Dave Cousins was the singer, main songwriter, and leader of British band THE STRAWBS. He passed away July 13, at the age of 85. The Strawbs were a unique band, starting as folk rock, then evolving and adding elements of progressive, and hard rock over time. From 1972-73 the band had 3 UK hit singles – “Lay Down”, “Part Of The Union” (#2) , and “Shine One Silver Sun”.
Back in 2008 I received a few Dave Cousins solo albums (CD), His latest album – The Boy In The Sailor Suit, and a reissue of his 1972 album Two Weeks Last Summer. At the time I wasn’t very familiar, but I knew “Hero And Heroine”. I went and saw him, while promoting these discs, when he played a ‘songs & stories’ solo show at Hugh’s Room in Toronto. It was an entertaining, intimate show. Afterwards, Dave came out and greeted people, signed albums, got in pictures. I recall seeing a few posters in the Hughs Room hallways that were from previous Strawbs (Acoustic Strawbs) shows, so reckon the band had quite a following in Toronto for many years. This tour was captured in the live album Duochrome.
After that, my buddy Ed and I walked a few blocks over to a used record shop, where I picked up a handful of Strawbs’ LPs. On another day, just prior to or after the show I interviewed Dave. A bit of this was used in a local music paper. For some time now I’ve been intending to dig out the tape, and fully transcribe it.
The Strawbs last album was 2023’s The Magic Of It All.
DEEP PURPLE RELEASE REMIXED SINGLE “CLEARLY QUITE ABSURD” — FEATURING PREVIOUSLY UNHEARD INSTRUMENTAL TAKE OF “MTV”
RAPTURE OF THE DEEP — 20TH ANNIVERSARY REMIX TO BE RELEASEDAUGUST 29 — PRE-ORDER HERE
As part of the upcoming Rapture of the Deep — 20th Anniversary Remix, Deep Purple today release a new single: a newly mixed and remastered version of “Clearly Quite Absurd,” backed with a previously unreleased instrumental studio rehearsal take of “MTV.”
Roger Glover today recalls, “‘Clearly Quite Absurd’ is a very unusual Deep Purple song, which I like. We’ve always liked being unusual. We don t follow traditions, really. We are just who we are at a specific time.”
The single’s B-side, “MTV (2005 Studio Jam),” is a previously unheard instrumental take from an early rehearsal session — with Don Airey, Steve Morse, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice running through a track that later appeared as a bonus on select editions of Rapture of the Deep.
The single is a preview of the Rapture of the Deep — 20th Anniversary Remix, out worldwide on August 29, which includes a brand new mix of the full album, revised artwork, and a bonus disc filled with rare studio rehearsals and instrumental jams.
The album will be available as 2CD Digipak, 3LP Vinyl (black, 180g), and the strictly limited 3LP Transparent Sky-Blue Vinyl.
There is a brand new video from BADFINGER’s HeadFirst, which was officially released (CD & vinyl) nearly 50 years after its recording.
“Keep Believing”, another classic Pete Ham cut, follow video releases for “Moonshine”, featuring Tom Evans & Bob Jackson sharing lead vocals, and the Mike Gibbins ballad “Back Again”.
One of the best (well, my favorite) and most surprising recent releases. Check it out if you haven’t!
The BOLTON IRON MAIDEN released 2 CDs years back, comprising of their studio & live tracks made back in the early-mid 70s, back before another band used the name and went on to become one of the biggest bands in Heavy Metal. BIM, then just known as ‘Iron Maiden’, were the 2nd British band to use the name at the time (before Steve Harris came along). Now from the band’s recordings comes a very limited vinyl release of their music, just 7 tracks, with a new cover (to the CDs). Check it out. And check out my previous features on the band, including an interview with Paul TJ O’Neill!
*Available on black vinyl (+ special edition) and colored vinyl.
Details:
Active between 1970 and 1976, the Bolton Iron Maiden (originally known as Birth and then Iron Maiden) was a psychedelic hard-rock band formed in Bolton by Ian Boulton-Smith (Beak) on lead guitar, Derek George Austin on bass and Paul TJ O’Neill on drums / vocals.
Influenced by contemporaries like Led Zeppelin, Cream, Free, Groundhogs or Andromeda, their music blended blues, hard rock, and progressive elements.
They soon built a strong reputation supporting acts such as UFO, Bedlam (with Cozy Powell), Caravan, Thin Lizzy…
In 1976, the band disbanded following the death of guitarist Ian Boulton-Smith from cancer.
In 2005, Paul O’Neill revived interest in BIM by releasing two albums, “Maiden Flight” and “Boulton Rides Again”, which compiled studio and live recordings. The proceeds from these albums were donated to Cancer Research and Macmillan Cancer Support. With the blessing of the more famous Iron Maiden and their manager Rod Smallwood, the band adopted the name “The Bolton Iron Maiden” to avoid confusion.
For the first time on vinyl, “Maiden Flight” collects their previously unreleased studio recordings from 1972 plus raw as live tracks circa 1975.
Insert with detailed liner notes and rare photos / memorabilia. Download card with extra (live) bonus tracks.
Originally released in October of 2005, DEEP PURPLE’s Rapture Of The Deep was the 4th of the Steve Morse era, and my favorite (up until then) after Purpendicular. It included favorites like “Wrong Man”, “Money Talks”, “Don’t Let Go”, and the ballad “Clearly Quite Absurd”. So (see press info below), Rapture Of The Deep has been remixed, with added tracks, and colorful new artwork!
Deep Purple‘s Rapture of the Deep turns 20 – and it’s celebrated with a complete remix and remaster, striking new artwork, plus a bonus CD/LP featuring never-before-released recordings.
It’s no secret that Rapture of the Deep isn’t the first album that comes to mind when listing Deep Purple’s classics – and while it was met with interest at the time, it gradually faded from view. Despite solid sales, the album arrived during a period when there was little spotlight on the world of classic rock, and over the years, Rapture of the Deep developed into an overlooked chapter in Deep Purple’s rich discography.
It’s equally true that this record, and the story behind it, marked a turning point — the quiet beginning of a run that would eventually lead to four consecutive No. 1 albums (2013, 2017, 2020, 2024) and the kind of success few bands experience even once, let alone decades into their career.
New insights by Kerrang! founder and Classic Rock magazine writer Geoff Barton pull back the curtain on a time when Deep Purple were navigating an uncertain era in the music industry that saw the downfall of many once-great artist careers — and unravel the strange chemistry that gave birth to Deep Purple’s 18th studio album.
As bassist Roger Glover reflects, “We were going through a bit of a hard time when we started the songwriting and production of Rapture of the Deep and, strangely enough, we didn’t have a record company at that point. Let’s face it, we were a bit lost (…).”
But from that uncertain moment emerged an album bursting with sharp songwriting, masterful playing, and pure Deep Purplegrit.
Now, newly mixed with the supervision of Glover, analogue-mastered at renowned Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, and presented with bold new artwork, Rapture of the Deep finally shines with clarity and color. “It’s a new album now to me,” says Roger Glover. Fans will hear it blooming for the first time.
This new edition also includes a bonus CD/LP featuring previously unreleased instrumental takes and studio rehearsals recorded during the songwriting process — providing a rare, unfiltered insight into the band’s creative work in the studio. Captured on multi-track in 2005 and mixed for the first time in 2025, it’s one of those rare instances where recordings resurface decades later from archives long thought lost.
Among the highlights is the track “Closing Note,” a never-before-heard piece by former guitarist Steve Morse — recorded during the album sessions and now officially released for the first time.
These tracks are available exclusively on all three physical formats — CD Digipak, 3LP Vinyl (black, 180g), and the strictly Limited 3LP Transparent Sky-Blue Vinyl.
With Deep Purple riding high on the success of their latest No. 1 record=1, the time is right to (re)discover the album that set the path for Deep Purple in the 21st century.
Photo Credit: Bruce Payne Deep Purple in 2005 — Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, Don Airey, Roger Glover, Steve Morse.
RAPTURE OF THE DEEP 20TH ANNIVERSARY REMIX TRAC KLISTING: CD + LP: “Money Talks” “Things I Never Said”* “Rapture of the Deep” “Clearly Quite Absurd” “MTV”* “Back to Back” “Wrong Man” “Girls Like That” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” “Don’t Let Go” “Junkyard Blues” “Before Time Again”
*Not on original studio album
BONUS LP+CD 2005 Studio Jams & Rehearsals: “MTV” “Money Talks” “Back to Back” “Before Time Began” “Closing Note”** **Unreleased instrumental track by Steve Morse
Another STEVE HACKETT live album. I haven’t picked up the last one yet, but love all these releases revisiting his GENESIS years. But, is there any Genesis albums left for him to do? Check out the press release, video, and track-listing below.
Steve Hackett proudly presents ‘The Lamb Stands Up Live At The Royal Albert Hall’, a stunning audio/visual document of his show at the iconic London venue in October 2024, set for release on the 11th July 2025. Watch the band performing ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’ below:
Steve and his live band celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Genesis concept album ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’, with a selection of his favourite tracks from that album including ‘Fly On A Windshield’ & ‘Lilywhite Lilith’. The live set also includes other Genesis & solo classics, including music from his most recent acclaimed album ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’. This special evening saw the band joined by guests including Ray Wilson, Steve Rothery, Amanda Lehmann & John Hackett. Steve comments: “I was so happy to revisit the Lamb on tour. The Royal Albert Hall evening was particularly memorable. It is my favourite London venue and the atmosphere there that night was absolutely electric… I was really pleased that everyone in the band and the performing guests pulled it off with flying colours!”
Expertly mixed by Grammy-award winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge, and mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, the night was filmed by longtime collaborator Paul M Green, and is presented as Special Edition 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak which includes 5.1 Surround Sound & bonus interview content. The vinyl arrives as a deluxe 4LP 180g boxset, including 12-page LP-size booklet featuring photos from the evening. Pre-order now HERE.
Track-listing:
1. People of the Smoke 2. Circo Inferno 3. These Passing Clouds 4. The Devil’s Cathedral 5. Every Day 6. Hands Of the Priestess 7. A Tower Struck Down 8. Low Notes And High Hopes 9. Camino Royale 10. Shadow Of The Hierophant 11 .The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway 12. Fly On A Windshield 13. Broadway Melody Of 1974 14. Hairless Heart 15. Carpet Crawlers 16. The Chamber Of 32 Doors 17. Lilywhite Lilith18.The Lamia 19. It 20. Dancing With The Moonlit Knight 21. The Cinema Show 22. Aisle Of Plenty 23. Firth Of Fifth 24. Los Endos 25. An Interview with Steve Hackett
Steve Hackett & band are currently continuing their Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlight & Solo tour around Europe, before taking it to Japan in July, Italy in September & North America in October & November.
Earlier this year, Steve Hackett released ‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’, featuring live recordings from his annual acoustic shows at Trading Boundaries in the UK. Listen nowHERE.
Metalville Records is releasing another set of archive recordings from the SWEET. This one being alternate mixes and demos from the Level Headed album. This looks like a new issue of a Record Store Day release from a few years ago. It does include an interview with Brian Connolly, as well as a shortened take of “Love Is Like Oxygen”, with a different vocal take (ending before the instrumental). What I also like here is a few of the instrumental (demo/rehearsal) takes – “California Nights”, the heavy “Unused Idea”, and “Air On A Tape Loop”. This is an interesting and enjoyable listen, as Level Headed was the album that saw a change from the band’s more hard-rock sound of the previous few albums, but listening to this, there was a lot of ‘rock’ here. Sadly, the last album to feature front-man Brian Connolly. But what a run of classic albums in the 70s. A ‘must’ for Sweet fans.
Level Headed, originally released in January 1978, was without doubt the most distinctive album SWEET had ever produced up to that point. AllMusic praised the album in their retrospective review for its wild mix of styles and the band’s shift from their earlier bubblegum singles to album-orientated rock.
In many ways, it was a gamble for SWEET. On the one hand, it shows many facets of the band that were easily overlooked on earlier albums and, at the same time, for the first time, new & previously unheard aspects.
Level Headed gave SWEET their last Top Ten hit with the dreamy “Love Is Like Oxygen,” a single that would later prove to be essential in the band’s oeuvre.
The new release Level Headed Alternate Mixes & Demos on METALVILLE RECORDS is a real rarity in SWEET’s catalog. The album was previously only available as a strictly limited vinyl version in the USA and will now be released on CD worldwide for the first time.
Music Legends Strawbs To Release ‘Magic From the Moon’ On Blu-ray June 9, 2025
British music legends Strawbs will be releasing “Magic From the Moon” on Blu-ray on June 9, 2025. A spectacular acoustic and symphonic concert from the Strawbs 40th Anniversary Show, this release showcases the acoustic talents of the Strawbs. The set list covers many milestones over their long career with the Strawbs performing songs from their 1969 self-titled debut album to the Dancing to the Devil’s Beat album from 2009.Special guest Sonja Kristina joins the Strawbs for four of the songs, singing Sandy Denny’s parts. This unique concert also features the closing extravaganza with the legendary Robert Kirby, along with members of the Royal Artillery Orchestra. The full contingent of Electric Strawbs (Dave Cousins, Rod Coombes, Dave Lambert, Chas Cronk, John Ford and Oliver Wakeman) faithfully recreate some of the great classics in the Strawbs vast repertoire.The Blu-ray also features an interview with Robert Kirby. Kirby discusses “David’s brilliant attitude towards music”, his time in the Strawbs, and working for the band. Rehearsal footage of the conductor and the orchestra is also included.This unique show, including the performances which feature Sonja Kristina, has never been released on home video since the concert was performed in 2009. Having only been seen by those in attendance at the show, this release promises to be of great interest among Strawbs fans across the globe.
Set List: 1. Simple Visions (Deep Cuts, 1976) 2. Josephine for Better or for Worse (Dragonfly, 1970) 3. Copenhagen (Dancing to the Devil’s Beat, 2009) 4. Cold Steel (Deja Fou, 2004) 5. Sail Away to the Sea (Strawberry Music Sampler, 1969) 6. On My Way (All Our Own Work, 1973) 7. All I Need is You (Strawberry Music Sampler, 1969) 8. Tell Me What You See in Me (The Strawbs, 1969) 9. Evergreen (Baroque and Roll, 2001) 10. The River (Bursting at the Seams, 1973) 11. Down By the Sea (Bursting at the Seams, 1973) 12. Heavy Disguise (Grave New World, 1972) 13. Where Silent Shadows Fall (Dancing to the Devil’s Beat, 2009)
RUSS BALLARD Announces New Double Album‘Songs From The Warehouse / The Hits Rewired’ Out April 25th Via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-Order HERE
Legendary singer/songwriter RUSS BALLARD has a new double album coming out. If you don’t recognize the name, chances are you know a few of his songs that were recorded by and made hits by others throughout the 70s and 80s (Rainbow, Three Dog Night, Ace Frehley, Kiss, Santana…) . Ballard was originally a member of ARGENT in the early 70s (“Liar”, “God Gave Rock and Roll To You”), and left to pursue a solo career, although to many he made name as a songwriter.
Ballard’s new album Songs From The Warehouse/ The Hits Rewired features 1 disc of new songs and 1 disc of his best known songs that were made famous by others.
The latest single is a new track “Resurrection”. Check it out below, as well as the previous 2 videos, and tracklisting.
Track List:
CD1 1. Resurrection 2. Courageous 3. Journey Man 4. The One Who Breathes Me 5. The Wild 6. Charlatan 7. Soul Music 8. Sleepwalking 9. Last Man Standing 10. Make Believe World 11. The Family Way 12. Fearless 13. The Last Amen
CD2 1. Since You’ve Been Gone 2. Winning 3. God Gave Rock And Roll To You 4. Voices 5. New York Groove 6. You Can Do Magic 7. Liar 8. I Know There’s Something Going On 9. I Surrender 10. No More The Fool 11. So You Win Again 12. Free Me 13. On The Rebound
John Sloman’s latest album Vaudeville, is now available on CD through John. Simply drop him a request through messenger (Facebook) or email at – johnsloman@yahoo.co.uk
John is handling the CDs himself, and already hard at work on his next project.
Outsider Rock 