Rock Music 4 ALL

The extremely talented group Who have released their latest CD on the MCA Records recording label, entitled Whos Next.

I wish it weren’t the case but, it’s not everyday that I get a CD for review that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Whos Next. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Who most impressive releases ever.

If you’re a Who fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don’t even have to be a fan of lname, or even Rock to know is good. This is just good music. Period.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 3 – Love Ain’t For Keeping, track 14 – Too Much Of Anything, and track 16 – Behind Blue Eyes.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Baba O’Riley. Good stuff!

Whos Next Release Notes:

Who originally released Whos Next on November 7, 1995 on the MCA Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Baba O’Riley 2. Bargain 3. Love Ain’t For Keeping 4. My Wife 5. Song Is Over, The 6. Getting In Tune 7. Going Mobile 8. Behind Blue Eyes 9. Won’t Get Fooled Again 10. Pure And Easy – (previously unreleased, original version) 11. Baby Don’t You Do It – (previously unreleased) 12. Naked Eye – (live) 13. Water – (previously unreleased, live) 14. Too Much Of Anything 15. I Don’t Even Know Myself 16. Behind Blue Eyes – (previously unreleased, original version)

Who’s Next Album Notes The Who: Roger Daltrey (vocals); Pete Townshend (guitar, piano, organ, ARP synthesizer, background vocals); John Entwistle (brass, piano, bass instrument, background vocals); Keith Moon (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: Leslie West (guitar); Dave Arbus (violin); Nicky Hopkins (piano); Al Kooper (organ).

Recording information: Olympic Studios, London, England.

Not sure what’s happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Amigos gets. Amigos stated simply is one of Santana’s best CDs to date.

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn’t a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Amigos is a nicely varied, mix of 7 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

I’m of the opinion that Amigos is certainly Santana’s best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it’s a collection that even the casual Rock fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 – Take Me With You, track 5 – Tell Me Are You Tired, and track 7 – Let It Shine

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Dance Sister Dance. Good stuff!

Amigos Release Notes:

Santana originally released Amigos on January 1, 2002 on the Rock label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Dance Sister Dance 2. Take Me With You 3. Let Me 4. Gitano 5. Tell Me Are You Tired 6. Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile) 7. Let It Shine

Santana: Devadip Carlos Santana (guitar, percussion, background vocals); Greg Walker (vocals); Tom Coster (keyboards); David Brown (bass); Ndugu Leon Chandler, Armando Peraza (background vocals). Additional personnel: Maxine Willard Walters, Julia Tillman Walters, Ivory Stone (background vocals).

Recorded at Wally Heider Recording Studios, San Francisco, California.

Not sure what’s happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Quadrophenia gets. Quadrophenia stated simply is one of their best CDs to date.

Who have been a heavy hitters in the Rock genre for quite a while now and Quadrophenia is an excellent illustration as to why.

Quadrophenia has a pleasantly varied, mix of 17 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly talented musicians. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

Overall Quadrophenia is an outstanding release. Quite possibly Who’s best to date. Really sensational from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Rock music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 5 – The Punk And The Godfather, track 2 – disc 2 – Sea And Sand, and track 7 – disc 2 – Love, Reign O’er Me

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – I Am The Sea. This is a great track!

Quadrophenia Release Notes:

Who originally released Quadrophenia on July 2, 1996 on the MCA Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

DISC 1: 1. I Am The Sea 2. Real Me, The 3. Quadrophenia 4. Cut My Hair 5. Punk And The Godfather, The 6. I’m One 7. Dirty Jobs, The 8. Helpless Dancer 9. Is It In My Head? 10. I’ve Had Enough DISC 2: 1. 5:15 2. Sea And Sand 3. Drowned 4. Bell Boy 5. Doctor Jimmy 6. Rock, The 7. Love, Reign O’er Me

Quadrophenia Album Notes Originally released on MCA (10004).

The Who: Roger Daltrey (vocals); Pete Townshend (various instruments, background vocals); John Entwistle (horns, bass instrument, background vocals); Keith Moon (drums, background vocals).

Additional personnel: John Curle (spoken vocals); Chris Stainton (piano).

One word describes the CD Yer Album from James Gang… AWESOME!

Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD for review that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Yer Album. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Yer Album has a pleasantly varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly outstanding musicians. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

This is a first rate CD, delivering a little something for everyone. I give it my highest recommendation. It’s quite simply great listening. A must buy for the Rock fan.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 5 – Last Woman, track 8 – I Don’t Have The Time, and track 11 – Stop.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 2 – Take A Look Around. It’s a great track!

Yer Album Release Notes:

James Gang originally released Yer Album on June 6, 2000 on the MCA Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Introduction 2. Take A Look Around 3. Funk #48 4. Bluebird 5. Lost Woman 6. Stone Rap 7. Collage 8. I Don’t Have The Time 9. Wrapcity In English 10. Fred 11. Stop

The James Gang: Joe Walsh (vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards); Jim Fox (vocals, guitar, piano, drums); Tom Kriss (flute, bass, background vocals).

Additional personnel: Jerry Ragavoy (piano); Bill Szymczyk (organ, tambourine, maracas, background vocals); Marge, Linda, Ken, Jill, Barry, Crazy Jon (background vocals); The Seymour Barab Strings.

The exceptionally talented Rock group Puddle Of Mudd have released their CD entitled Come Clean. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Puddle Of Mudd fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Come Clean their artistic excellence is on full display as they have once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be their best work to date.

Puddle Of Mudd have been a heavy hitters in the Rock genre for quite some time now and Come Clean is an excellent illustration as to why.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Rock isn’t your favorite style you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the musicians.

Overall Come Clean is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Rock fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 3 – Out Of My Head, track 7 – Bring Me Down, and track 11 – P*** It All Away.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Control. This is a great track!

Come Clean Release Notes:

Puddle Of Mudd originally released Come Clean on August 28, 2001 on the Flawless / Geffen label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Control 2. Drift & Die 3. Out Of My Head 4. Nobody Told Me 5. Blurry 6. She Hates Me 7. Bring Me Down 8. Never Change 9. Basement 10. Said 11. P*** It All Away

Come Clean Album Notes Puddle Of Mudd: Wesley Reid Scantlin (vocals, guitar); Paul James Phillips (guitar, background vocals); Douglas John Ardito (bass, background vocals); Greg Upchurch (drums, background vocals).

Recorded at Third Stone Recording and NRG Studios, North Hollywood, California.

One word describes the CD Stand Up from Dave Matthews Band… AWESOME!

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

Dave Matthews Band is one of those groups that have the ability to just bowl you over with their collective talent. The kind of musicians it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

If you’re even mildly into Rock music you’ll enjoy this CD. Overall Stand Up is an outstanding release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back), track 11 – Stolen Away On 55th And 3rd, and track 14 – Hunger For The Great Light

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Dreamgirl. Great track!

Stand Up Release Notes:

Dave Matthews Band originally released Stand Up on May 10, 2005 on the RCA Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Dreamgirl 2. Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back) 3. Stand Up (For It) 4. American Baby (Intro) 5. American Baby 6. Smooth Rider 7. Everybody Wake Up (Our Finest Hour Arrives) 8. Out Of My Hands 9. Hello Again 10. Louisiana Bayou 11. Stolen Away On 55th And 3rd 12. You Might Die Trying 13. Steady As We Go 14. Hunger For The Great Light

Dave Matthews Band: Dave Matthews (vocals, guitar); Boyd Tinsley (violin, electric violin, background vocals); Leroi Moore (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Butch Taylor (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards); Mark Batson (piano, organ, keyboards, Moog synthesizer); Stefan Lessard (bass guitar); Carter Beauford (drums, percussion).

One word describes the CD Festival from Santana… AWESOME!

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Festival is a nicely varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

Overall Festival is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Rock collection. Truly an outstanding Rock CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While the entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 2 – Let The Children Play, track 6 – Let The Music Set You Free, and track 11 – Maria Caracoles.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Carnaval. Great track!

Festival Release Notes:

Santana originally released Festival on August 28, 1990 on the Legacy Recordings label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Carnaval 2. Let The Children Play 3. Jugando 4. Give Me Love 5. Verao Vermelho 6. Let The Music Set You Free 7. Revelations 8. Reach Up 9. River, The 10. Try A Little Harder 11. Maria Caracoles

Santana: Carlos Santana (guitar, bass, percussion, background vocals); Leon Patillo (vocals, piano); Pablo Tellez (vocals, bass, percussion); Tom Coster (keyboards, synthesizer, percussion, background vocals); Paul Jackson (bass); Gaylord Birch (drums, tympani, percussion); Chepito Areas (congas, timbales, percussion); Raul Rekow (congas, percussion, background vocals); Julia Waters, Maxine Waters, Orin Waters, Francisco Zavala, Joel Badie (background vocals). Recorded at Wally Heider Recording, San Francisco, California.

The super talented group Jagged Edge have released their most recent CD on the Columbia recording label, entitled Hard.

Jagged Edge have been a super stars in the Rock genre for quite a while now and Hard is an excellent illustration as to why.

Hard has a nicely varied, mix of 15 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly superb musicians. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

Overall Hard is a solid release. Quite possibly Jagged Edge’s best to date. Really sensational from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Rock music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 – Walked Outta Heaven, track 7 – Trying To Find The Words, and track 15 – They Ain’t JE – Remix.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – They Ain’t JE. Wow!

Hard Release Notes:

Jagged Edge originally released Hard on October 14, 2003 on the Columbia label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. They Ain’t JE 2. Walked Outta Heaven 3. Girls Gone Wild – (featuring Major Damage) 4. Visions 5. Hard 6. Dance Floor 7. Trying To Find The Words 8. What’s It Like 9. Tryna Be Your Man 10. I Don’t Wanna 11. In Private 12. In The Morning 13. Shady Girl 14. Car Show – (bonus track, featuring Big Boi) 15. They Ain’t JE – (remix, bonus track, featuring Street Katz/Woonie)

Jagged Egde: Wingo, Brian, Brandon, Kyle (vocals). Additional personnel includes: Jermaine Dupri (vocals, drums); Major Damage, Big Boi, Street Katz, Woonie, Jazze Pha (rap vocals); Kevin Hicks, Ray Holton (guitar); Melvin Coleman (keyboards); LaMarquis Jefferson (bass); Tiffany Beaudoin (background vocals); Bryan M. Cox.

Producers include: Jermaine Dupri, TK, Jagged Edge, Jazze Pha, Bryan M. Cox.

Ozark Mountain Daredevils, the richly talented Southern Rock group have released their latest album titled Itll Shine When It Shines and Wow! It’s good.

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

Ozark Mountain Daredevils is one of those groups that have the ability to just bowl you over with their collective talent. The kind of musicians it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

Overall Itll Shine When It Shines is a solid release. Quite possibly Ozark Mountain Daredevils’s best to date. Really spectacular from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Southern Rock music you’ll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 8 – What’s Happened Along In My Life, track 9 – It Probably Always Will, and track 12 – It’ll Shine When It Shines.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – You Made It Right. Outstanding!

Itll Shine When It Shines Release Notes:

Ozark Mountain Daredevils originally released Itll Shine When It Shines on November 11, 2003 on the New Era Productions label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. You Made It Right 2. Look Away 3. Jackie Blue 4. Kansas You Fooler 5. It Couldn’t Be Better 6. E. E. Lawson 7. Walkin’ Down The Road 8. What’s Happened Along In My Life 9. It Probably Always Will 10. Lowlands 11. Tidal Wave 12. It’ll Shine When It Shines

It’ll Shine When It Shines Album Notes Ozark Mountain Daredevils: Steve Cash (vocals, harmonica, percussion);

Randle Chowning (guitar, dobro, mandolin, background vocals); John Dillon (guitar, dulcimer, harmonica, keyboards, background vocals); Larry Lee (guitar, keyboards, drums, background vocals); Michael “Supe” Granda (guitar, bass, background vocals); Buddy Brayfield (keyboards, bacground vocals).

Additional personnel: Glyn Johns (guitar); Nick De Caro (accordion); Jody Troutman (background vocals).

Recorded at Ruedi Valley Ranch, Aldrich, Missouri in 1974. Originally released on A&M Records.

One word describes the CD Ecstasy from Avant… AWESOME!

I wish it weren’t the case but, it’s not everyday that I get a CD for review that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Ecstasy. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Avant most impressive releases ever.

Listen to Ecstasy and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and this is clearly the work of a group of musicians in top form. So much so that if you’re even mildly into Rock music you’ll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 3 – Don’t Say No, Just Say Yes, track 8 – Six In Da Morning, and track 13 – Suicide

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Call On Me. This is a great track!

Ecstasy Release Notes:

Avant originally released Ecstasy on March 26, 2002 on the MCA Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Call On Me 2. What Do You Want 3. Don’t Say No, Just Say Yes 4. Makin’ Good Love 5. Sorry 6. No Limit 7. Thinkin’ About You 8. Six In Da Morning 9. You Ain’t Right 10. One Way Street – (featuring Charlie Wilson) 11. Love School 12. Jack & Jill 13. Suicide

Personnel includes: Avant (vocals); Cap-I, Sean Don (rap vocals); Steve “Stone” Huff (various instruments); Charlie Wilson (background vocals). Recorded at Stone Recording, Chicago, Illinois.