Canada’s APRIL WINE got together in 1968, moved to Montreal, signed to Aquarius Records, and released their first album in 1970. That album featured the hit single “Fast Train”. And from there, April Wine went on to become one of the biggest band’s in Canada. By the time the band’s 3rd album was released Myles Goodwyn was the lone original member. He sang lead, played guitar, and wrote the majority of the band’s material. Over time, he would go on to write almost all of the band’s material, add keyboards, and produce. Guitarist Brian Greenway joined in 1977, and the band took off with the hit “Roller”, from the album First Glance. April Wine split in the mid ’80s, but reformed in the early ’90s, recording more studio albums, and touring extensively. After a number of personal changes only Goodwyn and Greenway remained from the band’s classic late 70s-early 80s classic era. Now Myles Goodwyn has announced his retirement from touring with the band that he lead for 5 decades. Replacing him will be Montreal musician Marc Parent, from the Ottawa based band Eight Seconds. Goodwyn posted on Facebook on December 19 (with the above photo): “New April Wine group to hit stages everywhere in 2023. (l to r) Brian Greenway, Marc Parent, Richard Lanthier and Roy Nichol. Although I’m still in the band writing, recording the guys and producing, I am now officially retired from touring. My last stage performance after 50+ yrs. on the road, will be in Nova Scotia, March 2, 2023. It all started here and ends here for me. I will miss the shows, the fans and the other bands that have been friends for years, but health reasons have made this decision necessary. Cheers everyone and thanks for all the support over the years.”
Brian Greenway commented (further on) – “The new fellow’s name is Marc Parent from the band 8 Seconds. He plays excellent guitar and sings great! He was hand picked and is a gift as he can play and sing a lot like Myles. The song book will carry on. It’s all about the songs.”
In recent years Myles Goodwyn has recorded and released 3 solo albums – Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues (2018), Friends of the Blues 2 (2019), and his most recent (2021) Long Pants. There has also been talk of a new April Wine album over the last couple of years, hopefully that will still happen. The band’s catalogue has more recently been reissued on colored vinyl via Unidisc.
Canada’s Steve Hill, the acclaimed singer-songwriter recently celebrated his 25th year as a recording artist with his 12th albumDear Illusion,by No Label Records on Friday November 11, 2022. Three years in the making, the new album is available from https://ffm.to/dearillusion.
Following the release of the album, Hill released the official music video “Don’t let The Truth Get In The Way (Of A Good Story)” .
“It took me a long time to finish “Don’t Let The Truth Get In The Way (Of A Good Story),” recollects Steve. “I started working on it six years ago after the Trump election. It’s about alternate truth, but it’s also about social media and our addiction to it. It’s also about pretending that everything is alright when it’s not. It’s about choosing to pretend because it’s easier than facing the truth when the truth doesn’t matter anymore.”
But that’s not all. To make the new album an even bigger means for celebration, Steve will release the limited edition “Dear Illusion” comic book. Physical copies of the comic are available HERE and the digital edition HERE.
“I’ve been dreaming doing a comic book for a long time,” reflects Steve. “Before I got into music, drawing was my passion. I wanted to write comics. I’ve collected them sporadically all my life until five years ago when it became an obsession. I think that comics are a great artform. It’s like song writing, in that tell a story in a short period of time. I get feelings out of some comics the same way that I get feelings from music. If you’ve read Alan Moore, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, or Ed Brubaker, you know what I’m talking about.”
“I got in touch with comic book artist Rob Cannon through a mutual connection. He seemed like a good candidate to draw the cover of my previous album, “Desert Trip.” He did a fantastic job. I love that album cover. When the time came for “Dear Illusion,” it was obvious he was the go-to guy. What he did was even better than the one before. From there, the next logical step was the comic. He took the themes from the album, the visual landscape from “Desert Trip” and made it a metaphoric science fiction story that I could never have thought of, while retaining the essence and the meaning of the songs. That’s art.”
Known over the last ten years as a one-man band, on Dear Illusion, the multi-instrumentalist shares the spotlight with a horn section, The Devil Horns, as well as 7-time UK Blues Awards Drummer of the Year, Wayne Proctor (A.A. Williams, Oli Brown, King King, Ben Poole). Proctor also mixed and mastered the upcoming record.
“I had a version finished right before the pandemic started,” says Steve. “It was slated for release in April 2020. There was no point in releasing it then, so I decided to wait. The sad context of the pandemic resulted in additional time for me to offer my fans the album I’m sure will meet their expectations for my 25th anniversary as a recording artist. I am proud of the work.”
“Ultimately, the results that we collectively achieved with the album, ended up reflecting both maturity and introspection. Overall, I feel like the album is telling that no matter what happens, you should give it everything you got and move on, be the best person you can be, and no matter what, the sun will rise again. Don’t dwell on suffering, and don’t forget about it, either. Even treat misfortune as a friend, slap it on the back and say, Thanks for teaching me.”
Dear Illusion – Track Listing
01 – All About The Love 02 – Keep It Together 03 – Everything You Got 04 – Dear Illusion 05 – Steal The Light From You 06 – Don’t Let The Truth Get In The Way (Of A Good Story) 07 – Follow Your Heart 08 – So It Goes 09 – She Gives Lessons In Blues 10 – Until The Next Time
Hard Rock Legends UFO’s “No Heavy Petting” Remastered Deluxe Edition 2CD and 3LP 180g Clear Vinyl Available January 20, 2023
British rockers UFO’s 5th studio album, 3rd with Michael Schenker on guitar. No Heavy Petting would be the lone UFO to feature keyboard player Danny Peyronel (ex Heavy Metal Kids), a classic album that would be a good indicator of what was to come over the next few years. Peyronel may have only been around for this album, but he did contribute the classic track “Highway Lady”, as well as co-writing “Can You Roll Her” – which makes a nice opening track on the added live show to this package. No Heavy Petting is a favorite amongst UFO fans, including me, as it includes such UFO favorites as “Natural Thing”, “I’m A Loser”, “On With The Action”, and the ballad “Belladonna”. Disc one also includes 6 ‘bonus’ tracks, most of which were issued years ago. It is the 2nd disc here that makes this package so much worth getting — UFO Live at The Roundhouse, although previously released on CD, in the 90s, this is finally being issued on vinyl. I hadn’t heard this show previously, but it sounds amazing here! Featuring 12 tracks, mostly from the band’s then-new album, and the previous 2, shows how many great songs the band had already, with half of this set eventually making it to the band’s iconic Strangers In The Night double-live album in ’79. Danny Peyronel would be replaced by Paul Raymond (RIP), and the ‘classic’ line-up of UFO featuring Raymond, Phil Mogg, Pete Way (RIP), Andy Parker, and Schenker would go on to greater success for the rest of the decade, but UFO’s great run of albums had already begun, with No Heavy Petting being one of the band’s best, sitting right in the middle of the Michael Schenker era.
* For more info and ordering, check out the press release & tracklisting below.
Hard Rock Legends UFO’s “No Heavy Petting” Remastered Deluxe Edition 2CD and 3LP 180g Clear Vinyl will be available January 20, 2023! Originally released in 1975, “No Heavy Petting” is UFO’s fifth studio album and the last to be produced by Ten Years After’s Leo Lyons. Stepping up from the rawer sound of “Force It,” the album was their first to feature a permanent keyboard player in the band and gave a nod to what was to come. The album includes a number of tracks that were to become staples of their live set for many years, including “Natural Thing” and “I’m A Loser.”
The newly remastered 2CD digipak with an O card deluxe version includes 5 bonus tracks (one previously unreleased), a poster booklet, and features the Roundhouse 1976 live set. The newly remastered clear vinyl 3LP gatefold deluxe version includes the Roundhouse 1976 live set previously unavailable on vinyl.
TRACK-LISTING:
2CD DISC ONE 1. Natural Thing 2. I’m A Loser 3. Can You Roll Her 4. Belladonna 5. Reasons Love 6. Highway Lady 7. On With The Action 8. A Fool In Love 9. Martian Landscape 10. All Or Nothing (Bonus Track) 11. French Kisses (Bonus Track) 12. Have You Seen Me Lately Joan? (Bonus Track) 13. Tonight Tonight (Bonus Track) 14. All The Strings (Bonus Track) 15. Have You Seen Me Lately Joan? (Acoustic) – (Bonus Track) previously unreleased
DISC TWO 1. Can You Roll Her – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 2. Doctor Doctor – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 3. Oh My – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 4. Out In The Street – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 5. Highway Lady – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 6. I’m A Loser – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 7. Let It Roll – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 8. This Kid’s – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 9. Shoot Shoot – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 10. Rock Bottom – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 11. C’mon Everybody – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 12. Boogie For George – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976
3LP SIDE ONE 1. Natural Thing 2. I’m A Loser 3. Can You Roll Her 4. Belladonna 5. Reasons Love
SIDE TWO 1. Highway Lady 2. On With The Action 3. A Fool In Love 4. Martian Landscape
SIDE THREE 1. Can You Roll Her – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 2. Doctor Doctor – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 3. Oh My – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 4. Out In The Street – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976
SIDE FOUR 5. Highway Lady – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 6. I’m A Loser – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 7. Let It Roll – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976
SIDE FIVE 1. This Kid’s – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 2. Shoot Shoot – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 3. Rock Bottom – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976
SIDE SIX 1. C’mon Everybody – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976 2. Boogie For George – Live At The Roundhouse, London 1976
New Robeone Album Dream Suite. All Sales Go to the Bob Moog Foundation to Help Educate Children
Robeone, “the Patron Saint for the Bob Moog Foundation” is releasing a new album, Dream Suite, on Transglobal Records / Orchard/Sony. He’s making it available only through the Moog Foundation’s website at bobmoogfoundation.myshopify.com/collections/music. Note well that 100% of all the album’s sales will go to the Bob Moog Foundation.
“I wanted to pay tribute to my biggest musical influences–Keith Emerson, Jon Lord and Brian Auger and other creative masters,” says Robeone, whose real name is Robert Schindler.
The album, Dream Suite defines Robeone’s style that grows from dynamic musical genres as wide-ranging a mix of progressive rock, new age, jazz fusion, and cinematic genres. “Hollow,” with its Keith Emerson soaring synth, was inspired by “great film scores.” “All That Razz” sounds like Gershwin fell in love with artsy electric string players and was influenced by both Robert’s father (who loved jazz) and his favorite contemporary electric violinist Joe Deninzon. The late Swedish Hammond organist/guitarist Bo Hansson inspired the flowing “Levels.”
“M is for Moog” is Robert’s “tribute to Moog and all Bob Moog gave to the world. The composition is all Moog synthesizer,” Robeone says, and he cites the late Japanese synthesist Isao Tomita, a Moog devotee, for influence on the recording. Brian Auger and Keith Emerson influence the frisky “Jazzmorphis.” The album ends with an epic musical journey, “Dream Suite,” with moving symphonic organ parts inspired by Deep Purple’s Jon Lord.
In addition to the Moog, Robeone uses a range of only keyboards on the Dream Suite album– Mellotron, Kurzweil, Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Ensonic Roli Seaboard, EMU, and the Ashun Sound Machine.
Robeone/Robert has been recording since the early 1970s. He’s worked with notables Ronnie Spector and for Johnny Nash when “I Can See Clearly Now” was a hit. He played with progressive rockers Mayson on Bearsville Records, pop rock acts The States on Chrysalis and Boardwalk Records. He’s in the progressive rock group ZOOM with Paul Landry on New Age Music Planet Records. Recently he recorded with two different Melodic Revolution Records’ artists Tony Romero’s Vortex and Joe Mac’s American Garage. He’s played live at a number of Festivals—most recently ProgStock and RosFest. Robert also worked on the award-winning soundtrack to “The Fiery Narrows – Following the Path of John Charles Fremont.”
Located in Asheville, North Carolina, The Bob Moog Foundation is an independent 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Bob Moog by inspiring others through science, music, and innovation. The Foundation is providing much needed innovative and effective educational opportunities to children — youth who will become tomorrow’s generation of thinkers and problem solvers.
Uriah Heep have released the first single & video from their forthcoming 25th studio album – Chaos & Colour – to be released in January of the new year! Details, ordering links, track-listing below.
November 8, 2022 – British hard rock legends and progenitors Uriah Heep announce the release of their 25th studio album, Chaos & Colour, set for release January 27th, 2023 via Silver Lining Music. Pre-orders available from November 8th on this site https://lnk.to/ChaosandColour
“Save Me Tonight” is another powerful melodic rock track which we have chosen to be the first single as well as the opening track of the album,” says Mick Box, Uriah Heep’s venerable and effervescent founding member, “it is made for rock radio and will surely be included on our new set list in 2023.”
Chaos & Colour is an album which bristles with explosive classic rock guitars, supreme harmonies, and Heep’s famously generous keyboard foundation. It is, unsurprisingly, an album that found its extra thrust during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was as bizarre for Uriah Heep as it was for humanity in general. “The album title reflects that we were in chaotic times with being locked down, tours being cancelled, businesses folding, and all the chaos that was thrown into the world,” explains Box, “and as far as I could see it, the only colour people had was through music. It helped so many people get through those difficult years, using that strength and power which music has, to make those bad times not quite so bad.” There were still the looming spectre of protocols and rules to follow in the middle of 2021, as the world tried to find its feet. Heep slowly found their way into Chapel Studios in London during the summer of 2021 as restrictions were tentatively lifted, working once again with Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Corey Taylor, Black Star Riders). “Jay was completely on board with what we are trying to achieve in the studio,” says Box. “We’re a band that has a fantastic heritage and to carry on that tradition it was vitally important that the band recorded in the studio all playing at the same time. Jay understood that and he pulled out the best of us as a band, as well as individual players, while getting us some amazing sounds.” Led by Box, it is no surprise that themes of light, love and, ultimately, positivity are constant through the album eleven tracks. “One Nation, One Sun” is a journey of soaring balladic contemplation, “Fly Like An Eagle” takes the listener on a journey of meditation, whilst “Closer To Your Dreams” is a battle cry for all rockers to get out there and do it, with Shaw imploring that “So many have tried but slipped away/Now it’s time for you to have your say.” During the entire album, Bernie Shaw’s timeless vocals sit expertly beside the band’s phenomenal artistry (Mick Box – guitar, Phil Lanzon – keyboard, Russell Gilbrook – drums, Dave Rimmer – bass), rounding out exceptional performances throughout. Produced by Jay Ruston, and engineered by Pieter Rietkerk, Chaos & Colour is a superb album of quality hard rock from the pioneers of the genre who continue to create top class material. Old fans will be reinvigorated whilst new fans will surely find Chaos & Colour an exceptional discovery.
Following the intense disruption to live music caused by the pandemic, the band are ecstatic to be back on the road and continue to bring their live show across Europe this winter. For a full list of confirmed dates, tickets, and additional information visit this this location – http://www.uriah-heep.com/2020Site/Index.html
Tour Dates:
12 November – Nürnberg, Germany – Löwensaal*
14 November – Vilnius, Lithuania – Compensa Concert Hall
15 November – Tallinn, Estonia – Alexela Concert Hall
17 November – Helsinki, Finland – Helsinki Ice Hall
19 November – Turku, Finland – Konserttitalo
20 November – Oulu, Finland – Madetojan Sali
22 November – Umeå, Sweden – Idun
23 November – Stockholm, Sweden – Göta Lejon
24 November – Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene
26 November – Kristiansand, Norway – Kilden Performing Arts Centre
27 November – Stavanger, Norway – Stavanger Kuppelhallen
28 November – Bergen, Norway – USF Verftet
29 November – Trondheim, Norway – Olavshallen
1 December – Sundsvall, Sweden – Tonhallen
2 December – Gothenburg, Sweden – Gothenburg Studios
3 December – Randers, Denmark – Vaerket Teatre & Musikhus
4 December – Copenhagen, Denmark – Docken Koncerter
5 December – Malmö, Sweden – Slagthuset Teater
7 December – Stuttgart, Germany – Liederhalle*
8 December – Dresden, Germany – Culture Palace*
9 December – Suhl, Germany – Congress Centrum Suhl*
10 December – Prague, Czech Republic – Forum Karlin
11 December – Budapest, Hungary – Hungexpo Hall C
13 December – Sofia, Bulgaria – National Palace of Culture, Hall 1
14 December – Thessaloníki, Greece*
15 December – Athens, Greece* (*Celebrating 50 years of Uriah Heep)
Chaos & Colour will be available to pre-order from November 8, in Black and Coloured Vinyl configurations, as a standard CD Digipak, a Deluxe CD packaged in a hardcover book with Uriah Heep’s Chaos & Colour signature patch and in digital formats.
“Save Me Tonight” is the first single from the upcoming album Chaos & Colour. Available to pre-order from November 9th here: https://lnk.to/ChaosandColour, Out via Silver Lining Music on January 27th, 2023.
The buoyant, blistering single “Save Me Tonight”, feels at once like a cry for lost love and an expression of COVID era pain. “I think that’s the beauty of a good lyric,” smiles founding member Mick Box. “A good lyric means that you can interpret it in many ways, and it’s so important to me when writing a lyric that it has those avenues to go in.” enthuses Box.
The single was written by bass guitarist Dave Rimmer and Jeff Scott Soto, who has been the vocalist for the likes of Journey and Yngwie Malmsteen. “’Save Me Tonight’ comes from a place of frustration and helplessness living through these unprecedented past couple of years but hanging on to this raging hope that we would all meet again! Once again, collaborating with Jeff Scott Soto has been a natural and very creative experience and the perfect platform for me to express these feelings and to carry on the Heep legacy.” Rimmer comments.
Chaos & Colour Track List:
Save Me Tonight / Silver Sunlight / Hail The Sunrise / Age Of Changes* / Hurricane / One Nation, One Sun / Golden Light / You’ll Never Be Alone / Fly Like An Eagle / Freedom To Be Free / Closer To Your Dreams* / Save Me Tonight (demo)**
*CD and Digital only
**Deluxe CD only
URIAH HEEP:
Mick Box – Lead Guitar / Vocals
Phil Lanzon – Keyboards / Vocals
Bernie Shaw – Lead Vocals
Dave Rimmer – Bass Guitar / Vocals
Russell Gilbrook – Drums & Percussion
Produced by Jay Ruston
Engineered by Pieter Rietkerk
Recorded at Chapel Studios, UK
Mixed by Jay Ruston at TRS West, Sherman Oaks, California
Tragic Magic is the 4th release from Vancouver’s SPELL, who are described/labelled as ‘hypnotic heavy metal’. Hypnotic is one word, but there’s a number of words that spring to mind in describing the band’s latest album. First and foremost, they are Canadian, so I hear the likes of Rush in their sound, as well as Harlequin and Red Rider, maybe it’s the vocals, the melodies with the latter… And then there’s the cool hooks, riffs, and fantasy type songs that have elements of Blue Oyster Cult, Black Sabbath, Wishbone Ash…. Tragic Magic has all the elements of a classic 70s early metal album, but with clever melodies, perfectly timed uses of 80s synths, and songs that will grow on the listener, and elements of prog and space-rock, Each track offers something unique that will demand repeated plays. “Ultraviolet” may be the standout track here, but this album keeps me interested with every tune, the latest single being “Fever Dream” instantly reminding me of early 80s Rush and Red Rider, like this could’ve been a big arena favorite 40 years ago! Favorites include “A Ruined Garden”, “Cruel Optimism” (with that heavy riff, lighter verses, and hard-edged chorus) , and “Watcher Of The Seas” (love the 80s Rush, and metal feel of this). Album ends with the short instrumental “The Watching”, a bit space/prog rock., a great ending. Ten tracks here, most of which come in under 4 minutes, but yet one feels there’s much more. +Tragic Magic available on vinyl LP (multiple colors), CD and digital
*for more info, check out the press release and links below. Highly recommended!
(Photo: David P. Ball)
Hypnotic Heavy Metal Band, SPELL, Streams New Video “Fever Dream”
Vancouver Progressive Duo to Drop New LP, ‘Tragic Magic’, October 28
“Music is magic, and Spell is a spell. Fundamentally, it is a forum to make our dreams come true”- Spell bassist/guitarist/vocalist Cam Mesmer
Fantastical heavy metal band Spell will release its new LP, ‘Tragic Magic’, on October 28 via Bad Omen Records. Featuring ten tracks of prime, progressive heavy music flooded with mesmerizing atmospheres, ‘Tragic Magic’ sees Spell take a decidedly grittier lyrical approach, leaning less into escapism, while confronting real life challenges of modern times. Striking cover art (Frenzy of Exultations by Władysław Podkowiński, 1863) featuring an angelic woman riding a frenetic horse, portends the palpable potency that the record promises. In its review of the new Spell song, “Ultraviolet”, Metal Injection says the band’s sound treads “the line between dreamy progressive rock in the vein of King Crimson and more straightforward old-school heavy metal like Blue Öyster Cult.” Pre-order ‘Tragic Magic’ at THIS location.
In advance of the release of ‘Tragic Magic’, Spell streams a video for the new track, “Fever Dream”, (Directed by Scotti Gibson, with cinematography by Kyle Samuels & make up effects by Caitlin Rose Delaplace and edited by Vince Edwards) an enticing earworm that fuses darkwave and progressive psych in hypnotizing fashion while exploring the realms of “nightmares and sleep paralysis”.
“Fever Dream” comes directly from the most evil and frightening moments I’ve experienced in the depths of illness and sleep,” offers Spell vocalist/guitarist Cam Mesmer. “These things may not make sense in the light of day, but once they take hold you have no choice but to follow their twisted path. Deep within nightmares and sleep paralysis, I have conflicting desires: first the urge to shake myself and escape, but also a second, deeper instinct – to give in to the feeling and allow it to conquer me completely to see where it will take me. This song represents your darkest subconscious, urging you to allow that evil inside of yourself and give it the agency to take you somewhere new, somewhere unholy. Now go back to sleep…”
‘Tragic Magic’ is the highly anticipated follow up to Spell’s critically acclaimed 2020 LP, ‘Opulent Decay’, a record hailed as “fantasy rock” by Blabbermouth, “enchanting” by Heavy Blog is Heavy, and “captivating” by Revolver. The record’s songcraft is steeped in the atmosphere of the arcane, yet the hooks are more razor-sharp than ever. While influences like the esoteric charge of the aforementioned Blue Öyster Cult and the elemental expansions of Camel drift through these crepuscular melodies, Spell are as likely to be influenced by the life-affirming energy of ‘60s Motown, the ethereal dimensions of Cocteau Twins, the strident woe of Candlemass, and the classic songwriting chops of Russ Ballard.
Another taste of what ‘Tragic Magic’ holds in store can be ingested now on the previously unveiled video for the LP’s radiating first single “Ultraviolet”. Created by Sean Edwards for Ramble Films (Freeways), the eye-catching clip showcases Spell at the height of its powers.
“The themes on this album are more concrete, guided by personal experience,” offers Mesmer. “Tragic Magic’ has to do with mental illness, ageing, the death of a loved one, the decay of time… this is what ‘tragic magic’ means to us – loss and tragedy outside of our control, which fundamentally alters our perceived reality. This album is our response to the world as it currently is music for an ascetic age. The identity of Spell came into sharp focus as it was always intended to be.”
Ultraviolet” explores the hidden terror of forces that rule us but cannot be perceived or understood,” says Spell vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Cam Mesmer. “Our world is shaped by powers that the limitations of our physical bodies prevent us from directly encountering. Will we fall victim to the lust for that which cannot be ours, or harness them to fulfil our wildest dreams?”
“If this band was a van, they would be the raddest, most pimped out airbrushed 70’s van with plush interior and a BOOMING system. SPELL is a perfect name for them, because their songs are jamming heavy metal magic.” – Cvlt Nation
“Psychedelic space rock exploration steeped in sludge and fuzz. Tipping their caps to a range of classic hard rock influences like Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Rush and even old-school Mercyful Fate, Spell captures a dreary, overcast and lo-fi vibe” – Exclaim!
SPELL is: Cam Mesmer: vocals, bass, rhythm guitar/ Al Lester: vocals, drums, lead guitar. (* Synthesizers by Gabriel B)
Canadian rock biographer Jeffrey Morgan has a new book out titled Alice Cooper Confidential: Confessions! Secrets! Fan Mail! Morgan wrote for many years for iconic 70s & 80s rock mag Creem, being invited by the legendary Lester Bangs. Creem was the next biggest music publication after Rolling Stone. Morgan became Alice’s official biographer writing Alcohol and Razor Blades, Poison and Needles: The Glorious Wretched Excess of Alice Cooper, All-American, which came in the 1999 box set The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper. With Alice Cooper Confidential, Jeffrey Morgan puts together a pile of Alice features, most notably being pages of fan mail (emails) from AC fans who want to contact Alice. Interesting to read, as so many fans have no problem inviting Alice over for a BBQ, a birthday party, a wedding, out for a game of golf – you name it! Or they just want to share some odd story about something to do with him, most of which will leave you shaking your head. Beware if you think you wrote to him in the past! Elsewhere this138 page coffee table read book is full of fantastic photos from every era of Alice’s career, on & off stage (cool to see the late Nash the Slash’s early photos of the AC band in Toronto), various other images! Most interesting is a previously unpublished interview from 2009. An interesting addition to any Alice fan’s collection.
British Hard Rock Supergroup Snakecharmer Anthology 4-CD Box Set Feat. Former Members of Whitesnake, Wishbone Ash, and Thunder Available for Pre-order
An awesome line-up of veteran British rockers, Snakecharmer put out 2 albums in 2013 and 2017. Both albums are full of British classic rock ala early Whitesnake, Bad Company, and the other respective bands some of these guys were a part of. Really, just excellent British rock, as you’d expect Founding member and original Whitesnake guitarist Micky Moody left after the first album to be replaced by Simon McBride, a much younger player who has recently been named the new permanent guitarist for Deep Purple! This 4-disc set comes with bonus tracks, as well as 2 live shows recorded a year apart, featuring the band’s own favorites, as well as a number of Whitesnake classics. *Check out the press info below, track-listing, and links below!
British hard rock supergroup Snakecharmer was formed in 2013 by former members of Whitesnake, Wishbone Ash, and Thunder.
The resulting line-up is a veritable who’s-who of classic hard rock: Vocalist Chris Ousey (Heartland), Guitarist Laurie Wisefield (Home/ Wishbone Ash), Drummer Harry James (Thunder/ Magnum), and Keyboardist Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne) Guitarist Micky Moody (Whitesnake)
Given the band’s pedigree, it was inevitable that the music would sound like good-time, classic melodic hard rock with a blues edge, their eponymous debut was released in 2013 by Frontiers. The response from fans and critics alike was rapturous, and the band toured to wide acclaim.
In 2015, Moody left the band, replaced by young Irish-born virtuoso Simon McBride (now of Deep Purple). Snakecharmer’s follow up album, Second Skin, arrived in 2017.
This 4-CD box set collects the bands two studio albums as well as two live shows from Milton Keynes which show the band at work in a live environment, the booklet has notes by Classic Rocks Dave Ling talking to the band about their career as well as newly mastered studio albums done by Tony Dixon.
Featuring: Chris Ousey – Vocals Simon McBride – Guitar Laurie Wisefield – Guitar Adam Wakeman – Keyboards Neil Murray – Bass Harry James – Drums Micky Moody – Guitar
Track list: DISC ONE: Snakecharmer My Angel Accident Prone To The Rescue Falling Leaves A Little Rock & Roll Turn Of the Screw Smoking Gun Stand Up Guilty As Charged Nothing To Lose Cover Me in You BONUS TRACKS White Boy Blues A Breath Away – Japan Only Bonus Track
DISC TWO: Second Skin Sounds Like a Plan That Kind of Love Are You Ready to Fly? Follow Me Under I’ll Take You as You Are Hell Of a Way to Live Fade Away Dress It Up Punching Above My Weight Forgive And Forget Where Do We Go from Here? BONUS TRACK On My Way – Japan Only Bonus Track
DISC THREE: Live at The Stables, Milton Keynes 26/01/2014 Guilty As Charged A Little Rock & Roll Ready An’ Willing Accident Prone Walking In the Shadow of The Blues Falling Leaves Moody’s Blues Slow An’ Easy My Angel [Band Introductions] Cover Me in You Nothing To Lose Here I Go Again Fool For Your Loving
DISC FOUR: Live at The Stables, Milton Keynes 17/01/2015 Intro. Guilty As Charged A Little Rock & Roll Ready An’ Willing Cover Me in You Accident Prone Falling Leaves Walking In the Shadow of The Blues My Angel Moody’s Blues Slow An’ Easy Nothing To Lose Here I Go Again Take Me with You Fool For Your Loving
Walter Egan’s upcoming album titled Pluck, will be out in late November via Red Steel Music. The first single is a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”. Egan’s version is a must-hear, with a different approach, giving the song a fresh new sound that didn’t want me to run and put the Mac version on afterwards! In the late 70s members of Fleetwood Mac produced and played on Egan’s first 2 solo albums. The single was produced by Walter Egan and Robert Corich, while the video was filmed & directed by Callum Fernandes – Clarke.
John Sloman has a new video out. It’s “Blind”, on Red Steel Music. The track has been produced by John & Robert Corich, and remastered by Bella Corich, who adds a livelier sound to an already excellent song from 2016. “Blind” will be featured on John’s forthcoming retrospective double album The Missing Link. Art for the single also by Callum Fernandes-Clarke.
John Sloman recently posted – “This is the new video for the soon to be released single (Blind) taken from the retrospective album ‘The Missing Link’ which will be released in a couple of months. The video is brilliantly directed by Callum Fernandes-Clarke who directed all three of my previous videos. Blind originally featured on the album ‘Don’t Try This At Home’.”
Further, the track was recently featured on Classic Rock’s Louder Sound‘Tracks Of The Week‘. You can check that out And vote for “Blind” there!
Outsider Rock 