Still Dangerous, a live set from classic rockers Thin Lizzy, was released March 3, 2009. Viewed as a companion to the earlier Live and Dangerous album, this live show recorded in 1977 at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia is yet another thrilling performance by arguably one of rock 'n' roll's greatest dual lead guitar machines. Recently discovered on a shelf lying dormant inside a box marked "Philadelphia 2," guitarist Scott Gorham was astounded by the fact that the tapes even existed. The potential of this particular show was enough to grab legendary producer Glynn Johns out of retirement to do his magic on the tracks. Still Dangerous was recorded live in the prime of the Irish rock band's illustrious career, during the sold out "Bad Reputation" tour. Though Thin Lizzy was known for its revolving door membership, especially in the guitarist department, this is the lineup that brought us the albums Jailbreak, Bad Reputation, and of course, Live and Dangerous. Phil Lynott's memorable voice amid the skillful dual guitar attack of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson is an exhilarating musical excursion. To complete the sonic intensity, Lynott's tight bass lines run perfectly in sync alongside Brian Downey's dynamic percussive drive... Continue reading "CD Review: Still Dangerous by Thin Lizzy"

The long-awaited second complete studio CD from The Answer, entitled Everyday Demons, will be released on March 31, 2009, in the United States, and on other dates worldwide. This collection of 11 hard rockin' tracks, to be released in four formats, is just what the doctor ordered for fans of the heavy style we often think went out with the '70s. The hard rockin' Irish quartet is in good form here, too, and their mood is one of enthusiasm, excitement, and rowdy adventurism throughout. The powerful vocal aptitude of Cormac Neeson, whose style is often reminiscent of Robert Plant's high-pitched wail, Paul Rogers' simplistic aptness, and Freddy Mercury's rocking attitude, wields stridently amid Paul Mahon's hard-driving guitar thunder. It's all coerced along by the powerful rhythm section of bassist Mickey Waters and drummer James Heatley... Continue reading "CD Review: Everyday Demons by The Answer"

The latest studio CD from Joe Bonamassa, The Ballad of John Henry, will be released on February 24, 2009. The included twelve tracks, seven of which are Bonamassa originals, come together to make the seventh compelling studio project from the New York based blues-rock guitarist. He embraces this diverse collection of contemporary and conventional songs, calling it his strongest work to date. Listeners will soon discover that the intensity of the music matches the lyrical content throughout, as the album's dual lyrical theme is split between songs of the working-class hero and of the more personal nature, Joe's relationship issues of recent... Continue reading "CD Review: The Ballad of John Henry by Joe Bonamassa"

It’s nice when a sound comes along that really catches the ear and takes control of the senses with a magnetic, wrenching tug. The experience doesn't happen all that often, but when it does it’s authentic and infectious. It’s music with an air of excitement, a stimulation factor brought on by a combination of traits both unique and inspirational. Sold Out… is all that and more. Big Shanty's music is a mesh of styles, both contemporary and traditional. It's a mixture of funk, techno, hip-hop, and especially blues and rock. It's Prince meets JJ Cale and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion meets Muddy Waters, Public Enemy and the Chemical Brothers. The sound is electrifying and mesmerizing. He's known as a renegade rocker at times, and he sings in support of human rights, free speech, Internet radio and independent media. Those familiar with his song "Killing Fields," from his 2007 release Ride With The Wind, are well aware of that... Continue reading "CD Review: Sold Out... by Big Shanty"

The title, Full Tilt, is a clear-cut description of the contents of the new CD by Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, and it’s as honest as the band’s eloquent name. Though Li’ Ed is certainly little, he’s the Napoleon of barnstorming Chicago blues, of slide guitar as well. The other guys work together in making it an imperial blues band, one with a knack for playing raw and exciting music that’s incredibly compelling, loud, and rocked up to a full tilt. The rhythm is driving and the beat is strong, and the guitar sounds are dynamically warm and potent. Muddy Waters once said that the blues had a baby and they called it rock ’n roll. In keeping with that theme, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials are mischievous adults out for a night on the town, misbehaving and doing it up like kids. In other words, the blues doesn’t get much more rocked up than this... Continue reading "CD Review: Full Tilt by Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials"

Bad For You Baby, recently released on Eagle Records, is the latest in a bunch of brilliant blues CDs from Gary Moore. Retrospectively, it has been a patchy yet admiringly persistent career thus far for the Irish guitarist/vocalist. Following his hugely popular 1990 release, Still Got the Blues, he went on to release a handful of mediocre albums. Though some were in blues territory, he also had a tendency to reenter the hard rock and metal waters he thrived in at one time. He even got into some borderline pop and electronic material along the way. Giving listeners the opinion he was a bewildered performer without a genre inclination, it finally became clear in 2004, with the release of Power of the Blues, that he was finally back on the right track. 2006's Old New Ballads Blues and 2007's Close As You Get collectively made the course apparent, as his adoration for the music of Elmore James, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson, and others is displayed passionately and zealously throughout all of them. Also, his capability for meddling in the guitar playing styles of Albert King, Roy Buchanan, Peter Green, and other greats reveals a genuine obsession. The fact that he possesses a polished playing style of his own, more than adequate vocal ability, and a capacity for composing brilliant blues songs are mere additions to the comprehensiveness of his latest endeavors, including the new one... Continue reading "CD Review: Bad For You Baby by Gary Moore"