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.

One word describes the CD This Is Who I Am from Heather Headley… 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.

Heather Headley is one of those musicians that has the ability to just win you over with her talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

Overall This Is Who I Am 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 the truly standout tunes are track 9 – Four Words From A Heartbreak, track 11 – Why Should I Cry, and track 12 – If It Wasn’t For Your Love.

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

This Is Who I Am Release Notes:

Heather Headley originally released This Is Who I Am on October 8, 2002 on the RCA Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. He Is 2. Nature Of A Man 3. Fallin’ For You 4. I Wish I Wasn’t 5. Fulltime 6. Like Ya Use To 7. Always Been Your Girl 8. Sunday 9. Four Words From A Heartbreak 10. Sista Girl 11. Why Should I Cry 12. If It Wasn’t For Your Love

This Is Who I Am Album Notes Personnel includes: Heather Headley (vocals); Chukki Starr (rap vocals); Joshua Nile, V. Jeffrey Smith (various instruments, programming); Gary Haase, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis (various instruments); Ed Baden-Powell (guitar, keyboards, bass, programming); Jeff Mironov, Frankie Romano, Professa Funk, Dallas Austin, Tomi Martin, Mike Scott, Terence Elliot, Tim Stewart (guitar); Richard Locker (cello); Shelley Woodworth (oboe); Rob Mounsey (piano); Jeremy Ruzumna (Hammond B-3 organ); James “Big Jim” Wright, Michael Norfleet, Slyvia Bennett Smith, Reed Vertelney, Kwame Kwaten (keyboards); Steve Mostyn (bass); Steve Marston (percussion); Deborah Cox, Sara Devine, Renee Neufville, Shanice, Vanessa A. Jones, Audrey Martells, Gabrielle Lauder (background vocals).

Producers include: D-Influence, Joshua Nile, The Phantom, Reed Vertelney, Sylvia Bennett.

One word describes the CD Welcome from Santana… AWESOME!

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 Welcome. 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 Santana’s most impressive releases ever.

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

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 – Love, Devotion And Surrender, track 4 – When I Look Into Your Eyes, and track 10 – Mantra.

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

Welcome Release Notes:

Santana originally released Welcome on September 30, 2003 on the Legacy Recordings label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Going Home 2. Love, Devotion And Surrender 3. Samba De Sausalito 4. When I Look Into Your Eyes 5. Yours Is The Light 6. Mother Africa 7. Light Of Life 8. Flame-Sky 9. Welcome 10. Mantra – (previously unreleased, bonus track)

Santana: Carlos Santana (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, bass, kalimba, percussion); Wendy Haas, Leon Thomas, Flora Purim (vocals); Doug Rauch (guitar, bass); Mahavishnu John McLauhlin (guitar); Bob Yance, Mel Martin, Joe Farrell (flute); Richard Kermode (soprano saxophone); Richard Kermode (piano, electric piano, organ, Mellotron, marimba, percussion); Tom Coster (piano, organ, marimba, percussion); Michael Shrieve, Tony Smith (drums); Armando Peraza (bongos, congas, percussion); Jose “Chepito” Areas (congas, timbales, percussion). Producers: Carlos Santana, Michael Shrieve, Tom Coster. Recorded in 1973. Originally released on Columbia (32445). Includes liner notes by Hal Miller.

Superjoint Ritual released their most recent CD entitled Use Once And Destroy.

Use Once And Destroy literally grabs your attention right from the outset with Oblivious Maximus and doesn’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Little H, which is another great track by the way.

Use Once And Destroy has a nicely varied, mix of 18 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly talented musicians. Most of the songs display 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 Use Once And Destroy is a solid release. Quite possibly Superjoint Ritual’s best to date. Really spectacular from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Rock music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – It Takes No Guts, track 9 – All Of Our Lives Will Get Tired, and track 18 – Little H

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

Use Once And Destroy Release Notes:

Superjoint Ritual originally released Use Once And Destroy on May 21, 2002 on the Sanctuary label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Oblivious Maximus 2. It Takes No Guts 3. Everyone Hates Everyone 4. Introvert, The 5. Alcoholik, The 6. F**k Your Enemies 7. 4 Songs 8. Messages 9. All Of Our Lives Will Get Tired 10. Antifaith 11. Ozena 12. Drug Your Love 13. Haunted Hated 14. Stupid, Stupid Man 15. Creepy Crawl 16. Superjoint Ritual 17. Starvation Trip – (demo, bonus track) 18. Little H – (demo, bonus track)

Superjoint Ritual: Philip Anselmo (vocals, guitar); Jimmy Bower, Kevin Bond (guitar); Joe Fazzio (drums). Additional personnel: Michael Haaga (bass, background vocals). Recorded at Balance Recording Studios, Mandeville, Louisiana.

Away From The Sun is the latest release from Rock Sensation 3 Doors Down, and I can only think of one word to describe it, and that word is AWESOME!

This is the groups 2nd album and follows their spectacular debut album The Better Life. I have to admit that I was somewhat skeptical of this album because of the success of their first release as it is very difficult to follow such a huge success like that. A lot of times there is just that let down because the expectations are so high. I have to say though Away Form The Sun definitely lives up to the expectations.

Unfortunately, it is 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 cannot force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Away From The Sun. 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 have one of 3 Doors Downs most impressive releases ever.

If you are not a 3 Doors Down fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you do not even have to be a fan of 3 Doors Down, or even Rock to know is good. This is just good music. Period.

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tracks are When I’m Gone – track 1, The Road I’m On – track 3, and I Feel You track 7.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5, Running Out Of Days. This is a great track!

Away From The Sun Release Notes:

3 Doors Down originally released Away From The Sun on Nov 12, 2002 on the Universal Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. When I’m Gone 2. Away From The Sun 3. The Road I’m On 4. Ticket To Heaven 5. Running Out Of Days 6. Here Without You 7. I Feel You 8. Dangerous Game 9. Changes 10. Going Down In Flames 11. Sarah Yellin’ 12. untitled – (hidden track)

3 Doors Down: Brad Arnold (vocals); Matt Roberts, Chris Henderson (guitar); Todd Harrell (bass). Additional personnel includes: Josh Freese (drums). Recorded at London Bridge, Seattle, Washington; Greenhouse, Burnaby, Canada and Ocean Way Studios, Hollywood, California.

The exceptionally talented Rock group Black Sabbath have released their CD entitled Technical Ecstasy. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Black Sabbath fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Technical Ecstasy 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.

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 Technical Ecstasy. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

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

Overall Technical Ecstasy is outstanding 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 sensational from beginning to end.

While the entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 – You Won’t Change Me, track 6 – Rock N’ Roll Doctor, and track 8 – Dirty Women

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Back Street Kids. What a nice track!

Technical Ecstasy Release Notes:

Black Sabbath originally released Technical Ecstasy on October 25, 1990 on the Warner Bros. Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Back Street Kids 2. You Won’t Change Me 3. It’s Alright 4. Gypsy 5. All Moving Parts (Stand Still) 6. Rock N’ Roll Doctor 7. She’s Gone 8. Dirty Women

Black Sabbath: Ozzy Osbourne (vocals); Tony Iommi (guitar); Geezer Butler (bass); Bill Ward (drums, background vocals). Additional personnel: Gerald Woodruffe (keyboards). Recorded at Criteria Studios, Miami, Florida.

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.

The exceptionally talented Rock group Black Sabbath have released their CD entitled Paranoid. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Black Sabbath fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Paranoid 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.

Paranoid literally grabs your attention right from the very first note with War Pigs / Luke’s Wall and doesn’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Jack The Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots, which is another great track by the way.

Paranoid has a pleasantly varied, mix of 8 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly superb musicians. Most of the songs display 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 Paranoid is an outstanding release. Quite possibly Black Sabbath’s best to date. Really spectacular from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Rock music you’ll enjoy this album.

While the entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 3 – Planet Caravan, track 6 – Hand Of Doom, and track 8 – Jack The Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – War Pigs / Luke’s Wall. This is a great track!

Paranoid Release Notes:

Black Sabbath originally released Paranoid on October 25, 1990 on the Warner Bros. Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. War Pigs / Luke’s Wall 2. Paranoid 3. Planet Caravan 4. Iron Man 5. Electric Funeral 6. Hand Of Doom 7. Rat Salad 8. Jack The Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots

Black Sabbath: Ozzy Osbourne (vocals); Tony Iommi (guitar); Geezer Butler (bass instrument); Bill Ward (drums).

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).

Very talented Electric Light Orchestra have released their latest album titled On The Third Day and Wow! It’s good.

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.

On The Third Day has a nicely varied, mix of 13 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly gifted musicians. Most of the songs display 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, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

Overall On The Third Day is an outstanding release. Quite possibly Electric Light Orchestra’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 3 – Oh No Not Susan, track 8 – In The Hall Of The Mountain King, and track 13 – Interludes.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 13 – Ocean Breakup/ King Of The Universe. Great track!

On The Third Day Release Notes:

Electric Light Orchestra originally released On The Third Day on September 12, 2006 on the Legacy Recordings label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Ocean Breakup/ King Of The Universe 2. Bluebird Is Dead 3. Oh No Not Susan 4. New World Rising/ Ocean Breakup Reprise 5. Showdown 6. Daybreaker 7. Ma-Ma-Ma Belle 8. In The Hall Of The Mountain King 9. Auntie Ma Ma Ma Belle – (alternate take) 10. Auntie Ma Ma Ma Belle – (alternate take) 11. Mambo (Dreaming Of 4000) – (Alternate mix, Bonus Track) 12. Everyone’s Born To Die 13. Interludes – (previously unreleased)

Electric Light Orchestra: Jeff Lynne (vocals, guitar); Mik Kaminski (violin); Mike Edwards (cello); Richard Tandy (piano, Moog synthesizers); Michael De Albuquerque (bass); Bev Bevan (drums). Electric Light Orchestra: Jeff Lynne (vocals, guitar); Mik Kaminsky, Wilf Gibson (violin); Colin Walker, Mike Edwards (cello); Richard Tandy (piano, Moog synthesizer); Michael De Albuquerque (bass guitar); Bev Bevans (drums). Additional personnel: Marc Bolan (guitar).