Rock-Pop Review: Elvis Presley-Live 1969

Release Date: August 9, 2019

Label: RCA/Legacy Recordings

Website

Elvis, Elvis, and more Elvis! Live 1969 is a comprehensive 11 CD set for the ultimate fan base that exists and is continually growing.

Live 1969 features the release of eleven complete sets from Elvis’ August 1969 engagement at Las Vegas’ International Hotel. Of these performances, four are being released in full for the first time. That fact alone should raise some eyebrows in the worldwide community of supporters of the King’s legacy.

This also marks the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s return to the stage to perform after an eight-year absence fulfilling his movie obligations.  His Las Vegas residency at the International Hotel featured 57 sold-out shows and the live debut of his signature #1 hit “Suspicious Minds.” That track happens to be my personal all-time favorite as it captured the excellence of the band backing Elvis and his ability to command an audience and own the song. He also was able to cover other popular songs in his way giving an audience a complete view of his tremendous talents.

This deluxe package also includes a 52-page booklet with rare photos, memorabilia, and an oral history by Ken Sharp curated from historic interviews with Elvis, Colonel Tom Parker, Tom Jones, Jerry Schilling, James Burton, Cissy Houston, Terry Blackwood, George Klein, Fats Domino, etc. That is the icing on the cake for the live music fan and you have an opportunity to reap the benefits of first-hand discussions from his peers while taking in this massive collection.

I appreciate the music of Elvis Presley and to hear him come to life on this set gave me a new perspective of what a great performer he was. Even after being away for eight years he just picked up where he left off and thrilled every audience he performed for. 

There is some repetition in this set but I think most people would expect that with this much music. He did have his act and storytelling that went into his set but you will get some different setlists to enjoy and a bird’s eye view of what it was like to be there interacting with him. 

Live 1969 may very well be the ultimate live Elvis recording however I think you need to be a superfan to enjoy this to the fullest otherwise if you are a casual listener, that genuinely appreciated the artistry of The King, you would be well advised to listen to this over some time.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 29, 2019

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Rock-Pop Review: Bird Mancini-Dreams and Illusions

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Label: Bonk Zone Music

Website

It has been several years since I had the opportunity to provide some coverage of the Boston band Bird Mancini. I remember one thing, I loved their music! I can say right out of the gate, that opinion has not changed.

On May 1, 2018, they will release Dreams and Illusions, their eighth proper studio recording. Billy Carl Mancini and Ruby Bird are the two main cogs in the wheels that drive this band. 

The one thing I know I will hear on a Bird Mancini album is quality musicianship, excellent production, and tracks I know I want to hear again!

The influence of The Beatles is obvious in their music. As far as I am concerned that is a good thing and think most listeners would feel that way. So, what does a potential listener get with Dreams and Illusions?

Primarily what you will hear is a tight and well-polished band doing what they do best, crafting memorable rock-pop songs. The rhythms, vocals, and harmonies are in sync at all times. The succinct vocals of Ruby and Billy are the trademark of the band. 

At this point in their recorded legacy, it goes without saying you will get some variety to go along with pop rock-oriented tracks. Mixed in are some tasty elements of blues and jazz, like on “When You Get Back.” The track has just the right mixture of all of those genres mixed in. This typifies the music of Bird Mancini and always keeps things interesting and lively from start to finish.

I have always felt a connection to this band because they are from Boston but it's really their music and the roots of the sounds I hear that gave me an instant connection. Even though the first time I heard them was many years ago. Time does not make that link disappear, if you love the music, it just gets stronger and more relevant with the passing of time. In fact, my appreciation for this music is more important to me now more than ever. It makes me smile inside and that is all I need for a good listen. Just like they sing “Life In A Song” will go on and on when we're gone, it is so true. Music, good music, like the kind Bird Mancini makes, will survive this world and all its difficulties and carry on.

I do promise that there will be a lot of enjoyment on every single song you hear on this album. That is a lot to hold myself to but I am so confident that you will love Dreams and Illusions that it doesn’t feel like I am going out on a limb to say that, it is a fact! 

You will hear great driving guitar licks, a pounding rhythm section, harmonica, saxophone, accordion, and a slew of other instrumentation and effects on Dreams and Illusions. I think what is paradoxical is the fact that this is not a dream or an illusion, this really is great music that I think that has a lot of crossover potential to reach new audiences. Yes, indeed Bird Mancini has created a real rock and pop gem that you should not miss. An added bonus is the CD booklet and all the lyrics. My final thought is, I sure would love to hear this on a vinyl LP someday!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 22, 2018

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Tracks: 
01. Congratulations
02. Don't Blink
03. One Mistake
04. It's Already Done
05. It's an Illusion
06. Recluse
07. Wake Me Up When It's Over
08. Fault Line
09. Wishing Well
10. When You Get Back
11. Life In a Song
12. Wishing Well
 

Rock-Pop Review: The Isley Brothers - Santana-Power of Peace

Release Date: July 28, 2017

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

I have been waiting for another great Santana release.  One that shook me to the core and moved my soul. Well it has arrived!  Who would have imagined Carlos, Ron and Ernie Isley and their family members would do this? Not to mention a host of other outstanding musicians, would come together to present all these classic songs on one album?


Power of Peace will arrive for all you rock and pop fans just chomping at the bit for some real music. I’m talking about music that has a fire in its belly ready to inspire you and put a smile on your face that will last all day long.


Santana is still cooking right along. His guitar doesn’t gently weep, it screams “Hear me now people!” This is the Power of Peace and how two musical brothers came together to create a powerhouse of music. So “Are You Ready” to join in this celebration of life, love, peace and music?


Typical of Santana is take all the genres and stir it all up to make simmering versions of every track. He expertly takes rock, blues, jazz, pop and soul and makes it his own. The impeccable musicianship is evident throughout this album. And what can be said about Ron Isley? He is a young 76 at this point in his incredible and iconic career. What a phenomenal performance from these musical giants.

These kinds of collaborations do not always work however these two gents have a deep abiding respect for each other and that is felt in the music. I even heard some rap in Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” that I enjoyed, it just fit so well. I simply do not care for rap but this was so well done and mixed nicely with the pace of the song. The fact that it is one many classics from a legend did not hurt either.

For fans that are old enough to reminisce about listening to the AM radio in the summer either at work or play will listen to this music with great joy. This is a reminder of our past and that some of the artists still making music know better than anyone else how to get the message over to the masses. On flip side there is an entirely new generation waiting to discover this great music and start digging into the back catalogs of the Isley’s and Santana.

The people involved in this project are serving as the delivery vehicle and the music itself, Power of Peace, is the ambassador we all need to listen to.

“Body Talk” is sensuous and smooth. It is one of the best tracks on the album. It is soulful, full of rhythm and snakebite guitar riffs from Carlos. And the amazing “Gypsy Woman”(By Bryan Brian Hyland) is a real slow burner as Ron and Carlos make it sound like a new hit born to rule the soul and R&B charts. I first heard that song on K-Tel’s 20 Power Hits Vol. 2 (the first LP I ever bought with my own money). And speaking of burning up…Willie Dixon’s all-time blues classic “I Just Want to Make Love to You” is on fire! Carlos just cuts loose like only he can, he guitar is crying the blues but is it ever so sweet. This is a killer track.

After my third listen it really hit home. I put myself in a room by myself and absorbed it all, every note.

Power of Peace is a great achievement. For the Isley’s and Santana it is a dream come true and now it is for us as well. If you are listening to latest hits on the radio, online or on iTunes etc. and you say to yourself “They just don’t make music like this anymore,” after hearing this, then you would be right! Give this music a few spins and it will restore your faith in human race, so listen often. ”Mercy Mercy Me” indeed.
5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 26, 2017

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Tracks: 
01. Are You Ready
02. Total Destruction to Your Mind
03. Higher Ground
04. God Bless the Child
05. I Remember
06. Body Talk
07. Gypsy Woman
08. I Just Want to Make Love to You
09.  Love, Peace, Happiness
10. What the World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love
11. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
12. Let the Rain Fall On Me
13. Let There Be Peace On Earth

Rock-Pop Review: Gordon Weiss-It’s About Time

Release Date: June 8, 2015

Label: Gornpop

Website

Gordon Weiss has a new album out titled It’s About Time. I find that title very appropriate considering it has been 7 years since he released his last recording. However I think there can be more than one more meaning in that song. Once again musical/studio wizard Jeff Canatta provides his talent in the production phase of the album as well as contributing musically.

Weiss is the kind of artist that wears his influences on his sleeve and those influences are ingrained in his soul, you can hear it in his music. He plays guitar, piano, bass, keyboards, balalaika and percussion throughout the album. His talent is quite apparent and his voice is very distinctive. 

The first two tracks come bursting out of the gate with energy and a decisive direction. “The Ugly Inside” is an excellent way to kick off the album showcasing the all-around talent of Weiss. Its highly energetic approach and fast pace get in you in the right frame of mind and essentially set you up for what is to come. “I’m Your Fan” (featured on Rate The Tracks) is a radio ready pop-rock tune with all the essential elements. With lyrics and music to match it makes for the perfect ear candy.

“Sticky Thoughts” is drama and truth set to the perfect musical setting. The piano, bass and drums are the screen the actors portray their characters upon. It’s not hard to see this kind of thing in your mind’s eye. Only good music is able to produce the proper images that the words suggest and I find the music of Mr. Weiss to be an appropriate answer to that question. In other words, he gets the job done very well. 

My ears and senses always appreciate a multi-talented artist like Gordon Weiss. “About Time” is another great tune that dives into the conceptual piece of this recording. I liked the way the song builds up slowly then launches into a faster paced guitar with an organ, bass and drums to drive it to the next level. Then when it reaches a climax it steps back and slows down for further introspection then forces you to listen closer to the words. It is the perfectly crafted pop-rock track and it pays tribute to the fab four nicely.

There are complex tracks such as “Thanks I Get” and “Spinning ‘Round” that offer several layers of instrumentation and apexes of sound that are remarkably entertaining and progressive. It shows a musician/songwriter in his element bringing all of the talents he has to the forefront to create virtual musical magic. If you can recall The Beatles album Rubber Soul and how they were changing and getting more complicated with their presentations, then perhaps when you hear those two tracks and find parallels.

What I truly love about covering artists like Weiss is I never forget. They leave me with a great impression and always touch base to let me know there is some new music to enjoy.

It’s About Time never disappoints, it is consistently solid throughout, the words and music tell a story and it makes you want to hear it all over again. It is funny how he says in the “Great Imitator” “If I wrote Hey Jude, would they say it's too Beatley?” Well it works for me and I like the way he slides that in there to remind you from whence he came. This is great pop-rock album that deserves more than one spin.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Ugly Inside, I’m Your Fan, About Time
 
Tracks:
01. The Ugly Inside
02. I'm Your Fan
03. Saccharin, Aspartame, Splenda, You, & Me   
04. Sticky Thoughts   
05. About Time
06. The Great Imitator
07. Thanks I Get
08. Spinning 'round
09. My Love Still Grows

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

June 23, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music

Rock-Folk Review: Dave Matthews Band-Under The Table and Dreaming

Release Date: November 24, 2014

Label: Legacy

Website

It’s been an exciting year for Dave Matthews Band fans. There have been 4 Live Trax albums, a reissue of Remember Two Things on both CD and 180-gram vinyl, and a reissue of DMB’s major label debut, Under the Table and Dreaming on CD and vinyl as well. Although there has been quite an uproar as to when the vinyl will be arriving on people’s doorsteps (as of now, the DMB store says December 16^th), the CD has arrived and listeners have had plenty of time to dig in.

One thing that continuously amazes me when I listen to the Dave Matthews Band is how they have crafted their own unique sound right from the beginning. This album doesn’t sound old or dated, simply because there is nothing else quite like it and there is not much else to compare it to. The album has a theme that shifts back and forth between the typical carefree style of DMB (“The Best of What’s Around”, “Jimi Thing”) and the tense (“Typical Situation”, “Rhyme and Reason”). The lyrical content seems to sway between the serious, the reflective and the borderline foolishness, which gives enough variety to keep things interesting.

One thing that really draws me into reissues is bonus tracks. Reissues are a great opportunity to hear some unreleased content from the old days, but this the album doesn’t deliver on this opportunity as much as I would have expected it to. Yes, “Granny” is one of my favorite DMB tracks and I’m glad to finally have a studio version of it. However, the other two acoustic tracks are slightly underwhelming. I do love the intimate feel of the acoustic renditions of “The Song That Jane Likes” and “Dancing Nancies,” but I can’t help but feel like I have heard these versions in some shape or form. It probably would have been much more enticing to include other studio outtakes, like “Get in Line” or “Kind Intentions (#32).” Of course, I can find them on YouTube, but I would much rather have them on CD or vinyl.

There isn’t a huge difference between this remastered mix and the original. When listening to them side by side, nothing really pops up as noticeably different. The guitars may sound a little “wider’” for lack of a better term, or my ears are just playing tricks on me. The point is the new mix isn’t a good selling point. Another thing I would like to mention is I, along with the rest of the DMB fanbase, can’t seem to understand why they would use an alternate version of “Jimi Thing,” which omits the outro solo by the phenomenal LeRoi Moore. It sounds downright empty to anyone who has heard the original, not to mention it is insulting to the late saxophone player, being such a huge part of the signature DMB sound.

If you haven’t already heard UTTAD, there is no better opportunity than now. Newer fans have a chance to hear the album with a few extra cuts that are by no means bad. However, for diehard fans hoping for something new, this reissue is a bit disappointing. Aside from “Granny,” there is nothing to really make this worth another purchase for those who own the original. For a 20^thanniversary release, this landmark album deserves far better.

3/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Dancing Nancies, Ants Marching, Granny

Tracks:
01. The Best of What's Around
02. What Would You Say   
03. Satellite   
04. Rhyme & Reason   
05. Typical Situation
06. Dancing Nancies   
07. Ants Marching
08. Lover Lay Down   
09. Jimi Thing
10. Warehouse   
11. Pay for What You Get
12. #34    5:00   
13. Granny   
14. Dancing Nancies (Acoustic Version)   
15. The Song That Jane Likes (Acoustic Version)

Austin Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Contributor

December 18, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Rock-Pop Review: The Beatles-Rubber Soul 180 gm Vinyl LP

Release Date: September 9, 2014

Label: Capitol/Parlophone

Website

The Beatles went through several formative phases during their incredibly successful career. The series of mono 180 gram vinyl LP releases in mono is a tribute to their originality. The albums are how the band believed they should sound after recording.

Rubber Soul was a pivotal album that initiated a major change in their style and complexity with music, lyrics and overall direction.The album came on the heels of the enormously successful Help! album and subsequent movie.

The McCartney and Lennon writing partnership reached new heights with Rubber Soul. “Nowhere Man” and “In My Life” are fine examples of their maturity with the lyrics and the musical presentation. These classic tracks still stand as monumental achievements in The Beatles catalog of recorded works. Of course the all-important lead off track “Drive My Car” was nothing to sneeze at; it was an incredibly huge hit and a great way to kick off the album.

Ringo got his moment in the spotlight leading off side two of the LP with “What Goes On.” He also got writing credit with Lennon and McCartney under his real name Starkey. The songs Ringo provided lead vocals on always had a different musical direction and a welcome one at that. This one had a certain country twang that separated it from all the others besides Ringo’s very distinct vocal style.

So The Beatles released yet another album chock full of hits just as everyone expected. What was to come after this recording would set them on a path into the world of psychedelic rock with more intricate music followed by a succession of complex lyrical endeavors. This made them less predictable and multi-dimensional (in a good way). With each subsequent release things got more adventurous and experimental but Rubber Soul is where the biggest change happened ushering in new era for the mop tops.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Nowhere Man, In My Life, Drive My Car

Track Listing:

Side 1: 
1. Drive My Car (2009 - Remaster)
2. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (2009 - Remaster)
3. You Won't See Me (2009 - Remaster)
4. Nowhere Man (2009 - Remaster)
5. Think For Yourself (2009 - Remaster)
6. The Word (2009 - Remaster)
7. Michelle (2009 - Remaster)

Side 2: 
1. What Goes On (2009 - Remaster)
2. Girl (2009 - Remaster)
3. I'm Looking Through You (2009 - Remaster)
4. In My Life (2009 - Remaster)
5. Wait (2009 - Remaster)
6. If I Needed Someone (2009 - Remaster)
7. Run For Your Life (2009 - Remaster) Item #: BGLPB508
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

November 1, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music 

Rock-Pop Review: The Beatles- Revolver Mono 180 Gram LP

Release Date: September 9, 2014

Label: Capitol/Parlophone

Website

Now we have The Beatles in Mono and the icing on the cake for music fans is that it is on 180m gram vinyl with replicated artwork and newly mastered from the analogue master tapes. This is what the band sounded like to most listeners who heard the group for the first time in the 60s. This is how they were meant to sound and the band acknowledged mono as their primary choice even though the tracks were mixed in stereo as well. 

For fans beyond the 60s this may be the first opportunity to hear the music in this format. The mono CD box set has been available since 2009 and now the LP version is ready. You can buy all 14 albums in a box set format (listed on Amazon currently at $374.99) or separately ($26.95 on Amazon currently or $22.98 direct from the band's site). So you either hand pick the releases you want or you buy the entire set and save a paltry 3 bucks. I think most folks would prefer to buy them all piece meal to complete the set.

If you are a true Beatles fan you just love all their music and either format is appreciated in equal measure. Although some fans have very strong opinions and preferences, I am not one of those. 

Revolver (1966) was a breakthrough in change and overall sound that started with Rubber Soul. The problem for this listener is what tracks to choose as my key tracks. Every song is an adventure from my viewpoint. What was different about Revolver is the experimentation that began that would of course then go to the next level with their follow up Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

I feel the most prolific tracks that had the most impact at the time of the release of this recording were “Taxman,” “Eleanor Rigby” and “Got To Get You Into My Life.” All of them were hit singles but what Beatles track wasn’t? I do remember my siblings spinning the records and hearing the music on the radio and to this day I still love it. There are very few bands from the 60s that I still hold in such high esteem as The Beatles. Revolver is one of my favorite albums.

The meticulous care that went into this process is admirable and the end results are vinyl LPs that are beautifully represented with outstanding sound. The warmth and clarity of each song is a bit of a revelation for the over indulgent listeners immersed in the digital space. This kind of process is happening more often with other recording artists. Like the saying goes, history repeats itself and we end up going back to where we started. In this case from a musical standpoint, that is a good thing! I enjoyed the remastered CDs in stereo when they came out in 2009 and now I can appreciate this music in a different way listening to this vinyl. That is the beauty of having all of these formats at our disposal. The choice is yours, The Beatles in stereo or mono. Any way you look at it you win. Collectors will adore this new version and certainly will have no problem taking out their wallets one more time for these quality LPs.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Taxman, Eleanor Rigby, Got To Get You Into My Life

Side One:
01. Taxman
02. Eleanor Rigby
03. I'm Only Sleeping
04. Love You To/Here, There And Everywhere
05. Yellow Submarine
06. She Said She Said
 

Side Two:

07. Good Day Sunshine
08. And Your Bird Can Sing
09. For No One
10. Doctor Robert
11. I Want To Tell You
12. Got To Get You Into My Life
13. Tomorrow Never Knows

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

October 7, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music

Rock-Pop Review: Elvis Presley-That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition)

Label: Legacy

Website

Press Release With Track Listing

The Elvis Presley music just keeps coming and for fans of the King it’s always a great day when new music is unearthed from the archives. That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) continues that tradition. The set comes in the 2 CD Deluxe Edition and an expanded 8 CD/2 DVD set.

I am a fan of Elvis and I have had the pleasure of checking out the digital version of the larger set and enjoying all the footage on the DVD. I especially enjoyed the “fly on the wall” footage of Presley in the studio with his band and witnessing every day conversations. Even though he was a huge star I could see how he set people at ease with his demeanor. I would think the diehard fan would love the expanded set and the casual fan would go for the regular release. Either way you get a good glimpse of Elvis hitting his stride and some added bonuses along the way. One of the bonuses includes the accompanying booklet with several pictures and a fantastic write up from Warren Zanes about this critical juncture in Presley’s career.

Other added treats include outtakes and original singles culled from the sessions and of course the amazing live shows. In his third decade of recording the man was at the top of his game and you bear witness to that incredible talent and energy he commanded in the studio and on stage.

The sound quality is superb on this set. They did an excellent job of remastering the original tapes, bringing the legend of Elvis out of your stereo system directly into your room where your stereo resides.

The best part is you get it all with this deluxe set, the original album outtakes, the original singles then the opening night performance in Las Vegas. The venue held 2,000 seats so he was able to move around, mingle in the crowd, and kiss all the ladies. Folks who managed him were surprised he did that. In this instance Elvis was so happy about the music and overall performance that he was transferring that joy to his audience like never before. This was 1970 when we lived in different world and Presley was a world renowned star, once again reminding everyone of the power and magnitude of his music. 

If you are a fan of Elvis Presley’s music you most certainly will recognize many of the tracks. This will also serve as a good introduction to his music as any I have ever heard. This is one more reminder that there will never be another one like Elvis to grace the stages or recording studios. Performers like this will be forever in our hearts and minds for their originality and unique charisma and appeal to their audiences.

What I have come to appreciate over the years is the versatility of Elvis and the musicians that performed with him. There was a time in my life that I was not paying attention but that changed several years ago and now I can fully understand the impact and far reaching influence this performer had on music as a whole.

This set comes highly recommended from this Elvis fan and music lover.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

September 10, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music