by Matman

ALL ALBUMS WILL BE RELEASED TOMORROW, NOVEMBER 8TH!!!!!!!!
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QUIET RIOT - HOLLYWOOD COWBOYS (Frontiers s.r.l.)
WOW! Talk about capturing a time and style, Quiet Riot's latest album HOLLYWOOD COWBOYS brought me right back to they heyday of the band. The album is full of sing-along anthems, straight ahead rockers and some very catchy songs that the band are known for. Every track is driven by the hard and heavy drums of Frankie Banali and amazing vocals of James Durbin who doesn't copy the legendary styling of the late Kevin DuBrow... he pays homage to them. With Alex Grossi on guitar and Chuck Wright on bass, tracks like Don't Call It Love, Hearbreak City (my favorite) and Holding On not only bring back the memories of the 1980's, but incorporate the sounds that influenced them, like Led Zeppelin, Humble Pie and Bad Company.  Forget the fact that Durbin has now left the band (being replaced by Jizzy Pearl), HOLLYWOOD COWBOYS is a fantastic listen that will give the QR fans exactly what they hoped for. (4 out of 5)  

PRETTY MAIDS - UNDRESS YOUR MADNESS (Frontiers s.r.l.)
From one of my all time favorite bands comes yet another amazing album!!!! Pretty Maids are one of the more criminally neglected bands ever and I can't understand why. With UNDRESS YOUR MADNESS, the band continue to build on their hard rock legacy. Serpentine, Firesoul Fly, the almost ballad Will You Still Kiss Me and my favorites from the album Shadowlands and Strength Of A Rose are some of the best songs the band have ever recorded. For a band with over a zillion albums under their belt, it's hard to imagine Pretty Maids could have just recorded their best one... ever. yup, it's that good!!! On UNDRESS YOUR MADNESS, vocalist Ronnie Atkins, guitarist Ken Hammer, bassist Rene Shades, keyboardist and drummer Chris Laney and drummer Allan Sørensen created an alum that will be in my Top Ten of 2019. Amazing... (5 out of 5)
 
TYKETTO - STRENGTH IN NUMBERS LIVE (Frontiers s.r.l.)
I was first introduced to Tyketto because of vocalist Danny Vaughn's work with former UFO bassist Pete Way's band, Waysted. Sadly the band came out as the music landscape changed in the 1990's. Thankfully Tyketto still get out there and until I check them off my 'need to see live' bucket list, the new live album, STRENGTH IN NUMBERS LIVE will just have to do. The band celebrate their second album releases in 1994, Tyketto just bring it. From first song to last, Vaughn's vocals are crisp and soulful as he hits every note on every song. All Over Me, Catch My Fall, the perfect Standing Alone and the very rare Wait Forever bring back a time when music was not just what we listened to, it was who and what we were. Thank you Danny, Michael Clayton (drums), Chris Green (guitar), Greg Smith (bass), Ged Rylands (keyboards) and Tyketto for reminding me of that with this album. (4 out of 5)    

WORK OF ART - EXHIBITS (Frontiers s.r.l.)
Wait... What? Where did this come from? How did I miss this? From Sweden comes Work Of Art, a trio from Sweden who seem to be a near perfect mix of what I love in music. The band is pure sticky sweet AOR that blends the classic sounds of Foreigner, the prog-pop of ASIA, the song structure of Survivor and the unexpected power of Night Ranger. Yup... all that!!!! Another Night, Gotta Get Out, What You Want From Me... holy crap is this album amazing!!!! Vocalist Lars Säfsund reminds me of a smoother Bad Company's Brian Howe and joined by guitarist Robert Säll and drummer Herman Furin this album is a serious contender for my album of the year. If you know me and my musical tastes... you'll know why!!! (5 out of 5) 

Opening Act: 
Drums are done for the new Saxon album
Def Leppard to release live album featuring 1980 concert
UFO Last Orders Tour Dates
AOR/Melodic Rock Albums Chart

Ear Candy: 
The Beatles--Abbey Road (1969)
Korn--The Nothing (2019)

Comin Atcha Live:
Ghost at the DCU Center in Worcester 10/21/19

Rockversation: Brian Howe
Matt recently spoke with the singer about his time in Bad Company, his solo work, and more.

Bonus Track: Passion--Trespass On Love
From the upcoming self-titled album, which will be available via Frontiers Music Srl on January 24, 2020. 

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! ou can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

A few years ago I wrote my first music biography, UFO - YOUR FAVORITE BAND"S FAVORITE BAND, my love letter to one of my favorite bands ever, UFO.  If you haven't read the book let me give you a quick introduction to why I love UFO so much!  As a young fan discovering his own musical destiny, I would always read interviews with my favorite bands and musicians singing the praises of a UK band called UFO.  Without any way to hear their music in 1982 except buying an album I picked up a copy of their then current album, MECHANIX (at Caldors) and fell in love instantly. UFO had power, solid musicianship, catchy songs and a singer that sang with honesty and conviction... everything I loved in my music. 

I began an obsession that year with two bands in 1982, UFO and ASIA, the latter being my second book, ASIA - TIME AND TIME AGAIN.  From MECHANIX I worked my way backwards in their catalog, loving every album and line-up for what they were delivering. I also discovered the bands that former members would be a part of or came from and gain, my musical awakening took another amazing turn. Despite their working dysfunction, drug and alcohol problems and member conflicts, each album and each song would speak to my soul and color my world like not too many others.  In fact, when I was singing in the band Head First, we used to open our shows with We Belong To The Night!

UFO would break up, reform, split again, come back in a different form, disband, return with the classic line-up, divorce, fight over the name and then in 2004, UFO would return to a consistent tour/album/tour cycle.  Sadly for me and so many fans, this all comes to an end this year with one of the band's final shows happening at the Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT on November 2nd.  

How do I feel?  Emotionally I'm all over the place. I'm so sad that it's all coming to an end but happy that the band can finally say goodbye on their terms and on a high note.  For founding members, vocalist Phil Mogg and drummer Andy Parker, I'm happy they'll be able to sit back, relax and reflect on their legacy and take pride in what they created and maintained.  For guitarist Vinnie Moore (a member since 2003), I want to thank for maintaining the class and skills the songs needed and I look forward to diving deeper into your latest solo album, SOUL SHIFTER. A thank you to guitarist/keyboardist Neil Carter for returning to the fold following the sad loss of Paul Raymond.  I can't wait to finally see you on stage.  And finally, a huge thank you to bassist Rob De Luca (a member for almost 10 years). Your friendship was unexpected, your talent unquestioned and being able to 'hold it all down' live is something to behold. Now let's get Spread eagle on the road!!!!!      

If you haven't seen UFO live you have a few opportunities left, so get out there!!!! I guarantee you that you won't regret it.  Not only does UFO have an incredible catalog of music but they are awesome on stage. Prior to my books release I got to meet Phil Mogg and Andy Parker and found them to be very kind, gracious with their time and appreciative of my work on the book. I don't know if I'll get to see them again but if I do I will again thank them for everything and hope they enjoy their non rock 'n' roll life. 

UFO, I miss you already....        

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Opening Act: 
Ric Ocasek passes at 75 
Graham Bonnet spinal surgery 
Saxon’s Biff Byford has heart surgery
James Hetfield enters rehab
Ghost working on new album in 2020 

Ear Candy: 
Blink-182--Nine (2019)
Michael Sweet--Ten (2019)
Better Part of Me lyric video: https://youtu.be/5o3nTMCCEok 

Rockversation: Michael Sweet
Matt spoke to the prolific frontman of Stryper about his new solo album Ten, out October 11th on Rat Pack Records. You can hear the rest of the interview on the upcoming episode of the Official Stryper Podcast.

Bonus Track--The Ferrymen: Bring Me Home 
From the new album A New Evil, out October 11th on Frontiers Music SRL.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

Michael Sweet has one of the most distinct voices in hard rock and heavy metal.  When you hear it you know who it is right away... the voice of Stryper!  Believe it or not, that can be a problem for some people. Back in the 1970' and 80's when our favorite band's singers released a solo album that usually meant the band would soon be looking for a new vocalist. Now, this isn't the case at all. With bands not touring like they used to, this gives musicians the time to do more, so for me... this release is a bonus... one amazing, sonic bonus. 

I loved Sweet's last solo album, ONE SIDED WAR and thought he set the bar pretty high on that one.  With 10, he has raised that bar yet again with an amazing, quality release that song for song is up there with his best work, solo or Stryper. Yup... bold statement, but true!  

10 has 12 tracks (10 plus 2 bonus) that all offer the listener something different as far as the presentation and style.  This has something to do with the many guests that appear on the tracks (see key below for who plays on what), but it has more to do with the artist Sweet is.  Sure, Better Part Of Me and Shine have a certain 'yellow and black' to them, but Sweet's voice is a little edgier and a bit lower than normal giving it a different texture that you hear on Lay It Down, Love Is Hated and Son Of Man.  Even his guitar tones are also a bit muted and come across very 'old school', giving the album a very classic feel. 

Despite the many guests who bring their own unique styles and talents, the entire album comes across very organic and cohesive. Nothing sounds forced and that has so much to do with the production done by Michael Sweet and how everyone did their parts to enhance the song, not take it over or show off.  Everything has a chance to breathe and just be heard....

The way that 10 is put together is something I didn't expect.  For me, each song was followed by a song as good as the previous.  By the time I got to side two (or what would be side two) it was non-stop listening gold with the emotional ballad Let It Be Love, the pop metal of Ricochet and the heavy riffin' of Never Alone.  

A little UFO melody, some Black Sabbath riffs, a dash of Sunset Strip flash and a big chunk of heart and soul.... this is 10.    

Matman Rating - 5 out of 5 (equals 10, get it?)

For pre-order info - https://www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/michaelsweet
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10 will be released on October 11, 2019 from Rat Pak in the US and Frontiers s.r.l. everywhere else

(track listing and guests)   
​Better Part of Me (featuring Jeff Loomis of Arch Enemy)
Lay It Down (featuring Marzi Montazeri) 
Forget, Forgive (featuring Howie Simon)
Now Or Never (featuring Gus G of Firewind) 
Ten featuring (Rich Ward of Fozzy) 
Shine (featuring Ethan Brosh) 
Let It Be Love
Never Alone (featuring Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake) 
When Love Is Hated (featuring Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake) 
Ricochet (featuring Tracii Guns of LA Guns)
With You Till The End (featuring Mike Kerr and Ian Raposa from Firstbourne)
Son Of Man (featuring Todd La Torre of Queensryche and Andy James)

Opening Act: 
Eddie Money Passes
Ghost releases two new songs
Whitesnake celebrates 30th anniversary of Slip of the Tongue

Ear Candy: 
Liv Sin--Burning Sermons (2019)
Black Star Riders--Another State of Grace (2019)

Comin Atcha Live:
Sebastian Bach — 9/6 at Stafford Palace Theater

Rockversation: Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal--Part 2
The second part of a massive interview Matt did with Bumblefoot. You can keep up with all of Ron’s projects at www.bumblefoot.com.

Bonus Track: Michael Sweet--Shine
from the upcoming album TEN, which arrives October 11th on Rat Pak Records. Pre-order at https://ratpakrecordsamerica.com/michaelsweet. 

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Opening Act: 
Joan Jett plays MNF theme
Bon Jovi’s new album title
Chris Poland joins combat Records
Oz Fox Health Update

Ear Candy: 
Volbeat--Rewind, Replay, Rebound (2019)
Riot V--Live in Japan 2018 (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin Atcha Live:
Firehouse—July 27 at MGM Springfield

Rockversation: Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal--Part 1
The first part of a massive interview Matt did with Bumblefoot. You can keep up with all of Ron’s projects at www.bumblefoot.com.

Bonus Track: Black Star Riders--Ain’t the End of the World
From the new album Another State of Grace, out September 6th.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

My first memory of the band Riot was an ad in Hit Parader magazine for their then new album, RESTLESS BREED.  I remember thinking how odd the cover was as was the one for their previous album, FIRE DOWN UNDER.  I never gave Riot a chance, mostly because of so much other music out there and I had to be frugal with my allowance.  If I was able to preview music like we can now, things would have been different... way different. 

Now going under the moniker Riot V, the band are set to release an amazing live album RIOT V - LIVE IN JAPAN 2018 from AFM Records on August 30th.  What is exciting for me as I listen to it is that every song is brand new to me so I can't compare these versions to past studio versions that featured previous talented vocalists and players.  These songs were going to be judged on what I heard and nothing else, and... wow!!!!!

Not knowing what to expect at all, my first thought was how the band sound like Queensryche, Iron Maiden and Helloween all rolled into one mayhem filled package. The 23 songs cover the bands entire 16 album career with a heavy, yet melodic sense of style and presentation.  Kicking off with Armor Of Light and finishing with Warrior, this collection is almost two hours without a slowdown and never lets you up for a breath. 

The 'V' line-up (added following the death of founding member and guiding force, guitarist Mark Reale) features vocalist Todd Michael Hall, guitarists Mike Flyntz & Nick Lee, bassist Don Van Stavern and drummer Frank Gilchriest who surprise me song after song with their live prescience and tightness. Following a long line of talented singers, Hall has no trouble navigating the band's past with the songs he recorded and makes it very seamless. In fact my favorite songs in this collection are from his two albums with the band, Land Of The Rising Sun, Fall From The Sky and Take Me Back.  In fact, i'll be heading to my local record shop, Music Outlet to order those two albums; UNLEASH THE FIRE and ARMOR OF LIGHT as soon as i'm done with this review.  Since vocals are the 'element' that makes or breaks music for me, in Hall I can hear the Geoff Tate and Michael Kiske (Helloween) tones but underneath I feel a little Joe Lynn Turner melody going on, especially on Angel Eyes.    

So, here is my deal and maybe yours, too.  Remember the bands that we were introduced to because of killer live albums?  KISS? Cheap Trick? Blue Oyster Cult? Over three decades later we have been given a killer live album that may (or not) be your introduction to the awesome legacy of Riot. I suggest you take a chance because on LIVE IN JAPAN 2018, Riot V have done their part making the music, it's up to YOU to enjoy it... on August 30th!!!!! 

by Matman

I don't need a reason to talk to Jim Peterik! This guy is so cool, interesting and full of great stories about his life in music.  Despite his many accomplishments like writing and co-writing two songs that will outlive all of us (Vehicle by Ides Of March and Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor), Jim is humble and still feels the passion to write, create and entertain. Yesterday, we had a great chat (that you will hear very soon) where we discussed his new project being a return to his past.

On August 16th, Ides Of March will celebrate 55 years together with their latest album, PLAY ON.  Featuring 14 new songs and a re-release of their classic Vehicle, PLAY ON is a fun and lively listen that captures the many styles of the band's past, but with producer Fred Mollin they create a sound and an experience that isn't dated at all.

The album starts out with the title track, a song that welcomes the listener in and gets you ready for the ride.  Swagger features Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad) and sounds like he and the band just plugged in and recorded... because according to Jim, that is what they did! There is sticky sweet pop like Song About Mary, a song that has become today's ear-worm. My favorite song on the album is Friends Like You, a beautiful 70's style slower one that features a soul grabbing horn solo from Mindi Abair. If you want straight ahead rockers you have a lot of those... but Rule Of Three, Too Far To Turn Around and She are traditional IOM songs that have a driving beat, great melodies and impressive horns. 

There are a lot of guests on the album; the above mentioned and Bo Bice, Paul Shaffer, David Pack (Ambrosia), Cathy Richardson (Jefferson Starship), Tom Doody (Cryan' Shames) and one of my favorite guitarists, the legendary Joe Bonamassa. But never does the guest overshadow the song or have to cover up any weakness, they just make it more special especially Bonamassa on The Cover Up.   

One of the most impressive things about the band and this album is the fact that the core/founding members of Ides Of March line-up are still together. Back in 1964, Jim Peterik (lead vocals, lead guitar and piano), Larry Millas (guitar, bass, and vocals), Bob Bergland (bass, saxophone, and vocals), and Mike Borch (drums and vocals) formed the Shon-Dels, the band that turned into Ides Of March. Over the past 30 years the band has been rounded out by Scott May (Hammond organ and vocals), Steve Eisen (woodwinds and percussion), Tim Bales (trumpet and Flugelhorn), and Henry Salgado (trombone). What band can claim that?

With so much music out there requiring something from the listener, this disc is the perfect pallet cleanser.  If you are looking for great songs, inspired performances and a fun attitude and music that you can just put on and enjoy, PLAY ON is the perfect album. 

Matman Rating: 4.5 out of 5   

The bands official website - https://theidesofmarch.com/
Pre-order on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T3NQ9PH/

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  Our by Matman

WOW!!! Firehouse is another band from the 80's/90's era that seems to just get better with time. A few weekend's back, Firehouse played the MGM LIVE 'ON THE PLAZA' series and, wow!!!!! This venue is amazing and I've already reached out to the bands I know to find out about what they need to do to play here next year. Brian and I will talk about this show in the next episode of Power Chords but in the meantime, enjoy the pix!!!!

Our sincere thanks to Ellanje and everyone at MGM for their support and letting us come out and play!!!