ZODIAC MINDWARP AND THE LOVE REACTION-HOODLUM THUNDER-

Released in January 1991 this is the higly sought after second album from frenzy Hard/sleaze/industrial rock bad boy Zodiac Mindwarp and his love reaction.

Originated from UK his real name is Mark Manning, a former graphic artist who, just fed up of the Life he was living, created his alter ego, Zodiac Mindwarp, determind to Live the debauchery Life as a rock´n´roll star. They got signed to Food Label a part of Phonogram records and made their debut with single ” Wild Child”. The full lenght album hit the desks in 1988. A fist in everyones face.

Having toured with Guns´n´roses, Alice Cooper in the US they failed to drag their album with them. They were dropped by the record Company with millions in debt..no one would touch them, even with a ten foot pole. But as Always things turnaround and a new deal saw the second album release in ´91. This time the Grunge wave was sweeping the World and if you were playing anything that reminded the public of ´80´s metal you were doomed. Again timing is everything….

This is a sad story because this album is more mature, better produced and in some sense a fortune teller on whats to come. The style swings a bit from jagged rock to early signs of the industrial sound which was to become very big in the early ´00´s. Very solid songs. The take on “Feed My Frankenstein” a co written piece with Mr. Cooper shows that Zodiac wasn´t so far from stardom. Standout tunes would be “Elvis died for you”, “Feed My Frankenstein”, “Trash Madonna” and “Hoodlum Thunder”. No song falls off the wagon but there are mood swings.

Whatabout the drummer, Slam Thunderhide (real name Stephen Landrum)?? Nothing bad really and on the other hand not really good either. I just feel a bit ambivalent about his input. On the upper side the striking and delivery all suits well but there´s a lack of something I cannot put my finger on. Curious…

Should you get this album? If you´re into hard/sleaze/industrial rock with a bit of glam sprinkled on it you feel right at home. A great party album. On the other hand, if you don´t have heard Zodiacs first Album then the advice would be to start there. No regrets.. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

THE PIRATES-SKULL WARS-

Released in 1978 this outfit is the offspring from Johnny kidd and the Pirates and originates from London.

With high octane rock`n`roll they conquer your senses and give you no chance to surrender. Just move along to the high beat or be the partypooper, the choice is yours! The swasbuckling fury upon the seven seas awaits, grrrr….. 🙂

The album itself contains both studio and live perfomences with great guitar playing from Mick Green and well, should we say strained vocals from bass player Johnny Spence. The speed is fierce, the Dynamics are totally thrown out and maybe a bit one handed in the selection of songs. But hey!! This is a party album not a hangover session on sunday morning!!

Whatabout the drummer, Frank Farley?? This chap do have to work for his Money! Thight, fast and may not the best in Dynamics but his striking is Clean with no intention to greatness. A perfect fit for a “Pubrock” outfit. It reminds me of the best gigs I played in my youth, sweaty, beerdripping joints packed with people with one mission only. To Party!! Great Times.

This record is a must for bikers, speedfreaks, rumblers and brawlers. The must to possess it is not necessery but, if your looking for an odd album in the style of Rockpile, this is the shit!!  🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

4-CHEESY-AVARAGE-

CRANK-A NIGHT IN THE CAVE-

Released in 1997 as a compilation together  with “Thump Theater” this is a mystery box.

Nothing to reveal who or what is playing on the album all information is based upon internet rumours and perhaps actual facts. I think the bass player is Johnny Castle but that is just a hunch. Labelled as “Led Zeppelin JR” this is the right description for this US outfit.

Produced and recorded sometime in late 60´s or maybe early 70´s, this album rock your socks off!! Great riffs and terrific vocals with great arrangement on the songs. This album is just plain cool 70´s bluesbased hard rock. Big Smile, Big smile….

The test of time has done its job on the production but, the less we know the more it becomes interesting as a time piece of the 70´s. Excellent job..

Whatabout the drummer??? Well I don´t know who´s in charge of the the kit.The only thing that strikes me is the ordinary playing style. Nothing out of the toolbox to get you exited but all in all a good performance well suited for the rest of the band.

This recording is just why I write about this kind of albums. A great record but maybe not your first buy when it comes to visit the recordstore. Worth exploring though and if you´re a sucker for early 70´s rock it could be Worth putting in a hard Days earnings in this album. You do get two bands for the price of Three… 🙂

And don´t forget to Crank it up when played!!! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

MOURNIN´-NIGHT SUN-

Released in 1972 this outfit originated from Manheim Germany. This is their only album release and please..buckle up because your in for a tough ride…Produced by the talented Conny Plank the record has a fantastic soundframe with no what so ever wear of time, just fabulous!!

The record sets of in in a rocket frenzy style with”Plastic shotgun” and please be seated, the ride isn´t over. It’s the ensuing, slightly more settled “Crazy Woman” that represents the core elements of Night Sun’s potent yet regimented sound, including the first of many Purple-inspired guitar-and-organ solo battles between Walter Kirchgassner and Knut Rossler. A nervwrecking.journey.. 🙂

This Krautrock masterpiece offers you the best of the “genre menu” and it will attract new followers every year as follows. This is a forgotten gem and a bit surprising that it didn´t surfaced on the radar back in the day of its release.

Whatabout the drummer, Ulrich Staudt?? As I have described Before you got to be on your toes when you´re in a krautrock/prog band. Fast delivery, on the edge playing with blistering technique is what you will find. This is a really good drummer with possessive drive which benefits the other musicians. A great experience..

If your in to mindfucking Kraut/Prog/hard rock this is a must have record. Few albums can messure up to its potential. If you´re not German lover of Kraut I still recommend you to explore an odd bird in the pond. Terrific. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

CASTLE-UNDER SIEGE-

Released in May 2014 this outfit originates from San Fransisco and what a great Power trio! Married couple Matt Davis and Liz Blackwell on guitar and bass respectively, share both vocals and the pen to all lyrics. This 70´s sounding stoner trio gets all things right with their second album. Deep, dark and suggestive is the silver thread here and it almost find its way through.

Great production lifts the album like a bay area thunder but with a bit of hesitation on the vocals at some Points. Not weak but a feeling of hesitation on hitting the notes right or with Power and precision..peculiar feeling.

Resemblences to greater acts like Black Sabbath, Pentagram are obvious but these musicians are noway near any Copycats. All songs sounds personal but with familiar ingredients. Very good.

Whatabout the drummer, Al McCartney??? Fast and firm with no suprises would be the judgement and that´s not a bad Review. Good Clean striking with great delivery cements a right fit for the band. Overall a good experience but it´s obvious that this is not the drummer who´s in charge.

Standout tracks would be “Labyrinth of Death”, “Pyramid Lake” and “Evil Ways” but no song falls under the radar, a very solid album in That sense.

If you´re into to Hard/Heavy/stoner / rock with a bit of doom hanging over your shoulder, this is the perfect album. It reinvests some good fresh attitude to the genre and it is a pleasant listen. As Castle has evolved since their first album, not much has happened into the art of bending into the borderline of other genres, but perhaps that will be the case of the new album just released in 2016…we will have to wait and see..exciting. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

DRIVER-NO ACCIDENT-

This Canadian outfit released their only album in 1977. A strange mix of kickass tunes and some very odd ballads in a mix with nowhere heading.

Guitarist and vocalist Pete Glindeman stands out with a great delivery and good singing. Bass player Dennis Coats joins him on a similar level and you just can´t argue with the input on the songs. Very strong and a great production overall.

The lack of heading of this album gives you mixed emotions. Standout tune “Boxful of love” is followed up by an funky, caribbean almost poptasting “Sweet Love” which is not bad but it doesn´t fit in at all. Confusing to say the least….

Whatabout the drummer, Stephen Rexford?? This is a solid statement and great delivery with no exclamation Point. Great playing, Clean striking and he has got a great drumsound on the album. Very nice.

If you´re into AOR rock with a bit of BTO, Flaming lips and like singalong choruses this is a priceless gem. For all you who are looking for a piledriving rock riff record this is not the first choice of record. Don´t be discouraged, it is a good album but to uneven for any higher grades. Just take a look at the sleevecover and you understand what I mean..Horrendous!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

4-CHEESY-AVARAGE-

FUZZY DUCK-FUZZY DUCK-

Released in the great year of 1971 this is far out trip into the wonderful World of progressive universe!!

Originated from London this outfit maybe could be seen as a counterpart to their American cousins in Cactus or even Mountain. This is a perfect blend of Hard/progressive/ psych rock Music. This album is like a remedy such as hair of the dog after a great night out. Inavoidable!!!

The band consisted of Paul Francis (drums, percussion who played in Tucky Buzzard), Mick Hawksworth (bass, vocals, acoustic 12-string, cello who also played in Andromeda and Five Day Week Straw People), Roy Sharland (organ, piano who played in Crazy World Of Arthur Brown) and Grahame White (guitar, vocals, acoustic guitar). On this album there is also some guitar and vocal help from Garth Watt Roy.

The band soon dissolved after its release and was never to be Heard of again. The production is superb for the time period and a pleasure to listen to. Strong songs and the existencial turnarounds in beat and timing is just wonderful. Splendid job!!

Whatabout the drummer, Paul Francis?? This is as thight as a hens Arse!! Pretty much a terrific job with excellent timing, clear striking, thriving drive and a catchy approach to the songs. A Masterpiece in drumming. You can hear that everybody is having a great time recording this album. It´s a rare thing to put a feeling, out through the speakers. Very impressive!!

If you´re a snowed in hippie with love for progressive/hard rock with vibrating Hammond organ and cutting edge guitar playing you already own this album. Maybe just for the funky album cover?

For the rest of all you musiclovers out there, this is a must listen record. Perhaps not a must buy album, but if you find it interesting enough it will grow on you. Like your friday night beer…just one more…:-)

VINYLRATING/GRADE

7-VERY GOOD!!-GAME,SET AND MATCH-

JERUSALEM-JERUSALEM-

Released in 1972 this is an on/off album that has no comparison at the time period.

With none what so ever musical background, good friends Paul Dean and Ray Sparrow decided to form a band after a gig by John Mayall´s bluesbreakers. This is the start of a peculiar story about one of the most lost protometal bands of the 70´s.

Discovered during a gig in Salisbury by Deep Purples lead singer Ian Gillan things Went fast for Jerusalem. As Mr.Gillan personally engaged himself in the bands progress the doors were opened to an exstensive Music business collaboration. Jerusalems only album is recorded Before the band had any record deal and it led the way to an extensive touring in Europe with Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Fleetwood Mac and many more.

The songs are rough, raw and has no limits in what so ever style. This is a good thing because it tends to bring out the juvenile force with in the band, which is the core to the whole album. Very impressive work. The production is time typical but with a sense of roughness that will make the album stand the test of time. A Great record.

Whatabout the drummer, Ray Sparrow?? For a self tought drummer this is an impressive achievment. Nothing that would outplay Ian Paice but a good ear for what is needed to push the other musicians in the right direction. A great piece of work. Sadly the band dissolved soon after this release due to the innocent excuse that orginal members didn´t want to go down the Commercial way of the Music business… A Big cred for that though!!

Should you buy this album?? Yes and no. If you´re in to Brittish bluesbased Music from this era there´s no hesitation, just buy it. But for all you record collectors with a bit more wider range this is just an excellent proto-metal record maybe just to Catch up on.

But damned it´s good…. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

7-VERY GOOD!!-GAME,SET AND MATCH-

RIOT-ROCK CITY-

Released in 1977 this outfit originated from NYC and what a debut album!!

Formed in 1975 by guitarist Mark Reale and drummer Peter Bitelli, They recorded a 4 piece demo and landed a record deal with independent label Fire Sign. A switch in base and signing up with a second guitarist their debut is a milestone in American hard rock history. Great resemblence to acts like Montrose and Aerosmith, they still personalized a great playing style that would change the genre in public in the future to come.

Standout tune would be “Warrior” great groove and maybe many hear a bit of Judas Priest in this, but remember that “Exciter” hadn´t  been released yet….Cool stuff. No song falls under the radar and this is a rare thing in debutalbums. Sign, seal, delivered!!!  🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Peter Bitelli?? Hardcore playing with Lightning strikes and great technique. This is a really great skinbeater and a pleasure to hear. After a few spins on the turntable you can pick up some tricks to add to your toolbox, very nice..

This album is a must have in anyones Collection, if your into great Hard/Heavy/prog rock Americana style. It´s hard to find anything better from this timeperiod. A plus is that the third album peaks the sound of Riot. Things do get better…. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

7-VERY GOOD!!-GAME,SET AND MATCH-

ASTEROID-ASTEROID II-

Released in January 2010 this outfit originates from Örebro Sweden. True Heavy stoner melodies upon a vintage production leaves no one untouched.

Great bluesbased guitar riffs and potent singing from both Robin Hirse and Johannes Nilsson, also on bass guitar, thrives with a bit of spaced out resemblence to both The Doors and early ZZ Top. The production out plays their debut with more refined sound and this gives the band a more solid sound frame.

The Swedish stoner Music scene consists of great bands like Graveyard, Abramis Brama and the resemblence to others acts like Blowback is undeniable. This is high Music skills at its best. Very Good.

Whatabout the drummer, Elvis Campbell?? This drummer is a bit cautios and maybe this is the best thing for Asteroid. Great dynamics and Clean striking with (no) Fuzz makes this a walk in the park. Nothing dramatic just good Clean playing. Very nice.

As you read this, Asteroid III is just been released, and why not treat yourself with a christmas gift and invest in a great album. Asteroid II just leaves you with a satisfaction that few new records can deliver. Give this album a few spins on you turntable and be mesmirazed by the great songwriting. If you´re in for stoner/blues/prog rock this is a great record. If you´re not, you probably wonder where they keep the weed…:-)

VINYLRATING/GRADE

6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-