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 [email protected].
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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/ 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!!! |
Let's Rock!The Power Chords Podcast is a twice-monthly podcast celebrating rock and metal music of the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond. The show is co-hosted by Matt Herring and Brian LeTendre. Archives
June 2020
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