8309 - A BAND CALLED O - OASIS (1975)

A BAND CALLED O
''OASIS''
1975
38:39

1 Amovin' 03:44
2 Foolin' Round 04:31
3 Sleeping 05:21
4 Morrocan Roll 02:41
5 Fine White Wine 03:46
6 Take Your Time 03:13
7 Bird Of Paradise 04:12
8 Ice 02:12
9 That's Up 03:08
10 Some People 05:47

Drums – Derek Ballard
Electric Piano, Clarinet, Vocals – Peter Filleul
Guitar (Bass) – Mark Anders
Guitar (Slide) – Craig Anders
Guitar, Vocals – Pix

THE BAND CALLED O BIOGRAPHY
BY WIKIPEDIA
A Band Called O were a band from Jersey, Channel Islands. Originally known as "The Parlour Band", playing progressive rock, they renamed to "A Band Called O" for two albums on CBS/Epic and later to "The O Band" for a further albums with UA. Despite issuing five albums, on three major labels, and being championed by John Peel, for whom they recorded four Peel Sessions, they had no chart success; but were a popular live act, who toured Britain and Europe.

The Parlour Band
Formed in Jersey, Channel Islands, circa 1970, as "The Parlour Band", the early line up comprised brothers Mark Anders (bass and vocals) and Craig Anders (lead guitar and vocals) with Peter Filleul (keyboards and vocals) formerly of the Climax Blues Band , Jon “Pix” Pickford (guitar and vocals) and Jerry Robbins (drums). Released in 1972, The Parlour Band's only album Is a Friend?, was produced by Nick Tauber in a melodic progressive rock style, sounding like a "more mainstream, less art-rock-inclined Yes" with strong keyboard and guitar parts. The Parlour Band toured supporting Caravan and Steve Hillage’s Khan.

They relocated from Jersey to Leicester, changed their name to "A Band Called O", and their drummer to Derek Ballard. This line-up released their first album on the Epic label, produced by Ben Sidran of the Steve Miller Band, and Chris White of the Zombies. A Band Called O (1974) and, despite being an album orientated band, a single "Rock and Roll Clown"/"Red Light Mama Red Hot" was released in Germany while they recorded the first of four Peel Sessions on 24 September 1974. They recorded their second Peel Session on 18 March 1975, before touring with Man and John Cipollina. Later that year, they released their second album, Oasis. They had one track "There Ain't Nothing I Wouldn't Do" on a single to promote their tour with Sassafras and Randy Pie as the "Hot On The Tracks" package.

Filleul left and was replaced by Ian Lynne, after about 6 months he was also replaced by Jeff Bannister, formerly with the John Barry Seven, The Alan Bown Set and Jess Roden’s Bronco.

The O Band
The band changed label from CBS/Epic to United Artists, and played their third Peel Session on 23 March 1976 (the BBC credit all the Peel sessions to A Band Called O, although one or two were after the name change). Musically, their style had already evolved from progressive rock to soft-rock, but it then moved towards a pop style. They changed their name to "The O Band" and released their third album Within Reach later that year.[9] A promotional single "Excerpts from Within Reach" was issued in the UK whilst two singles were taken from the album: "A Smile Is Diamond" / "Coasting" was issued in Germany,[10] and "Don't cha Wanna" /"Coasting" in the UK. They played their fourth and final Peel Session on 22 February 1977.

Also in 1977 they released a 12" EP Look to the Left, Look to the Right, before recording their final album The Knife,[12] from which the single "Almost Saturday Night"/"Love Ain't A Keeper" was taken. Shortly before a planned change of management, Pix Pickford decided to leave for a solo career. The O Band later disbanded at the end of 1977.

On the Road 1975-77 was released in June 2012 on CD (78 minutes) and as a download (118 minutes). Strangely, for a band known for its live performances, "this is the only live material ever released by the band".

Subsequent Careers
Craig Anders later played with Alan Ross and Charlie Dore.
Mark Anders now runs Bug Music
Derek Ballard went on to work with Razar, Charlie Dore, Bram Tchaikovsky and John Watts. In 1982 he moved to Germany and works in Berlin as a session musician and photographer.
Filleul rejoined the Climax Blues Band and later became a session musician recording with numerous artists including, Loudon Wainwright III, The Blues Band and Richard Thompson, adding composing, mixing and production work to his keyboard playing.
Pix Pickford had a brief solo career, releasing two singles: "Long Drop" and "Are you Rockin'", before moving to Spain to play with 'Racket' comprising Pickford, Nik Ramsey and Arturo Tore. Later, after a personnel change the band became 'Guiri', which saw Tore being replaced by Nigel Barrett on bass/vocals and for a while included Mike Smith on guitar and Blue Weaver on piano and keyboards. After Weaver and Smith's departure, Stefan Wickenden joined the band on guitar/vocals and this continues to be the current line-up.
Jeff Bannister played with Charlie Dore, on Joan Jett's Bad Reputation, and Raphael Ravenscroft’s Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway.
Discography
Albums
-As The Parlour Band
Is a Friend? (1972) Decca/Deram Records (SDL 10) - CD (2010) Esoteric (Eclec 2192)
-As A Band Called O
A Band Called O - O (1974) CBS/Epic (EPC 80120) UK
Oasis (1975) CBS/Epic (EPC 80596) UK
On the Road 1975-77 (2012) Major League Productions (MLP) (MLP21CD) UK
-As The O Band
Within Reach (1976) United Artists (UAS 29942)[9] - CD (1944) Repertoire (RR4419) + Bonus tracks (2002)
The Knife (1977) United Artists (UP36276) UK[12] - CD (1994)Repertoire (RR4420) Germany - CD (2006) Repertoire

8308 - A BAND CALLED O (1974)

A BAND CALLED O
''A BAND CALLED O''
1974
42:32

1 Red Light Mama, Red Hot! 06:17
2 Angelica 03:50
3 Helping Hand 03:44
4 Lady Beatrice 04:00
5 Ride, Ride, Ride 03:17
6 Rock Roll Clown 03:32
7 All I Need 02:11
8 Get Funky 03:33
9 Captain Cellphane/Sidewalk Ship 12:04

Drums – Derek Ballard
Electric Piano, Vocals – Peter Filleul
Guitar (Bass) – Mark Anders
Guitar (Slide)] – Craig Anders
Guitar, Vocals – Pix

THE BAND CALLED O BIOGRAPHY
BY WIKIPEDIA
A Band Called O were a band from Jersey, Channel Islands. Originally known as "The Parlour Band", playing progressive rock, they renamed to "A Band Called O" for two albums on CBS/Epic and later to "The O Band" for a further albums with UA. Despite issuing five albums, on three major labels, and being championed by John Peel, for whom they recorded four Peel Sessions, they had no chart success; but were a popular live act, who toured Britain and Europe.

The Parlour Band
Formed in Jersey, Channel Islands, circa 1970, as "The Parlour Band", the early line up comprised brothers Mark Anders (bass and vocals) and Craig Anders (lead guitar and vocals) with Peter Filleul (keyboards and vocals) formerly of the Climax Blues Band , Jon “Pix” Pickford (guitar and vocals) and Jerry Robbins (drums). Released in 1972, The Parlour Band's only album Is a Friend?, was produced by Nick Tauber in a melodic progressive rock style, sounding like a "more mainstream, less art-rock-inclined Yes" with strong keyboard and guitar parts. The Parlour Band toured supporting Caravan and Steve Hillage’s Khan.

They relocated from Jersey to Leicester, changed their name to "A Band Called O", and their drummer to Derek Ballard. This line-up released their first album on the Epic label, produced by Ben Sidran of the Steve Miller Band, and Chris White of the Zombies. A Band Called O (1974) and, despite being an album orientated band, a single "Rock and Roll Clown"/"Red Light Mama Red Hot" was released in Germany while they recorded the first of four Peel Sessions on 24 September 1974. They recorded their second Peel Session on 18 March 1975, before touring with Man and John Cipollina. Later that year, they released their second album, Oasis. They had one track "There Ain't Nothing I Wouldn't Do" on a single to promote their tour with Sassafras and Randy Pie as the "Hot On The Tracks" package.

Filleul left and was replaced by Ian Lynne, after about 6 months he was also replaced by Jeff Bannister, formerly with the John Barry Seven, The Alan Bown Set and Jess Roden’s Bronco.

The O Band
The band changed label from CBS/Epic to United Artists, and played their third Peel Session on 23 March 1976 (the BBC credit all the Peel sessions to A Band Called O, although one or two were after the name change). Musically, their style had already evolved from progressive rock to soft-rock, but it then moved towards a pop style. They changed their name to "The O Band" and released their third album Within Reach later that year.[9] A promotional single "Excerpts from Within Reach" was issued in the UK whilst two singles were taken from the album: "A Smile Is Diamond" / "Coasting" was issued in Germany,[10] and "Don't cha Wanna" /"Coasting" in the UK. They played their fourth and final Peel Session on 22 February 1977.

Also in 1977 they released a 12" EP Look to the Left, Look to the Right, before recording their final album The Knife,[12] from which the single "Almost Saturday Night"/"Love Ain't A Keeper" was taken. Shortly before a planned change of management, Pix Pickford decided to leave for a solo career. The O Band later disbanded at the end of 1977.

On the Road 1975-77 was released in June 2012 on CD (78 minutes) and as a download (118 minutes). Strangely, for a band known for its live performances, "this is the only live material ever released by the band".

Subsequent Careers
Craig Anders later played with Alan Ross and Charlie Dore.
Mark Anders now runs Bug Music
Derek Ballard went on to work with Razar, Charlie Dore, Bram Tchaikovsky and John Watts. In 1982 he moved to Germany and works in Berlin as a session musician and photographer.
Filleul rejoined the Climax Blues Band and later became a session musician recording with numerous artists including, Loudon Wainwright III, The Blues Band and Richard Thompson, adding composing, mixing and production work to his keyboard playing.
Pix Pickford had a brief solo career, releasing two singles: "Long Drop" and "Are you Rockin'", before moving to Spain to play with 'Racket' comprising Pickford, Nik Ramsey and Arturo Tore. Later, after a personnel change the band became 'Guiri', which saw Tore being replaced by Nigel Barrett on bass/vocals and for a while included Mike Smith on guitar and Blue Weaver on piano and keyboards. After Weaver and Smith's departure, Stefan Wickenden joined the band on guitar/vocals and this continues to be the current line-up.
Jeff Bannister played with Charlie Dore, on Joan Jett's Bad Reputation, and Raphael Ravenscroft’s Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway.
Discography
Albums
-As The Parlour Band
Is a Friend? (1972) Decca/Deram Records (SDL 10) - CD (2010) Esoteric (Eclec 2192)
-As A Band Called O
A Band Called O - O (1974) CBS/Epic (EPC 80120) UK
Oasis (1975) CBS/Epic (EPC 80596) UK
On the Road 1975-77 (2012) Major League Productions (MLP) (MLP21CD) UK
-As The O Band
Within Reach (1976) United Artists (UAS 29942)[9] - CD (1944) Repertoire (RR4419) + Bonus tracks (2002)
The Knife (1977) United Artists (UP36276) UK[12] - CD (1994)Repertoire (RR4420) Germany - CD (2006) Repertoire

8307 - THE PARLOUR BAND - IS A FRIEND? (1971)

THE PARLOUR BAND
''IS A FRIEND?''
1971
2006
41:28

1 Forgotten Dreams 02:39
2 Pretty Haired Girl 02:51
3 Spring's Sweet Comfort 05:05
4 Early Morning Eyes 03:50
5 Follow Me 04:54
6 Evening 04:56
7 Don't Be Sad 03:19
8 Little Goldie 03:17
9 To Happiness 03:00
10 Home: A) Once More Loneliness; B) Fortress; C) Home 07:32
Tracks By Peter Filleul

Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar (Rhythm) – Peter Filleul
Percussion – Jerry Robins
Producer – Nick Tauber
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Slide Guitar – Craig Anders
Vocals, Electric Bass – Mark Ashley Anders
Vocals, Electric Guitar – Pix

REVIEW
by Richie Unterberger (AMG)
Parlour Band's only LP is progressive rock-tinged mainstream early-'70s British album-oriented rock, competent but no more than that. Both keyboard and guitar parts take a strong role, and there's a bit of the multiple tempo changes and classical-tinged organ burble of bands like Yes in songs like "Forgotten Dreams." Some other songs steer well clear of art rock, though, "Pretty Haired Girl" coming across like prototypical early-'70s mellow California harmony rock. Even when it doesn't sound as Californian, though, the album's a pretty laid-back affair and, though it's agreeable, it's lacking in both power and first-rate songs. "Little Goldie" sounds a good deal like the early-'70s work of Todd Rundgren in its bouncy pop optimism and relatively sophisticated keyboard-based arrangement, though it's not typical of the record. A bit, though no more than a crumb, of art rock pretension creeps into the final cut, the three-part, seven-minute mini-opus "Home."

THE PARLOUR BAND BIOGRAPHY
BY WWW.PROGARCHIVES.COM
THE PARLOUR BAND were a Progressive Melodic/Hard Rock band from the Channel Island of Jersey. They signed to the Decca progressive imprint label, Deram and recorded their debut album 'Is A Friend?' in 1972.

Later the band changed their name and musical style towards a more American 'AOR' Rock sound and became A BAND CALLED 'O', which they later shortened to THE O BAND.

THE BAND CALLED O BIOGRAPHY
BY WIKIPEDIA
A Band Called O were a band from Jersey, Channel Islands. Originally known as "The Parlour Band", playing progressive rock, they renamed to "A Band Called O" for two albums on CBS/Epic and later to "The O Band" for a further albums with UA. Despite issuing five albums, on three major labels, and being championed by John Peel, for whom they recorded four Peel Sessions, they had no chart success; but were a popular live act, who toured Britain and Europe.

The Parlour Band
Formed in Jersey, Channel Islands, circa 1970, as "The Parlour Band", the early line up comprised brothers Mark Anders (bass and vocals) and Craig Anders (lead guitar and vocals) with Peter Filleul (keyboards and vocals) formerly of the Climax Blues Band , Jon “Pix” Pickford (guitar and vocals) and Jerry Robbins (drums). Released in 1972, The Parlour Band's only album Is a Friend?, was produced by Nick Tauber in a melodic progressive rock style, sounding like a "more mainstream, less art-rock-inclined Yes" with strong keyboard and guitar parts. The Parlour Band toured supporting Caravan and Steve Hillage’s Khan.

They relocated from Jersey to Leicester, changed their name to "A Band Called O", and their drummer to Derek Ballard. This line-up released their first album on the Epic label, produced by Ben Sidran of the Steve Miller Band, and Chris White of the Zombies. A Band Called O (1974) and, despite being an album orientated band, a single "Rock and Roll Clown"/"Red Light Mama Red Hot" was released in Germany while they recorded the first of four Peel Sessions on 24 September 1974. They recorded their second Peel Session on 18 March 1975, before touring with Man and John Cipollina. Later that year, they released their second album, Oasis. They had one track "There Ain't Nothing I Wouldn't Do" on a single to promote their tour with Sassafras and Randy Pie as the "Hot On The Tracks" package.

Filleul left and was replaced by Ian Lynne, after about 6 months he was also replaced by Jeff Bannister, formerly with the John Barry Seven, The Alan Bown Set and Jess Roden’s Bronco.

The O Band
The band changed label from CBS/Epic to United Artists, and played their third Peel Session on 23 March 1976 (the BBC credit all the Peel sessions to A Band Called O, although one or two were after the name change). Musically, their style had already evolved from progressive rock to soft-rock, but it then moved towards a pop style. They changed their name to "The O Band" and released their third album Within Reach later that year.[9] A promotional single "Excerpts from Within Reach" was issued in the UK whilst two singles were taken from the album: "A Smile Is Diamond" / "Coasting" was issued in Germany,[10] and "Don't cha Wanna" /"Coasting" in the UK. They played their fourth and final Peel Session on 22 February 1977.

Also in 1977 they released a 12" EP Look to the Left, Look to the Right, before recording their final album The Knife,[12] from which the single "Almost Saturday Night"/"Love Ain't A Keeper" was taken. Shortly before a planned change of management, Pix Pickford decided to leave for a solo career. The O Band later disbanded at the end of 1977.

On the Road 1975-77 was released in June 2012 on CD (78 minutes) and as a download (118 minutes). Strangely, for a band known for its live performances, "this is the only live material ever released by the band".

Subsequent Careers
Craig Anders later played with Alan Ross and Charlie Dore.
Mark Anders now runs Bug Music
Derek Ballard went on to work with Razar, Charlie Dore, Bram Tchaikovsky and John Watts. In 1982 he moved to Germany and works in Berlin as a session musician and photographer.
Filleul rejoined the Climax Blues Band and later became a session musician recording with numerous artists including, Loudon Wainwright III, The Blues Band and Richard Thompson, adding composing, mixing and production work to his keyboard playing.
Pix Pickford had a brief solo career, releasing two singles: "Long Drop" and "Are you Rockin'", before moving to Spain to play with 'Racket' comprising Pickford, Nik Ramsey and Arturo Tore. Later, after a personnel change the band became 'Guiri', which saw Tore being replaced by Nigel Barrett on bass/vocals and for a while included Mike Smith on guitar and Blue Weaver on piano and keyboards. After Weaver and Smith's departure, Stefan Wickenden joined the band on guitar/vocals and this continues to be the current line-up.
Jeff Bannister played with Charlie Dore, on Joan Jett's Bad Reputation, and Raphael Ravenscroft’s Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway.
Discography
Albums
-As The Parlour Band
Is a Friend? (1972) Decca/Deram Records (SDL 10)[4] - CD (2010) Esoteric (Eclec 2192)
-As A Band Called O
A Band Called O (1974) CBS/Epic (EPC 80120) UK[5]
Oasis (1975) CBS/Epic (EPC 80596) UK[7]
On the Road 1975-77 (2012) Major League Productions (MLP) (MLP21CD) UK[13]
-As The O Band
Within Reach (1976) United Artists (UAS 29942)[9] - CD (1944) Repertoire (RR4419) + Bonus tracks (2002)
The Knife (1977) United Artists (UP36276) UK[12] - CD (1994)Repertoire (RR4420) Germany - CD (2006) Repertoire

8306 - VICTOR KRUMMENACHER - HARD TO SEE TROUBLE COMING (2015)

VICTOR KRUMMENACHER
''HARD TO SEE TROUBLE COMING''
JANUARY 6 2015
43:58

1 Hard to See Trouble Coming 05:18
2 If I Could Only Close My Eyes 04:52
3 An Angel Who Sings Just Like Jaqui McShee 04:18
4 Chemtrails 03:15
5 All of This Is Mine 04:06
6 If You Won't Break My Heart, I Don't Stand a Chance 03:58
7 Tennessee & Pancho 03:46
8 An Act of Kindess 05:23
9 The Love of My Dreams 03:47
10 The Kildalton Cross 04:50

ABOUT
BY OFFICIAL WEBSITE
VICTOR KRUMMENACHER TO RELEASE NEW SOLO ALBUM
“HARD TO SEE TROUBLE COMING” JANUARY 6TH
Camper Van Beethoven Co-Founder Explores Blues & Folk Traditions on Solo Effort
October__2014 Los Angeles, CA: Victor Krummenacher, the San Francisco-based co-founder of indie rock icons Camper Van Beethoven, has taken time away from the still very active band (two albums and tours in the last year and a half) in order to record a solo album titled Hard To See Trouble Coming. Set for release in early January, the collection of ten original songs highlights his love of the blues, country rock and folk traditions. Co-Produced by Victor and renowned pedal steel player/long-time collaborator Bruce Kaplan (of American Music Club), Hard To See Trouble Coming showcases Krummenacher in the role of pensive lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist venturing beyond the bass and for the first time in his long and distinguished solo career, playing guitar—Fender Strat, Martin D18 & Jazzmaster—throughout. The songs are a vivid distillation of decades of artistry—from the freewheeling CVB punk aesthetic to a Graham Parsons-like exploration of “cosmic country.” Joining Krummenacher (bass, guitars, vocals) and Kaphan (steel guitars, keyboards, mandolin, percussion) are Paul Olguin (bass), John Hanes (drums), Loralee Christenson (vocals), Rich Kuhns (accordion), Chris G. Miller (guitar), James Sasser (vocals), Jonathan Segel (mandolin) and Katy Sloan (violin). Hard To See Trouble Coming will be released January 6TH on Veritas Records. Krummenacher will tour with a full band in 2015. Dates, tbs.

The title of Krummenacher’s 9th solo effort effectively captures the initial spirit of the project as it was taken from an old radio interview with The Band’s Levon Helm. When asked how he reacted to the suicide of keyboardist Richard Manuel, Helm replied “It’s hard to see trouble coming.” A dark jumping off point for what would become a series of highly personal, moody musical ruminations written throughout 2013 and recorded in a succinct and inspired two sessions. Hard To See Trouble Coming touches on such heady subjects as love gone wrong, burnt out friends, enduring love, drunkenness, paranoia, dogs, spaceships, Jacqui McShee, Tennessee Williams and the genius of Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks.

Says Krummenacher: “Astral Weeks is the kind of work that makes us as musicians realize we’re in a specific headspace being transformed through the experience. I felt that way making Hard To See Trouble Coming. For me, it was realizing that the world is overwhelming me but I can’t escape it. The album is all about feeling ready for change and transformation. It’s an honest statement of what it’s like for me having just been through a hard emotional time and wondering how much more I’ll have to go through – and will it be okay in the end?”

BIOGRAPHY
by Jason Ankeny (AMG)
Out in the Heat A founding member of the quintessential '80s-era college radio band Camper Van Beethoven, Victor Krummenacher subsequently played in the CVB offshoot Monks of Doom before beginning a solo career in 1995 with the release of Out in the Heat, recorded with backing band A Great Laugh. The co-founder (with fellow CVB alum Jonathan Segel) of the indie label Magnetic, Krummenacher returned in 1998 with Saint John's Mercy. The late nineties saw Krummenacher continuing his collaboration with Segel and Eugene Chadbourne as Camper Van Chadbourne, and even mending fences with David Lowery, resulting in periodic reunions of the great Camper Van Beethoven and an appearance on Cracker's album Forever. In 2003, Krummenacher released his third solo album, Nocturne.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

8305 - SPOCK'S BEARD - V (2000)

SPOCK'S BEARD
''V''
AUGUST 22 2000
62:38

1 At the End of the Day 16:24
2 Revelation (Nick D'Virgilio, Alan Morse, N. Morse, Ryo Okumoto) 6:02
3 Thoughts (Part II) (A. Morse, N. Morse) 4:36
4 All On a Sunday 4:01
5 Goodbye to Yesterday 4:35
6 The Great Nothing 26:58
I. From Nowhere
II. One Note
III. Come Up Breathing
IV. Submerged
V. Missed Your Calling
VI. The Great Nothing
Tracks By Neal Morse, Except As Indicated

Neal Morse - lead vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, synth
Alan Morse - electric guitar, cello, vocals
Nick D'Virgilio - drums, percussion, vocals
Dave Meros - bass, French horn, vocals
Ryo Okumoto - hammond organ, mellotron
Additional personnel:
Katie Hagen - French horn
Chris Carmichael - violin, viola, cello
Kathy Ann Lord - English horn
Joey Pippin - trumpet

REVIEW
by Joseph R. Scotti (AMG)
The Beard's fifth studio album, 2000's most aptly titled V, is the apex of their career. Blending commercial moments with technical genius, V leaves the listener with a brilliantly crafted finished product. "At the End of the Day" kicks off V and is nothing short of a classic. "Thoughts, Pt. 2" is intricate yet beautiful. "Goodbye to Yesterday" is a tender ballad. The CD ends with "The Great Nothing," which again displays the genius behind Neal Morse and Spock's Beard. This is the type of CD that needs to be listened to several times before it hits you. But when that moment arrives, the value of V will be recognized.

BIOGRAPHY
by David White
Spock's Beard began in 1992 when brothers Neal (lead vocals) and Al Morse (guitar) teamed up with drummer Nick D'Virgilio. After self-financing their first album, bassist Dave Meros joined, and The Light was recorded in 1994. Consisting of four lengthy songs, this debut album was well received by progressive rock fans, but received little public acclaim. Ryo Okumoto joined in 1995 to play keyboards. In 1996, The Official Bootleg was released, a live performance containing the entire first album plus one song from the upcoming second album. 1996 also saw the band sign with various record labels around the world, in addition to releasing Beware of Darkness, which contains the same style of music, but in shorter pieces (all ten minutes or less, except for the 15-plus-minute last track). Spock's Beard's third studio album, The Kindness of Strangers, was released at the end of 1997; Day for Night followed in 1999 and V was issued a year later. Deciding they had the experience and chops to attempt a concept album, they spent the next few years putting together Snow. The double album revolved around the title character, an albino teenager that could possibly be the messiah. Taking a much more detailed approach to the material, the band had a difficult two years writing the album and was rewarded with a strong promotional push from Metal Blade Records. Following Snow, Neal Morse became a born again Christian and left the band. The remaining members quickly regrouped, however, with D'Virgilio assuming the lead vocal duties and managed to release Feeling Euphoria the following year. 2004 saw the rerelease of their first three albums and in 2005 they delivered both a new studio offering (Ocatane) and Live in 2005: Gluttons for Punishment.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

8304 - SPOCK'S BEARD - BEWARE OF DARKNESS (1996)

SPOCK'S BEARD
''BEWARE OF DARKNESS''
JANUARY 1996
57:55

1 Beware Of Darkness (George Harrison) 05:41
2 Thoughts 07:07
3 The Doorway 11:32
4 Chatauqua 02:48
5 Walking On The Wind 09:06
6 Waste Away 05:19
7 Time Has Come 16:19
Tracks By Neal Morse, Except 1

Neal Morse - lead vocals, piano, synthesizer
Alan Morse - guitars, cello, vocals
Dave Meros - bass guitar
Nick D'Virgilio - drums, percussion, vocals
Ryo Okumoto - hammond organ, mellotron

REVIEW
by Thom Jurek (AMG)
Beware of Darkness, the follow-up to California prog unit Spock's Beard's underground hit debut, The Light, is a complete exercise in MORE. Using George Harrison's beautiful song (but Leon Russell's version of it) as a take-off point, the band uses a full-blown choir, thundering guitars, and Neal Morse's growling vocal to create another valid and moving version of the tune. Beware of Darkness as an album is more "song-oriented" than its predecessor. It contains eight tunes instead of four and the longest, the closing "Time Has Come," is a mere 16 minutes, while the shortest, "Chatauqua," is a mere 2:49! In addition, the band's scope widened here; aside from references to Yes, King Crimson, and early Genesis, listeners can also hear elements of Gentle Giant, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Pat Metheny in the mix, too. However, all of them are subservient to Spock's Beard's tough, aggressively driven rock & roll approach. In many ways it goes beyond The Light, particularly because of its construction-like songwriting approach on "The Doorway," a tune written before anything on the band's debut album, where classically precise pianos give way to monstrously plodding basslines and knotty little synth riffs introduce those propulsive guitars and huge organ swells with a delicate vocal floating above it all. The overall feel of the disc is more abrupt and shape-shifting than violently dreamy like The Light, and it works without a hitch. While the sheer wildness of The Light may be preferable to this set, the overall sophistication in composition and the recording quality are quite noteworthy. This might not be the place to start with Spock's Beard, but it is certainly a place to go once the introduction has been made.

BIOGRAPHY
by David White
Spock's Beard began in 1992 when brothers Neal (lead vocals) and Al Morse (guitar) teamed up with drummer Nick D'Virgilio. After self-financing their first album, bassist Dave Meros joined, and The Light was recorded in 1994. Consisting of four lengthy songs, this debut album was well received by progressive rock fans, but received little public acclaim. Ryo Okumoto joined in 1995 to play keyboards. In 1996, The Official Bootleg was released, a live performance containing the entire first album plus one song from the upcoming second album. 1996 also saw the band sign with various record labels around the world, in addition to releasing Beware of Darkness, which contains the same style of music, but in shorter pieces (all ten minutes or less, except for the 15-plus-minute last track). Spock's Beard's third studio album, The Kindness of Strangers, was released at the end of 1997; Day for Night followed in 1999 and V was issued a year later. Deciding they had the experience and chops to attempt a concept album, they spent the next few years putting together Snow. The double album revolved around the title character, an albino teenager that could possibly be the messiah. Taking a much more detailed approach to the material, the band had a difficult two years writing the album and was rewarded with a strong promotional push from Metal Blade Records. Following Snow, Neal Morse became a born again Christian and left the band. The remaining members quickly regrouped, however, with D'Virgilio assuming the lead vocal duties and managed to release Feeling Euphoria the following year. 2004 saw the rerelease of their first three albums and in 2005 they delivered both a new studio offering (Ocatane) and Live in 2005: Gluttons for Punishment.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

8303 - SPOCK'S BEARD - THE LIGHT (1994)

SPOCK'S BEARD
''THE LIGHT''
1994
56:46

1 The Light (Alan Morse, Neal Morse) 15:28
I. The Dream
II. One Man (Alan Morse, N. Morse)
III. Garden People
IV. Looking Straight into the Light
V. The Man in the Mountain
VI. Señor Valasco's Mystic Voodoo Love Dance
VII. The Return of the Horrible Catfish Man
VIII. The Dream"
2 Go the Way You Go (Neal Morse) 12:01
3 The Water (Neal Morse) 23:04
I. Introduction/The Water
II. When It All Goes to Hell
III. A Thief in the Night
IV. FU/I'm Sorry
V. The Water (Revisited)
VI. Runnin' the Race
VII. Reach for the Sky"
4 On the Edge (Neal Morse) 6:09

Neal Morse - lead vocals, keyboards
Alan Morse - guitars, cello, vocals
Dave Meros - bass
Nick D'Virgilio - drums, vocals
Molly Pasutti and Wanda Houston - background vocals on 3

REVIEW
by Thom Jurek
The Light is the debut album from Spock's Beard, the Culver City, CA neo-prog rock band whose sprawling exercises in technical proficiency and suite-like compositions made them an underground legend almost immediately. One has to understand that The Light is nothing at all akin to anything being done in the mid-'90s. Yes hadn't yet made their full comeback, and the memories of Genesis with Peter Gabriel faded ever more pervasively form view with each subsequent Phil Collins solo release. Here are four sprawling, knotty, syncopated tunes, two of them, the title track and "The Water," are multiple-part suites that encompass no less than 48 minutes of the album's 67 minutes. In addition, this album was self-financed. (What "responsible" multi-national recording conglomerate during Nirvana-mania would give them a record deal after all?). There are wonderfully referenced elements here in these massive and yes, overblown constructions -- but that's what prog's delight is -- it's overblown and confoundingly complex. There's the great King Crimson "21st Century Schizoid Man" reference in "One Man," and the flamenco-cum-near-gothic metal of the "Return of the Catfish Man," near the end of The Light. The layered keyboards and backing chorus in "Go the Way You Go" reminds one of Yes at their knottiest, before slipping expertly into an altered universe dynamically and becoming a poetic and romantic elegy. And "The Water"'s labyrinthine, apocalyptic, maze-like compositional journey that may not sound like punk, but certainly reflects many of its sentiments, is an anomaly in any kind of music that espouses this M.O. The dodgy (but not substandard) recording makes it sound like classic- '70s vintage, and the music is out of time and space. Fans of this genre have long regarded it as a classic.

BIOGRAPHY
by David White
Spock's Beard began in 1992 when brothers Neal (lead vocals) and Al Morse (guitar) teamed up with drummer Nick D'Virgilio. After self-financing their first album, bassist Dave Meros joined, and The Light was recorded in 1994. Consisting of four lengthy songs, this debut album was well received by progressive rock fans, but received little public acclaim. Ryo Okumoto joined in 1995 to play keyboards. In 1996, The Official Bootleg was released, a live performance containing the entire first album plus one song from the upcoming second album. 1996 also saw the band sign with various record labels around the world, in addition to releasing Beware of Darkness, which contains the same style of music, but in shorter pieces (all ten minutes or less, except for the 15-plus-minute last track). Spock's Beard's third studio album, The Kindness of Strangers, was released at the end of 1997; Day for Night followed in 1999 and V was issued a year later. Deciding they had the experience and chops to attempt a concept album, they spent the next few years putting together Snow. The double album revolved around the title character, an albino teenager that could possibly be the messiah. Taking a much more detailed approach to the material, the band had a difficult two years writing the album and was rewarded with a strong promotional push from Metal Blade Records. Following Snow, Neal Morse became a born again Christian and left the band. The remaining members quickly regrouped, however, with D'Virgilio assuming the lead vocal duties and managed to release Feeling Euphoria the following year. 2004 saw the rerelease of their first three albums and in 2005 they delivered both a new studio offering (Ocatane) and Live in 2005: Gluttons for Punishment.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

8302 - KANDIA CRAZY HORSE - STAMPEDE (2013)

KANDIA CRAZY HORSE
''STAMPEDE''
2013
39:31

1 California (Kandia Crazy Horse, Carmen Sclafani) 04:45
2 Congo Square (Kandia Crazy Horse, Martha Redbone, Aaron Whitby) 03:28
3 Gunfight At the Golden Corral (Kandia Crazy Horse, Albert Menéndez) 03:01
4 Americana (Kandia Crazy Horse, Ben Peeler) 02:24
5 So Many Enemies (Neal Casal) 04:07
6 Cabin in the Pines (Kandia Crazy Horse, Albert Menéndez) 03:07
7 Soul Yodel #3 (Kandia Crazy Horse, Albert Menéndez) 03:39
8 Cowgirls (Olgui Chirino, Kandia Crazy Horse, Albert Menéndez) 04:09
9 New Kid in Town (Glenn Frey, Don Henley, J. D. Souther) 04:21
10 Quartz Hill (Olgui Chirino, Kandia Crazy Horse, Albert Menéndez, Ricardo Suarez) 06:22


Joe Ayoub/Bass
Brendan Buckley/Drums
Angie Chirino/Choir/Chorus
Jesse Chirino/Choir/Chorus
Olgui Chirino/Choir/Chorus, Choir Arrangement, Vocal Producer, Vocals
Kandia Crazy Horse/Vocals
Juliet Maisha/Choir/Chorus
Albert Menéndez/Keyboards, Piano, Programming
Tim Mitchell/Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Guitjo
Megan Mullins/Fiddle
Ben Peeler/Banjo, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Lap Steel Guitar
Quartz Hill Choir/Choir/Chorus
Ricky Ruiz/Choir/Chorus
Ricardo Suarez/Bass

Album Notes
by cdbaby
Stampede, the vital start to a Great American song cycle, brings many lyrical and sonic surprises to country music tradition. This album narrates a chase across a mythical landscape, conjuring many emotions including love. By the album's closer "Quartz Hill," Stampede is a heartworn epic, splendidly composed and still dangling desires and sadness that will not fade away. Yet the roar of joy can be heard down America's fabled highways. Veteran UK music journalist & author Barney Hoskyns says, "Kandia Crazy Horse has made a seriously great album of righteous country soul." Music Morsels takes the point further, "This is music created by a lady with a very high level of passion and talent, with a clear idea of her musical influences and what she wants to do with it. Soul in country music is not a new idea, as anyone who has ever listened to Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash or Patsy Cline can attest to. Kandia Crazy Horse just has found a way to bring that into the 21st century and it works marvelously." Above all, on Stampede, Kandia Crazy Horse is bent on relating her own legend, always as narrated by a grown woman.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

8301 - THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT AT 1ST BANK CENTER, BROOMFIELD, CO, 12-31-2014, DISC FOUR (2015)

THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT
''AT 1ST BANK CENTER, BROOMFIELD, CO, 12-31-2014, DISC FOUR''
2015
243:38

DISC ONE (70:20)
1 Black Clouds 10:44
2 Smile 09:09
3 Let's Go Outside 07:19
4 Sweet Spot 09:11
5 Water 17:23
6 Kinky Reggae 05:46
7 Zim's Jam 06:26
8 On The Road 04:16

DISC TWO (74:47)
1 Can't Wait Another Day 08:39
2 Miss Brown's Teahouse 09:39
3 Desert Dawn 08:31
4 I'm Still Here 07:41
5 Way Back Home 08:59
6 Fool In The Rain 06:55
7 Way Back Home 06:19
8 Jellyfish 15:47
9 Desert Dawn 02:14

DISC THREE (50:56)
1 Don't It Make You Wanna Dance 07:37
2 Land's End 03:09
3 Big Graham Jam 05:44
4 Glory Chords 11:21
5 Celebration 05:40
6 Rosie 09:38
7 Late In The Evening 07:44

DISC FOUR (47:35)
1 Rivertrance 13:25
2 This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) 09:09
3 Just One Story 13:28
4 BollyMunster 07:12
5 Good Times Around The Bend 04:19

8300 - THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT AT 1ST BANK CENTER, BROOMFIELD, CO, 12-31-2014, DISC THREE (2015)

THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT
''AT 1ST BANK CENTER, BROOMFIELD, CO, 12-31-2014, DISC THREE''
2015
243:38

DISC ONE (70:20)
1 Black Clouds 10:44
2 Smile 09:09
3 Let's Go Outside 07:19
4 Sweet Spot 09:11
5 Water 17:23
6 Kinky Reggae 05:46
7 Zim's Jam 06:26
8 On The Road 04:16

DISC TWO (74:47)
1 Can't Wait Another Day 08:39
2 Miss Brown's Teahouse 09:39
3 Desert Dawn 08:31
4 I'm Still Here 07:41
5 Way Back Home 08:59
6 Fool In The Rain 06:55
7 Way Back Home 06:19
8 Jellyfish 15:47
9 Desert Dawn 02:14

DISC THREE (50:56)
1 Don't It Make You Wanna Dance 07:37
2 Land's End 03:09
3 Big Graham Jam 05:44
4 Glory Chords 11:21
5 Celebration 05:40
6 Rosie 09:38
7 Late In The Evening 07:44

DISC FOUR (47:35)
1 Rivertrance 13:25
2 This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) 09:09
3 Just One Story 13:28
4 BollyMunster 07:12
5 Good Times Around The Bend 04:19

8299 - THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT AT 1ST BANK CENTER, BROOMFIELD, CO, 12-31-2014, DISC TWO (2015)

THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT
''AT 1ST BANK CENTER, BROOMFIELD, CO, 12-31-2014, DISC TWO''
2015
243:38

DISC ONE (70:20)
1 Black Clouds 10:44
2 Smile 09:09
3 Let's Go Outside 07:19
4 Sweet Spot 09:11
5 Water 17:23
6 Kinky Reggae 05:46
7 Zim's Jam 06:26
8 On The Road 04:16

DISC TWO (74:47)
1 Can't Wait Another Day 08:39
2 Miss Brown's Teahouse 09:39
3 Desert Dawn 08:31
4 I'm Still Here 07:41
5 Way Back Home 08:59
6 Fool In The Rain 06:55
7 Way Back Home 06:19
8 Jellyfish 15:47
9 Desert Dawn 02:14

DISC THREE (50:56)
1 Don't It Make You Wanna Dance 07:37
2 Land's End 03:09
3 Big Graham Jam 05:44
4 Glory Chords 11:21
5 Celebration 05:40
6 Rosie 09:38
7 Late In The Evening 07:44

DISC FOUR (47:35)
1 Rivertrance 13:25
2 This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) 09:09
3 Just One Story 13:28
4 BollyMunster 07:12
5 Good Times Around The Bend 04:19

8298 - THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT AT 1ST BANK CENTER, BROOMFIELD, CO, 12-31-2014, DISC ONE (2015)

THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT
''AT 1ST BANK CENTER, BROOMFIELD, CO, 12-31-2014, DISC ONE''
2015
243:38

DISC ONE (70:20)
1 Black Clouds 10:44
2 Smile 09:09
3 Let's Go Outside 07:19
4 Sweet Spot 09:11
5 Water 17:23
6 Kinky Reggae 05:46
7 Zim's Jam 06:26
8 On The Road 04:16

DISC TWO (74:47)
1 Can't Wait Another Day 08:39
2 Miss Brown's Teahouse 09:39
3 Desert Dawn 08:31
4 I'm Still Here 07:41
5 Way Back Home 08:59
6 Fool In The Rain 06:55
7 Way Back Home 06:19
8 Jellyfish 15:47
9 Desert Dawn 02:14

DISC THREE (50:56)
1 Don't It Make You Wanna Dance 07:37
2 Land's End 03:09
3 Big Graham Jam 05:44
4 Glory Chords 11:21
5 Celebration 05:40
6 Rosie 09:38
7 Late In The Evening 07:44

DISC FOUR (47:35)
1 Rivertrance 13:25
2 This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) 09:09
3 Just One Story 13:28
4 BollyMunster 07:12
5 Good Times Around The Bend 04:19

8297 - PHILRAD 2014-12-29 AT PORT CHESTER, NY, DISC THREE (2015)

PHILRAD
''2014-12-29 AT POR CHESTER, NY, DISC THREE''
2015
167:42

DISC ONE (75:30)
1 Truckin' 16:28
2 Jack Straw 10:02
3 Estimated Prophet 09:57
4 Eyes of the World 11:54
5 Crazy Fingers 11:39
6 King Solomon's Marbles 08:59
7 Box Of Rain 06:24

DISC TWO (80:01)
1 Mason's Children 13:18
2 Throwing Stones 10:34
3 Dark Star 13:37
4 All Along the Watchtower 07:27
5 Dark Star 05:32
6 The Wheel 08:31
7 Lady With A Fan 07:36
8 Terrapin Station 04:42
9 I Know You Rider 08:40

DISC THREE (12:11)
1 Donor Rap 02:57
2 Shakedown Street 09:14

Phil Lesh – bass
Joe Russo – drums
Scott Metzger – guitar
Tommy Hamilton – guitar
Marco Benevento – keys

ABOUT THE BAND
Phil Lesh & Friends
A New Year's Celebration with PhilRAD featuring Phil Lesh & Joe Russo's Almost Dead on December 29, December 30 and December 31

We're bidding goodnight to 2014 with three nights of Phil Lesh and Joe Russo's Almost Dead at The Capitol Theatre! Founding Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh will join Joe Russo's Almost Dead to become a new incarnation, known for the first time as PhilRAD. This momentous occasion will celebrate Phil Lesh's first time performing New Year's Eve on the East Coast since Grateful Dead's Boston Tea Party show in 1969.

Learning from the source, Joe Russo, who has performed since 2009 with Futhur and Phil Lesh & Friends, has discovered and captured the essence of Grateful Dead's music and spirit. Joe Russo's Almost Dead has been impressing live audiences around the country performing the Grateful Dead’s songbook, and on December 29, December 30 and December 31, Joe, along with guitarists Scott Metzger and Tommy Hamilton, and keyboardist Marco Benevento will join Phil Lesh ​to become PhilRAD.

Join us for three magical evenings of live music and toast to new beginnings at The Cap. We can't think of a better way to ring in 2015!

8296 - PHILRAD 2014-12-29 AT PORT CHESTER, NY, DISC TWO (2015)

PHILRAD
''2014-12-29 AT POR CHESTER, NY, DISC TWO''
2015
167:42

DISC ONE (75:30)
1 Truckin' 16:28
2 Jack Straw 10:02
3 Estimated Prophet 09:57
4 Eyes of the World 11:54
5 Crazy Fingers 11:39
6 King Solomon's Marbles 08:59
7 Box Of Rain 06:24

DISC TWO (80:01)
1 Mason's Children 13:18
2 Throwing Stones 10:34
3 Dark Star 13:37
4 All Along the Watchtower 07:27
5 Dark Star 05:32
6 The Wheel 08:31
7 Lady With A Fan 07:36
8 Terrapin Station 04:42
9 I Know You Rider 08:40

DISC THREE (12:11)
1 Donor Rap 02:57
2 Shakedown Street 09:14

Phil Lesh – bass
Joe Russo – drums
Scott Metzger – guitar
Tommy Hamilton – guitar
Marco Benevento – keys

ABOUT THE BAND
Phil Lesh & Friends
A New Year's Celebration with PhilRAD featuring Phil Lesh & Joe Russo's Almost Dead on December 29, December 30 and December 31

We're bidding goodnight to 2014 with three nights of Phil Lesh and Joe Russo's Almost Dead at The Capitol Theatre! Founding Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh will join Joe Russo's Almost Dead to become a new incarnation, known for the first time as PhilRAD. This momentous occasion will celebrate Phil Lesh's first time performing New Year's Eve on the East Coast since Grateful Dead's Boston Tea Party show in 1969.

Learning from the source, Joe Russo, who has performed since 2009 with Futhur and Phil Lesh & Friends, has discovered and captured the essence of Grateful Dead's music and spirit. Joe Russo's Almost Dead has been impressing live audiences around the country performing the Grateful Dead’s songbook, and on December 29, December 30 and December 31, Joe, along with guitarists Scott Metzger and Tommy Hamilton, and keyboardist Marco Benevento will join Phil Lesh ​to become PhilRAD.

Join us for three magical evenings of live music and toast to new beginnings at The Cap. We can't think of a better way to ring in 2015!

8295 - PHILRAD 2014-12-29 AT PORT CHESTER, NY, DISC ONE (2015)

PHILRAD
''2014-12-29 AT POR CHESTER, NY, DISC ONE''
2015
167:42

DISC ONE (75:30)
1 Truckin' 16:28
2 Jack Straw 10:02
3 Estimated Prophet 09:57
4 Eyes of the World 11:54
5 Crazy Fingers 11:39
6 King Solomon's Marbles 08:59
7 Box Of Rain 06:24

DISC TWO (80:01)
1 Mason's Children 13:18
2 Throwing Stones 10:34
3 Dark Star 13:37
4 All Along the Watchtower 07:27
5 Dark Star 05:32
6 The Wheel 08:31
7 Lady With A Fan 07:36
8 Terrapin Station 04:42
9 I Know You Rider 08:40

DISC THREE (12:11)
1 Donor Rap 02:57
2 Shakedown Street 09:14

Phil Lesh – bass
Joe Russo – drums
Scott Metzger – guitar
Tommy Hamilton – guitar
Marco Benevento – keys

ABOUT THE BAND
Phil Lesh & Friends
A New Year's Celebration with PhilRAD featuring Phil Lesh & Joe Russo's Almost Dead on December 29, December 30 and December 31

We're bidding goodnight to 2014 with three nights of Phil Lesh and Joe Russo's Almost Dead at The Capitol Theatre! Founding Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh will join Joe Russo's Almost Dead to become a new incarnation, known for the first time as PhilRAD. This momentous occasion will celebrate Phil Lesh's first time performing New Year's Eve on the East Coast since Grateful Dead's Boston Tea Party show in 1969.

Learning from the source, Joe Russo, who has performed since 2009 with Futhur and Phil Lesh & Friends, has discovered and captured the essence of Grateful Dead's music and spirit. Joe Russo's Almost Dead has been impressing live audiences around the country performing the Grateful Dead’s songbook, and on December 29, December 30 and December 31, Joe, along with guitarists Scott Metzger and Tommy Hamilton, and keyboardist Marco Benevento will join Phil Lesh ​to become PhilRAD.

Join us for three magical evenings of live music and toast to new beginnings at The Cap. We can't think of a better way to ring in 2015!

8294 - ENUFF Z'NUFF - COVERED IN GOLD (2014)

ENUFF Z'NUFF
''COVERED IN GOLD''
AUGUST 19 2014
49:13

1 Everything Works If You Let It (R.Nielsen) 03:14
2 Stone Cold Crazy (John Deacon, Brian May, Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor) 02:30
3 She Sells Sanctuary (Ian Astbury, Billy Duffy) 03:47
4 All Apologies (Kurt Cobain) 03:03
5 Believe It Or Not (The Greatest American Hero theme) 03:25
6 The Jean Genie (David Bowie) 04:13
7 Run For Your Life (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) 02:39
8 When Doves Cry (Prince) 04:38
9 Tears Of A Clown (Henry Cosby, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder) 03:58
10 The Stroke (Billy Squier) 03:28
11 Yankee Rose (David Lee Roth, Steve Vai) 04:20
12 Jealous Guy (John Lennon) 04:02
13 You've Got To Hide Your Love Away (Live On Howard Stern) (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) 02:25
14 New Thing ([Live Unplugged In London) (Donnie Vie, Chip Znuff) 03:24

Eric Donner/Drums
Johnny Monaco/Guitar, Vocals
Donnie Vie/Guitar, Piano, Vocals
Chip Znuff/Bass, Guitar, Vocals

REVIEW
by Fred Thomas (AMG)
Teetering somewhere between studio album and compilation is Covered in Gold, the 13th studio creation from long-running, peace-metal power poppers Enuff Z'nuff. Rather than a handful of new original material from the group, listeners are treated to 13 cover songs, ranging from a loose reading of Nirvana's "All Apologies" to a raging hair metal sendup of Smokey Robinson's "Tears of a Clown." The band also tackles tunes by Queen, Prince, the Beatles, and a host of other widely divergent artists. For good measure, the band throws in a live, unplugged version of one of their best-known hits, 1989's "New Thing."

BIOGRAPHY
by Eduardo Rivadavia
If there is such a thing as false advertising in rock & roll, then Enuff Z'nuff is one of its textbook examples. Packaged in garish peace-glam attire by their record company, the group was wrongly lumped in with the disposable pop-metal bands of the late '80s (Poison, Warrant, etc.) rather than appreciated for the truly gifted power pop act that they were. By the time they finally managed to shed their deceptive camouflage, it was much too late to turn public opinion, or their fortunes, around.

Musical soul brothers Donnie Vie (guitar and vocals) and Chip Znuff met in Chicago in 1984 and quickly set about writing songs together. Their relationship proved extremely fruitful and in less than a year the duo had recruited guitar player Gino Martino and drummer B.W. Boski, named themselves Enuff Z'nuff, and begun shopping around a full-length demo called Hollywood Squares to the major labels. Obtaining a contract proved more difficult than they expected, however, and it was only four years later, and after the arrival of virtuoso guitarist Derek Frigo and drummer Vikki Foxx, that the band finally signed a deal with Atlantic Records subsidiary Atco.

Strength Released in August 1989, Enuff Z'nuff's self-titled debut scored a couple of quick hit singles with "New Thing" and "Fly High Michelle," but the frustrated band found themselves receiving more attention for their over-the-top, brightly colored, peace sign-infested wardrobe than their superlative hard rock songs. By the time they unleashed 1991's Strength album, the band had noticeably toned down their image and turned up their creative ambitions to deliver a masterful '90s take on the crunchy power pop sound of Cheap Trick and Badfinger. America's new alternative rock regime was not impressed, however, and their dismissal from Atco due to disappointing sales coincided with a growing rift with guitarist Frigo. And though they were quickly snapped up by Arista Records, drummer Foxx would leave abruptly for the greener pastures of former Mötley Crüe vocalist Vince Neil's solo band as soon as the sessions for their third album, Animals with Human Intelligence, were completed. When this third effort tanked with consumers as well, Arista also shut its doors and Frigo quit for good.
1985Vie and Znuff hit rock bottom in 1994. With no record deal in sight and wallowing in deepening drug addiction, they decided to re-release their original 1985 demos as the next Enuff Z'nuff album, simply calling it 1985. Containing liner notes penned by the "King of All Media" himself, Howard Stern (by all accounts a rabid fan), the album proved a godsend, doing enough business domestically and in Japan (remember, production costs were negligible) to pad the band's coffers and get the boys back on their feet. It also allowed them to record two new albums in 1995: an official release for Mayhem Records called Tweaked (featuring original guitarist Martino and drummer Ricky Parent) and the Japan-only Chip & Donnie: Brothers -- later re-released stateside in 1997 as Seven. In between, Enuff Z'nuff recorded 1996's Peach Fuzz as a trio following Martino's departure, then released the retrospective Live in 1998. Guitarist John Monaco joined the group in time for 1998's Paraphernalia (which was released by Spitfire Records, along with most of the band's late-'90s output) and stayed on through 2000's 10.
Welcome to Blue Island Unfortunately, this unusual spell of relative stability would not last for Enuff Z'nuff. Following the release of their 11th studio album, Welcome to Blue Island, by the Dream Catcher label in 2002, Donnie Vie quit to pursue a solo career in Los Angeles, leaving Chip Znuff and a number of henchmen to carry on and tour sporadically as a trio. Then, just as reunion discussions with former members Derek Frigo and Vikki Foxx were getting under way, Enuff Z'nuff's already shaky constituents were dealt another devastating blow on May 29, 2004, when Frigo was found dead from an accidental drug overdose outside his girlfriend's apartment in L.A. The band had just finished recording ?, which was eventually released in November 2004 on the Pony Canyon label. A live album, Tonight, Sold Out, followed in 2007.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

8293 - RUSTY ANDERSON - AFTERNOON II EP (2014)

RUSTY ANDERSON
''AFTERNOON II EP''
JULY 31 2014
23:45

1 Effortless 04:09
2 Points Of Interest 03:18
3 I'm Not In Love 04:34

4 Modern History 04:11
5 Hello Trouble 04:48
6 Little One 02:42

BIOGRAPHY
by Mark Deming, AMG
Guitarist and songwriter Rusty Anderson is a musician who has balanced a well-respected career on his own with a very successful part-time gig as a sideman and studio musician, which has seen him work with everyone from Paul McCartney to Neil Diamond. Rusty Anderson grew up in La Habra, CA, and in the mid-'70s formed his first band, a hard rock outfit called Eulogy, when he was only 13. Eulogy won a sizable local following and earned an audition with Arista Records head Clive Davis, but the band was never signed and broke up without releasing a recording. Anderson soon formed a new band, the Living Daylights, which gave him a greater opportunity to indulge his fondness for offbeat psychedelic and progressive rock; while the Living Daylights also failed to break into the big time, a copy of their demo tape made its way to producer David Kahne, who was impressed with Anderson's guitar skills and invited him to contribute some solos to an album he was producing for the Bangles, 1986's Different Light.

Anderson continued to work as a session musician while pursuing his own projects; he was briefly a member ofAnimal Logic, a short-lived supergroup featuring formerPolice drummer Stewart Copeland and Return to Foreverbassist Stanley Clarke, and later was guitarist and songwriter with the alternative rock band Ednaswap, who released three albums between 1995 and 1998, but received their greatest success through another artist when Natalie Imbruglia scored an international hit with the song "Torn," originally recorded by Ednaswap on their album Wacko Magneto. In 1999, Ednaswap broke up, the same year thatAnderson once again found himself being heard all around the world through someone else's record when he contributed the guitar solo to Ricky Martin's breakthrough hit "Livin' la Vida Loca."

But Anderson's biggest break came in 2001, when he was invited to play guitar on Paul McCartney's album Driving Rain and subsequently signed on as a guitarist withMcCartney's road band for his world tour, which was documented on the albums Back in the U.S. and Back in the World. Anderson later appeared on McCartney's 2005 release Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, and again joined the ex-Beatle for his subsequent road work. In 2003,Anderson finally released his first solo album, Undressing Underwater, which featured contributions from McCartney,Stewart Copeland, David Kahne, and a number of other musicians who'd worked with him over the years. Anderson continued to be an in-demand guitar player, and it was seven years before he released his sophomore album, Born on Earth, in 2010.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE