Tag Archives: album review

Neal Morse, Momentum. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 13th 2012.

The question that some people who follow these type of things closely will be asking, is Momentumpossibly the best thing that Progressive Rock stalwart Neal Morse has ever given to the world? The follow up will no doubt be “why the long wait?”

The new album is arguably one of the finest albums that Neal has ever had a part in, the best though? Perhaps with the exception of The Whirlwind by Transatlantic and the 2002 album by Spock’s Beard Snow, then undoubtedly it is pretty darn close. It takes time to feel comfortable, to be in a space where you are not just going through the day to day motions or perceived monotony in which to produce an album which stands out, especially in the world of Progressive Rock.

Neal Morse, Momentum. Album Review. full post

(513 words, 1 image, estimated 2:03 mins reading time)

Hugh Cornwell, Totem And Taboo. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S.Media. September 12th 2012.

Whatever accusation you throw at Hugh Cornwell, boring and banal are the superlatives that should not ever be amongst them.

Since leaving The Stranglers in 1990, Hugh’s song-writing has stretched people’s intellectual knowledge and meant the freedom to enjoy a good song for what it is worth. He has produced albums that the listener either will adore and the songs much called for during his live set or frustrate with their alleged simplicity and lyrical content. Such is life and Hugh more than likely won’t care which camp you end up in. The same will be felt for Hugh’s new album Totem and Taboo. It will frustrate and please in equal measure and even though Hugh’s back catalogue reflects his time in the profession with a smile, there are times when even a fan will shudder. Totem and Taboo somehow manages to still have the raw inner anger in his compositions that endears him to a certain section of music lovers.

Hugh Cornwell, Totem And Taboo. Album Review. full post

(441 words, 1 image, estimated 1:46 mins reading time)

Cat Power, Sun. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 8th 2012.

Normally an album can leave you feeling as exhilarated and insanely happy as almost anything you have ever experienced, sometimes the opposite is true, the melancholy that is there parading through every track on the album, doesn’t necessarily make you despondent but it will grab your attention and the mixture of melancholy and joy is a mix that very few artists manage to pull off.

Cat Power, Sun. Album Review. full post

(398 words, 1 image, estimated 1:36 mins reading time)

Queensryche, American Soldier. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. May 7th 2009.

Queensryche have long been held up as one of the best examples of the heavy metal/progressive rock genre, and after the critically poor showing of Operation Mindcrime Two, it is good to welcome back the band as they show off their brand new release American Soldier.

Queensryche, American Soldier. Album Review. full post

(366 words, 1 image, estimated 1:28 mins reading time)

Magnum, Into The Valley Of The Moon King. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. June 12th 2009.

With the imminent release of the 15th studio album, Into the Valley of the Moon King, perennial rockers Magnum have once more showed how good they are at recording new and exciting material.

Songwriter/Guitarist/ Producer Tony Clarkin seems to have pulled out all the stops on this album making it one of the catchiest records to date. The opening intro which makes good use of Mark Stanway’s keyboards is quickly followed up by the punchy ‘Cry To Yourself’. This track already has the feel of a gig opener and I suspect will be treated with respect by Magnum’s loyal fans.

Magnum, Into The Valley Of The Moon King. Album Review. full post

(332 words, 1 image, estimated 1:20 mins reading time)

Alun Parry, We Can Make The World Stop. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. August 21st 2009.

Alun Parry’s new offering is wonderfully titled We Can Make The World Stop and for a while whilst listening, it really seems as though we can. From start to finish the whole album is delightfully crafted, well written and excellently sung.

The opening track and the album title shows perfectly from the start how Alun perceives the injustices within society as he observes that they have got the money but never worked a railway line or drove a bus. The feeling of solidarity pervades through the whole album but there are some songs that hold a mirror up to the cracks that have spread through society.

Alun Parry, We Can Make The World Stop. Album Review. full post

(268 words, 1 image, estimated 1:04 mins reading time)

Megadeth, Endgame. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 17th 2009.

One of the most consistent thrash / heavy metal bands have returned with the eagerly awaited album Endgame. Whilst the other thrash mainstays Metallica have raised their game over the last year to come back the pinnacle that they deserve to hold, Megadeth never really let their fans down and time after time delivered albums full of humour, stunning guitar work, drums that make your head spin and lyrics that stand the test of time.

Megadeth, Endgame. Album Review. full post

(307 words, 1 image, estimated 1:14 mins reading time)

Steve Hackett, Out Of The Tunnel’s Mouth. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 26th 2009.

The new album by Steve Hackett has been eagerly awaited by fans for a while now and for once the anticipation of a new offering by an artist has been well worth the wait.

Out of the Tunnel’s Mouth is Steve’s 22nd solo album since leaving Genesis after the Seconds Out live album and there is no sign of Steve slowing down with his incredible work rate.

Steve Hackett, Out Of The Tunnel’s Mouth. Album Review. full post

(364 words, 1 image, estimated 1:27 mins reading time)

Richie Kotzen, Peace Sign. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 26th 2009.

The new album Peace Sign is a welcome return for guitarist Richie Kotzen to the rock music buying public’s ears. The man with one of the most distinctive voices around has released an album that will surely remind the ordinary person on the street how good a musician he can be.

Right from the off Richie shows his vocal talent on the opening track My Messiah, coming across as a mixture of a knowing verbal sage and a man with a message to pass on. His voice has actually seemed to have changed and improved (if that’s possible) over the last couple of years.

Richie Kotzen, Peace Sign. Album Review. full post

(227 words, 1 image, estimated 54 secs reading time)

McIntosh Ross, The Great Lakes. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 27th 2009.

For lovers of genuinely good Scottish music the new McIntosh Ross album is a breath of fresh air. Two of the founding members of Deacon Blue, Ricky Ross and Lorraine Mcintosh have taken time out from recording anything new for the band and have instead come up with an album of high quality, gentle vocals and atmospheric musicianship.

The Great Lakes is the first venture for the twosome and although Ricky Ross has had some critical success with his solo career it comes across as a more fulfilled album, perhaps due to the influence of his wife Lorraine who has a few writing credits on the album including the stirring Winter is Coming and Silver and Gold.

McIntosh Ross, The Great Lakes. Album Review. full post

(212 words, 1 image, estimated 51 secs reading time)