Rock Music 4 ALL

The exceptionally talented Rock artist Tori Amos has released her CD entitled Little Earthquakes. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Tori Amos fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Little Earthquakes Tori Amos’s artistic excellence is on full display as Amos has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be her best work 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 is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

Rock music fans will recognize some of the well known guests that have been assembled to play along with Amos on several of the tracks. Artists like Paulinho Da Costa and Matthew Seligman just to name a couple.

I’m of the opinion that Little Earthquakes is certainly Tori Amos’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 the entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 3 – Silent All These Years, track 10 – Tear In Your Hand, and track 12 – Little Earthquakes.

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

Little Earthquakes Release Notes:

Tori Amos originally released Little Earthquakes on February 25, 1992 on the Atlantic label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Crucify 2. Girl 3. Silent All These Years 4. Precious Things 5. Winter 6. Happy Phantom 7. China 8. Leather 9. Mother 10. Tear In Your Hand 11. Me And A Gun 12. Little Earthquakes

Personnel: Tori Amos (vocals, acoustic & electric pianos, keyboards); Jef Scott, Steve Caton (guitar, bass); John Chamberlin (mandolin); Eric Williams (ukulele, dulcimer); Will McGregor, Matthew Seligman (bass); Eric Rosse (drums, programming); Ed Green, Carlo Nuccio, Chris Hughes (drums); Paulinho DaCosta (percussion). Producers: Davitt Sigerson, Tori Amos, Eric Rosse, Ian Stanley. Engineers include: John Beverly Jones, Ian Stanley, Eric Rosse.

Daughtry is the latest Rock CD released by the very talented Daughtry who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I’m confident Daughtry fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one.

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, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

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 Daughtry’s most impressive releases ever.

I’m of the opinion that Daughtry is certainly Daughtry’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 album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 6 – Feels Like Tonight, track 10 – There And Back Again, and track 12 – What About Now.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – It’s Not Over. Great track!

Daughtry Release Notes:

Daughtry originally released Daughtry on November 21, 2006 on the RCA Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. It’s Not Over 2. Used To 3. Home 4. Over You 5. Crashed 6. Feels Like Tonight 7. What I Want – (featuring Slash) 8. Breakdown 9. Gone 10. There And Back Again 11. All These Lives 12. What About Now

Daughtry: Chris Daughtry (vocals); Phil X (guitar); Howard Benson (keyboards); Paul Bushnell (electric bass); Josh Freese (drums). Additional personnel: Slash (guitar); Chris Chaney (electric bass).

Richly talented Savage Garden have released their latest CD titled Savage Garden and Wow! It’s really a good one.

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, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

Savage Garden is a pleasantly varied, mix of 11 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, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

I’m of the opinion that Savage Garden is certainly some of this groups 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 – I Want You, track 3 – Truly Madly Deeply, and track 11 – Santa Monica

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

Savage Garden Release Notes:

Savage Garden originally released Savage Garden on April 15, 1997 on the Columbia label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. To The Moon & Back 2. I Want You 3. Truly Madly Deeply 4. Tears Of Pearls 5. Universe 6. Carry On Dancing 7. Violet 8. Break Me Shake Me 9. Thousand Words, A 10. Promises 11. Santa Monica

Savage Garden: Daniel Jones (vocals, guitar, keyboards, programming); Darren Hayes (vocals). Additional personnel: Rex Goh (guitar); Alex Hewitson (bass); Terapai Richmond (drums, percussion).

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

I wish it weren’t the case but, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist 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 Living With Ghosts. 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 Patty Griffin’s most impressive releases ever.

Rock music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including Steve Barry and Others plus a few other notables as well.

Overall Living With Ghosts 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 this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 4 – Time Will Do The Talking, track 8 – You Never Get What You Want, and track 10 – Not Alone

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

Living With Ghosts Release Notes:

Patty Griffin originally released Living With Ghosts on May 21, 1996 on the A&M Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Moses 2. Let Him Fly 3. Every Little Bit 4. Time Will Do The Talking 5. Mad Mission 6. Poor Man’s House 7. Forgiveness 8. You Never Get What You Want 9. Sweet Lorraine 10. Not Alone

Personnel: Patty Griffin (vocals, acoustic guitar); Adam Steinberg, Ty Tyler (guitar).

The exceptionally talented Rock artist Al Stewart has released him CD entitled First Album. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Al Stewart fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of First Album Al Stewart’s artistic excellence is on full display as Stewart has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

First Album will grab your attention right from the very first note with Bed-Sitter Images and doesn’t let go until the very last note of the very last song My Contemporaries, which is another great track by the way.

These days it’s a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

Overall First Album 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 really very good some of my favorites are track 7 – Samuel, Oh How You’ve Changed!, track 9 – A Long Way Down From Stephanie, and track 15 – My Contemporaries

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Bed-Sitter Images. Wow!

First Album Release Notes:

Al Stewart originally released First Album on June 22, 2007 on the Collectors’ Choice label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Bed-Sitter Images 2. Swiss Cottage Manoeuvres 3. Carmichaels, The 4. Scandinavian Girl 5. Pretty Golden Hair 6. Denise At 16 7. Samuel, Oh How You’ve Changed! 8. Cleave To Me 9. Long Way Down From Stephanie, A 10. Ivich 11. Beleeka Doodle Day 12. Lover Man 13. Clifton In The Rain 14. Go Your Way – (Bonus Track) 15. My Contemporaries – (Bonus Track)

Personnel: Al Stewart (guitar).

The exceptionally talented Rock artist Paul Westerberg has released him CD entitled Folker. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Paul Westerberg fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Folker Paul Westerberg’s artistic excellence is on full display as Westerberg has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work 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 is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Folker is a pleasantly varied, mix of 13 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. 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 him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

Overall Folker 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 this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 – Now I Wonder, gt2, and track 13 – Folk Star

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

Folker Release Notes:

Paul Westerberg originally released Folker on September 7, 2004 on the Vagrant Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Jingle 2. Now I Wonder 3. My Dad 4. Looking Up In Heaven 5. Anyway’s All Right 6. $100 Groom 7. 23 Years Ago 8. As Far As I Know 9. What About Mine? 10. How Can You Like Him? 11. Breathe Some New Life 12. Gun Shy 13. Folk Star

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

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

Relayer is a nicely varied, mix of 6 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 real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

Overall Relayer 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 – Sound Chaser, track 3 – To Be Over, and track 6 – The Gates Of Delirium.

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

Relayer Release Notes:

Yes originally released Relayer on August 26, 2003 on the Elektra Entertainment label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The Gates Of Delirium 2. Sound Chaser 3. To Be Over 4. Soon – (single edit, bonus track) 5. Sound Chaser – (single edit, bonus track) 6. Gates Of Delirium, The – (previously unreleased, Studio Run-Through, bonus track)

Yes: Jon Anderson (vocals); Steve Howe (guitar); Patrick Moraz (keyboards); Chris Squire (bass); Alan White (drums). Recorded in 1974. Originally released on Atlantic (18122). Includes liner notes by Doug Gottlieb, Glenn Gottlieb.

Smile is the latest release from Rock Superstar Brian Wilson, and is another great one by this talented musician.

Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist 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 Smile. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Rock music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including Dave Stone and Paul Martens plus a few other notables as well.

Overall Smile 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 album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 5 – Old Master Painter/You Are My Sunshine, track 11 – I’m In Great Shape/I Wanna Be Around/Workshop, and track 17 – Good Vibrations.

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

Smile Release Notes:

Brian Wilson originally released Smile on September 28, 2004 on the Nonesuch Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Our Prayer/Gee 2. Heroes And Villains 3. Roll Plymouth Rock 4. Barnyard 5. Old Master Painter/You Are My Sunshine 6. Cabin Essence 7. Wonderful 8. Song For Children 9. Child Is Father Of The Man 10. Surf’s Up 11. I’m In Great Shape/I Wanna Be Around/Workshop 12. Vega-Tables 13. On A Holiday 14. Wind Chimes 15. Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow 16. In Blue Hawaii 17. Good Vibrations

Personnel: Brian Wilson (vocals, keyboards); Jeffrey Foskett (vocals, guitar, hammer dulcimer); Probyn Gregory (vocals, guitar, whistle, brass); Scott Bennett (vocals, guitar, keyboards, percussion); Nick Walusko (vocals, guitar); Nelson Bragg (vocals, whistle, percussion); Darian Sahanaja (vocals, keyboards, percussion); Taylor Mills (vocals, sound effects); Stockholm Strings ‘N’ Horns (strings, horns); Paul Mertens (harmonica, woodwinds, saxophone); Dave Stone (acoustic bass guitar); Bob Lizik (bass guitar); Jim Hines (drums, percussion, sound effects, musical saw).

Recording information: Sunset Sound, Hollywood, California (04/13/2004 – 04/17/2004).

One word describes the CD Impossible Dream from Patty Griffin… AWESOME!

Impossible Dream launches with an outstanding track, Love Throw A Line, that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It’s a really nice track.

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 Patty Griffin’s most impressive releases ever.

Overall Impossible Dream 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 really very good some of my favorites are track 2 – Cold As It Gets, track 8 – When It Don’t Come Easy, and gt3

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Love Throw A Line. Wow!

Impossible Dream Release Notes:

Patty Griffin originally released Impossible Dream on April 20, 2004 on the ATO label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Love Throw A Line 2. Cold As It Gets 3. Kite Song 4. Standing 5. Useless Desires 6. Top Of The World 7. Rowing Song 8. When It Don’t Come Easy 9. Florida 10. Mother Of God 11. Icicles

Personnel: Patty Griffin (vocals, guitar, piano); Doug Lancio (guitar, mandolin); Craig Ross (baritone guitar, synthesizer, tambourine, percussion, background vocals); Lisa Germano (zither, violin); Michael Ramos (trumpet); Sumner Erickson (tuba); Ian McLagan (electric piano); Brian Beattie (field organ, arco bass); Frank Swart (bass instrument); JD Foster (bass guitar, percussion); Brady Blade, John Deaderick, Billy Beard, Jon Greene (drums); Emmylou Harris, Julie Miller, Buddy Miller (background vocals).

Recording information: Small Festival Balls, Austin, Texas; Wire Recording, Austin, Texas.

One word describes the CD Close To The Edge from Yes… 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.

These days it’s a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

Overall Close To The Edge 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 this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – And You And I / Cord Of Life / Eclipse / The Preacher The Teacher / Apocalypse, track 6 – And You And I / Cord Of Life / Eclipse / The Preacher The Teacher / Apocalypse, and track 7 – Siberia

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Close To The Edge: / The Solid Time Of Change / Total Mass Retain / I Get Up I Get Down / Seasons…. Good stuff!

Close To The Edge Release Notes:

Yes originally released Close To The Edge on August 26, 2003 on the Elektra Entertainment label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Close To The Edge: / The Solid Time Of Change / Total Mass Retain / I Get Up I Get Down / Seasons… 2. And You And I / Cord Of Life / Eclipse / The Preacher The Teacher / Apocalypse 3. Siberian Khatru 4. America – (Single Version) 5. Total Mass Retain – (Single Version) 6. And You And I / Cord Of Life / Eclipse / The Preacher The Teacher / Apocalypse – (previously unre… 7. Siberia – (Studio Run-Through Of Siberian Khatru)

Yes: Jon Anderson (vocals); Steve Howe (guitar, background vocals); Rick Wakeman (keyboards); Chris Squire (bass instrument, background vocals); Bill Bruford (drums, percussion).