Tubular Bells – 50th Anniversary Celebration (Cleopatra)

Tubular Bells was Mike Oldfield’s debut album that he released 50 years ago.  It was a groundbreaking record that launched the careers of Mike Oldfield and Virgin Records.  To this day, the album is very unique, and since then there really wasn’t anything like it.  Mike Oldfield wrote many albums where he explored similar themes, and eventually started writing songs with lyrics and vocals.  He was successful in both areas, but Tubular Bells was his calling card.

This album does not include any contributions from Mike Oldfield.  His music is being performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Contemporary Voices Choir, and some sessions musicians.  It is a really well put together project.  There is definitely love for the music, you can feel it in how this recording flows.  There were other orchestral attempts at Tubular Bells, but this one by far is the best one.  In many ways, any flaws of the past are brought to perfection here.

This is a very pleasant and relaxing listen.  The whole album is a very nice surprise.  Normally such tributes tend be done in a hurry, and with little preparation, but that’s not the case here.  Every little sound is accounted for, and some arrangements are quite inventive and interesting.  The album has a very cool mood to it.  After few listens it still feels very fresh, and you get the impression that you’re hearing Tubular Bells unlike any other time before.

It's a double disc set, and there are some bonus surprises mainly on the second CD.  What you get is Ommadawn Pt. 1, some parts of Hergest Ridge, and Moonlight Shadow.  The last one of course was a European megahit for Mike Odlfield back in 1983.  The vocals performed by Ella Shaw.  The packaging goes along with the original Tubular Bells theme, only the bells are twisted to resemble number 50.  This is not a new Mike Oldfield release, but still incredibly well put together and entertaining. 

Mark Kadzielawa

Held By Trees – Solace (Tweet Jacket)

In every aspect, this is the most wonderful tribute to Mark Hollis and Talk Talk.  Hollis was a true visionary who took Talk Talk from new romantic pop into progressive minimalism.  This album is the closest thing that Mark Hollis would’ve done if he was still alive, and still musically active.  Even the album cover is related to Talk Talk releases.  Also, there are number of musicians here involved who played alongside Hollis during his years of activity.

The music itself has variety of moods, it can create or alter certain feel.  In many ways, you feel here like you interact with the music.  Sometimes you hear the sounds that simply aren’t there, but your mind takes you to that place.  This by far might the most beautiful impact of this album.  It challenges your mind in the most unexpected ways.  There is a trance element that allows you to go places while experiencing this album.  Solace is what you feel under this record’s spell.  That title couldn't be more accurate.

The music has very odd qualities, some tracks give you that feel of the evaporated love that you're trying to reach so hard, and it’s always an inch higher.  There is also feeling of gentle rain drops coming down at you, and no real reason given as to why.  Imagine looking at the stars, and you get the feeling that in fact, it’s them watching you.  You put this record on another day, and it’s a completely new scenario of feelings.  Sometimes it’s too much, and then you turn this record off, but you keep coming back to it because it takes you places.

Solace is a truly wonderful album that thrives on its own.  Despite the obvious Hollis influences, Held By Trees has plenty of fluids of its own.  The more you listen to this album, you abandon any opinions, and let the music direct you into the unknown.  There is a spiritual feel that can beautiful and haunting at the same time.  Each listen is like a throw of the dice, you get something different out of it.  Those who’ll get it will experience a repeated state of bliss.

Mark Kadzielawa

Vicious Rumors - The Atlantic Years (Dissonance Productions)

 

Vicious Rumors were once signed to Atlantic Records.  They released two great studio albums, but the label didn’t know how to push this band to the next level.  The coming of grunge didn’t help things either, but that never stopped a band like Vicious Rumors to do what they do best.  They never stopped being true to themselves.

What we have here is a reissue of three classic Vicious Rumors albums that came out between 1990 and 1992.  The great, Carl Albert, was still singing for the band, and the music was as a always great.  The albums in question are the self-titled, Vicious Rumors, Welcome To the Ball, and Plug In and Hand On-Live In Tokyo.  These albums have been unavailable for a number of years.  It’s great to get them back, and re-live some cool memories associated with this band.  Plug In and Hang On-Live in Tokyo was released in Japan only, so it’s great to get it back as a part of this package. 

Vicious Rumors plays a traditional heavy metal with some heavier thrashy overtones.  They focus on melody and great delivery.  Both studio records made for Atlantic were very much ground-breaking efforts from Vicious Rumors.  The band toured extensively in Europe, Japan, and United States.  They played big and small shows, but always gave it their all.  The live album in this package certainly reflects it as well.

This is a very nice and comprehensive package.  It captures and explains the times in which these albums were recorded and released.  It is definitely meant for the enthusiasts and collectors, or perhaps both at the same time.  Let’s not forget the new fans who might only be discovering Vicious Rumors now.  It is a very representative overview of what this band was all about back then.  Vicious Rumors is still a band that is active, and they certainly could use any additional support.  The Atlantic Years captures a very special time in the history of the band, and the heavy metal movement in general.  Hearing these records again after few decades, makes you appreciate them even more now.

Mark Kadzielawa

Raven – Rock Until You Drop – The 4CD Over The Top Edition (HNE Recordings)

 

Rock Until You Drop was legendary first release from Raven.  It kickstarted the band’s career back in 1981, and they are still with us, stronger than ever!  This album was absolutely outstanding for its time, the songs still get the blood boiling.  What we have here is a an amazing reissue, clearly a labor of love on the part of the label and the band. 

This little boxset is absolutely sensational, and by far the most definite version of Rock Until You Drop.  There are several versions out, but this is the one you need!  The box includes the album with some great bonus tracks, all on one CD.  The 2nd disc digs deep into the demo stages of Raven.  There are demos from 1980, but there are even older tracks, dating back to 1978.  You are hearing an absolute history here.  Yeah, the quality may very here and there, but you are on the road very few had travelled.  Pure gold here for sure.

The other two discs include two live shows from 1982.  One from Bologna, Italy, and the other one from Manchester, England.  Here’s a chance of witnessing Raven in the early stages as a professionally signed live band.  Both shows are very dynamic, and display a lot of energy, much of which is still present with Raven today.  Historically, this is another outstanding find from band’s own private archives.  If that wasn’t enough, there is a radio interview with the boys from the same time frame.  You hear pure Newcastle band talking in their natural environment.  Not only is it awesome, it is fun.

The booklet includes very detailed noted from John Tucker.  The band was clearly involved in putting this feature together.  I simply love the attention to detail here!  Tucker leaves no stone unturned as far as Rock Until You Drop is concerned.  Visually, the package includes some great photos, many of them were never seen by the wider audience.  Once again, historical finds dominate this release.

This is the most complete, most comprehensive, and best sounding version of Rock Until You Drop.  It’s a real joy to listen to this material, and investigate the early days of Raven from the notes and photos.  This is very likely a limited release, so grab yours while you still can.  It has a collector’s item written all over it.

Mark Kadzielawa

Accept – The Arcada, St. Charles, IL 10/14/22 (images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

 At one point of their career Accept reached the spectacular level of their live shows, and they never went down beyond that point.  This writer had seen over a dozen of Accept shows, starting in 1985, and it was always powerful and perfect.  Even the ill-fated 1989 show at the Vic with David Reece, after which the band broke up was still great.  There was no indication that things would turn sour within minutes after getting off stage.  The current incarnation of Accept delivered another spectacular show at The Arcada.

The band was extremely well prepared, and ready to roll.  The show was perfected by now, and every little part worked.  Accept had fun on stage, and the audience loved it.  The three-guitar attack was definitely very intense, and gave the music an extra heavier edge.  Instrumentally, the band was untouchable.  They flew through every song at ease and never looked back.  Vocalist, Mark Tornillo, was in his element; just having fun on stage, and delivering every line with excitement.  After several albums and tours, he certainly earned his stripes as a seasoned Accept vocalist.

Accept opened with Zombie Apocalypse and Symphony of Pain off their latest album, Too Mean To Die.  Afterwards, they jumped into Restless and Wild, only to revisit the newest album with Overnight Sensation, and The Undertaker.  The new track jelled well with all the new and old classic material.  Accept albums still rock, and despite the line-up changes that took place over the last few years, the quality is still there.  Since reuniting with Mark Tornillo on vocals, every single Accept album delivered the goods.

Plenty of classics tracks for the audience to enjoy and re-live their youth or do.  Some of the songs included were: Living for Tonite, Princess of the Dawn, Son of a Bitch, and I’m a Rebel.  The band also played a meddle of few other classic tracks just to pack in as much bang for your buck as possible.  The Arcada was brought down by Fast as a Shark, Metal Heart, and the anthemic, Balls to the Wall.  No one could argue with this combination of songs that instantly generate an enthusiastic response.  Pandemic was very timely, and also well received.

The addition of Philip Shouse on third guitar made things very interesting.  Shouse is a very visual player who gets the crowd going.  He’s also a very accomplished lead player.  His interaction with Wolf Hoffman was quite impressive.  As odd as it may looked on paper, it works beautifully on stage.  Let’s not forget Wolf Hoffman, who once again had an amazing night, and played as good as only he can.  Accept’s music revolved around his riffs, and his style.  Hoffman is clearly the brains behind this operation, and he’s pushing Accept into eternal excellence. 

Seeing Accept on Friday evening was a great way to conclude a week on a very high note.  The band provided a great show, and it was great to celebrate with them the end of the week, or simply forget of any ongoing problems or pressures that may be.  This was an evening of heavy and melodic songs with a touch of traditional metal class.

Mark Kadzielawa

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Michael Schenker Group – Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, IL 10/7/22 (images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

It’s always joy to see Michael Schenker live, and because of the pandemic it was simply too long since the Mad Axeman graced these shores with his presence.  The crowd response was instant as well.  This was a sold-out show, and the fans were hungry for some classic riffs they knew and loved.  The show was billed as Michael Schneker’s 50th Anniversary as a recording and performing artist.

From the first sounds of Into The Arena, the tone was set for the whole show.  Joining Schenker on vocals was Ronnie Romero, who sang on the last studio record, Universe.  Cry For the Nations brought us back to 1980, and Doctor Doctor went even further.  Two great songs instantly generating enthusiastic response.  The band was playing great, and Schenker just displayed his usual magic.

The current version of the Michael Schenker Group was a very tight unit.  The band was prepared and ready for any challenge.  They played great and allowed Schenker to improvise at ease whenever he felt like it.  Several new songs from Universe were played, and they were catchy songs with great rhythms, but it was the classics that ruled this evening completely.

The set list was very UFO heavy, but it was Schenker who wrote these songs back in the 70s.  He’s got every right to play them in any configuration he wishes, and now it appears that he will be the only performer playing them.  No one complained, and the classic UFO tracks went down like a storm.  Michael Schenker kept the heat on the audience and continued to serve one gem after another.  His lead work was spotless, and his tone still as unique as ever. 

It was great to see Michael Schenker having a great time on stage, and giving his best to the audience.  The relationship between Schenker and the Chicago audiences is very strong and legendary.  This was another triumphant night for Michael Schenker, and a great time for everyone who was there.

Mark Kadzielawa

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Intelligent Music Project VII – Unconditioned (Intelligent Music)

 Intelligent Music Project are fun, and are meant to be fully enjoyed.  This is meant for the lovers of melodic rock.  This is another dose of some great sounding classic rock with an incredible sense of melody.  As always, the project includes few big names.  This time it’s the vocalist, Ronnie Romero, and drummer Simon Phillips. 

Milen Vrabevski wrote most of the music, sometimes with the assistance from Biser Ivanov, and Ivo Stefanov.  Vocalist, Ronnie Romero also shares a few songwriting credits.  The songs sound great, catchy, orchestrated, and pleasant to listen to. 

Clearly, these guys are having a lot of fun writing and recording the music they feel and love.  The music on this album is meant for the lovers of 1980s hard rock.  Some can claim that 1990s were also fruitful in that department, but it was more of an underground adventure.  Years ago, the mainstream radio would certainly crate a hit or two out of those tracks, but nowadays they will go widely unnoticed.  The fans who follow the releases of this project will gladly add this to their already growing collection.

There is definitely a quality to what this group of musicians is trying to accomplish.  Plenty of cool tracks that will get you rocking and singing along.  This album, and the six released previously are certainly worth the attention of any AOR fan.  AS for this writer, he certainly feels conditioned for more to come.

Mark Kadzielawa

Pat Travers – The Art of Time Travel (Cleopatra)

 

Pat Travers has a very clear vision when it comes to music.  Over the last couple of decades, he’s evaded all of the trends, and continued straight on his own path.  His records are very even, and very much Pat Travers!  He’s never been trying to be what he’s not.  Big auditorium halls or small clubs, Pat Travers is there to play his music the best he knows how.

The Art of Time Travel is another awesome Pat Travers album.  The songs are great, his playing is great, and the album has a good feeling about it.  Travers’ dirty blues rock approach is once again a winning formula, and he’s sticking to it. The album is very well produced, it sounds very organic and has a lot of punch.

There are some really cool tracks on this album.  The title cut is a great rocker, but it’s Ronnie that shows the more sensitive side of Pat Travers.  Ronnie is a tribute to the dearly departed Ronnie Montrose with whom Pat clearly had a great relationship.  Breaking Up in Lockdown is another cool track, and due to its lyrical content, it does stand out.  I Feel Good is all around great tune with lyrics that show appreciation for life, and good things that happen when you work hard at it.  Natalie is a closing song, and it’s an instrumental track.  That song has a very good vibe about it.  Travers certainly went for a very gentle feel here, and achieved it beautifully. 

The Art of Time Travel shows off Pat Travers as a multi-dimensional player.  He’s got his style and great tone that's very unmistakable.  The album continues his music journey, and shows no signs of compromise of any kind.  

Mark Kadzielawa