Holiday Music Review: Various Artists: The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album

Release Date: October 2, 2015

Label: Legacy Recordings

Website

It is that time of year again.  Lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, and Christmas songs, because it cannot be the Christmas season without the music.  Sony’s Legacy Recordings has put together a Christmas album full of songs from the ‘80s, and appropriately titled it The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album.  It features an assorted cast of successful ‘80s talents, including Whitney Huston, Run-D.M.C., Hall & Oates, The Pointer Sisters, and many more covering such Christmas classic as “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Run Rudolph Run” to name a few. 

Opening up the album is the new wave band The Waitresses of “I Know What Boys Like” fame.  Their Christmas song, “Christmas Wrappings” has classic written all over it.  The song has a nice blend of modern and traditional and it is just so catchy and infectious from the very beginning.  Patty Donahue’s vocals are beautiful.  It is the perfect pop/post-punk holiday song.  Following it is another fantastic song, “Last Christmas” by Wham!. The sound is light and festive, making it a great choice to celebrate the holidays with.  George Michael brings his A-game on here, and it is easy to see way this song has been covered so many times over the last three decades. 

Next up is The Bangles’s version of the Simon & Garfunkel’s “Hazy Shade of Winter.” I like it, as it is very good rock song with lots of energy and edge, but it is not much of a Christmas song.  One of the albums standouts is Run-D.M.C’s “Christmas in Hollis.”  It is a wonderful party song that is full of Christmas spirit, and it is not a ‘80s compilation album without some hip-hop, and who better to represent that than Run-D.M.C.  It is the right song to liven up any Christmas party and should be on everyone’s playlist.  Hall & Oates give very solid and respectful rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock.”  Whitney Huston’s version of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” makes a good case for best single on the album.  Her beautiful and powerful voice is stunning, memorable, and leaves a lasting impression after the song is over. 

Billy Squier’s “Christmas Is The Time To Say 'I Love You’” has a nice rock edge to it and the energy from the crowd is electrifying. It definitely makes for a good song to get everyone singing along to. Dave Edmunds’s “Run Rudolph Run” is pretty solid, but I prefer the Chuck Berry version. Next up is “Zat You Santa Claus” from Buster Poindexter and His Banshees of Blue which adds a nice touch of jazz and lounge music sound to the album.  The Pointer Sisters’ version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is the best song on the second half of the album.  It is a fun, energetic rendition with great vocal harmonies. Roy Parker Jr.’s “Christmas Time Is Here” is a calm and pleasant song. The fictional comedy duo of Bob and Doug Mackenzie give their special take of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”  It is a fun and silly song that sounds like something your drunken relatives might start singing after too many glasses of spiked eggnog. 

The album hits a speed bump with “This One’s for the Children” by The New Kids on the Block.  It is overly sentimental song that does not belong on this album.  It is not a Christmas song and not a good song in general.  Fishbone’s “Slick Nick, You Devil You” is another one that I did not care for.  The tempo is too slow and I do not like the clapping.  The Hooters finish the album off with “Silent Night.”  It is solid version of a Christmas classic and a good choice to bring everything to a close. 

The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album is great album for the holidays.  The selection is varied and strong with only a miss or two against it, making for a high quality album.  This is good because it makes the ‘80s nostalgia trip an added bonus instead of its only selling point.  You cannot go wrong by adding The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album to your collection.  You might even find yourself with some new holiday favorites.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Christmas Wrappings, Last Christmas, Christmas in Hollis, Do You Hear What I Hear? 

Tracks: 
01. Christmas Wrappings
02. Last Christmas
03. Hazy Shade of Winter
04. Christmas in Hollis
05. Jingle Bell Rock
06. Do You Hear What I Hear?
07. Christmas Is The Time To Say 'I Love You’
08. Run Rudolph Run
09. Zat You Santa Claus
10. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
11. Christmas Time Is Here
12. The Twelve Days of Christmas
13. This One’s for the Children
14. Slick Nick, You Devil You
15. Silent Night
 

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

December 17, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Spooky Streams: Ultimate Halloween Playlist

Legacy's Halloween Survival Guide: Whether you are getting ready for a night of trick-or-treating, putting the final touches on the perfect scary costume, or throwing the ultimate Halloween party for all of your friends, we have the playlist you need for a hauntingly good time this Halloween...

Spooky Streams: Ultimate Halloween Playlist

Legacy's Halloween Survival Guide: Whether you are getting ready for a night of trick-or-treating, putting the final touches on the perfect scary costume, or throwing the ultimate Halloween party for all of your friends, we have the playlist you need for a hauntingly good time this Halloween...

Spooky Streams: Ultimate Halloween Playlist

Legacy's Halloween Survival Guide: Whether you are getting ready for a night of trick-or-treating, putting the final touches on the perfect scary costume, or throwing the ultimate Halloween party for all of your friends, we have the playlist you need for a hauntingly good time this Halloween...

Blues, Rock & Metal Guitar Slingers Salute Legend Jeff Beck On A Newly Reissued Collection!

Includes performances by Def Leppard’s Phil Collen, Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars, Toto’s Steve Lukather, and blues icon Walter Trout plus George Lynch, Jake E. Lee and more!

Los Angeles, CA - Some of the world’s finest guitarists offer a master class in the arduous art and subtle science of playing Jeff Beck songs on Jeffology: A Guitar Chronicle, a collection of extraordinary cover versions of Beck’s best-known songs, played with all the fevered intensity and dynamic skill these virtuosos could muster. The album will be reissued with all new artwork by Deadline Music this October 2.

Founding member of platinum selling UK hard rockers Def Leppard, Phil Collen, offers a stunning and emotional interpretation of the gorgeous ballad “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers,” while blues man Walter Trout burns the house down with his rendition of “Blues Deluxe.” Former Ozzy axeman Jake E. Lee takes listeners on a face-melting ride through the blazing stunner “Rice Pudding” and main Crüe man Mick Mars provides the brilliant album closer. Each performer brings their own unique guitar playing personalities to these compositions pulled from a wide range of Beck’s career, showcasing both Beck’s under-heralded accessibility as well as his inimitable stylistic panache. Guitar players of all stripes and skill levels will find plenty here to hone their chops on, while Beck fans the world over will not want to miss this thoroughly satisfying listening experience!

Track List
1. New Ways / Train Train - Warren DeMartini
2. Led Boots - Vivian Campbell
3. Heart Full Of Soul - Paul Gilbert
4. Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers - Phil Collen
5. Blues Deluxe - Walter Trout
6. Headed For Backstage Pass - Bruce Bouillet
7. People Get Ready - George Lynch
8. Rice Pudding - Jake E. Lee
9. Shapes Of Things - Stevie Salas
10. Behind The Veil - Steve Lukather
11. Happenings Ten Years Time Ago - Mick Mars

Buy the CD: http://cleorecs.com/store/shop/jeffology-a-guitar-chronicle-cd/
Buy the digital album: http://flyt.it/Jeffology

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Indie Rock Superstars Salute The Thin White Duke With All New Interpretations Of David Bowie’s Best!

Features performances by Kittie, Dum Dum Girls, Electric Six, Rogue Wave, Heartless Bastards, The Muffs and more!

Los Angeles, CA - David Bowie’s career has been defined by his unique ability to make artistically complex and challenging music sound like mainstream pop…ok, maybe pop music from an entirely different planet, but pop music all the same. As a result, the definition of rock music has expanded; Bowie never went mainstream, the mainstream always came to him. For these reasons and more, he is one of the most deeply revered and profoundly influential artists in modern rock. And nowhere can Bowie’s influence be felt more than in the world of indie rock, where bands and artists have taken Bowie’s fiercely independent streak, commitment to artistic integrity, and a diverse array of musical styles into the 21st century and beyond. Now, a truly impressive gathering of indie and modern rockers have gathered to pay tribute to the man with A Salute To The Thin White Duke - The Songs Of David Bowie to be released on both CD & vinyl as well as mp3s on October 2 courtesy of Cleopatra Records.

Among the participants is the all-girl alt metal Canadian quartet Kittie who expressed a sentiment shared by many of the artists here, “We are so excited to be able to contribute to this amazing tribute album. ‘Space Oddity’ is arguably one of David Bowie's most well known songs so we put all of our efforts into doing all of its intricacies justice, while still retaining our signature, heavy sound.’ Meanwhile, Detroit’s own Electric Six made no bones about their preferred Bowie era, saying “We had to do ‘80s Bowie because frankly, we couldn't trust the earlier Bowie. And the ‘90s Bowie is, well…So ‘80s Bowie was the one for us, and ‘Blue Jean’ was just sitting there waiting for us to club the shit out of it, and, man, did we club it!” Similarly, Zach from Rogue Wave had this to say of “Modern Love,” the song that opens the album, “My favorite Bowie song from his tailored suit era. All that uptempo beat and those chugging horns couldn't hide the sadness of what it means to come down to earth.”

Jared Artaud from The Vacant Lots succinctly expressed the challenges of approaching Bowie’s music, “It’s hard to touch Bowie. He’s an architect. What he’s done, you can’t make it better, so we wanted to reconceptualize it & approach the song from another point of view.” And The Tulips offer this entirely accurate description, “Covering a Bowie tune was like jumping into a cab and realizing there's a tiger sitting shotgun, and no one says a word.” A wild ride indeed! And fans of Bowie will find this collection of covers equally as thrilling!

Track List
1. Modern Love - Rogue Wave
2. John, I’m Only Dancing - Jesca Hoop
3. Letter To Hermione - Dum Dum Girls
4. Heroes - The Tulips
5. Ashes To Ashes - Icky Blossoms
6. Starman - The Deer Tracks
7. Rebel Rebel - The KVB
8. Cat People (Putting Out Fire) - Magic Wands
9. Blue Jean - Electric Six
10. Jean Genie - Heartless Bastards
11. Suffragette City - Ume
12. Fame - The Vacant Lots
13. Space Oddity - Kittie
14. Moonage Daydream - Boy Hits Car
15. Absolute Beginners - Coves
16. Changes - The Muffs

Buy the CD or Vinyl: http://asalutetothethinwhiteduke.bandcamp.com/
Buy the digital album: http://flyt.it/SaluteToTheThinWhiteDuke

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Superstar Vocalists From Both Sides Of The Pond Come Together For A Special Tribute To The Beatles!

Featuring performances by Heart’s Ann Wilson, Todd Rundgren, Asia’s John Wetton, Judy Collins, Jack Bruce, David Clayton Thomas and more!

Los Angeles, CA - An all-star gathering of musical luminaries bring their warmest performances to a brand new tribute album featuring 16 acoustic renditions of the best song’s by The Beatles! Keep Calm And Salute The Beatles offers heartfelt and inviting contributions by artists such as famed Heart vocalist Ann Wilson, who leads an elegant and meditative take on “Across The Universe,” while fellow Brit John Wetton belts out a passionate and playful version of “Penny Lane.” Another of the album’s highlights is a devastating interpretation of the mournful ballad “Eleanor Rigby” recorded by legendary Cream vocalist Jack Bruce just prior to his passing in late 2014. It was Bruce’s last recorded performance and a testament to the man’s prodigious talent and sincere passion for music. Other incredible performers include legendary Todd Rundgren, singer/songwriter Andrew Gold, Martha Davis of The Motels, ‘80s icon Howard Jones, Stephen Bishop and so many more. The entire project was overseen by producer extraordinaire Billy Sherwood (Yes), and will be made available to the public on April 28. Any Beatles fan worth their salt won’t want to miss it!

1. Across The Universe - Ann Wilson
2. Penny Lane - John Wetton
3. Eleanor Rigby - Jack Bruce
4. Blackbird - Liz Madden
5. Norwegian Wood - Andrew Gold
6. Hide Your Love Away - Todd Rundgren
7. All You Need Is Love - Helen Reddy
8. I’ll Follow The Sun - Judy Collins
9. And I Love Her - Howard Jones
10. Ticket To Ride - Felix Cavaliere
11. Let It Be - KC
12. Yesterday - David Clayton Thomas
13. Nowhere Man - Martha Davis
14. All I’ve Got To Do - Stephen Bishop
15. Something - Billy Sherwood
16. Hey Jude - Leo Sayer

Purchase the CD version: http://geni.us/KeepCalmBeatlesCD
Purchase the special bonus track version on iTunes: http://geni.us/KeepCalmBeatlesdigi

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Superstar Vocalists From Both Sides Of The Pond Come Together For A Special Tribute To The Beatles!

Featuring performances by Heart’s Ann Wilson, Todd Rundgren, Asia’s John Wetton, Judy Collins, Jack Bruce, David Clayton Thomas and more!

Los Angeles, CA - An all-star gathering of musical luminaries bring their warmest performances to a brand new tribute album featuring 16 acoustic renditions of the best song’s by The Beatles! Keep Calm And Salute The Beatles offers heartfelt and inviting contributions by artists such as famed Heart vocalist Ann Wilson, who leads an elegant and meditative take on “Across The Universe,” while fellow Brit John Wetton belts out a passionate and playful version of “Penny Lane.” Another of the album’s highlights is a devastating interpretation of the mournful ballad “Eleanor Rigby” recorded by legendary Cream vocalist Jack Bruce just prior to his passing in late 2014. It was Bruce’s last recorded performance and a testament to the man’s prodigious talent and sincere passion for music. Other incredible performers include legendary Todd Rundgren, singer/songwriter Andrew Gold, Martha Davis of The Motels, ‘80s icon Howard Jones, Stephen Bishop and so many more. The entire project was overseen by producer extraordinaire Billy Sherwood (Yes), and will be made available to the public on April 28. Any Beatles fan worth their salt won’t want to miss it!

1. Across The Universe - Ann Wilson
2. Penny Lane - John Wetton
3. Eleanor Rigby - Jack Bruce
4. Blackbird - Liz Madden
5. Norwegian Wood - Andrew Gold
6. Hide Your Love Away - Todd Rundgren
7. All You Need Is Love - Helen Reddy
8. I’ll Follow The Sun - Judy Collins
9. And I Love Her - Howard Jones
10. Ticket To Ride - Felix Cavaliere
11. Let It Be - KC
12. Yesterday - David Clayton Thomas
13. Nowhere Man - Martha Davis
14. All I’ve Got To Do - Stephen Bishop
15. Something - Billy Sherwood
16. Hey Jude - Leo Sayer

Purchase the CD version: http://geni.us/KeepCalmBeatlesCD
Purchase the special bonus track version on iTunes: http://geni.us/KeepCalmBeatlesdigi

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

The Next Generation Of Psych Bands Bring A New Mind Expanding Perspective To 12 Classic Beatles Songs!

Los Angeles, CA - Their popularity among music fans is undeniable, their status with music critics is unimpeachable, and their influence across a multitude of genres - from pop to rock, world music to country - is thoroughly indisputable. Yet The Beatles’ ubiquity makes us forget that there once was a time when this UK band was truly dangerous, a radical cultural force pushing its way into the mainstream to the shock and horror of many. Now, a new generation of psych rock bands seek to bring back that sense of danger to the Beatles' music, taking twelve classic compositions by the Fab Four and filtering them through modern sensibilities to bring a whole new perspective to these celebrated works. The resulting project, The Magical Mystery Psych Out - A Tribute To The Beatles, will be released on both CD and vinyl by Cleopatra Records on March 3.

German acid rockers Electric Moon kick things off with the song that many consider the defining birth of psychedelic rock music, “Tomorrow Never Knows” from Revolver, here given a new depth and sense of urgency with walls of distorted guitars and haunting female vocals. Sugar Candy Mountain chose a rarer tune from the same era, the B-side single “Rain,” and came up with a version more sinister yet stealthily hypnotic. The band echoed the thoughts of many artists on the album when they declared that recording a Beatles song is simultaneously “fun and intimidating.” Matt Adams, here performing “The Word” as The Blank Tapes, elaborates on this idea saying “The Beatles recordings have always been untouchable to me, but I jumped at the chance to do my own take on one of their songs. I tried staying true to the original but changed some of the sounds and stretched out the ending.” Fellow UK acts such as The KVB and The Underground Youth also turn in inspired versions that would make their countrymen proud, and together with US rising stars The Vacant Lots and Strangers Family Band, recreate for modern listeners the thrill that ‘60s audiences must have felt like hearing such strange, enticing, and far-out sounds for the first time. With an appropriately mind-blowing painting by San Francisco-based artist/illustrator Matt Leunig, The Magical Mystery Psych Out is coming to take you away!

TRACK LIST
1. Electric Moon - Tomorrow Never Knows
2. Sugar Candy Mountain - Rain
3. The Vacant Lots - Julia
4. The Blank Tapes - The Word
5. The Ruby Suns - Martha My Dear
6. The KVB - Taxman
7. The Underground Youth - Come Together
8. Fantasmes - Love You To
9. Quilt - Cry Baby Cry
10. The Lucid Dream - And I Love Her
11. Kikagaku Moyo - Helter Skelter
12. Strangers Family Band - Sun King

Preview The Underground Youth’s version of “Come Together” here:

To purchase the CD: http://geni.us/2L1C
To purchase the vinyl: http://geni.us/Iu7
To download on iTunes: http://geni.us/AoS

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

The Next Generation Of Psych Bands Bring A New Mind Expanding Perspective To 12 Classic Beatles Songs!

Los Angeles, CA - Their popularity among music fans is undeniable, their status with music critics is unimpeachable, and their influence across a multitude of genres - from pop to rock, world music to country - is thoroughly indisputable. Yet The Beatles’ ubiquity makes us forget that there once was a time when this UK band was truly dangerous, a radical cultural force pushing its way into the mainstream to the shock and horror of many. Now, a new generation of psych rock bands seek to bring back that sense of danger to the Beatles' music, taking twelve classic compositions by the Fab Four and filtering them through modern sensibilities to bring a whole new perspective to these celebrated works. The resulting project, The Magical Mystery Psych Out - A Tribute To The Beatles, will be released on both CD and vinyl by Cleopatra Records on March 3.

German acid rockers Electric Moon kick things off with the song that many consider the defining birth of psychedelic rock music, “Tomorrow Never Knows” from Revolver, here given a new depth and sense of urgency with walls of distorted guitars and haunting female vocals. Sugar Candy Mountain chose a rarer tune from the same era, the B-side single “Rain,” and came up with a version more sinister yet stealthily hypnotic. The band echoed the thoughts of many artists on the album when they declared that recording a Beatles song is simultaneously “fun and intimidating.” Matt Adams, here performing “The Word” as The Blank Tapes, elaborates on this idea saying “The Beatles recordings have always been untouchable to me, but I jumped at the chance to do my own take on one of their songs. I tried staying true to the original but changed some of the sounds and stretched out the ending.” Fellow UK acts such as The KVB and The Underground Youth also turn in inspired versions that would make their countrymen proud, and together with US rising stars The Vacant Lots and Strangers Family Band, recreate for modern listeners the thrill that ‘60s audiences must have felt like hearing such strange, enticing, and far-out sounds for the first time. With an appropriately mind-blowing painting by San Francisco-based artist/illustrator Matt Leunig, The Magical Mystery Psych Out is coming to take you away!

TRACK LIST
1. Electric Moon - Tomorrow Never Knows
2. Sugar Candy Mountain - Rain
3. The Vacant Lots - Julia
4. The Blank Tapes - The Word
5. The Ruby Suns - Martha My Dear
6. The KVB - Taxman
7. The Underground Youth - Come Together
8. Fantasmes - Love You To
9. Quilt - Cry Baby Cry
10. The Lucid Dream - And I Love Her
11. Kikagaku Moyo - Helter Skelter
12. Strangers Family Band - Sun King

Preview The Underground Youth’s version of “Come Together” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMkLxc_HspU

To purchase the CD: http://geni.us/2L1C
To purchase the vinyl: http://geni.us/Iu7
To download on iTunes: http://geni.us/AoS

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

10th Anniversary CD Reissue & First Time Vinyl Release Of The Landmark Pink Floyd Tribute Album Back Against The Wall!

Los Angeles, CA - In 2005, Purple Pyramid Records released one of the most ambitious and extraordinary undertakings in music history, a monumental gathering of progressive rock superstars including members of King Crimson, ELP, The Doors, Jethro Tull, Yes, Toto, Styx and others who came together to recreate Pink Floyd’s epic art rock opera, The Wall! Produced by the multi-talented Billy Sherwood and dubbed Back Against The Wall, the project garnered tremendous praise and earned its place among discerning fans of both Pink Floyd and the prog rock genre as a whole. Now, 10 years after, on January 20th Purple Pyramid proudly presents a 10th anniversary re-issue of the CD set featuring all new artwork and 5 bonus remixes. Plus, for the first time ever, this amazing recording will be available on vinyl in a deluxe gatefold jacket 2LP set! Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of rock music history - get Back Against The Wall!

To order the 2CD set: http://geni.us/EfM
To order the 2LP vinyl set: http://geni.us/Fsk
To download on iTunes: http://geni.us/1tWf

DISC 1
1. In The Flesh? feat. Adrian Belew, Alan White & Steve Porcaro
2. The Thin Ice feat. Ian Anderson & Tony Levin
3. Another Brick In The Wall Part 1 feat. Steve Morse & Billy Sherwood
4. The Happiest Days Of Our Lives feat. Billy Sherwood & Vinnie Coliauta
5. Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 feat. Fee Waybill, Ronnie Montrose & Mike Porcaro
6. Mother feat. John Wetton, Adrian Belew & Alan White
7. Goodbye Blue Sky feat. Steve Howe & Billy Sherwood
8. Empty Spaces feat. Billy Sherwood & Robby Krieger
9. Young Lust feat. Glenn Hughes
10. One Of My Turns feat. Tommy Shaw
11. Don’t Leave Me Now feat. Tommy Shaw & Robby Krieger
12. Another Brick In The Wall Part 3 feat. Steve Lukather & Tony Levin
13. Goodbye Cruel World feat. Billy Sherwood & Tony Levin

DISC 2
1. Hey You feat. John Wetton, Steve Lukather, Tommy Shaw & Alan White
2. Is There Anybody Out There? feat. Adrian Belew & Billy Sherwood
3. Nobody Home feat. Rick Wakeman
4. Vera feat. Tommy Shaw & Steve Howe
5. Bring The Boys Back Home feat. Billy Sherwood & Jay Schellen
6. Comfortably Numb feat. Chris Squire & Alan White
7. The Show Must Go On feat. Adrian Belew & Vinnie Coliauta
8. In The Flesh feat. Billy Sherwood, Steve Porcaro & Vinnie Coliauta
9. Run Like Hell feat. Jason Chefe, Dweezil Zappa & Tony Kaye
10. Waiting For The Worms feat. Billy Sherwood, Tony Levin & Vinnie Caliauta
11. Stop feat. Billy Sherwood
12. The Trial feat. Malcolm McDowell
13. Outside The Wall feat. Billy Sherwood
BONUS TRACKS
14. Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 (Electro Remix)
15. Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 (House Remix)
16. Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 (Radio Remix)
17. Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 (Dub Remix)
18. Comfortably Numb (Blackburner Remix)

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Holiday/Rock Review-Hard Rock Classic Christmas-Various Artists

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Label: Legacy Recordings

Website

Christmas music and hard rock are not two genres that people generally think of as going together, but that is about to change. I was even skeptical at first, but it did not take long to have me convinced that hard rock and Christmas make for a wonderful pair.  The Classic Christmas Hard Rock Album features eleven classic Christmas songs, with each being performing by a master of hard rock.  The likes of Jeff Beck, Steve Vai, Ted Nugent, Alex Lifeson, Joe Satraini, and others bring their rock talents to make music magic with a little help from the Christmas Spirit.

If there were any doubts about whether or not hard rock versions of classic Christmas songs could work, then Jeff Beck’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” should burn any and all of those doubts away.  “Amazing Grace” has a great spiritual, holiday atmosphere with some elegant guitar work to really solidify the emotional impact of the song.  Next up is Alex Lifeson’s “The Drummer Boy” and it does a very good job of capturing the solemnness of the traditional sound. “Silent Night / Holy Night Jam” by Joe Satraini is a real treat, as it does a wonderful job of respecting the original sound while putting his own unique touch to it.  It makes for one lively tune.

Steve Vai is brilliant, as usual, on “Christmas Time Is Here.” It is a great guitar lead song, with a crisp rocking sound, and the background instruments are wonderfully used to add a nice touch of Christmas atmosphere.  Steve Lukather’s “The Christmas Song” is a hopping rock song.  It sounds so natural that it leaves you thinking that it was meant to be a hard rock song all along. Stuart Hamm’s “Sleigh Ride” is a pleasant and lively version of a fun classic. It perfectly captures the playfulness of the original.

“O Come All Ye Faithful” is one of the standout songs.  Trevor Rabin probably does the best job at modernizing a Christmas classic.  It is the best of both worlds, with the old and new colliding to make this incredible song.  Nothing is lost from the original and I think that the quality has increased.  Ted Nugent’s

“Deck the Halls” really rocks and rolls with tons of energy.  Following it up is Robin Trower’s reverent version of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”  Rob Halford’s “We Three Kings” makes for a brilliant ending for this hard rock Christmas album.  It comes out blazing and rides that wave all the way to the end.

All in all, The Classic Christmas Hard Rock Album is a great rock album and great Christmas album, as well.  The classic versions that we have grown to love over the years are timeless classics, and these hard rock versions add to their already rich tradition.  These songs might not replace your favorites, but they will give them a run for their money.  This album will definitely add a little spice to any Christmas party, and should be another one to add to the album rotation every year. 

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Amazing Grace, O Come All Ye Faithful, Deck the Halls

Brian McKinnon

November 26, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Holiday/Country Review: Classic Christmas Country Album-Various Artists

Release Date: October 27, 2014

Label: RLG/Legacy

Website

Christmas songs come in every flavor and this year its colorful twinkle lights wrapped around a pair of boots. Sixteen well-loved holiday tracks from artists throughout their careers are showcased in this Walmart exclusive album just in time for the holiday season. From the ever popular “Mele Kalikimaka” from Christmas Vacation to “Jingle Bell Rock,” there are classics abundant.

The first song in this merry little lineup is “Christmas Time’s a Comin’” performed by Patty Loveless. With jingle bells and a plucky little guitar number the song ramps up and starts jamming. Full of country twang, images of a country holiday celebration filled with family and friends appear. Food, candles, hearts yearning for home and snow pack this powerhouse of a song. 

“Rockin’ Little Christmas” starts off with a sexy saxophone solo and on come the jingle bells and the sweet and sexy voice of Deborah Allen. A cross between country and rock, this song is a go getter. No wall flowers need apply. Only delicious love scenes allowed! Slip on those boots and get ready to do the boot scootin boogie all night long. Love and longing under the Christmas tree with a passel of mistletoe to bring down the house. This song smokes trials through the snow and that Frosty had better watch out!

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is the last song on the album. Sung by Martina McBride with a mellow multi-instrumentation providing a snowy backdrop of holiday bliss, this song is a fine end to an album filled with holiday songs and memories from years gone by. Her voice is crisp and pure, giving voice to all of our hopes and dreams for a Christmas filled with love and laughter.

This Walmart exclusive is a great compilation of songs from many country performers spanning many years in the industry. I found several favorites on this album and discovered a couple of new ones. So have yourself a Merry Christmas and if you get the chance to pick up this album, do. And please, pass the eggnog.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Christmas Time’s A Comin’, Rockin’ Little Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Tracks: 
01. Christmas Time's a Comin' Patty Loveless
02. Christmas Time John Anderson
03. Pretty Paper Kenny Chesney
04. Rockin' Little Christmas Deborah Allen
05. Santa Baby Kellie Pickler
06. Blue Christmas K.T. Oslin
07. Please Come Home for Christmas Lonestar
08. I'll Be Home for Christmas Sara Evans
09. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree Alabama
10. Jingle Bell Rock Sweethearts Of The Rodeo
11. Mele Kalikimaka Jake Owen
12. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (Single Version) Ricochet
13. Winter Wonderland Brad Paisley
14. White Christmas Lari White
15. The Christmas Song Brooks & Dunn
16. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Martina McBride
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

November 21, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Rockin' the Wall – 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall - Announcing US Theatrical Tour & DVD and Digital Release!

Featuring David Paich (Toto), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets), and Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot)

Studio City, CA - Lightyear Entertainment and Specialty Studios, in association with Rockin' the Wall Studios announce the Consumer release of “Rockin' the Wall” on November 4th, 2014. And a US Fall 2014 Theatrical Tour in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. The feature length documentary offers an entertaining exploration of the power of rock music as a force for social change & liberation.  

The film by Larry Schweikart and Marc Leif is based on Schweikart's book “Seven Events That Made America America.” It shows how music become a liberating force  behind the Iron Curtain and helped give strength to the anti-communist revolution.

The documentary features interviews with several well-known rock musicians, including David Paich (Toto), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets), and Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot), and Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), as well as individuals who experienced life behind the Soviet controlled side of the wall.

The official motion picture soundtrack for “Rockin' the Wall” includes more than a dozen original or newly performed songs, featuring powerful re-makes of 60's and 70's classics “Ball of Confusion,” “People Got to be Free,” and “Train Kept a Rollin'” as well as original songs by Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge, Peter Rivera, and Mother's Finest, as well as all songs performed in the film.

“Music has the power to change the world!” -  David Paich (Toto) 

Schweikart is going 'on tour' with the film and will be participating in post screening discussions providing audiences with a rare opportunity to get an even better understanding of this monumental moment in history.

Since September, the “Rockin' the Wall - 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall” tour has been in Dayton, Cincinnati, Greenville, Ohio, Toledo, Atlanta, Asheville, N.C., Greensboro, N.C, Raleigh, N.C., Cullowee, N.C., Danbury, CT,  Winter Garden, FL, Ave Maria, FL

Future USA Fall 2014 Tour dates below: 

10/14, Wheeling, West Liberty University
10/30, Eureka, IL, Eureka College
11/4, Tacoma, University of Washington
11/6, Los Angeles, Luxe Hotel Sunset
11/7, Seton High School, Mesa, AZ
11/8, Chandler, AZ, Chandler Center for the Arts
11/9 (pending) Scottsdale, AZ, Shea Harkins Theater
11/14, Fulton, MO, Churchill Museum/Westminster College
11/20, Grand Rapids, MI, Acton Institute
12/1 (pending) Chicago, Theater of the Arts/Polish American Film Society

2/2015 (pending)  Notre Dame and a Dallas showing.

(All dates and locations are posted on the film's website:  www.rockinthewallstudios.com)

Schweikart is available to add more Theatrical screenings, but will need the public's help. Visit the film's website to learn how you can be a part of this amazing opportunity and get free tickets to your screening for family & friends at http://www.rockinthewallstudios.com

###

“Rockin' the Wall” will be released on DVD and digitally by Lightyear Entertainment, a distributor of independent films and music founded in 1987 (www.lightyear.com), through eOne Distribution, in association with Specialty Studios, a fully integrated media, content and distribution studio that harnesses the power of socially conscious media to touch hearts and engage minds (www.specialtystudios.com).

Consumer DVD and Digital distribution will commence next month with a street date of November 4, 2014. To learn more contact Lightyear: Sky Spooner, 917-407-2771, sky@lightyear.com

View trailer here.

To pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/Rockin-Wall-Adam-Baldwin/dp/B00NN78TZU/ref=tmm_dvd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1413823049

Larry Schweikart, Filmmaker : 937-231-8387, larry.schweikart@gmail.com
DVD & Digital Sales:   Margaret Poindexter,  415-382-1459, margaret@videoproject.com and Lightyear: Sky Spooner, 917-407-2771, sky@lightyear.com
Educational Licensing:  Kelsey Smoot,  415-981-9710, Kelsey@videoproject.com
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

New Age Instrumental Review: The Gathering II-Various Artists

Release Date: August 2014

Label: Imaginary Road Studios

Website

Will Ackerman has made his mark in music several times over and he continues to do so with his Imaginary Road Studios in Windham County, Vermont. The Gathering, released in 2012, received a lot of praise and won the Zone Music Reporter album of the year with the highest rating in their charts history.

The Gathering II is a similar collection of tracks featuring artists that recorded albums at Ackerman’s studios. I am proud to say that our affiliation is strong with most of these artists having covered their albums in reviews from last year to date. Also our affiliation with ZMR is a joy to have and a privilege to help promote these fantastic artists.

This collection of 21 select tracks sheds the light and illumination on each and every artist beautifully. Without a word the music delivers a sense of warmth and spirituality that every sentient being desires. A break from everyday pressures and stress may be the just the tonic your soul desires. The Gathering II is the right prescription. The instrumentals are led by the piano in many instances however many other instruments become factors as well and create the same pleasant desired effects. 

Lawrence Blatt’s “Where The Pines Once Stood” and Matteo Palmer’s “Ex Nihilo” are fine examples of where the compilation steps away from the ivory keys and lets the six-string do all the talking. Blatt’s guitar whispers sweet nothings in your ear from where the strong and tall trees once stood and Palmer’s sweet and graceful picking showcase the sheer beauty one guitar can make if played properly. Those are but two examples of the transitions all of this music can offer within one singular track. 

These tracks are artists taking a once empty canvas and painting their broad musical strokes to create their own individual masterpieces into one collective of amazing new age instrumentals. As one entity they are representative of the genre and serve as an introduction to not only their world but to the Imaginary Road Studios where it all begins. The recording process is impeccable and the studio resonates with the full bodied sound provided by each individual artist. It all seamlessly falls into sync with the awesome surroundings of rolling hills, majestic green mountains and fresh air. 

I would not be surprised to see this second edition of The Gathering to make its mark once again on an audience eager to absorb and fully enjoy each track. This is a taste of heaven my music loving friends and it comes highly recommended from this listener. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
01.Afterglow-Ann Sweeten
02.Joy Comes Again-David Kydd
03.Starlight Melody-Denise Young
04.Early Falls The Christmas Snow-Dominic Silla
05.Naked Love-Fiona Joy
06.All Souls Lullaby-Heidi Bryer
07.Uncertainty-Isadar
08.Sojourn-Jim Gabriel
09.Midwinter Lullaby-Katherine Kay
10.Calligraphy-Lauren Sullivan
11.Where The Pines Once Stood-Lawrence Blatt
12.Sailing-Louis Colaiannia
13.Yew and I-Lynn Yew Evers
14.Lullaby For The Hills-Masako
15.Ex Nihilo-Matteo Palmer
16.Photograph-Rebecca Arnold
17.Pathway To Love-Ryan Michael Richards
18.Devodance-Shambu
19.Open Spaces-Stanton Lanier
20.All The Days of My Life-Vincent Avella
21.Dark Blue Wind-Vin Downes

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

August 13, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Cleopatra Records To Release Guitars For Wounded Warriors CD Featuring Steve Morse, Billy Sheehan, Hal Lindes, Bumblefoot and Others

“...incredible and innovative guitar playing” - Hal Lindes of Dire Straits

Los Angeles, CA - From veteran multi-Emmy Award winning producer/composer Brian Tarquin comes this very special project featuring an incredible cast of musical virtuosos playing their hearts out for America’s fallen soldiers! Tarquin produced, engineered and composed 'Guitars For Wounded Warriors', which showcases Tarquin's guitar prowess on every song along side such world-class shredders as Steve Morse, Billy Sheehan, Gary Hoey, Bumblefoot (Guns N Roses), Reb Beach (Whitesnake), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth) and Chuck Loeb. The album features exclusively released tracks inspired by those military soldiers who have fought for country.

The Multi Emmy Award winning composer/guitarist Brian Tarquin has established himself as a top rate TV composer/recording artist and owner of Jungle Room Studios. In 2002, 2003 and 2005 he won an “Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” and has been nominated for an Emmy 6 times. In 2006 SESAC honored him with the Network Television Performance Award. Tarquin first graced the Top 20 Billboard Charts back in 1997 with the commercial release; 'This is Acid Jazz, Vol. 2' on Instinct Records, followed by several solo jazz albums, which charted Top 10 at Contemporary Jazz Radio in the late 90's. From 1996 to 2001, Brian recorded four solo albums, 'Ghost Dance', 'Last Kiss Goodbye', 'Soft Touch' and 'High Life' and has appeared in over 32 releases, selling over 140,000 records in his career.

“What an honor to be part of this album, to play alongside many of the best players out there! Had a blast trading solos with Brian Tarquin!! And best of all, this album supports an important cause, Wounded Warriors. Love to our Warriors, and to everyone for their support.” - Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal of Guns N Roses

“Absolute perfection!!” - Reb Beach of Whitesnake & Winger

“It is an honor to be a part of this cause. I was just turning drafting age at the end of the Vietnam War, and I still remember that the returning military weren't  always treated with the greatest respect. For our modern, volunteer military, we hopefully have learned to show our respect and gratitude. They don't set the policy, but they set the standards.” - Steve Morse

“I had a blast playing bass on Black Hawk! It's a cool riff that pushes the song into a slick overdrive. Nice! Also, and more importantly, the cause it supports is supremely important to me and I'm honored to contribute to our brave soldiers in any way possible. Glad to be involved in this wonderful project!” - Billy Sheehan

“It's challenging, but always fun working with Brian. I feel we both have similar taste in music and in our approach to creating it. We are both searching for that elusive tone or phrase.” - Chris Poland of Megadeth

“I had a lot of fun playing on it, The Band killed....!” - Chuck Loeb

“When Brian Tarquin sent me the song 'Baghdad' to play on I instantly loved it, very Black Sabbath feel. Brian killed it! 5 Licks To Hell by Brian Tarquin is a very riff driven song ala Dio/Sabbath we do some crazy trade off leads Brian is the real deal!” - Gary Hoey

“I'm honored and proud to be part of this!” - Alex De Rosso of Dokken

“A huge credit to Brian for giving us…and the other artists appearing here…the ability to practice their craft freely.  That vibe resonates deeply with the concept behind this release: recognizing those who’ve fought and were wounded defending our freedom. Here’s to all the freedom fighters that enrich our lives…and our art.” - The Flyin' Ryan Brothers

“ 'Freedom' is freaking awesome...Love the tone from Brian Tarquin & Steve Morse. Thank you for giving Floyd Rose guitars that kind of exposure.” - Mike Plunkett from Floyd Rose

Tracks:

1. Black Hawk feat. Billy Sheehan
2. Taliban Terror feat. Bumblefoot & Rob Beach
3. Charlie Surfs feat. Chris Poland
4. 5 Klicks To Hell feat. Gary Hoey
5. Surgical Strike feat. The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers
6. Hunting feat. Chris Poland
7. Baghdad feat. Gary Hoey
8. Broken Arrow feat. Alex De Rosso
9. Sand & Blood feat. Hal Lindes
10. Escape Kabul feat. Chuck Loeb
11. Freedom feat. Steve Morse

iTunes pre-order link: http://geni.us/2qkS
Amazon pre-order link: http://geni.us/97c

Brian Tarquin: www.bohemianproductions.net

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Cleopatra Records To Release Guitars For Wounded Warriors CD Featuring Steve Morse, Billy Sheehan, Hal Lindes, Bumblefoot and Others

“...incredible and innovative guitar playing” - Hal Lindes of Dire Straits

Los Angeles, CA - From veteran multi-Emmy Award winning producer/composer Brian Tarquin comes this very special project featuring an incredible cast of musical virtuosos playing their hearts out for America’s fallen soldiers! Tarquin produced, engineered and composed 'Guitars For Wounded Warriors', which showcases Tarquin's guitar prowess on every song along side such world-class shredders as Steve Morse, Billy Sheehan, Gary Hoey, Bumblefoot (Guns N Roses), Reb Beach (Whitesnake), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth) and Chuck Loeb. The album features exclusively released tracks inspired by those military soldiers who have fought for country.

The Multi Emmy Award winning composer/guitarist Brian Tarquin has established himself as a top rate TV composer/recording artist and owner of Jungle Room Studios. In 2002, 2003 and 2005 he won an “Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” and has been nominated for an Emmy 6 times. In 2006 SESAC honored him with the Network Television Performance Award. Tarquin first graced the Top 20 Billboard Charts back in 1997 with the commercial release; 'This is Acid Jazz, Vol. 2' on Instinct Records, followed by several solo jazz albums, which charted Top 10 at Contemporary Jazz Radio in the late 90's. From 1996 to 2001, Brian recorded four solo albums, 'Ghost Dance', 'Last Kiss Goodbye', 'Soft Touch' and 'High Life' and has appeared in over 32 releases, selling over 140,000 records in his career.

“What an honor to be part of this album, to play alongside many of the best players out there! Had a blast trading solos with Brian Tarquin!! And best of all, this album supports an important cause, Wounded Warriors. Love to our Warriors, and to everyone for their support.” - Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal of Guns N Roses

“Absolute perfection!!” - Reb Beach of Whitesnake & Winger

“It is an honor to be a part of this cause. I was just turning drafting age at the end of the Vietnam War, and I still remember that the returning military weren't  always treated with the greatest respect. For our modern, volunteer military, we hopefully have learned to show our respect and gratitude. They don't set the policy, but they set the standards.” - Steve Morse

“I had a blast playing bass on Black Hawk! It's a cool riff that pushes the song into a slick overdrive. Nice! Also, and more importantly, the cause it supports is supremely important to me and I'm honored to contribute to our brave soldiers in any way possible. Glad to be involved in this wonderful project!” - Billy Sheehan

“It's challenging, but always fun working with Brian. I feel we both have similar taste in music and in our approach to creating it. We are both searching for that elusive tone or phrase.” - Chris Poland of Megadeth

“I had a lot of fun playing on it, The Band killed....!” - Chuck Loeb

“When Brian Tarquin sent me the song 'Baghdad' to play on I instantly loved it, very Black Sabbath feel. Brian killed it! 5 Licks To Hell by Brian Tarquin is a very riff driven song ala Dio/Sabbath we do some crazy trade off leads Brian is the real deal!” - Gary Hoey

“I'm honored and proud to be part of this!” - Alex De Rosso of Dokken

“A huge credit to Brian for giving us…and the other artists appearing here…the ability to practice their craft freely.  That vibe resonates deeply with the concept behind this release: recognizing those who’ve fought and were wounded defending our freedom. Here’s to all the freedom fighters that enrich our lives…and our art.” - The Flyin' Ryan Brothers

“ 'Freedom' is freaking awesome...Love the tone from Brian Tarquin & Steve Morse. Thank you for giving Floyd Rose guitars that kind of exposure.” - Mike Plunkett from Floyd Rose

Tracks:

1. Black Hawk feat. Billy Sheehan
2. Taliban Terror feat. Bumblefoot & Rob Beach
3. Charlie Surfs feat. Chris Poland
4. 5 Klicks To Hell feat. Gary Hoey
5. Surgical Strike feat. The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers
6. Hunting feat. Chris Poland
7. Baghdad feat. Gary Hoey
8. Broken Arrow feat. Alex De Rosso
9. Sand & Blood feat. Hal Lindes
10. Escape Kabul feat. Chuck Loeb
11. Freedom feat. Steve Morse

iTunes pre-order link: http://geni.us/2qkS
Amazon pre-order link: http://geni.us/97c

Brian Tarquin: www.bohemianproductions.net

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Classic Rock Review: Various Artists-Light My Fire – A Classic Rock Salute to The Doors

Release Date: June 24, 2014

Label: Cleopatra

Website

When it comes to the great music makers of the late 60s and early 70s, there is no question that The Doors is among them.  Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965, The Doors were Jim Morrison (vocals), Ray Manzarek (keyboards), Robby Krieger (guitar), and John Densmore (drums).  Taking their name from the Aldous Huxley’s book about experimenting with mescaline, The Doors would go on to be of the most influential and controversial bands of their generation, and, not to forget, one of the most successful, selling over 100 million albums worldwide since their self-titled debut was released in 1967.

Led by their charismatic front man, The Doors took the rock world with gusto, topping the charts with hit records and songs.  At the forefront of the 60s counterculture movement, they were no stranger to controversy.  Refusing to bow to a call for censorship saw them banned from The Ed Sullivan Show after one performance.  After playing their #1 hit song “Light My Fire” without the recommended studio changes, the producers informed the band that they would never to play on the show again. An unfazed Morrison replied: "Hey man. We just didthe Sullivan Show."  Unfortunately, rock stardom caught up Morrison, who died in Paris of a drug overdose in 1971.  The remaining members would release two more albums before disbanding.  Though they spent less than a decade together, the incredible music that they made together lives on.

Light My Fire – A Classic Rock Salute to The Doorsplays to tribute to The Doors endearing legacy.  Produced by former Yes member Billy Sherwood, the appearing musicians read like a Who’s Who of the classic rock world.  The album features appearances by Jimi Jamison, Lou Gramm, Ian Gillian, Pat Travers, Chick Churchill, Todd Rundgren, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, and many others. 

Light My Fire – A Classic Rock Salute to The Doorsis at its best when there is a lot of energy put into the song, such as the opening track “L.A. Woman.”  It is one of the better songs on the album and is a sharp and crisp rendition. “Roadhouse Blues” is another song that sounds amazing and is a real testament to the type of quality that can be found on the album.  “Intro (People Are Strange)” is another gem.  It is a piece of music that is interesting, creative, and unique.  Also, I think the album really hits its stride in its latter half with spirted performances from “Hello, I Love You” to “The End.” 

It is no means a perfect album, though.  I think that some fans will prefer the original versions over some of these covers.  With bands as talented and iconic as The Doors, some things that they do on the originals are hard to duplicate, the heights too high to reach.  Also, there is an issue of overproduction on some of the songs, such as “People Are Strange.” The music sounds too slick and polished, too much like some of the modern stuff being pumped out.  It did not get in the way much of me enjoying the album, though.

Light My Fire: A Classic Rock Salute to The Doors is one of the better tribute albums that I have heard.  It is full of gifted musicians who love the music and it shows in their efforts.  I would not suggest this as an introduction to the band if you are new to their music.  I do recommend this to classic rock fans and The Doors fans, of course.  It makes for a nice addition to the collection and keeps The Doors legacy going strong. 

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: L.A. Woman, Roadhouse Blues, Spanish Caravan, The End

Tracks:
01.L.A. Woman
02.Love Me Two Times
03.Roadhouse Blues
04.Love Her Madly
05.Riders on the Storm
06.The Crystal Ship
07.Intro (People Are Strange)
08.People Are Strange
09.Touch Me
10.The Soft Parade
11.Hello, I Love You
12.The Spanish Caravan
13.Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar)
14.Break On Through (To the Other Side)
15.Light My Fire
16.The End
 

Brian McKinnon

July 1, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review