This month has been pretty hectic, filled with great musical discoveries and a nice amount of concerts. Here's a short recap.
First I went to Germany where
3 unforgetable Manowar shows were devoured with great enthusiasm. My Chemical Romance in Copenhagen was next. A somewhat different experience as I felt slightly out of place being surrounded by delirious teenagers who were either shrieking hysterically, waving their mobile phones in the air or puking on the floor in excitement. I did have a great view of the stage though, being much taller than the average person there. It was a good, fun concert overall but nothing mind blowing. The whole new album was aired except for "Disenchanted". Highlight was a very emotional version of "Cancer".
Three days later I took another trip to Copenhagen to experience one of my all time favorite singers, Jon Oliva. That concert was another unforgetable experience. "Warriors" and "Sirens" opened a Savatage-heavy concert, which included an incredible Streets medley where the title track, "Ghost in the Ruins" and "Believe" were just a few moments in a 30 minute trip to musical paradise. The new songs held up well, but the Savatage classics were highlights. "Edge of Thorns", "Gutter Ballet" and "Hall of the Mountain King" closed a fantastic show. Guitarist Matt Laporte really blew me away by capturing Criss Oliva's (R.I.P.) solos with true feeling.
I'm afraid that my "Favorite albums of 2006" article is a lost cause. 2006 was a pretty bad year for me musically. Nothing really blew me away and I ended up with a seriously huge pile of "must be listened to properly soon" albums, which might explain it. But just for the record, here are my three favorite albums of 2006, all sharing the first place.
Ray Wilson and Stiltskin - She
(This album has followed me into 2007 and it is still a perfect companion)
My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
(Surprise of the year)
Street Talk - V
(Superb melodic rock. I can't count the times I've found myself singing the chorus of "Brother Sun and Sister Moon" in the most embarassing ways)
These three sprayed the most colors on my somewhat bleh musical year.
And now.... The real reason for this article. The playlist.
Manowar - Everything
To warm up for my German tour I shuffled through all the albums perched on my CD shelf. What an incredible legacy of pure Heavy Metal.
Threshold - Dead reckoning
Album of the year contender. This album marries complex music, instantly captivating melodies and thoughtful lyrics. "Slipstream" has been glued to my brain for the past month but there are so many other great songs on this release that it will surely have a long stay on my playlist.
Redemption - The Origins of ruin
Album of the year contender. This album marries complex music, instantly captivating melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Err.... Ni!?
Luckily the album has more originality than I do. Redemption have gone and done it again. This album has everything I could wish for in music. Very highly recommended.
Chris Caffery - Pins and Needles
Not as immediately gripping as Faces, but I'm certain it will develop further with time. I have only just begun listening to it and
Walls is the first song that has peaked my interest.
Alice Cooper - Welcome to my nightware
Ironically I fell asleep halfway through my first listen to this proclaimed classic.
On consequent listens I did manage to stay awake and I discovered an album that shows huge potential. There is a really specific atmosphere to this one and it has only just started opening up. Better late than never.
Thought Chamber - Angular Perceptions
A new progressive metal band with Ted Leonard from Enchant on vocals. Quite technical and needs some close attention but it sounds solid, well played and has the melody needed to make me want to explore it further.
Sun Caged
Only guitarist Marcel Coenen remains but he has assembled another proficient band. Complex songs with a hint of the debut lingering in the air. Definitely needs more time to sink in.
Pain of Salvation - Scarsick
I will finish this review... Oh yes....
Rhapsody of Fire - Triumph or Agony
I bought the album recently, hoping to re-discover it, but I still find it uninspired compared to the other Rhapsody albums. It is an ok album with some really good songs, but it just lacks the excitement and inspiration I have found on the earlier albums. One of my absolute favorites is in fact the bonus track, "Defenders of Gaia".
Pride of Lions - The Roaring of Dreams
I'm starting a romance with this album!
I have to agree with Alanna's
review, a really wonderful album. Completely overblown bombastic rock music, overflowing with big emotions. Experiments that on first listen sound laughable and far out turn out to be one of the albums biggest charms. There is no holding back in this bunch of fantastic songs. Every single song has something, but the smoothly embracing "Astonish you", the defiantly lost "Let me let you go" and the chillingly romantic "Love's eternal flame" are the delicacies on top of this, to use Alanna's words, musical sundae. Yum yum.
Rick Wakeman - Out There
Progressive space rock with Damian Wilson on vocals. Highly melodic and captivating.
Faster Pussycat - Whipped!
Going to see them live on the forthcoming UK tour with Enuff Z'nuff, so I thought I'd better check them out. Whipped! sounds good butt is unable to crack through the barrier and into something really phenomanal. Sorry I just got the cover on my mind there...
Thunder - Shooting at the sun
Great great rock n'roll, filled with feeling and songs that keep growing.
Quiet Riot - Metal Health
What a great discovery. "Metal Health (Bang Your Head)" and "Cum on Feel the Noise" have been my new old anthems for a couple of weeks. The rest of the songs are worthy as well with "Breathless", "Don't wanna let you go", "Love's a bitch" and the huge "Thunderbird" being standouts.
HolyHell - Apocalypse
Nice female fronted power/sympho metal. This does not prove that they can step out of the shadow of bands like Nigtwish or Edenbridge. Maybe their full length album will.
The Quireboys - A bit of what you fancy
Great party rock with a capital P as in Piano! I immediately got hooked on Spike's soul filled voice. The tunes on this album are smoking and their delivery is filled with enthusiasm. Spike's singing in the beginning of "Take me Home" is just... wow! What feeling. I love that voice. "Misled" is a personal favorite but every song has its charm. "7 O'Clock" makes me thirsty every time I hear it. Perfect song for getting in a party mood.
Ty Tabor - Safety
A moving and personal album from the lead singer of Kings X. Soul filled rock music, wearing both its heart and Beatles influences proudly on its sleeve. Songs like "Tulip (Your eyes)", "Better to be on hold", "Missing Love", "True Love" and "Now I am" are the heartbreaking highlights.
Harem Scarem - Mood Swings
Not as immediately captivating as some of the other albums I discovered this month. But after three listens it started opening up and the songs are showing great strength.
Ray Wilson and Stiltskin - She
I simply love the emotions this album holds.
CD purchases of the month
Ok, so I went a little bit mad in a used record store in Munich and on secondspin.com but found many goodies.
Alice Cooper - Welcome To My Nightmare
Annihilator - Phoenix rising (Single)
Bon Jovi - Lie To Me (Single)
Bruce Dickinson - Balls to Picasso
Chris Caffery - Pins and Needles
Coldplay - X&Y
D.A.D. - Simpatico
Damn Yankees - Don't Tread
Dizzy Mizz Lizzy - Dizzy Mizz Lizzy
Freak Kitchen - Freak Kitchen
Faster Pussycat - Whipped!
Harem Scarem - Mood Swings
HolyHell - Apocalypse - (Single)
Mr. Big - To Be With You (Single)
Pride of Lions - The Roaring of Dreams
Quiet Riot - Greatest Hits
Quiet Riot - Metal Health
Quireboys - A Bit of What You Fancy
Quireboys - Brother Louie (Single)
Quireboys - This Is Rock n Roll
Ray Wilson and Stiltskin - Live
Ray Wilson and Stiltskin - She
Rhapsody Of Fire - Triumph Or Agony
Saxon - Denim and Leather
Shakra - Shakra
Stiltskin - Inside (Single)
Street Talk - Destination (Japanese edition)
Threshold - Dead Reckoning
Thunder - Shooting at the Sun
Thunder - You Wanna Know (Single)
Ty Tabor - Safety
Vanden Plas - I don't miss you (Single)
Wakeman, Rick - Out There
