UMC on Friday September 30th.  The album is available to pre-order from https://RoryGallagher.lnk.to/Deuce_50. 

The extensive celebratory release digs deep into the Rory Gallagher Archives and will include a new mix of the original album, twenty-eight previously unreleased alternate takes, a six-song 1972 BBC Radio ‘In Concert’, and seven Radio Bremen radio session tracks. The package will contain a 64-page hardback book with a foreword by Johnny Marr of The Smiths, unseen images by the late Mick Rock, essays, and memorabilia from the album recording. The 2CD and 3LP will be cut down versions from the deluxe box and there will be a special D2C 1LP of the “BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972.”

“There was one day when I was playing along with the Deuce album which was a complete turning point for me as a guitar player.”

– Johnny Marr


Photo Credit: © Mick Rock

Released in November 1971, just six months after his eponymous solo debut, Rory Gallagher’s second album, Deuce, was the summation of all that he’d promised in the wake of Taste’s collapse. Rory wanted to capture the feeling of a live performance, so he would look to record immediately after live concerts while keeping production to a minimum.

He chose Tangerine Studios, a small reggae studio, in Dalston in East London, due it’s history with legendary producer Joe Meek. With Gerry McAvoy on bass guitar and Wilgar Campbell on drums, the album was engineered by Robin Sylvester and produced by Rory. Deucefeatures many Rory highlights, from the blistering Crest Of A Wave to the Celtic-infused I’m Not Awake Yet.

When asked “How does it feel to be the best guitarist in the world,” Jimi replied: “I don’t know, why don’t you go and ask Rory Gallagher.”

– Jimi Hendrix

“There are a million guys who sound like Stevie Ray Vaughan, but I never heard anybody who could really pull off sounding like Rory Gallagher.”

– Slash

” As soon as I heard Cradle Rock, I was hooked. I thought, ‘This is what I want to be when I grow up.”

– Joe Bonamassa

“I really liked Rory, he was fine guitarist and singer and lovely man”

– Jimmy Page

“He was just a magician, he’s one of the very few people of that time who could make his guitar do anything it seemed. It just seemed to be magic. I remember looking at that battered Stratocaster and thinking how does that come out of there?”

– Brian May

“The man who changed my musical life was Rory Gallagher, I picked up a guitar because of him.”

– Johnny Marr

“A beautiful man and an amazing guitar player. He was a very sensitive man and a great musician.”

– The Edge

“An amazing player, very spirited … he had a particular sound using that Stratocaster and he really got it because of the brute force in the way that he played, he just had such a passion about it.”

– Joe Satriani


FORMATS / TRACK LIST

4 CD BOX SET

CD 1

Used to Be – 50th Anniversary Edition
I’m Not Awake Yet – 50th Anniversary Edition
Don’t Know Where I’m Going – 50th Anniversary Edition
Maybe I Will – 50th Anniversary Edition
Whole Lot of People – 50th Anniversary Edition
In Your Town – 50th Anniversary Edition
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – 50th Anniversary Edition
There’s a Light – 50th Anniversary Edition
Out of My Mind – 50th Anniversary Edition
Crest of a Wave – 50th Anniversary Edition

CD 2

Used to Be – Alternate Take 1
Used to Be – Alternate Take 2
I’m Not Awake Yet – Alternate Take 1
Don’t Know Where I’m Going – Alternate Take 1
Maybe I Will – Alternate Take 1
Maybe I Will – Alternate Take 2
Maybe I Will – Alternate Take 3
Maybe I Will – Alternate Take 4
Maybe I Will – Alternate Take 5
Whole Lot of People – Electric Alternate Take 1
Whole Lot of People – 6 String Acoustic Alternate Take 1
Whole Lot Of People – Deuce Album Session / Alternative Acoustic Take / 1971 *
Whole Lot of People – 12 String Acoustic Alternate Take 1
In Your Town – Alternate Take 1
In Your Town – Alternate Take 2
In Your Town – Alternate Take 3

CD 3

In Your Town – Alternate Take 4
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Deuce Album Session / Alternative Acoustic Take / 1971*
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Deuce Album Session Outtake / 1971*
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Alternate Take 2
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Alternate Take 3
There’s A Light – Alternate Take 1
There’s A Light – Alternate Take 2
There’s A Light – Alternate Take 3
Out of My Mind – Alternate Take 1
Out of My Mind – Alternate Take 2
Out of My Mind – Alternate Take 3
Crest of a Wave – Alternate Take 1
Crest of a Wave – Alternate Take 2
Don’t Know Where I’m Going – Home Demo
Maybe I Will – Home Demo
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Home Demo

CD 4

Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Crest of a Wave – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
I Could’ve Had Religion – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
For The Last Time – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Messin’ With The Kid – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Don’t Know Where I’m Going – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Pistol Slapper Blues – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Used To Be – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972
Out Of My Mind – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972
I Could’ve Had Religion – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972
Crest Of A Wave – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972
Messin’ With The Kid – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972

2 CD

CD 1

Used to Be – 50th Anniversary Edition
I’m Not Awake Yet – 50th Anniversary Edition
Don’t Know Where I’m Going – 50th Anniversary Edition
Maybe I Will – 50th Anniversary Edition
Whole Lot of People – 50th Anniversary Edition
In Your Town – 50th Anniversary Edition
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – 50th Anniversary Edition
There’s a Light – 50th Anniversary Edition
Out of My Mind – 50th Anniversary Edition
Crest of a Wave – 50th Anniversary Edition

CD 2

Used to Be – Alternate Take 1
I’m Not Awake Yet – Alternate Take 1
Maybe I Will – Alternate Take 1
Whole Lot of People – 12 String Acoustic Alternate Take 1
In Your Town – Alternate Take 3
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Alternate Take 3
There’s A Light – Alternate Take 1
Out of My Mind – Alternate Take 3
Crest of a Wave – Alternate Take 2
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Crest of a Wave – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
I Could’ve Had Religion – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
For The Last Time – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Messin’ With The Kid – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Don’t Know Where I’m Going – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Pistol Slapper Blues – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971

3 LP

SIDE A

Used to Be – 50th Anniversary Edition
I’m Not Awake Yet – 50th Anniversary Edition
Don’t Know Where I’m Going – 50th Anniversary Edition
Maybe I Will – 50th Anniversary Edition
Whole Lot of People – 50th Anniversary Edition

SIDE B

In Your Town – 50th Anniversary Edition
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – 50th Anniversary Edition
There’s a Light – 50th Anniversary Edition
Out of My Mind – 50th Anniversary Edition
Crest of a Wave – 50th Anniversary Edition

SIDE C

Used to Be – Alternate Take 1
I’m Not Awake Yet – Alternate Take 1
Maybe I Will – Alternate Take 1
Whole Lot of People – 12 string acoustic Alternate Take 1

SIDE D

In Your Town – Alternate Take 3
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Alternate Take 3
There’s A Light – Alternate Take 1
Out of My Mind – Alternate Take 3

SIDE E

Crest of a Wave – Alternate Take 2
Crest of a Wave – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Don’t Know Where I’m Going – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
I Could’ve Had Religion – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971

SIDE F

Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
For The Last Time – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Messin’ With The Kid – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971
Pistol Slapper Blues – Radio Bremen 21/12/1971

1 LP COLOUR (D2C)

SIDE A

Used To Be – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972
Should’ve Learnt My Lesson – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972
Out Of My Mind – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972

SIDE B

I Could’ve Had Religion – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972
Crest Of A Wave – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972
Messin’ With The Kid – BBC In Concert – Live at The Paris Theatre, 13 January 1972

www.rorygallagher.com

https://www.facebook.com/RoryGallagher

https://www.youtube.com/rorygallagherofficial

ARTHUR BROWN – Dance With Arthur Brown (revisited)

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This is an album I picked up in the early-mid ’80s on one of my trips around Toronto with my Uncle Jim, who lived in Rexdale. He knew where all the shops were, and on a few occasions we’d go up and down Yonge Street, and then off to various other shops within walking distance. So, at that time you could still pick up albums you weren’t familiar with for a dollar or 2, a small gamble but I picked up a lot of gems this way. I had the first Crazy World Of Arthur Brown LP (via my uncle, from a few years earlier), so I was a wee bit familiar with Arthur Brown, but judging by the cover and titles Dance With Arthur Brown would be something very different.

This was Brown’s first post-Kingdom Come album, and although it could still be deemed experimental, Dance With seems a bit more radio accessible for the time, as if Arthur was attempting to get in to the mainstream. It featured 11 tracks, a pair of covers, and a few that would’ve made interesting singles. In fact there were 3 singles. Now signed to Gull Records (part of the Motown group) may be a sign of Arthur’s new direction, with elements of soul, r & b, gospel, all can be found on this album. Gull also released the first few Judas Priest albums during this era. Dance With was preceded by a single in late ’74 – “Gypsies” bw/ “Dance”. The A-side was a non-LP track, penned by Naaman (anyone?). A shame this one is not on youtube, though Arthur Brown’s re-recording of it is, as he re-did the song for his 2007 album The Voice Of Love (as The Amazing World Of Arthur Brown). The single was produced by Brown, himself, but the album would be produced by the legendary Rodger Bain who was better known for the heavier bands he produced like Black Sabbath and Budgie. Dance With featured a number of players, notably guitarist Andy Dalby (from Kingdom Come), and keyboardist Pete Solley (ex Paladin, Snafu), as well as a few backing singers – Fuzzy, Stevie, and Mutt! Stevie was Stevie Lange who later appeared with a number of acts in the 70s , notably The Sweet, Graham Bonnet and Elton John, while Mutt (Lange) went on to produce tons of bands over the next few decades, notably AC/DC, Def Leppard, and Foreigner. Anyway,…. Dance With Arthur Brown came out in May of ’75, it received mixed reviews (of the few I could find), Although there’s no face-paint, costumes, or cosmic cover art, the cover is a bit humorous with 2 torn photos of Brown dancing with a female partner in formal wear (from a different era), while the back cover includes all the songwriting and performance credits, and a regular photo of Brown and lyrics to just 3 songs.

Gull released 2 further singles, in a few countries – “We’ve Got To Get Out Of This Place” b/w the non-LP track “Here I Am” in July of ’75, and then “Out Of Time” b/w “The Lord Will Find A Way” (penned by bass player Lee Robinson). The 2nd single seemed to only be issued in New Zealand and Australia. I actually like both of these covers, as the production seems lively, but find it odd that the album’s 2 covers were the only singles, as there were a few others that would’ve made excellent choices, such as “Helen With The Sun” and the title track (as a A side!). And I hear saxophone on “Out Of Time”, but don’t see it in the credits…(!?) The rest of the album includes a few styles, such as “Crazy” with it’s cabaret approach, “Soul Garden” with it’s reggae beat, and closing “Is There Nothing Beyond God?”, which – with it’s 1 line repeated throughout is kind of a chant put to some decent guitar, bass and drums.

Both Dance With Arthur Brown and it’s follow up Chisholm In My Bosom (which I don’t have.. yet) seem scarce (and pricey) on CD. Both were released together in 1995 on See For Miles Records (UK), in ’95, and since then only in Japan. A proper release of both of these albums – complete with bonus tracks, would be nice after so many years, and while Arthur Brown is getting long overdue press and praise with the release of the Eternal Messenger (An Anthology) CD box last year And his brilliant new album Long Long Road.

Links:

http://www.thegodofhellfire.com

https://www.discogs.com/artist/85470-Arthur-Brown

https://www.45cat.com/artist/arthur-brown

GENTLE GIANT 10LP Box set of ‘Live in the US’ recordings coming.

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British progressive band GENTLE GIANT released 11 studo albums and 1 double live albums from 1970-1980. The band split in 1980, but still have a large following. This upcoming box set looks like it will be most welcome by fans and collectors. For more info & details check out the press release below –

Gentle Giant “Front Row Center (US Dates 1976-1980)” 10LP Deluxe Box Set Released on Madfish Sept. 23, 2022

10LP box set + 60 page book from the influential cult progressive rock collective.

Gentle Giant “Front Row Center (US Dates 1976-1980)”10LP Deluxe Box Set will be released on Madfish Sept. 23, 2022! Celebrating four classic years (1976-1980) of touring throughout the USA, encompassing the full Gentle Giant live experience through never-before pressed vinyl, unseen memorabilia and photographs.

The box set features:
• HEMPSTEAD, New York – CALDERONE CONCERT HALL – JULY 13, 1976 (3LP) – Originally broadcast live on New York City’s WLIR radio as part of the station’s Bicentennial celebration.
• HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK – CALDERONE CONCERT HALL – NOVEMBER 16, 1977 (3LP) An outstanding previously unreleased performance sourced from guitarist Gary Green’s personal collection.
• CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA – WIDENER COLLEGE – NOVEMBER 18, 1977 (2LP) – Available for the first time on vinyl sourced from Gary Green’s collection.
• ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AGORA BALLROOM – MAY 29, 1980 (2LP) – A rare recording from the band’s final tour prior to their split in the summer of 1980.

In addition to the recordings the set will come with a 60-page book written by GG authority Alan Kinsman concentrating on their live experiences and memorabilia. The set will also include a numbered Limited-Edition certificate.

This is a chance to own a collection of uber-rarities here on vinyl for the first time ever. A must have for all Gentle Giant collectors.

“Front Row Center” will be issued via Madfish on 10LP Box Set on 23rd September 2022 and pre-orders are available HERE (https://GentleGiantBox.lnk.to/FrontRowCenter)

DISC 1
A.1. Intro/Just The Same (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
A.2. Proclamation/Valedictory (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13,1976)
B.1. On Reflection (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
B.2. Interview (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)

DISC 2
C.1. The Runaway/Experience (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
C.2. So Sincere (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
D.1. Excerpts From Octopus (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)

DISC 3
E.1. Give It Back (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
E.2. Timing (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
F.1. Free Hand (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)

DISC 4
A.1. Two Weeks In Spain (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
A.2. Free Hand (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
B.1. On Reflection (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
B.2. I’m Turning Around (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)

DISC 5
C.1. Just The Same/Playing The Game (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
C.2. Memories Of Old Days (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
D.1. Betcha Thought We Couldn’t Do It (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
D.2. Funny Ways (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)

DISC 6
E.1. The Face (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
E.2. For Nobody (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
F.1. Excerpts From Octopus (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)

DISC 7
A.1. Two Weeks In Spain (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
A.2. Free Hand (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
A.3. On Reflection (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
B.1. I’m Turning Around (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
B.2. Just The Same/Playing The Game (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
B.3. Memories Of Old Days (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)

DISC 8
C.1. Betcha Thought We Couldn’t Do It (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
C.2. The Face (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
D.1. For Nobody (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
D.2. Excerpts From Octopus – part 1 (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
D.3. Excerpts From Octopus – part 2 (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)

DISC 9
A.1. Convenience (Clean And Easy) (The Agora, GA, 29 May,1980)
A.2. All Through The Night (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
A.3. Free Hand (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
A.4. Knots (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
A.5. Playing The Game (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
B.1. Memories Of Old Days (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
B.2. Giant For A Day (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
B.3. Inside Out (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)

DISC 10
C.1. It’s Not Imagination (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
C.2. Underground (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
D.1. For Nobody (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
D.2. The Advent Of Panurge (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
D.3. Number One (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)

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