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Bite Size MUSIC REVIEWS Most of these reviews will be done in only one paragraph. |
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Legion - Music by John Frizzell La La Land Records - 2010 John Frizzell composes an action score that uses horror and religious motifs as it's strength. Frizzell takes an interesting approach by not using woodwinds and trumpets, which really highlights the strings and low brass. Throughout the near 52-minute running time, you are swept and pushed by these two orchestral elements. The score has the feel of war as the two opposing angels go to battle. Frizzell makes sure to include human elements amongst the churning orchestra. The softer touches are what gives the score warmth and meaning. There is a gloomy sullen feel to the score as the apocalypse seems near and that matches the movie. My favorite parts of the soundtrack are the quiet ambience Frizzell creates, which conjures the desert and the impending doom. John Frizzell has made a rich & varied tapestry of sound that is great to listen to when turned up loud. LEGION could be John Frizzell's best work to date. |
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Public Enemies - Music by Elliot Goldenthal Decca Records - 2009 Otis Taylor sings a story of "Ten Million Slaves." You are transported back in time with the orchestral fun of "Chicago Shake" by the Bruce Fowler Big Band. Elliot Goldenthal captures the importance of a cerebral mood in "Drive to Bohemia." In "Billie's Arrest" Goldenthal poignantly grabs the seriousness of the scene and the impact it has on the entire film. He continues to score for the mind with "Love in the Dunes." His cue "Phone Call To Billie" is sad and melancholy. "Love Me or Leave Me" from Billie Holiday featuring Teddy Wilson & his orchestra totally sets a mood for the frame to place this film. Her unmistakable voice is blended with her orchestra in "Am I Blue?" Old fashioned female crooner Diana Krall sings "Bye Bye Blackbird." Another textured Otis Taylor story is told with "Nasty Letter." Goldenthal's cue "Plane to Chicago" is both dramatic and subtle, if that makes any sense. The same could be said of "Gold Coast Restaurant." One more Billie Holiday song "The Man I Love is used. "JD Dies" is full of loss and despair. Considering the subject matter and how some films have been scored in the past, Elliot Goldenthal has composed a relatively understated score that is designed for you to ponder rather than just react to sensory overload. This is a great reflection on the maturity of the composer and Director Michael Mann.
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Meliah Rage "Barely Human" 2 CD set 2004 Screaming Ferret Wreckords LLC Produced by Anthony Nichols and Joe Moody
Review by Mike Porciello
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Halford
- Winter Songs
2009 Metal God Records
Produced by Roy Z. It almost seems wrong/sacrilegious to be reviewing a winter/Christmas album in the hot summer but that's what I'm doing. With the 90+ degree heat outside, I'd almost welcome the coldness of winter at this very moment. The Metal God and his metallic elves bring the Christmas feel with "Get Into the Spirit." The Halford band does this with their metallic power. You've never heard "We Three Kings" done like the way, Rob Halford, Roy Z., Metal Mike, Bobby Jarzombek, Mike Davis and Ed Roth play the old holiday favorite. I have to admit the first couple times I listened to this tune I laughed. Not because it's badly done but rather I found it amusing to hear it done with pounding double bass, ripping distorted guitars and Rob Halford's distinct voice. My favorite track off the album is probably "Winter Song." It's an atmospheric tune that finds the band comfortable in a more mellow, setting with no less authority. I like the grooving mood guitar parts. Halford's voice is in a great place with background vocals and kind of cool funky drum work. "Christmas For Everyone" is festive and fun. Halford sings with glee in his voice and the band really gets playful and joyous. I like how everyone seems to get into the spirit. The bells and tambourine really add the feel of Christmas for sure. "Oh Holy Night" may be done the most similar to the what was originally done but this does feature distorted guitars and metal drums. Halford could sing pretty much anything and this signature Christmas song sounds great with his pipes providing the voice. A cool seasonal album that could get others outside the metal community to appreciate.
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Amit Riff - "Riffeel"
Review by Mike Porciello
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Paul
Stanley "Live
To Win"
2006 New Door Records A Universal
Music Company
Produced by Paul Stanley Review by Mike Porciello Kiss co-front man Paul Stanley breaks new ground, with his second solo album, "Live To Win". Stanley's ever so recognizable timbre is the focal point, with techniques and styles of his band, and musical direction, tackling uncharted territory that the hard hitting Kiss would not necessarily dive into. The title track, which opens the CD, followed by Lift, are moody, three quarter paced modern rock, whereas song number 7, Second To None, finds the man conjuring his inner Garth Brooks. Always one to deliver the heartfelt ballads, Stanley dims the lights with Every time I See You Around, and Loving You Without You Now. The most "Kiss-like" heavier sounding songs, would have to be Bulletproof, and All About You. Stanley employs a core of musicians, to include guitarists Corky James, and Brad Fernquist, keyboardist Harry Sommerdahl, and drummer Victor Indrizzo. Making appearances on the album include, one time Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick, John 5, and Russ Irwin, just to name a few. Paul Stanley's style of guitar playing, much more of a rhythm guitarist with a keen ear, compliments all of the musicians he plays with. Overall, Live To Win is a superb, well rounded album, and an easy listen. Clocking in at just over thirty three minutes, it won't take up too much time, yet will leave you with a better appreciation for it's creativity. What you won't hear is something that automatically resembles Kiss, but instead it's a journey of where in time, a world wide iconic, charismatic, front man wishes to explore. The whole theme of Live To Win is branching out to try new ideas, and to breathe new life. A must have for fans of any era of Kiss. The Starchild of The Starchild, Paul Stanley wins big! |
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Age of Evil - Living In A Sick Dream AOE Music LLC 2007 Produced by John Herrera
Co-Produced by Slate
Jeremy Goldberg- Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Jordan Ziff- Lead
Guitar/Vocals
Garrett Ziff- Drums/Vocals
Jacob Goldberg- Bass/Vocals
Review by Mike Porciello
It is so good to hear a bunch of young
musicians who don't whine, who are not addicted to drugs, and who
actually know how to play their instruments! Age Of Evil
come of age on this brilliant assault. Jordan Ziff is a shredder way
ahead of his time, and the rhythm
section of Jacob Goldberg and Garrett Ziff hold it together,
and fire it up like men twice their age. Awesome vocals by Jeremy
Goldberg, and creative lyrics as well. The title track, starting it
off, gets right down to business, second line in. Call To Arms is
spectacular! Check out The Storm! All in all, it's an Eye For An Eye!
Sounds to me, like these guys came from good homes, where their
parents schooled them on the masters! Age Of Evil have their whole
lives ahead of them, and will annihilate everything in their path, in
the years to come. Straight up metal, and perfection from start to
finish!
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Clive Barker's Book of Blood - Music by
Guy Farley La La Land Records - 2009 The music begins subtly in "Book
Of Blood" but madness and mayhem quickly takes over in the
second track "Tollington House." |
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Age of Evil - Get Dead EP This six song EP CD builds upon the band's debut
CD Living A Sick Dream. I really like how the boys do a cool cover of "Slave To The Grind," which is proof they should have been born about thirty years earlier. Jordan Ziff's led guitar and Jeremy Goldberg's rhythm guitar capture "The Hellion/Electric Eye" in a way that would make Glenn Tipton and K.K.Downing smile. Goldberg's vocals can't match the Metal God Rob Halford, but they are cool never the less. The last two trailer's are live tracks "Eye For An Eye" and "Glimpse Of Light." Instrumentally the band is totally in Pantera mode in "Eye For An Eye." Garrett Ziff's drums and Jacob Goldberg's bass kick this tune into a frenzy. The guys are definitely on the rise and jump aboard while they make their ascent in the world of heavy metal.
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Resident Evil: Extinction - Music by Charlie Clouser Lakeshore Records - 2007 Charlie Clouser has real talent for creating catchy themes that are immediately likable. In this score, he takes a bunch of action elements and combines them to create a cohesive soundtrack that backs Russell Mulcahy's film. The main theme, which sounds like an evil computer talking is played throughout the score and presented at different speeds by assortment of instruments. You'll find yourself listening to this over and over again.
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Right At Your Door - Music by tomandandy Lakeshore Records - 2007 The "Opening Credits" has a really busy, almost industrial feel. you can sense a shroud floating over "Haze." The overall atmosphere of "Inquisition" reminded me of the wide open deeply emotional soundscape of THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES. Darkness and despair omits from "Sad Phone." "Handiman Leaves" has the air of something dangerous in the air. Tomandandy are so good at creating just enough to allow your mind to ponder what the future holds in "Waiting Theme 5." Things look bleak in "Dead Birds." When you listen to "Psychedelic Electric Gamelan Orchestra" you are walking a tightrope of tension. Sound slash and smash while high pitched electronic sounds pulse. As you hear "Snow Fall," you know this can't be a good thing happening. Paranoia and claustrophobia runs rampant through the track. "Outside The Tent" builds to a crescendo of danger. The two talented composers wrap their score for RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR with ambience of "Resolution."
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Johan Agebjorn - Mossebo LotusPike - 2008 A delightful CD that will put you in a good zone of feeling good about life. Gentle ambience is captured in "Dulciter Somni." Lisa Barra's voice soars over "The Sea" like a bright ray of sunshine. The percussive beat of "Ambient Computer Dance" allows the keyboard lines to dance about. The high-tapping keyboard line and low percussive bottom allows Lisa Barra's voice to bring "Unitas Vitae" to a celestial plane. The glacial sheet of ambience glows in "Siberian Train Part II." The little clicking percussive sounds in this tune do sound like clacking of a train track. Diverse and highly enjoyable.
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John Gregorius - Heaven and Earth O3E Music - 2008 An acoustic guitar album rooted in strong Earthly musical values. Ten tracks tenderly take you into a world where mercy, imagination, spirit life and existence matter. In the second song "Mercy" Gregorius plays the acoustic guitar in a way that reminded me the softer side of Buckethead (a huge compliment). "Pearl of Great Price" has a nice dramatic slant to it. All in all Heaven and Earth is a peaceful way to spend 44 minutes. www.o3emusic.com
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Darshan Ambient - From Pale Hands To Weary Skies LotusPike - 2008 I find it interesting to read that Michael Allison become deathly ill during the beginning phases of this album and that he was inspired to write this music during his recovery. I say that because I've had a little injury that's been nagging me while I'm writing this and listening to this CD has helped make me feel better. What I like most about this music is that it's dreamy and meditative but not boring. There is some percussive elements that help give each track a little push and this gives the album a spark. Most of the time I pick songs to write about, but with this CD, I take it as a whole piece of artistry that will help rejuvenate your mind, soul and body.
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Watchmen - Music by Tyler Bates Warner Sunset Reprise Records - 2009 40 Minutes of cinematic power are captured on this new score from Tyler Bates. One of the many strengths of his score for WATCHMAN is the subtle moments that bring character depth and emotion. It's not just the orchestra crashing and banging action cues. "Rescue Mission" lets' you know you are in for one heck of a ride. Intense ambience builds as percussion beats like a heart and a piano echoes off "Tonight The Comedian Dies." Suspense rattles with each tick of "Only Two Names Remain." Bates gets the score to dance about in "Prison Fight." Voices and orchestra work in tandem to make you wonder "What About Jackie Slater." Tyler Bates makes us feel the tension mount as the seconds "Countdown." In "All That is Good" melancholy transforms into light at the end of the tunnel. The female voice at the very end signals hope for the future. "I Love You" is probably my favorite track off the entire CD. Tyler Bates captures an amazing uplifting feel that is usually found in in the shoe gazing musical genre. Very nicely done. |
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Bloom is the exact type of album I've been waiting to get from the legendary Texas guitarist. It rocks, is sensitive and like Ah Via Musicom is almost all instrumental. "Good To Me Prelude" features Johnson doing a cool voice box effect on guitar. I think this is the first time he's done it on an album. "From My Heart" is a sweet little song. I love Eric's "Tribute To Jerry Reed" since I'm a fan of the late actor/musician's talent and personality. The track has the easy coolness that the man always conveyed. Plus Jerry Reed could play the guitar. Eric Johnson ignites the magic switch on "Your Sweet Eyes." His guitar rhythm & tone is brilliantly placed against his vocals. Being paired up with Shawn Colvin's voice is a stroke of genius. This is one of the catchiest and memorable tracks in Johnson's career. In the linear notes Johnson dedicates the album to his father. All the music within Bloom supports that decision as it is regal, full of love and tenderness. |
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The Midnight Meat Train - Music by Robert Williamson & Johannes Kobilke Lakeshore Records - 2008 A solid score that will keep your interest for the disc's duration. Nothing particularly stands out as something you haven't heard before, but THE MIDNIGHT MEAD TRAIN is very listenable because it's ambient based. There is some nice audio effects with how the score is mixed. The score is composed with a lot of space that allows your mind to imagine what lurks in the shadows. Robert Williamson & Johannes Kobilke do create the sense of menace with their music. I recommend it. |
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Valkyrie - Music by John Ottman Varese Sarabande - 2008 The choir voices that start VALKYRIE let you know this score is backing something historical and important. The gears of military precision start and quietly turn in "Operation Valkyrie." I really like how Ottman composes understated intensity instead of the clichéd military brass scoring usually found in a war film. Ottman uses the underbelly of the orchestra instead of instruments that are more obvious like trumpets and horns. Deep seated drums pound out "What's this really all about?" Tension is palpable in "Bunker Bust." Kettle drums roll off the cliff of suspense in "March 13 Attempt" and "Seconds Lost." The soft dark percussive elements Ottman uses in "The Way It Should Go" are very effective. Ottman makes the most of building the intensity in "Important Call." The composer uses deep elements that bubble under the surface that act as pressure valves that create tension. Drums pound out while the orchestra swells under "Olbricht Gives The Order." Ottman really pours his heart into "Long Live Sacred Germany." A bold score for a big budget Hollywood film. Impressive. |
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Souljourners - Mind Control Souljourners hits hard from the first track "Permanent Scars." Michael Couts' voice reminds me of James Hetfield. Couts also plays the guitar in the band and he is a wicked guitarist. "Crazy Times" is quite honestly a lead guitar players paradise. Couts shares soloing with Def Leppard's Phil Collen. These two guys hit the launching pad at the four minute nineteen second mark and then the notes fly back and fourth at lightning speed and the guitars are revved up to the max for over a minute and half. Awesome is probably not a strong enough world to describe it. Couts doesn't stop there as he tears into the next track "Fall." I love the way the band breaks open the hole for Couts to fire away another solo. "I've waited" could easily be on the radio. But don't think this is a sugar-coated ballad. It's melodic with the bite of a pit-bull. The guitar is heavy and aggressive and Couts sings a great tune. The guitar-piano volley is exciting and a thrill to listen to. Couts tears up the strings as a crowd chant screams "Sapphire World." The whole band joins in the fun during this instrumental. Paul Ellinson's keyboards really shine, while David Brockinborough shocks the foundation on bass and Chandler Taylor bashes the skins. The guitar an drums are syncopated with the nasty rhythm in "Half Life." The rocking groove in the middle of "Mind Control" jumps back and fourth between the guitar and keyboard. The bass and drums keep up and add to the powerhouse instrumental. The keyboard riff in "Tangent Universe" is wild and Couts drops bombs with his guitar. "The Avenger" has a choir singing back-up vocals, which gives the song the feel of something larger than life. Souljourners are an exciting band and Mind Control has everything to love if you are a hard rocking fan. Mind Control was released last year and I want to apologize to the band and you for not getting this review out sooner. Because you should know about this kick ass CD. Go to the band's site to pick it up ASAP.
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Joe Satriani - Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock Epic - 2008 Joe surfs right back into the cool groove he's always gets whenever he works with Producer John Cuniberti. From "Musterion" to "Andalusia" Satch gets that spark, which is passionate yet relaxed and totally natural. Jeff Campetilli' beats out a jamming drum sound in "Overdriver." Joe captures another rock chant tune in "I Just Wanna Rock." This tune features a bunch of folks on the microphone and Joe on voicebox, it's honestly quite catchy. ZZ Satriani plays the intro saxophone to "Professor Satchafunkilus." Piano really sounds great with Joe's bluesy guitar in "Come On Baby." The tapping of the side of drum with the piano in "Out Of The Sunrise" felt like Joe playing with the Weather Report jazz band and that totally works for me. I love when the drums really kick in giving the song an almost reggae rock feel. "Asik Vaysel" gives Joe almost eight minutes to lay out his rocking jams. Wow, some Latin percussion to go with some passionate clean Flamenco guitar in "Andalusia" is really beautiful and different for Satriani. I like it! |
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