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The Nelson brothers Matthew and Gunnar are back with a brand new studio album called Lightning Strikes Twice. It was 1991 when the twin brothers took the world by surprise with their debut album After The Rain that included the big hit (Can’t Live Without Your) Love And Affection, that took Nelson to the first place on Billboard. After The Rain has sold over 6,5 million copies worldwide.
They have released albums after that, but never got any major success and their latest studio album was released in 1999 called Life. That was a fantastic album filled with classic Nelson songs. Now 20 years after the classic release of their debut After The Rain, they are back and they might hope that lightning strikes twice and they get a new hit from this new album. This new album is a nice mixture of the debut and Life and they know how to bring good melodic songs with fantastic harmonies. But on the downside I feel that the songs where they flirt with country don’t make them right even if they know how to sing impressive harmony vocals.
They open the album very promising with Call Me that sounds very much like the classic Nelson that we like. But a song like the rocking Ready, Willing And Able is average and boring. But when they deliver songs such as How Can I Miss You with a Latin feel over it, I surrender.
This is absolutely fantastic mid-tempo rocker with a stunning chorus with a touch of Bon Jovi. Get this song on radio and there you have the next chart hit. You’re All I Need Tonight reminds of the debut with great guitars and the chorus is strong. When You’re Gone has a fantastic chorus with classy background vocals. But song like Come and In It For The Money could have been left out because they don’t have anything to do on this album, weak is the word.
They have left the best song for last and that is the awesome Kickin My Heart Around. This is pure Nelson magic and is the After The Rain song of the album with a sing-a-long chorus with fantastic hooklines. This is AOR-heaven. The Nelson brother has done a damn fine album that part wise has the same quality as the classic debut album, but there’s couple of average songs that takes down the grade.
But if your into Nelson, then this is a safe buy and the songs that are good are damn good. Welcome back guys and don’t wait another 11 years to record a new album. The production is top-notch and the whole album sounds tight. |
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| Perfect Storm is a live album recorded in 1991 when the Nelson brothers toured after their successful debut album After The Rain. But I have to give you readers a warning sign here because the sound of this live album is just terrible. It sounds like a weak bootleg version and it never gets exciting because of the sound and I’m just upset of the lousy quality. This live album don’t give a fare picture of Nelson in my opinion and I’m sure it sounded much better back in the 1991 than this live album does. There’s a bonus track that might interest some Nelson fans called Keep One Heart that is a mediocre Nelson song. This song was included on the single Cross My Broken Heart from their 2nd album Because They Can (1995). No, this is a live album you can avoid if your not a die-hard collector of Nelson things. |
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First we don’t hear much from the Nelson brothers then suddenly we get 3 releases in a short time. First came the new album Lightning Strikes Twice then at the same time the live album and Before The Rain are released. Before The Rain is a collection of demos that secured Nelson their record deal with Geffen Records in 1990. All in all you get eighteen tracks on this album and 8 of these demos made it to the debut album After The Rain.
So there’s some candy for Nelson fans and you get 9 unreleased songs. The song You’re All I Need Tonight was recorded on their newest album and is a classic Nelson rocker with a strong chorus. There are definitely tracks that would have made it to the debut album easily, so those that have not heard these songs before just say thanks to Frontiers Records that has released them. Senorita is one of those songs and its a pure freaking fantastic song with an outstanding chorus with stunning harmonies.
This is Nelson at their peak. Only this song is almost worth the whole album. Let’s Get This Show On The Road is a nice rocker with strong riffs and melodies. The ballad I Wish is strong and sounds like a classic Nelson song with wonderful harmonies. On some of the songs you can hear why they were left out the debut album because they don’t hold the same quality. The production of this album sounds surprisingly good. An album that Nelson fans should check out because there are some really fine songs. |
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Here in Sweden PAUL ANKA has actually been quite on the table recently, mainly since his ex-wife Anna Anka has become a superstar on Swedish television as a spoiled housewife. But this is about music, and to be more precise: the westcoast album "Walk a fine line" from 1983. This is the third time it's been released on CD; at first there was the original release (35DP-104), followed by the second release (SRCS-6154). Both releases have become very hard to find, so the kind Japanese Sony personnel gives us the "third time's a charm" CD release on vinyl replica and the catalogue number is SICP 2855. The sound is VERY good on this new release, which in itself gives you an extra reason to buy it.
Stylewise this album is a bit diverse. Sure, there are some rather purely westcoast tinged numbers, where the title track "Walk A Fine Line" stands out among the best. Penned down by Anka and MICHAEL McDONALD, it takes you in the same direction as the solo efforts by McDonald from the same period. It's preceeded by another Anka/McDonald tune, "No Way Out" which is a smooth semi-ballad with those typical strings that warmed us up from the end of the 70's to the mid-80's. Then there are also some pop driven westcoast songs, like the opener "Second Chance" and the final song "Golden Boy". If you need comparison, it's not too far from albums like "Solitary Nights" by RANDY GOODRUM or "Sleeping With Girls" by STEPHEN BISHOP. Or why not - in a way - the "Blind Luck" album by NIELSEN/PEARSON, although with less biting guitars of course. So it's pop music, although with arrangements and playing in that special westcoast fashion that we all love so much. And the playing and singing speaks for itself; with guys like DAVID FOSTER, JEFF PORCARO, VINNIE COLAIUTA, NATHAN EAST, STEVE LUKATHER, JAY GRAYDON, RICHARD PAGE, STEVE KIPNER... oh, I need not go on here. The musicianship is flawless, and this CD is a really good one. Some collectors may find it too pop oriented, but I still think this is more westcoast than pop. And like I said, for the freshened-up sound it's worth a purchase. It's a mystery that producer Denny Diante didn't show up on more westcoast albums than he actually did. |
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The problem with unpredictable music is that people tend to give up on the album before track no.4 mostly because they want the songs to be catchy and easy to hum along to.
But easy come, easy go as the saying goes and when it all comes around - the classic albums are most often the ones that are unpredictable.
You probably won´t find any bubblegum hits or songs made for the dance floor on these albums but more of an album affair where all the songs fit like pieces in a puzzle.
Peter Adams 2nd album "I woke with planets in my face" is just that unpredictable that I lift my eyebrows and raise the volume so I won´t miss a thing.
He has recorded the entire album in his Cincinnati home studio and with that in mind I must say that it sounds impressive, the guy is very talented - not only as a musician but also as a strong songwriter.
The music can be described as Led Zeppelin without the rock (their Physical Graffiti era) mixed with The Beatles (Sgt.Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band) in an underground indie rock package.
You could call it space rock at times and psychedelic in others, just listen to "I was looking at the ceiling, and then I saw the sky" that bring thoughts to early Pink Floyd.
This is a great album for true music lovers! |
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| Cincinnati based and mega talented Peter Adams has recorded a piece for the 2nd year in a row for the Cincinnati ballet´s New Works production. The first one "Dances for Heather" is available on Amazon and recently the 2nd one "I am a strange loop" was released, this is a 14 minute long song divided into three classical indie-esque movements which is nothing more than pure joy for the ears. Peter is a musical genius in the same league as Kevin Gilbert and Kip Winger, with dreamlike melodies and enchanting arrangements Peter Adams will capture the listener from the very first second of "The gallery". Buy or die! |
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| Rattleshake is one of those many bands that never made it back in the 80s, but now Eonian Records has taken care of that. Rattleshake´s album is filled with seven never before released re-mastered tracks recorded, mixed and produced by Rob Beaton (Guns n´ Roses, Sammy Hagar, Santana and more). This is definitely an album for fans of Ratt, Skid Row, Tesla and Kix for sure. The only downside is maybe that there’s only seven songs on this album, but they are damn good and shows that this band had potential for sure with big loud guitars, powerful sound and a great vocalist in Don McBee. Just listen to the great Take Me Down with a powerful chorus, or the Skid Row sounding Jump On Me. Then there’s the ballad that could had taken them higher called Never Say Goodbye, this is really a nice one and yes we have heard this kind of ballads before. Rattleshake Boogie has some Van Halen influences in it. If you’re a fan of 80s hair-metal era this is an album you should check out right away. An album that contains great hardrock. |
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Richard Andersson?s name should ring a bell for those that are into neo classic melodic metal and have albums with Majestic, Time Requiem and Space Odyssey.
Yes, keyboard wizard Mr. Andersson is the mainman and brain behind those projects. Now that the Swede has established himself into the scene during the past 6 years - he thought it was time to bring some of the old songs from all the 3 projects to life again and here it is: The Ultimate Andersson Collection.
The songs are all new recordings because Richard thought that the production was a bit weak on some of the earlier CD?s. He also managed to get the mighty Goran Edman to do all the vocals and I have to say that this man can do his job, what a singer.
Not only the production is more powerful, the songs has got a new life with Goran Edman behind the mic.
This is a MUST for fans of neo classic melodic metal in the veins of Yngwie Malmsteen meets Stratovarius. Personally I enjoy the songs with Majestic the most like the fantastic "Black Moon Rising" where Goran delivers outstanding vocals and also the huge powerful "The Rapture Of Canaan" is a great song.
The Space Odyssey song "Emposium" features some stunning keyboardwork in the chorus that is bombastic. Jens Johansson (Stratovarius, ex-Malmsteen) on keyboards and Sven Cirnski(Bad Habit) guitars appears as guests on this album.
Well, if you?re a fan of neo classic metal and have not discovered Richard Andersson earlier, then this is a great opportunity and if you already own everything with Mr. Andersson - I will only say Goran Edman! and you know that your collection needs this one as well. |
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| Sonny Axell is a pianist/singer born 1982 in St Etienne, France. He grew up listening to Quincy Jones, Earth Wind and Fire and Stevie Wonder. So it´s not so hard to understand that his debut album "Ready" totally explode of funky grooves and jazzy harmonies. This is a really well produced album with excellent playing, perhaps the songs aren´t the most classic ones but he truly caught me with this super groovy westcoast rock. For fans of Chicago (the early era), Michael Ruff and Brecker Brothers. Songs I would like to point out are the title track "Ready", the soft "Just so in love" and "Honey" that bring thoughts to Jay Graydon. |
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There are certain times when you hear a band and from the very first song, you can’t fathom what it makes them so good. Maybe it’s the production? Maybe the lyrics? Maybe it’s the way the singer pulls you in and makes you feel a part of it. These are all qualities that Star City Meltdown is ready to unleash on their sophomore album “Razorblades and Handgrenades.”
Due in September, the band has taken a huge step in the right direction, from the debut album. Avenged Sevenfold and Bullet For My Valentine come to mind with a mix of The Drama Club thrown in for a breathe of fresh air. Including a few re-recordings, “Dying to Live” starts the crushing of the album in all of its glory. Talk about giving your speakers a serious workout.
“Here With You” is the band’s first single you can hear on their website and download for free here. This single has all the elements for Modern Rock radio. The high guitar part paired with the sonic production of the bass drum riding in the chugging guitars. From the head banging verses to the big chorus, this song proves melody can compliment heavy without ridicule. “Untied” is the ballad of the album and parades the shine Brad Dills and company posses, even without the heavy. The vocals are so raspy, that Synyster Gates’ brow would even raise.
Don’t be fooled by the solid production by Bret Hestla. This day and age, production can be deceiving, but a band like this, benefits from a sonic pounding album. If your unsure just take a listen to “Spotlights and Bluelights” or “Ready or Not.” Its not the most unique music to date but rock this album at a very high volume and you will be very pleased. SCM proves you can have concert-like fun by only listening to an album. Look for it everywhere in September and turn it up!
Keep an eye out for a Star City Meltdown Tee-Shirt giveaway right here on Melodic.net, coming soon!
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The adventure spirit is a harmony driven, country/soul/pop group from Melbourne, Australia. Based around the songwriting of its two vocalists, Tim Fry and Leigh Young, the band traces its influences from all kind of music... Powerpop a'la Crowded House, some The Jayhawks vibes, some cool The Philosopher King flirts (if anyone more than me remember them), a spice of Lowen & Navarro and much more cool stuff in their musical cocktail. The album is filled with cool songs and the harmony vocals between Tim and Leigh is lovely. For all you open minded readers here at The Melodic Net - do yourself a favour and give these guys a visit at their homepage. I'm sure you will have the same sort of smile on your lips as I had the first time I heard the album.
Kaj´s comments:
The Adventure Spirit is a folk/country-pop band from Melbourne, Australia, formed in 2005 and released their debut "Hope shall carry on" in 2008. This year they follow up with the 2nd album "Grand standard" distributed by Hemifran in Sweden, I have listened to the album 3 times in a row now and do believe it gets better but still not as good as I hoped it would be. The first track "Follow the lines" is a good album opener and more of a midwest rock version of Bob Dylan, the band continues with a country-pop tinged sound on the rest of the tracks and even blues at the end of the album. The music is laid back and well performed but I miss a few more standout tracks like "Follow the lines", it´s not a bad album at all.....just below par.
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Now look here right away,oh mama
don?t it feel good when a record
comes along with plenty of good
vibes and catchy uptempo powerpop
that will force the rain to take
a hike and let the sun shine through.
Imagine Rembrandts but a bit
upspeeded and more rock and then
you?ll have The All American Rejects.
It?s just two guys that is behind
the name and they are Tyson Ritter-
Lead Vocals,Bass and Nick Wheeler-
Guitars,Keyboards.
The album was first released on
the independent label Doghouse
records but luckily they were signed
to Dreamworks and they do deserve
it......lots of diamonds and pearls
in this package of happy pop.
"You star" has a superb groove
that?ll make you ride a horse on
the rodeo and "Time stands still"
will make the flowers bloom in
the middle of winter.
There?s so many good vibrations
about this album that I feel
I?m gonna burst out in a huge
hug to all around me.
Give the guys a Grammy award
immediately because you
could roll the dice about what
song should be released as a
single,there are 11 candidates
believe it or not.....I?m not
kidding you!
If the world would end,I?m certain
that somewhere,somehow the noise
from this album could be heard from
a freestyle as the last standing music
on the planet Earth never to stop. |
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Tyson Ritter-Vocals,Bass and Nick Wheeler-Guitar of The All American Rejects is no longer a duo,on their long awaited new album "Move along" they are joined by Mike Kennerty-Guitars and Chris Gaylor-Drums.
This glowing powerpop unit sounds more like a full band on this album,there are some positive things and some negative things to say about this.
First I think it?s nice that they have a rawer sound and much edgier guitars on "Move along" but I also think that the first album was more original and featured more delicate arranged pop songs.
Don?t misunderstand me coz their 2005 effort will please many powerpop hearts out there and you will probably sing along to more songs in the future than just the single "Dirty little secret" - a truly great album ohyeah but it?s not as charming and unique as the debut.
There are in fact a lot of bands that would die for the ability of writing songs like these 12 new mega catchy pop pearls.
I just love the ballad "It ends tonight" and the cool "Nightdrive" has a nice 70?s beat,no doubt these dudes rock harder on "Move along" and it?s almost just as good as the debut....almost! |
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The All American Rejects didn´t want to break their 3 year cycle of releasing albums so just in time before Christmas, we are being given a new record from this power pop extravaganza.
You could fool anyone with this being a Greatest Hits collection because the new songs are that good!
"When the world comes down" could in fact be their best album so far, the choruses sounds like huge blockbuster hits all over the globe.
I´m in love with songs like "I wanna", "Fallin´ apart", "Mona Lisa", "Gives you hell" and "The wind blows".
I think producer Eric Valentine was the perfect and right choice for this band, give em a Grammy now! |
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To be honest I have never seen the greatness of The All-American Rejects. The band has sold over ten million albums, which is very impressive in these times, but for me also very surprising. The band has obviously delivered a bunch of catchy tracks like "Give You Hell", "Dirty Little Secret" and "Move Along", but it is still pretty standard pop in my ears.
Their latest album Kids In The Street is a little different and shows a new side of the band. It's a little more alternative and more mature than before, where their strong power-pop influences are more or less completely blown away. Instead, the band tries to mix jazz, new wave and a small dose of 90's rock with their patented pop and does it in a cool way. It's exciting and entertaining where everyone can find something they like, as the album is very diverse in terms of style.
But unfortunately is the level of the songs way to low and is quite convinced that the album will flop. There are too many useless tracks like "Bleed Into Your Mind" and "Gonzo" where the band feels more confused that creative. Nor is it possible to mix as much as they do with one songs sounding like The Cars for on the next track be close to Queen. No, it's clearly their worst album so far, and they should definitely go into the studio as soon as possible as this album will not generate enough hits.
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Did you know that?
Justin Hawkins, the singer of Hot Leg/The Darkness sang backing vocals on Def Leppard´s cover of The Sweet´s song "Hell Raiser" for their 2006 covers album "Yeah!"
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latest reviews
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