A new Ronnie James Dio compilation is due out through Sanctuary on June 6.
Callled ‘Mightier Than The Sword’, this double CD spans his entire career, from Elf to Heaven & Hell.
The full track listing is:
CD One:
1. Carolina County Ball (Elf) 2. Love Is All (Ronnie James Dio) 3. The Temple Of The King (Rainbow) 4. Catch The Rainbow (Rainbow) 5. Stargazer (Rainbow) 6. Run With The Wolf (Rainbow) 7. Kill The King (Rainbow) 8. Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll (Rainbow) 9. Lady Of The Lake (Rainbow) 10. Gates Of Babylon (Rainbow) 11. Die Young (Black Sabbath) 12. Heaven And Hell (Black Sabbath) 13. Children Of The Sea (Black Sabbath).
CD Two:
1. The Mob Rules (Black Sabbath) 2. Voodoo (Black Sabbath) 3. Country Girl (Black Sabbath) 4. Holy Diver (Dio) 5. Rainbow In The Dark (Dio) 6. We Rock (Dio) 7. Rock ‘N’ Roll Children (Dio) 8. All The Fools Sailed Away (Dio) 9. I (Black Sabbath) 10. Push (Dio) 11. One More For The Road (Dio) 12. Shadow Of The Wind (Black Sabbath) 13. Neon Knights (Heaven & Hell) 14. Bible Black (Heaven & Hell).
Find out more at www.ronniejamesdio.com
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Sunday 15 May 2011
(Not) the end of the world - part two
In nearly 30 years of writing about the Belfast music scene, I’ve conveyed possibly every emotion that it is possible to commit to words – anger, love, hate, compassion, fury, desire… add your own as applicable. Very rarely, however – if ever – have they all possibly been contained in one piece and one place (which is why I suppose this review should come with a public health warning!)
Last night, a scenario unfolded which could have killed most bands, stone dead, on the spot. What should have been the proudest moment in any band’s career could have become their most shameful. It could have been the end of their world, literally. Worldsend could have proven to be an apocalyptic premonition.
OK, enough of the flowery literary shit. What I’m talking about here is the party to celebrate the launch of the excellent ‘Letters To Lost Souls’, the debut album by Worldsend. The band and the venue really had pushed the boat out… from beautifully produced invitations to a highly effective social media campaign and a superbly decorated venue. But (there’s always a ‘but’, isn’t there?), there was one very important ingredient missing…. a drummer.
Basically, last Wednesday – four days before his band’s career breaker showcase – sticksman Stephen Campbell baled, jumped overboard and swam off to the new world… Show over. Or, so you would think. But, Eddie, J and Paul are three of the most professional and accomplished musicians it ever has been my pleasure to meet and so, in the best showbiz, tradition, they sat down, analysed the situation and decided that the show would go on.
And so they took to the stage, with spotlights blazing on a drumkit. And proceeded to deliver a brilliant, career defining show. It was clear from the outset that vocalist Eddie Currie was angry – with ‘Fuck You’ inked on the inside of his forearm – as he virtually spat out the lyrics with unbridled venom. Yet, he also retained his trademark smile and humour (referring to replacement drummer ‘Roland’). He was counterpointed by the calmness of bassist Paul Boyd and guitarist extraordinaire J: indeed, the only disappointment arising from the whole scenario was the fact that using a laptop for the drum parts limited J’s ability to indulge in some fiery solos.
Worldsend? Yes. And no. A new beginning? Only the guys can steer their course. It was an emotional rollercoaster of a gig… it was a pleasure to be there, and I wish the three of you well on your onward voyage… you know how to find me if you need a crew…
Last night, a scenario unfolded which could have killed most bands, stone dead, on the spot. What should have been the proudest moment in any band’s career could have become their most shameful. It could have been the end of their world, literally. Worldsend could have proven to be an apocalyptic premonition.
OK, enough of the flowery literary shit. What I’m talking about here is the party to celebrate the launch of the excellent ‘Letters To Lost Souls’, the debut album by Worldsend. The band and the venue really had pushed the boat out… from beautifully produced invitations to a highly effective social media campaign and a superbly decorated venue. But (there’s always a ‘but’, isn’t there?), there was one very important ingredient missing…. a drummer.
Basically, last Wednesday – four days before his band’s career breaker showcase – sticksman Stephen Campbell baled, jumped overboard and swam off to the new world… Show over. Or, so you would think. But, Eddie, J and Paul are three of the most professional and accomplished musicians it ever has been my pleasure to meet and so, in the best showbiz, tradition, they sat down, analysed the situation and decided that the show would go on.
And so they took to the stage, with spotlights blazing on a drumkit. And proceeded to deliver a brilliant, career defining show. It was clear from the outset that vocalist Eddie Currie was angry – with ‘Fuck You’ inked on the inside of his forearm – as he virtually spat out the lyrics with unbridled venom. Yet, he also retained his trademark smile and humour (referring to replacement drummer ‘Roland’). He was counterpointed by the calmness of bassist Paul Boyd and guitarist extraordinaire J: indeed, the only disappointment arising from the whole scenario was the fact that using a laptop for the drum parts limited J’s ability to indulge in some fiery solos.
Worldsend? Yes. And no. A new beginning? Only the guys can steer their course. It was an emotional rollercoaster of a gig… it was a pleasure to be there, and I wish the three of you well on your onward voyage… you know how to find me if you need a crew…
Thursday 12 May 2011
Not the end of the world?
Sometimes, life throws you up conundrums. Like, what to tell your ex when she makes it clear she still wants to relive some of the good times when you hate her guts! Or, how to a review a CD by guys you’ve known, on and off, for about 20 years?
In the case of the former, no fucking chance babe – you blew it! As for the latter – well, I suppose you better just go for it… which is what I’m going to do in the case of the CD currently blasting out of the rather powerful stereo here at PC Tower.
The opus in question is the long awaited ‘Letters To A Lost Soul’ by the highly experienced quartet that go by the name of Worldsend.
I use the word experienced in the best possible sense: this is a band who have been around the block more than once – and it’s experience that shows, as this is a very polished performance all round.
Opener ‘Without A Trace’ sets the standard, with the rhythm section of Steve and Paul tight as fuck underneath J’s twisting, winding guitar work (he may be playing slower than the Comet of old but he’s still the best guitarist to come of Carrickfergus) while Eddie’s vocals soar majestically.
The high standard is maintained through the equally superb ‘The Enemy We See’ , before the pace – but not the standard - lessens for ‘Warning Sign’.
There is a word I used earlier: polished. And that sums up this eight track release. Very much so. I also used the word experienced. Again, this is a positive description. I’m going to add a few more words, all deserved: impressive, accomplished, well worth checking out, repeating.
The official release party is this coming Saturday (14 May) at Ma Nelson’s. Two more words: be there.
In the case of the former, no fucking chance babe – you blew it! As for the latter – well, I suppose you better just go for it… which is what I’m going to do in the case of the CD currently blasting out of the rather powerful stereo here at PC Tower.
The opus in question is the long awaited ‘Letters To A Lost Soul’ by the highly experienced quartet that go by the name of Worldsend.
I use the word experienced in the best possible sense: this is a band who have been around the block more than once – and it’s experience that shows, as this is a very polished performance all round.
Opener ‘Without A Trace’ sets the standard, with the rhythm section of Steve and Paul tight as fuck underneath J’s twisting, winding guitar work (he may be playing slower than the Comet of old but he’s still the best guitarist to come of Carrickfergus) while Eddie’s vocals soar majestically.
The high standard is maintained through the equally superb ‘The Enemy We See’ , before the pace – but not the standard - lessens for ‘Warning Sign’.
There is a word I used earlier: polished. And that sums up this eight track release. Very much so. I also used the word experienced. Again, this is a positive description. I’m going to add a few more words, all deserved: impressive, accomplished, well worth checking out, repeating.
The official release party is this coming Saturday (14 May) at Ma Nelson’s. Two more words: be there.
Saturday 7 May 2011
Celtic masters
Well, it took them fucking long enough... Play.fucking.com that is!
Two weeks before it's official release date, I ordered Cruachan's promised-to-be-awesome new offering 'Blood On The Black Robe'. It arrived exactly two weeks later. Two fucking weeks later than the official fucking release date, that fucking is!
So, anyway, it's finally blasting out of the towering speaker system here at PC headquarters, and, of course, yours truly has to ask... was it worth Play fucking me about and making me wait?
Of course it fucking was. I've said on this forum and elsewhere that 2011 could well be the year that celtic metal establishes itself as a major force, alongside the more successful Scandanavians, as a major force within the genre.
Certainly, 'Blood...' establishes the case with emphasis. Quite frankly, this is a brilliant album - epic and sweeping in its scope, beautiful yet brutal, just like the Irish mythology in which it is so deeply embedded, melodies swirling and amassing around like ancient warriors preparing to go into batttle, daubed in their tribal colours (something Cruachan also display with pride). This is an epic album in every sense of the word, mixing light and dark with the expertise only a band of this pedigree can manage.
Cruachan, quite rightly, argue that they are the progenitors of the whole 'folk metal' sensation, which subsequently has been hijacked by the invading Viking hordes from Norway, Sweden, and especially Finland (and even the fucking Faroe Islands). With 'Blood.. ' Keith Fay and his warriors drive back the Nordic hordes and reclaim the ancient path for their very own...
- 'Blood On The Black Robe' is out now on Candlelight.
Two weeks before it's official release date, I ordered Cruachan's promised-to-be-awesome new offering 'Blood On The Black Robe'. It arrived exactly two weeks later. Two fucking weeks later than the official fucking release date, that fucking is!
So, anyway, it's finally blasting out of the towering speaker system here at PC headquarters, and, of course, yours truly has to ask... was it worth Play fucking me about and making me wait?
Of course it fucking was. I've said on this forum and elsewhere that 2011 could well be the year that celtic metal establishes itself as a major force, alongside the more successful Scandanavians, as a major force within the genre.
Certainly, 'Blood...' establishes the case with emphasis. Quite frankly, this is a brilliant album - epic and sweeping in its scope, beautiful yet brutal, just like the Irish mythology in which it is so deeply embedded, melodies swirling and amassing around like ancient warriors preparing to go into batttle, daubed in their tribal colours (something Cruachan also display with pride). This is an epic album in every sense of the word, mixing light and dark with the expertise only a band of this pedigree can manage.
Cruachan, quite rightly, argue that they are the progenitors of the whole 'folk metal' sensation, which subsequently has been hijacked by the invading Viking hordes from Norway, Sweden, and especially Finland (and even the fucking Faroe Islands). With 'Blood.. ' Keith Fay and his warriors drive back the Nordic hordes and reclaim the ancient path for their very own...
- 'Blood On The Black Robe' is out now on Candlelight.
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Paradise City returns to action
Get those air guitars tuned up and get ready to get down and RAWK - 'cos the Paradise City crue are back in business.
The dynamic quartet that make up Belfast's best team of classic rock and metal DJs have just confirmed the dates for a whole raft of PC shows between now and the end of November.
All gigs will take place in the superb venue that is Upstairs @ Morrisons, on Belfast's Bedford Street, on the following dates: Friday 10 June, Friday 15 July, Friday 26 August, Friday 23 September, Friday 14 October and Friday 18 November.
Doors for all shows will be 9pm, and admission is £5. As Paradise City is the host clubhouse for Hard Rock Hell Northern Ireland, the usual members' discounted admission charge (£3) will apply on all nights.
Get those dates in your diaries folks, 'cos there's gonna be some rockin' in the heart of the city!
The dynamic quartet that make up Belfast's best team of classic rock and metal DJs have just confirmed the dates for a whole raft of PC shows between now and the end of November.
All gigs will take place in the superb venue that is Upstairs @ Morrisons, on Belfast's Bedford Street, on the following dates: Friday 10 June, Friday 15 July, Friday 26 August, Friday 23 September, Friday 14 October and Friday 18 November.
Doors for all shows will be 9pm, and admission is £5. As Paradise City is the host clubhouse for Hard Rock Hell Northern Ireland, the usual members' discounted admission charge (£3) will apply on all nights.
Get those dates in your diaries folks, 'cos there's gonna be some rockin' in the heart of the city!
Rory’s unfinished business…
In November/December 1977 and January 1978, Rory Gallagher recorded a complete new studio album in San Francisco.
There were a variety of reasons why the album wasn’t released at the time – though, in 1992, Rory did reveal that the main reason it didn’t come out (it would have fitted between ‘Photo Finish’ and ‘Top Priority’) was because “the mixing of it had become complicated” and, as a result, he “couldn’t get some of the songs to sound right”. He also said that with the passing of time, he now felt there was a good chance the album “could eventually come out in some form - remixed”.
Sadly, of course, Rory is no longer with us in person but his legacy has been lovingly maintained and nurtured by his brother and manager, Dónal. He, now along with his son Daniel, Rory’s nephew, have returned to these recordings and performed the extraordinary job of mixing the album with contemporary technology - and Rory would surely approve of the results.
To enhance what is already a 'holy grail' package for Rory’s fanbase, the Gallagher’s have also compiled and mixed a live album recorded over the four shows Rory performed at The Old Waldorf in San Francisco around the same period, in December, 1979. The result is a mouth-watering double CD package.
The title, ‘Notes From San Francisco’, is, of course, a play on words, with the notes referred to being both musical ones and written ones, as Rory used to send postcards back to Ireland from wherever his career took him. The sleeve is an original postcard he sent, and several others from the time have been sourced from the original US postcard company who produced them. This limited deluxe edition includes, amongst other things, a set of personalised Rory postcards complete with Rory ‘stamps’.
Rory’s hand-written lyrics for the studio album were in a notebook in the possession of the album’s original producer, Elliot Mazer (famous for his work with Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt and The Byrds, amongst many others), and these have also been reproduced in the new artwork.
‘Notes From San Francisco’ is released on the Capo label on 6 June.
There were a variety of reasons why the album wasn’t released at the time – though, in 1992, Rory did reveal that the main reason it didn’t come out (it would have fitted between ‘Photo Finish’ and ‘Top Priority’) was because “the mixing of it had become complicated” and, as a result, he “couldn’t get some of the songs to sound right”. He also said that with the passing of time, he now felt there was a good chance the album “could eventually come out in some form - remixed”.
Sadly, of course, Rory is no longer with us in person but his legacy has been lovingly maintained and nurtured by his brother and manager, Dónal. He, now along with his son Daniel, Rory’s nephew, have returned to these recordings and performed the extraordinary job of mixing the album with contemporary technology - and Rory would surely approve of the results.
To enhance what is already a 'holy grail' package for Rory’s fanbase, the Gallagher’s have also compiled and mixed a live album recorded over the four shows Rory performed at The Old Waldorf in San Francisco around the same period, in December, 1979. The result is a mouth-watering double CD package.
The title, ‘Notes From San Francisco’, is, of course, a play on words, with the notes referred to being both musical ones and written ones, as Rory used to send postcards back to Ireland from wherever his career took him. The sleeve is an original postcard he sent, and several others from the time have been sourced from the original US postcard company who produced them. This limited deluxe edition includes, amongst other things, a set of personalised Rory postcards complete with Rory ‘stamps’.
Rory’s hand-written lyrics for the studio album were in a notebook in the possession of the album’s original producer, Elliot Mazer (famous for his work with Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt and The Byrds, amongst many others), and these have also been reproduced in the new artwork.
‘Notes From San Francisco’ is released on the Capo label on 6 June.
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