Review: Tyketto "The Last Sunset: Farewell 2007"

With exception of the die-hard fans, most of us will probably admit to being a little skeptical when a band announces the sudden "discovery" of lost or forgotten early or live recordings. So here we have the hard rock AOR masters, Tyketto, pulling this one out of their hat. "The Last Sunset: Farewell 2007" is marketed as "a collection of unreleased tracks, album demos, and live recordings." Sounds bottom of the barrel scary.

But the stereotype does not apply with this release...the Tyketto boys have delivered yet again and put out a "lost" recordings compilation that truly feels like a time capsule (circa 1988-1992). Having these tunes cranking out of your speakers just makes you want to grow the mullet back out and hit ebay for some spandex. Wow! Tracks like "Big Wheels" and "Till the Summer Comes" sound like they could have been on their AOR masterpiece "Don't Come Easy." Another standout is "Is Anybody Watching Me," which sounds like a follow-up to their classic acoustic-driven ballad "Standing Alone."

Even in the linear notes (also nicely done), vocalist Danny Vaughn writes, "Let's be honest, the reason these songs never got heard is because we never felt they were quite good enough." Their classification of these tracks as their sub par crap is testament to how awesome their "A-list" stuff was. But I thoroughly enjoyed most of their D-list throwaways.

As one might expect for such a record, some tracks are better produced and in more of a final form than others. But Danny never disappoints on vocals, and the trademark big chorus hooks are still present in these unheard tracks. I enjoy the "new" stuff better than the demos. The demos are interesting to hear, providing insight as to how certain beloved songs evolve, but it is hard to appreciate them more than once when biased by the well known version.

Fans of Tyketto rejoice...this is a "leftovers" CD worth picking up.

iPOD-worthy: 1-6, 9

Tyketto site.

Rare CD: Dave Clark Five "History of..."

This 2CD collection of Dave Clark Five tracks is a really nice find (Hollywood Records, 1993). You'll be surprised just how great many of their non-radio hits are as well. Why the Dave Clark Five has not been inducted into the Hall of Fame is beyond me. This set almost always goes for $50-100 on ebay. One recently sold for $71.00 used.

Prices for used copies on Amazon.com are all the place, averaging from $49 to $150.

Review: Hurt "Vol. I"

Hurt stormed onto the hard rock scene in 2006 with this debut, which they were quick to follow up on in 2007 (guess the title). They are difficult to describe, and that can be a good thing. It is near impossible to find a unique sounding band these days. They struck me, at least on this record, as a hodgepodge of post-grunge and alternative rock. I can hear some Nine Inch Nails, Tool, and Cold. Dense, thick guitars and equally thick vocals constitute most of the darkened atmosphere that permeates every track, but I give them props for incorporating some remarkably good orchestration in many places. The singer is clearly talented, but when he slips up to the excessive growling, it just ruins it for me. Doom and gloom, slow and plodding. It gets old fast.

"Rapture" and "Falls Apart" were released as singles, and were decent choices. I prefer "Unkind" - a nice heavy riff mixed with a likable chorus with harmonies to boot. Another cool track is the acoustic-driven change of pace, "Danse Russe". Other than that, there is not much here for fans of AOR and melodic rock. Hurt is interesting to listen to, but not a band that will probably see repeated spins in my player.

Hurt on MySpace. Official site.

iPOD-worthy: 7, 8

Check out the video for "Rapture":

Review: Cold "A Different Kind of Pain"

Cold is a heavy guitar-driven rock band that had a respectable hit with 2003's "Stupid Girl" from the album, "Year of the Spider." The band was then strangely ignored by its label and suffered a sudden lack of promotion just as things were -ahem- warming up for them. After some personnel changes, Cold got back into the studio to cut this record, "A Different Kind of Pain." (Lava Records (Atlantic)).

The lyrical content is presumed to center around Scooter Ward's (vocals) sister, who was fighting cancer at the time. Songs like the title track, "When Angels Fly Away" and "God's Song" would seem to be consistent with this rumor. It is a sad and moving record when listened to with this perspective in mind. The first single, "Happens All the Time" is one of the more melodic tracks despite its heavy themes and should have been much bigger at radio.

Cold seems to be surrounded by bad breaks. It is a shame, as this record showed a lot of promise for the developing band. But this one appears to be their last record, as they announced one year ago that they had disbanded. You can track what Scooter is up to these days at the MySpace link...watch for his new project, "When November Falls." I wonder if this speaks to the fact that Cold disbanded in November?

Cold at MySpace. Official site.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11

Check out the video for "Happens All the Time":

Hot tip: Trim your mp3s

mp3DirectCut is freeware that you can download and use to crop your mp3 files:

"mp3DirectCut is a fast and extensive audio editor and recorder for compressed mp3. You can directly cut, copy, paste or change the volume with no need to decompress your files for audio editing. This saves encoding time and preserves the original quality, because nothing will be re-encoded. The built in recorder creates mp3 on the fly from your audio input. Using Cue sheets, pause detection or Auto cue you can easily divide long files."

This one is worth check out, folks. I've used it many times to get rid of pointless intros or outros on otherwise iPOD-worthy tracks. Also an excellent tool to separate that "bonus" track from the last official track listed on the CD.

Get it here.

Review: Foreigner "Mr. Moonlight"

Foreigner is legendary...few bands have released more consistently good AOR singles over the course of two decades. But, all too common with highly successful bands, individual egos start to swell and there is no longer enough room in the studio for so many big heads. The feuds between lead singer Lou Gramm and guitarist Mick Jones are equally legendary, and we fans were deprived of a third decade of Foreigner's brand of rockin' AOR. By 1988, the band was dissolved and Gramm and Jones did their own thing. Jones flopped with a new incarnation of Foreigner using Johnny Edwards (releasing "Unusual Heat" in 1991). Gramm flopped with his new band, Shadow King (1991). By 1992, perhaps with egos now back in check and wallets in need of a refill, Gramm and Jones put their differences aside to reform Foreigner and record a comeback/reunion album.

But the 90s in general were not kind to AOR bands, and "Mr. Moonlight" suffered for it. But the record is just a victim of circumstance...on its own, "Mr. Moonlight" is a solid Foreigner record. The production is great and Gramm's chops were, as always, fantastic. The songwriting is not as strong as the biggest Foreigner records, but tracks like "Rain," "White Lie," and "All I Need To Know" are slices of AOR heaven. The beautiful, moody ballad "I Keep Hoping" should have been a hit. It is a crime the band had to go out on a whimper.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 4, 7, 9

Foreigner on MySpace. Official site.

Link to the music video for the single, "Until the End of Time"

Review: P.O.D. "Testify"

As a fan of MELODIC rock, it should be obvious that bands infusing rap with rock (rapcore, as the kids call it now) just don't do it for me. However, there are some I not only tolerate, but enjoy very much, such as Saliva and Chronic Future. I enjoyed P.O.D.'s single "Alive" when it was popular a few years ago, so thought I'd check out their 2006 effort, "Testify."

By and large, the CD is uneven, with genres from rap, rock, and even reggae clashing. However, there are a couple of stand out tracks that appeal to those of us who champion something called melody. "If You Could See Me Now" and "This Time" are highlights. I also enjoyed "Let You Down," which sounds like something Tears for Fears would do if they grew testicles.

Incidentally, "Testify" is the last record the band made for Atlantic. They put out a Greatest Hits record with Rhino and now have signed to Columbia. It will be interesting to see how the changes in labels shapes the band in the upcoming year.

P.O.D. on MySpace. Official site.

iPOD-worthy: 3, 4, 7, 9

Check out the single from this CD, "Goodbye for Now", which almost cracked the Billboard Top 40 (stalled at #47):

Review: Scorpions "Unbreakable"

I was pleasantly surprised with the latest Scorpions release earlier this year, "Humanity Hour 1" (read why). Steve (from Heavy Metal Addiction) told me that I would also like "Unbreakable" (2004, Sanctuary Records). I finally found a used copy for cheap and got to check it out this week. Steve's recommendation was right on and while I still prefer "Humanity Hour 1", "Unbreakable" is a terrific record.

As on this year's release, the Scorpions sound older and wiser (I mean that in a good way!). The production on "Humanity" is superior to what I hear on "Unbreakable," but the Scorps sound strong and not dated. The record just got better and better as it progressed, and I found myself enjoying the latter half more than the beginning...the record is consistent and flows effortlessly. Ballads are scarce, and the rockers are anthems. The talents of these rock veterans are really shining in this new millennium, and I truly hope they are not finished making music yet. To me, they sound better than ever. For the fans of catchy melodies, just out the instantly likable tracks "Someday is Now" (7) and "My City, My Town" (8), "Can You Feel It" (10)

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 7, 8, 10-13

Check out "Deep and Dark":

Review: House of Love "Audience with the Mind"

Sometimes when you dip into the $1 bargain bin you get what you pay for...and I have to say that is my conclusion regarding House of Love's 1993 CD, "Audience with the Mind." I risked my 100 pennies on the chance that some of the tracks would rival their best known single, "I Don't Know Why I Love You" off their self-titled (a.k.a. "Butterfly") release. I could not be more disappointed.

I can only dig this type of music for a few tracks, then it gets stale. The ingredients are good...acoustic guitar driven rock with just the right dose of psychedelia...but the recipe just results in a bland, half-baked mess. The low monotone of this rather limited lead singer doesn't help create any excitement. Fans of The Church or The Stone Roses should dig their sound, but they would probably agree with me that the songs just aren't there on "Audience with the Mind."

Official site.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 6

Rare CD: "ONXRT: Live from the Archives"

This series of one of a kind live performances from popular artists can really go for big bucks on ebay. ONXRT: Live from the Archives (currently 10 volumes) are compilations of various artists doing their thing live at Chicago radio station WXRT, and thus can't be heard elsewhere. These recordings are done for charity, and made in limited pressings with little to no chance they'll be re-issued. The lower volumes currently go for much more than the newer ones, which are still available at various bookstores and coffeeshops in the Chicago area. More info.

Two copies of VOLUME I recently sold on ebay at $102.50 a piece. Link to the other one. Strange they should both end on the same exact dollar figure!

PS: One of my favorite tracks I've heard so far in this series is Matthew Sweet's acoustic take on his hit "Girlfriend."

UPDATE (12-9-07): Volume II sells for $57.00 on ebay (14 bids)

Review: 30 Seconds To Mars "A Beautiful Lie"

I was not too impressed with the mixed debut from the hard rock band 30 Seconds To Mars, but this follow-up is something to write home about. While still far from a masterpiece, it is much more consistent and contains some tunes that stick with you well. "A Beautiful Lie" came out in 2005 and over the course of 2 years, spawned 4 Modern Rock hits: "Attack," "The Kill," "From Yesterday," and the title track.

The lead singer Jared Leto has some great chops that mesh well with the heavy, driving guitars. The screaming is unnecessary, though, and ruins some of the tracks for me. But the biggest problem: beyond the singles there is not too much I won't be skipping over during a replay of this CD. Those tunes are just loud without a cause...or just go plodding into rock boredom.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 6, 7

30 Seconds To Mars on MySpace. Official site.

Check out an mellow acoustic version of "The Kill":

Then wake up with the album version:

Gracenote: Who is listening to what and where?

Pretty cool web site lets you see who is listening to what and where...GRACENOTE

Review: Ingram Hill "Cold in California"

Ingram Hill is a folk rock band hailing from Memphis. In 2004, they released "June's Picture Show" to moderate success, thanks to two catchy singles, "Will I Ever Make it Home" and "Almost Perfect." After 3 long years, we're treated to another offering of 11 new tracks from this talented band. Fans of the 90s pop rock greats Better Than Ezra, Gin Blossoms, and Toad the Wet Sprocket should take note.

"Cold in California" is a worthy follow-up to the 2004 record, full of more of the same melodic rocks that make you want to sing along. I found this release to be just as consistently enjoyable as "June's Picture Show," maybe even more catchy. They really seemed to treat almost every song as if it were going to be a single. As a result, nearly every track is going on my iPOD.

Ingram Hill on MySpace.

Here's an acoustic version of the first single, "Why Don't You":

Rare CD: Tool "10,000 Days In Minnesota"

This is a very rare CD featuring 9 live tracks by Tool performing at Orpheum Theater (MN) in 2006. It was put out as "promotional" on GBB Records. An import copy from Germany recently sold on ebay for $157.70.

Review: L.E.O. "Alpacas Orgling"

Bleu + Mike Viola + Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish) + Hanson (!) + many others in power pop = what?

As you may surmise from the band name, you get E.L.O. reincarnated! You won't believe your ears. This record is a true time machine and will take you back to the pop rock genius of E.L.O. And they are not a cheesy tribute band doing lame E.L.O. cover tunes...these are all originals, written as if someone unearthed a time capsule of a new E.L.O. Greatest Hits package that never saw the light of day.

It is astonishing how much they have managed to sound like Jeff Lynne without Jeff Lynne. "Alpacas Orgling" (2006) is virtual pop perfection from beginning to end. Just skip over the useless "Overture" and stop after track 8. Well, there is a cover of E.L.O.'s big hit "Don't Bring Me Down," but it is one of those "bonus" tracks way at the end of the record...which is a pet peeve of mine. There is no need to do this...just make it a track already so we don't have to cue to the damn thing.

All the shimmering pop brilliance of E.L.O. is captured in this effort: lush harmonies, orchestral backing, and downright catchy melodies. Thankfully, the disco-infused E.L.O. is not present...just the straight up pop rock form. If you were not a fan of E.L.O., you probably won't dig this record too much. If you were a fan, you'll be rejoicing.

iPOD-worthy: 2-8.

L.E.O. at MySpace

News: Goo Goo Dolls update

Goo Goo Dolls Headed For The Future

"The Goo Goo Dolls Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 -- The Singles" comes out Nov. 13, featuring 14 chart entries since "Name" gave the band its first Hot 100 berth in 1995. The album includes chart-toppers such as "Iris" and "Slide" as well as "Before It's Too Late (Sam and Mikaela's Theme)" from the "Transformers" film soundtrack. A "Vol. 2" is slated for February with B-sides, rarities, remixes and some new tracks."

Better news...the boys might be going back to the more aggressive sound, which I've been waiting for since 2000:

"I want the next record to have a little more of an edge on it," Rzeznik explains. "I don't want the rough edges taken off so much. The band's gonna play live on it more, not so many overdubs. When we were on tour we recorded every single show and we would listen back, and the difference between the band on record and the band live was ... I want it to sound more like we do live. It's a lot more energy. It's a more aggressive sound."

Story.

Rare CD: Stone Fury

From the YouTube web site, which hosts some videos from these guys: "Stone Fury released 2 albums in the mid-80's and then broke up. Lenny Wolf went on the front Kingdom Come and Bruce Gowdy went on to Unruly Child."

The first CD, "Burns Like A Star" (1984) is currently selling for over $70 used on Amazon. Average ebay price is $53.

The second CD, "Let Them Talk" (1986) is currently selling for nearly $200 used on Amazon. Average ebay price is $21.

UPDATE (11-5-07) - "Burns Like A Star" sells for $61 on ebay.

UPDATE (12-16-07) - "Burns Like A Star" - Japan import sells for $56.50 on ebay (16 bids)

UPDATE (1-3-08) - "Burns Like A Star sells for $69.00 on ebay (16 bids)

UPDATE (2-25-08) - Japanese import "Burns Like A Star" sells for $175.49 on ebay (19 bids)

Music video for "Break Down The Walls":

Music video for "Life Is Lonely":

Review: Meat Loaf "Bat Out Of Hell III"

No one needs an introduction to Meat Loaf, the atypical rock star most famous for his original 1977 opus, "Bat Out Of Hell." Despite several other releases in the 80s, Meat Loaf pretty much found himself shoved into the back of the fridge with a half eaten rotting block of cheese. The 90s "sequel" to the 1977 blockbuster record brought Meat Loaf back into the limelight in a massive way. But once again, the follow-up efforts could not hold a candle to Bat II, and Meat Loaf was getting colder by the minute. The logic behind entitling the next record "Bat III" was more transparent than Saran wrap.

And you know what? It should have worked. This is a damn good album. Meat Loaf pours his heart and soul into this baby and recruited some of the biggest folks in the industry to record it. Shamefully, despite a solid debut at # 8 on the album charts in 2006, the CD has only gone gold and yielded no hit singles.

In the Meat Loaf tradition, he tries to deliver an album of epic proportions. Huge, sweeping songs with unexpected bridges and twists keep things interesting. The hooks are very strong for most of the songs, with backing vocals and harmonies galore. The songs are so dramatic one could argue it is to a fault and just too over the top. And some of the ultra-heavy rockers just stick out like sore thumbs, making the record as a whole inconsistent. For example, I can't shift gears from the heaviest song the Loaf has ever done ("The Monster Is Loose") to his cover of the Celine Dion (!) song, "It's All Coming Back To Me Now" (video - don't worry...it's the Meat Loaf version).

Bottom line: when the song works, it really works. Meat Loaf sings his lungs out and if you've enjoyed the theatrical sounds of the previous Bat records, you will like most of this one.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11

Meat Loaf on MeatSpace...I mean MySpace. Official site.

Name that Tune

What a man was two thousand years ago

Means nothing at all to me today

Clue.


Answer.

Free mp3 - Tommy Conwell "Walkin' on the Water"

Before his well known record "Rumble" in 1988 (read), Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers released "Walking on the Water" on Antenna Records in 1986. Some of these tracks found their way onto "Rumble". I don't think it was ever released on CD, and even the cassette tape must be a hard to find rarity (it is currently going for a ridiculous $2400 on amazon.com...that is NOT a typo of one too many zeroes).

Since most people can't shell out this kind of dough (and since most people probably don't even have a tape player anymore), the Young Rumblers have made it available here to download.