The latest album from Avi Rosenfeld is out and is very much in the mold of classic Rainbow, featuring a pair of singers – Josa Tamas (from Hungarian bands Divided and Archaic), as well as Deibys Artigas from Spain. There are a number of players from around the globe on this, but it’s Canadian keyboard player David Stone (ex Rainbow, Max Webster) who is the guest star here, and leaves his mark playing Hammond organ & synths on the 10 minute epic “I Believe In The Sunrise”, with Rosenfeld delivering a fairly Blackmore-Rainbow era guitar feel throughout this one. Best cuts include “Down To The Waterline”, “Rock Down The Stage” (featuring Michael T Ross on keys, ex of Angel, currently of Aldo Nova’s band), and the last 2 here – the largely instrumental “Hey Uchnem”, and the excellent classic Rainbow/Purple type rocker “Out Of The Shadows”, dig the vocal, the backing vox, the Hammond organ from Michael Berry throughout this, and the guitar solo courtesy of Wellington Alves.
Enjoyed this album, and I’m sure anyone into classic rock that features Hammond organ will dig this. Cool album cover too – was someone drawing David Stone on this(?) *Check out the press info below, as well as links, and video!
“In the style of Dio, Rainbow, Iron Maiden, Jethro Tull, Judas Priest, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple …. “Burn The Castle” is tribute to the best Hard Rock and Metal bands of the 70’s and 80’s, Featuring the powerful voices of Josa Tamas and Deibys Artigas. “
“Rainbow’s David Stone is playing Keyboards on one of the songs, another time this dream come true. He wrote “Gates of Babylon” with Ritchie Blackmore, a great honor to have this guy on board. This albums features the mighty vocals of Josa Tamas and Deibys Artigas, super vocalists with mighty voices that cut through the mix straight into the heart. Together with super musicians from all over the world we recorded this cool album. A tribute to the times when music was real. We gotta keep the torch or Rock alive , Long Live Rock’n’Roll!”
To be released on November 24 through Cherry Red is the long-lost collaboration by Glenn Hughes and Robin George. Originally recorded in 1989, this 13 track CD comes from the original tapes, and also features other former members of Trapeze.
A chance meeting between Glenn Hughes and Robin George eventually resulted in an invitation for Glenn to sing backing vocals for Robin and Sean Harris’ Notorious album, which lead to a full collaboration between Robin and Glenn. The album started life as a solo Robin George record and developed into ‘Overcome’, complete with four songs co-written by the pair; ‘Number One’, ‘Sweet Revenge’, ‘Don’t Come Crying’, and the title track.
Such was the faith and strength in the new recordings, that a major label deal was struck but fell through, leaving these recordings to languish in the vaults. Glenn is on fine form on the album, and among the 13 tracks of melodic, and occasionally funky, hard rock, one special treat is the track ‘Haunted’, essentially recorded by a reformed Trapeze, featuring Dave Holland, Mel Galley and Terry Rowley.
Glenn Hughes has quite rightly been hailed “The Voice Of Rock”, and for good reason. With a career that kicked off with Mel Galley and Dave Holland in Trapeze in 1970, followed by Deep Purple between 1973 and 1976, Glenn would also form Hughes / Thrall, join Black Sabbath, enjoy a successful solo career, collaborate with artists as varied as Gary Moore, Joe Lynn Turner and the KLF, founding Black Country Communion and California Breed, and fronting The Dead Daisies.
Over the years, Robin George has collaborated with many musical legends, from Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Thin Lizzy’s Philip Lynott, Uriah Heep’s David Byron, UFO’s Pete Way, John Wetton & Asia, Daniel Boone, Raymond Froggatt and the Quireboys’ Spike. As a native of Wolverhampton, it’s no surprise that a musician of Robin George’s caliber would cross paths with local heroes Trapeze.
TRACK LISTING:
1 Flying 2 Overcome 3 I Want 4 Haunted (featuring Trapeze’s Dave Holland, Mel Galley & Terry Rowley) 5 Number One 6 Sweet Revenge 7 The American Way 8 Machine 9 Steal My Heart 10 Things Have Gotta Change 11 Don’t Come Crying 12 Loving You 13 War Dance
Mott The Hoople “All The Young Dudes” 50th Anniversary Edition Box Set With Newly Remastered Audio Out December 8th on Madfish Music
Legendary Rock act Mott the Hoople celebrate the 50th anniversary of their landmark album “All The Young Dudes” with a limited edition deluxe box set, featuring newly remastered audio, due to be released on Madfish on December 8th. The remastered album will also be made available as a limited edition double orange vinyl LP.
Originally released in the UK on the 8th of September 1972, the title track (penned by David Bowie) became their highest-charting hit single, the record also included the definitive cover of Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane” alongside the inventive and suggestive “Momma’s Little Jewel”, the Stones-styled “Jerkin Crocus” and Mick Ralphs’ heartfelt “Ready For Love”.
Mott the Hoople’s 5th studio album remains a special and vital record. Cited as an inspiration from artists that span the world of Rock ranging from Queen, The Clash and Kiss to Primal Scream, Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard’s whose frontman Joe Elliott still to this day remains a devoted fan.
“Mott the Hoople was the greatest rock’n’roll band ever” – Joe Elliott (Def Leppard)
“Raw, fun, angry, glorious and jagged… Mott was everything” – Brian May (Queen)
“If it hadn’t been for Mott, there would be no us” Mick Jones (The Clash)
The band oozes attitude and unpredictability and have recorded a peerless legacy of songs that combine homage, honesty and killer hooks. Mott the Hoople occupy a unique place in the annals of international Rock music.
Ian Hunter, the band’s lead singer has been cited as one of the most inventive writers of the early Seventies, linked to the Ziggy Stardust story, Mott’s rendition of “All The Young Dues” remains the definitive version of Bowie’s masterpiece. It’s a record that proved to be inspirational and still excites and resonates decades later.
‘All The Young Dudes’ will be released on December 8th 2023 on Madfish as a high quality, limited edition 5-disc deluxe box set that includes rare tracks and previously unreleased song versions.
See below for the full contents of “All The Young Dudes” boxset: • 2LP in Gatefold Sleeve – LP1 Remastered Album / LP2 Rare Mixes and Sessions Tracks • 2CDs: CD 1 Remastered Album / CD2 Rare Mixes and Sessions Tracks • 12” Single with rare ‘Unlocked Cars’ version of “All The Young Dudes” + “One Of The Boys” (rare UK B-Side) • 72-Page Hardback Book with liner notes by Mott the Hoople and Ian Hunter biographer Campbell Devine • 2 Posters, 3 Art Prints, ‘Sea Divers’ Fan Club Card and an Individually Numbered Certificate
Mott The Hoople – All The Young Dudes (50th Anniversary Box)
LP1 (All The Young Dudes – 2023 Remaster) Side A 01 Sweet Jane 02 Momma’s Little Jewel 03 All The Young Dudes 04 Sucker 05 Jerkin’ Crocus Side B 01 One Of The Boys 02 Soft Ground 03 Ready For Love / After Lights 04 Sea Diver
LP2 (Bonus Tracks)
Side C 01 One of the Boys (1980 remix of 1971 Island Recording) 02 Black Scorpio (1980 remix of 1972 Island Recording) 03 Movin’ On (1980 remix of 1972 Island Recording) 04 Ride On The Sun (1980 remix of 1972 Island Recording) 05 All The Young Dudes (1998 Bowie / Hunter Vocal Audio-morph) Side D 01 One Of The Boys (Edited Version) 02 Sweet Jane (US Single A-side) 03 Shakin’ All Over (Trident Session outtake) 04 Please Don’t Touch (Trident Session outtake) 05 So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) (Trident session outtake) 06 One Of The Boys (US Single A-side)
CD1 (All The Young Dudes – 2023 Remaster) 01 Sweet Jane 02 Momma’s Little Jewel 03 All The Young Dudes 04 Sucker 05 Jerkin’ Crocus 06 One Of The Boys 07 Soft Ground 08 Ready For Love / After Lights 09 Sea Diver
CD2 (Bonus Tracks) 01 One of the Boys (1980 remix of 1971 Island Recording) 02 Black Scorpio (1980 remix of 1972 Island Recording) 03 Movin’ On (1980 remix of 1972 Island Recording) 04 Ride On The Sun (1980 remix of 1972 Island Recording) 05 All The Young Dudes (1998 Bowie / Hunter Vocal Audiomorph) 06 One Of The Boys (Edited Version) 07 Sweet Jane (US Single A-side) 08 Shakin’ All Over (Trident Session Outtake) 09 Please Don’t Touch (Trident Session Outtake) 10 So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) (Trident Session Outtake) 11 One Of The Boys (US Single A-side)
Vinyl Single – 7″ Side A 01 All The Young Dudes (‘Unlocked Cars’ Version) Side B 01 One Of The Boys (UK Single B-side)
Legendary American rockers Dokken release the mesmerizing video for the new single ‘Over The Mountain’, taken from the band’s 13th studio album, Heaven Comes Down, out this week via Silver Lining Music.“‘Over The Mountain’ is a metaphoric song lyrically about people searching for better times and better days” explains Don Dokken. “It seems everybody is always looking for their Shangri-La.” “My studio in the Sangre de Cristo mountains has wrap-around windows staring at three mountains ranges and the city lights of Santa Fe below,” continues Don. “Your environment affects what you write. I’m not staring at a black soundproof wall, I’m looking out ten windows where I can see Sandia, Ortiz and Jemez mountains, looking at the sunset every day, purple, yellow and pink, and it affects you… very inspiring.” Watch the captivating video for ‘Over The Mountain’ . Video by Above The Void
RELEASE SINGLE / VIDEO ‘OVER THE MOUNTAIN’NEW ALBUM, HEAVEN COMES DOWNOUT THIS WEEK VIA SILVER LINING MUSIC
Previous videos from Heaven Comes Down – Watch/listen to ‘Gypsy’ here. and ‘Fugitive’here.
Heaven Comes Down will be released this Friday October 27th 2023, on CD Digipak, 12” Vinyl Album in Black and color variants, digital formats and special D2C products and bundles. Pre-order now at this location
Italian prog-metal band DGM have a new album coming out next month, and have just released their 2nd single from it. It’s a faster paced rockin’ track titled “To The Core”, a nice follow up to the epic “Unravel The Sorrow”. Check out the videos below, as well as the press info, and links!
Today, DGM share their new track, “To The Core”, accompanied by a new music video. This is the second single from their upcoming new album, ‘Life’, out November 17th on Frontiers Music Srl.
‘Life’ is the product of a two year period of creativity during which DGM’s main man, Simone Mularoni, wrote a wealth of musical material. The songs clearly show his desire to push the band beyond any previous boundaries and to build a more personal identity and approach. Truly, no small feat given the band’s catalog!
All the trademark elements of DGM’s sound can be found on ‘Life’ – sweeping choruses, deftly technical passages, lightning-fast fretwork, huge vocals and dynamic transitions – but the care and the dedication to the songwriting boldly emerges. Filled with phenomenal songs which carefully encompass everything from the heaviest of progressive metal to a more classic hard rock sound, the playing on this new album is faultless, as usual, and the melodies are perfectly woven into killer guitar work, epic keyboards, and pounding drums.
DGM comment, “’Life’ is exactly the sum of all the elements that build the DGM’s sound so far. Over the years we’re focusing more and more on the quality of the songs rather than the usual prog-metal technical aspects, putting all our efforts in the arrangements and caring every little detail of each song. We strongly believe that this album is the peak of our songwriting!”
Additionally, DGM’s line-up is more cohesively gelled than ever but, beyond Mularoni’s spectacular guitar playing, a special mention goes to singer Mark Basile who truly dominates the new material like a helmsman on a stormy night.
Watch out for DGM! They are not only Italy’s finest, but are an absolutely astounding force to be reckoned with in the international progressive metal scene. With ‘Life’ they offer up their fastest, heaviest, most intense platter of progressive power metal to date.
*DGM are planning a European tour in support of the album’s release. Dates will be announced soon.
Track List: 1 Unravel The Sorrow 2 To The Core 3 The Calling 4 Second Chance 5 Find Your Way 6 Dominate 7 Eve 8 Journey To Nowhere 9 Leave All Behind 10 Neuromancer
Initial Kick Featuring Angel Bassist Steve E. Ojane Drops Debut Album Plays With Mercury Through DEKO Entertainment
Initial Kick is the high-energy Philadelphia-based rock band helmed by singer / songwriter Steve E. Ojane (Angel) and lead guitarist Frankie Schaffer (Hurricane Jane.) Inspired by the influences of Mott The Hoople, Hanoi Rocks, Alice Cooper, T. Rex, and David Bowie, the boys offer up their own unique blend of songwriting and performance to the genre of arena rock with their debut album ‘Plays With Mercury’.
Steve E. Ojane replaced bassist Felix Robinson in the legendary ’70s glam band Angel in 2018 and contributed to their Billboard charting comeback album ‘Risen’ and latest release ‘Once Upon A Time’. Initial Kick’s debut album ‘Plays With Mercury’ features 12 tracks including a cover of The Archies “Sugar Sugar” and the first single “Tranquilizer” which dropped on September 15th.
As Initial Kick co-founders Steve E. Ojane and Frankie Schaffer state, “This album is our love letter to rock and roll. With a driving passion for the theatrical anthem rock we all grew up on, we had a blast putting this together. We think it’s pretty special and we’re stoked to share it with you. Crank it up!” Plays With Mercury was mixed by Steve DeAcutis (Vanilla Fudge, Corey Glover, Dave Bickler, Angel, etc…) and features guest appearances by fellow Angel bandmates Billy Orrico and Charlie Calv, as well as Richie Ranno (STARZ.)
Track list: On The Inside Tomorrow And Forever Wish You Well (Once Upon A Time) Tranquilizer Sotheby’s Wasteland (It’s A Mall World After All) Me And Rock And Roll Sloane Road Kids ’93 At Home With The Animals Sugar Sugar Big In Singapore Rock And Roll Saved My Life
DOKKEN has a brand new album out next week. The band was one of the best that came out of the LA ‘metal’ scene in the ’80s with hits like “Breaking The Chains”, “In My Dreams”, “Just Got Lucky”, and “Alone Again”. They definitely built an impressive catalogue of albums throughout the ’80s, but over the years the ‘original’ band members would come and go, and for the past several years vocalist / songwriter and namesake Don Dokken has been keeping the Dokken name alive (rightfully so). The rest of the band consists of guitarist Jon Levin (for some 20 years now), and the longtime rhythm section of BJ Zampa and Chris McCarvill. Heaven Comes Down was produced by Don Dokken and Bill Palmer, and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Aerosmith…). Don Dokken’s health issues over the past decade plus have been documented, and the guy’s taken criticism online on occasion over his voice in later years, but really the guy is 70, still out there, and listening to Heaven Comes Down – he can still write good songs and delivers them fine by me! In going back and checking out the band’s previous few albums, I would say this is much better. The songs and production suit Don’s voice well; he sounds good throughout this, not overdoing it, but still rockin’. Heaven Comes Down is not ‘metal’ (was Dokken ever really metal?), but it rocks, and offers a good range of songs, with a few surprises. “Fugitive” was the lead off single, and it’s the first track on the album, a great opener with Jon Levin’s guitar notes, and the band coming in, easily a favorite here. I also dig the 2nd single “Gypsy”, a cool story behind it, and well – gotta love the title (thinking of all the classic bands that have used the same title & idea — Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath). There is a good mix of rockers and a few ballads here, with favorites being “Saving Grace”, “Lost In You”, and the ballad “Never Give Up”. Plenty of cool intros and hooks throughout this, with Jon Levin being outstanding on this. Heaven Comes Down closes with the most interesting and perhaps best non-rock Dokken tune ever – “Santa Fe”, a memorable acoustic ballad, biographical lyrics , as Don sings about packing up and moving on. Is it a sign that this is Dokken’s last album (as Don has suggested in interviews)? Let’s hope not, as Heaven Comes Down is a great return after a decade. Check it out!
URIAH HEEP’s sixth studio album since their inception in 1970, was released in September of 1973.Sweet Freedom marked a change in direction for the band following the favorites – Demons And Wizards and The Magician’s Birthday, both released in 1972, both including fantasy themes and Roger Dean artwork. But following the band’s Live album released earlier in 1973, the band spoke of the unwanted attention that the previous 2 albums drew in based on the song titles and lyrical topics, and that they’d be steering clear of that on their next album. The band’s contract with Mercury Records was also up and they were signed to Warner Brothers in North America. Warners was a bigger label, and had loads of the big name heavy acts at the time, so Heep would make a fine addition to their roster. With Sweet Freedom the band began a more mainstream approach. This new album came in a brightly colored cover featuring the band on the front in a sunset, and a tri-fold sleeve to include individual photos,lyrics and credits (gone would be Ken Hensley’s liner notes). Cover and photos by Fin Costello.
Sweet Freedom featured the single “Stealin'”, penned by Ken Hensley. Although it be de-railed from being a massive hit single due to radio stations, at the time, not playing it because of the line “I done the rancher’s daughter”, it would go on to be a huge favorite amongst fans, and a live favorite regularly for decades to come. Based on a story Hensley claimed was pure imagination, it is one of the best examples of David Byron interpreting his words so convincingly. And add in Gary Thain’s bass (intro) and Mick Box’s brilliant solo, “Stealin'” is Heep at their best. But there’s 7 other cuts here, and they’re all classic Heep. “Dreamer”, penned by Box & Thain is a solid rocker that opens the album, telling the tale of a fan who hangs around the band, the feel-good short rocker “One Day”, and title track round out the first side.
“If I Had The Time”, opens side 2 with Hensley using more keyboards, giving this a more prog & psych feel. He would later in life disagree with some of his own lyrics here, commenting that he wouldn’t do things the same given the chance ‘if I had the time to re-live my life’. “Seven Stars”, another Hensley tune based on a dream would be the album’s 2nd single. The last 2 tracks tho’ are huge favorites – the acoustic “Circus”, another penned by Box & Thain would’ve made an excellent single (much more so than “Seven Stars”, IMO). Heck, I would suggest between Gary Thain’s songwriting contributions and playing throughout, that Sweet Freedom would be his best record with Heep. The album closes with the Hensley & Byron epic “Pilgrim”. It’s a theatrical heavy rocker, with some cool changes, and a great vocal. Clocking in at over 7 minutes, about as long as post-’72 Heep would get, as they abandon the longer pieces as they moved to a more mainstream approach (the band’s next few albums would feature more shorter tunes).
Sweet Freedom was another big charting album for the band in many countries, notably in Canada where it reached top 10. Odd that I never hear anything from it on Canadian classic rock radio, tho “Stealin'” still gets played on many American stations (like Buffalo’s 97 Rock). Sweet Freedom was also the first album Heep recorded outside of the UK (for tax reasons), at France’s Chateau D’Herouville, which was a popular studio at the time. They would stumble a bit with the next album which they also recorded out of country, in Germany. Sweet Freedom though is essential Uriah Heep listening from the band’s golden era.
*Leave a comment and let me know where Sweet Freedom sits amongst your favorite Uriah Heep albums.
*Songs from Sweet Freedom can be heard live on the release of the band’s 1973 King Biscuit Flower Hour, as well as a decent audience bootleg from the band’s show in Buffalo, New York, a few weeks prior to the album’s release. Aside from “Stealin'”, a few other tracks have been brought back to the live show on occasion, so live versions of “Sweet Freedom”, “Circus”, and “Seven Stars” exist with Bernie Shaw & Phil Lanzon. Ken Hensley also released an early take of “If I Had The Time” on his 1993 compilation of outtakes From Time To Time.
URIAH HEEP, “SWEET FREEDOM.” Uriah’s first album for the Brothers Warner is loaded with explosively driving rock that should leap to the top of the charts. “Stealin’ ” looks like a giant hit single and Ken Hensley and Gary Thain have written a heap of solid tunes, including “One Day,” “If I Had Time,” “Pilgrim” and “Seven Stars.” Warner Bros. BS 2724 (Record World, 09-29-1973)
SWEET FREEDOM-Uriah Heep-Warner Brothers-BS 2724 On their debut for their new label, Uriah Heep comes on stronger than ever and look ready to storm American shores as they have in their native England. Spearheaded by their current single release, “Stealin’,” this Heep disk is a very powerful demonstration of what the group is capable of delivering and one which should impress the masses upon first listening. Along with the single is the power driving title track and “Dreamer” other Heep compositions that score heavily, and only do more to increase their already high level of respectability. If you’ve been waiting for the vehicle to really get this group on their way, the wait is over. “Sweet Freedom” is here. (CashBox, 09-23-1973)
The follow up to GOLDEN EARRING‘s breakthrough album in North America (Moontan from 1973), was Switch, released in March of ’75. With the success of Moontan, and particularly the hit “Radar Love” in North America, the Dutch band toured more in the US and Canada, and a follow-up album would’ve been highly anticipated. Switch was the band’s 10th album, and would be given a big promotional push (see below) from MCA, likely with big expectations. As the title Switch – Golden Earring would make a few switches, including adding a keyboard player, a couple of guest players, and in direction with a more pop and experimental record. Keyboard player Robert Jan Stips was listed as a bandmember, having left Dutch prog band Supersister, and guests Eelco Geiling (slide guitar) and Bertus Borgers (sax) – both of whom guested on Moontan, as well as George Kooymans solo project ‘Jojo‘.
While Moontan featured the classic cover photo by Ronnie Hertz in a gatefold sleeve, Switch came in a single sleeve with cover featuring a drawing of wooden puppet on a string in distress (with a few strings broken), done by Corstiaan de Vries – who was best known for his portraits, and had worked on costumes and sets in the Rotterdam ballet. I think it’s a great cover, with a white backing, lyrics and band pics inserted. Songs for Switch would be mainly shorter and more varied, almost as if the band was really looking for a hit single. Things start out promising with the “Intro”, with synths soaring overtop, kinda reminiscent of more progressive bands like Pink Floyd or Eloy; this couples with the upbeat largely instrumental rock of “Plus Minus Absurdio”, with the words being repeated in the song. “Love Is A Rodeo” kicks off with a classic riff from George Kooymans, and this this track is a cool rocker; dig the backing vocals on the chorus, and the organ and keyboards throughout this one. Would’ve made a fine single. Perhaps the album’s best known cuts would be the singles – “The Switch”, and “Kill Me (Ce Soir)”, both very different to anything the band had done before. “Kill Me” told the tale of an activist rock star’s assassination – “Vick Timms…a vague tribute to Jim Morrison”. Interesting that the single is titled “Ce Soir”, while the album track is titled “Kill Me (Ce Soir)”, great vocals from Barry Hay. The title track dealt with various things that can be switched, and is one of my favorite here, with various changes, and use of piano, synths, and George Kooymans’ solos that highlight this recording (unfortunately, much of this was chopped off for the single edit). I gotta say I kind of prefer a few of the live recorded versions out there from the ensuing tour.
Side 2 features the reggae influenced “Tons Of Time”; a good tune and interesting, with a few changes, and a very cool synth & guitar break. This one was released as a single in some territories as well. “Daddy’s Gonna Save My Soul” a tale of a rich kid who’s tycoon father is going to save him. Also memorable for Bertus Borgers’ epic sax solo. Another favorite here is “Troubles & Hassles”, another rocker, with some lighter piano moments and a killer solo. Switch ends with “Lonesome DJ”, a story of a disc jockey reaching out to an ex girlfriend, hoping she’s still tuned in. The first part of the song (w/ George Kooymans’ lead vocal) is a ballad based on piano and lighter guitar, with a good vocal & harmony blend. The song’s 2nd movement rocks, featuring more piano and Hammond organ coming to the end; musically this part of the song reminds me of “Monster” by Steppenwolf (anyone else?). This is another that I think would’ve made a fine single, and perhaps one that would still get air-play. What I really like about this album is the overall sound and production; with the keyboards giving it a much more modern sound and the album sounding ahead of it’s time and still fresh. Although I enjoy the whole album, I think it lacked that epic follow up single to “Radar Love”. Most of this album would feature in the band’s live show at various times over the next year + , including the B-side “Lucky Number” (see the few live recordings on Youtube), but nothing from Switch would wind up on the band’s classic Live album!
In the band’s homeland, Switch topped the charts, but in North America it didn’t measure up to Moontan, just breaking the Top 100 in Canada (#79), and not even breaking the US Billboard’s top 100. The band would continue to change with their next few albums, and this most adventurous and enjoyable record seems to get mixed reviews by fans. A shame Switch wasn’t huge for Golden Earring over hear, despite it’s differences and lack of success, I think it makes for essential ’70s rock listening. As a ‘newer’ fan to Golden Earring, I’d like to hear what longtime fans thought of this album at the time and where it ranks amongst the band’s many studio recordings.
Major MCA Push For Earring HOLLYWOOD – Rick Frio, MCA vice president of marketing, has announced a promotion and sales campaign to coincide with the March release of Golden Earring’s track/MCA LP “Switch” and with the Dutch rock group’s concert tour of the U.S. set for spring. MCA has prepared radio spots for airing in key markets. In addition, print ads will appear in all major trade and consumer publications to tie in with Golden Earring’s American tour dates. T-shirts, iron-ons, stickers and posters are also being prepared. In-store and window displays will be shipped to key dealers and a billboard on Sunset Blvd. will announce the release of Golden Earring’s LP, “Switch.” Golden Earring is set to begin their 21/2 month -long tour April 3. The band will headline concerts in 21 cities. (CashBox News, )3-08-75)
New Earring Single HOLLYWOOD – Rick Frio, MCA vice president of marketing, has announced that a single, “Ce Soir,” by recording group Golden Earring, will be released in February, prior to the release of Golden Earring’s second Track/MCA LP, “Switch.” Golden Earring’s first Track/MCA album, “Moontan,” was certified gold by the R.I.A.A. in 1974. (CashBox, 02-22-75)
New Earring Single LOS ANGELES – MCA Records is rush – releasing the single, “Switch,” from Golden Earring’s album of the same name. Shipping date is set for May 7. Golden Earring is currently on tour in the United States to support their album. The Dutch group is selling out in many areas requiring the addition of second shows. (CashBox, 05-03-75)
GOLDEN EARRING – Switch. Track Super 2406 117. Production: Golden Earring – Currently touring in Britain, Golden Earring is a very accomplished band, and this album will go a long way towards proving to executive producer Freddy Haayen that they are in line for public recognition in Britain. A single from the album, Kill Me (Ce Soir) has been lifted as a single, and the company are hoping it will give them their second hit in the UK. following on from Radar Love. Production work is superb, and adds weight to an excitingly programmed collection. (Music Week, May 3, 1975)
GOLDEN EARRING, “SWITCH.” Dutch delights further their Track tradition on this second label release, as Barry Hay’s onstage eroticism grabs hold of vinyl too. The selections are heavy metal movers spiced with the quintet’s dramatic flavor, as the exciting “Love Is a Rodeo,” “Troubles & Hassles” and “Kill Me (Ce Soir)” tunefully testify. Track/MCA-2139 (Record World, 03-22-75).
SWITCH – Golden Earring – MCA MCA -2139 – Producers: Golden Earring Another smash disc from this heavy metal band from Holland. Tight vocal harmonies and excellent musicianship highlight this follow-up to their first top album. Heavy FM airplay is un – doubtable for this one. Of the eight selections on this record we especially like “Intro/Plus Minus Absurdio,” “The Switch,” and the current single “Kill Me (Ce Soir).” We predict to be hearing a lot of this group in the future. (CashBox, 03-22-75)
Montreal’s THE DAMN TRUTH have announced a rockin’ new single titled “I Just Gotta Let You Know”, ahead of their UK tour. The single will be released October 20, and is available to pre-save on all streaming platforms HERE. The single will also be accompanied with an official music video that will premiere on the day of release. In the meantime, watch the trailer for the official music video on YouTube HERE. *For more info check out the press release below….
The single “I Just Gotta Let You Know” dovetails The Damn Truth’s October 2023 UK Headline Concerts, plus shows supporting Glenn Hughes on his Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live Celebrating The 50th Anniversary of ‘Burn’ UK tour. Tickets for all concerts are available fromTheGigcartel.com
“This is the first song from the sessions for our forthcoming studio album that we are recording with our producer Bob Rock (Aerosmith, Metallica, Motley Crue) at Bryan Adam’s recording studio ‘The Warehouse’ in Vancouver,” says TDT’s lead singer Lee-La Baum.
Continues Lee-la, “Working with Bob a second time was even more inspiring than the first. I don’t know exactly what comes over me, but when I’m in the vocal booth singing into Frank Sinatra’s mic, knowing that Bob is in the other room, basically hanging on my every breath, I am able to let go and try all sorts of things that weren’t ever in my mind before. It’s really freaking fun!”
Adds lead guitarist Tom Shemer, “The whole thing started with a riff and I knew immediately that I had something cool here. I showed the riff to Lee-la and she came up with the melody and lyrics for the verses right there on the spot.”
“We had the song banging on high energy from beginning to end, very much in the spirit of The Kinks, and once the train was rolling, there was no stopping it.”
“Bob said ‘forget everything you know about guitar playing and just go for it.’ I only played one take of the solo. He was right!”
In 2021, TDT released the critically acclaimed album “Now or Nowhere.” Produced by Grammy Award-winning Bob Rock, the album is available fromwww.thedamntruth.com.
The band have been championed by the music press with extensive magazine coverage in Rolling Stone France, Classic Rock, Blues Matters, Guitarist, Powerplay, Guitar Techniques, Record Collector, Fireworks, Blues in Britain, Hard Rock Hell, MNPR, and R’N’R Magazine.
“The real magic of The Damn Truth is best experienced uncut, in our full set,” says TDT’s lead singer and guitarist, Lee-La Baum. “Our connection with our audiences is the most important thing, so don’t miss experiencing it when we tour the UK in October!”
Outsider Rock 