Alvin Gibbs And The Disobedient Servants, Le Pub Gabariers, France 25.08.22

Alvin Gibbs And The Disobedient Servants, Le Pub Gabariers, France 25.08.22

After the gig drought of the last couple of years, it’s important to take every opportunity to get out there and support your favourite artists. Here in the southwest of France, it’s no different. There haven’t been many gigs of late, so I was pleasantly surprised to hear that UK Subs legend Alvin Gibbs was playing at a bar just a few miles from chez Moi. Yes, it’s Thursday evening, yes, I’m working tomorrow, but let’s go!

I’ve stopped off at Pub Gabariers before, on an afternoon ride, so I knew it was a nice spot, next to the canal. Hearing that he was due to be joined on guitar by Steve Crittall (Black Bombers, ex-Godfathers, all-round nice chap) was the icing on the cake.

It’s a relaxed atmosphere at the pub/bistro, with just enough room inside for the band and a small audience, but Alvin is on home turf, having moved near Bordeaux some years ago. So, we get a variety of classics from the Subs, Iggy Pop/The Stooges, Alice Cooper, as well as some tunes from Alvin’s fine solo album, ‘Your Disobedient Servant’.

While the vocals could be a little louder, the bass is unsurprisingly upfront, and Steve’s guitar is suitably savage during the likes of ‘Down On The Street’ and ‘I Got A Right’, hitting just the right tone on ‘1969’. It was particularly good to hear ‘Ghost Train’ and ‘Clumsy Fingers’, and the Jonesy riff of ‘Tuff Baby’, with the surprise inclusion of ‘Children Of The Revolution’ and ‘Brand New Cadillac’. Something for everyone, including the handful of ragged Subs t-shirts; ‘Tomorrow’s Girl’ and ‘Warhead’ to end, complete with audience participation.

An unexpected treat on a Thursday evening. I hope to see the Subs again, probably in the UK, their recent album ‘Reverse Engineering’ is excellent, and tonight showed that Alvin’s songs merit a second solo album…

Author: Martin Chamarette

KISS CELEBRATES ‘CREATURES OF THE NIGHT’ WITH A SUPER DELUXE EDITION

KISS CELEBRATES ‘CREATURES OF THE NIGHT’ WITH A SUPER DELUXE EDITION

CLASSIC 1982 ALBUM TO BE RELEASED AS A SUPER DELUXE EDITION 5-CD + BLU- RAY AUDIO BOX SET, TRIPLE VINYL, HALF-SPEED MASTERED SINGLE LP, 2-CD DELUXE EDTION, 1-CD REMASTER, AND DIGITAL

Listen To The Previously Unreleased Track “Betrayed (Outtake)” Taken From ‘Creatures Of The Night 40,’ HERE

Los Angeles, CA – August 26, 2022 – Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Creatures Of The Night from 1982 is a seminal album in the KISS catalog. It crushed fans’ expectations with a huge, back-to-rock sound and has become a fan favorite and cult classic. On November 18, 2022, UMe will release Creatures Of The Night40 as a 5-CD + Blu-ray Audio Super Deluxe Edition, 3-LP Deluxe, 2-CD Deluxe, 1-LP Half-Speed Master 180gm, 1-CD Remaster, as well as a 5-CD Super Deluxe Edition Digital Download + Streaming and 2-CD Digital Download-only version plus a color Vinyl exclusive. All configurations can be pre-ordered through the official KISS online store, HERE.

Having rechanneled their efforts into consciously making a return to the hard rock that they were known for, KISS – Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Eric Carr – unleashed Creatures Of The Night in October of 1982. In addition to a harder sound, the album is also noted for its heavier, darker mood. The single “I Love It Loud” has been performed on nearly every subsequent KISS tour, while “War Machine,” the ballad “I Still Love You,” and the title song also featured heavily in their live sets for a number of years. Also of note is “Killer,” which featured the group’s first songwriting collaboration with their soon-to-be-guitarist Vinnie Vincent. Creatures Of The Night received accolades in magazines such as Kerrang!and Guitar Player – which both placed the album in their top five end of year chart for 1982 – and has attained Gold Album status (sales of 500,000+).


The ‘Creatures Of The Night 40’ Super Deluxe boasts 103 total tracks with 75 tracks being unreleased. Newly remastered on CD 1, the original album has never sounded better. CDs 2 & 3 feature 34 demos, rarities & outtakes including unreleased gems such as “Deadly Weapon (Penny Lane Demo),” “Not For The Innocent (Demo)” and “Betrayed (Outtake).” CDs 4 & 5 highlight 26 incredible, soundboard live recordings from the Creatures ‘82/’83 Tour and seven super rare tour sound effects, all recorded and archived by the Creatures Tour sound engineer Harry Witz. The Blu-ray Audio disc showcases a first-ever Atmos and 5.1 surround mix from the original album multi-tracks plus the high-resolution newly remastered 1982 stereo mix of the original album. 
Additionally, the Super Deluxe box features an extensive array of bonus kollectible KISS memorabilia and ephemera, including: 

  • 80-page Hardcover Book with Extensive Liner Notes by Ken Sharp and a treasure trove of unreleased photos and imagery
  • Creatures Of The Night 1982 Press Kit featuring:
  • Creatures Band Press Bio Sheet
  • Creatures Tour Band New Poster 11”x17”
  • 2 Stage Drawings
  • The Loudest Band In The World Poster 16”x24”
  • Japanese Promo Poster 16”x22.5”
  • Band Black & White Promo 8”x10”
  • Gene, Paul, Eric & Vinnie Color Photos 8”x10” 
  • Creatures 40th T-shirt Iron-on Transfer Sheet 
  • “I Love It Loud” Bumper Sticker
  • Australian Creatures Sticker
  • Marcanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro 6/18/83 Replica Ticket
  • Creatures Tour “Detroit” VIP Cloth Sticky Backstage Pass
  • 4 Killers-era Trading Cards 
  • Creatures 1982 Replica Tour Program
  • Gene, Paul, Eric & Vinnie – Chris Hoffman Illustrations 9”x12” 
  • Gotham Rock City News Volume 2 Newspaper – Track-By-Track Interviews with Gene, Paul, Eric, Vinnie, Michael James Jackson, Bryan Adams, Jim Vallance, Adam Mitchell and Mikel Japp 
  • 4 Glow-In-The-Dark Guitar Picks 
  • Iron-on Patch
  • 4 Buttons 

KISS is America’s #1 Gold Record Award winning Rock group of all time and have sold over 100 million records worldwide. Peerless as a live act, the band’s illustrious legacy is marked by record breaking global tours. Now, after an astonishing 49-year career, KISS – Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer – are currently in the midst of their END OF THE ROAD tour.

KISS Online
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KISS Kollection to Launch Navy Strength 57% Gin on Kruise

KISS Kollection to Launch Navy Strength 57% Gin on Kruise

Following the massive success of the 2021 launch of KISS Cold Gin, Brands For Fans, KISS, and their licensing agent, Epic Rights, have responded to the overwhelming demand for another high-quality product with navy strength gin. As KISS are setting sail with their fans this October, there is no better place to experience this new spirit than on the high seas of the band’s very own KISS Kruise.

The history behind calling a gin ‘navy strength’ dates back to the 18th century when the British Navy stored their spirits next to gunpowder.  Should the gin barrels split, spilling their liquid into the gunpowder, the higher strength content, a minimum of 57% alc/vol, ensured the gunpowder would still explode.

KISS Cold Gin Navy Strength 57% alc/vol has a five-time distilled base including juniper, lemon peel, and a selection of fine spices. There are no artificial flavours or added sweeteners. To maintain the highest quality, additional flavours of juniper and lemon are macerated and blended with the distillate, achieving a full balance of the botanical experience. This is a superior quality product, expertly created by globally recognised in-house master blender Daniel Henriksson.

KISS Cold Gin Navy Strength doesn’t just taste great, it looks incredible too! Impress your friends with this stylish bottle, including eye-catching silver and gold details, with all four band members metallically illustrated on each side of the Brooklyn Bridge. The main label features a gold disc and the iconic landmarks of New York City, including the Manhattan Skyline.  The stunning art deco pattern behind the disc is based on the scales of The Demon’s boots. This label artwork is a magnificent homage to KISSTORY and the band’s musical roots.

“The KISS Spirit’s range, Drink It Up by KISS, has now sold over 250,000 bottles worldwide.  We are so excited to launch this fantastic addition to the KISS portfolio and just in time for KISS Kruise,” says Yvonne Wener, head of Brands For Fans.

The product is available NOW, in the UK, mainland Europe, Sweden,

The Nordics, and in the US on Kiss Kruise at the end of October.

Click here to order:

Brands For Fans

https://drinkitupbykiss.com/

WASP by Ross Halfin pre-orders

WASP by Ross Halfin pre-orders

“It’s time to meet the group who the moral majority would most like to murder and the only group I can remember who’ve had a record banned by their own label… this is WASP!” Andy Kershaw.

 
Having sold over 12 million albums worldwide, WASP were one of the pre-eminent major label American Heavy Metal bands of the 1980’s. Formed in 1982 in Los Angeles California, the band built a large and dedicated global following with their eponymous debut album and subsequent releases including The Last Command, Into The Electric Circus, The Headless Children and more.
 
Managed by Legendary Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood, the band played some of the seminal concerts of the era including multiple visits to the renowned Donington Monsters of Rock festival in England in 1987 and 1992 and also toured the globe with other seminal acts such as Kiss, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Dokken and many more.
 
WASP by Ross Halfin starts at the very beginning in Hollywood CA where Ross shot the band for the first time at The Troubadour – the famous club on Santa Monica Blvd which launched the careers of many artists including Motley Crüe, Guns N Roses and Elton John to name just a few. Ross would work with the band right the way through this period from the small clubs to headlining venues such as Long Beach Arena and Hammersmith Odeon.
 
This book offers a unique insight into the classic period of WASP with an array of Ross’ fantastic dramatic live photos, coupled with candid offstage reportage capturing the humour and spirit of the characters behind the instruments, as well as studio sessions that would become iconic and defining for the band.
 
In addition to the photography, former WASP guitarist and co-songwriter Chris Holmes provides anecdotes and memories throughout the book, sharing insights and stories for the very first time that provide a truly exceptional commentary that is an absolute must for all fans of the band.
 
There are also forewords from the band’s original manager Rod Smallwood and Photographer Ross Halfin sharing their own perspectives and experiences with one of America’s most notorious and influential Metal bands of that era.

This 300 page plus coffee table book features a 3D lenticular cover, is bound in red recycled leather and presented in a protective slipcase. Only 300 numbered copies are available worldwide and each copy is personally signed by guitarist and songwriter Chris Holmes. The book costs £275 plus shipping worldwide.
 
Pre-orders start Today September 2nd, 3pm UK time and the book will ship at the end of November 2022. Here
 
A 10% pre-order discount can be claimed with the code WASP2022 at the checkout.

Buzzcocks – ‘Sonics In The Soul’ (Cherry Red Records)

Buzzcocks – ‘Sonics In The Soul’ (Cherry Red Records)

Sure there is an elephant in the room but to get through this album you’re going to have to park that particular beast and just listen to the record a few times purely on its own merit. Sure Pete was/is a huge part of what made Buzzcocks what they were and that element is no longer there. However, Steve is also a massive part of the equation and he is very much still here and on that basis, he has every right to continue under the name Buzzcocks. So, on that note welcome ladies and gentlemen to my five penneth worth on the brand spanking new Buzzcocks record ‘Sonics In The Soul’.

The record was proceeded by a very nice 10″ EP that contained the opening salvo of ‘Senses Out Of Control’. Now, Buzzcocks had two singers and for me two very different styles there was on the one hand Pete’s pop melodies in contrast to Steves’s more aggressive style more confrontational style so if I were to describe ‘Senses Out Of Control’ as a Steve song for the purposes of this review then you should have a decent idea of where I’m coming from. It’s a banger of an opening track with that Buzzsaw riff thrashing away all downstrokes towards the melodic chorus. It’s a call to arms and with some neat walking bass lines going on under the riff it’s getting multiple plays here after I “got it” and it’s a fine blast of fuck you from the legend that is Steve Diggle.

Are we sitting comfortably? ‘Manchester Rain’ is another uptempo blast but this time with a tip of the hat to Shelley with a nice hook on that lead guitar. It was one of those instant tunes that grabbed me from the first play. Loving the guitar work throughout from the shimmering effect to that one string lick that we all associate with Buzzcocks.

What do I get? Well, I get an album that has a whole bunch of excellent tunes and as I went into this with an open mind I feel I’ve been rewarded tenfold. What a great record from Steve, Chris and Danny – it’s always been all about the music and this record is a worthy contender. Buzzcocks – I love ’em.

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Author: Dom Daley

Godfathers – ‘Alpha Beta Gamma Delta’ (GodfathersRecordings2)

Godfathers – ‘Alpha Beta Gamma Delta’ (GodfathersRecordings2)

The last few albums from Godfathers, I think it’s fair to say were absolute belters. Mainstay Godfather Peter Coyne assembled some fine musicians to hold high the legacy worthy of the band’s rich tapestry and history. Post pandemic and it all changed with a fresh raft of Godfathers to carry forward the sound and fury. Two former Heavy Drapes Billy Duncanson (drums) and Richie Simpson (guitar) alongside former Damned bass player Jon Priestley with guitarist Wayne Vermaak from The Great St Louis completing the lineup for this album.

Written and recorded during the course of the Covid pandemic, the album was produced by The Godfathers’ bassist (and former Damned member) Jon Priestley giving it a glossy yet unfussy production leaving the songs room to breathe and punch their weight. A new band can offer a new lease of life for bands who’ve existed for several decades not necessarily changing the direction but shifting lanes if you like and this is no exception.  Adding an exciting, darker tone to the catalogue. ‘OCD’ borrows a riff and then proceeds to shake the foundations with a rock-solid tour de force. The chorus is simple and will get the heart rate up during live performances.

Coyne has said previously that you don’t have to like the artist to appreciate the art and constantly rotating the musicians might not endear him to many but you can’t deny the guy employs some fantastic players who buy into the music and from ‘Big Bad Beautiful Noise’, ‘Jukebox Fury’ and the superb live album ‘This Is War!’ the players brought the best out of Coyne and the tunes and I’m happy to report that this album follows suit with some very good songs being elevated by a band who gets the MO and buys into the attitude and delivers exactly what The name Godfathers legacy deserves.

‘Bring On The Sunshine’ eases you in rather than beating you over the head with volume and attack its got a cool effortless feel-good about it which is strange for Godfathers as I often feel like picking up a brick and launching it through a window but the chorus and the layers of BV’s works a treat. ‘You Gotta Wait’ is more like it from the power chords to Coyne’s spoken delivery this is what I was expecting. the chorus again is infectious before motoring back into the vverse. The rhythm is rock solid and powers the song leaving space for the guitars to weave an excellent tune.

Song titles like ‘I Hate The 21st Century’ is more like it and the jolting Clash-like melody twists towards the gang vocals that again add a texture that isn’t something I was expecting but works really well giving the song a commercial edge and a really good break down. ‘Midnight Rider’ has an arrangement and delivery that could be Iggy ‘Bla Bla Bla’ period or Bowie’s ‘Lodger’ even. Love those subtle backing vocals – whoo whoos! are always a winner. This is a commercial songwriting edge I wasn’t really expecting and am pleasantly surprised with it. The restraint shown on the playing is really good and works with the music and rather than just Rocking out (which I wouldn’t have complained about) holding back works in the song’s favour.

There is obviously a time and a place where turning the distortion up and just kicking out the jams works and that time is ‘Lay That Money Down’ where the production shines with a clear distorted guitar that hits the sweet spot whilst Billy hits that ride and drives this machine hard.

To be fair the more plays and the deeper you delve into the cuts the better this album gets. Giving some really great songs like ‘Tonight’ and the blistering ‘I’m Not Your Slave’ Hell, the acoustic ballad that is ‘There’s No Time’ is simple in its delivery and adds another texture to the flow of this record before we head into the home straight that is ‘Dead In Los Angeles’ with its brooding hazy delivery even manages something of a West coast feel to the backing vocals as the song twists and turns like the Hollywood Hills.

Closing the album is ‘I Despair’ with its Sonic Temple feel it’s a rocker that has plenty of punch from a band that is delivering throughout the album on every level. Individually these songs are as good as anything the Godfathers have delivered for the past thirty-plus years, worthy songs added to their impressive repertoire. Yet another impressive Godfathers album.

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Author: Dom Daley

Stephen Pearcy Signs for Golden Robot Records. 

Stephen Pearcy Signs for Golden Robot Records. 

As the founder, lead singer, and songwriter of the metal rock band RATT, Stephen Pearcy led his creation to mega multi-platinum success year after year from 1984 – 1991. RATT climbed up the charts with singles from Out of the Cellar soaring past Prince’s ‘Lets Go Crazy,’ Van Halen’s ‘Panama,’ Madonna’s ‘Borderline‘ and David Bowies ‘Blue Jean.’ 
The record generated top ten singles followed by sold out tours throughout the world. This momentum remained with every proceeding RATT album to include their most recent release of Infestation in 2010. 
Throughout RATT’s nearly four decades of success with Pearcy at its helm, they released 8 albums and played thousands of shows worldwide all the while selling over 20 million records.



Given the mammoth success of RATT, Pearcy was looking for extraordinary when choosing a label and the only label deemed agile enough for the task was Golden Robot Global Entertainment headed by CEO and President, Mark Alexander-Erber with Pearcy explaining, “It is with great pleasure to announce my having signed on with Golden Robot Records. Choosing a label to handle my music spanning 40 plus years in the industry is no easy task. Although, Mark & Golden Robot have captured the modernization of the industry & marketing, as well as, held onto the old school style that has served me well for decades, both of which are needed to handle a catalog as mine and the new music I bring to the table. As an artist, songwriter, & performer, evolving is inevitable, therefore my team has to be on point & lightning quick to keep up. Mark & Golden Robot understand that concept and I look forward to our collaboration. With our first endeavor being the Stephen Pearcy Legacy album, this album will be a career retrospective from 1976 to date. I look forward to sharing never heard RATT classics in their infancy, early RATT with Jake E. Lee, Live RATT, Arcade, solo covers, the last song written with Robbin, the last song written with Warren, and so much more. This is the first time I’ve reached so deep into the archives and it’s truly been a labor of love. Cheers to Mark & Golden Robot, we are about to bring RATT & 80’s music fans the most authentic and thorough archive of music that was an interictal part of creating the 80’s Sunset Strip music scene!”

Alexander-Erber has also expressed his excitement at the finally getting Pearcy over the dotted line after years of courting “Out of the hundreds and hundreds of signings we have had over many years, I have to say after a long while courting Stephen I’m absolutely honoured he has joined our Golden Robot Family, helping us to bring rock back to the forefront. He truly is one of the best and to be part of our roster is wonderful, we have some fabulous releases planned for 2022/23.” 

Stephen Pearcy is expected to release new music via Golden Robot Records later this year. 

2 For Tuesday

2 For Tuesday

A Bubblegum Punk band from Brighton, England, Young Francis Hi Fi play 2-minute songs about talking to girls, getting high, and hanging out. Though not necessarily in that order.

Young Francis Hi Fi play a high speed, sugar-sweet mix of ’70s American Punk, ’60s Garage Rock, and Bubblegum Pop.

They aren’t just a band, Young Francis Hi Fi are a gang, like their heroes Ramones and The Monkees. Young Francis Hi Fi signs with Dirty Water Records! so expect new music any day now

Next up is the brand new video from power pop rock n rollers The Speedways, taken from the forthcoming LP ‘Talk Of The Town’ available on Snap!!/Hurrah Musica & Beluga Records in November thespeedways.bigcartel.com or thespeedways.bandcamp.com

Deathtraps – ‘Appetite For Prescription’ (Spirit of Disaster Records)

Deathtraps – ‘Appetite For Prescription’ (Spirit of Disaster Records)

The self-styled kings of South Wales Action Rock are back. Two years after ‘Stole Your Rock N Roll’, Deathtraps release their fourth long player in October, but preorder now and you can dive in via Bandcamp. The previous album was a highlight of the confinement (lockdown) period in my adopted France, belting you round the ears in no uncertain terms.

And, even with the minor involvement of one Johnny H Bomb, the boys could not be persuaded into spandex and synths. Phew! No, it’s business as usual, with Veej supplying yet more addictive riffs. Some things don’t need changing. Fraser’s vocals occasionally wander into Lemmy territory, which is no bad thing, and ‘Let’s Kill Rock N Roll’ is the ideal opener. At just over two minutes long, Uncle Ginge would approve.

‘Red Eyes, Black Kisses’ rattles along, “I’m rooting for the bad guy”, while ‘What If Jesus’ wouldn’t be out of place for prime-era Turbonegro. Very nice. Eleven tracks of lean rock n roll, not a ballad in sight, but ‘Candy Darling’ changes the pace a little. An ode to the Warhol Factory legend; “she’s a bad boy”. As pop as Deathtraps are capable of being and very catchy.

‘Let It Burn’ and ‘Rip Em Off’ are back to their brutal side, with some nice Ron Asheton-style licks in there for good measure. ‘Press Darlings’ isn’t the Ant’s song of the same name, but has some sweet, melodic touches. ‘Too Much Is Never Enough’ is a suitably foot-on-the-floor song to end on.

Sharp, snappy, but with some satisfying, unexpected moments, the album passes by in a flash, and you’re pressing ‘play’ again. You want some quality Action Rock? Then Get it here. Get it now!

vinyl/CD preorder, released 21st October 2022

Author: Martin Chamarette

Tyla’s Dogs D’amour ‘Tree Bridge Cross’ (King Outlaw/ Cargo)

Tyla’s Dogs D’amour ‘Tree Bridge Cross’ (King Outlaw/ Cargo)

Fee Fi Fo… Woah… Dogs D’amour have existed in various line-ups since the early 1980’s, but this current group featuring Gaz Pennick (guitar), Matty James Cassidy (bass), and Simon Hanson (drums) has been together for at least the last 7 years, which I believe is the longest active continuous streak of a line-up over all these years. This has allowed these Dogs to really form their own identity and explore some new musical territories on the new full-length ‘Tree Bridge Cross.’ On ‘In Vino Veritas,’ the band showed that they could channel the bluesy rock n roll brilliance of the late 80’s and early 90’s on songs like ‘Bottle of Red’ and ‘I Don’t Love Anyone.’ They also channeled a darker edge on a brilliant song like ‘Black Confetti’ and a classy embellishments on the gorgeous title track. The band followed up with another release of brand new material in the terrific ‘Jack O’Byte Bluesey Vol. 1’ where they pursued a darker bluesy direction. Now, after a lengthy delay due to issues getting vinyl pressed, Dogs D’amour have returned with a great album that channels from the spirit of the past at times but firmly plants itself in some new musical directions.

Many of our favorite songs and albums over the years have the gift of nostalgia and memories associated to those times that provide stories of our histories and who we are. I believe it is only natural that those songs take on deeper meaning over time as our youth moves further away than we would like. Why do I mention this? This album feels like bringing those memories together as people meeting in the darkness of a dive bar where new memories are formed to continue the journey forward. Starting off with the title track, the electric guitar gives way to a spoken verse by Tyla and introduces a song that I cannot really compare to any in the band’s background. The driving beat by Simon Hanson allowing everything to work around it, whether it is the tasty piano touches, the electric guitar, and the vocal hooks. If anyone remembers the Tyla song ‘Declaration,’ this has a similar vocal delivery but with a full band backing. The ending solo piano note is the perfect closing touch. ‘Journey to the Centre of the Soul’ has been one of the pre-release singles and showcases the depth of this release. I hesitate to use the words mature or grown up as some may take that in a negative sense. Self-reflective might be a good description lyrically. The warmness in the music is welcoming and feels like the greeting of an old friend. The rhythm can create a feeling like falling if you close your eyes and focus on it.

The band transition to the more acoustic based rock of ‘Steal Your Love Away’ with some extra vocals by Quireboys singer Spike (like it or not Griff). I can imagine a full room singing along to this one with a glass in one hand and the other one in the air helping bellow out the chorus in a show of solidarity with everyone in the room. ‘God Only Knows’ takes things in a heavier direction with awesome vocals preaching over some electrifying guitar. The closing mantra of ‘god bless ya’ winding things down and serving as the only initial vocal hook across the song. Repeated listens have since revealed me singing along across the entire song, but it is very subtle in its contagiousness. ‘Angel Lane’ closes out side one with a noisy semi-ballad featuring a big chorus that would not have been out of place on ‘More Unchartered Heights of Disgrace.’

Kicking off side two, rocker ‘Buried Alive’ sounds better to me as a full song than the sample clip did when the album was originally announced. While it is my least favorite on the album, it has grown on me with each listen. This is another one where the piano in the mix adds a great element to the song. For those that spring for the 2 CD version, there are acoustic versions of nine of the songs, and I prefer the acoustic bluesy version of this one. Let’s see if this becomes a grower over time.   ‘Raining Fire’ meanwhile has been a favorite since an extended version of the song was offered a couple years ago. Tyla opens with a spoken word piece with the song featuring the Dogs at their heaviest with a killer rhythm and chorus. I cannot listen to this song at a loud enough volume. Pennick and Tyla supply great guitar work throughout the song while Hanson and Cassidy supply the thundering rhythm. ‘Powder Dry’ should be familiar to most as the featured single prior to the album’s release. This is another mostly full band acoustic treat with some great piano work throughout the song. Strong backing vocals adding depths to the song and the mix. The electric guitar solo cuts brilliantly through the mix. Cassidy’s bass work gets to stand out and shine in the mix on ‘Moth to the Flame.’ This is another one that finds the Dogs learning new tricks and, to borrow an old phrase from Tyla’s past, perhaps best described as ‘a soft song for hard people.’ Closing the album is the freaking beautiful ‘Ghosts.’ Musically and lyrically, this is a classic on arrival as it is just Tyla on acoustic and vocals with Scotty on piano. I do not believe anyone else is playing on this one. My favorite Dogs album closer has always been ’She Put It in Here Arm,’ but this one has already transcended it. Tyla’s vocals are perhaps the best they have ever been on this one.

Another brilliant album for these Dogs who continue to showcase new wrinkles and refuse to live in the past. Lyrically, I reckon I speak for many of us who have been fans since the beginning who can relate to the more self-reflective thoughts here than thinking that we can still fall in love if we fell ‘down the stairs into the arms of a girl who really cared.’ Hopefully, these songs find their way in front of new listeners who can appreciate great rock n roll played from the heart.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury