Rocky Horror Show - Original London Cast

So in honor of the Halloween tradition of themes I could not possibly have a Rocky Horror review. Yes each year I do this I'll do a different version of Rocky Horror until I run out or am tired of it. But that beings said, I still have the Film, Brazilian, Australia, Mexican, Norwegian, New Zealand cast albums to do for sure. This features the almost original cast, minus Julie Covington who was replaced for a reason I forget, by Belinda Sinclair as Janet. This also features Tim Curry, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell and Richard O'Brien who are also in the Film (the first and last are in the Roxy cast also). This is missing some song on the Roxy one (Eddies Teddy, both versions of Charles Atlas and Planet Shmanet Janet)

1. Science Fiction - Double Feature: Sung by The Usherette, or Patricia Quinn to be exact, this is much more bare than the other version I've done before. This has just vocals an acoustic guitar in the beginning. It almost feels like a demo, but even when the rest come in it still feels that way. I really like the piano arpeggios and the acoustic guitar on the track. There's a solid bass line and the drums are nice. I like the use of the cymbals on the track. I like this arrangement quite a bit. They make use of the fewer instruments. The voice really sounds like a kid, like honestly. She sounds like a little kid singing this introduction, which if you look at this as a "coming of age" or "realization" tale I think it's a nice touch, even though I could see you going some of what she's saying.... is that appropriate. There is also a harmony vocal I'm not sure if it's a bass or a vocal. I like that quite a bit.
2. Damn It, Janet: This is a solid rendition of the song, that has a simpler arrangement in my mind. I really think the singing works, but I also really like that acoustic guitar quite a bit. There is something that's just fun about this you know. This is a solid and memorable tune and usually has a great version.
3. Over at the Frankenstein Place: Opening with a narration, which I'm glad is there, this is another great tune from the show. I really like this version too, the chorus is probably the highlight of the tune. Does everyone's vocals sound phenomenal... not really, but I do like it quite a bit. And I really like that slide guitar, this song has a great sort of build. It doesn't hit a huge epic feeling but it does hit what it needs to to not underwhelm. 
4. Sweet Transvestite: This is another great tune, and I like the performance from Curry, though it's not as punchy as the following versions. I could see this being a crazy person... Okay, when I hear this arrangement what I imagine is a crazy man who likes musicals and has people play while he talks and sings everything. Like an eccentric rich, scientist/socialite. I think it fits.
5. Time Warp: This is a solid version, and I really like Richard's vocals. I think this is far more fun than the actual film version, while it isn't as together as some others this is still fun none the less. It's harmless to be honest. The woman kinda reminds me a bit of Frenchie from The Forbidden Zone. Actually this song kind of, and album, feels like it might fit in that type of movie.
6. Sword of Damocles: Track is sung by Rocky and Company, and I mean the vocals are really high but I don't know.... I kinda like this version. It feels like a fast 50's tune.
7. Hot Patootie (Bless My Soul): Whatever Happened to that Saturday Night track? I really dug it, I really dig this song too. Wonder if that's a coincidence. I do like Paddy's vocals on this, but I really think Meat Loaf shine's more on later versions. This is still a great verison and I love the harmonies.
8. Touch-A-Touch-Touch-A-Touch Me: I think the star of this version is definitely the keyboard, that I believe to be an ARP. The piano is great too, but I love the backing vocals too. This is a much simpler arrangement but equally as effective for what it's conveying. And I don't hold the weaker vocals against Janet. I also like the Hot Patootie reprise in the harmonies. Nice touch.
9. Once in a While: This is a nice number, it's pretty relaxing and heartfelt. I like the drums on this track, and the piano, and acoustic guitar. The vocals aren't that great, but the instrumentation works.
10. Rose Tint My World: I actually have grown to love this song, the Roxy Cast version is an all time favorite song.  This is a pretty solid revision of the song too, the only thing is that it doesn't have the same... it's not as focused. Like I do dig this piano and the arrangement but there isn't the cocky, flamboyant Curry I need for the second section or third. The transitions don't work as well as on later versions, I know I've repeated myself, but I think this is worth a listen. This is still a good song, but not as well executed. I really like that saxophone at the ending, and Tim really shows off. I don't know why he toned it down so much earlier. Like charisma wise. This also nice piano, even though it's off a bit, but that's fine.
11. I'm Going Home: Now, I don't think I've heard a bad version of this song. Really of all the version I've heard they've all done a solid job with this tune, even the film. This version isn't as emotional as I'd like, but it's fine. It's still kinda of upbeat, it's not like he's finally been defeated you know. 
12. Superheroes: This is a solid version and is more in line with that I was looking for from the prior track, but it still works. It's a sad ending.
13. Science Fiction - Double Feature (Reprise): Closing we get a reprise of the track that opened the album. It actually comes and goes pretty damn fast.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. I don't think the film version should even be close to the definitive version for the songs. They kinda fucked some of them. This small budget, and cheap and sleazy and like a debut album or a rehearsal tape. The Roxy shows are more along the lines of when they perfected the songs and know exactly how to do them, you got a deal and you have someone focusing your stuff. I think, in terms of English speaking ones, it's between this and the Roxy as the best. But I think which one you chose is more inline with what you're looking for; cheap, campy and charming all at the same time, or more realized or focused with better playing and more confidence. That's not a dig btw, I prefer the Roxy but I still really dig this album.

Renaissance - Village People

This was not an album I was is intending to review, but to be fair, it does have the spookiest cover art of all time... So why not. This is the 6th studio album, 7th if you count the Sleazy half of Live and Sleazy, by the Village People. This followed their huge flop, and is a departure from their disco roots in favor of New Wave sounds. The wikipedia page has tons more info, more than I'd really ever need but now I can say this is the first album with Jeff Olson as the Cowboy and the last with David Hodo the Construction worker. Now I don't know if this look really works for them.... it kinds looks really fucking dumb. But hey, why not give the album a try right.... what could possibly go wrong?

1. Do You Wanna Spend the Night: What the fuck is this, it's like they sucked the charm of the Village People out and made them shit. I mean it's an okay song I guess that sounds like like could be a watered down Foreigner, with a weird 80's chorus, but like I don't know. It's not horrible but it's too bland, where's the camp. I do dig the backing vocals, and I mean I like the song and all but I just don't really see myself returning outside of a curious listen.
2. 5 O'Clock in the Morning: This intro sounds like a Duran Duran copy cat trying to figure out a Bond theme. I do like the synths on this track, but I mean it kinda makes me think of AOR. You know maybe a good comparison would be 90's Foreigner, after they lost their umph. I mean I think if someone else did this it could have been a hit, but it's the group that no one took seriously anymore (well you know what I mean). The song is so repetitive but it hasn't gotten old while I listened, so that has to be a good sign.
3. Fireman: This is a title, that is pretty cheesy. This has a disco feeling in my opinion, or at least post-disco type sound. There are some lyrics where I'm like, really just say sack. But this isn't terrible, I'm just pretty sure I'll forget about it once the reviews over. I like the bells and sirens and what not. Nice touches. There are also nice synth sounds on this too. It's better than Uptown Fuck.
4. Jungle City: There's something about this title where I could so picture the cheesiest, campiest, over the top music video of all time ever. Like Raining Men level cheesy video. The song isn't maybe cheesy enough for the music video but it's bad. I like the drums though.
5. Action Man: "Action Jackson, is my name, bold adventure is my game". So I looked up the lyrics before I heard this song and some other songs on this album. When I saw that chorus I just.... I was not looking forward to this track. Who knows its could be good, but in reality...... it's really not. If anything; it's like more along the lines of what the fuck am I listening to, mixed with Whip It.
6. Big Mac: I have no words for this song, outside of once I looked up the lyrics and read them I just..... I don't know. Is anything even real anymore? Waterfalls is about AIDS, there exist Titanic video game from Japan and most shocking..... The Village People sang a song about the legendary McDonald's burger... the Big Mac. This isn't terrible, but really were they endorsed by Micky Dees. There's a sort of surf feeling to the tune, maybe like the B52's. Eh, I don't know not feeling it. 
7. Diet: This is so 80's, but it's not in the good way. So when I was younger, and far less intelligent (or at least had worse taste) I would watch hours of VH1 Classic music videos. Mind you I was in Middle School and most of that music I either like out of nostalgia or I think sucks. Some I still love, Video Killed the Radio Star, Aerosmith but that's besides the point. I feel like, even then, this would have been on of the songs I'd see and be like okay lets wait until this is over so I can see a good music video. My favorite was Pop Up video for Sexual Healing. #Fucking Classic - Not this Marvin's tune.
8. Food Fight: Is this a sequel to the 2012 film of the same name? You know, I kinda think this is fitting... Not the song but the jesture maybe. David left after this album, I doubt they or he knew while they were recording, but I like to think this is his send off (he sings lead vocals on this track). Okay this is my favorite song here, for the fact it sounds like Weird Al's classic tune Happy Birthday. It also kinda reminds me of Blondie, maybe. That one could be me remembering wrong, but I do know that the vocals and the way this is reminds me of that HB. 

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. This wasn't as terrible as I thought it'd be, but I mean I don't know if I'll ever revisit this. I mean while the songs aren't half bad they aren't fun.There is a very 80's feeling to it, and it kinds suffers a bit for that. But I don't know, it isn't terrible

obZen - Meshuggah

So I've known about this band for quite some time, and since I've haven't really found a right time to do this review I decided to do it now for October. Well also to the fact they also just released a new album, which I wasn't anticipating but I'll give it a spin or two before the end of the year. This is my first full album I've heard from the group, I have only ever heard Selfcaged in it's entirety before (the 1995 ep). Now I want to also note that this review has been in the works since April 2012. I just put it off until today.

1. Combustion: This opens pretty okay, I like the guitar and like the punch to it. The vocals here have a nice scream and I am not hating what I'm hearing. I do dig that riff, it's a bit neat you know. I'm also trying to figure out the time signature while I'm listening to this. I think it's in 4, for the main part, but like could it be in 8. Like is it 6/8 then 8/8. I don't know I probably suck at that, fuck me. But I did enjoy the song.
2. Electric Red: This song isn't half bad, I like the drums and the bass and the guitar again but there isn't really a ton here for me you know. This feels a lot like the last track on the album. The thing I will comment on is the fact there is this synth that I feel would be so much better if it was more in the front and it was horns and punchier. You know opposed to just background and not in the front. The guitar is okay but I don't really know.
3. Bleed: Yes there is a puch to this, but I don't know, like when I hear this I just go man.... Machine Gun has much more punchy and edgy and abrasive moments then a lot of metal music. Where's that moment I go, wow this is tough. To be honest, if anything, I'm getting more of a rush getting irritated wanting to feel the rush or going... Machine Gun's going on immediately after this record. To be honest, my favorite part so far is the creepy sort of quite eerie part. But that fucking "jump scare" don't work for this track in my opinion. Also that solo needs to be higher in the mix and actually do something rather than not very much. 
4. Lethargica: Yes technically there is kinda stuff they do differently here, but yeah I'm just kinda at this point waiting for this album to be over. Also the best parts are these quieter parts, why not build on theres and give us something evil or satanic or dark or crazy complex.
5. obZen: So I took a break at this point, I couldn't take it front to back. It's not that it was too brutal it was more boring to me.
6. This Spiteful Snake: The spiteful snake, is going to rake. He's gonna make you spank, and wank your crank. He's insanke and he's gonna bank, monna skrank a crank. Cyber chanks. I do like the solo the most out of any other track here though, if I'm being honest.
7. Pineal Gland Optics: This is another okay track, but I kind think this would have worked better as an ep. Like seriouly if you have the first 3 tracks plus the last one and the last track it'd be like a 5 probably.
8. Pravus: Is this title a tribute to the band Praxis. You know their self titled ep has some decent stuff on there, I liked it. And not to mention there was a sort of early version of Jordan (one of my all time favorite songs ever) on the 2007 live album Tennessee 2004. So that's something that I think is neat. I'll admit the opening does make me wonder where this will all go. While I have a hunch, I still am curious. My speakers don't have the bass, but I feel like this would feel great with a subwoofer. I don't know why, but I kinda dig this thing.
9. Dancers to a Discordant System: The closing track here can be of note, this is the only track with lead vocals from Tomas Haake the drummer on this album. The vocals should have a change of pace right, a different singer should spice things up. It works for Aerosmith and The Beatles and Zappa and really band oriented groups. I am here to say the introduction is neat and it kinda feels like they might go a bit of a different direction. This isn't half bad, I do like it more than a lot of the other tracks here, but that could be because of the vocals

I give this album a 4/10. This things okay, I mean I don't really dig a lot of what I used to and it's not that this is too complex of hard for me to figure out, it's just it doesn't appeal to me. Like you can't not tell me that track to isn't very repetitious. Lots of theses songs don't show me anything that really makes me enjoy listening to this a second time, or even want to listen to this a second time. I guess if I wanted to listen to challenging music, like that is kinda hard to swallow a bit, I would listen to Merzbow or Naked City or Boredoms or maybe some Free Improvisation or Peter Brotzmann Trio. I feel the punch, but like the I wanna fucking get punched. That doesn't happen. Even when I turn it up and I could listen to other music quiter and feel more of a punch. I'm not looking forward to the next album I get set for next saturday, though that reviews almost done but I'm excited for the finale.

The Devils Rain - Misfits

This is an album that I've been putting off, and now it's time to finally do it. The Halloween season is upon us and what better time to listen to this band then then. This is the sixth studio album by the Misfits, second led by Jerry Only. I remember digging this when it came out, and still like some tracks on here... but it's been a good 3 years since I've heard anything besides Land of the Dead and Twilight.

1. The Devil's Rain: Rain fall opens the album, mixed with a bit o'tunder. This is a pretty promising opening. The drums fade in and the rest of the band follows to open the track. Objectively, this opening really don't grab me. This is more of a one ear out the other. The way this is going I think it should cut maybe before the solo then explode. I know that's similar to Kong, but I think it'd work better and make the 50 minutes go by faster (there wouldn't be 50 minutes anymore).
2. Vivid Red: opening a lot more punchy, but wheres the kick. It still feels kinda weak. I don't know this doesn't do much for me either. I mean I've heard this before but there's kinda nothing there. 
3. Land of the Dead: This is a re-recording of the 2009 single of the same name. I'm glad they did that, rather than being lazy and reusing the same track they released over two years prior. This version is also pretty solid, and maybe it isn't punchy or strong, but it is catchy. This isn't as good as I remember it being the other times I've heard it, but I still like it. I mean this has the punch I'm more looking for you know.
4. The Black Hole: The most interesting thing about the track, and most memorable is the ending sound effect.
5. Twilight of the Dead: This was also a single in 2009, and it also happened to be re-recorded. I do like this track, thought in the context of the album it takes away some of the punch. Or rather some of the, may I wanna revisit this. I mean it still stands out, but it's almost like one track ends then you loop it, change key/lyrics and play.
6. Curse of the Mummy's Hand: I don't remember caring for this my initial 2011 listen. This track opens kinda stupid, and not even like campy and charming. It's like, really you really wanna do that shit. The song in and of itself it fine. But you know, I kinda miss Michale. The chorus by the way fucking sucks. They way he phrases it.... cringe. Plus he kinda kills the flow of the song.
7. Cold in Hell: This is an okay track, if you can get over the lyrics. I mean, it does go in one ear and out the other, but I'm not triggered. Also that whole second half of the song, they so fucking easily could have done something really interesting, instead they chose not to.
8. Unexplained: The two tracks flow, the sounds fade into this track, but that doesn't make it "aye, you're forgiven". Plus I can't really jive with this tune anyway. Some of the vocals are neat, but I feel like maybe mix it up.
9. Dark Shadows: I didn't realize they were making 80's pop music. I think they vocals are going for more of a 50's feeling, but like then do harmonies and turn the fucking band down. Like imagine how neat it'd sound if at the ending of the phrases they actually had harmonies. Like in a doo-wop manner. Then they sort of build into the chorus, why not add more harmonies or vocals the make it larger. I mean they kinda do later on, but it isn't strong enough you know. This is a large song, it needs to eventually overpower you and build you know. Maybe add the electric guitar and drums later. Open with vocals percussion and an acoustic guitar. I don't know, build it up, don't kinda do that but not have the pay off.
10. Father: This riff reminds me a bit of Judas Priest. Maybe like a less effective version of Electric Eye. Like the original before they figured it out you know. Kinda like the goofing around before you "get" the riff. Later on, while there is a change, like what the fuck. I don't even know.
11. Jack the Ripper: Metallica? This isn't terrible, but it makes me think... I really hope that I don't feel as numb towards Hardwired... to Self-Destruct as I have to the albums singles.
12. Monkey's Paw: It's kinda cute, in a it's not really way. I do think the harmonies work better here, but like I just feel like this is a jumble. Like not really as focused maybe.
13. Where Do They Go?: This title, it makes me think, "What can I say?". Sometimes it makes me think "Where Can I go?". This is a stupid track, but I gotta say, it works. The fucking 50's charm is there. This actually works, verses the other tracks that don't.
14. Sleepwalkin': This is okay, I mean I like it more than some of the weaker track, but like.... I still don't completely jive. It's just okay.
15. Ghost of Frankenstein: Really, how the fuck does that work. Frankly, isn't he just reanimated tissue. So like does he have a soul to even become a ghost. Or would like his soul be a mix of the souls of all the people who's bodies he's made of. Or is it that his brain would be the soul, or the mix, or I don't know and I kinda don't care really anymore. That intro doesn't really work, like they didn't even have a sort of thing to make this a different track. Maybe throw in strings in the pre-chrous.
16. Death Ray: Closing the album we get a song that actually has some energy. There's a punch and this is the closest they've gotten to the old version of the bad.

Overall I have to give this a 4/10. You know, I get why people don't like this. To be honest it isn't that great of a representation of what the group once was. It'd be like if Aerosmith continued without Steven Tyler or Joe Per.... oh wait. If you can look past the stupid stuff, and think of this as a sort of Jerry Only solo album, kinda in the way Vincent would continue Alice Cooper after 1973. I mean this isn't What The... bad, it's more.... it's more..... I don't fucking know. But it's not the worst thing ever, thought it could be maybe 13 or 12 tracks vs 16. This isn't anything they've come out with, excluding maybe DeA.D. Alive!, since this album *cough* Friday the 13th *cough*. Let's hope they make a reunion Live album and maybe a new album with Glenn and then close the book on the releases.

Okay so if they made this an Ep, made up of 3, 5, 11, 13, 14, 15 (with strings) and 16. Or maybe cut the first two tracks, I think it'd be a 7.

Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls - Coven

So to kick off my less Halloween-tackular-bonanza-onzi-Month-A-Palooza (fucking let me die please), I have decided to do an album I've been putting off for a while. Why have I been putting it off, because I forgot about it to be honest, the review. This is the debut by Chicago satanists Coven. I chose to initially review this album because it predates Black Sabbath by a year, also another funny thing about this is there's a member that's nickname is Oz. Also Jinx used to do devil horns on stage before Dio was performing. She also gets naked in the gate-fold, but she's much cuter on the cover than naked (IMO). This was pulled after only a short shelf life because of the satanic themes, remember this was 1969, not 2016. But whatever, I still dig this thing and am reviewing it. Oh also, check out the wikipedia page, there's a really interesting story about the songwriter for the record. Not occult odd, just kind.... well you'll see.

1. Black Sabbath: This is a shot for shot remake of the film of the same name. This opens with a sort of groove, that I wouldn't expect to be here. It's a very interesting sounding sort of vamp over the vocals. The keys, or effects add this sort of horror film eerie dissonant sounds. I like the guitar tone, and I think the vocals and are sort of added too, during the long notes with that echo or dissonance.  The songs has this sort of pivot with drum rolls and it does into a much harder rocking part. That ends with sort of cadence, but I love it because it makes me wanna sing a patriotic song sort of. Not really, but that's what comes to mind. I really like the bass and the sort of marching feeling that is hypnotic and could be them summoning something. I can't believe they fit this much shit, in the best way possible, into 3 1/2 minutes. This is a really well put together track that has great flow and the "pivots" work and don't detract at all.
2. White Witch of Rose Hall: Okay, off the bat I'ma be straigh, this is a phenomenal track. I could so easily see this being a soul song, if it didn't find it's home on this record. The percussion is pretty solid, though it kinda sounds a bit off a parts but it's all good. The vocals here are great and the groove and forward pushing drive of this song is great. The piano sounds fucking great and they even were able to throw in some variation. Fucking James Vincent, I gotta look into more of his shit. I really like the percussive sounds they got on this track, and it's kinda like outta nowhere. I'd never in 1 million years expect this to be on this type of album.
3. Coven in Charing Cross: Ah. Classic titular band track. This song has a very psychedelic feeling, but it kinda makes me smile. Hippies were like, happy and "peaceful" but it's funny to hear that mentality and sound for something more conventionally sinister. I love that group chant that makes it almost sound as if it's a cult, but this is a pretty solid tune. There is a song this kind of reminds me of, but I can't quite finger it. I don't like this as much as the last track, but I do still think it's pretty solid. The only thing I think they could have changed was maybe that last longer chant they could have had music or something going on to make it sound hypnotic or more textured. Like it happens three times, each time I think should be start stop start stop. Why not have it start, stop, then start then trip out. I fee like the sound could have been shortened, but I feel like based off the last two songs they could have done something really good with those two other pauses. Hell even reading the chant over the outro solo or having that phase out and then the segue in with a vocal harmonies and someone over it. I have tons of ideas for it.
4. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge: This is a cover the the Van Halen album of the same name. But oddly enough this sounds much more reminiscent of The Doors. Maybe mixed with Uriah Heep's keyboards (only so slightly though). This still is a great tune, don't get me wrong. I love the grooves and the fucking bass player. Damn, I love that bass line (the tone). This could pass as a Door's reworking or a version before Jim joined the band. Hypothetically speaking of course.
5. Pact with Lucifer: This is a song that is kind of standard, it really isn't blowing me as much away as one of the other tracks. It's not bad, but it's kind just like a song with Satanic lyrics that could have been recorded at the time. This could so be a Jefferson Airplane song.
6. Choke, Thirst, Die: This is what my ex used to yell during sex, so as you can tell I have a sort of nostalgic connection to the song. Holy shit, does this remind anyone else of Soft Paradise. Mixed with Stange Days maybe a bit. There is a great solo on the track, I do really dig, but the song is just another song that kinda fits. It isn't throwing anything new at me. I do really like the vamp feeling to it though and the keys really sound great. There's a part where it sort of has a pre-solo vamp section, and they just go to the introduction. Like what the fuck bru, I get that it does pick up, but still.
7. Wicked Games: This is a song based on a cover of The Weeknd's hit Wicked Games, adapted to modern texts. This is a pretty solid tune and it's good a nice feeling to it. Again there isn't anything crazy here,
8. Dignitaries of Hell: This so reminds me of Cream in the beginning. Though I do like the keys added, like it gives a different flavor to the sound you know. Like an extra texture.
9. Portrait: of a picture of my parents, as I left for California? This is another track that fits, but it's a bit more organ heavy maybe. It kinda feels like a less intresting version of something happening on Fly to the Rainbow.
10. Satanic Mass: This track, at 12 minutes, is the longest by far and most unconventional track too. It's an actual "induction" into what sounds like The Church of Satan. It's creepy and in my option, something you only need to hear once, unless your an occultist or into paganism or satanic imagery, literally. I mean it's just kinda bizarre, it'd be like listening to a baptism on a record..... But into the Church of Satan. Not saying that its fucked because its for Satan, or whatever strain of Satanism it is. I'm more in the, its 12 minutes of an induction ceremony, so like do i really want to revisit this... Regardless of what its into. I don't know you know, its unique I guess but it is what it is. It also has a writing credit to Bill Traut (the guy who produced a number of singles and albums, but for me most notably the first four Styx records). #BillTrautIllimanitiExposed

Overall I have to give this album a 7.8/10. I like the record, there's a punch you dig. All terrible jokes, and confusing dumbass references aside check this out. It's a great rock record and great for Halloween. I think they sort of lost their creative steam after track three, but that's not a terrible thing. I know a ton of people who like songs that work together. It's not so bad it blends, but they all work on the same album. I just wish there were more parts that kind of threw in changes, and things out of nowhere (or at least changed it up a bit). Check it out if you think the cover, the themes, or anything about it is intresting. Hell even if it's just outta morbid curiosity listen to the last track. I think it can be summed up as if Jefferson Airplane, mixed with The Doors. And also if Janis Joplin wasn't boring as fuck. Side note: I wonder what this would have been if it was a live record.