5 Roxy Blue – Want Some? (Release Year – 1992)
Memphis Rockers Roxy Blue released a fun CD of rocking tunes in 1992. This disc was released right around the time that Grunge starting breaking into the music scene, and this band never gained the popularity or recognition they deserved.
Roxy Blue is Todd Poole on vocals and guitar, Sid “Boogie” Fletcher on guitar and background vocals, Josh Weil on bass and background vocals, and Scotty T on drums, percussion and background vocals.
This is one of the better hair metal CD’s from the early 90’s, that sadly, few people knew about. This is one of those rare CD’s that I like all of the songs on thes disc.
Todd Poole reminds me a lot of Tuff’s Stevie Rachelle. Sid “Boogie” Fletcher has a polished guitar sound. His talent along should have put this band on the map.
The song, Times are Changin’ is one of the better power ballads of the early 90’s.
Roxy Blue did a better job of their cover of the Who song, Squeeze Box, than Poison did, in my opinion.
Too Hot To Handle is a great 80’s hard rock style anthem that you will like on the first listen.
Guitarist, Sid “Boogie” Fletcher sounds exactly like CC Deville on the track, Sister Sister.
The songs It’s So Easy and Talk of the Town sound like they could have been on the Skid Row CD, Slave to the Grind. Both songs have a heavier approach with a dash of sleaze for good measure.
Rob the Cradle is one of my favorite tracks off of this disc. I recall seeing the video for this song years ago, which is what interested me in picking this disc up.
This CD is out of print, but you can often find this one on Ebay for around $10.00. At that price, this is a disc worth checking out. You can hear a few of the songs at the band’s unofficial myspace page here.
Go get it, you are going to love it!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Too Hot to Handle
2. Sister Sister
3. Times Are Changin’
4. It’s So Easy
5. Rob the Cradle
6. Squeeze Box
7. Talk of the Town
8. Rock-A-Bye Baby
9. Luv on Me
10. Nobody Knows
11. Love’s Got a Hold on Me
12. Main Attraction
0 Operator – Webisode # 3
Check out the latest Webisode posted by the new band Operator!
1 Got an Avatar?
If you have an Avatar, it will now show up next to your comment in the Recent Comments section.
Just login to WordPress, add it to your profile, and voila!
It is one nice little new feature that is now at the Hard Rock Hideout!
0 Marco Mendoza – Live For Tomorrow
Bass player Marco Mendoza has released his first solo effort in 2007, Live for Tommorrow. Marco has has stints playing bass for Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Soul Sirkus and Ted Nugent.
On Live for Tomorrow, Marco handles the vocals and the bass, and has a pretty stellar lineup of axe slingers helping him out, including Richie Kotzen (Poison), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Ted Nugent, Steve Lukather (Toto). Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake) and Brian Tichy (Pride and Glory) handle the drumming.
Marco Mendoza has a vocal style that is a blend between David Coverdale and Paul Rodgers. This record is a bluesy, hard rocking affair that is going to appeal to a lot of rock fans. Marco’s influences don’t stray far from the bands that he has played in, and the guitar work on this disc is superb. Some of the stand out tracks are, I Want You, Let the Sun Shine, In My Face, Broken and the title Track Live For Tomorrow.
Don’t Miss This! You are going to love it!
You can pick this one up at Impulse Music today. Click on the links below to listen to preview some of the tracks. For more information on Marco Mendoza, check out his website here.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Not For Me
2. Live For Tomorrow
3. Lettin’ Go
4. Look Out For The Boys
5. I Want You
6. Your Touch
7. Let The Sun Shine
8. You Got Me
9. In My Face
10. Broken
11. Still In Me
12. Dance With Me
13 Faster Pussycat – The Power and the Glory Hole (2006)
Faster Pussycat returned in 2006 with their first new studio disc in 14 years, The Power and the Glory Hole.
The only remaining original member is singer Taime Down. The rest of the band is filled out by Xristian Simon on Guitar, Danny Nordahl on Bass, and Chad Stewart on Drums.
I have to be honest. I hope the songs that Faster Pussycat performs at Rocklahoma are from their late 80’s and early 90’s catalog. I do not think The Power and the
Glory Hole is a glorious return for Faster Pussycat at all. This new CD has elements of sleaze, glam and industrial type of music. Some songs almost work, and some are so noisy, I could not enjoy them at all. At times, it almost sounds like band is trying to venture into Marilyn Manson territory. If you like that style of music, you may enjoy this, but this was a little to different from original releases for my taste.
A couple of the songs on this disc, if reworked with less industrial style bass, could have been very cool. Unfortunately, distorted bass over powers most of the songs on the The Power & The Glory Hole.
If Faster Pussycat’s Rocklahoma set consists of songs mainly off of this disc, I would recommend getting in line for a beer, and some food. This disc will likely disappoint most fans of 80’s style hard rock. I found this disc unlistenable.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Number One With A Bullet
2. Gotta Love It
3. Useless
4. Sex, Drugs, And Rock’N’Roll
5. Disintegrate
6. These Boots Are Made For Walking
7. Hey You
8. Porn Star
9. The Power And The Gloryhole
10. Shut Up And Fuck
11. Bye Bye Bianca
1 Black Widow / Sixx A.M. in the news!
BLACK WIDOW releases a live DVD which was filmed in 1970. The DVD will be called
“Demons Of The Night Gather To See Black Widow” and it wil be out later this
year by Mystic Records (www.mysticrecords.co.uk).
Black Widow has also new songs and a new Black Magic concept story for their
long-awaited comeback album.
********************************************************************************
Nikki Sixx Offers Fans Free Admittance To First Ever Sixx: A.M. Show
Motley Crue bass player, Nikki Sixxhas issued the following invitation:
“Be a part of rock history and attend the first ever live performance of my new band, Sixx A.M.. All you have to do is bring a printout of your MySpace profile with Heroin Diaries in your Top 8, and the single ‘Life is Beautiful’ in your audio player.”
Admission is limited (approximately 150 people) and is on a first-come-first-serve basis. The concert will take place July 16th at 9AM at 1024 S. Grand in Los Angeles, California. Sixx’s new book, The Heroin Diaries, is being called by the publisher, “the most addictive rock n’ roll tale since The Dirt and Sixx: A.M. provides the epic soundtrack.”
4 Cold Sweat – Break Out (Release Year – 1990)
Cold Sweat is a five piece hard rock band that recorded one CD in 1990 on MCA Records.
This band features former Keel guitar player Marc Ferrari, ex-Wasted guitarist Erik Gamans, bassist Chris McLernon, drummer Anthony White, and singer Rory Cathey.
There was some stink between Cold Sweat and Lynch Mob for a while as Oni Logan who was the
original singer, defected to go sing for George Lynch on the day Cold Sweat was to sign with MCA.
Break Out is a very solid 80’s style hard rock disc that is often forgotten about. Marc Ferrari’s guitar work on this CD is superb. This disc doesn’t have a band song on it, and even features a writing credit on Four on the Floor by current KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer.
Let’s Make Love Tonight
This disc has it all! A great power ballad in Waiting in Vain, and a bunch of excellent hard rockers: Four on the Floor, Take This Heart of Mine, Let’s Make Love Tonight and Fistful of Money. This disc also has a pretty cover of the Foghat song, I Just Want to Make Love To You.
This long out of print CD often sells for 20 or more dollars on EBay, but can often be found for lesser amounts. It is a disc well worth seeking out if you are a fan of 80’s hard rock and glam metal. Buy Break Out if you can! You will love it!
You can hear more songs at the band’s myspace page here.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Four on the Floor
2. Cryin’ Shame
3. Lovestruck
4. Waiting in Vain
5. Take This Heart of Mine
6. Killing Floor
7. Riviera/Long Way Down
8. Let’s Make Love Tonight
9. Fistful of Money
10. Jump the Gun
11. I Just Want to Make Love To You
6 Velvet Revolver – Libertad (Release Year-2007)
The new Velvet Revolver is here! With the new release “Libertad”, hopefully people will treat this as a Velvet Revolver disc and stop the comparisons to Guns ‘N Roses.
The major question people are asking is, has the band gone into a sophomore slump, or does “Libertad” surpass the debut release “Contraband”.
I have listened to “Contraband” quite a bit, and believe “Libertad” surpasses the first disc, and has more potential for hits than its predecessor. “Libertad” however is a grower. I didn’t get into it completely on the first listen. Some of the songs definitely get better with repeated listening.
The first single seems like an odd choice to me. There are more infectious songs that “She Builds Quick” machines on this disc.
She Builds Quick Machines
I actually think the opening cut, “Let it Roll” is a better song. It is a heavier track with superb guitar work and a great bass groove. “She Mine” is another song that is really growing on me.
My early favorite off of this disc is “Get Out the Door“. This is song is quite infectious, and has an awesome beat. “Pill, Demons & Etc.” is also very catchy. Slash’s playing on this track is excellent. I am betting that “American Man” is going to get a lot of radio airplay before the end of 2007. I like this song a lot.
“The Last Fight” almost has a Tom Petty style about it. This song is about as close to “Fall to Pieces” as you are going to get on “Libertad“. This song has radio hit written all over it.
I will admit that there are a couple of songs that I didn’t care for. The Album closer “Gravedancer” sounds closer to the Rolling Stones, and this country flavored rock doesn’t work for me. The song “Spay” was a little too noisy for my tastes.
The cover of the Jeff Lynne penned ELO track, “Can’t Get it Out of My Head” seems out of place too.
The music on this disc is probably more like STP than Guns ‘N Roses. “Libertad” should bring Velvet Revolver continued success well into 2008. It is another solid offering by these hard rock veterans!
You can find more info on Velvet Revolver at the band’s myspace page or at their website here.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Let It Roll
2. She Mine
3. Get Out The Door
4. She Builds Quick Machines
5. The Last Fight
6. Pills, Demons & Etc.
7. American Man
8. Mary Mary Listen
9. Just Sixteen
10. Can’t Get It Out Of My Head
11. For A Brother
12. Spay
13. Gravedancer
14. Re-Evolution
Velvet Revolver is:
Scott Weiland – Vocals
Slash – Guitars
Dave Kushner – Rhythm Guitar
Matt Sorum – Drums
Duff McKagan – Bass
0 Transformers Movie Review
On Wednesday night, our original 4th of July plans got washed out by Mother Nature, so my wife and I decided to go check out the new Transformers Movie.
I am a fan of the original 1984 animated series. If someone would have asked me ten years ago that a movie like this would be possible, I would probably say no.
I must admit that my expectations were fairly low for the Movie. I have seen bits an pieces of the Animated Series that has been released since the original, and they lack the heart of the first series.
Luckily, this Movie is mostly based on the original characters from 1984. This story infused the human element with the robotic action quite well. There is plenty of humor and action keeping the movie loose yet enjoyable.
There are plenty of things for the Transformers fans to love. Optimus Prime is voiced by Peter Cullen, the original voice of Optimus. The familiar transforming sound effects are there, as well as some all too familiar characters: Megatron, Starscream, Bumblebee, Jazz, Ratchet, and Ironhide.
The story is done quite well, and the special effects are amazing. This is kind of movie that you want to go the theater to see.
If you have ever been a fan of the original Transformers series, or enjoy big Hollywood action/Science Fiction type movies, you need to go check out The Transformers.
Rating: 
Out of 5
0 The Answer to open for the Rolling Stones!
Which Ulster band is supporting the Stones? Here’s The Answer
Ulster rockers The Answer today told of their amazement at securing their biggest concert to date – supporting The Rolling Stones in front of 80,000 people in Serbia.
The Downpatrick band, who supported The Who in Dublin and Cork last weekend, received a personal invite from the Stones to join them at their show in Belgrade on July 14.
They also supported Aerosmith at Hyde Park in London.
The Stones gig is the latest in a series of successes for the band, who count tennis legend Pat Cash among their fans.
The re-release of their album Rise shipped over 10,000 in its first few weeks.
Speaking from Wimbledon, where he was planning to meet up with Australian star Cash later, The Answer’s frontman Cormac Neeson said he was still pinching himself about the massive support slot.
“It’s just amazing. The Rolling Stones are just about the best rock ‘n’ roll band of all time and so many of their albums have influenced The Answer, so to be asked to support them is such an honour,” he said.
“We were in Dublin supporting The Who at the weekend when we got word of the gig.
“We’ve been buzzing ever since.”
Cormac said the band had enjoyed a brilliant summer so far.
“The album sales are doing well and we’ve had great feedback on our MySpace page,” he said.
“And the Aerosmith gig was great. We played in front of about 60,000 people and the weather held for that one hour that we were on.
“The crowd stretched for as far as the eye could see and the atmosphere was brilliant.
“I decided just to relax and enjoy it and not get too nervous and that’s the attitude I’m going to take with the Serbian gig.”
As yet, the band hasn’t been approached about supporting the Rolling Stones when they play Slane Castle in Ireland later in the summer.
“I’ve been to Croatia before but never to Serbia and I’m really looking forward to taking in the sights and sounds,” Cormac added.
Will Pat Cash be joining them on tour? “Who knows, he might have some tennis legends event to attend but we’ll see,” he said.
“Myself and Paul (Mahon, The Answer’s guitarist) have been invited to Wimbledon by Pat. We don’t know who we’re going to see, but it’ll be great catching up with Pat later.”
Courtesy of the Belfast Telegraph
5 Airbourne signs with Roadrunner records!!
ROADRUNNER RECORDS SIGNS AUSTRALIAN ROCKERS AIRBOURNE:
Press Release / New York, NY- Roadrunner Records is proud to announce the signing of Aussie hard rockers, Airbourne. Forming a genuine brand of fist-pumping, beer-slinging rock ‘n’ roll, Airbourne have established a respectable name for themselves in their native country. Although still very young, the band sonically tears pages from the bible of anthemic rock of the 70’s and 80’s, taking us back to a time where music was loud, fiercely genuine and hook laden. Their dynamic and energetic live performances offer a much-needed cure for the downtrodden vibe of popular music. Much like their forefathers, Airbourne offers nothing but a good time! Airbourne is: brothers Joel O’Keeffe (vocals/lead guitar) and Ryan O’Keeffe (drums), David Roads (guitar) and Justin Street (bass).
Forming out of the musical connection of two brothers, Airbourne was conceived by Joel and Ryan O’Keeffe, and was vested in their mutual love for bands such as Rose Tattoo, Van Halen, Motörhead, AC/DC and The Angels. Later joined by David Roads and Justin Street, the quartet set out to make straightforward rock ‘n’ roll, complete with catchy choruses, decadent themes and the driving rhythm to match.
“It’s hard to explain,” vocalist/guitarist Joel O’Keeffe states, “but that’s what I always wanted to hear – straight-ahead Aussie pub rock.” The resulting product was a stripped down approach to rock with song titles to match the party oriented sentiment. Investing time and money for the love of the music, the band spent years working the local circuit, eventually graduating to national tours and exposure. Years of hard work paid off, catching the attention of music fans throughout Australia and the world.
Roadrunner senior VP of A&R, Ron Burman, instantly fell in love with “their brand of anthemic, catchy, hard rock-n-roll.” He states, “I am so excited that we signed Airbourne. They are a young, fists in the air, high energy, in-your-face type of hard rock band. I saw them play a few times in Austin at South By Southwest and they blew me away.”
Sharing national stages with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Motley Crüe and The Living End, the band has honed in on its performance Zen. A live show is sure to include bursting energy, rowdy crowds singing their hearts out and free-flowing beer. “We always go on-stage and try to prove a point,” O’Keeffe directs, “about how GOOD rock ‘n’ roll is!” The band takes on the mission to spread that infectious love of rock, even performing at Australia’s biggest rock festival in 2006, Big Day Out. They are currently playing dates throughout Australia.
In June the band released Runnin’ Wild, a red-blooded collection of rallying rock anthems with undeniable choruses and feel good momentum in Australia. Scheduled to be released in the US and Europe through Roadrunner Records in early 2008, the album channels the endearing qualities of classic rock while breathing new life through modern production and arrangement. Boasting an all-star team, Runnin’ Wild was produced by Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Quiet Riot) and mixed by Andy Wallace (Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, Linkin Park). With lead tracks such as “Runnin’ Wild,” “Stand Up For Rock n Roll,” and “Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast,” Runnin’ Wild will be the new soundtrack to all-night partying. Airbourne have risen to the challenge and are ready to bring their authentic brand of power rock to the US in 2008!
WebLinks: www.airbournerock.com / www.myspace.com/airbournerock
You can check out their video for Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast below:
0 Queensryche – Mindcrime At the Moore in stores now!
Queensryche Releases Live CD & DVD Capturing Epic ‘Operation: Mindcrime’ Saga In Its Entirety
Queensrÿche brought the group’s acclaimed Operation: Mindcrime albums to the stage last year performing the original and its 2006 sequel in their entirety during the group’s successful North American tour. The marathon shows included a full theatrical production complete with surround sound, video imagery and actors portraying the concept albums’ characters onstage with the band. Rhino captures Queensrÿche’s epic performance in front of the quintet’s hometown crowd at the Moore Theater in Seattle with Mindcrime At The Moore. The double CD and double DVD versions will both be available July 3rd at all physical retail outlets and www.rhino.com.
The CD includes singer and chief songwriter Geoff Tate along with guitarists Michael Wilton and Mike Stone, bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott Rockenfield performing all 32 Mindcrime tracks plus a two-song encore featuring their signature hits-“Jet City Woman” and “Walk In The Shadows.” The DVD features the same performance expanded with bonus material including a tour documentary, a featurette on the band’s “Rock & Ride Across America” charity motorcycle ride for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, and a live performance of “The Chase” from the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles, featuring Ronnie James Dio‘s only public appearance as Dr. X.
“This concert is the realization of an idea that began nearly two decades ago,” says Tate. “The story and music of Operation: Mindcrime is very dear to the band. We are thrilled with this performance and proud to share it with our audience.”
Queensrÿche released Operation: Mindcrime in 1988. Praised by critics and certified platinum, the album was an acclaimed success remaining on Billboard’s Top 200 for more than a year. In 2006 the band released a long-awaited sequel to their magnum opus to critical and commercial success. The album debuted at #14 on the Top 200, their highest debut in over a decade.
The concept albums follow an intriguing and complex plot that revolves around Dr. X, a political puppet master who brainwashes Nikki– the story’s main character– to assassinate corrupt public figures. The story also includes Nikki’s lover, Sister Mary. A former teenage prostitute who becomes a nun, Sister Mary is murdered mysteriously, leaving the cliffhanger “Who Killed Sister Mary?” Set 20 years after the original, Operation: Mindcrime II explores Nikki’s fate after being released from prison and reveals the identity of Mary’s killer. The album centers on revenge and what it does to people, their emotions and the choices they make.
Mindcrime At The Moore
Disc 1
1. I Remember Now
2. Anarchy-X
3. Revolution Calling
4. Operation: Mindcrime
5. Speak
6. Spreading The Disease
7. The Mission
8. Suite Sister Mary
9. The Needle Lies
10. Electric Requiem
11. Breaking The Silence
12. I Don’t Believe In Love
13. Waiting For 22
14. My Empty Room
15. Eyes Of A Stranger
Disc 2
1. Freiheit Ouvertüre
2. Convict
3. I’m American
4. One Foot In Hell
5. Hostage
6. The Hands
7. Speed Of Light
8. Signs Say Go
9. Re-Arrange You
10. The Chase
11. Murderer?
12. Circles
13. If I Could Change It All
14. An Intentional Confrontation
15. A Junkie’s Blues
16. Fear City Slide
17. All The Promises
Encore:
18. Walk In The Shadows
19. Jet City Woman
Bonus DVD Content:
-Tour Documentary
-“The Chase” performed live with Ronnie James Dio in Los Angeles
-Queensryche Rock & Ride featurette
33 Ozzy Osbourne – I Don’t Wanna Stop
Update: If you haven’t seen the official video for I Don’t Wanna Stop, I have added it below!
Have you heard the new track from Ozzy, I Don’t Wanna Stop? Eddie Trunk and Hairball John have both played this track on their radio shows, and it in the regular playlist at XM Radio now.
The last two weeks, Eddie Trunk has referred to the track as goofy several times. He thinks it is poorly written, and has ripped on it pretty bad.
On the other hand, Hairball John has played it and loves it. Personally, I agree with Hairball John. I think it is pretty cool.
Watch the official video and let me know what you think!
0 Twisted Sister: The Video Years DVD (Release Year – 2007)
Jay Jay French was on the Eddie Trunk show last Monday (6/25/07) talking about current Twisted Sister news, and some T.S. history.
He mentioned that when they were requested to Rocklahoma, they would only agree to do the show if they were the Headlining Act. The band got their wish! When Twisted Sister takes the stage to close out the Rocklahoma Music Festival, they wont have any new music to support the show, but they do have a brand new DVD that was released Tuesday (6/26/07).
Twisted Sister, The Video Years is an excellent disc for all 80’s hard rock fans. This disc gives you all of the videos that the band put out over the years, as well as the video, that
MTV banned, Be Chrool to your Scuel.
This disc has one of the bands very early performances, (the first in the UK), and well as several live performances, and great interviews.
This disc is a must have for all Twisted Sister fans, and should be essential for all 80’s hard rock fans as well! It is a disc full of great music, and excellent history on one of the biggest hard rock bands in the 80’s.
Rating: 
Out of 5
TV Performance
- It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)
Videos
- You Can’t Stop Rock’n’Roll
- We’re Not Gonna Take It
- I Wanna Rock
- The Price
- Leader Of The Pack
- Be Chrool To Your Scuel
- Hot Love (1987)
Live Performances
- Stay Hungry (1984)
- The Kids Are Back
- We’re Not Gonna Take It
- I Wanna Rock
- Under The Blade
- The Beast
- You Can’t Stop Rock’n’Roll
- The Price
- Stay Hungry
- Burn In Hell
- S.M.F
Interviews
- Dee Snider
- Jay Jay French
- Mark Mendoza
- Aj Pero
- Eddie Ojeda
- Joe Gerber
- Phil Carson and Lemmy Kilminster
6 Robert Plant Denies Led Zeppelin Reunion
File this one under “Communication Breakdown.”
Earlier this week, rumors of a Led Zeppelin one-off reunion show and possible 2008 tour circulated throughout the internet.
Yesterday, at a press conference in Greece for this weekend’s RockWave Festival, headliner Robert Plant denied the rumors and said he hadn’t heard anything about a Zep reunion.
When asked about the one-off show, Plant joked, “I don’t know if there would be enough doctors to support it.”
Previously, sources close to the Zeppelin camp had said that members Jimmy Page, Plant and John Paul Jones were planning to reunite for a memorial concert in London for Ahmet Ertegun, the Atlantic Records founder who died in 2006, and that if all went well, a full Zeppelin tour (with Jason Bonham on drums) would commence next year.
The RockWave Festival is happening June 29 and July 1 and 3, and will feature such artists as Plant, Metallica, Chris Cornell, Europe, Mastodon, My Dying Bride, Heaven and Hell, Dream Theater, Iced Earth and others. For more information, visit rockwavefestival.gr.
Courtesy of Guitar World
5 Poison – Sexy Back (Unofficial Video)
In case you didn’t hear, Poison released a cover of Justin Timberlake’s Sexy Back, on the Poison’d disc sold through Wal-mart stores.
Some crafty person created the video before the their cover of this song. Check it out! This was just too funny not to pass along!
0 Fifty Sixx Days until Sixx A.M.
The countdown continues…….
It is 56 days until the new release of the Nikki Sixx Soundtrack for his book, the Heroin Diaries.
Nikki Sixx has released the following video for the song, Life is Beautiful, in support of the up and coming soundtrack and book. His band Sixx A.M. features James Michael and DJ Ashba (Beautiful Creatures) as well, Check it out!
Sixx A.M. – Life is Beautiful
You can also check out this Ecard with an excerpt from the first Chapter of the book, the Heroin Diaries!
3 Axel Rudi Pell / Iced Earth in the news!
Axel Rudi Pell is bringing you 2007’s 4th cover album!
For over 25 years, Axel Rudi Pell has counted as one of Germany’s most versatile guitarists. With over a dozen studio albums, he has a record of brilliant productions, loved by his fans and greeted with respect and praise by the press. Alongside numerous original compositions, cover versions of his favourite songs have always taken a special place in his work. The musician from Wattenscheid, Germany, has not only covered the work of his own idols, such as DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW, but also numbers by acts such as ALPHAVILLE, FREE, JIMI HENDRIX and URIAH HEEP. Now Pell is scheduled to release “Diamonds Unlocked” on October 1, 2007 (Germany: September 28; USA: to be announced), his first album consisting exclusively of compositions by other musicians, proving his expertise when it comes to the history of rock and pop music. Axel Rudi Pell has recorded ten cover songs, among them surprising new versions of real classics. “I have always stressed that I don’t have a hard rock and metal fixation,” he points out. “I don’t think in terms of pigeonholes. If I like a track for whatever reason, I don’t care about its stylistic direction. Every song on this album made me want to cover it at some stage when I heard the original.”
Pell is referring to tracks such as the PHIL COLLINS megahit “In The Air Tonight”, his own version sounding tailor-made for the ARP band. “Of course we rearranged some of the songs to suit our style 100%,” the maestro explains. “‘In The Air Tonight’ features an extra drums and percussions part, plus added speed towards the end. And I don’t suppose I have to mention that the guitar solo is longer than on the original.” Equally surprising, although certainly logical in this context, is the extremely catchy U2 number “Beautiful Day” (“a timeless classic, absolutely wicked, an ingenious melody and a great chorus”), and the CHRIS REA song “Stone”, which Pell discovered in a rather roundabout way. “It wasn’t Chris Rea’s original that convinced me but the cover version by THE LAW, a project initiated by FREE/BAD COMPANY/QUEEN vocalist Paul Rodgers and ex-THE WHO drummer Kenny Jones, from their 1991 debut album.” Talking of FREE and THE WHO: the ARP version of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” sounds extremely classy and fast-paced, and “Heartbreaker” sees Pell present a classic by a band that has had a lasting influence on him. “FREE inspired me to learn to play the guitar,” he said. “Their guitarist Paul Kossoff had this extremely singing, melancholy blues sound that set him apart from thousands of other guitarists.”
“Diamonds Unlocked” was recorded by the tried-and-tested lineup consisting of Axel Rudi Pell, vocalist Johnny Gioeli, keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg, bassist Volker Krawczak and drummer Mike Terrana. Pell produced the album single-handedly, and Charlie Bauerfeind took care of the mix.
“Diamonds Unlocked” track listing:
01. The Diamond Overture
02. Warrior (RIOT)
03. Beautiful Day (U2)
04. Stone (CHRIS REA/THE LAW)
05. Love Gun (KISS)
06. Fools Game (MICHAEL BOLTON)
07. Heartbreaker (FREE)
08. Rock The Nation (MONTROSE)
09. In The Air Tonight (PHIL COLLINS)
10. Like A Child Again (THE MISSION)
11. Won’t Get Fooled Again (THE WHO)
*******************************************************
Iced Earth Releases Cover Art Image
Iced Earth Released the following image off their upcoming CD, Framing Armageddon.
12 Wildside – Under the Influence (Release Year – 1992)
One of the discs that I still play from time to time is the glam metal release by Wildside, called Under the Influence.
If Under the Influence was released five years earlier, Wildside would have been a household name. Armed with a sound that was a mixture between RATT and Cinderella, they had the sound, and the look to make it big. Sadly, this disc was released right at the time that the music scene was going through the change to Grunge, and the disc did not gain the success is deserved.
The CD was produced by Andy Johns (Cinderella, Van Halen, L.A. Guns), and even had a little writing help by Paul Stanley on the track Clock Strikes.
I picked this disc up after hearing a few cuts on he syndicated hard rock station Z-Rock. This disc has remained in my play list ever since.
In 2007, Under the Influence is becoming increasingly harder to find, and averages between 20 – 30 dollars on Ebay. It is a disc worth seeking out, if you missed it the first time around.
The band put out a second release in 1995, that was a change in sound (more grunge, than glam) that completely bombed, and the band broke up. In 2004, another disc, The Wasted Years surfaced that contained some demos and live cuts, as well as Wildside’s version of the G ‘N R song Crash Diet.
The released Under the Influence is the best release by the band, and is the release most people are still looking for.
My favorite cuts off of this disc are, Hang on Lucy, Just Another Night, Hair of the Dog, and Clock Strikes.
You can hear some of the tunes off of the Under the Influence at a fan made Wildside page on myspace. Buy this disc if you can find it. You won’t be disappointed!
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Hang On Lucy
2. So Far Away
3. Monkey See Monkey Do
4. Just Another Night
5. Looks Like Love
6. Lad In Sin
7. Drunkin’ Man’s Blues
8. How Many Lies
9. Hair Of The Dog
10. Heart-N-Soul
11. Kiss This Love Goodbye
12. Clock Strikes
Wildside is:
Drew Hannah – Lead vocals
Brent Wood – Lead, rhythm, and acoustic guitars, backing vocals
Benny Rhynedance – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Marc Simon – Bass, backing vocals
Jimmy D. – Drums
2 Allen/Lande – The Revenge (Release Year – 2007)
If you have ever visited the Hard Rock Hideout, you probably know that I am fan of Jorn Lande.
Jorn Lande returns with his third disc in 2007 alone. The Revenge is the second collaberation with singer Russell Allen from Symphony X, and guitarist Magnus Karlsson from Last Tribe.
The first disc, The Battle was fantastic, so all of the musicians involved would have to truly raise the bar to surpass that disc. I don’t think the Revenge surpasses The Battle, but it is pretty close to being equal to its predecessor.
Magnus Karlsson once again shows off his superb song writing skills. Without any question, I knew I
would be listening to a superior vocal performance from Allen and Lande, and I was right. On six of the tracks both Allen and Lande share the vocals. The other six are split evenly between the two.
This disc starts off with an awesome track, Revenge. This song has a very cool groove with excellent keyboard melodies. Jorn Lande and Russell Allen both sound great. The keyboard parts on this song remind me of Whitesnake.
Obsessed is Russell Allen’s first solo track on this disc. Allen shows off his amazing voice on this heavy, melodic rocker. This is a damn good song.
Victory has a lighter feel to it at first with some lighter guitar picking, but then blasts off with some full out crunching metal. Lande’s powerful pipes shine through on this track. This is another cool song!
Master of Sorrow is Jorn’s first solo song on the disc. This is a balladesque song with lots of great piano and guitar work by Magnus Karlsson. This is one of my favorite songs off of the The Revenge. Jorn’s phenomenal voice shines here.
Will You Follow is Russell Allen’s 2nd solo track. This is a superb, high tempo rocker that sometimes ventures into Survivor like territory. Karlsson’s heavy guitars are a good match with Russell Allen’s voice. I enjoyed Karlsson’s guitar noodling on this song.
Just A Dream is another song with the dualing vocals of Allen and Lande. This was the first song that I couldn’t really get into. The music is good, but there are more progressive elements in this song, and it seems to lack the cohesiveness that the songs before it possess.
Her Spell is Jorn’s second solo track. I have listened to this song a few times now, and for whatever reason, I can’t get into this song. I can’t put my finger on it, but there are better songs on The Revenge than this one.
Gone Too Far is the third solo effort by Russell Allen, and probably his best. This is the type of song that will keep me coming back for more collaberations with Magnus Karlsson. This is about as good as melodic rock will ever get. Great Stuff!
Wake Up Call is a powerful rock anthem, that had me headbanging from the start.
Under The Waves is the final solo output from Jorn Lande. This song is much better than Her Spell, and a close second to Master of Sorrow. Jorn’s vocals are more low key on this song, but he still sounds very good.
Who Can You Trust is one of the heavier songs on The Revenge. This is another standout effort from Lande, Allen and Karlsson. If you don’t like this track on the first listen, your speakers must be broke.
When Time Doesn’t Heal should be essential listening to all hard rock fans. This track is an exceptional ballad, and a pretty impressive way to close out The Revenge.
Once again, Allen and Lande deliver again with another great melodic rock disc. This one is worthy pickup for any hard rock fans. You can check out more of Allen Lande’s music from Revenge at their myspace page here. The CD is available for purchase through CD Inzane and Impulse Music. You can also listen to two of the songs below!
The Revenge -
Master of Sorrow -
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. The Revenge
2. Obsessed
3. Victory
4. Master Of Sorrow
5. Will You Follow
6. Just A Dream
7. Her Spell
8. Gone Too Far
9. Wake Up Call
10. Under The Waves
11. Who Can You Trust
12. When Time Doesn’t Heal
2 Are American Idol Producers Showing You the Best Talent?
Like it, or hate it, American Idol is a pop culture that is here to stay. Before the last season of American Idol started, there were rumors that the Producers were looking to weed out the rock singers in the competition, as they wanted American Idol to be a true Pop Singer contest. Whether this was true or not, I do not know, but the lack of rock singers in Season 6, led me to believe it was correct.
To Me, Season 6, was just about unwatchable. I am not saying that the contestants this past year were not talented. There were certainly a few good singers in Season 6, but the competition was uninteresting.
I saw a news byte today that Ari Koivunen, winner of Finnish Idol, has a released a new video for his CD, Fuel to the Fire.
After watching this video for the new track Hear My Call, it made me wonder, how is it that a country that has a population smaller than the city of Atlanta, can produce talent like this, and the entire United States can not.
What do you think about this?
1 Iced Earth – Overture Of The Wicked (Released-2007)
Overture of the Wicked is a 4 track EP, which is a precursor of sorts for Iced Earth’s new CD, FRAMING ARMAGEDDON (Something Wicked Part 1), that is due later in 2007.
If the new CD sounds anything like this EP, sign me up for a copy now! Ripper Owens voice sounds stronger than ever, and the 4 songs on this disc absolutely rock! The guitars of Jon Schaffer and Tim Mills are tight as can be, and Brent Smedley’s Machine Gun style doublen bass drumming is awesome!
Overture of the Wicked is tasty appetizer for Iced Earth’s up and coming CD. Based on what I have heard here, Iced Earth is going to be a band to watch in 2007. They are about to have a breakout year!
If you have enjoyed any of Ripper Owens vocals in the past, you need to get this! You can hear the track Ten Thousand Years below.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Ten Thousand Strong
- Prophecy
- Birth of the Wicked
- The Coming Curse
6 Countdown to Sixx A.M.
It is 66 days until the new release of the Nikki Sixx Soundtrack for his book, the Heroin Diaries.
Nikki Sixx has released the following video for the song, Life is Beautiful, in support of the up and coming soundtrack and book. His band Sixx A.M. features James Michael and DJ Ashba (Beautiful Creatures) as well, Check it out!
Sixx A.M. – Life is Beautiful
You can also check out this Ecard with an excerpt from the first Chapter of the book, the Heroin Diaries!
2 Slaughter – Fear No Evil (Release Year – 1995)
Fear No Evil is the third studio release by Slaughter, and also the band’s heaviest.
With the change in the music scene, Chrysalis Records didn’t want to release this disc. Slaughter eventually signed with CMC and released this disc on the new label. Sadly, after a double platinum and gold album, Slaughter found little success with Fear No Evil.
Amazingly, this is the hardest output by Slaughter, and one of the better releases of the band’s career. Lack of airplay, and a release that was in the middle of the Grunge era of rock, left Fear No Evil as one of the better unknown releases by the band. The heaviness of the tunes reminds of a Dana Strum and Marc Slaughter’s sound while they were in the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. Tim Kelly’s (R.I.P.) guitar playing on this disc is superb. He cuts loose more on this disc than on any other Slaughter release.
The highlights on this disc are Live Like There’s No Tomorrow, Get Used To It, Searchin’, Let the Good Times Roll, and Outta My Head.
Searchin’
Live Like There’s No Tomorrow
Let The Good Times Roll
Hopefully, when Slaughter takes the stage at the Rocklahoma Music Festival they will play some cuts off of Fear No Evil, but since these songs are the least known of the Slaughter tunes out there, I doubt you will hear any of these. You will at least get a double dose of guitarist Jeff Blando, and Dana Strum, as they are currently playing in Vince Neil’s band too!
If you are a fan of Slaughter, you need to pick up Fear No Evil. You won’t be disappointed.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Live Like There’s No Tomorrow
2. Get Used To It
3. Searchin’
4. It’ll Be Alright
5. Let The Good Times Roll
6. Breakdown ‘N’ Cry
7. Hard Times
8. Divine Order
9. Yesterday’s Gone
10. Prelude
11. Outta My Head
12. Unknown Destination
3 Dave Evans – Sinner (Release Year – 2005)
In case you didn’t know, Dave Evans is the first lead singer from AC/DC. He has been in a few bands over the years since his initial days with AC/DC, and is now starting to make a name for himself in the United States.
Sinner is the debut CD released by Dave Evans in the United States. If you love good hard rock music, you are going to love this disc.
Sinner is full of kick ass, hard driving, rock and roll! Dave Evans voice is well tailored for good heavy rock, and this disc rocks hard. Mark Tinson’s song writing skills shine, as there isn’t a bad song on the disc.
My favorite cuts are Back on the Firing Line, Take Me Down Again, Only the Good Die Young, Carnal Knowledge, Turn it Up and Out in the Cold.
Fans of AC/DC and good hard rock music are going to love this disc. You can hear more of Dave’s songs at his myspace page here. You can pick up Sinner at CDBaby.com and ITunes. For those of you who haven’t caught the Dave Evans podcast yet, be sure to check it out here.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Back on the Firing Line
- Rock ‘N Roll or Bust
- Take Me Down Again
- Only the Good Die Young
- Sinner
- Carnal Knowledge
- Turn It Up
- Out in the Cold
- Go Down Fighting
- Sold My Soul to Rock ‘N’ Roll
- D.O.A.
- The Thunder Down Under
4 American Angel – Vanity (Release Year – 2007)
It has been 15 long years since American Angel has released their last CD, the “EP 1992″
The new CD Vanity is full of great 80’s style hard rock that was found on their 1989 debut CD.
The lineup of American Angel now features Rocco Fury on lead vocals, Dennis Zehrer on guitar, Mike Bisulca on guitar and back up vocals, Jay Druzsba on bass, Marc Ambrosy on drums and Eric Ragno on keyboards.
Rocco Fury’s voice is strong as ever and
at times reminds me of Sebastian Bach. The band is extemely tight, and Vanity has actually gotten better with a couple more listens.
I have spun this disc a few times now, and the highlights on this disc are Pantomind, Vanity, Don’t Wait Up and the power ballads, Warm Inside, and Another Day.
Pantomind
Warm Inside
American Angel isn’t breaking any new musical ground on this disc, but I wasn’t expecting them to. Vanity is a fun throw back in sound to the Big Hair era of music. If you like any of the late 80’s Hard Rock Bands, you are going to love. American Angel’s Vanity. You can hear more tunes at their myspace here.
Rating:Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. While I’m Away
2. Pantomind
3. Vanity
4. On The Hunt
5. Seven
6. Warm Inside
7. Don’t Wait Up
8. Breathe
9. In Perfection
10. End of the Night
11. Another Day
12. Turns To Grey
13. Permanent Pause
14. Don’t Wait Up (Remix)
1 MSG – Heavy Hitters (Release Year – 2005)
The 2005 Release, Heavy Hitters by the Michael Schenker Group is more of a star studded affair than a true band outing.
The list of guest stars on this disc is huge and includes: Joe Lynn Turner, Jeff Scott Soto, Sebastian Bach, Mark Slaughter, Jeff Pilson, Edgar Winter, Leslie West, Vinnie Appice, Phil Soussan, Bob Kulick, Paul Dianno, Tony Franklin, Marco Mendoza, and quite a few others.
I have seen a bunch of poor reviews on this disc, but you wont find one here. I have gotten quite a bit of enjoyment out of this disc. To me, this is a covers disc, that doesn’t feel like one. It could be because the only constant is Michael Schenker on guitar.
Michael Schenker’s guitar playing smokes on all of these tracks. I have always been a fan of his, and this disc shows that he can sound good, no matter who the front man of his group is.
There are quite a few stand out tracks on Heavy Hitters. Doctor, Doctor is near perfection, and JSS on vocals is very cool. I love hearing Ripper Owens wail on War Pigs. That brings a smile to my face every time.
Doctor Doctor
War Pigs
Out in the Fields with Gary Barden is great. Schenker’s guitars really howl on this song. Money with Tommy Shaw is pretty good as well.
You could spin your money in much worse way, while in your music store. Heavy Hitters is a solid listen from beginning to end.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. All Shook Up with Joe Lynn Turner on vocals (Elvis Presley)
2. Blood Of The Sun with Leslie West from Mountain on vocals(Mountain)
3. Doctor Doctor with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals(UFO)
4. War Pigs with Ripper Owens on vocals(Black Sabbath)
5. I’m Not Talking with Mark Slaughter on vocals (Yarbirds/Mose Allison)
6. Money w/ Tommy Shaw on vocals and Edgar Winter on the Saxophone( Pink Floyd)
7. I Don’t Live Today with Sebastian Bach on vocals (Jimi Hendrix)
8. Hair Of The Dog with Paul Dianno on vocals, and Vinnie Appice on Drums(Nazareth)
9. Out In The Fields with Gary Barden on vocals (Gary Moore)
10. Politician with Jeff Pilson on vocals (Cream)
0 Hard Rock Hideout Under Cover!
Hard Rock cover tunes have been a staple since the 1970’s. Just about every Hard Rock Band from Anthrax to Van Halen have recorded cover tunes on one (or more) of their discs. In the case of Motley Crue, and Quiet Riot, hits have been scored from cover songs.
Sometime in the 90’s it became common place for hard rock tribute albums to sprout up, and the in the late 90’s the trend of hard rock cover albums began. Love them or hate them, this is a trend that will likely continue.
This week at the Hard Rock Hideout, I will be reviewing covers discs as well as posting some other subjects on the topic. Later in the week, I will post reviews for the covers discs by Poison and Tesla.
Stop back each day for the latest reviews and news!
1 Ozzy / Satellite Party / Izzy Stradlin in the news!
Ozzy Snubs ‘Idol’ Duet With Malakar
Rocker Ozzy Osbourne pulled out of an appearance on “American Idol” because of a former contestant’s hairstyle, according to reports.
The Black Sabbath star was slated to duet with Sanjaya Malakar on last week’s season finale, but cancelled at the last minute.
A source tells the New York Post’s Page Six column, “When he learned he would have to do a duet with Sanjaya, Ozzie said he didn’t want to be onstage with that idiot.”
Osbourne is also reported to have called Malakar “a hairstyle-challenged idiot.”
Aerosmith star Joe Perry was called up as Osbourne’s replacement on the talent-search TV show.
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PERRY FARRELL Says DAVE NAVARRO’s ‘Rock Star’ TV Show Caused JANE’S ADDICTION Split
Launch Radio Networks reports: Former JANE’S ADDICTION frontman Perry Farrell‘s new project, the SATELLITE PARTY, released its debut disc on Tuesday (May 29), titled “Ultra Payloaded”. The CD is a loose concept record about an organization called “the Solutionists” that wants to use music to change the world for the better. Farrell told Launch that the idea came to him after JANE’S ADDICTION began falling apart while guitarist Dave Navarro started hosting the “Rock Star” reality series. “My band broke up basically over reality TV, and I just couldn’t believe it,” he said. “So I thought, like, rock and roll has never been about kissing ass and a contest. You know, rock and roll is self-expression. It’s defiance. It’s freedom. So I started to write about a group of people, they call themselves the Solutionists, that take matters into their own hands in this do-it-yourself world where basically the media has given up on the future.”
The SATELLITE PARTY also features former EXTREME guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, while the album contains guest appearances from RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea and guitarist John Frusciante, BLACK EYED PEAS singer Fergie and others, as well as what may be the last known recording made by late DOORS vocalist Jim Morrison.
“Ultra Payloaded” is packaged in “an entirely eco-friendly” digipack made exclusively out of recycled paper, while the disc itself is carbon-neutral. All the estimated carbon dioxide produced by the manufacture and shipping of the record will be offset by the construction of renewable energy projects.
The band will perform on CBS-TV‘s “Late Show with David Letterman” on June 5, and has scheduled a residency on “Last Call with Carson Daly” for June 12, June 13, June 14 and June 15. The group will also perform in August at Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival, of which Farrell is one of the organizers.
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New Izzy Stradlin tunes available on I-Tunes!
Former GUNS N’ ROSES guitarist Izzy Stradlin‘s new album, “Miami”, is now available for purchase via iTunes. No CDs will be made available in stores.
The album’s 11 songs were recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida.
“Miami” track listing:
01. TJ
02. Buildings In The Sky
03. Let Go
04. JR’s Song
05. Partly Cloudy
06. Waiting
07. Bombs Away
08. Tough Check
09. Pick Up The Phone
10. Everythings Alright
11. FSO Ragga
Taz Bentley, a member of Stradlin‘s band, told Izzy‘s official web site that the “Miami” recording sessions date back to late 2005 and early 2006, when the album was completed, reports ChartAttack.com.
“This recording is more loose,” he said. “We spent time jamming the songs out a pinch more than normal. The vibe was relaxed and the songs are as strong and diverse as always.”
There’s no word on whether Stradlin, who turned 45 last month, will tour behind the album. The guitarist spent a portion of 2006 on the road as a guest guitarist with GUNS N’ ROSES during the band’s European tour. It was the first time he had played with the band since 1993. He released his IZZY STRADLIN & THE JU JU HOUNDS debut album in 1992.
2 Jorn Lande Video Interview
Check out this cool video interview of singer Jorn Lande! Special Thanks to Frehley’scomic over at the Hairball John Radio show forum for this great find!
http://www.actiontv.ch/showmovie_bothw.php?movie=iv_jornlande
