English Dogs – Mad Punk & English Dogs 1983-85 (Captain Oi)

 

English Dogs were a British hardcore band, but they also had some great metal tendencies, especially in the middle phase.  This set displays early stages of the band, but already shows how they progressed and transitioned.  The two CDs combine the Mad Punx & English Dogs ep, Invasion of the Porky Men album, To the Ends of the Earth ep, and Forward into Battle album. 

English dogs were certainly talented band, and really good musicians.  At times, it felt they were too good just to play punk, but when they did, it was great.  The early output from the band sounds very vintage, and certainly displays the sign of the times musically.  At the same time, you feel the passion, and the energy captured within those songs. 

British punk produced plenty of great bands, and English Dogs were definitely one of the best.  It’s a shame they never got super big, but they always delivered great records, no doubt about that.  There is a visible improvement that took place within the two years presented here.  By Forward into Battle, things began to change, there was a metal influence creeping in.  While the music was based on heavy riffs, the vocals still kept the band grounded in hardcore.  The musicality was moving forward, and it completely exploded on the next album, Where Legend Began.  This set while still powerful, shows how the Dogs got there. 

There is definitely charm to these recordings, and it’s great to have them all in one place, considering the limited availability of some of these releases.  Captain Oi does a great job bringing those incredible gems out of obscurity into your CD players.  Let’s hope for a sequel release with another batch of hard-to-find eps, and albums from the English Dogs.  Let’s keep them barking!

Mark Kadzielawa

Phil Mogg – Moggs Motel (Cleopatra Records)

 

Phil Mogg is back with a new solo record, and it’s great to hear from him again.  Mogg is of course a long-standing vocalist for British rockers UFO.  In the recent years, Mogg, suffered a heart attack, which immediately brought UFO to stop during what was their farewell tour anyways.  Hearing him again is sort of miracle considering the health issues he recently experienced.

Moggs Motel is rather a middle of the road type of record.  Not too heavy, but not elevator music either.  In many ways, very close to what Mogg was doing in his last few years with UFO.  The last few UFO records were good to listen to, had really good performances, but you walked away not remembering a song.  In some ways, it feels like that here, but there are actually some that break out of that mold.  I Thought I Knew You is definitely a stand out track with some hit potential.  Sunny Side of Heaven brings out the hard rock feel back again.  The rest of the tracks sort of accompany that to various degrees.

Phil Mogg is not going to set the rock world on fire at 76, but he sounds good, and his voice gas a fresh feel.  He never sang above his range, therefore, his voice held up quite nicely.  Joining Mogg on this venture is bassist, Tony Newton, drummer, Joe Lazarus, guitarist, Tommy Gentry, and another UFO alumni, Neil Carter, on guitar and keyboards.  As you can see the line-up follows the model applied in UFO.  When they formula works, why mess with it?  Most of the tracks were written by Newton, with a few from Carter as well.  Mogg of course supplied the lyrics to all of the tracks.  Newton also gets the production credit for this record, which really puts him in a driver’s seat.

Moggs Motel is a cool record, very unassuming, just bunch of guys who had been around a block more a number of times having fun.  Phil’s charisma is still all over the place here, and perhaps that’s the selling point of this record.  There are many fans on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond that grew up with Phil’s music.  And it’s a natural thing that they will support the vocalist.  It’s a miracle he’s willing to do anything at all, have a happy stay.

Mark Kadzielawa

Uncle Slam – Will Work for Food / When God Dies (Dissonance Productions)

 

Uncle Slam was a crossover thrash band out of California with strong Suicidal Tendencies ties.  The band was active between 1987 to 1995, made three albums, and two of these are featured in this set.  Will Work for Food and When God Dies are combined in this very impressive package from Dissonance Productions.  At this point the only missing record is band’s debut, Say Uncle, from 1988.  It has to be noted that both albums featured here are long out of print, and are difficult to locate.  Uncle Slam might have been forgotten for a few years, but this set changes that.  Many fans of course will discover this band for the first time.  They weren’t a huge band back in their time, but they certainly had a following.

The music Uncle Slam plays is definitely underground thrash metal with definite pun/hardcore influences.  The term crossover was used back then to describe how metal and hardcore blended into something new.  There is definitely aggression here within those two records.  The world slam isn’t used here by mistake, the music is made for live performances, and some intense stage diving and slamming.  Such was the nature of the scene back then, and Uncle Slam reflects that. 

Both albums are great, humorous in a way, but definitely heavy and powerful.  There is a very specific sound bands from California had back then, and it’s definitely here.  The funny thing back then that fact was not noticeable, but years later things like that become evident.  It’s great to see those regional touches in the styles throughout the country.  It definitely made each band special and unique.  After not having heard these albums in a while, it feels very refreshing to experience them again.  In some ways, you find a new way of appreciation, not to mention re-discovery.  Uncle Slam definitely knew how to pack a solid punch back then.

Mark Kadzielawa

Renaissance – Can You Hear Me? Broadcasts 1974-1978 (Esoteric Recordings)

 

Esoteric Recording continue the very impressive Renaissance saga with Can You Hear Me?  This is not a vintage album, but a collection of live recordings from the 1970s.  Once again, this is a beautifully designed box, and of course there is a treasure inside.

Renaissance was an unusual band, but then so were the majority of the rock acts of the 1970s.  Renaissance however stood out even more due to its orchestral nature, and very distinctive female vocals.  Annie Haslam is one of the most unique vocalists in music, and what she’s able to do with her voice is simply unbelievable.  The band often would play with orchestras, and it was a perfect mix.

This box features two CDs, and Blu ray video disc.  First disc is a Sight and Sound concert from 1977 in London.  The second disc catches the band in 1978, once again in London.  Only this time it’s the archival BBC In Concert recording.  Both shows are very impressive, and well recorded.  Renaissance did great studio records, but they were definitely a live band.  The energy is there, and the group feels right at home on stage.  The final disc is a Blu-ray disc that includes a video version of the Sight & Sound show from 1977.  There is a short recording from Swiss television from 1974, and a live clip from Tops of the Pops recorded in 1978. 

Can You Hear Me? is a great live addition to already impressive Renaissance catalog.  It captures a moment in time, and highlights how unusual this was in the 1970s.  At this point, Renaissance is still functioning, but there are reports of a farewell tour being scheduled.  So, all good things come slowly to an end.  This set presents the band in its youthful stage, full of creative ideas, and in a very expressive mood on stage.  Outstanding collection of vintage live recordings and footage.

Mark Kadzielawa

KK’s Priest / Accept – Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, Illinois 9/7/24 (images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

What a great night of classic heavy metal this was!  Both bands lead by legendary guitarists whose contributions into the world of heavy metal are simply impossible to describe.  Both, Wolf Hoffmann and K.K. Downing are accomplished players in their fields who are still very much creative and have a strong will to move forward!

Accept took the stage first, and unleashed the triple axe-attack upon the Chicago audience.  Opening with The Reckoning off the brand-new album ,Humanoid, and then of course following with the title track from the same album.  Both, very strong tracks and got the audience going within seconds. 

Accept’s longevity produced many fine classic songs, and the expectations were high.  Due to co-headlining status, the time on stage was limited.  The band still played many of the great classics such as Restless and Wild, London leatherboys, Princess of the Night, or Metal Heart.  Timeless classics that always generate an enthusiastic response.  The group was tight, and played all of the songs with great excitement.  Wolf Hoffmann delivered many great leads, and his tone towered over the Des Plaines Theater.  Singer, Mark Tornillo, sounded great tonight.  He was very entertaining, and nailed each note with energy and conviction.

Of course, no Accept show would be complete without Fast as a Shark, and Balls to the Wall.  Both songs sounded monstrous, and even after four decades they still light up the room on fire.  Accept kept them in the set all the way to the end, and by then they’ve built an absolute momentum.  Great combination of old and new tracks from a classic band was a fine recipe for success.  Accept knew how to materialize on that!

KK’s Priest hit the stage like Hellfire Thunderstorm, which was also the opening track.  Followed by Strike of the Viper, and One More Shot at Glory.  Those three tracks instantly set the mood for the evening.  Not to say Accept didn't already do that.  This was a metal fury delivered by a hungry band that simply wanted to kick your ass!  They pretty much kept doing that all the way until the end of the show.  If you still haven't check out KK's Priest's latest album, The Sinner Rides Again, stop right here, and go get that record now!

The band was like a well-oiled machine, delivering each song with intensity and perfection.  K.K. Downing’s Judas Priest legacy was represented as well, and rightfully so.  Before you knew it, the sounds of Ripper, Night Crawler, Burn in Hell, Hell Patrol, The Green Manalishi, and Breaking the Law filled the room.  The two biggest surprises were Before the Dawn, and Sinner.  Vocalist, Tim Owens, was in fantastic shape.  His voice was soaring, and he made every song sound great.  The band itself became even more solid live than they were last March during their initial U.S. tour.  K.K. Downing played with renewed enthusiasm, running around the stage, and nailing every riff and lead.  Seasoned player who knows his craft well.

KK’s Priest proved once again they are a great band, and have a lot of potential.  The superb new tracks, and the addition of Judas Priest classics will always make them a good draw.  Having seen KK’s Priest twice, this writer can assure you that you will always get a great show from this crew.  They are not afraid to sweat, and get dirty.  This is heavy metal royalty at its best!  And this goes for both Accept and KK's Priest!

Mark Kadzielawa

Deep Purple - Credit Union 1 Amphitheater, Tinley Park, Illinois 8/23/24 (text by Mark Kadzielawa, images by Jim Summaria)

The mysterious intro, Mars, the Bringer of War, from Gustav Holst, announced the arrival of Deep Purple, and before you knew it, you were crusin’ fast with "Highway Star."  This song is the ultimate opener, and always sets the mood for the evening.  Deep Purple quickly went into an overdrive, they meant business, and were here to deliver a solid rock concert.

All of the eyes were quickly on the new guitarist, Simon McBride, who made his first appearance in the Chicago area.  McBride proved to be a natural fit, and quickly won over the fans with his very aggressive approach to the classic tracks, and his contributions to the new songs.  He is a very much a riff driven player, who is able to balance all of the greats that came before him, and add his own signature on top of it all. 

Ian Gillan was definitely in great spirits, as was the rest of the band.  Gillan however is the focal point of the band, and one of the finest vocalists in the history rock music.  At 79 years old, it is simply astonishing that he is still willing to record and tour.  Ian continues to break every rule that is put in front of him.  Yes, there were moments of struggle, let’s face it, those signature screams he did 50 years ago, do not come as easy now, but the effort was there.  There is no doubt, Ian Gillan put his heart into this performance, and he came out victorious.  The newer songs are sung in his mid-range, and he delivered those with absolute perfection.  Gillan definitely fed off the energy of the crowd, and they just loved him.  Gillan was chuffed, full of energy and good will.  It was a monumental task he performed this evening, and the only word that comes to mind is superb!

Ian Paice was completely in control of every song performed that evening.  What a monster of a drummer he still is.  His timing, and the strength with which he hits is simply mind blowing.  One of the most solid and dependable drummers of all time.  When you have Roger Glover with you on bass, you know you’re in good company.  Paice and Glover quickly locked in a very solid rhythm section, and they often would stretch things left and right.  What a way to have fun guys!

Keyboard player, Don Airey, truly came into his own over the last two decades.  In fact, he often comes across as a key player.  He can definitely summon the spirit of Jon Lord, but adds that something extra of his own as well.  All of this makes up for a great mix of styles that complement Deep Purple.  Airey’s improvisations are very creative and adventurous, and you can see and feel that he is having a great time.  He’s bit of a joker too.  At one point, he left everyone hanging on a note, while a waiter appeared with a glass of wine for Mr. Airey.  Here's to the best of times!

The set included a combination of old and new.  When you have so much to choose from, creating a balanced set list can be a headache.  What Deep Purple did was great, they focused on new tracks from the excellent “= 1” album, and then added classic tracks to round it up.  The total of five new songs were performed, and they went over great, which tells you the fan base is keeping up with the band.  This was no bathroom time, but full participation from the audience.  “Portable Door,” “Lazy Sod,” “Bleeding Obvious,” “A Bit on the Side,” and “Show Me” went down great, all of them included some great introductions from Ian Gillan, who related the lyrics to his personal experiences.  Of course, there were the timeless classics like “Lazy,” “Space Truckin’, or “Into the Fire.”  The biggest surprise of the set was the inclusion of “Anya” from “The Battle Rages On” album.  And yes, the song with the greatest riff of all time was played too.  If you’re not getting the drift still, it’s that tune that has to do with smoke and water.  The band encored with “Hush,” and “Black Night.” 

When reflecting back, this was a magical night!  When it comes to bands like Deep Purple, you simply never know if this is it.  The end could come at any moment, but in the meantime, let’s enjoy this great group because there simply won’t be anything like it anytime soon.  This writer certainly hopes for more albums and few more shows before the inevitable end comes.

Mark Kadzielawa

Torme – The Bernie Torme Archives Vol. 2: 1985-1993 (Cherry Red)

 

Bernie Torme archives continue to dig up some great lost classics!  While never becoming a big star, Bernie Torme, always delivered the goods.  He was mostly known for his involvement with Gillan, and short stint with Ozzy Osbourne.  This however focuses on his solo career which yielded several great albums.  If you already own the first volume, then you are ready for what came next.

The 5 CD box set begins with Back to Babylon, a great hard rock album released back in 1985, and it featured a very young Phil Lewis on vocals.  Lewis of course found fame with L.A. Guns later on, but here he is doing what he does best.  Back to Babylon should’ve been huge, no doubt about that.  Die Pretty Young came out in 1986, and the band continued on the right path.  Another solid album, great line up, but for some reason the band just couldn’t capitalize on the momentum.  Within a year it all came to an end, and Phil Lewis went overseas to follow his dream.  Official Bootleg was recorded back in 1986, and gives a taste of this great band on stage.  Simply amazing, hearing here again!

After Torme band came to an end, Bernie was involved in Desperado.  This was a supergroup involving Dee Snider, Clive Burr, and Marc Russell.  They wrote a great album that remined unreleased, and the band folded shortly after.  By 1992, Torme was back with Demolition Ball, and that the final disc of this set.  Demolition Ball was a great album, but once again released in the midst of grunge explosion.  It was only released in Europe, and it had a very limited audience.  Lewis was back on three tracks, and it felt very natural to hear that collaboration again.  Here, Demolition Ball is expanded to two CDs.  Another disc of demos is now included in the set.  Torme delivered great hard rock with Irish overtones.

There is a lot of background info provided by a very comprehensive liner notes in the booklet.  This project is clearly a labor of love by true admirers of Bernie Torme’s talent.  Torme passed away in 2019, and it’s great to see his music resurfacing and keeping his legacy alive.

Mark Kadzielawa