Tag: Jani Lane
1 Remembering Jani Lane
Today is the one year anniversary of the death of former Warrant front man Jani Lane. It is mind boggling to me that it has already been a year since we lost Jani. Like many of you, I was fan of Jani, and all of the music he created. He was a great song writer, and his contributions to hard rock are greatly missed.
The clips below are just a few of my favorite songs that Jani performed and/or had written. Rest In Peace Jani!
0 Liberty ‘N’ Justice to Release “Hell is Coming to Breakfast”
Roxx Productions along with Liberty ‘n’ Justice are very pleased to announce for LNJ’s 20th Anniversary (1992-2012) the release of their 11th studio album ‘Hell is coming to Breakfast’. This marks the bands second release on Roxx Records after a successful partnership on the Limited Edition charity CD entitled ‘Chasing a Cure LP’ that the two teamed up on earlier in 2011. ‘Hell is coming to Breakfast is set for release on March 1, 2012 with pre-sales beginning now.
Justin Murr of Liberty ‘n’ Justice has this to say about the release… “We recorded so many songs for our yet to be released 2 CD project entitled ‘The Cigar Chronicles’ and with the delay on this release not happening until late in 2012 or early 2013 we didn’t want the fans to have to wait that long to get some new LNJ in their hands. So when Bill and Roxx Records approached me and asked if we had anything else up our sleeves we could release, we realized we had to many songs that were not all going to fit on ‘Cigar’ so we took the 6 songs that we couldn’t fit and then recorded another brand new song which is the title track ‘Hell is coming to breakfast’ especially for this release and added 5 more previously unreleased rare cuts and demos just for this one, I am really excited for our fans to hear this collection”
Bill from Roxx Records had this to say about the new release “We are very excited to be working with Justin and Liberty ‘n’ Justice once again, especially in the bands twentieth year! Justin and all the wonderful artists he works with continue to release nothing but top notch material and after twenty years it is just amazing how they keep coming up with so many great Melodic Rock songs again and again and again”
In addition to the 7 brand new tracks and various demos and rarities we are very excited to be able to include on this release and on CD for the very first time ever the original acoustic demo version of ‘Sin’ featuring the late great Jani Lane of Warrant out front on vocals.
Full Track Listing…
1. “Hell Is Coming To Breakfast” Seann Nichols (Adler’s Appetite / Tarsha), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ)
2. “Madhatter” Donnie Vie (Enuff Z’ Nuff), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ), Chris Dickens (Mission Of One) & Tommy Denander
3. “Whack A Mole” Johnny Lima, JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ), Jerry Johnson (SAINT) & Richard Lynch (SAINT)
4.”Thankful Heart” Philip Bardowell (MAGDALEN/Unruly Child), Lynn Louise Lowrey (Vixen/Testify), & Anthony Gravley
5. “Nakatomi Plaza” JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ), Greg Bishop (X-Sinner) & Scott Weisenborn (Testify)
6. “Stretch Armstrong” Louis St August (Mass), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ)& Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper)
7. “Get Down” Tony Mills (TNT/ Shy),Mark Allen Lanoue (Chasing Karma/ Bilioxi), & Anthony Gravley
8. “Your Memory Just Won’t Do” [Previously unreleased on CD] David Cagle, Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot) & CJ Snare (Firehouse)
9. “Thy will be done” [demo] Jamie Rowe (Guardian)
10.”What do you believe?” [Original demo of ‘Do what you believe’] Mike Ledesma (FAR CRY) Vic Rivera (Crunch)
11. “Monkey Dance” [Alternate Mix] Jack Russell (Great White)
12. “Sin” [Original Acoustic Demo] Jani Lane (Warrant)
This is a Limited Edition CD Release for full details including pre-sale information and special packages please visit www.roxxproductions.com
0 That Metal Show – New Episode With Jani Lane Now Available
If you missed Last Saturday Night’s episode of That Metal Show on VH1 Classic with Jani Lane, Michael Sweet, and Taime Downe, you can check it out here!!
Vodpod videos no longer available.
4 Vie’s Verses – In Memory of Jani Lane
Being a teenage boy during the late eighties in Suburbia, USA, brought with it many dreams and visions. One of the strongest dreams I ever had was becoming a rock star. I was going to grow up to become the lead singer for one of the most successful heavy metal bands that the world had ever known.
As part of my world dominance, I would emulate some of my idols that were leading the way with the 80s glam bands of the day. One of the idols that I most wanted to be like was Jani Lane, lead singer of Warrant.
I can still remember the first time that I heard “Down Boys” on the radio. From the moment I heard Jani singing that song, I knew I had to own the record. However, as a teenager in my house, money was always tight. And growing up with frugal parents did not bode well for a kid with endless wants. My allowance was some ridiculous pittance of a dollar or two per week, which was quickly splurged on comic books and candy. In order to save for a copy of Dirty, Rotten, Stinking, Filthy, Rich, a lot of discipline needed to be involved — discipline and patience.
I was not blessed with strength in either category. However, the more I heard “Down Boys” on the radio and on Dial MTV, the more I knew that I had to own that record. With a burning desire in my head, I bit the bullet and actually saved money. I did side jobs for my step-father, I hung onto my allowance, foregoing the latest issue of The Amazing Spider-Man in the process. I did whatever it took to save up the required $8.00 (plus tax).
When the day finally came that I had enough money to purchase my copy of DRFSR, I begged for a ride to the mall. Miracle of miracles, my mother agreed to take me without too much of an argument. When the car pulled into the parking lot, I was practically sprinting to Sam Goody. Once I got to the store entrance, I saw the album right there on the wall display of new releases. My entire face lit up. I was going to own my very own copy of DRFSR.
After purchasing the album, I bounced around the mall with glee. In the car ride home, I consumed the linear notes. I couldn’t wait to pop this cassette into the old boom box and blast the tunes. Warrant, here I come! My hope was that this band would be as good as Cinderella, or Poison, two other bands from the 80s heyday that I loved with a passion.
Upon returning home, I raced to my room, closed the door, and flipped on the tape deck. The Warrant tape was popped into the machine, the door closed, and the play button pressed. Immediately, the opening notes of “32 Pennies” filled the room and I was mesmerized. This brand new band from Hollywood immediately captivated me.
Consuming track after track of this dynamic ten song debut left me feeling ecstatic. Warrant was a band with staying power. DRFSR was immediately added to my favorite albums list and received constant play in the music rotation. The videos that the band released only further cemented my love for them. From “Big Talk” to “Heaven,” I was a Warrant fan of immense proportions.
At the center of it all was Jani Lane. He was young, good looking, and a hell of a singer. I thought that if I could be half as talented as he was, I would rule the world with my band. As the years went by, Warrant released more great music, I purchased it right away, and I continued to imitate a lot of Jani’s style as I auditioned for bands and wrote song lyrics.
Years later, post college, my dreams would fade as the realities of a working life set in. I never did get to take over the world, but I still remained a Warrant fan and a Jani Lane fan. I had the opportunity to see the band in concert twice with Jani at the helm, and I am so glad that I did. Not only was he a great and talented singer, but he could really lead the band during a live show. Warrant was placed on the same pedestal reserved for Poison and Cinderella, the upper echelon of glam rock.
The tail end of Jani Lane’s life was a sad one. It was hard for me to watch as one of my boyhood idols battled addiction, became overweight and out of shape, and proclaimed how much he detested one of the biggest hit songs of his career. When he went as far as stating that he wished he never wrote the song, I was appalled. How could someone be so resentful of a song that brought him so much fame and brought his fans so much joy? I felt for Jani Lane at that point.
The recent news of his death really shocked me. I was holding out hope that there would be one last hurrah, one last reunion with Warrant that went perfect. Don’t get me wrong, I think Robert Mason has done an amazing job during his time as Warrant’s lead singer, but we always yearn for the original, don’t we? With the passing of Jani Lane, we know that reunion will never happen. It’s a shame that he left this world so young and so early, but I know that the memories will live on forever. I will always have Dirty, Rotten, Filthy, Stinking, Rich and I will always have the memory of the first time I heard Jani Lane singing “Down Boys.” May he rest in peace — his body is gone, but his spirit is never forgotten.
1 New Liberty N’ Justice Song Featuring Jani Lane Available on Tuesday 8/15
We are deeply sorry for the untimely passing of Jani Lane. Like many stars, his light burned very brightly but faded too quickly. We have one of, if not the last, recording that Mr. Lane finished in the studio. We have witnessed an out pouring of emotion from the world’s music community regarding Jani’s death. We feel obligated to his family, friends, and fans to share one of his last artistic endeavors. This single “Sin”, was originally scheduled for release in early 2012 as part of a double CD from L ‘N J entitled ” The Cigar Chronicles.” The song along with Lane features JK Northrup of King Kobra (who recorded and mixed the track), Keri Kelli of Alice Cooper, and Bill Leverty of Firehouse.
The single, “Sin” from Liberty n’ Justice featuring Jani Lane will be available for digital download through itunes starting Tuesday 8-15-11 and other digital stores to follow in the next few weeks. The song was written by JK Northrup, Justin Murr, Jani Lane, Keri Kelli, & Scott Bolan. The song is published by Up-R-North Music (Ascap), Justin Murr Music (BMI), & Snare Enterprises (ASCAP).The I-tunes artwork was done by David Dluzak and other medias by Mark Lanoue.
Here is what people associated with the Liberty n’ Justice project had to say……..
“Jani Lane was the Vincent Van Gogh of “Hair Band Melodic Hard Rock.” A brilliant artist wrestling with his inner self. I came to know him through years of touring together and through many conversations. It was difficult to see him fight with his demons. He was my friend, my contemporary, and he will be truly missed.
This may be one of, if not his last recording.
The performance has a poignant message in relation to his life story. I know that for him, Rock and Roll Heaven is indeed, not too far away !!!
Nothing but Love to you my Brother, Jani.”
CJ Snare of Firehouse/ Rubicon Cross
“In March of 2011, I was asked by Justin Murr to play on a song called “Sin”. I gladly excepted the offer because Liberty n’ Justice always puts out great music. The demo had a scratch vocal by the co-writer, JK Northrup that sounded really good, but I did not know who was going to be chosen to sing the real vocal. I’ve just learned that I was matched up with Jani Lane. I will tell you that Jani did an amazing job with his vocals. I am truly honored to be playing on this recording, which is quite possibly the last recording Jani ever made. I have extremely fond memories of touring with him since 1991 when we all became good friends on Warrant’s “Blood, Sweat, & Beers Tours”. Firehouse has played well over a 100 shows since then with Warrant and with Jani’s solo gig. Our friendship has never faded. This song’s lyrical content is very timely, and shows Jani in an
extremely vulnerable and honest light, where he bares his soul in an uncanny way. RIP my brother, your music will always be with me…”
Bill Leverty of Firehouse
“Like everyone, I was shocked to hear about the passing of Jani. I was privileged to have opened a show with Warrant in Los Angeles at a large venue called “The Country Club”. It was a sold out show, and just before they got signed! It was easy to see why Jani and Warrant would make such an impact on the music world with his stage presence and song writing abilities. Now some 24 years later, I found myself working with Jani on a song called “Sin” for the upcoming album with Justin Murr’s “Liberty N’ Justice” called “The Cigar Chronicle’s”. Jani’s vocals and input on this song are very powerful! Although it was not intended for release until 2012, all involved felt the importance to get this song out to all of his fans to hear this amazing song. I know he will be smiling when this song is heard by all. My sincere condolences to all of his family and friends. He will be missed, but not forgotten! R.I.P Jani Lane!”
JK Northrup
3 JANI LANE On VH1 CLASSIC’s ‘That Metal Show’: Air Date Moved Forward
On July 23, former WARRANT singer Jani Lane — who was found dead on Thursday in a Los Angeles-area hotel — took part in a taping of an upcoming episode of the “That Metal Show”alongside Michael Sweet (STRYPER) and Taime Downe (FASTER PUSSYCAT). The program featuring Lane was originally scheduled to air on October 1 on VH1 Classic but has had its air date moved up to August 27.
2 In Honor of Jani Lane……..
The flag is at half staff today at Hard Rock Hideout. I am still mulling over the news about the passing of Jani Lane, and I am still shocked and saddened that he is gone. Even though Jani was no longer performing with Warrant, I thought he was going to turn his career around, and we might finally see the release of the long awaited Jabberwocky CD. That will probably never happen now. I knew Jani had his demons, but I never in my wildest dreams expected to hear the news of his death. Jani joins a long list of great musicians who have left us far too soon. May he rest in peace!
In honor of Jani Lane, I have posted the following video clips of Jani with Warrant. These videos make me miss him even more.
11 Former WARRANT Singer JANI LANE Dead At 47
From BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
According to TMZ.com former WARRANT singer Jani Lane was found dead at a hotel in Los Angeles Thursday evening (August 11). He was 47 years old.
Lane’s body was discovered at the Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, California. So far, no official cause of death has been released.
In February, Lane canceled all of his previously announced solo tour dates two days before the first show was due to take place. No explanation was offered for the cancelation.
WARRANT announced in September 2008 that it was splitting with Lanesix months after the band first reunited with the troubled vocalist. He has since been replaced by Robert Mason (LYNCH MOB, CRY OF LOVE, BIG COCK).
On July 19, 2010, Lane pled no contest to DUI stemming from his most recent arrest back in May 2010 — and was ordered to serve 120 days in jail. In addition, Lane lost his license for three years and had to complete a 30-month alcohol-education program.
Lane originally left WARRANT in 2002 to pursue a solo career. He released a solo album, “Back Down to One”, in 2003, but shortly after was admitted to a rehab center for alcohol and drug-related exhaustion. He also appeared on VH1’s reality series “Celebrity Fit Club”.
When asked in a May 18, 2009 interview with “The Johnny Dare Morning Show” how he managed to “get straight,” Jani replied, “It’s just a matter of deciding you’re done, in my opinion. I mean, that probably oversimplifies it, but really, really and truly you have to go, ‘You know what? I’m done with this. I don’t like feeling like this, I don’t like living like this.’ And it’s also nice to get the creativity back, which is impossible to flow when you’re unconscious.”
From Rob Rockitt: I am stunned and saddened by this news. I have been a fan of Jani Lane from the beginning and have the pleasure of meeting him. My condolences go out to Jani’s family and friends.
2 Sin-Atra (2011)
Call me an old soul if you will, but I have always liked Frank Sinatra. When I first heard about the Sin-Atra CD , I knew I would have to add it to my collection when it came out. This CD features the vocals of some of the best singers in hard rock including Dee Snider, Robin Zander, Glenn Hughes, Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Eric Martin, Jani Lane and dUg Pinnick.
This collection is put out by the same folks who did the We Wish You A Metal X-Mas Christmas CD. That CD has become a metal staple during the holidays at my house, so I knew this had to be good. Sin-Atra is not just another cover CD. The musicians involved in this project put their own unique spin on Frank Sinatra’s songs making it a must have for most hard rock fans.
Former Deep Purple, and current Black Country Communion singer, Glenn Hughes shows off his impressive vocal range on the Old Blue Eyes classic “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”
“It Was A Very Good Year” features Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider on vocals. This is a really cool, heavy version of this song. Bob Kulick’s guitar work is awesome, and Dee Snider gives this song a great vocal performance.
Mr. Big’s Eric Martin takes the Sinatra staple, “Lady Is A Tramp” and helps turn it into a real rockin’ tune. This version is 100% different from the original, but is a very fun spin on this song.
Tim “Ripper” Owens takes the song “Witchcraft” to new heights with an over the top metal vocal.
Do I dare say that I like the version of “High Hopes” from Scars of Broadway front man, Franky Perez better than the original? I do….this version is less cheesy than the original version.
I can’t hardly hear “Love And Marriage” without thinking about the TV Show, “Married With Children”. This version is a very heavy, up tempo number. Nonpoint front man, Elias Soriano does a pretty good job with it.
The CD closer “That’s Life” features the blazing guitar work of Richie Kotzen, and a solid vocal performance by former Warrant front man, Jani Lane.
Overall, I have been enjoying Sin-Atra, and I think many of you will too. Long time fans of Frank Sinatra will probably hate this, and I am pretty sure Frank Sinatra (god rest his soul) is probably rolling around in his grave. Hard rock and metal fans will be sure to enjoy these unique spins of the classic Sinatra tunes!
You can listen to this CD in its entirety for a limited time at this link. Check it out!!
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing
- New York, New York (Devin Townsend)
- I’ve Got You Under My Skin (Glenn Hughes)
- Summerwind (Geoff Tate)
- It Was A Very Good Year (Dee Snider)
- Witchcraft (Tim “Ripper” Owens)
- Fly Me To The Moon (Robin Zander)
- Lady Is A Tramp (Eric Martin)
- Strangers In the Night (Joey Belladonna)
- High Hopes (Franky Perez)
- I’ve Got The World On A String (Dug Pinnick)
- Love And Marriage (Elias Soriano)
- That’s Life (Jani Lane)
Band Lineup:
Bob Kulick – guitar
Brett Chassen – drums
Billy Sheehan – bass
Doug Katsaros – keyboards & orchestrations
Richie Kotzen – Lead Guitar on “That’s Life”
0 Eagle Rock To Release SIN-Atra CD – March 29, 2011
What would timeless songs like “New York, New York,” “Lady Is A Tramp,” and “Fly Me To The Moon,” sound like cranked out of Marshall stacks, crooned by members of Cheap Trick, Twisted Sister, Deep Purple, Anthrax, Mr. Big, or Queensrÿche? This can now be experienced on SIN-Atra, a brand new album to be released by Eagle Rock Entertainment on March 29, 2011. [MSRP $13.98]
This all-star project, created from the team that brought you the merry, molten melodies of We Wish You A Metal Xmas, reinvents the classic songs that the great Frank Sinatra performed and, in turn, made famous. These twelve cherished tunes, written by some of the greatest songwriters of all time, are given a radical hard rock/heavy metal treatment, resulting in electrically charged versions of the classics.
Some of the most potent and recognizable voices of rock rework such legendary gems as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Strangers In The Night,” and “That’s Life,” including Dee Snider, Robin Zander, Glenn Hughes, Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate, , Tim “Ripper” Owens, Eric Martin, and dUg Pinnick. Producers Bob Kulick, of KISS and Meat Loaf fame, and Brett Chassen, recreated these songs on guitar and drums, respectively, rounded out by Billy Sheehan (bass) and Doug Katsaros (keyboards, orchestration). Also making an appearance as lead guitarist on “That’s Life” is renowned rock guitarist Richie Kotzen.
These familiar favorites are beloved the world over, but they’ve never been heard like this before! “A fantastic CD,” says executive producer Wendy Dio, “keeping the era alive with today’s musicians.”
Eagle Rock Entertainment is an international media production and distribution company operating across audiovisual entertainment programming. Eagle Rock Entertainment works directly alongside talent to produce the highest quality programming output covering film, general entertainment and musical performance. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices based in London, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Hamburg, & Paris.
Track Listing:
1.) New York, New York – Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad)
2.) I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple)
3.) Summerwind – Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche)
4.) It Was A Very Good Year – Dee Snider (Twisted Sister)
5.) Witchcraft – Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth)
6.) Fly Me To The Moon – Robin Zander (Cheap Trick)
7.) Lady Is A Tramp – Eric Martin (Mr. Big)
8.) Strangers In The Night – Joey Belladonna (Anthrax)
9.) High Hopes – Franky Perez (Scars on Broadway)
10.) I’ve Got The World On A String – dUg Pinnick (King’s X)
11.) Love And Marriage – Elias Soriano (Nonpoint)
12.) That’s Life – Jani Lane (Warrant)
1 A Quick Note From Warrant
Warrant posted the following note on their blog tonight:
Warrant was founded on the notion that any press is good press, and for that, we would like to thank AOL, Perez Hilton andTMZ for their continued front page cover stories regarding Jani Lane. When you run your next update, please note that he is NOT the singer in Warrant. With the exception of a failed 11 show reunion in 2008, he has not been affiliated with Warrant in over 7 years.
To all of the promoters and ticket holders for our upcoming shows, please know that Robert Mason “the” lead singer of Warrant, along with original band members Joey Allen, Jerry Dixon, Steven Sweet and Erik Turner, will not be in jail and are ready to rock and roll as scheduled. If you (the press) are going to run these stories, please spell our names correctly and get the facts straight. Also, please mention our web site, warrantrocks.com, as we can always use some extra web traffic. Thanks for the free support.
Warrant
P.S. We do wish Lane all the best in his on going efforts.
HRH Note: The TMZ Report is below!
TMZ has learned former Warrant singer Jani Lane just plead no contest to DUI stemming from his most recent arrest back in May — and has been ordered to serve 120 days in jail. As we first reported, the ’80s rocker — who was also busted for DUI in 2009 — was arrested in Woodland Hills, CA on May 9 after crashing into a parked car … and then blowing twice the legal limit during a breathalyzer test.
Besides the jail time — Lane will lose his license for three years and will have to complete a 30-month alcohol education program.
We’re told Jani is scheduled to surrender on July 27.
0 Another DUI for Jani Lane
Singer Jani Lane has been hit with a second DUI arrest this year after ramming his car into a parked vehicle Sunday.
Jani Lane, who split from hair-band Warrant in 2008, has made it into the news
today after police arrested him for driving while intoxicated.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Lane allegedly rammed his car into a parked vehicle in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sunday. When police arrived, Lane blew into a breathalyzer and failed miserably. He also failed sobriety tests.
Our friends at TMZ report that Lane is currently in police custody. This is the second DUI in one year for the singer, who was arrested on Sunday by the same officer that took him in last June when he hit a parked car.
Courtesy of the Post Chronicle
2 Jani Lane Falls Off the Wagon Again!!
Former Warrant lead vocalist Jani Lane has been arrested for DUI after getting involved in a minor traffic collision on Wednesday night.
According to RadarOnline, Los Angeles police were called to investigate a minor traffic collision at Topanga and Ventura Boulevards around 9:30 p.m.
The 45-year-old glam metal rocker was one of the drivers. He was determined to have been driving under the influence during the incident. He was taken to the LAPD’s Van Nuys Division and was booked on a misdemeanor.
He is being held on a $30,000 bond.
Lane left Warrant in September last year. He was replaced by the group’s current singer Robert Mason.
1 New Jani Lane Interview With The Classic Metal Show
The Classic Metal Show has posted a new interview with former Warrant singer Jani Lane. Check it out below!
6 Jani Lane Has Been Fired From Warrant – Confirmed
Warrant posted the following bulletin this evening: It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce that Jani Lane will no longer be performing with Warrant. From the beginning of our reunion talks to the last note of our last show together in Houston this past weekend we have had nothing but good intentions of bringing a quality original Warrant show to our fans and friends. We wish Jani nothing but the best and remain friends.
We are very excited that we have found an unbelievable voice in Robert Mason, an old friend of the band. We have three dates confirmed, come out and judge for yourself…we don’t think you will be disappointed!
September 9th Tucson, AZ – Casino Del Sol w/ Alice Cooper
September 19th Maplewood, MN – The Myth w/Trixter
October 17th Tyler, TX – The Oil Palace w/Queensryche/Kip Winger
Thanks for reading,
The Down Boys
0 Warrant – Ultraphobic (Release Year – 1995)
Warrant has reunited with their original lineup intact in 2008, and will
be one of the headlining acts at Rocklahoma on Saturday, July 12th.
As much as I like the initial releases with the original lineup, I decided to dust off one of Warrant’s later discs, Ultraphobic, which featured Kingdom Come’s Rick Steir on guitar and James Kottak on drums.
I remember when I first heard that a couple of former Kingdom Come guys were joining the band, I was hoping that Warrant might try to approach a classic rock/ Zepplinesque update to their music. That was not the case at all with Ultraphobic.
In 1995, Hair metal was about as popular as diarrhea, but Warrant tried to forge ahead with a darker, grungier sound in an effort to stay relevant in
the music scene. The sound of Ultraphobic seemed to follow the heavier sound of the 1992 Warrant record, Dog Eat Dog.
The guitars are are tuned down, and a little grungier on Ultraphobic. For me, this style of guitar playing does not suit Jani Lane’s voice well, and this album suffers as a result.
There are a couple of highlights on this disc. Undertow, isn’t too bad, and Crawl Space is pretty cool. I kind of like the title track, Ultraphobic as well.
Chameleon is a song that would have sounded better if Warrant just stuck to their tried and true sound. The deeper guitar sounds mess up, what could have been one of the better Warrant tracks. There are some cool guitar parts, but this song scream redo.
I have to applaud Warrant for trying to stay relevant in the music scene (although some might argue that they never were relevant). Ultraphobic isn’t a total departure from their signature glam metal sound, but I didn’t care for the varied guitar sounds on this disc. (What was the purpose of that drill sound on Ride #2)
With the classic lineup of Warrant back together, they could rearrange some of the songs on Ultraphobic, and quite possibly turn them into new hits. This isn’t Warrant’s best work, but it isn’t their worst either. This is a middle of the road album, that isn’t as good as the first three discs the band released. Warrant fans will still want to pick this up. All others may want to preview this album on Amazon.com, before buying.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Undertow
2. Followed
3. Family Picnic
4. Sum Of One
5. Chameleon
6. Crawl Space
7. Live Inside Of You
8. High
9. Ride #2
10. Ultraphobic
11. Stronger Now
Warrant is:
Jani Lane – Lead Vocals
Rick Steier – Guitar
Erik Turner – Guitar
Dave White – Keyboards
Jerry Dixon – Bass
James Kottak – Drums
8 Saints of the Underground (Release Year – 2008)
Jani Lane’s side project has finally seen the light of day, and has been released by Warrior Records. The timing of this release is kind of odd, with Jani recently reuniting with his former band, Warrant.
Nonetheless, The Saints of the Underground new disc is here, and I believe that this is Jani Lane’s most solid effort since the Warrant CD, Dog Eat Dog from 1992.
On this disc, you get two cover songs and eight original tunes. The first is American Girl by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. SOTU has increased the tempo on this song by a half step or so, and I like their version quite a bit, although it is very true to the original.
The second cover song is Moonlight Mile by the Rolling Stones. I didn’t really care for the Stones’ version of this song, and SOTU didn’t do anything to improve upon it. Their version is o.k. but It seems like an odd song for them to cover, especially when the Rolling Stones have so many great upbeat songs in their catalog.
The opening track, Dead Man Shoes sounds like a lost Warrant hit from the early 90’s. I like this tune a lot. Tomorrow Never Comes is another solid tune, and a good follow up to keep the pace going on this record. Good Times has a decent intro, which gave me high hopes for this song. It is a mid tempo number that came across as semi-average tune. It took a few listens for me to get into this tune more. I wish they would have made this one a little heavier, but it is, what it is.
The song Exit, didn’t really excite me too much. This sounds like an extra tune that was cut off of a Warrant album. Just when I was starting to lose faith in this record, Signs of Life came at exactly the right time. This tune has a heavier edge that some of the other songs on this record are lacking. It is a cool tune.
Bobby Blotzer’s drums stand out a little more to me, on the tune Bruised. I like the music on this tune, a lot more than the lyrics. Jimmy is a solid closer for this album. This song has a guitar lick that reminds me a whole lot of some old Thin Lizzy tunes.
All in All, Saints of the Underground have released a pretty good CD for the most part. Their are a couple of weak spots, but there are great songs here too.
Warrant and Jani Lane fans will eat this record up! For more information on Saints of the Underground, and to preview six of the songs from Love the Sin, Hate the Sinner, please visit the SOTU myspace page.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Dead Man Shoes
2. Tomorrow Never Comes
3. All in How You Wear It
4. Good Times
5. Exit
6. American Girl
7. Signs of Life
8. Bruised
9. Moonlight Mile
10. Jimmy
Saints of the Underground is:
Jani Lane – Vocals
Bobby Blotzer – Drums
Robby Crane – Bass
Kerri Kelli – Guitars
4 Saints of the Underground to be released 4/22/08
Saints of the Underground, the hard rock project featuring Jani Lane (Warrant), Robbi Crane (RATT), Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper) and Bobby Blotzer (RATT), is about to see the light of day! The new disc, Love the Sin, Hate the Sinner will be released to retailers on April 22, 2008.
You can preview the new songs below!
You can pre-order the new CD through Warrior Records at this link!
1 Saints of the Underground Coming in April!
Saints of the Underground will be out in April on Warrior Records!
The project featuring Jani Lane from Warrant, Bobby Blotzer and Robbi Crane from Ratt and Keri Kelli from the Alice Cooper band.
4 Best Concerts of 2007
I have seen quite a few live shows in 2007. The following are my favorites from 2007.
5. Vains of Jenna, RATT, Poison
VOJ put on a good show, RATT was a little disappointing, and Poison was the best I have ever seen them live. This show was well worth the money.
4. Jani Lane
I wasn’t sure to expect when I saw Jani Lane’s solo band perform last summer. Jani’s voice was in top form, and he sounded great. The star of the show in this concert was 17 year old wunderkind, Dario Lorina. This young guitarist is going to be a force to be reckoned with before long.
3. Frank Hannon and Winger
Frank Hannon opened up for Winger with his solo band back in February. I gained a whole lot of new respect for Frank on this day. His set consisted primarily of Tesla tunes, and a few songs off of his solo CD. It was an amazing set, and quite frankly (no pun intended), him and his band, blew Winger off the stage. Winger was pretty good too, but Frank Hannon in my eyes stole the show on this night.
2. Black Stone Cherry and Jackyl
Black Stone Cherry has been one of my favorite bands for a while now, and getting to see them for free is always a bonus. With Jackyl being on the same bill, this became a must attend event. The boys from BSC delivered the goods, but their performance was surpassed by Jackyl.
I have seen Jackyl several times, but I have never seen the band put on a show like this. Jesse James Dupree was in rare form, as it was his birthday, and the whole band was killer on this night.
1. Megadeth and Heaven and Hell
I have seen Megadeth several times over the years, but this was my first experience seeing Black Sabbath live in any incarnation. Dave Mustaine and company were great, but simply got blown off the stage by Black Sabbath. Ronnie James Dio proved once again why he is one of the best singers in Metal today. A fantastic show that I would pay to see again!
2008 is already proving to have a very busy concert schedule.
The following acts are heading my way, and this is only through March.
Z02 and L.A. Guns (Phil Lewis Version)
Endeverafter
Van Halen
Cinder Road with Tesla
Jackyl
It is going to be another great year of rock in 2008!
