We're all in tents with porpoises

Zero’s not just a number. It’s a statement. #bandcamp #mathcore #punkrock

2025-08-11T15:30:00.001-06:00

Mathcore Dropouts – Multiply or Die (Part XX) [Album Sampler]

2025-08-10T16:28:00.000-06:00

🎵 Listen & Download on Bandcamp

Mathcore Dropouts – Multiply or Die (Part XX)

2022-09-13T11:54:00.002-06:00

This is a public service as I couldn't find anything online before I lost my money.

I used this company that contacted me from Angi.com They also seem to go by these other names:

svddlakaiconstruction@gmail.com, Steven Lakai, Sitiveni Lakai, Sitiveni T. Lakai, Takaetali Lakai,

Sitiveni Takaetali, Sitiveni Takaetali Laki, Kalapu Puatolinofo, Svvd Lakai, Veni Lakai, Veni Takaetali,

Kakapo Puatolinofo, Sitiveni Takaetali Finau, SVDD Construction, T & T Construction and Concrete,

SVDDLAKAI Construction, Trippleccc

They came out on July 24th and prepared for concrete, they poured concrete on the 26th. They came back and sealed the concrete. They didn't finish cleaning concrete off the fence and they didn't clean off the chalk line from the driveway before they sealed it.

Before they had finished this job I had received a bid for a deck. The owner was eager to get started and asked for $7000 up front. He hasn't been back for over 4 weeks and when I asked for my money back he quit returning my texts and calls.

I am not sure why he did the original project and not the follow up project, but I have found other people on Facebook whom have had similar experiences with this company.

Cell Number: 385-910-9119

SVDD Construction 243 Lakeview Dr Stansbury Park 84074 United States

T & T Construction and Concrete 4424 South 3200 West WVC, UT 84119

SVDDLAKAI Construction 9300 S Redwood Rd West Jordan, UT 84088

385-255-7536

Modal Scales and Chords

2020-03-23T11:39:00.002-06:00

I created these for my own playing, but thought I would share them for anyone else looking for something similar. The first two lines are the triads for the chords in the mode in sequence. The third line is a scale of the 3rd and 5th, the fourth line is a scale of triads and the last line is the scale itself. PDF version: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sb1yk5261zguprq/AAC0TWpCOE_30VXTGzCXhcQWa?dl=0

Modal Chord Scales in A

2020-03-13T11:46:00.000-06:00

I had a hard time finding this online. Most people post the modes in C Ionian, then D Dorian, then E Phyrgian etc... That isn't very useful to me. I want to see a comparison side by side in the same key. So I decided to post it here in case anyone else was looking for the same thing. It's a little sloppy, but I made it for me. Sharing was just an after thought.

Random Paintings and Drawings from the Past Year

2017-11-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Kachinas - Acrylic on Paper

2017-11-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Beginning Painting

2016-05-02T14:03:00.000-06:00

I decided I would like to learn to paint before I die, so I bought a book and some paints. The book I bought is called: “Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings: Pick up the skills * Put on the paint * Hang up your art” by Mark Daniel Nelson

It’s a lot of fun. When you suck at something there is no pressure to do anything but have fun.

Here is what I have done so far:

Tags: Acrylic, Art, Painting

Edit This

Yuna Strawberry Letter 23 Music Video for F

2015-03-27T09:24:00.001-06:00

Arirang

2014-03-11T10:15:00.001-06:00

)

Review: Meat Loaf - Hell in a Handbasket

2012-06-11T01:50:00.001-06:00

Untitled Page

In 1967 Marvin Lee Aday formed his first band, “Meat Loaf Soul” and after 45 years of performing in everything from bands to acting in over 35 movies, over 25 television shows(most recently “Celebrity Apprentice”), and doing over 20 concert tours, the man who now goes by “Meat Loaf” is releasing his 12^th studio album.

If familiar with the work of Meat Loaf you know that he does everything big, crazy and unexpectedly. Most of all Meat puts his whole heart and soul into everything he does.

It’s hard to do something unexpected when everyone is expecting it, but there were a few surprises on Hell in a Handbasket.

The first song, “All of Me” sets the tone for the album which Meat Loaf says is the first album he has made that really expresses the way he feels personally. It’s the kind of power ballad you would expect from a Meat Loaf album. “The Giving Tree” is a lesson in dynamics for any aspiring musician. Starting with a single tambourine, it swells from almost spoken lyrics to a feverish anthem with church choir like backup vocals. Then everything drops out and you have hand claps and church choir vocals until it ends with a single tambourine.

Pushing into the realm of the unexpected we have, “Live or Die”. On the surface with its acoustic guitar, fiddle and organ it sounds like a country song. Peel all that away and you actually have a pretty heavy rock song. The acoustic guitar solo in the middle works amazingly well too.

Meat crosses deep into the unexpected with the medley “Blue Sky/Mad Mad World/The Good God Is A Woman And She Don’t Like Ugly,” which includes rapping by Chuck D. Then he follows that up with another cover, “Calfornia Dreamin’”. No surprise that it’s a duet with Patti Russo. He makes it his own, but I have listened to it half a dozen times and I am still not sure if I like it or not.

Still unexpected is the song “Party of One”. I would say it crosses into the realm of early punk or psychobilly. It’s a song about the upside of being alone.

Finally the most unexpected oddity on Hell in a Handbasket is “Stand in the Storm”. Where else can you hear Meat singing with Trace Adkins, Mark McGrath and Lil Jon? Only someone like Meat Loaf could get such a diverse group of musicians together on an album. Let alone one song.

Meat Loaf made the mistake of writing Bat out of Hell at the beginning of his career. How do you possibly ever top your swan song? Hell in a Handbasket isn’t going to stand up to Bat out of Hell, but it is a good album. It is full of emotion, big vocals and great arrangements. Meat Loaf continues to have no qualms with cross contaminating genres. No matter what ingredients he mixes together it all ends up tasting like Meat Loaf. I am sure Guy Fieri would say, “Mmm, that’s money!”

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Giving Tree, Live or Die, Party of One

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1. All Of Me

2. The Giving Tree

3. Live Or Die

4. Blue Sky / Mad Mad World / The Good God Is A Woman And She Don't Like Ugly

5. California Dreamin'

6. Party Of One

7. Another Day

8. 40 Days

9. Our Love And Our Souls

10. Stand In The Storm

11. Blue Sky

12. Fall From Grace

Artist: Meat Loaf
Title: Hell In A Handbasket
Genre: Rock
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Label: Sony Legacy
Website: http://www.meatloaf.net

Review: Bob Ardern - Wires Rosewood & Roots

2012-05-22T00:17:00.000-06:00

Bob Ardern moved from England to Canada when he was 13, but it was on a visit back to England for the holidays that Bob discovered the guitar. Santa brought him a guitar for Christmas and then came the practicing. Living in the country without a television made for minimal distractions.

Bob took a break from guitar when life came knocking at his door. He finished his Computer Science degree, started a career, got married and bought a home. Life changed again after about twenty years and Bob found himself alone with no television and plenty of time to practice.

He began to play a local coffee shop and eventually ended up in Nova Scotia where he met producer David Findlay and joined with him to produce Wires, Rosewood & Roots.

This album is a collection of Bob’s instrumental pieces some on acoustic guitar and some with backing instruments. If I had to choose a genre to describe this album I would call it Nova Scotian New Age Blues.

The night I started to listen to Wires, Rosewood & Roots I was starting my 40 mile commute home in a blizzard. It became the perfect soundtrack to my snowy trek home. The first track “Dusty’s Train” was just what I expected to hear based from the picture on the cover of the cd. Open strings, natural harmonics, finger picking. It’s a very beautiful, soothing piece.

By the time I reached the track “Scotch Rocks” the snow was starting to stick to the roads. Normally I would have had the urge to drive a little faster than I was, but “Scotch Rocks” is so smooth that I just sat back and enjoyed the solitude while listening. This song has an acoustic jazz feel and the backing instruments really make this my favorite track on the CD.

When I cross the railroad tracks I know I am almost home and I was almost finished with my first listen to Wires, Rosewood & Roots. The album had made my trip home more of a journey than a commute. I was now listening to the final track “Windrush”. It’s a fine example of how Bob is able to combine New Age style guitar with bluesy guitar licks. This hybrid gives the album a very unique style of its own.

Wires, Rosewood & Roots made my hellish commute a little piece of heaven. If you like acoustic guitar, you should add this album to your collection. Make sure you keep a copy in the car just in case.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Dusty’s Train, Scotch Rocks, Windrush

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:
1. Irish Mood
2. Skating
3. Palindrome
4. Dusty's Train
5. Scotch Rocks
6. Flea's Reel
7. Eleanor of Aquitaine
8. Windrush
9. Tea Rose
10. Waiting for McAfee
11. Pray for Rain
12. Out of Work

Artist: Bob Ardern
Title: Wires Rosewood & Roots
Genre: Folk: Fingerstyle
Release Date: January 2, 2012
Label: Bob Ardern
Website: http://www.bobardern.ca/

Review: Ann Claire - Honkytonk Princess

2012-05-22T00:03:00.000-06:00

It’s good to be the king, but when you are Ann Claire it’s even better being the princess. Ann isn’t just the Honkytonk Princess; she is literally a real princess. She is the granddaughter of HH Princess Shams of Iran's Pahlavi Dynasty.

Ann Claire is far from what you would expect from a princess though. Ann grew up in London and Los Angeles. She attended school in England, Switzerland and Spain. She majored in film and television with a minor in sociology at University of Southern California. She also studied theatre and voice at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre. She is proud to be an American citizen and loves country music with her whole heart and soul.

As someone who already has fortune and fame, Ann has risked it all to follow her dream. Ann says, “This has never been for me about being famous or rich. Those things are not of interest to me at all. All I’ve ever wanted to do is write great songs and make a difference in the world, and sing and present them in a way where they will affect people.”

If you are going to call yourself the Honkytonk Princess, you better be ready to back up that claim. Out of the gate with the song, “Better Girl”, Ann Claire shows that writing and singing country music comes as easy to her as sliding off a greasy log backwards. Her voice is unique, but if I had to compare it to someone I would probably say it reminds me a little of Dolly Parton with some Kate Bush mixed in here and there.

The song “Lucky Me” quickly became my favorite with its great banjo intro and witty lyrics. I am impressed that with her privileged upbringing, Ann Claire is able to put her life experiences into words that ring true to rural America. I am sure part of this is due to her experiences working as a waitress at a barbecue joint when she first moved to Nashville. She didn’t even own a car. Not something your typical pampered princess would do.

The title track of Honkytonk Princess shows that you don’t have to be born into royalty to be treated like a princess. “I don’t think it matters at all whether you’re from a trailer park or a palace, you’ve gotta know who you are, what you’re worth, and don’t you take a cent less.”

Honkytonk Princess finishes with a nice ballad “Somewhere”, reminding us that life is about enjoying the journey and not worrying about the destination. “I couldn’t say just where I’m headed yet, but I’m headed somewhere”.

Ann co-wrote 8 of the 12 songs on this CD. The lyrics are witty and honest with a sense of vulnerability to them. Watch out Nashville there is a new girl in town and she is tearin’ it up. Honkytonk Princess is the best new country album that I have heard this year. Ann Claire is soon to be taking her rightful place as an heir in the country music royal family.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Better Girl, Lucky Me, Somewhere

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1. Better Girl
2. Dark Horse
3. Lucky Me
4. Good Enough
5. Honkytonk Princess
6. Here to Home
7. Let’s Go To Mexico
8. Way That I Do
9. Go With Me
10. If I Leave Here Tonight
11. Gettin' Good At This
12. Somewhere

Artist: Ann Claire
Title: Honkytonk Princess
Genre: Country/Pop
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Label: Prosody Records
Website: http://princessannclaire.com/

Review: Sonic Station - Sonic Station

2012-05-21T23:52:00.002-06:00

Sonic Station is the vision of Swedish guitarist, composer and producer Alexander Kronbrink. He wanted to make an 80’s AOR style album that would have influences of Toto, Mr. Mister, Journey and some West Coast-sound of Airplay, Michael McDonald and Marc Jordan.

There is a large cast of singers and musicians on Sonic Station. Featured on lead vocals: Marika Willstedt, Magnus Bäcklund, Kristoffer Fogelmark & Tove Lo, guitars: Alexander Kronbrink, keyboards: Jonathan Fritzén, Marika Willstedt, David Larson & Alexander Kronbrink, bass: Henrik Linder, Johan Hansén-Larson, Erik Metall, Kristofer Sundström & Johan Ivansson, drums: Aron Mellergårdh, Thern Pettersson & Niklas Almgren, percussion: Andreas Ekstedt, backing vocals: Marika Willstedt, Kristoffer Fogelmark, Oskar Nilsson, Matilda Bådagård & Alexander Kronbrink, saxophone: Conny Lindgren, trumpet, Flugelhorn: Erik Palmberg

The pilgrimage back to the 80’s begins with an instrumental piece with the unlikely name, “Intro”. It’s an airy song with layers of synthesizers, echoed guitars and trumpet. It’s a nice lead-in to “Love’s Gonna Show the Way”, the catchiest song on the album. From the moment the almost acapella vocals come in you are hooked. I dare you to not sing along.

“You Have to let me go” is a composite of 80’s meets the present. Tove Lo’s raunchy vocals are the energy that really drives this song through the roof. Also, Kronbrink ushers in the return of the guitar solo.

What would an 80’s/West Coast album be without a ballad? “The Most Beautiful Fear” more than satisfies that need. It was an expansion of a chord progression that Kronbrink’s father (also a song writer) shared with him some years ago. This track also has over 20 tracks of percussion on it.

“Never Let the Sunshine Die” is the perfect canvas for Kronbrink to paint his rainbow of guitar licks on. His guitar is literally wailing and weeping as he sets the stage for Kristoffer Fogelmark to take over. He sings about the sky crying out rain, mirroring the sentiment with his raspy vocals. The song ends with an equally impressive outro-solo.

The album Sonic Station is teeming with amazing guitar sounds and synth patches. Kronbrink set out to recapture the feel of the 80’s. He succeeds in giving us a glimpse into where that sound would have evolved to had it stayed in the mainstream. The 80s were about excess in everything including record production. I hope this is the album that launches that sound back into the forefront.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Love's Gonna Show the Way, You Have to Let Me Go, The Most Beautiful Fear, Never Let the Sunshine Die

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Love's Gonna Show the Way
3. I Wish I Could Lie
4. Hold On to Me
5. You Have to Let Me Go
6. The Most Beautiful Fear
7. Running Through the Night
8. Never Let the Sunshine Die
9. My Last Refrain
10. Love You More
11. Reasons

Artist: Sonic Station
Title: Sonic Station
Genre: West Coast/ AOR
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Label: Frontiers Records
Website: http://www.sonic-station.com/

Review: Mr. Big - One Acoustic Night Live From the Living Room

2012-05-21T23:26:00.001-06:00

In January of 2011 Mr. Big recorded an acoustic album in front of a small audience at WOWWOW TV studios in Tokyo, Japan. The album is called Live from the Living Room because the band performed on a stage that was created to look like a living room.

Mr. Big consists of Eric Martin (vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass) and Pat Torpey (percussion).

My first thought listening to this album was, “Hey that sounds like an electric bass.” I think the electric bass is why this album works for me. Acoustic albums are fun to listen to as a novelty and every once and awhile one comes along that actually stands well on its own. The problem with most of them though is that all the energy is sucked right out of the music. I think Mr. Big has figured out how to keep it exciting by leaving the electric bass in. In fact the last track of the album, “Nobody Left to Blame” has electric guitar as well.

After repeatedly listening to Live from the Living Room what stands out are the vocals and harmonies. When you turn down the instruments your vocals are standing there naked for everyone to hear. Martin’s vocals are dead on and soulful. The backup vocals help add some of their own excitement to these stripped down arrangements.

Right out of the gate Mr. Big are rocking it with “Undertow”. There are fantastic instrumental parts in-between the melodic vocal parts. The whole song has a tension/resolution feel between the instrumental parts and the choruses.

“Voodoo Kiss”, is the funkiest track on Live from the Living Room. The bass lick is dripping with mojo. Sheehan must be practicing some kind of voodoo to come up with such a perfect riff.

Want to hear some amazing playing? “Around the World” has it covered on acoustic guitar and bass. I gave up trying to decide which part was my favorite. Sheehan and Gilbert both are at the top of their game on this one. When I think about the fact that this was a live show (one take, no overdubs), I can’t help but sit in awe of just what great musicians these guys are.

The last half of the album adds a string quartet playing arrangements by Takashi Miyazaki. It’s nice how the band mixes things up a little to keep the album fresh.

While I prefer the electrified Mr. Big, the percussion and acoustic guitar on Live from the Living Room give these songs a fresh new life of their own. There are plenty of great moments on this album. If you are a Mr. Big fan you should add it to your collection. If you aren’t a Mr. Big fan give this a listen. Maybe you will like the acoustic version of the band.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Undertow, Voodoo Kiss, Around the World

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1. Undertow
2. Still Ain't Enough For Me
3. As Far As I Can See
4. Voodoo Kiss
5. Take Cover
6. Around The World
7. Stranger In My Life
8. All The Way Up
9. To Be With You
10. Nobody Left To Blame

Artist: Mr. Big
Title: One Acoustic Night Live From the Living Room
Genre: Acoustic Rock
Release Date: 28 February, 2012
Label: Frontiers Records
Website: http://www.mrbigsite.com/

Review: Van Halen - A Different Kind of Truth

2012-05-15T00:19:00.000-06:00

It seems like there are two types of Van Halen fans out there, the fans that prefer David Lee Roth as the front man and those that prefer Sammy Hagar. There might even be a couple that like the Gary Cherone Van Halen.

I was one of those in the David Lee Roth camp. The album 1984 brought heavy metal into the mainstream. Even my parents knew the song “Jump” (It’s still the catchiest, most upbeat song I have ever heard about suicide).

Last year I heard the band was working on a new album with David Lee Roth (vocals), Eddie Van Halen (guitar), Alex Van Halen (drums) and Wolfgang Van Halen (bass). The wait was reminiscent of my childhood days waiting for Christmas.

In January the band released the single “Tattoo” and I found myself feeling disappointed. The lyrics were a bit quirky and it just seemed a little cheesy to me. I have been listening to the new album A Different Kind of Truth all week long and realized something that has totally changed my feelings about this album. This is the same stuff that I used to love about the original Van Halen. The message hasn’t changed. The world we live in has. We are just getting out of a war and the economy seems to finally be gaining some ground. The world has been to Hell and back and a lot of people are ready for some healing.

It’s about time we find our sense of humor again. A Different Kind of Truth is a refreshing journey back to those carefree party days when life was less serious and no one had ever heard of political correctness.

The first thing I noticed about this album was the lack of keyboards. When 1984 came out peoples biggest worry was that there was too much keyboard on it. If you were one of them then this one’s for you.

The second thing I noticed was the bass playing was a lot busier than the typical Van Halen album. The song “China Town” starts with a duel attack of guitar and bass playing synchronized two hand tapping licks. It may be that Wolfgang is a better bass player than Michael Anthony or it could be that Eddie is more willing to share the limelight with his son. Either way it works on this album.

Eddie and Alex have some new tricks up their sleeves. They continue to reach new levels as musicians and David Lee Roth delivers all the tongue in cheek lyrics and catchy melodies you would expect from one of the most entertaining showmen to ever front a rock and roll band.

There are some great songs on A Different Kind of Truth. There is the song “Stay Frosty” which sounds like a tribute to “Ice Cream Man” with an updated energy to it. The song “Honeybabysweetiedoll” is unique with an East Indian kind of feel to it. The guitar solos on this one take me to my “Happy Place”, but when I say, “Tap it in” I am thinking about Eddie’s two hand tapping.

The album ends strong with what I consider the heaviest song on the album, “Beat Workin’”, a song that treats us to a funky bass solo in the middle with liberty and cow bell for all.

A Different Kind of Truth is just the kind of truth I have been searching for. The only thing I find myself wanting that isn’t here is Michael Anthony’s backup vocals, but there are a lot of hidden gems on this album that more than make up for it. When was the last time a heavy rock album made you smile? For me it’s every time I play this album.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Honeybabysweetiedoll, Stay Frosty, Beats Workin’

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1. Tattoo

2. She's the Woman

3. You and Your Blues

4. China Town

5. Blood and Fire

6. Bullethead

7. As Is

8. Honeybabysweetiedoll

9. The Trouble with Never

10. Outta Space

11. Stay Frosty

12. Big River

13. Beats Workin'

Artist: Van Halen

Title: A Different Kind of Truth

Genre: Heavy Rock

Release Date: February 7, 2012

Label: Interscope Records

Website: http://www.van-halen.com/

Review: KLogR - Till You Decay

2012-05-15T00:08:00.000-06:00

When I first read the name of this band my arteries started to harden in anticipation. They were relieved when I found that the band name wasn’t pronounced (clogger), but (kay-log-are).

It’s based on the law of Weber-Fechner: S = K log R ( the amount of stimulus that each of the senses needs to actually be triggered on a cognitive level).

This project is led by Gabriele “Rusty” Rustichelli (Vocals & Guitars) with Nicola Briganti (Guitars), Todd Allen (Bass), Filippo De Pietri (Drums).

Their new album Till You Decay is a concept album about how society controls and judges us, conditions us and suffocates us. Society uses fear and anxieties to destabilize a person into something more fragile, more controllable and more subservient... till you decay.

The KlogR sound is a cross between alternative rock and alternative metal. It has its heavy moments and its melodic moments. The first song “Live Dying” starts with clean guitars and a lot of cymbals. Then the song kicks into overdrive with crunchy, thick rhythm guitars, driving bass and drums. “Live Dying” cycles through heavy choruses and soft parts with ghostly, airy vocals. The bridge adds more variance and then goes into a cool guitar interlude with some cool wah-wah guitar effects.

“Bleeding”, the first single off of Till You Decay, starts at ludicrous speed with some frantic solo guitar. A machine gun like drum roll brings it home setting the mood for Rusty’s commodious vocals to take over. The bass and drums really open this song up during the choruses and then bring back the intensity for the verses.

“Young Graves” takes a little detour from the rest of the album. It’s a bit slower and often has a really soulful feel. The bass really shines in this one. I think “Young Graves” really showcases the versatility of the band.

Till You Decay is a gratifying album. The 11 songs on this album show a wide range of vocal ability and musical styles. I like the multiplicity KlogR has to move between heavy and melodic styles within the same song. I find musical journeys in between the vocals a great way to keep the listener engaged.

Listen to Till You Decay your arteries with thank you.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Live Dying, Bleeding, Young Graves

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1. Live Dying

2. Silk and Thorns

3. White Eyes

4. Bleedin'

5. Green Star

6. Self Loathing

7. Naked Mind

8. You Gotta Know

9. Value of Sin

10. Silted Memories

11. Young Graves

Artist: KLogR

Title: Till You Decay

Genre: Alternative Rock / Alternative Metal

Release Date: January 30, 2012

Label: Zeta Factory

Website: http://www.klogr.net/home/

Review: Chickenfoot - III

2012-05-11T00:10:00.000-06:00

With the release of the new Van Halen CD right around the corner, I thought I would check out the new Chickenfoot III. I must admit I was disappointed at the first Chickenfoot attempt, so it’s taken me this long to give it a listen.

In case you don’t already know, Chickenfoot is: Sammy Hagar (Lead and Background Vocals), Joe Satriani (Guitars, Six String Banjo), Michael Anthony (Bass and Background Vocals) and Chad Smith (Drums and Percussion).

I am always a little disappointed that Joe Satriani behaves himself so much in this band. But I know he is doing it because he wants to let Chickenfoot be a band and not just a bunch of super stars putting out an album. That leaves room for some of the most interesting bass lines I have ever heard from Michael Anthony. Check the intro on Dubai Blues to see what I mean.

“Up Next” is like a modern version of “Purple Haze”, I love the guitar and bass playing lines that double each other. It happens a lot on the album. The drums are just as funky as you would expect from Chad Smith. Together the rhythm section locks into a fluidic groove and the result is nothing less than musical alchemy.

Sammy’s lyrics are intelligent, his vocals rugged and determined, and with Michael Anthony singing backup vocals, Chickenfoot III sounds like it could be a Van Halen album. Maybe more than Van Halen’s new album will.

My favorite track on Chickenfoot III is “Something Going Wrong”. It’s a nice acoustic bit with, surprise… a banjo part. There is also a very heartfelt song “Three and a Half Letters” in which Sammy recites some letters from people who have had a hard time making it in this slow economy. I do believe Chickenfoot may have their fingers more on the pulse of this nation than our politicians do.

The band has said they named this album Chickenfoot III to avoid the dreaded second album that many bands put out. What they don’t realize is that Chickenfoot I was that album. Chickenfoot III delivers the kind of album I was waiting for the first time around.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Something Going Wrong, Three and a Half Letters, Alright, Alright

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:
1.    Last Temptation
2.    Alright Alright
3.    Different Devil
4.    Next
5.    Lighten Up
6.    Come Closer
7.    Three and a Half Letters
8.    Big Foot
9.    Dubai Blues
10.    Something Gone Wrong
11.    No Change ( Hidden Track)

Artist: Chickenfoot

Title: III

Genre: Hard Rock

Release Date: September 27, 2011

Label: Entertainment One Music

Website: http://www.chickenfoot.us/

Review: Eric Sardinas and Big Motor - Sticks and Stones

2012-05-10T23:05:00.000-06:00

I first heard of Eric Sardinas in 2006. He appeared on Steve Vai’s Live at the Astoria London DVD. I knew he was a great guitarist, but seeing him playing “The Attitude Song” was my only exposure to him. He was a talented guitarist. I filed him away in my head under ‘slide guitar shredder’ and that was my entire experience with Mr. Sardinas.

I have spent quite a few years thinking that the blues were stagnant and the only new blues act selling albums was John Mayer.

When the Eric Sardinas and Big Motor, Sticks and Stones CD crossed my desk I swear the jewel case was convulsing. I loaded it up to give it a listen and to my surprise, the thing I noticed wasn’t the shredding I expected. What I noticed first was a great rockin’, almost rockabilly song, “Cherry Wine” with a deep and gruff rock ` n’ roll voice. I was instantly curious as to whether Mr. Sardinas was also the singer. Yep, Eric Sardinas (guitar, vocals), Levell Price (bass) and Chris Frazier (drums).

I listened to the whole CD and what I found was a great collection of songs that range anywhere from the Delta blues of “Ratchet Blues” all the way to a frenzied full out assault of “Behind the 8”.

Sticks and Stones is a collection of songs that are fun and clever. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is a lot of flashy playing on the album. That’s probably what you would be expecting to get if you bought this CD. To my surprise what you would end up with is an album that is entertaining and still enjoyable even after the flash has worn off.

The lesson I learned is, “Don’t believe everything you see on TV.” There are still exciting things happening in blues. After my re-introduction to Eric Sardinas and Big Motor I recommend Sticks and Stones to anyone who loves blues or rock.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ratchet Blues, Behind the 8, Country Line

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1.   Cherry Wine
2.   Road To Ruin
3.   Full Tilt Mama
4.   County Line
5.   Through The Thorns
6.   Burnin’ Sugar
7.   Ratchet Blues
8.   Behind The 8
9.   Goodness
10.   Make It Shine
11.   Too Many Ghosts

Artist: Eric Sardinas and Big Motor

Title: Sticks and Stones

Genre: Blues

Release Date: September 13, 2011

Label: Mascot Records

Website: http://www.ericsardinas.co.uk/

Review: The Danny John Trio - Mr. Twister

2012-05-09T23:31:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had never even heard of Daniel John and today he is one of my favorite guitarists ever.

Danny grew up in Canberra, Australia. He picked up the guitar at age eight and taught himself to play. After gaining an enthusiastic response in Australia he dropped everything and moved to Hollywood where he attended Musicians Institute of Technology. After three years of studying and playing with the best he felt like he was ready. He moved back to Australia and played with the best musicians Australia has to offer.

His latest venture “The Danny John Trio” is Daniel John (Guitars); James Dennett (Drums); Marcos Gil (Bass).

Their second album, Mr. Twister is ablaze with flashy, raucous, intense musical masterpieces. From the moment I hit play I was in guitar shredder heaven.

I hate it when guitar virtuosos put out albums with a bunch of singing with little guitar solos in-between. Mr. Twister delivers everything I ever wanted to hear on an instrumental guitar album. The shortest song is over 5 minutes long.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t just a bunch of heavy metal shredding for the sake of fitting as many notes into a measure as you can. No, each song on this album is a treasure trove of diverse styles, odd meters and vast dynamics, amazingly clean sweep picking, plus incredible bass and drum solos.

Mr. Twister starts out heavy with “Drift”. A lone distorted rhythm guitar progresses into a full out attack of guitar voodoo. It’s a nine minute song, but it never gets boring. “Would” rivals the group “The Mars Volta” for having the most genres in one song. The title track “Mr. Twister” is a lesson in playing in every meter except 4/4. “Lighthouse” makes a game of changing keys every two beats.

This album was recorded in 17 hours, but you would never guess. It’s a testament to the amazing talent of these artists. If they were painters this would be their Mona Lisa. If you are looking for a perfect Rock/ Jazz Fusion album, this is it. Look no further.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Drift, Mr. Twister, Lighthouse

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:
1. Drift
2. Would
3. Mr. Twister
4. Whole
5. Predilection
6. Badland
7. Lighthouse

Danny John: Drift Official Music Video Danny John from Danny John on Vimeo.

Artist: Danny John Trio
Title: Mr. Twister
Genre: Progressive Jazz Rock Fusion
Release Date: May 1, 2011
Label: Danny John Trio
Website: http://www.dannyjohntrio.com/

Review: Autumn Electric - If You're Home

2012-05-09T23:23:00.002-06:00

Michael Trew (guitars, vocals) met Naomi Smith (keys) at a coffee shop in Seattle. After their first tour they picked up drummer Dan Desrosiers off of Craiglist. They played as a three piece for a year and then hooked up guitarist/film maker Barton Macguire.

The band has recently met their fund raising goals at kickstarter.com and will begin recording a new CD Make Me a Tree in February. In the mean time you can listen to their current album If You’re Home.

The songs from this album are born out of the experiences the band had back packing in the UK and their first national tour in 2009.

If You’re Home begins with the ethereal “In the Redwoods”. The distorted guitar, cymbal rolls and vocal harmonies accented by church bells transport you into a dreamy world of electric folk music. I enjoy the imagery Trew paints of Paul Bunyon carving his name in to a redwood tree.

The percussion in the middle of “Garage Rock” is a creative mix of rim shots and ratchet sounds that make it like you are in a garage. It’s the little things like this that make me think that these guys are probably a lot of fun to see live.

“Alasdair and the Sunwidow” is probably my favorite track off the album. It’s very mellow. This track combines airy acoustic guitars and snare drum and cymbals with brushes to create a soft backdrop for haunting vocals and harmonies.

Trew’s voice is unique and the variety of instruments: melodica (key-flute), mandolin, shakers, brushes, etc… add a lot of texture to these songs. The production is lacking in areas, but that’s to be expected for an indie band that can record and publish a whole CD for less than two grand.

If you want to support a hard working indie folk band give them a listen.

3.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: In the Redwoods, Alasdair and the Sunwindow, Colorado

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1. In the Redwoods

2. Garage Rock

3. Wild Blackberries

4. Alasdaire and the Sun Window

5. Canyons

6. Colorado

7. The Bad Postman

8. Smarter Than Love

9. Letter from Laspatzia

10. Malmo

Artist: The Autumn Electric
Title: If You’re Home
Genre: Indie/Folk/Rock
Release Date: November 21, 2010
Label: Unicorn Music
Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/michaeltrew

Review: UFO – Seven Deadly

2012-02-02T19:15:00.001-07:00

UFO have been together for 42 years. In that time they have released 20 studio albums. The lineup has changed a bit over the years, but the band today has three original members Phil Mogg ( vocals), Paul Raymond (keyboards, guitars), Andy Parker (drums) and guitar slinger, Vinnie Moore.

It’s not often that I fall in love with an album on the first listen through. But when I do, I know I am in for a journey. That’s exactly what happened when I first listened to UFO’s new release, Seven Deadly.

FYI, the first track “Fight Night” is best played as loud as you can stand it. My pictures were falling off the walls. The biting rhythm guitar part is so infectious. Can’t help but play your air guitar while it’s playing. You will find yourself humming it later, “Tell my friends in ol’ Calcutta, the cat is staying and I’m living in the gutter.”

“Angel Station” is a beautiful ballad about the loss of a loved one. It has layers of chorused guitars underneath a legion of angelic vocal harmonies. It really makes you feel like your ears are in heaven when you are listening to it.

Seven Deadly ends strong with “Waving Goodbye”, a song with a nice blend of acoustic and electric guitars with a nice side of Hammond B3 organ. It’s the perfect song to end the album because it makes my finger hit the replay button and I start the journey again.

It isn’t hard to pin down what makes Seven Deadly such a great album. The songs are well written, catchy and intelligent, but most of all they have heart. The vocals are simply amazing and that would be enough to make Seven Deadly great, but on top of that are some amazing guitar sounds.

This is a solid rock album. It’s music like this that will keep the Rock genre alive forever.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Fight Night, Angel Station, Waving Goodbye

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:
1. Fight Night
2. Wonderland
3. Mojo Town
4. Angel Station
5. Year of the Gun
6. The Last Stone Rider
7. Steal Yourself
8. Burn Your House Down
9. The Fear
10.Waving Goodbye

Artist:pan> UFO
Title: Seven Deadly
Genre: Hardrock
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Label: PID
Website: http://www.ufo-music.info/

Review: The Weber Brothers - Baddest Band In The Land

2012-01-15T23:31:00.001-07:00

When I first listened to The Weber Brothers new CD Baddest Band in the Land, I pictured a bunch of guys in their late fifties who spent the last 30 years paying their dues playing in a Classic Rock cover band. Boy was I wrong.

Brothers Ryan Weber (vocals, guitar) and Sam Weber (bass) were born in 1980-83 in Baltimore, MD. They started playing in 1992. By the time Sam was 15 he was playing in bars at night and then getting up to go to school the next morning.

In 2001 Ryan emailed Ronnie Hawkins and through that email Ryan and Sam ended up working his farm in the day and being schooled by him at night. They eventually became official members of his band before breaking out on their own.

In the line-up for the Baddest Band in the Land the Weber Brothers are joined by: Emmet Van Etten (Drums), Shai Peer (Keyboards) and Tim Bracken (Multi-Instrumentalist).

Baddest Band in the Land gets off to a strong start with a hard rocking song “Stay in the Game.” It has a groove that reminds me of something Zeppelin would play. It’s littered with excerpts of American political activist, Mario Savio’s “Bodies upon the gears” speech. The vocals and keys remind me of the Doors. It’s probably my favorite track on the CD.

“Can’t Help Feeling Bad,” is like a cross between Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie. “Nothing We Can’t Get Through” reminds me a little of the Flaming Lips. Then the band switches it up with a classic Rockabilly style song, “Sell, Sell, Sell”.

The track “Who Ever Would Have Thought” is the low point of the CD for me; it’s a less catchy rip off of “Whiter Shade of Pale”. Things look up though with, “Things Are Looking Up For You.” It’s a cross between Tom Petty and The Who. The song “Panic Attack” could easily be an AC/DC song with a little REM thrown in. Baddest Band in the Land Ends with “Different Day” which reminds me of “Trampled Under Foot,” by Zeppelin with some REO Speedwagon and Kansas thrown in. The whole album seems to be sprinkled with a bit of the Beatles.

If you took all the best recordings from classic rock, diced them into little pieces and glued them back together in different places you would have this CD. It was recorded live over two days live. It feels nice and raw. The vocals and musicianship are great and the band really lives up to its claim of being the “Baddest Band in the Land”.

I would recommend this CD to anyone who likes Classic Rock, Heavy Rock or Album Oriented Rock.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Stay in the Game, Can’t Help Feeling Bad, Different Day

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1. Stay In The Game

2. Can’t Help Feeling Bad

3. Nothing We Can’t Get Through

4. Sell, Sell, Sell

5. Who Ever Would’ve Thought

6. Things Are Looking Up For You

7. Windbag

8. Origami Rose

9. Move Over The Mountain

10. Panic Attack

11. I Still Believe

12. Miles Away

13. Different Day

Artists: The Weber Brothers
Title: Baddest Band In The Land
Genre: Classic Rock
Label: Last Jack Productions
Website: http://www.weberbrothers.com

Review: Thin Lizzy - Live at the BBC

2012-01-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

Thin Lizzy was founded in late 1969 when guitarist Eric Bell and organist Eric Wrixon went to see the band Orphanage, which featured vocalist Phil Lynott and drummer Brian Downey. They formed with Lynott taking on bass as well as singing. Eric Wrixon left shortly after.

The band put out several records that charted in their homeland of Ireland, but failed to do much outside of their own country. At the time the band was playing Celtic music infused with spatterings of Hard Rock.

In 1973 Thin Lizzy made it to number 6 on the UK charts with their version of a Celtic folk song “Whiskey in the Jar”.

The following album failed to chart and Eric Bell left the band. After playing with a few temporay replacements including Gary Moore, the band settled on 18 year old Scottish guitarist Brian Robertson, and Californian Scott Gorham. In 1976 this lineup of the band recorded the album Jailbreak which contained the tracks “Jailbreak” and “The Boys are Back in Town”.

The band went through several changes from 1978 – 1983 when the band finally broke up. Phil Lynott focused on his solo career. In 1986 there were whispers of getting the band back together, but Lynott died that year at the age of 36.

Universal released a 2 CD and 6 CD version of Live at the BBC, which cover the different eras of Thin Lizzy and the BBC. The Live at the BBC 2 CD set is like a greatest hits of the 6 CD box set.

Disc one contains material from 1971-1974 which gives you a great feel for what the band was like in its original form. Songs like “Showdown” and “Slow Blues” showcase some great bluesy guitar solos. “Suicide” shows off some great slide guitar playing. Lynott’s ability to sing gruff vocals on songs like “The Rocker” and then sing equally as well on a quiet song like, “Randolph’s Tango” is proof of his amazing versatility.

Disc two covers 1974-1983. This CD covers more of the hit songs from the band. It has songs like “The Boys are Back in Town” with their signature sound of two guitars playing leads in harmony and “Jailbreak” among others.

I was also impressed to find a Reggae song, “Half Castle” and more of a Jazz sound on the song, “Dancing in the Moonlight” in this collection. They save the best for last with the final track being “The Boys are Back in Town” from a concert in 1983 at the Regal Theatre.

It’s a shame that Lynott didn’t get to see his music on the big screen in Toy Story. Or the new generation of fans that are discovering Thin Lizzy’s music now. I still hear a few Thin Lizzy songs regularly on the radio and there are still incarnations of the band that still tour, but without Lynott it just doesn’t seem like Thin Lizzy.

I probably wouldn’t suggest this collection as your first introduction to Thin Lizzy, but for fans of the band these CDs are a goldmine. I also think Universal should get a pat on the back for making Live at the BBC available as a 2 CD or 6 CD collections.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Whiskey in the Jar, Jailbreak, The Boys are Back in Town

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

Disc 1:

1. Look What The Wind Just Blew In

2. Whiskey In The Jar

3. Saga Of The Ageing Orphan

4. Things Ain't Working Out Down At The Farm

5. Suicide

6. Vagabond Of The Western World

7. Gonna Creep Up On You

8. Randolph’s Tango

9. Slow Blues

10. The Rocker

11. Little Girl In Bloom

12. Showdown

13. Little Darling

14. Black Boys On The Corner

15. Sitamoia

16. It's Only Money

Disc 2:

1. She Knows

2. Sha La La

3. Philomena

4. Still In Love With You

5. Baby Drives Me Crazy

6. Rosalie

7. Half Caste

8. Jailbreak

9. Cowboy Song

10. Don't Believe A Word

11. Johnny

12. Bad Reputation

13. Dancing In The Moonlight

14. Renegade

15. Killer On The Loose

16. Cold Sweat

17. The Boys Are Back In Town

Artists: Thin Lizzy
Title: Live at the BBC [Import]
Genre: Classic Rock
Label: Universal UK
Website: http://www.thinlizzy.org/

Review: Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison - Kimball Jamison

2012-01-15T23:14:00.000-07:00

When I saw that Frontier Records was putting together an album with Bobby Kimball (Toto) and Jimi Jamison (Survivor) I was thrilled. The song “Rosanna” was the soundtrack for my Jr. High School days. Kimball’s moustache was in style back then too.

Bobby Kimball played in Toto from the beginning in 1977 until 1984 and then came back in 1997. He played with many different bands in-between his engagements with Toto. Toto broke up in 2008.

Survivor was also formed in 1977. Jimi Jamison joined Survivor in 1983 when singer Dave Bickler suffered voice problems that caused him to leave. Jamison stayed with the band until 1993. He also played with many different bands in-between his breaks from Survivor. On November 15, 2011, Jimi Jamison announced he is returning to Survivor.

On this CD you have two extremely experienced singers and a band of top-notch musicians: Alex Beyrodt (Guitars & Lead Guitar), Mat Sinner (Bass), Jimmy Kresic (Keyboards), Martin Schmidt (Drums & Percussion). The production is very clean which makes it very enjoyable to listen to.

The very first song, “Worth Fighting For” on Kimball Jamison is exactly what I was hoping to hear on this CD. It reminds me a lot of the early Toto sound off their first couple of albums. The melody is very catchy with Kimball singing the highs and Jamison singing the lows. Their voices complement each other very well. It reminds me a little of the Toto song “English Eyes”.

My favorite song on Kimball Jamison is “Get Back in the Game”. It starts out with a capella vocals and then a wall of guitars, bass, drums and keyboards kick in. After a little guitar solo everything drops out and you hear a guitar playing something that sounds very similar to the riff in David Lee Roth’s “Going Crazy”. This song has some great opportunities for Kimball and Jamison to show off their vocal ranges. They both rise to the challenge. The lyrics, “Time to get up and get back in the game, little by little ‘til you’re out of the rain, oh get back in the game,” could very well apply to the careers that each of them have had.

Looking for something that sounds more like Survivor? “I did Everything Wrong” will satisfy that craving. This song is a nice power ballad. The melody is very catchy and the guitars are hypnotic. It feels like you are being teleported to the 80’s when you hear the lyric, “How I wish that I could turn back time, so that I could make it right”.

Kimball and Jamison seem to have tried to put some songs on Kimball Jamison that don’t sound like Toto or Survivor. They still sound like Toto and Survivor anyway, but who cares? Why start from scratch trying to get a new following? People will buy this album because they love Toto and Survivor. If they are lucky they may get some new fans that aren’t familiar with their work. I applaud Kimball for keeping his moustache too. John Oates looks so weird without his. It’s your look, own it! Most people who buy this album will be happy that it contains songs that sound like their former bands.

For me this is the album that should have been Toto VI. If you liked Toto or Survivor you will love Kimball Jamison.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Worth Waiting For, Get Back in the Game, I Did Everything Wrong

Kirk Bullough

Tracks:

1. Worth Fighting For

2. Can't Wait For Love

3. Sail Away

4. Chasing Euphoria

5. Find Another Way

6. Get Back In The Game

7. I Did Everything Wrong

8. Shadows Of Love

9. Hearts Beat Again

10. We Gotta Believe

11. Kicking And Screaming

12. Your Photograph

Artists: Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison
Title: Kimball Jamison
Genre: Melodic Rock
Label: Frontiers Records
Website: http://www.frontiers.it/album/4936/