Here’s a quick fact check on Dark Side of the Moon: The album was released in 1973 as the 6^th studio effort from the British progressive band. The album is listed in the top 25 of the best selling albums of all time in the US and number 6 in the UK. While the album only spent one week at the number one spot on Billboard it remained in the charts for 741 weeks. By 2006 the album had spent 1500 weeks on both the album charts and the catalog charts combined.

A little on the Flaming Lips: I’ve always considered them more of a live band. I’ve enjoyed their shows, but have never been one to listen to an album. Strange? Not really. There are many bands that put on amazing shows but can never seem to produce listenable albums. (Opinions may vary, I should say.) The Lips have been around since 1983 and are thought of as a modern psychedelic band. This little band from Oklahoma City have won 3 Grammys and have been nominated 3 other times.

Opinions of the Flaming Lips covering Dark Side of the Moon are all over the place. CNN has some testimony:

“ ’Dark Side of the Moon’ is one of the most successful, beloved and influential albums of all time,” said M. Tye Comer, executive editor of Billboard.com. “Granted there have been other bands that have covered it in the past but I think when you have someone take on an album of this stature someone out there will cry out blasphemy.”

…

On the other end of the spectrum, a poster named “Graggor” wrote, “I think you can see in the album how the lips have a genuine appreciation of the ideas and themes in the album.”

Personally, this album is not for me, but I will be sure to catch the Flaming Lips play Dark Side of the Moon live. In the spirit of Rock n Roll View, we encourage you to make up your own mind and have a listen. The album is available at Amazon, iTunes and where ever you purchase your music.

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I am a busy guy these days and my lack of free time has made me a cranky one as well. Anything that may seemingly waste my limited leisure is something to be damned to the darkest recesses of hell. So when I was presented with the opportunity to review an album for Rock n Roll View I accepted half-heartedly, knowing I would have to devote at the least a modicum of attention to the material. Imagine my elation whenever I opened the promotional package and found that in fact it was three albums instead of one. Lucky Singh set about the adventurous endeavor of a “triple” album release in an attempt to corner multiple markets with targeted material.

With total disregard to the accompanying descriptions of each album I listened to the CDs successively in no particular order. The album I listened to first was 7. I was delighted to find the opening track to be reminiscent of Steve Morse. The guitar work was phenomenal with harmonized unison leads dropping off into face melting guitar solos. My opinion of Lucky Singh was sealed almost immediately. Throughout this effort I found more things to praise than criticize, so I no longer languished at the prospect of “wasted” time. Listening to skilled musicianship and thoughtful arranging could never be a waste of one’s time.

Unison fills not unlike those used by Rush are scattered throughout several tracks of 7, and at times the progressive mayhem and shredding guitar seem almost too much to take. But at these exact moments the direction of a song will change at the drop of a dime as if Lucky Singh is all to aware of critical timing. This effort is definitely a musician’s album (Track 7 entitled “Mystic 7” is in 7/4, ha). “Delta Jam” features an actual reggae and not the dub-style reggae novices espouse as the real thing. “Off the Cuff” wanders from the progressive shred to show off a blues sensibility along the vein of Hendrix or SRV, and the country/prog hybrid of Amalgamation is simultaneously original and tasteful.

My early mental picture of Lucky Singh was of a progressive, musically innovative, guitar shredder throw back (something I’ve grown fond of over the past few years). That made the next album somewhat disappointing. “Tokyo Rules” was not my favorite of the three to say the least. It seemed incongruous with the other two albums. “Tokyo Rules” was definitely an effort at pop/rock but came across as stilted and generic, although a few gems stood out from the rough. Ja-Ne, Chinatsuo, Dreams, Supernova, and Tokyo Rules had memorable melodies and colorful palettes that made up for the predictable “mainstream” arrangements. The majority of the aforementioned tracks are love songs with a pseudo-ballad feel. If pop/rock is the avenue Lucky Singh wishes to pursue it should definitely stay within this songwriting vein. Yet I would advise they travel down the path created by the Juggernaut that is “Project 8105.”

“Project 8105” would fall somewhere between Dream Theatre and Mastodon within the progressive metal continuum. The album has the musical ingenuity and chops of a mature and time-tested progressive metal band, but it also has the creativity and energy of something new. Of all three albums “Project 8105” is the best produced, with a slick consistent sound. “Project 8105” shows the heart of Lucky Singh with an attention to detail far beyond the other albums. The spoken word narrative takes absolutely nothing away from the music and vice versa. This was not only a well conceived but also a well executed endeavor. I believe this is the album from the triple release that will stay in the minds of listeners. “7” hinted at the possibility of something more, but “Project 8105” turned out to be that something more. “Project 8105” is consistent from beginning to end. Progressive metal is the niche where Lucky Singh belongs. In this writer’s humble opinion this album debut should belong solely to “Project 8105.” Definitely give Lucky Singh a try, and pay close attention to “Project 8105.” You won’t regret it.

For more on Lucky Singh and this triple album release visit Lucky Singh Online (www.luckysinghonline.com)

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Rock n Roll View receives many requests for reviews, as you could imagine. We try to accommodate everyone. Some really good albums come across my desk. (The readers of Rock n Roll View see the best selection of those review requests.) Occasionally, we see those bands that really are something special. Voodoo Vegas is one of those bands

Voodoo Vegas hails from Bournemouth in southern England – the happiest place in the UK and a resort town. Bournemouth is probably the happiest place in the UK because they have such bands as Voodoo Vegas to sport in their clubs. Fronted by Lawrence Case, they have been called “The best band on the south coast of England today…” by Alan Burridge. This band hasn’t been around very long and is already supporting the Quireboys on tour and accumulating many accolades. If I may say, they have opened for Blue Oyster Cult, a seminal American hard rock band that did their part to invent heavy metal.

I’m not sure what Voodoo Vegas means, but I know what it sounds like. Listening to their Live CD, recorded at Mr. Kyps in Poole, many times, I’ve concluded that Voodoo Vegas is fueled by whiskey, fire, and your sister’s fanny. They pulled themselves out of the swaps of Louisiana, strutted on the Sunset Strip, pounded steel under English smokestacks and kept a wicked sense of humor in the process.

Sliding the Live CD in your CD player you’ll be greeted with some guitar feedback then the pounding drum of “Mary Jane”…this is rock n roll baby. “Out There” has got some killer riffage happening that’ll get your ass shaking and your head bobbing. “Perfect Girl” starts out like a sweet ballad, unless you are listening to the lyrics, with some detailed guitar work and desperate moans until it kicks you in the teeth. I personally bow down for this track, a well crafted song musically, written with tongue well planted in cheek. After nodding your head in agreement you’ll find “The Ferry Song” that starts out with a nice harmonica intro that rolls into a blues stampede. Before you pass out in an alligator deathroll, Voodoo Vegas let’s you get some oxygen with “The Ballad”. Lawrence’s voice really soars here. He’s got the voice you would expect him to have in a heavy metal band. Powerful with the ability to yank those emotions out of you and you’ll be happy for it. Now, we get to some serous boogie woogie and slide guitar with “So Unkind.” This is a song about a girlfriend that should have been punched and dumped. You can relate. Closing out the live set with the likes of “Jimmy Silver,” a little punk bombast, could have been born in a gutter in L.A. or in the back streets of London.

As a bonus track, Voodoo Vegas gives us an acoustic version of “The Ballad” recorded in the studio. This version of the song gives us some true insight to the abilities of the band. A good song and a good band will stand up on stage, in the studio, and acoustically. I’ll have to say, I’m impressed and you’ll be impressed.  We are left with the feeling of rock n roll satisfaction and the sense that this band has more to say to us. Voodoo Vegas Live is raw and explosive giving us a snapshot of what, I hope, will soon be a powerful force in rock music. They have the sound, the songs, the band, and the front man, after all.

Voodoo Vegas is:
Lawrence Case: Vocals and Harmonica
Nick Brown – Guitar
Ash Moulton – Bass
Chris Mackonochie – Drums
Merylina Hamilton – Guitar

Web site: http://www.voodoovegas.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/voodoovegas

Check out the new music video for “So Unkind” over at HD Music Videos Online.

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So why am I just now hearing about him? I mean a guy who has seven albums under his belt and to say he is pretty big in Ireland would be somewhat of an understatement, I figured I would have, at least, heard his name being bandied around at some point. I guess I’ve been living under a rock since 1993, but I digress.

Being ignorant of his work in the past, Mr. Gray with his new album Draw the Line has made me a fan.

To me the entire album is a bit of a rolling nirvana of contradictions with songs such as “Fugitive” and “Nemesis” that are a musical mix of haunting despair and enthusiastic joy all intertwined in a sadness/hopeful double helix. Should I feel happy (“Jackdaw”), depressed, frustrated (“Full Steam Ahead” with Annie Lennox), suffocated (“First Chance I Get”, “Breathe”), yearning (“Draw the Line”), passion (“Kathleen”, “Stella the Artist”), or optimistic (“Transformation”)?  Should I feel all of this at the same time? In any aspect, I am glad I have finally discovered this wonderfully complex music.

Whether you’re into music as therapy or you are a fan of singer/songwriters such as James Taylor and Jim Croce, I think you’ll really enjoy David Gray’s new album Draw the Line.

You can learn more about David Gray at www.davidgray.com. You can pick up his new album Draw the Line on Polydor/Mercer Street Records at Amazon, your local shop or where ever you buy music. You can head over to HD Music Videos Online to catch a live performance of “Fugitive” in high definition.

Some upcoming shows that you might want to catch:

November 1st Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
November 2nd Salt Lake City, UT Kingsbury Hall
November 4th Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
November 7th Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
November 9th Los Angeles, CA Orpheum Theatre

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Sinful Ziggy returns with another review for the Rock n Roll View. The band this time around, ladies and gentlemen, is the fabulous Super Geek League from Seattle, Washington with their latest album A Magic Castle Land.

Super Geek League is, by my estimation, a revolutionary band. In their performances they use props and shock rock techniques with a goofy style that pushes the comfort level of what one would typically see on stage. Their onstage persona reminds me of a mixture of early David Bowie, Slipknot, Mudvayne and Insane Clown Posse. The sound is an amazing mixture of coinciding influences which seems to be a love child of  black metal and Mr. Bungle with Ska somehow injecting some DNA and raised by a family of Latinos on a Caribbean island.

I am completely amazed at how much this band has going on. Their change ups in rhythm are so abrupt,  interesting and compelling. I’m in sheer awe that each track has its own diversity. That’s uncommon for the fact that most bands just stick to similar melodies and rhythms on an album. Each member of the Super Geek League has amazing abilities. I’ll humor you and list just a few: The guitarist works magic with his effects, the bassist has a great funk metal style, the screams are clean and properly placed, not to mention every fill the drummer places is actual needed and adds depth to the overall compisition.

Their cover of T.I.’s “What You Know About That” is phenomenal, it keeps true and brings new. I wouldn’t be surprised if this band toured with Bloodhound Gang or Rage Against the Machine. I hear that Faith No More is touring. Imagine Super Geek League and Faith No More. That would be awesome. They bring something very unique to music. The famed producer, Rick Ruben would have a field day with a band like this.

I appreciate them and their album A Magic Castle Land.  If you are looking for something heavy, funky and unique, Super Geek League and their new album A Magic Castle Land should be added to your play list. Check them out at their Web site (www.supergeekleague.com) or at their MySpace page (www.myspace.com/supergeekleague).

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I took on the task of reviewing Worldshaker, because it’s a rock n’ roll infection. I’ve listened to this in my car, in my “listening room” on big speakers, at my computer, on a decent pair of headphones and yet I’m still hitting the play button on this every day when I’m ready to be rocked. It has quickly become one of my personal favorites of the last few years and it may ascend into my top albums of all time. Other albums on my all time list are David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti, Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon, Motley Crue – Shout at the Devil, and quite a few others. The point is that for an album to even be a candidate, it has to be cream and not just milk.

I will have to admit that I sat down to write this review many times with a few false starts. I was trying to sum up Worldshaker with some poetic, starry eyed prose that lent my feelings. I figured out that the crunch of the guitars, the pounding base line, and the fevered vocals don’t need no stinking poetry to reveal my feelings. This is rock n’ roll that comes from something animalistic and strikes you in the most primitive parts of you.

Main Line Riders intended to deliver an album that followed in the traditions of AC/DC, Rhino Bucket, and Circus of Power. They delivered. I could even say that they may have delivered on this tradition better than AC/DC themselves have in the past 15 years.  Few bands can deliver the goods with such a high watermark. Go ahead and skip Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip and cue up Worldshaker.

From the lead off track, “It All Ends Tonight”, you know what you are in for and you kick the volume up a few notches. As each song progresses and you keep kicking up the volume, you get to “Through with You” with no more trepidation. Now you are grooving and singing along before you’ve even listened to the whole album. About the middle of the album you are sweating and banging to “Broken Hearted” and the title track with no indication that this in going to let up.  By the time you get to the end of the album with “We Are the Ready Ones” and “It’s a Revolution”, the volume is setting on 11 and you are praying for more.

Main Line Riders’ Worldshaker is a high voltage album for rock n’ rollers who want to bypass all the gimmicks of most modern heavy metal and get right to what really matters – rock n’ roll. Listen to a few sample tracks and get your own infection at the Main Line Riders’ MySpace Music page and learn where you can buy the album.

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Sinful Ziggy of Out of Body and Rio de Sangre with Diabolikal of Rio de Sangre step off the stage and team up to bring you a review of one of the hottest heavy metal bands from Asia, Metalgunz.

Metalgunz, a straight forward rock n’ roll name with straight forward rock n’ roll songs on their latest album, “Never What It Seems”.  From deep within Singapore a rock band comes with the ability to defy musical definition while tipping the hat to sleaze metal, thrash, and showing off their acoustic prowess with tasteful ballads. This cross genre sampling is a definite sign of a unique collective of artists.

As we didn’t know what to expect from a heavy metal band form Singapore, we were both caught by surprise when the speakers became electrified. Rock n’ roll heaven can come from any random place. Metalgunz proves it. Without getting too philosophical, maybe that’s what rock n’ roll needs.

One of most appealing aspects about Metalgunz on “Never What It Seems” is their talent to intertwine genres and still keep the unique sound they themselves have. They never seem like a copycat band. They play like they own the music. Another important aspect, for us as musicians, we value that they construct a songs properly and lay it down like a proper heavy metal band. There is not one song on “Never What It Seems” that seems misplaced, or a beat that breaks the Metalgunz mojo.

The art of telling stories seems to be lost in the modern rock/metal scene, but Metalgunz brings back the tradition with some clear narratives in songs such as “Leatherface”, “Smack Me To Death”, “Mosquitoes” among most other songs on the album.

If we had to compare vibe and intention, we think Metalgunz reminds us of Testament, Pantera, Alice Cooper, Megadeth and so on. They have so much going for them it’s hard to compare them. Yes, their influences are clear, but they are not ruled by those influences. Over all, “Never What it Seems” is a fun and, in our musician’s ears, a beautiful listen.

Thanks to Taufik (vocals), Yusof (guitarist), Firman (guitarist), Ming (bass) and Adham (drummer) for this gift of rock n’ roll.

Visit Metalgunz at their website (www.metalgunz.com) to get the latest information about the band and listen to some sample tracks of molten metal straight outta Singapore.

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Note: The Drunken Bastard himself doesn’t wake from his drunken stupor often for an album review, but after learning that his long-time friends and drinking buddies of the Dagg Nabbit Stubbs were releasing an EP from the belly of the Georgia swamps he couldn’t resist. With a fresh jug of corn whiskey, D.B. wrote this:

Some people sell their soul to the Devil and prosper from it (Robert Johnson, Jimmy Page, Marie Osmond), while others (Vanilla Ice, Oral Roberts, Donny Osmond) are less successful. My deal was for a twelve pack of New Coke and a sequel to the movie “Highlander” … maybe I need to renegotiate.

Hailing from Swampwater, Georgia (Like there’s such place called Georgia.) and with their debut E.P. “Hot Garbage,” The Dagg Nabbit Stubbs are able to not only make a rockin’ CD but also a fun one as well. The lead in song called “The Devil’s Work” tells of their own contract negotiations with “Old Scratch” and getting to ride in his invisible jet (jealous yet?). “Devlin’ Under the Influence” is a jammin’ road ditty that makes you want to get out your drinkin’ jar and pick up your special needs cousin Ronnie and go crusin’ down Satan’s highway.

“The Devil’s Dance Party” mixes square dancing with heavy rock and “Footloose” references (six degrees of Kevin B.) and if you ever wondered about the details of “carnie” love then take a gander at “You and me and the Devil makes Four” and you’ll wonder no longer.

“These Pancakes are Made with the Devil’s Bisquick” tells the tale of one man’s epic battle against a one hundred pound bass called “The General.” The final track on this heavy drop-d tuned redneck rock fest, “The Devil and Peter Graves“: If a song about everybody’s favorite A&E Biography host (Fuck You Jack Perkins! You know why.) doesn’t light your fire then your woods are wet.

So did The Dagg Nabbit Stubbs get a good deal from Beelzebubba? Really, only time will tell but with their blues/country/rock sound, and their harmonizing along with the occasional diva like outburst the Ouija Board is pointing to yes.

Sample a track from Dagg Nabbit Stubbs – Hot Garbage
Devilin’ Under The Influence
Download audio file (Dagg Nabbit Stubbs – Hot Garbage – Devilin’ Under The Influence.mp3)

Visit The Dagg Nabbit Stubbs at their Web site to learn more about swamp culture and the band:
The Dagg Nabbit Stubbs Web site
On Myspace Music

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Who is Wolfgang and why does he have a vault? Wolfgang was Bill Graham (born Wolfgang Grajonca in Berlin in 1931). Bill Graham was the mid-wife of the modern rock n roll show. At the Fillmore West, Graham introduced audiences to the likes of Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin and many others. Graham was the concert promoter that the artists and musicians loved because he looked after them and the audience together to put on memorable shows allowing the musicians control of their stage show. Graham just didn’t just put on a show; he put on a rock n roll experience. Bands such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, The J. Geils Band, and many others graced his Fillmore stages. It is this archive of live performances that Graham promoted that is the backbone of Wolfgang’s Vault along with the performances from other archives such as the King Biscuit Flour Hour.

What’s in this vault you keep talking about? Live music, memorabilia such as posters, vintage t-shirts, photos, vintage tickets, and more from your favorite artists of the 60’s, 70’s on up to last month. The concept is simple but brilliant. Wolfgang’s Vault makes available for free the streaming of over 2300 hundred live performances and over 1300 artists with new shows being added all the time. Many of the shows can be purchased as high bit rate MP3s for your enjoyment anytime. Some shows are available for free download. You should subscribe to their email newsletter for announcements on such free shows.

This sounds good, but are there any artists that I have heard of? The short answer is:  It all depends on which rock you have been living under. If you have ever heard of bands like the Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead, Kiss, Blue Oyster Cult, Eric Clapton, Thin Lizzy, and Lighting Hopkins then you might have heard of a few of the bands that are represented.

What do these concerts sound like? Are these recording third or fourth generation audience recordings or something? Are you kidding me? The concerts come from original masters when possible and professionally recorded by real sound engineers. The steaming quality is as good as or better than satellite radio. Every recording that I have personally listened to is very listenable and some are exceptional.

Am I going to get arrested for illegal music downloading if I listen to this free live music? Wolfgang’s Vault is licensed by BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC. Every time you listen the artist is paid even if you are listening for free. Think of it as radio on demand without the annoying DJ. With that said, Wolfgang’s Vault relies on the sale of memorabilia and rock n roll artifacts to keep the music free.

OK. That’s a lot stuff to think about. What are some of the drawback? Now that you ask, there is only one drawback for me. I personally like the highest sound quality possible. The downloadable concerts are only available in high bit rate MP3s and no lossless formats. These high bit rate MP3s are probably good enough for live recordings, but I worry that I’m not hearing everything. Honestly, I can live with this, but a lossless option would make the downloads more desirable for me.

The bottom line is that Wolfgang’s Vault is a remarkable resource for free live music with the option to buy some great memorabilia and adding live performances of your favorite artists to your music collection.

• Legendary concert performances available at Wolfgang’s Vault
• Other Free Live Music on the Web

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There aren’t many that don’t know, but for the sake of this review, I’ll give just a brief history of Heaven & Hell. Heaven & Hell is the Ronnie James Dio fronted Black Sabbath featuring Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice. Ok, now that we have that over with… After Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath, Dio was hired to provide vocals and song writing. Black Sabbath with Dio went on to record two of the most highly regarded Black Sabbath albums, Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules. After the release of a live album Dio left the band and went on to a highly successful and influential solo career, while Black Sabbath floundered a bit with many singers, but still managing to produce some memorable albums. Dio rejoined the band for the brutal Dehumanizer and promptly resumed his solo career.

Ozzy rejoined Black Sabbath for a tour that was highly praised and highly successful. Ronnie James Dio, to the dismay of many fans, swore that he would never sing in Black Sabbath again. Fast forward to Heaven & Hell. The parties were brought together for the release of the Dio era Black Sabbath box set. This apparently got the gears turning and the Dio fronted Black Sabbath became Heaven & Hell. They set out on a tour that then became another tour that then became The Devil You Know. Ronnie James Dio has never sung in Black Sabbath again.

If there was ever a guitar player that invented pure heavy metal it was Tony Iommi. If there was ever a singer that defines what is mystical, otherworldly and fantastic in heavy metal it was Dio. Not to leave out Geezer, who has been a creative driving force in Black Sabbath from the very beginning. Appice has payed his dues and is a stall worth drummer of hard rock.

From the opening drum roll and the classic Iommi chug and the weeping voice of Dio on “Atom and Evil”, I know I’m in for a treat. Half way through the first song, I’m scared in only the way that Black Sabbath, er, Heaven & Hell can scare me.  Then there is “Fear” taking me on a journey to something foreboding and heavy. There is such a thing as a distorted groove that entangles you bringing up emotions of nightmare. This is Heaven & Hell. I get to relax a bit with the acoustic opening of “Bible Black”, but I know that this is only temporary and I wait with anticipation. Anticipation for the song to rip my soul out with steel talons… The forth track , “Double the Pain” begins with creepy drowning sounds before launching into what I would consider the most commercial track on the album. This is a “nice” catchy song about torture and pain. So, by commercial I don’t mean that you will catch this tune on your local Clear Channel radio station.  When you have this album in your collection, go ahead and sing along.

“Rock n Roll Angel” comes on like a classic Dio song with a classic Dio chorus, but Geezer really stands out on this track with a bass line that harkens back to John Entwistle of the Who. On “Follow the Tears” we are treated to some church organ and a military allusion in the drums until Iommi stuns us with his distorted rasp. “Come lie on a bed of nails and slumber/ Rise up but the hands will pull you down/ My sunshine is wind and rain and thunder” are the opening lyrics of maybe the best song on the album. Dio’s lyrics are the most poetic and powerful allowing me to create images in my head like a waking dream. Iommi may provide the best solo on this song, but let’s face it, solos aren’t why we listen. It is the atmosphere and the emotion and the things that he stirs in our souls. The album closes out with “Breaking into Heaven”. This may be one of the most memorable songs on the album just for the chorus. I think that Dio and the band may be delving into a heavy subject matter. As with most Black Sabbath and Dio songs, the meaning is what you might think it is. This is probably a social commentary, but I will let you decide that. One of the beauties of this band’s songs whether it was with Ozzy, Dio, or someone else, you are always allowed to do your own interpretations. That fact remains true.

Heaven & Hell – The Devil That You Know is an amazing album that belongs in your collection of Black Sabbath and Dio. There is no filler material here. Each song has its merits and as an album, it works masterfully. Time will only tell if this one becomes a classic. I suspect that it will. Dio’s voice is not at its most powerful, but his writing may be at its most consistent. The only thing that I miss is the heavy metal epic like “Sign of the Southern Cross”. If you are a heavy metal fan, bow down to the masters on this one.

• Another comment and video you might enjoy at Bloody Good Horror.

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