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Get Ready to ROCK! Best of 2010 | ||
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2010 ... the X-Factor syndrome continued to taint new music and new talent in a tough economic climate but there was enough frisson in the rock world to believe there is hope ... This year saw the sad loss of Heavy Metal Titan - Ronnie James Dio - the birth of Black Country Communion, several excellent Festival events including the first High Voltage ... and several successful comebacks including Argent and FM. But was it a classic year for our reviewers? The breadth of selection reflects their superb coverage this year of gigs - in the backrooms of pubs to something bigger - whilst lending an experienced and balanced ear to any number of album and single releases... Check out and vote in our popular poll here ! "The Best of 2010" is featured on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio on Saturday 25 December, 15:00 (Part 1, repeated Monday 27 December, 22:00) and Sunday 26 December at 22:00 (Part 2, repeated Friday 31 December, 21:00) Album Reviews 2010: Recommended at a glance
Jason Ritchie (Reviews Editor) Top
Albums
1. FREEDOM CALL Legend Of The Shadow King SPVPower metal how it should be done. Gloriously OTT. 2. GIANT Promise Land Frontiers First of three albums this year to feature vocalist Terry Brock and although it may not quite meet the band’s classic debut album it certainly deserves the Giant name. 3. BRIAN HOWE Circus Bar Frontiers Former Bad Company singer comes good with a solo album ideal for lovers of melodic hard rock. 4. FOREIGNER Can't Slow Down Ear Music/Edel Although the US were lucky enough to get this album last year it was well worth waiting for. Not a duff song in sight and good to see the band tapping into their more rockier side. >> Foreigner play UK dates with Journey and Styx in June 2011
5. FM Metropolis Riff Raff FM are back and with possibly their strongest album of their career. Happily gone is the plodding blues rock of the Andy Barnett era and instead we get a mix of top notch melodic and blues rockers. Top Reissues The band’s first two albums and a veritable aural delight for those who like their pop rock with a barbed edge. 2. RICK SPRINGFIELD Venus Exploding Frontiers Quite possibly his best album to date and great to see it get a full release. 3. SAVATAGE Still The Orchestra Plays - Greatest Hits Volume 1 & 2 Ear Music/Edel Never tried Savatage before? There is no excuse now with this best of and you can see where the massively popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra got some of their musical ideas from (along with band members!).
4. URIAH HEEP On The Rebound: Best Of Universal Like Motorhead and Saxon there are many ‘best ofs’ littering the market by Uriah Heep but this one is the best for successfully straddling the band’s classic 70’s Byron fronted era, through to the underrated 80’s line-up featuring Pete Goalby on vocals and bang up to date with the Bernie Shaw years. 5. JIMI JAMISON & JIM PETERIK Extra Moments Melodic Rock Records
The two Survivor pals present an album of ‘demos’, whose production
puts many ‘finished’ albums to shame. Needless to say this is a
‘must have’ for fans of Survivor and it includes the song Jimi
Jamison used in his Survivor audition back in the day. Top Gigs They blew Europe off the stage at the ITunes gig. Kelly Hansen is the consummate frontman - like a younger version of Steve Tyler minus the big lips. >> Foreigner play UK dates with Journey and Styx in June 2011 They are back and sounding on top of their game.
First time I had heard anything by this band - female fronted blues/classic rock. A must see live. JUDIE TZUKE Leatherhead Arts Centre A name I knew a lot about but not heard much by before. She has lost none of her powerful voice and one of the gigs of a lifetime, never mind the year! An acoustic gig backed by a very talented band including Tommy Denander this gig combined his newer solo material plus some Dan Reed Network classics. >>
Dan Reed supports The Quireboys on tour in the UK in December
2010 ELO The Early Years (Eagle Vision)
wins hands down as it shows the band just about to hit the big time.
It also features the late Mike Edwards and of course Kelly Groucutt
who sadly passed away last year. Ones to Watch
in 2011 DOWN 'N' OUTZ started out
as a fun project but looks as though they could go from strength to
strength next year...
>> Down N Outz support Paul Rodgers on tour in April 2011
David Randall (Managing Editor) Top
Albums
1.
STEVE LUKATHER
All's Well That Ends Well Out of Toto and in cahoots with
new collaborator CJ Vanston, Luke produced the best solo album of
his career. Great songs and guitar-ing with an appealing darkness
wrought from recent personal experiences.
>> Steve Lukather plays UK dates in March 2011
2. FM Metropolis
Riff-Raff A marvellous return to form and as if the
past two decades had been frozen in time, although some of the
elements that led to the band's earlier demise are still evident: a
penchant for AOR that can sound a little dated. There's enough good
stuff though to compensate. 3.
JOE SATRIANI Black
Swans & Wormhole Wizards Sony
With 80 per cent of guitarist albums owing much to the Satch legacy,
'Black Swans' shows that he's still at the top of his game and still
streets ahead of the contenders. Mention must be made of Mike
Keneally's keyboards which add a unique fusion foil to the guitar
pyrotechnics. 4.
JOHN NORUM
Play Yard Blues Mascot
The Europe guitar player's best solo album, pretty much
straight-ahead rock but with a bluesy twist and the perfect antidote
to the last Europe album on which he was somewhat - and surprisingly
- restrained.
>> Europe play UK dates in February 2011
5.
PANIC ROOM Satellite Firefly Out of the shadow of Karnataka
(who themselves produced a stellar album in 2010 and then promptly
split), a
superb album made even better with the bonus second disc. Any
misgivings about subdued use of guitarist Paul Davies on their debut
could be put aside but the listener is also struck by the range of
musical style and depth within a general prog framework.
Top reissues EMI's triple whammy of ROBIN
TROWER,
TEN YEARS AFTER and
GROUNDHOGS takes some beating. Not so much for the
packaging but for the value for money aggregation of early
albums spread over three discs apiece.
Top Gigs
1.
WINGER
Manchester Academy 3 Melodic hard rock at
its very best. A wonderful low-key tour reminding us that in spite
of Beavis and Butthead Winger have delivered some of the best
grooves in the genre, ‘Rainbow In The Rose’ in particular, a
spectacular standout.
Not perfect, but for a rock star almost celebrating his 40th career
anniversary, a wonderful trawl through some admittedly patchy back
catalogue but the nuggets are pure gold.
3.
JOE SATRIANI
Manchester Apollo Still on top of his game, sounding
great, and with enough old gold amongst the new stuff. A great band
too, enhanced by one-time Zappa alumni Mike Keneally on keyboards.
4.
JUDIE TZUKE
Manchester Lowry
She’s still making some of her best music and deserves a much wider
audience. Bolstered by her daughters on backing vocals the gig was a triumph of her own
talent and durability.
A wonderful reception for the guitarist at an excellent venue. He
has some ground to make up in terms of his solo career but the
latest album is a superb starting point and was heavily featured.
>> Steve Lukather plays UK dates in March 2011
Top DVD
RORY GALLAGHER Ghost
Blues
Eagle Rock Good value documentary/concert package
reminding us - fifteen years since his death - that Gallagher was
both hugely influential and unwavering in his dedication to earthy
blues/rock.
Joe Geesin
Top Albums
RHAPSODY OF FIRE The Frozen Tears Of Angels /
The Cold Embrace Of
Fear Two albums in one year, new label, both
albums continuing the theme from the classic Symphony Of The
Enchanted Lands II. Operatic melodic speed metal doesn't get any
better than this, with keyboards, orchestra and choir, and of course
the narration by Christopher Lee. Pure magic. In a
similar vein to the above, but less grandiose, Freedom Call's
trademark is harmony by the truckload, in terms of both guitar and
vocals. HUGE vocals. And, just like the two Rhapsody albums, this
one should be made available on the NHS, it would solve an awful lot
of problems. When
vocalist, band and live performance are all legendary in their own
right, you know it'll be a damn fine set. And that's before we get
to pay tribute to one of the greatest ever frontmen (in terms of
both vocals and stage presence) in rock and metal. Ever. Iron Maiden - Final Frontier Top reissues GILLAN Triple Trouble Live Triple CD featuring
some classic vintage British rock circa 1980/81, showing vocalist
Ian Gillan and his bandmates at their very best. Live this band were
on fire. The band I would most like to reform.
SAXON Innocence Is No Excuse / Rock The Nations / Destiny
The final three EMI albums get the treatment they deserve, rounding
off the 80s nicely. Some great and underrated moments from
Barnsley’s finest. The album that blew
away the 70s, prog, blues and everything else, setting the pure
metal template for the 80s, and a fine CD/DVD 30th anniversary
edition. A magnificent 5CD box;
hits, rarities and a 1988 live show (I was in the audience that
night). Wonderfully packaged too.
>> Magnum
release their new album 'The Visitation' in January 2011 with European tour
dates in March/April I’m not a fan but an
8 disc box (7CDs + DVD) with comprehensive notes, it’s any Quo fan’s
dream.
FREEDOM CALL Purple Turtle, London I'd waited 8 years to see this band
and when I did they blew me away. Swords in the air (yes, really)
and loud anthemic music.
HIGH VOLTAGE (Day 1 only)
Despite the disappointments of the headline act (and a couple of
others), distance of the main stage and other minor details, it was
a wonderful day, great weather, largely well organised. Saxon on
great form, Asia too, and a Heaven & Hell tribute to RGD. An
interview with Saxon, and Rodney Matthews had a stall there too,
overall a great day out. Vintage hard rock,
classic material new and old, and even with the guitar amp going up
in flames it was a great evening.
Top Albums
1.
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION Mascot
Records
Not sure how long this rock nostalgia will last, but might as
well enjoy it while it's happening
>> Black
Country Communion play two shows in the UK in December 2010
2. LOS LOBOS Tin Can Trust Proper Records
There's also some great singing and polished arrangements that
retain the edge and spark of his material and finds room for a full range of
emotions. Given it's only his second cd it is a remarkable effort.
Make no mistake, Travis has got the fire, the passion and the
chops of contemporaries such as Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
There's coruscating riffs aplenty, thumping hooks, spacey licks
and Noni's arresting voice that could shatter a window at 50 paces.
The Stone Electric is a gloriously retro band with their own take
on a familiar genre, mined so effectively by The Black Crows etc. Seek this
album out, you won't regret it.
>> Larry Miller plays UK dates in Jan/Feb 2011
1. STEVE MILLER BAND Fly Like An Eagle (Edsel)
2.
JETHRO TULL Stand Up - Collectors Edition (EMI)
OK so most of us have got this in one format or another, but
'Stand Up' remains an essential part of rock history. It still sounds quirky,
different and angular both in terms of the music, Anderson's nasally voice and
of course his flute.
There's also the 'Live at Carnegie Hall 1970 concert, with Tull
in their prime and a BBC session. An essential release and living proof that
rock fans of a certain age are going the same way as their jazz loving parents,
in reliving their youth through reissues like this.
Curved Air's eclectic but compelling mix of Prog Rock/ Classical,
Folk and Fusion defined a short lived era in the early 70's when music really
was adventurous, bold and interesting.
The band's mix of instrumental virtuosity and Sonja Kristina's
sensual singing, overflowing sexuality and flamboyant stage presence was a
unique combination. Reprised tracks like 'It Happened Today', 'Back Street Luv'
and 'Melinda More Or Less' make this worth exploring.
An essential return to the early 70's by an Amercican band that
sounded like a cross between Edgar Broughton and Black Sabbath, but with the
emphasis on guitar led , bone crunching rock.
The original 6 track re-issue is supplemented by a further 11
bonus tracks, which for the most part suggests the band had unfinished business.
'Let Me In' superbly captures a time when the dilletantism met creativity full
on. These guys go for it and the result is an explosive melange of hard rock,
bordering on Metal and is just great!
But although this double CD is
musically routed in that time, it concentrates on the subsequent two decades
from the mid 60's up to a belated handful of late 80's recordings, to give us a
true feel of the kind of rhythm and blues that was instrumental in facilitating
rock.
A gig that fulfilled all expectations and more. The band just
about came out of this show as the sum of its parts, though you have to say the
collective was sprinkled with if not drowned by Glen Hughes' undoubted charisma.
Heritage Rock lives!
One of the great comebacks. Ten years after calling it a day The
Hoax rekindled their post SRV twin guitar template. Led from the front by the
harp playing vocalist Hugh Coltman, The Hoax smouldered, burned and ultimately
exploded back into life. Contemporary rock/blues with an edge never sounded so
good.
3.
CHANTEL McGREGOR BAND London
Not perhaps her best gig in greater London but certainly her most
significant one. Chantel McGregor has torn up the script of posturing, grimacing
guitar player in tight trousers by calmly stepping on stage and playing the most
mesmerising licks possible from Vai to Hendrix, without any apparent effort.
She's got unbelievable talent, and a unique way of presenting her
oeuvre. At the 100 Club she was equally stunning on acoustic as electric and
deserved her standing ovation.
4.
WT FEASTER BAND Bull's Head, Barnes
There might not be room for a white Robert Cray, but when it
comes to finely crafted soul and a Rock/Blues variant, WT is your man. This gig
in the intimate environs of The Bulls Head, saw him pull back on his volume, but
Not his chops, and he led his power trio into a memorable gig that had feel,
emotion, technique and above all brilliant vocals by the bucket full.
He came, he saw and if not conquer, Joe certainly reminded us all
of how far rock/blues can go. JB managed to fill the Apollo and then cleverly
set about filling the huge stage and specially erected gantry with lashings of
guitar playing and echoes of the Brit invasion. A surprise appearance by Tull's
Ian Anderson was the icing on the cake.
Top DVDs
1.
FRANK ZAPPA The Torture Never Stops (Eagle Vision)
This DVD might easily have used the Zappa subtitle, 'Them Or Us'
as its down to the bone Zappa, who pummels his audience for 90 plus, non stop
minutes of what was then new material. The band is brilliant, FZ's guitar
playing and Vai's contributions are all you would expect, but it's relentless.
But Zappa fans will purchase.
A timely anniversary re-issue for a classic album with bonus
tracks and an accompanying live performance DVD plus documentary, makes for an
essential purchase for Miller fans. Die-hards will already have a lot of this
stuff, but it's all superbly packaged together, right down to the closing title
track in surround sound.
Ian Dury 'Rare And Unseen' lives up to its title with some
interesting career film clips as well as the final moving denouement when he
talks openly about the cancer that sadly ultimately killed him. Good archive
interviews and unseen footage make it worth purchasing.
4. LUTHER ALLISON Songs From The Road DVD/CD (Ruf Records)
You don't always necessarily realise it at the time, that a good
album is in fact a classic. And with hindsight 'Damn The Torpedoes' was exactly
that.
The strength of this DVD isn't just the interviews and the studio
and live snippets, but more the acute sense of awareness of the time and place
of its recording. 'Torpedoes' was a stellar album born in a mixed musical
landscape. Three decades on, it still sounds powerful and arresting.
Ones to watch in 2011
SEAN TAYLOR
John Martyn style mix of folk meet Trans is admirably captured on
his current cd 'Walk With Me'. Sean is a superb acoustic guitarist and a master
of echo reverb, which combined with his whispered vocals and biting lyrics
offers a potent, contemporary take on roots music.
CHANTEL McGREGOR
An unlikely meeting of Gracie Fields with SRV, Chantel McGregor
is sociologists dream as she offers a deconstructed version of rock blues. Often
taking the stage in a wedding dress she thinks nothing of tearing into Hendrix/SRV/Vai
and Bonamassa. We await her debut recording with much interest.
THE STONE ELECTRIC
Hailing from Memphis, The Stone Electric excitingly update riff
driven, Janis Joplin inspired, Black Crows style, post psychedelic stoner rock.
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR
There's no getting away from the fact that she's the hottest act
on the rock/blues scene for years. Already feted for her scintillating guitar
playing, her new album 'Diamonds in the Dirt' promises to break her in the US.
William Travis Feaster might be regarded as just another cool
guitar slinger from the Mid West, were it not for his excellent 'Wish You Well'
cd, which fuses white boy soul, rock/blues and catchy songs with a contemporary
Nashville production. His live shows also include a blinding version of
Traffic's 'Dear Mr. Fantasy'
Aynsley Lister - a great year for the crossover rock
guitarist culminating in the impressive end of tour 'Tower Sessions' CD.
Billy Walton - Last year this New Jersey band tore up the
club scene and this year Billy has taken giants steps toward overdue acclaim by
becoming Southside Johnny's guitarist
Henrik Freischlader - Huge in Germany and big in Europe,
Rock/Blues guitarist Henrik will shortly be in the UK to make his overdue debut. Meher Baba influenced rock opera disciple.
Top Albums
SLASH R&FN'R
ELEANOR MCEVOY I'd Rather Go
Blonde
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION
>> Black
Country Communion play two shows in the UK in December 2010
Top reissue
DEEP PURPLE Come Taste The Band
Mark Taylor
Top Albums
At last a group that can live up to the term 'Supergroup'...It's the
musicanship that makes these songs come alive.
The best thing that Glenn Hughes has been involved in since his
days in Deep Purple and Joe Bonamassa rocks out.
They once sang ''Don't Stop at the Top'' but that's exactly what
the Scorpions are doing, finishing their career at the top of their
game. Their finest studio album for twenty years.
A return to form for our rodent friends from LA, sounding as if this
album was made in 1988. Shame the band have seemed to collapse yet
again and won't be returning to these shores ...DRAT!
A real grower this one from the East London 'but never go back
there' boys. Bringing a bit of prog to the metal masses.
With new singer Mark Tornillo on board, Accept deliver their most
heavy and accessible album since the classic days of 'Restless And
Wild' and 'Balls To The Walls'. Fill your speakers with pure metal.
It's that man Glenn Hughes in the number one spot again. Come Taste
The Band has always been a highly underrated album. With then new
boy Tommy Bolin replacing Ritchie Blackmore, many fans at the time
couldn't accept Bolin's funk sunshine jazz fusion sonic sounds he
brought to the Purple machine.
Hughes shares the vocals with David Coverdale. Coverdale would keep
this style of music for his own Whitesnake.
Including a bonus disc of remixes by Kevin Shirley, the band are
rocking at full tilt. Come taste the band and enjoy them like you
never have done before.
The band kept their promise of putting on a free gig after fans
started a Facebook campaign for RATM to get the Christmas number 1
slot wiping the egomatic smile of Simon Cowell's face.
The band were in explosive form in Finsbury Park with many fans
climbing over the security fences to get in. RATM destroyed London
with a pocket full of shells.
2.
IGGY AND THE STOOGES
London
Growing old disgracefully Iggy Pop waltzed around the Hammersmith
stage like a man who had chilli powder in his pants. The songs
from Raw Power sounded alive and fresh. A monumental gig.
Not everyone was familiar with The Enid, but Robert John Godfrey
and his boys soon silenced the festival crowd at Cambridge with a
wall of classical brain inducing hypnotizing sounds. The Enid only
play by their own rules. Punk rock has never sounded so good.
Return of the German metal legends. A showcase gig for the
forthcoming 'Blood Of The Nations'. An over two hour set which
proved there was life after Udo Dirkschneider with new singer Mark
Tornillo. Grown men were openly seen air guitar-ing.
I feel a bit cheeky including this as this gig wasn't open to the
public. A private show for journos and a few lucky competition
winners held in a rehearsal studio. Hearing and seeing such a
powerful band close up was mind blowing. A real privilege to
be there.
Top DVD
RUSH - Beyond The Lighted Stage
Brought to you by the same documentary makers as Iron Maiden's
Flight 666, Beyond The Lighted Stage tells the story of Rush, from
their early days where they were accused of sounding like Led Zep to
filling out arena's around the world. A must see for anyone who has
the slightest interest in Rush.
One to watch in 2011
This is the band who the Black Crowes really wanted to be. Blending
the sound of the Faces and Humble Pie with the classic sounds of
Motown. Fronted by the luscious Lynne Jackaman who seducts you with
her sultry voice. If the Rolling Stones were to tour tomorrow,
then I just know the perfect support band.
Alan Jones
Top Albums
JOE SATRIANI Black Swans And Wormhole Wizards
A blistering return to form after a couple of so-so efforts, from
surely one of the finest guitarists on the planet. Face-melting fretwork at its
zenith. Bit of a cheat this one as it originally surfaced in 2001 - but reached such cult status with original copies changing hands for such silly money that the band re-released it this year.
Basically tracks recorded during the Lightbulb Sun and Stupid Dream
sessions that didn’t make those albums, it shows the sheer quality of the band
that even an album of cast-offs can sound this good.
Pure prog heaven from this Canadian outfit fronted for this effort by
Yes vocalist Benoit David. But it’s the guitarist, songwriter and band leader
Michel St-Pere who catches the ear with scintillating tunes and tremendous
playing. If they keep ratcheting the quality up at their current rate, greatness
beckons. Fans of Yes, IQ, Rush and Hackett-era Genesis can invest with
confidence.
Yet another gem from the seemingly bottomless well of talent that is
Thea Gilmore. As with all her albums, this is articulate, pithy, celebratory
and, above all, listenable folk/rock music of the highest standard. How she
isn’t a household name I’ll never know, but then, those of us who do know would
like to keep her a secret. I went into this wonderful record shop/café in Falmouth and this was playing. I just had to have it but didn’t know who it was. Shame on me. Sun Kil Moon is the solo alter-ego of one of my old heroes, Mark Kozelek - frontman of one of America’s top Americana bands, Red House Painters. This is a wonderful stripped-down acoustic effort whose tunes take you to an alternative, dreamy, summery place - somewhere that everyone would want to be.
Abi Suter
Top Albums
There is not a single bad track on
this album. It is certainly a very consistent masterpiece from five guys who
surprisingly, haven't been on the scene for very long at all. This album is a
big, fat MUST for all music fans. I've never seen so much variety on one album. You never know what to expect from Linkin Park but it always turns out to be a pleasant surprise.
Shifting effortlessly from heavier
songs which include rap to piano based songs with soft vocals, Linkin Park make
their fans fall in love with their compositions all over again.
More anticipated amongst music fans
than the release of the new Harry Potter amongst teenage girls. This album lives
up to all the hype it's receiving. However, it make take a bit of getting
used to if you were a fan of the first album.
The fourth release from American
indie gods revives the hopes we had for this band before their 2007 record-flop
entitled Our Love to Admire. A thoroughly solid comeback for the band. The album is certainly extremely different compared to anything I've heard. I mean what sort of rock band uses a banjo? A damn good one, that's who. If you can pull off the use of instruments such as banjos, double basses etc. in a rock record then it goes without saying, you are a musical genius. Mumford and Sons certainly deliver a masterpiece here.
Muse are back doing what they do best; supermassive stadium gigs that are guaranteed to blow your mind. I personally made it to two out of three in the UK dates and Wembley was by far the better of them. Matt Bellamy prances around the stage like a fairy yet still retains the 'I'm a rock god' attitude somehow. 2. BIFFY CLYRO Wembley Stadium I imagine you're wondering why I've put the support act for the above in my top gigs. Even though it was a support act, you can't knock Biffy wherever you see them (support of headline). They seem to be touring constantly and you can't blame them when that's what they do best. 3. KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES Sheffield The last on my list but purely because they are not quite developed to the standards of the others yet. Don't get me wrong, they put on an outstanding performance but I don't reckon they're quite at stadium level just yet.
On the up-side they certainly
know how to get the crowd going and have an excellent knack for organising their
setlist to perfection.
The Rock Man
Top Albums
For decades Rob Halford has forged a reputation as being the "Metal
God", on "Made Of Metal" he reminds us why he's earned that title.
2. IRON MAIDEN The Final Frontier
Once again Iron Maiden deliver another solid offering. Since Bruce
Dickinson's return to the band in 2000, Iron Maiden have released some very
impressive work over the past decade, "The Final Frontier" could be their best
work to date.
Welcome back Treat!. After a long absence these Swedish hard rockers
return with a very powerful, melodic record. Simply a "must have" for all hard
rock fans.
The surprise packet of the year, Wow!. What an outstanding album from
this young lady, the thing I like most about this is the fact that Issa sings so
beautifully, she doesn't growl, scream or sing in an operatic tone like so many
of today's artists, she just sings!, How refreshing.
It's Ozzy, enough said.
Top reissue
Was quite surprised at how good this record is. It's a shame it took
so long to come across my desk.
Here's the thing, living in Australia is not the best place to live if
you're a fan of hard rock or metal, the problem is 95% of the worlds hard rock
and metal bands don't come here.
They've all got there reasons & whether I like it or not this is just
how it is, oh the joy of living in the U.S. or U.K.!. However some bands do come
here when they can (Kiss , Alice Cooper, Nickelback are regular visitors) &
these are the ones I've been privileged to see this year.
1. AC/DC
Black Ice Tour. Feb 13 2010, Etihad Stadium, Australia
After a lengthy wait, the boys came home. There's a reason bands like
this survive for so long, they know what the fans want & they give it to them
consistently year after year.
2. METALLICA
World Magnetic Tour. Sept 15 2010, Rod Laver Arena, Australia
Wow! sheer power, these boys will rock you to your core!. They
originally scheduled dates in November, but the demand was so great they
announced some early shows in September. When to that September date & will go
again when they come back in November.
3. BON JOVI
The Circle Tour. Dec 10 2010, Rod Laver Arena, Australia
Okay this one hasn't happened yet, but I've been blessed enough times
to have seen them before so I know what to expect. Should be awesome, age just
won't slow them down.
Top DVD
ALICE COOPER Theatre Of Death, Live at Hammersmith 2009.
This is a great show from one of the true entertainers of rock music.
Alice brought this show to Australia as well, simply outstanding. If you want to
know how to put on a show & survive for Four decades, watch this guy.
Ones To Watch In 2011
Could 2011 finally be the year for a brand new studio album from
Van Halen. I've been waiting for so long & the rumours are 2011 could be the
year & with David Lee Roth no less!. Also look out for Eden's Curse. I
really like these guys and a new album is on the way.
Jim Rowland
Top Albums
ENFORCER Diamonds
For me, this lot are the best of the bunch when it comes to the
New Wave of Trad Metal bands. They've replicated that NWOBHM sound perfectly.
Great songs and great energy.
If they are about to bow out, they're going out with a bang. Back
to that classic Scorps early 80's sound. Best album since Love At First Sting.
The classic line-up back together produce a corker of an album.
Criminally ignored in the UK.
BRANT BJORK Gods And Goddesses
This man knocks out a great album every year without fail and
this is one of the best. Super cool stoner grooves.
MONSTER MAGNET Mastermind
Just when everyone is starting to write them off, Dave Wyndorf
and co come back with one of their best albums for years. Up there with
Powertrip and Dopes To Infinity.
Top reissue
I always loved this album, even more than Heaven and Hell. The
remaster sounds great and the bonus disc, a whole concert from Hammersmith in
'81, is miles better than ‘Live Evil'. A reminder of what a legend we lost this
year in Ronnie James Dio.
Top Gigs
Kiss do it bigger and better than anyone else. Total
entertainment. More than just a gig of the year.
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS London
Wasn't sure what I'd make of this before I went. Blew me away!
Total professionals, brilliant Southern/county rock.
Great double bill of some classic old school metal. I always have
a party when Anvil are in town, and this was no exception!
PAUL McCARTNEY/ CROSBY, STILLS and NASH London
The perfect antidote to England's dismal display against Germany
in the World Cup. CSN were perfect for a scorching summers day. McCartney is one
of those people you've just got to see at least once. It's a real live Beatle!
Forgot how good some of that Wings stuff was. Great show, nearly three hours
went by in a flash.
HORSLIPS O2 Dublin
At the time of writing I haven't actually attended this yet, but
I just know it's gonna be in there. One of the greatest Irish bands of all time,
recently reformed. Can't wait.
FESTIVALS
BANG YOUR HEAD Total metal mayhem in Germany
One to watch in 2011
ENFORCER -
Metal needs this band.
Top Albums
THE QUIREBOYS Halfpenny Dancer
Some classic Quireboys songs, and a handful of covers, all reinterpreted with an
Americana feel to them. This is a great album and a good example of what you can
do with well written material.
Great album from a reformed Ratt. Featuring most members of their classic line
up, Infestation was a true return to form. However, it does appear that any long
term plans for the band have been put on hold as vocalist Stephen Pearcy readies
a new solo outing.
RONNIE WOOD I Feel Like Playing
Possibly the best solo album from Faces/Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood so
far. A great diversion to the tabloid headlines that have followed him around
for the last few years and a sure fire sign to Jagger and Richards that he is
ready to recommence Stones duties.
RECKLESS LOVE Reckless Love
Like early Van Halen for the 21st Century, Reckless Love have picked up many new
fans this year. This is an album that comes highly recommended.
MICHAEL MONROE Another Night In The Sun
Great live show that finds Monroe and his new band mates playing songs from
throughout his career mixed with some well chosen covers and 2 new songs. All
signs point to a great new album from the band in the New Year.
Top reissue
A smorgasbord of late ‘80’s classic rock sounds- full of big guitars, massive
choruses and hooks and harmonies a plenty. Had this album originally been
released a couple of years earlier, and on a major label, it would have gone
double platinum easily.
Europe are in fine form following the enthusiastic support for recent album Last
Look At Eden.
>> Europe play UK dates in February 2011
KISS are a band rejuvenated with a great new album in Sonic Boom and a career
that is back on the rise. This was a great show and was enjoyed by fans of all
ages- this was a one of those nights that will be hard to top.
MICHAEL MONROE London
Following the recent Hanoi Rocks split Monroe has put together a great band
featuring Sam Yaffa (Hanoi Rocks/New York Dolls), Steve Conte (New York Dolls)
and Ginger (The Wildhearts).
Performing material which covers his entire career the band have been appearing
all over the world this year and are currently working on an album with
legendary produced Jack Douglas.
Two bands that are back at the top of their game, Foreigner had enjoyed rave
reviews the night before at the seminal High Voltage Festival and were in fine
form here. Europe also impressed and both bands no doubt gained a number of new
fans from the young crowd.
Top DVD
Following the recent re-release of the band’s Exile on Main Street album, the
DVDs Stones In Exile and Ladies and Gentlemen The Rolling Stones were released.
The former is an extended version of the special that appeared on the BBC around
the same time whilst the latter is a re-mastered version of the bands 1972 tour
film. Both classics.
One to watch for 2011
GENTLEMEN OF DISTORTED SOUND
Top Albums
1 RONNIE WOOD I Feel Like Playing
Top reissues
PAUL McCARTNEY & WINGS Band On The Run
Top Gigs
1. FOREIGNER High Voltage
Hot summers day...Perfect festival set...Spot on.
Great climax to a great weekend, with lots of funny
stories to tell the grandchildren.
Brought a feelgood factor to a cold Saturday. For
me best band of the weekend.
An acoustic set from the Quireboys...small club
...Spike in his element.
Was'nt planning on going but given two tickets on the
day. Went along with Louise McCloskey a friend from work.
We were doing ok, until spacemen kept filling our glasses...Bon Jovi
were OK as well.
Top DVD
RORY GALLAGHER Ghost Blues
One to Watch in 2011
CHANTEL McGREGOR
This girl gets better and better...Simply awesome.
2011 could well be there year...In Lynne Jackaman they
have a star.
Top albums 1 WHITE WIDDOW S/T From out of nowhere these Aussies deliver one of the best slices of 80’s style AOR in a long time, awash with keyboards, great guitar work and massive hooks. Destined to become a cult classic 2 MELISSA ETHERIDGE Fearless Love The most consistently rocking album of her long career, but without losing the confessional lyrics, and bolstered by a superb modern rock production from John Shanks British AOR legends return with an album of melody and maturity that looks forward not back Mainman Dann Huff is absent from the reunion but Terry Brock’s vocals lift a classic, if unoriginal, melodic rock album out from the crowd 5= NELSON Lightning Strikes Twice A triumphant return from the one time Timotei Twins that has a gleeful exuberance to it and one of the songs of the year in seventies pastiche How Do You Miss Me 5= H.E.A.T.Freedom Rock A second album full of catchy anthems from the talented young Swedes, spoiled only by a lightweight production, and with the year’s top ballad in Shelter
A great, fresh
sounding comeback from the veterans with all the hallmarks of classic
Scandinavian melodic rock Such a great one for gigs that I cheated and divided them into festivals and other headline shows Festivals 1 FIREFEST VII Nottingham Rock City Every year the organisers of melodic rock’s ‘world convention’ excel themselves and this year’s 17 bands were of the highest calibre yet. For me and many others Jimi Jamison singing his Survivor classics was one of the festival’s best ever sets 2 MOONDANCE JAM Walker, Minnesota, USA Friendly atmosphere, well organised, great sound and lighting and headliners who know how to entertain in Sammy Hagar, REO Speedwagon and Lynyrd Skynyrd- if Carlsberg did rock festivals, this would be it 3 MELODIC ROCK FEST 2 Elgin, Illinois, USA Sadly a poor home turn-out meant Aussie promoter Andrew McNiece lost money- but a solid 2 day lineup (Winger, Y and T, Danger Danger et al) in an intimate roadhouse made for a great away gig for many Firefest regulars from UK and Europe 4 HIGH VOLTAGE Victoria Park, London At last a festival specifically targeted at the classic rock fan, with huge diversity of bands. A small turnout lost HMV money but made for a much more comfortable experience for those of us who were there 5 HARD ROCK CALLING Hyde Park, London
A perfect day (other
than England’s World Cup exit) for the soft rock sounds of Crowded House and
Crosby Stills and Nash, then Paul McCartney delivers 2 ¾ hours of the songs that
made popular music 1 BON JOVI 02 Arena, London The kings of stadium rock produce consummate entertainment on a rare residency of arena shows 2 TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles A setting of great beauty matched by a masterclass of classic American music and far rockier than on record 3 BAD COMPANY Brighton Centre Finally got to see all surviving members show off their great back catalogue and put on a good show into the bargain 4 MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP Shepherds Bush Empire, London Great to see the mercurial German back to his best, with original MSG members and a memorable encore with Pete Way and Paul Raymond 5= EUROPE Shepherds Bush Empire, London A fantastic atmosphere and all ages represented as the Swedes continue their reinvention for a new millennium 5= LYNYRD SKYNYRD Hammersmith Apollo, London The Southern Rock legends know how to put on a show like few others while newie ‘Still Unbroken’ was perhaps live song of the year 5= FM Islington Academy, London Britain’s melodic rock treasures return sounding better than ever- combined with a great night outside the pub afterwards on the year’s hottest day
Lee Millward
Top Albums
THE REASONING Acoustically Speaking
Stunning acoustic versions of some of the band's best loved numbers
The wizard of the fret returns with another scorcher.
Top notch reminder of what a great live band this is.
Great new album from the man who's one of the select few guitarists to be
mentioned in the same circles as Satch.
Top reissue
Nothing can touch the majesty of Fanfare For The Common Man at full volume
Top Gigs
Superb first festival and the chance to see/photograph many superb bands
including The Reasoning, Magnum, Uriah Heep, and ELP's last ever performance ...
How will they top this for 2011?
Amazing display of guitar virtuosity from the master .
A setlist culled from over forty years worth of timeless classics ... A magical
evening
Stripped down versions of Yes classics as well as new material prove that these
guys are masters of their art, and on top of their game.
Glenn's annual homecoming gig proved yet again that "the pipes" are in as good
condition now as they were back in 74.
Top DVD
ULTRAVOX Return To Eden
One to watch in 2011...
Infectious Rockabilly at it's very best
Keith Thompson
Top albums
1. BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION
My five is topped by Black Country Communion who look set to
leave a longer lasting legacy than was first expected when financial differences
clouded the initial euphoria. It was a team album with a definite direction
which complements the talents of those involved. Halftime score: BCC 2
Chickenfoot 1.
Top reissue
DEEP PURPLE Come Taste the Band
Top gigs
1. STEVE HACKETT Birkenhead
The top two will stay in the memory for some time to come. Steve
Hackett's band is a tour de force while Glenn Hughes appears to have found a
guitarist in Soren Anderson who appeals to the ladies.
In their own ways, both stalwarts have found another gear in
their latter careers. A word too for Black Soul Strangers who are more than
Coldplay clones and have an edge to them that is intriguing and unpredictable.
Top DVD
HEAVEN & HELL Neon Nights - Live At Wacken
I tried to avoid clichés and ended up writing a sentence that
sounded like a cliché but isn't. I mean every word when I say that this man was
a fantastic singer, true gentleman and a brave warrior. Icon? You betcha.
Thankfully he didn't know it was to be his last event with Heaven and Hell.
One to Watch in 2011
PHILIP SAYCE
Philip Sayce is an obvious choice to grab the baton from Joe
Bonamassa. Already receiving rave reviews, it looks like a case of good PR being
the key to success in 2011.
I'd just like to add The Jokers too. I agree totally with Jason's
assessment of the album. It's tough out there but these scousers are relentless
in their climb.
>> The Jokers support
Hawkwind on tour in December 2010
Nick van der Meulen
Top albums
AVANTASIA The Wicked Symphony/Angel of Babylon
Tobias Sammet has outdone himself with a collection of great songs, performed
with talented collaborators. Tobias' duet with Klaus Meine, 'Dying for an Angel'
must be one of the songs of the year…
While it would’ve made it to my list just because it’s (supposedly) the last
Scorps album, it makes it because it’s the back-to-basics Scorps album fans were
waiting for.
While many blues fans feel that JB has sold out to commercialism, you’re not
going to get better weak-at-the-knees blues. 'Black Rock' again provides proof
of this.
The album Judas Priest fans were hoping the band would produce 20 years ago.
'The Mower' is a monster!
Iron Maiden takes what progressive metal should be to another realm. Not the
easiest album to listen to, given time it is a masterpiece. Up the Irons!
Top reissues
All three albums brought out on gold CD and mastered by Audio Fidelity. Brings
out the richness of what vinyl used to give and gives these classics new life.
Ideal compilation of a criminally underrated rock band.
HEART at the Las Vegas Hilton
Top DVD
THE UNION The sound of their first show is unbelievable.
Andrew Lock
Top Albums
A breathtaking album marking a new chapter for the band and improves with every
play
Mostly Autumn - In my opinion the most underrated band in the country who
consistently produce quality albums and put on great shows all over the country,
this year starting a new chapter of the band with a new lead vocalist.
2 THE REASONING Acoustically Speaking
Brilliant re- workings of classic Reasoning tracks
3 STEVE HACKETT Out of the Tunnels Mouth
A diverse collection of fabulous guitar led music from the ex Genesis man , full
of atmosphere (and at times Eastern promise)
4 CHRISTINA Broken Lives and Bleeding Hearts
Powerful and moving solo album from Magenta vocalist Christina Booth
5 PANIC ROOM Satellite
Very original stunning second album by Anne-Marie Helder and co.
Top Gigs
1 MOSTLY AUTUMN
The Grand Opera House,
York
As good as ever the annual home city Mostly Autumn gig, complete with seasonal
encores and fun, and the usual lengthy set with a large chunk of the new album
and plenty of MA classics - a stunning gig.
An emotional show in my home town marking Heather's last show with the band -
sad but triumphant at the same time.
Another emotional show this being Olivia's last with this band before taking
over as lead vocalist with Mostly Autumn and a fantastic lengthy set covering
all three breathing Space albums with a couple of Iain Jennings penned Mostly
Autumn tracks for good measure.
Another fantastic and friendly Cambridge Rock Festival with highlights including
Mostly Autumn, Deborah Bonham, Cherry Lee Mewis, Oliver Dawson Saxon to name but
a few.
The band's rocking warm up show for their headline set at the High Voltage
Festival with a fantastic choice of material showcasing some of the highlights
of the bands career.
A great souvenir of a magical evening
Have seen this band twice both times supporting UK Guns N' Roses and have a real
feeling this band have big things ahead of them, they sound/look great and even
though have obvious influences still have that original over all sound,
hopefully they will have their first studio album out next year and things will
really start happening. |
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