The Essential 80’s Vol. 1-5

Vol. 4

Love Will Tear Us Apart Again [Joy Division]—-With this track, considered the only close to hit release in the US, this band gained a cult following until Ian Curtis’ death. The band went on to become New Order and conquer the world….but this is where it all started. This bleak and dark tome to love never tires on me.

Wishing [A Flock Of Seagulls]—-The second single from the self titled debut release, this was a bit longer than the average radio single…but played in the dance clubs rather well. The sound is so comforting and familiar I just have to sit here and listen to the entire thing again and again. The space age feel is everywhere on this track!

Der Kommissar [Falco]—-The only hit single for Falco in the US [unless you include the oft heard Amadeus], this track was played every where and even covered by the American band After The Fire. I prefer the German version….its more fun to guess the sentiment. This is another track that never wears on me.

I Love Rock And Roll [Joan Jett]—-Branching out on her solo career after the demise of The Runaways, Jett scored a gigantic hit with this harder rock track then we were accustomed to hearing on 80’s radio. This has energy, aggression and you can dance to it. We love Joan!!!

Supersonic [ JJ Fad]—-Not so much a radio hit as a cult classic, play this for your friends and remind them when Electro really started. Not only is the beat incredible but the vocals are fantastic…..the speed these girls manage to twist words by is mind numbing. A true classic 80’s track.

The Breaks [Kurtis Blow]—-I was never familiar with Blow until I heard this on the soundtrack from Def Jam [?]. Blow has a vocal that is distinct and instantly recognizable. I love how he always sounds like he is out of breath when he raps….this is classic old school!

The Roof Is On Fire [Rock Master Scott And The Furious Three]—-Any one familiar with the origins of rap and the beginning of the movement knows all about this track. If you don’t, become familiar with this house rocker!!!

I’m Not Having It [Special K]—-Built on simple beats and relying on the give and take of the vocal flow, this track was overplayed and feels a little bit old for me…..it’s an ok track…but it has been done over and over before.

Just A Friend [Biz Markie]—-There is nothing redeeming about this song…..I just don’t like it or Biz!!!

Jenny/867-5309 [Tommy TuTone]—-The saddest thing about this single was the simple fact that no one considered listening to the rest of this album….which is damn exceptional. This is a bona fide 80’s hit….but TuTone still records and tours….playing this whether he wants to or not.

Situations [Cetu Javu]—-I know a lot about the 80’s decade, but I sure don’t know this song!!! It is poppy and reminds me a bit of Men Without Hats. It has a very distinct British sound….there is no denying it should have been heard much more…..

Funky Cold Medina [Tone-Loc]—-Built on the distinct vocal of Tone, that deep baritone is instantly recognizable. This was more of a 90’s hit….but it is on here despite that. Following a few hit singles, Loc now does voice-overs on cartoons.

Treat ‘Em Right [Chubb Rock]—-1990…..I won’t argue over brass tacks though. The beat is pure NYC…the flow is slick and smooth. Still a whole lot of fun to listen to!!

 

*** out of 5

The Essential 80’s Vol. 1-5

Vol. 3

Round And Round [Ratt]—-Another of those classic hair bands that really made a huge splash thanks to the distinct vocal flair of Stephen Percy and the unique guitar style of the band. This track is still contagious, infectious and instantly recognizable. This is a track that despite the bands differences, will never fade.

Lost In Your Eyes [Debbie Gibson]—-Along with Tiffany, Gibson was one of the original teeny boppers that had huge singles in the 80’s. Thanks to MTV, shopping mall tours and media exposure we became saturated and tired of them quickly. This song is still pretty quaint and sweet in its way though….it’s a keeper.

Cherry Pie [Warrant]—-Finding huge success in the 80’s thanks to sexy videos and a damn good-looking lead singer, Warrant scored 4 or 5 top ten hits and then the band imploded around drug abuse and in fighting. We are still left with nice gems like this though…..thanks for the memories!!!

It Takes Two [Rob Base]—-Built on a beat that is indelible, the familiarity of this song remains unforgettable. Sampled time and time again in modern rap tracks, that annoying squeal has become part of American culture……and the amazing thing….I like it all over again.

Everytime  You Go Away [Paul Young]—-Paul Young always had a sweet, sexy and sultry sound to his voice. He reminds me of a slight blues singer trapped in the wrong body. This track…..also recorded by 80’s darlings Hall & Oates, I think Young did a much better job. This always gives me that melancholy feel. A true vocal master.

Living On Radio [Trans X]—-Not incredibly familiar with this band for some reason, I have only heard the off track here and there. They seem to be almost pre-goth in the sound…..the vocal a bit distorted and rather dark. None the less, the song is damn danceable and rather contagious.

No Parking [Dazz Band]—-The 80’s allowed for a huge influx of R n’ B on the dance floor as well. Picking up where Disco left off, this music transported across class and color lines to make indelible hits. This track has all the flavor necessary to keep it in rotation even today.

Dancing In Heaven [LaDouce]—-This is a re-make of the original track, but plays just as well. Another track that had a huge impact on the dance floor and across color lines this was just pure fun….a bona fide hit before falling into obscurity.

Walking In L.A. [Missing Persons]—-Powered by great guitar playing and the irresistible squeak of Dale Bozzio’s voice, Missing Persons managed 3 or 4 top ten hits before the band disintegrated. This speaks to the L.A. culture and the music movement that was going on there at the time. I never get tired of this track. Exquisite!!!

I Got It Made [Special Ed]—-The 80’s were a simple time when it came to rap music. Most songs were all about money and flow style. The gang/crack wars were years away. Special Ed gave us a comfortable beat followed up with understandable vocals and a slight story to go along with the entire thing. Oh….such a simpler time!

Oh Sheila [Ready For The World]—-Formed from a conglomeration of artists, this was music simply made to dance too. The groove is infectious and manages to still stay stuck in your head after all these years with just one simple listen. Long live perfect pop music!!!

Fascinated [Company B]—-With a hype beat right from the onset, this track has a dated but distinct sound. The female vocal reminds me of Expose or one of those other generic bands….this is fun and relaxed….a great track to dance to!!! And might I mention….an irresistible chorus!

The Promise [When In Rome]—-Hands down, my favorite song from the 1980’s decade. This song has a nice soft air to it that can make you sad if you need it or jubilant if that is the mood you are in. The vocal is a classic 80’s sounding voice and the sentiment is never aging. I consider this particular song a masterpiece!!!

I Go To Work [Kool Moe Dee]—-Another rapper who made his major impact in the mid 80’s, Moe Dee scored a nice smash with this entire lp. The vocal is a bit more street and hood, but the message is simple and you can feel the groove for hours after you listen to it.

 

**** out of 5

The Essential 80’s Vol. 1-5

Vol. 2

Don’t Stop Believin’ [Journey]—-Released during the true hey day of this band, it reminds us once again that the 80’s were not just full of synths and swirls. No voice could ever quite match Steve Perry and this song is proof of that. The voice literally soars. With the guitar from Neil Schon, this song is still a classic…..ummmm and karaoke favorite!

Take My Breath Away [Berlin]—-Berlin and Terri Nunn were bona fide stars before hitting this track out of the ballpark. taken from the Top Gun soundtrack, it was hard not to get through a day without hearing it at least once. This still plays so well today. The synth swirls are magic and the emotion is incredible!

She Talks In Stereo [Gary Myrick]—-This is not a track I’m really familiar with, although it does contain all the needed 80’s qualities from the onset. I think maybe someone else sang this at one time or another. This has a familiar sound and a classic 80’s feel. I’ll keep it!!!

Bette Davis Eyes [Kim Carnes]—-CLASSIC!!!!! Delivered with a nice gravel tone, Carnes made everyone aware of who Bette Davis was and scored a huge hit at the same time. This track has a timeless sound….it feels fresh to me every single time I hear it. The slight synth, the guitar and the voice….a great recipe!

I Melt With You [Modern English]—-The definition of the US one hit wonder, this song really was driven by MTV and the stark video. The vocal is incredible….managing to sing but still hang on to that English accent, this is one full CD that I do not yet own. Perhaps soon…and I’ll review it here of course. Still one of my very favorite 80’s songs.

Flashdance [Irene Cara]—-The title track from the timeless movie Flashdance, the song never gets old. Combining an 80’s sound with the still lingering Disco beat this song literally drove people to the dance floor. Not even the best song from the soundtrack, but a staple even in retro clubs today. Classic!!!

Send Me An Angel [Reel Life]—-From the onset, the synths remind you of the decade we are immersed in. The UK slant to the vocal gives the song even more life. This is classic….but has been over played, over mixed and worn out. I still love the sentiment though.

Only The Lonely [The Motels]—-Led my Martha Davis, this band never received the attention that it deserved. The sound was both modern and retro at the same time…always bringing a smile to my face. I listen to the 4 releases they made still today….you can’t escape that sexy sultry voice that Davis has.

Walking On Sunshine [Katrina And The Waves]—-I’m sorry……I hate this song…..even more after the hurricane. NEXT!!!

Salt In My Tears [Martin Briley]—-Another of those rare 80’s tracks I really do not know very well. I love the voice although the music is a bit generic. This reminds me of a weaker Tubes or Loverboy. The chorus is magnificent….the rest of the song falls a bit flat for me.

Honestly [Stryper]—-Known mainly for being a Christian band who threw bibles to the audience, Stryper became a household name with this ballad that still gives me goosebumps to this day. Michael Sweet had a soaring vocal that has withstood the decades incredibly well. A masterpiece of a song!

Cum On Feel The Noize [Quiet Riot]—-Beneath the synth driven 80’s, hair metal was alive and well with bands like Quiet riot…..it made for great MTV programming. This song still holds up well….vocalist DuBrow passed away a short time ago….but he left a great legacy in the music.

Pass The Dutchie [Musical Youth]—-Coming from the poorest parts of the world, this group of young boys made a huge splash in the US with this little track. The success was fleeting but the song is instantly recognizable even today and has stood the test of time incredibly well. The slight reggae feel seemed to appeal to everyone…this is great!

Dream Warriors [Dokken]—-Another hair band that dug the trenches in the 80’s, Dokken scored this hit from the soundtrack of the same name. I never saw the movie and was never a huge fan of the band….the fights and the constant break-ups destroyed the fan base. Still some of the music they produced remains fresh and viable…this….not so much.

Total Eclipse Of The Heart [Bonnie Tyler]—-Just like Meatloaf, Tyler’s career was built on the music of genius Jim Steinman….the sound is all over every track she sang on. This is a great video…the vocal is perfect and the mood is all Steinman. I never tire of this song!

Love On A Real Train [Tangerine Dream]—-So, I’m slow…..I never even knew that this was an 80’s song….oh well….live and learn. This has enough synth to fit in the decade, but the sound is much more New Age than synth-pop. I don’t dislike this stuff, I just need to be in the mood for it.

Let The Music Play [Shannon]—-An accountant turned performer, Shannon scored a number of dance hits in the post-disco era of crowded and sweaty dance floors. The voice draws you in….she sings with gusto and true feeling…it is hard not to get caught up in the energy. Still touring today, Shannon manages to show up on the club charts from time to time….but nothing equals this instant classic!!!

 

**** out of 5

 

The Essential 80’s vol. 1-5

The 1980s saw the emergence of pop, dance music and New Wave. As the term disco fell out of fashion in the decade’s early years,^[1] genres such as post-disco, Italo disco, Euro disco and dance-pop became more popular. Rock music continued to enjoy a wide audience; sub-genres such as New Wave,^[2] soft rock,^[3] and glam metal emerged and developed a significant following.^[4] Adult contemporary,^[5] quiet storm,^[6] and smooth jazz gained popularity. The 1980s are commonly associated with the usage of synthesizers, thus, synthpop music and other electronic genres featuring non-traditional instruments exploded in popularity. Also during this decade, several major electronic genres were developed, including electro, techno, house, freestyle and Eurodance, rising in prominence during the 1990s and beyond. Throughout the decade, R&B, hip hop and urban music in general were becoming commonplace, particularly in the inner-city areas of large, metropolitan cities; rap was especially successful in the latter part of the decade,^[7] with the advent of the golden age of hip hop. These urban genres, rap and hip hop particularly, would continue their rise in popularity through the 1990s and 2000s. A 2010 survey conducted by the digital broadcaster Music Choice, which polled over 11,000 participants, revealed that the 1980s is the most favored music decade of the last 50 years

Vol. 1 The Look Of Love [ABC]—-Forever suave and debonair in fancy suits and accompanied by horns, ABC left an indelible mark with this track. Full of slight movements, vocal blends and great percussion this remains one track from a fantastic release that will just not die.

The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades [Timbuk 3]—-What can I really say about this track….I hated it. Truly a one-hit wonder, this southern infused track got on my nerves and stayed there.

One Thing Leads To Another [The Fixx]—-Another band with a debonair look, Cy Curin was the master of cool with an unforgettable voice as well. With many of the songs relying on social issues, the band trudged through many releases and still tours on occasion. This is probably the biggest hit in the catalog….but by no means my favorite. Never gets old though!

Everyday Is Halloween [Ministry]—-This track from pre-Industrial Ministry is still a favorite of mine. It is amazing how a band can change in such a short time. Jorgensen still has that slight evil tone to his vocal, but this is classic dance all the way.

You Spin Me Round [Dead Or Alive]—-Full of Euro-Trash beats and tons of androgyny, this song was guaranteed to be a massive hit. The speed of the song is incredible and drove people to the dance floor around the world. There were more hits to follow, but nothing as massive as this track. It still sounds magnificent today!

Take Me Home Tonight [Eddie Money]—-Not really an essential 80’s track for me, I could take or leave Eddie Money. The song is much more of a straight up rock track without the familiar new wave flavor of many 80’s hits. It still lives on and Money always opens the outdoor music season in Detroit.

Naughty Naughty  [John Parr]—-Not really familiar with the title of this track, but the moment I heard it I felt right at home. Parr had a number of hits from popular teen movies, but managed to make an impact solo as well. The track has a nice rock/new wave mix to it that still works today!

What’s On Your Mind [Information Society]—-The epitome of a one hit wonder, this band, in all of their odd get-up costumes gave a whole new feel to electronic and synth music. Perhaps the band was meant to be visual…on record, the songs are just typical. Live, this band is killer!!!

Missing You [John Waite]—-This former lead vocalist for the 70’s band The Babys, Waite made a huge impact with his debut release and this lead-off single. The song provides a nice break from the constant swirl of 80’s synth and gives us a nice ballad to fall back on in those private moments. Waite has a killer voice and great stage persona.

I Ran [A Flock Of Seagulls]—-Taken from the playbook of MTV stars, this band had an odd look but also the chops to back it up. This contagious, spacy track was the first of many hits for the band before they imploded. The band has reformed from time to time…releasing a new CD about 5 years ago. The sound is the same and this track stands the test of time. Classic!!!

Sister Christian [Night Ranger]—-Reminding us that the 80’s decade was not all swirls and synths, Night Ranger put themselves on the map with this tear jerking ballad. It contains every element necessary…..great guitar….a sad sound and fantastic vocals.

The Roof Is On Fire [Rockmaster Scott & The Furious Three]—-The rap movement in the 80’s literally exploded….but was alive and well in the decade before. I’m not even sure this classic track was released in the 80’s but it still plays well today. The technology and realm of Rap has changed…but the basic formula remains. Flow and Hype!

I Want Candy [Bow Wow Wow]—-Sung by the 16-year-old mohawk Annabelle, this video made the song a bona fide hit all over the world. With classic 80’s sound and a bit of a punk attitude, the band was never able to follow the success of this track…but we have this forever to remember them by!

Tainted Love [Soft Cell]—-Perhaps one of the songs that literally defined the 80’s music movement, this song is still played everywhere and all ways. Remade and covered by dozens of people, no one can come close to the sound of Marc Almond’s distinct sound. This was and is a gay club staple….expect to hear it every time you venture out.

Lean On Me [Club Nouveau]—-Revamping this 60’s classic, Club Nouveau gave this track a whole new life. Filled with a slow, fun groove and a fun style I fell in love with this track from the first listen. The band managed to stick around for a bit, but fell into oblivion that is the 80’s. Still sounds great!

Desire [Gene Loves Jezebel]—-One of my favorite bands from across the pond, this band never received the US support that it deserved. These twin brothers managed a score of hits in Britain but were much more hit and miss here. This track is not an all time favorite, but still plays very well even today. The track has immense energy, a nice sexy feel and an unforgettable vocal.

Everybody’s Working For The Weekend [Loverboy]—-A classic working mans pop metal band, these guys toured endlessly to get the name known. A nice string of top ten hits kept them alive for quite sometime. This is a weekend song for sure…..reminds me of swimming, beer and girls. There you go….a perfect recipe!!!!

 

**** out of 5

 

Life Happens

I’ve been gone from this blog site for quite some time. Life happens and sometimes priorities change for a short time. Life has resumed order and I intend to begin blogging again with a frenzy of new material. To those of you who read…thanks for waiting. For new readers….please give me feedback.

Cannibal Corpse / Gallery Of Suicide

Gallery of Suicide is the sixth studio album by American death metal band Cannibal Corpse. It was released in 1998 through Metal Blade Records. The album is the second to include George Fisher on vocal duties, and the first album to feature Pat O’Brien on guitars.

The Analysis:

I Will Kill You—-coming out the silence, there is a slight hum that dissolves into the predictable mayhem. George is still perfecting his CC style…but the brutality is nothing less than that. The remarkable thing….you can actually catch some words here and there. Classic!

Disposal Of The Body—-Relentless…..the guitars are freakin incredible on this track. George sounds much more like his current self…delivery line after line of pure puke. The chord changes are incredible….and the speed of the bass is almost inhuman……this is classic stuff!!!!

Sentenced To Death—-Beginning as you would expect, there is a surprising amount of melody to this track. George sounds a bit hoarse on this track…..perhaps that was purposeful? This is incredible fast and the music production is still a bit archaic…but this is Florida Death at it’s best!!!

Blood Drenched—-From the very onset, this is full of a mania that is almost insane. The speed and delivery of the music/vocal makes you just want to grab your skull and scream as loud as you can…this is intense as fuck. you could not ask for more from this band…but we keep getting it anyways!!!! This is fantastic!!!! Whew!!!!

Gallery Of Suicide—-At the onset, you notice the slower pace and the actual melody of the song before the mayhem kicks in and kicks you ass bloody. This is epic…..I love the mood and the chord changes. George is fantastic….the music…delivered at a slower pace is really quite good…I rather like the drudge of the delivery…a favorite of mine!!!

Dismembered & Molested—-The drums that open this track are freakin incredible….the guitars join in and by the time George enters, the track is already a CC classic. there is a noisy element to this song that is even more apparent than most of the others…this is fantastic…another of my favorites…just for the downshift chord changes and the emerging guitar squeals that I love from this band!!!!

From Skin To Liquid—-Another odd track that begins sounding like Pantera to me….this has a deep and melodic darkness that is surprising even to me. The guitars are right on your forehead…the highhats from the drums almost all you can make out. This is an incredible Black Sabbath styled track that makes me smile from the word GO!!!!

Unite The Dead—-Leaving no time for an introduction, the mayhem ensues from the opening strains. Such as you would expect from the title of the song!!!! The vocal is classic and the guitars squeals are becoming more and more regular…I love that more than anything else about this band. I don’t care what they sing about…the brutal instrumentation is all about the appeal for me!!!

Stabbed In The Throat—-Trademark guitars introduce this track….with George close behind. The song is less than remarkable….much of the same is tread on here….but the instrumentation is fantastic. I love the speed and the evil tone of it all…this is fantastic!

Chambers Of Blood—-Squeals abound on this track…bringing an instant smile to my face. The sound seems to be a bit deeper than usual…like this was recorded in a different session or something with a different engineer. The drums smack you right upside the head…but the squeals do it for me…I love this band!!!!

Headless—-Much more clarity right out of the gate, the squeals are all over on this track….YAY!!!!! I love the relentless drums and the remarkable growls that George is able to muster. This is incredible for me…this is when the REAL trademark sound began to take shape…a classic record!!!

Every Bone Broken—-Much of the same, this release is about 4 songs too long…but I am not disappointed with the true integrity of the band. I would like to have this lyric sheet….but I stole this CD so i don’t…lol….my fault. the drums are oustanding…the vocal demented and the guitars a complete wall of sound!

Centuries Of Torment—-This is fantastic….I loved this when i first heard it on the DVD…took me a while to get my hands on it. I love the chord changes…the squeals are deeper and more sedate,….but they are there and makes me smile. george sounds driven as hell…amazing after all these years he is still singing like this!!!!

Crushing The Disposed—-Ending this rather epic release with some huge bass lines, this is fast becoming another of my favorite releases from this band…outside of Kill. I love the energy of this release and an instrumental on it as well….I could never ask for more from this group of guys. I love the Florida scene!!!!

****3/4 out of 5

 

 

Michael Jackson / Blood On The Dancefloor : HIStory In The Mix

Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix is a remix album by Michael Jackson. The album is made up of eight remixes from Jackson’s previous studio album HIStory, and five new songs. Jackson was heavily involved with the production of the new material while the remixes were produced by other artists. The new material dealt with themes such as drug addiction, women and paranoia.

The album received minimal promotion by Jackson’s standards, particularly in the US. Still, a film, two singles (“Blood on the Dance Floor” and “HIStory/Ghosts“) and three music videos were issued as promotion. Reviews at the time of release were largely mixed, some critics felt that Jackson had already explored these musical themes while others criticized what they perceived as weak vocals. Other critics were favorable, with praise issued for similarities to the music of Marilyn Manson and Trent Reznor.

Worldwide sales stand at six million copies as of 2009, making it the best selling remix album ever released. Several contemporary critics view the material in an increasingly favorable light and believe the album could have been more successful—commentators argue that certain sections of the world took interest in tabloid stories about the singer’s personal life over his musical career.

The Analysis:

Blood On The Dancefloor—-Delivered with the expected funk and beat flavor, Jackson sounds a bit muted on this track. this almost sounds like a re-tread of many Janet songs that you have heard in the past. I’m not sure why the vocal is pushed so far to the back of the mix…..none the less…this is history and the song is pretty damn addictive!

Morphine—-Beginning with a low hum and some hi-fi sound effects, the song builds rather slowly but has all the elements of a classic Jackson track. This is rather telling…now that the future has taken place…although the song is upbeat…it still leaves me feeling a bit dark. Jackson delivers a pretty aggressive vocal for him….but mellows for the chorus. This is another of those remarkably addictive tracks!

Superfly Sister—-With familiar falsetto and a funkier back beat, this still falls a bit flat for me. This sounds rather forced and reminds me more of Prince than Michael. Not to say that this is a bad track, I just question the sincerity of it all.

Ghosts—-This has a long rather static introduction…when Jackson finally enters the fray he sounds breathless and pushed to the back of the instrumentation. This is less than inspiring for me…the machine beat is too mundane and predictable….leaving me a bit empty. this is ok, but this is by no means classic Jackson!

Is It Scary?—-Fulfilling the need for the quintessential Jackson ballad, this is the filler that is required on any Jackson release. The track….has a rather damn catchy melody….and the sentiment seems real….this is a standout track for me….simply for the swelling of the music and the emotional quality of it all.

Scream Louder [Flyte Tyme Remix]—-Beginning rather sedate, but coming alive within the first bar…there is a funk delivery to this that is priceless. Jackson is so vocally aggressive…recorded with his sister during his angry period, the remix keeps that emotion well in tact. This is huge, overblown but true to the original. I like this!

Money [Fire Island Radio Edit]—-With a nice rap intro, this is refreshing to hear….how did I miss the original version of this song? This is fresh, filled with a great 90’s style dance floor beat and a melody that is irresistible. I love the interludes of spoken/rap vocal. This is fantastic!

2 Bad [Remix]—-This is ok….not quite what i expected from the onset. I love the Chic style guitars and the Wyclef influence. This is nice…but this is not what you expect. I love the aggressive vocal…once again…this is full of anger. When the Refugee Camp joins in on the song. it gives it a whole new sound…I like this!

Stranger In Moscow [Tee’s In-House Remix]—-This is dance floor ready from the very first strain of the song. Jackson is almost his old self with his vocal on this track and the HUGE electronic backdrop is incredible. This is fantastic….the breaks are fantastic and the vocal goes back and forth…from shouting to a slight croon….sucking me right into the heart of the remix! Fantastic…..

This Time Around [Remix]—-Another track that is instantly dance floor ready, this has the classic elements of dance remixes…lots of loops and a fantastic bass back beat. I love this. The vocal is fantastic and the dance oriented organ that runs through the song is classic remix elements. One of my favorites on here.

Earth Song [Hani’s Club Experience]—-This has a nice deep Ambient sound that rather appeals to me…it’s been quite sometime since i have listened to straight up Dance Music…I’ve been caught up in the whole black Metal thing…it is nice to know that it still appeals to me. This is remarkable…the emotion that is delivered from the music alone os outstanding. I really like this….it goes on a bit too long…but what remix doesn’t?

You Are Not Alone [Remix]—-although this remix contains many of the elements of the original track, this is a tremendous re-working of this song. Not nearly sedate as the original, this takes the track to a whole new level…almost filling me with a danceable joy that I had forgotten I had., This is fantastic…I prefer this version over the more sedate original….wonderful!!!

History [Tony Moran’s History Lesson Remix]—-This is fun….right from the onset. The danceable beat is so addictive….the sounds…all the little blips and beeps are incredible. This goes on forever…but is still remarkably fun. I love the loop that builds and builds…leavin my brain in a frenzy……this is a great end to a classic release…reminding me why I loved the 90’s!!!

****1/2 out of 5

 

 

Cannibal Corpse / Butchered At Birth

Butchered at Birth is the second studio album by American death metal band Cannibal Corpse. It was released in 1991 through Metal Blade Records.

The album was banned in Germany, due to the violent artwork. The first pressings of the compact disc were wrapped in white butcher paper stamped with the band logo and album title in red ink. Butchered at Birth’s cover also drew a complaint from the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada, which led to record stores being told not to sell the album to persons under 18.^{[citation needed]}

“Rancid Amputation” was given a lounge music re-arrangement by Andrew Hansen of the Australian comedy team The Chaser in July 2006, when the band came under controversy due to their lyrical content prior to touring in Australia.

The Analysis:

Meathook Sodomy—-One only has to listen to the early days of this band to realize how incredibly much they have progressed in their sound. Yes, perhaps the sound content is very much the same, but the sound and talent of the band has progressed so much. This opening track is nothing less than pure noise for the most part….until the drums kick in and then we get lively. there is little harmony here….but the chord changes are fantastic. The vocal is just deep and intense…production has gotten so much better. This is a huge blast from the past!!!!

Gutted—-Wow…the sound of this release is so tinny and lacks that huge sound the band now has…none the less, it is as brutal as anything you can buy today. The vocal is incredible and the chord changes make this so recognizable. I like the slower and drudge filled delivery…makes the music even darker. drums are awesome…as always!!!

Living Dissection—-Choppier but still classic, the drums are huge on this track. this is phenomenal…and i’m sure when this was released it shocked the hell out of a lot of Metal fans…this is an archaic yet wonderful version of CC…this is history……so glad I finally got my hands on this shit!!!!

Under The Rotted Flesh—-Leaving you little time to catch your breath, this track actually seems to have a bit of a better sound quality. I miss the guitar squeals that have become so much a part of this band,,,,but the relentless pounding on the skins makes this even better. The vocal is intense as fuck…and the shift changes from the leads makes this a favorite of mine!!!

Covered With Sores—-Perhaps the fan favorite from this release, the delivery is much more accessible to the average everyday metal fan. The vocal is still intense as fuck, but the instrumentation is almost classic Heavy Metal. When the drums really let loose….you are in for a treat……brilliant!!!! Did I just say that…..yeah…I did!!!!

Vomit The Soul—-What a great rhythm section intro with this track…see…there is melody and groove on this shit!!!! This goes back and forth…brutal and catchy as hell…how can you deny the brilliance of this band. This is my favorite track from this release…i love the intermittent double vocal…it makes the song huge…and is just a slight hint of the things that are to cum!!!!!

Butchered At Birth—-As this release continues, I either get used to the sound quality or it seems to almost clear up as it goes on. This is FAST….delivered with venom and produces smiles from me. I love this band…and to think there was a time when I could not stomach this music!!!! Not sure what twisted me….anger maybe?

Rancid Amputation—-Much as you would expect, there are few surprises on this track….the outstanding features are incredible fucking drums and a vocal from hell….the melody of this song….ALMOST sticks in your head…..funny how all my muscles tense when I listen to this shit!!!!

Innards Decay—-Rounding out the release…sounding little different then when it all began, this has a slight guitar squeal to it….I dont think they learned how to do it yet…lol! this is brutal…bloddy and perverted…just as the Dr. ordered!

Bonus Track:

Covered With Sores [ Live  featuring George ‘Corpsegrinder’ Fischer]—-This allows you to realize how much the band has progressed and how important George is to that progression. The vocal is even more intense and the quality of this live performance is incredible. The melody is there and the energy is infectious…this is a brilliant visitation. This is fantastic!!!!

****1/2 out of 5

 

 

Band Of Skulls / Baby Darling Doll Face Honey

Band of Skulls are an English alternative rock band from Southampton, consisting of Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums). The group formed after meeting in college, although Marsden and Hayward have been friends since school.

The Analysis:

Light Of The Morning—-This begins with such a nice fuzzy sound and quickly dissolves into an almost blues laden delivery. The sound of the band is raw with a nice garage edge to it…at one point the song just stops…and returns more magnificent than ever…..just perfect.

Death By Diamonds And Pearls—-Beginning with nice short bursts of guitars, this turns into yet another great Garage style sound that reminds me of the stripes. This entire song has a certain attitude that makes me smile….at times the track is rather loud…..adding to the atmosphere…this is wonderful!

I Know What I Am—-With no pretense…..this delves into a nice duo vocal track that is breath-taking. I’m not sure where that other magnificent voice came from…sounding so much like Siouxsie Sioux…this is breath-taking!!!!

Fires—-Delivering a bit more of a mainstream sound, this is simply wonderful. The entire track has an almost Alt-Country sound to it that is rather unique when mixed with the female vocal and the intermittent bursts of guitar. This is fantastic!!! The chorus is addictive as hell!!!!

Honest—-Beginning unbelievably quiet and serene, the female vocal introduces the song and gives the band an entire different dynamic….this is a favorite of mine. the sound is quiet, ethereal and beautiful…with exquisite words to match…..wow!!!

Patterns—-Returning to a more straight forward, post-punk sound, this band will always keep you guessing as to what is coming next. I swear this lady sounds so much like Siouxsie!!!! This has great short bursts of energy…making it hard for me to sit still. Nice!!!

Hollywood Bowl—-Becoming rather predictable at this point, it is nice that they mix the vocal back and forth though…it does keep you guessing a bit more. I like the dual delivery…this is a bit darker and offers up short bursts of energy…….mired with some nice fuzz and distortion…I rather like this!

Bomb—-This begins a bit odd, but turns into a rather recognizable song this far into the release. There is some really nice aggressive guitars and drums spaced out through the track…making me smile inside at the energy. This is pretty damn nice!

Impossible—-Returning to a more sedate sound, this band is still full of surprises for me. I rather like the pretty jangly feel of this song…reminding me of the 90’s shoe gaze sound. The vocal is sedate but delivered with a pained feel that almost makes my eyes fill up…that is what music is all about…it is all about the emotion!!!

Blood—-Blues driven and delivered with that by now familiar Garage sound, this is slow to begin and is rather choppy to me. This delves into a rather sexy and sleazy sounding song……bare and stripped down…this is alt-Rock at its best!

Dull Cold Heart—-Delivering another layered and beautifully sedate track, this band is full of surprises. The quiet is intermixed with nice tempo changes, but is led by the sedate female vocal lead…..adding emotion on top of emotion. i rather love this song…..making my mood today even more concrete!

Cold Fame—-Ending the release…far differently than it began, you would be hard pressed to believe you were listening to the same band. This is wonderfully written…the words tear at me and make me think…..the instrumentation is beautiful. The entire thing leaves me with a real taste for this band…..urging me to go out and investigate the 2012 release….it is nice to be reminded of what you love….

**** out of 5

 

Cannibal Corpse / Bloodthirst

Bloodthirst is the seventh studio album by American death metal band Cannibal Corpse, and the third to feature George ‘Corpsegrinder’ Fisher as vocalist. It was released in 1999 through Metal Blade Records.

• George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher – vocals
• Jack Owen – guitar
• Pat O’Brien – guitar
• Alex Webster – bass
• Paul Mazurkiewicz – drums

The Analysis:

Pounded Into Dust—-Leaving little time to prepare yourself for the onslaught, this track really does live up to its name……from the onset, the classic beatdown is all over the track. George enters and the song takes on an almost demented delivery. This has nice breaks, a fantastic melody,,,,and some screams that are amazing. still a favorite track of mine!!!!

Dead Human Collection—-Relentless drums and a nice guitar squeal introduce the song….George is not far behind. There are huge, nice movements in this track….sklow….fast…slow fast……allowing for an actual melody to form despite the mayhem. this is wonderful…..brilliant and demonic…bloody and beautiful!!!!

Unleashing The Bloodthirsty—-Beginning with a bit more of a dirge, this track in particular, paints a picture of some of the brilliance that is to come with later releases. The slower and bass heavy melody allows even more gore vocals and screams…this was a great recipe to take the band to a higher level….this is a VERY favorite track of mine!!!!

The Spine Splitter—-With 3 seconds to catch your breath, you are smacked once again with the traditional ramblings of CC…this is fantastic. The intermittent growl….mixed wioth the scream makes this monumental. The squealing guitar is nice…but the bass heavy delivery makes it perfect!

Ecstasy In Decay—-Wow…this has a melody right from the opening notes of the song!!!! This is primo stuff……listening to this with headphones, you realize how great the production really is…as the sound travels from ear to ear. George has never sounded better and the bass section of this band is so damn important…this is a classic and fantastic track!!!!

Raped By The Beast—-Nice guitar breaks and squeals right at the start, the vocal is a bit to guttural, but the music rises above it. the instrumentation takes you on a journey all by itself. the drums are incredible and the rhythm section adds layers and layers to the song. the leads come at you almost in waves….just fantastic!!!!

Coffin Feeder—-Wow…what a great bass line……..people think that making this type of music is so easy…this stuff has structure and organization….the more you listen to it, the more you appreciate it. This is not thrash mayhem…this is organized melody placed with insanity?!!!!!

Hacksaw Decapitation—-This is different…..the track comes from the fog and builds and builds until it explodes your eardrums……the onslaught is there….but they actually makes you wait for it……this is worth the wait once the hell breaks loose…this is brilliant….layered, fast and exquisite….the guitarts squeal and make me hard….the vocal hits your gut….and the graveyard comes through your headphones……

Blowtorch Slaughter—-Leaving you little time to catch your breath, this track kicks in again with a vengeance. There are overlayed vocals on this track that makes it really unigue….sometimes giving the song a machine feel. This is full of sustained bass…..huge freakin drums and a bit of vocal manipulation that makes it a favorite!!!!

Sickening—-Returning to full on brutal assault, the band sound in this early release much as it sounds today….afterall, consistency is the key!!!!!

Condemned To Agony—-Ending this release in classic brutal form, the music starts right at the onset in a huge barrage followed by George delivering line after line of perverted fantasy….the guitar breaks and the superhuman drums,………that is what keeps me coming back…the words are fantasy…the music is real as hell!!!!

**** 1/4 out of 5