Matman's Power Picks or "Get 'em While Their Hot!"

by Matman

This week I'm picking two completely new releases that each appeal to me in a different way!  Give 'em a try!!!!!!!! 

Gus G - FEARLESS (AFM Records)
Known for his years spent as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist, Gus G steps out with FEARLESS, an album that caught me completely off guard!  When a guitarist makes an album, usually the songs tend to suffer a bit for the fretwork... but not here!!!  The songs are tight, the playing is so perfect and overall, it is an incredible and very satisfying listen.  You can hear the Ozzy influence on songs like Letting Go and even a bit of a KISS feel on Mr. Manson.  The band Gus has assembled here; vocalist/bassist Dennis Ward and drummer Will Hunt play like they have been together forever and have a solid groove. As far as Gus' fretwork, he has impressed me quite a bit here playing beyond anything he has recorded before!  A few of the shocks on the album; Thrill Of The Chase, an instrumental that makes me forget how much I don't normally like instrumentals, and Money For Nothing, a cover of the Dire Straits classic works..... and works well!  My favorite on the album, Nothing To Say is just a heartfelt and beautiful song that demands a huge audience!!!  FEARLESS is powerful and a complete album that will spend a lot of time in my car! 
FEARLESS IS OUT NOW!!!!  


Foreigner - WITH THE 21ST CENTURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS (Trigger Productions)
Since their debut album hit the world in 1977, Foreigner have recorded some of the most beloved and greatest rock songs ever!  Saying that I must admit here, I am not a fan AT ALL of their biggest selling album 4, but I love everything else!  On this collection, Foreigner have taken their greatest hits; Hot Blooded, Double Vision and Cold As Ice and added choir and symphony with amazing results!  You are hearing classic songs played in a brand new way and still making them sound as cool as they did all those years ago.  Fourteen amazing songs including forgotten gems like Starrider, That Was Yesterday and When It Comes To Love all make this live recording come... ALIVE!!!  Despite not having my favorite Foreigner song, Long Way From Home on it  it still is an easy TOP 5 of 2018 for me!!!
WITH THE 21ST CENTURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS IS OUT NOW!!!!