Trouble - Psalm 9 (Escapi) 2006/1983
Trouble - The Skull (Escapi) 2006/1984
"These are nicely done remasters of the the band's first two albums. Each album includes a bonus live dvd.
Trouble is now seen as a prototype for the doom/stoner rock sound, but their sound owes a huge debt to Black Sabbath, and
a coincidental one to early Savatage. For the eBay price of one of these discs you can get both albums and the bonus
dvd and deluxe packaging."
Overall Grade - 82 and 75 of 100 respectively.
Shogun - 31 Days - (Rock-It) 2006/1987
"In his first album away from Tokyo Blade, Alan Marsh goes for a more accessible hard rock sound. It is hopelessly
dated these days, and there is a slight 'been there-done that' feel to a couple of these numbers. It still is a
fine reminder of what hard rock used to be."
Overall Grade - 78 of 100
Krokus - Hellraiser (AFM) 2006
"Despite the involvement of gifted producer/bassist Dennis Ward, HELLRAISER is a fairly average album. Vocalist
Marc Storace still has most of his voice, and the songs are nice enough. It just feels like I've heard this done before,
and a lot better."
Overall Grade - 42 of 100
Hammerfall - Threshold (Nuclear Blast) 2006
"Not a bad effort, but too many tracks are lingering at mid-tempo range, and the whole affair could have benefitted from
a little extra energy. Very much the child of bands like Accept and Manowar, and the family resemblance is more than
uncanny..."
Overall Grade - 72 of 100
Aerosmith - Devil's Got a New Disguise (Sony/Geffen) 2006
"Two new studio cuts and yet another best-of collection. This one boasts highlights from both labels, a first for
the band. However, only the die-hards and completists will want and have to have the new songs; while the casual fan
can have more complete retrospectives from the band's tenure at each label for only a couple of dollars more. This
is Aerosmith's answer to Kiss's SMASHES, THRASHES, AND HITS."
Overall Grade - 50 of 100
Seal - Live in Paris [Deluxe Edition] (Warner Bros.) 2005
"This cd/dvd combo is a well-recorded, well-executed survey of Seal's best material. This lacks any real surprises
or oddities, and isn't that the best part of taking in a live performance either in person or via record?"
Overall Grade 65 of 100.
Sunstorm - Sunstorm (Frontiers) 2006
"Joe Lynn Turner gets the starring role on this Dennis Ward production. While the album is well executed, the songs
are memorable, and Turner's voice is in great form; there are far too many ballads and slower songs for this to build momentum.
I really like it, but would've liked to hear the kind of push Ward gave Michael Kiske on the PLACE VENDOME album."
Overall Grade - 83 of 100.
Blind Guardian - A Twist in the Myth (Nuclear Blast) 2006
"Another entry into the Blind Guardian catalog, a couple of listens have left little memorable thus far. Still
it is more of an issue on my personal readiness than on the possibility of an artistic drop-off by the band. This one
is probably a grower."
Overall Grade - 75 of 100.
Tommy Bolin - Whips and Roses II (SPV) 2006
"There is plenty of material available for this second foray into updating/upgrading Tommy's stuff. Unfortunately,
the package uses Tommy's art to show the 'creativity' of the stewards, as they mangle the vocal track to "Lotus" and add an
annoying sound effect to "The Grind". Way to serve the legacy, guys! (sarcasm!)"
Overall Grade - 26 of 100
Tsunami - Tsunami (Mosh-it-Up) 2006/1983
"Finally, a long-lost favorite comes to cd (r?). I loved this record as a 13 year old rocker, and I couldn't
be happier as I can now access it whenever I want. In truth, it is great out of nostalgia, not out of accomplishment."
Overall Grade - 80 of 100.
R.E.M. - And I Feel Fine - The IRS Years [Deluxe Edition] (EMI/Capitol) 2006
"The hits disc reminds you of the potential for greatness. Something the band still seems to carry despite having
only a couple of highlights during their Warner Bros. years. The rarities disc is necessary but a little disappointing.
The live tracks aren't a bad addition, but the "hardcore" fan this set aims at has most of these things already."
Overall Grade - 58 of 100
Audioslave - Revelations (Epic/Interscope) 2006
"Chris Cornell is too prolific for his own good. The world wasn't ready for another record. Despite the talent
within the group, it has yet to rise above either of the martyred groups that gave this one birth."
Overall Grade - 50 of 100
Stevie Wonder - A Time To Love (Motown) 2005
"There are moments of brilliance as well as moments of passing. The best moments here have small connections to
his earlier work. Overall, the album may have had a greater impact with some pruning/editing." Overall Grade -
75 of 100.
Iron Maiden - A Matter of Life and Death (Sanctuary) 2006
"The band is lockstep into mid-tempo fare, and the lack of energy sinks the record. Still, new Maiden outshines
most modern music, so it is better than nothing."
Overall Grade - 80 of 100.
Motorhead - Kiss of Death (Sanctuary) 2006
"Consistency is the most apt description I can give of this legendary trio. The band still has the fire and energy
to keep up with bands half its age. Long live Motorhead!"
Overall Grade - 82 of 100.
Leatherwolf - World Asylum (Leatherwolf) 2006
"New vocalist Wade Black provides a kick in the pants for this long underrated and appreciated band. Leatherwolf
have finally taken the safety off and increased the intensity. If you like it fast, hard, and heavy, then you need to
check this out."
Overall Grade - 87 of 100
Moonstone Project - Time to Take a Stand (Majestic Rock) 2006
"Guitarist Matt Filippini and a cast of vocalists create a perfect 'classic rock radio' record for an alternate universe.
Well done and well executed, particularly tracks featuring Graham Bonnet, Glenn Hughes, and Eric Bloom."
Overall Grade - 85 of 100
