Christmas Songs by Sinatra

This is first Sinatra Christmas album. While I kind of know what to expect from this review, I decided........ why not, it's Christmas. I mean, I don't imagine I would have much to say, but I want to get another done for this week and need two more this month. So why not do an easy quick one. If you can see the cover the orchestra was directed by Axel Stordahl. This was originally released as a 78 and a 10'' Lp. There is a novelty I find in old 78 quality recordings.

1. White Christmas: This has a very warm feeling, though his voice is not as warm. I think the strings and atmosphere is the key. I am not digging Frank's vocals so much. I'd love to hear this instrumental. It's a very Christmas song. I picture those old cartoons from Disney you were shown by your parents and grandparents. I love the horns and how it feels sort of epic. This is a great closer, but it also is a nice intro.
2. Jingle Bells: This instrumental is nice, and it's a relatively faithful cover. Nothing about it shout original or different.
3. Silent Night, Holy Night: Another Christmas classic, not as touching as I want it to be, but it still is. The arrangement here isn't an nice as on White Chrismas but this is the type of song that I feel should bring you to tears as Ave Maria in Fantasia does... and while I feel emotions it's nothing that would bring me to tears. Or even without any visuals, Feed The Birds.
4. Adeste Fidles: Ah O Come All Ye Faithful, and this introduction is starting to feel like the epic I want. While it doesn't reach the level I want, it was promising. I don't think this has the type of power I was hoping for. Like power in terms of epicness and reach instead of guitar metal overdrive. 
5. O Little Town of Bethlehem: This is probably the best song here so far. Now would I listen to this in the future, probably not, but I do like the horns and strings here. I wish they were through the song though. Although maybe because it was in mono they may not have had a choice.
6. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear: I do actually like this song, this version if fine, but I like this song.
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: I don't care for this song alone, so imagine my surprise when I had to sit through two songs I didn't like. Although that violin in the beginning did get my hopes up a bit. 
8. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town: Even Bruce can't save this song. I think it's kind of stupid in my opinion. Big band couldn't even save this, though Frank is singing this best, and most appealing here.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. It's a pretty standard Christmas record. There isn't much more to say than that. It wasn't boring, but it wasn't mind blowing or the emotional journey In The Wee Small Hours is. At the end of the day it's a so so record, so I gave it a 5. I feel this was before he was himself, before he had that personality that made him Frank.

Hey America - James Brown

To celebrate the month that brings us the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I decided to make December permanently Christmas month. That doesn't mean I'm going to do tons every year, but they have to be related to the holiday to be reviewed. This album, a pseudo-holiday record by James Brown, follows last years Santa Dog. This also happens to be studio record number 34, if math is correct, and was released during a period where some of his best material (IMO) was being recorded and released. This isn't a new record to me, i actually heard this thing last October. After being blown away by how, not a piece of complete shit it was, I knew I must review and spread it. Most Holiday albums are horse shit, no really they are. They are the same 12 or 15 songs and they are boring as shit. Seriously, I can't stand Christmas music. In fact the songs I like are Auld Lang Syne, What Child is This and Oh Come Emmanuel. I might be forgetting some, but my point is very few songs I like. I mean I tolerate some tracks, but tolerate and enjoy are two different things. Maybe this'll become a new holiday classic, after my amazing review. Also January will be mostly reviews I did this month but put off because of the theme.

1. Hello America: Opening the album we get this, a very funky and pretty intense song for a Christmas album. Like really, this is a solid song, in it's own right. That is a reoccurring theme on this album, songs that are genuinely good songs. Like I'd totally dig this if it was on another album, it's a solid track that's pretty tight. Nice string, that part when they crescendos makes this song so much tougher. The horns here are also pretty great, and that funky drummer.... damn what an opening. This is one of those, not you lame ass covers album feeling. I love how it just takes you there, it doesn't hid anything. This actually could be a blacksplotation theme, but the movie might have to take place at Christmas. And I don't think I need to comment on the Godfather of Funk. He's great as usual.
2. A Lonely Little Boy Around One Little Christmas Toy:  That sure paints a picture. For me I imagine the boy comes from a poor family, why the could only afford one toy. Maybe he's an orphan and at the orphanage he only gets a small toy. Regardless of the story in the song, that title is a very powerful title. There is a really Christmas, jazz feeling to the organ here. The atmosphere really feels like a Christmas LP. Like I feel like if Brown wasn't singing, and the strings were out then Jimmy Smith might come in and start playing God Rest Yet Merry Men. I also feel like this song, if a little more intense would just fucking rip your heart out. While I like the kind of subdued feeling of this track, that track would be up there with Feed The Birds for most tear jerking songs but it is not quite there. I could totally see this being there though. This is another really solid track, though I wish it was more emotional. It's almost as if the album was recorded in one day, one long day, and this was the last song. That may not be true, but I kind of feel like this song should hit me harder.
3. Go Power At Christmas Time: Finally, a good action sequence for us this Christmas. If you stripped this song of the extra instruments I could see this being an Aerosmith track. Maybe like a James Brown cover. This is a nice rocking track, thought I don't think the vibes/xylo/whatever-ophone isn't really necessary. The ending really reminds me of a better Blues Brothers.
4. Christmas is Love: I thought Real is Love? That way Love Is Real? So Christmas must be Real, and Real must be is Christmas. The feeling of this song is one that you could talk over, or rap rather. I mean there is just something that I feel like I could tell a story over this rhythm. Maybe something along the lines of what he did on My Rapp. This song is really alive and it feels tight, thought the transition on the version I heard isn't that great. I mean the flow of the song was kind of chopped off. There is a very rushed feeling to the horns in this section. I feel like this song would be far better if it was written tighter, or with better resolution (?). The section changes are too abrupt, they don't just flow into each other. This is a good song outside of that, but for me personally it kind of puts the rest of the track out of wack. I do still like the song thought, just a little hard to "grasp", because of the in ability to really focus on the music. The reason is the one I said earlier.
5. Santa Clause is Definitely Here to Stay: Opening side 2 we get the very heartwarming tale of Santa, becoming all our regular Saturday night things. There is something that really does melt my heart, even though the lyrics may not be the greatest. The music is so damn good, it's almost impossible to be cynical towards. There is no fabricated truths to what I said. This really does just get me on that gut feeling. This is the feeling I wanted to get from track 2.
6. My Rapp: This is a pretty solid track, that really just consists of 6 minutes of just rambling, there is barley any singing. Just a few bursts here and there. But still, this is really a load more entertaining than say any Christmas record. The only complaint is, it goes a little long.
7. I'm Your Christmas Friend, Don't Be Hungry: I don't really get this one. For the rest I can at least picture something or imagine the logic..... But this one. I can probably do a reviews length description of what I think this title could mean. I can only gather he's giving to the less fortunate, which helps them to eat. That's the only one that makes sense. This feels like a subdued version of Sex Machine or I Feel Good. I mean it's still exciting, I think the thing is he wasn't to see sincere. But I feel like he should be getting up and jumping around. Here he feels like he's barley moving. This 
8. Merry Christmas My Baby and a Very, Very Happy New Year: This is the last track on James' third (if I counted right) Christmas record. This was also his last he released, and its a shame. But closing this we get one of the closer. This have a very vocal jazz feeling to the song. I close my eyes and see thing being played in a bar, with the subtraction of the strings. It's an appropriate ending to the album.

Overall I have to give this album a 7.7/10. All joking aside, check this out. This could be my favorite Christmas related music thing I've ever heard. This is fairly funky, and really easy to take. You don't have to like funk, or really even James Brown to like this. I think it's also kind of a novelty to it with Brown doing all original Christmas tunes. I know I'll play these JB Christmas records for my kids when they are growing up, as I will play them Yellow Submarine. Plus..... what's not to love about a soul-filled funky Christmas. You celebrates it your way, I celebrate it in my way. That's the beauty of the holidays, it's not one of those "My Way or the Highway" type deals. So Let's All Have A James Brown Christmas this year, by listening to this under-appreciated little record. 

Chasing Shadows - Black Tide

This is the third studio album by one of my favorite bands, while I was in High School, Black Tide. These guys had a great, maybe one day classic, with their Light from Above 2008 debut record. Most metal fans should at the very least like that. I don't see why not, there's even a killer cover of Hit the Lights. I personally didn't get into them until about 2010, the year before their second album Post Mortem. I saw them while they were touring with that album, and I got a signed poster and CD. I also have a not signed CD from the day the album was released. While I can't say everything about it was amazing, I still enjoyed it a lot. It was exciting fun, and the cream of that crop still holds up. Now there has been so much shit leading up to this album here's a quick catch up. They kind of went on a hiatus after that tour, they released the Spanish versions of the tracks they originally recorded for the 2nd album as an EP. That was recorded during the  sessions, its a long story. The following year they released Just Another Drug and it didn't feature the bassist (Zakk). Then the groups drummer (Steve Spencer) soon left to become a DJ. So in 2013 they released another EP Bite the Bullet with an even dumber cover than Post Mortem, and name. It also featured a new drummer, while the lead guitarist/singer played bass and I think they added a member Raul. Now this comes out, featuring another new drummer and at this point I feel Gabriel (kinda leader of the group) is holding on to strings at this point. Another thing to mention is, based on my history with this year (and given their recent history), I am expecting nothing. And.......... Well....... Check it out for yourself.

1. Intro: This is exactly what it is called, an intro. It's an acoustic track that reminds me, sort of, if you took out the real strings (or the more real sounding string sounds), Jason Becker. This whole atmosphere of the track is very a kin to Perpetual Burn.
2. Guidelines: Sort of a weak title if I do say so myself. The flow between tracks isn't half bad, but this is basically All That Remains, Bullet for My Valentine and Ashes (from their last record). In fact, the beginning of the track reminded me very much of that track.
3. Angel in the Dark: No, I refuse to hear this title. Like a Lame title, almost as lame as City of Sin. It also reminds me of Rainbow in the Dark. But you know what, I won't let it bother me as long as the songs good. It could be called Alphabet Soup and if it rocks it rocks. First time through I don't really remember, but this track is almost the same song that the last one. The acoustic guitar section is nice and pretty, but I added something in off the top of my head and it made it way more interesting. It's too bare. This is too straight forward, not very fun to listen to, considering I heard it before.
4. Predator (Animal): The thing I feared, while I was doing this review for real (post initial listen), would I have enough to say. I mean four tracks in and they are basically variations on the same song. Yes they are different songs, but they are so fucking similar in everything it's kinda sad. Sad in that it makes me sad, not in that it's something you should feel sorry for. 
5. Burn: I can only hope this is a solid cover of Deep Purple's 1974 classic. I mean the Prowler and Hit the Lights covers were solid. Well finally a change of pace, while I think this sounds like the slower songs on the last record, it's still nice to hear a change rather than the same thing over and over.
6. Chasing Shadows: This, honestly, is the "coolest" title on the album. If any other was a title track it'd be very lame. I heard this song and the intro reminded me a bit of Hail to the King, but out side of that there isn't anything else to say that hasn't been said earlier. There is section right before the chorus I kinda like, but those strings fucking kill me. In the worst way possible, I almost don't want to finish this record. Even thought the song is kind of ruined for me, I will admit it's the best put together thus far, though the strings could have been taken our of the first chorus to show changes and a build. But I kinda feel like this is, in 6 songs, the second to actually be written and not just a changed in lyrics or a little minor variation.
7. Before we Form: Reminds ms of Before we Began.... Ha-ha self referential humour, what a gass. Refer to earlier tracks. And that is all I have to say about this track.
8. Sex is Angry: I can't....... While most of the songs here are very similar and have no real impact on me..... I can't get behind this track. I mean, yes its sonically similar to the previous album, but this is just. I feel it should be angrier or sexier. Instead its basically every other track on this album. 
9. Welcome to Misery: Lame title, but I think this would work as an opening track's title on the new ETF record. I mean, this is sort of a change of pace, a bit, but why have all those same song and not place this somewhere else. Also this in'st really anything that notable. I mean it's technically a highlight, but it isn't that great of a song.
10. Heaven: "Is A Place On Earth". While I disagree with Belinda, I would never tell her in person. Why may you ask, because she's gorgeous. She was even in Playboy, and issue I plan to own someday. Like top 10 I want. Did you know she was a Go-Go before she went solo. Yeah, and she released a cover of I Feel Free and Band of Gold. I know that's crazy right bro? Also you may be wondering what this has to do with the track, well it has something to do trust me. Maybe not in a conventional " this person did this" way, more of a "its the point". She is also, along with Tiffany, my favorite 80's singer to be in Playboy (if memory serves and I'm not forgetting someone). Now the point, the connection between what I just said is the exact same thing as what i have to say about the track. Absolutely nothing #WarWhatIsItGoodFor. Okay, I will admit it isn't half bad but this is basically a Into the Sky. The arrangment is pretty, but this just..... it's still a bland song. There isn't anything that makes me have any feelings other than this is different, and it sounds like another track from another album. So basically, I have nothing to say.
11. Promised Land: If memory serves, this is the only track I dug on the record. Not musically though, more of the spiritual aspect. But when I re-listened to it I didn't really get the same feeling I did the frist time. I not only didn't care for the music, it sounds like PM, I didn't feel the sentiment was the same.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. The first time I heard this I knew how I felt. The sad thing I'm realizing is one of my favorite types of music, metal/metalcore and also some rock, no longer bring me any joy. I mean there was a point where I could pick just about any album by an artist I liked and I thought it was at the very least great. But after re-listening to As I Lay Dying, Black Tide, Falling in Reverse, Killswitch Engage (maybe not to the extent of some of the others), Escape the Fate (the amazing records are still amazing) and so on. But I really no longer have the same thrill that I once had. But the thing is this album is a less interesting take on Post Mortem. If you want to check theses guys out I'd suggest Light From Above, Post Mortem and Just Another Drug.

Ungrateful (Deluxe) - Escape The Fate

Because Spotify is an asshole (and changed Hate Me to (Deluxe) I have to download the album), I decided to finish this album. Also I have a job now, so I won't be able to put stuff out like I've been the last two months or so. Cool, this is album four, by one of my favorites, Escape The Fate. We were last left with 2010's Self Titled album. Minus G3 and World Around Me the album sucked dick. You can like it all you want, but it wasn't a "Gorgeous Nightmare"...... That would be a Zorn or Yamantaka EYE record (hahahahahahahahahahaha). That wa, on a more serous note, their darkest record to date. And I don't really think people would argue with me on that. Now 3 years later, no Max and two new members, kinda, here we are..... also the new record blows.

1. Ungrateful: This is a pretty great opener. This is catchy, heavy and everything that's great about Craig's part in the group. This sounds like it would fit very comfortably on the follow up to, hypothetical, This War Is Ours. I've heard this song tons of times and it's still pretty great. I mean the riff is there, the vocals are pretty angry and this might be angrier than past releases. I mean I could just be imagining it, but I feel like there is an anger when he screams, he isn't just screaming. And while not the best solo in the world, it certainly is memorable and fits.... and while it doesn't go to long, it is a tad on the short side. But I mean, I don't think it'd fit for it to be longer in this given song. It might just be me wanting . Plus I can honestly say the electronics here sound much better than on the last album.
2. Until We Die: This intro reminds me a shit ton of As I Lay Dying. I can't think of the song, but seriously. It's almost lifted from the song I'm thinking of. I want to say Nothing Left or Repeating Yesterday but there may be one where it is quite literally quoted from. While this song is pretty solid, I think the weakest link here is the chorus. Don't get me wrong, I think this is pretty great.... it's just the last song was much better all around. I'd give this anyday over Hate Me, but still. I think the piano section is very tasteful, and sets a distinct section.... but I think it was done like 100 times better in World Around Me and G3 (If I'm remembering correctly).
3. Live Fast, Die Young: This is very close to the sound I didn't care for on the last record. And the worst part is the lyrics are kinda stupid. I mean all the lyrics be this stupid, but at least they aren't so overtly dumb to my ears when I hear them. This is almost like he bashed his head in and then wrote the songs. Now this isn't overtly terrible, but I just don't like it. Like if I wasn't reviewing this I'd click skip. 
4. Forget About Me: This is a return to a tasty lick. But then he starts singing, and after the stop I began to get nervous. I don't think this is bad, it's just.... It isn't clicking with me. But all can be forgiven when I hear that solo. It's easily one of Montey's best. It's so good the song I didn't give two shits about I'm all the sudden listening far more attentive.
5. You're Insane: This is another decent track, and another single released from the album. I liked it far more when I first heard it. Upon re-visitation it doesn't hold up at all. Although I can pull another AILD thing. Though the main riff reminds me a bit of Avenged Sevenfold. The vocals reminds me a tad of Girl I Know and there is something that makes the Self Titled record pop in my head. The more alternative parts of that record.
6. Chemical Love: *Sigh*. The digital distortion waves would bother me regardless of how much I like the song. They don't ruin it, I just notice them. But even if they were taken out this song is so..... I just don't like it. I think it's too poppy, ha I know I like music far poppier, but it's just like trying to appeal to a broader audience. They could completely be doing this of their own choice, for artistic reasons, but I just can't get behind this. I can tolerate, but not support (defend is a better word).
7. Picture Perfect: The beginning of this doesn't really sound like this band. While I may not have liked it at first, it isn't half bad. It's pretty relaxing and pretty. I think the melody is nice and its easily one of the best songs here. It doesn't blow my mind, but its an example of a nice change. While it's more in line with the electronic tracks, its different enough to where I can say its different. 
8. Risk It All: This is a generic rocker that is on the album. Not a heavy rocker, more of a alt rocker. I mean there isn't anything to report about that sticks out to me. 
9. Desire: Nice riff, but then the song goes into this vibe I don't jive with. It's really not insanely different from the prior track. 
10. One for the Money: This, now in 2015, isn't the worst song they ever put out. No that award belongs to Let Me Be. But if this was don't in 2013 it would take the cake as their worst song, in my opinion. The lyrics are horse shit, and music is just ..... it's the worst of what the Self Titled had to offer. The solos has this epic feeling, and has a like build up that doesn't pay off at all. It's just.... trade this with any of the bonus tracks.
11. Fire It Up: The best way to end the record would be with a Picture Perfect or a Father, Brother. Instead we get a Black Tide track, kinda. Do I think this is bad, not necessarily. I just don't agree with this as the closer. It's not as satisfying as it should have been, and I mean seriously it's not like the electronics are not in the picture. So why not re arrange the tracks.

Now on to the bonus tracks, I'm going to include the iTunes and Japanese bonus track just because I can. Yeah I said it, I CAN.

1. I, Alone: This feels like one of the more alternative tracks on TWIO. It's not half bad, but I feel like this is best as a bonus track. This could actually be an outtake, be it recording or it was written, from that period. It's kind of a nice little treat you know.
2. Father, Brother: I don't really have anything to say I haven't said before. It's a nice track, good as an extra though. While I didn't look into the lyrics, I like the idea of what I picked up on. About relationship with his family. While it's been done before I can always support someone writing to someone who played a huge part in their life. The ending would make for a very neat ambient piece. I wish this would have been in the record just to end on that. 
3. Losing Control: The second I heard the drum machine drums I rolled my eyes. And then the vocals come in and I just close my eyes and take it. The more of this track that reveals itself to me, the less I like it. And the more I feel like it's dug it's grave deeper.
4. Apologize: This introduction isn't half bad. This is a quicker song, and it's pretty nice. While the chorus is pretty light, I still would trade this over any of the ETF-esque album tracks. This isn't the best track, thought the solo is tasty. I don't know, it feels like a bonus track. The ending also reminds me of Welcome to the Black Parade.

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. This album is best described as the album that was unreleased and bridged the change in sound between This War Is Ours and Escape the Fate. There isn't any other way of describing it, other than maybe some parts are darker than the second album. I also want to mention, I plan to do Just Like You this month.... as in finish it up. And hopefully Chasing Shadows too.

Welcome to My Nightmare - Alice Cooper

For numberous reasons outside of my control I wasn't able to complete this review in time for 10/31. But at least I got some extra time with it you know. Closing this very special 2015 October month themed Halloween extravaganza revenue I picked a very special album. The album I picked is this, the best Alice Cooper album. I think of it as a coda to a string of records I consider to be really really good, dating back to their 1969 debut. The end of the Golden Age if you will. Even though I lose interest in AC's output after this album, minus a few tracks here there and The Alice Cooper Show live record (Which puts a hole in my "Only the original bands material is good,  it sucks when he went solo" theory), I don't think anything post this is terrible. Its just not the golden age. So, as i just mentioned, this is when Vincent began releasing solo material under the name Alice Cooper. This is something he continues to do to this day, considering I think it's now been legally changed to it. This is also a concept album, I believe the "group's" first, and it takes place through the nightmare of a character who would later be a reoccurring character in the Cooper universe. Kinda like the continuing adventures of either the character or archetype taken from Tunnel of Love forward, by Bruce Springsteen. This part in particular takes place when he's a child, Steven. I almost forgot to mention that the lucky bastard had a television special promoting the album with Vincent Price as the narrator. Oh... plus Lou Reed's (most of it) joined to play on the record.

1. Welcome to My Nightmare: Opening the album is a number that kicks ass. It starts off with a hitting of the cymbals and an acoustic guitar chord. Then comes in the vocals, with a quite more dreamy feeling song. The bass here sounds really neat, and I'd almost not think this is a Cooper song. Until we get the more rocking section. But it's a bit too much going on for it to be "rock". There are very interesting textures in this song, horns, what sound like a clavichord and I almost feel like Brian Eno produced this (Here Come The Warm Jets). This is a very good show starter, and it is very theatrical. If you were as intrested as I am, you could listen a number of times and still not pick up on all the sounds in that track.
2. Devil's Food: This title reminds me of In the Wake of Posiden, specifically the tracks Cat Food and The Devil's Triangle. This is much more straightforward than the last track. I mean there are still there like weird changes in production styles that are going on within song, but I dig the vocals. And is that an interlude with Vincent Price. It is.... The bass in that section is awesome, the rhythm has this military feeling to it. It's funny, half of this song is like a voice over with the song pushed way back. He's giving us a history lesson on the Black Widow, but.... You gotta give it to Price, he makes it very intresting. The song begins to come back in
3. The Black Widow: This is a sinister track that makes me think of Holy Diver. This chorus is very memorable and I love the guitar here. The chorus is so hypnotic I feel like if you listen enough, or are high, you'd be tripping balls. This could easily be a tripping balls song in a movie. Or a going to hell song. I also love the like variation on the theme that could be played in an overture. That is not something I'd expected (I've heard this before but the first time). This over all is a solid rock song, that isn't something I'd quite consider to be a rocker.
4. Some Folks: This is a cabaret number that harkens to the vaudeville days. I might be wrong on that vaudeville thing, but still. This song is very can cany. This has a very Alice Cooper feeling to the song. It actually reminds me, after the intro, a hint of Man With The Golden Gun. That chorus is very catchy, poppy, but not shitty. I kinda wish I could sing along, and the post "baby baby" section, that fucking piano. And that guitar and the tempo....... Great. This song goes from sick to cutsey (well as cutesy Vincent can get) to weird to all over the place. And that BASS..... YES! GUITAR SOLO.... YES! It's like spit fire, only down side is didn't last longer, thought the ending is very tasteful.
5. Only Women Bleed: I never once thought this was about menstruation, whats the point? I mean... I guess seeing the groups humor with songs like I Love The Dead and Dead Babies, monthly bodily cleansing from Mother Nature isn't that crazy of a topic (its much more natural at least..... Well kinda, I mean child neglect isn't something I'd consider natural nor necrophilia but some may disagree). I always thought of it as more of a woman bleeding, or maybe a tongue and cheek anti-woman track... I don't know,  does it really matter? I don't think he's actually having intercourse with corpses, so cool off. The thing is you could also look at it as only women truly struggle, I mean there are a lot more for them to put up with and society expects certain things of them. Now maybe not so much now, but women still feel pressures to look a certain way. And they are expected to live a certain way, and that's kinda what this song is about. I mean it's about abuse (or a bad relationship), but women are still kind of expected to get married, back then they certainly were. It's very sad if you actually think about it, like I get that gut feeling that hits me right there. This song musically really is a masterpiece. Lyrically this song is great at painting a picture of this terrible occurrences that happen. It only really hits you when you take the time to realize it.
6. Department of Youth: This has a very Foreigner feeling (with the organ) in the beginning, but also this song reminds me a hint of Elected. I do get a laugh out of that weird accent, but this song has him singing as he would for the rest of his career you know that almost impish sound he does. As poppy this song is, there is something that makes it a little off that I can't quite say it's pop. Form the placements of synths (or organs or whatever keyboard instruments pop up). This also has some very nice and,  great to me, backing vocals and harmonies.
7. Cold Ethyl: This his a rocker that would sound that crazy on a maybe a Stones record. Maybe not so much them as a like generic rock band from the 70's or 80's. The solos are nice, but they are more generic here. And while its generic rock here, I still like the humor of the song. I think that's the best part, and the front to back changes of style you know.
8. Years Ago: Here we get their take on a Fixing A Hole. Rather than using it to be psychedelic there is a circus meets evil meets Halloween feeling to this song. I feel like this could open a horror movies, maybe a low budget or cheep 70's or 80's one, but none the less. For that reason also there is a spot in my heart for this. I think this is where the story starts. It's the first mention of Steven, it might not be the first in the story, but I also don't care enough to look into it. I'd rather enjoy the music and lyrics but not as a story.
9. Steven: Tyler? Perry?  Which one? This starts out with a quotation of a classical piano piece that I can't quite pin down, but I will add later. This is a neat enough song, but I don't dig the fact the whole beginning relies so heavily on that quotation. I do dig the later part. Like if there did this song exactly the same, without the quotation, maybe I'd LOVE it but I can't say I love it because of that you know. Don't get me wrong this has great guitar, gorgeous strings and is expertly arranged. Bob Ezrin my hat is taped off to you. And that ending................ Oh it kills me that the beginning reminds me so much of that one thing. I'd give the song a 10.
10. The Awakening: This has this electric piano, and piano in the beginning I love how the accompany each other. They really do each other justice, and the whole lucid (right, that's the right word) of that beginning..... it's nice. This song almost borders on psychedelic. I love the almost classical electric guitar part that that reminds me a bit of Brian May. The worst part about this song is it fades out. Also that it's a bit rushed, this could totally be much longer to let the parts flesh themselves out.
11. Escape: Closing the LP we get a glam rock track. This is another simple song, but it works. There isn't any expert arrangement here, but it's like a very satisfying closer to this album. It's like, what I feel like, "Eff Yeah, We made a killer record!". This is very solid.

Overall I have to give this album a 8.9/10. This album is easily the best "solo" Vincent Furnier album, and is in the top 5 Alice Cooper albums. This is a bit baffling, how come he never made anything this good after this. Seriously, think about it. I mean this album this is kind of a masterpiece. It's very well arranged, I don't know about the theme (but the music makes up for it so much). The reason this album is so great is most every song has a distinct sound of it's own. And yet it still works and is cohesive of an album. Now I don't really care to look into the story because it seems to not really happen until like the B-Side..... I don't know. And Even though I bolded some over others.... just check this thing out.... it's really really really good. Don't ask about Welcome 2 My Nightmare.... I don't like to think about that.

The Rocky Horror Show - The Original Roxy Cast

For my second to last Halloween review this year, I'm probably doing it next year, I decided to pick an album that I knew I liked and when it would be relatively fast so I can spend some time on the finale. With only 1 days left for the month I better get my butt moving if I want to make that last one good. This is the 1974 Roxy Location cast album. It was the second show to feature Curry, the first was the London Cast which actually originally featured one if my favorite female singer, Julie Covington. Sadly she was never recorded for the album. I still, maybe next Halloween, plan on doing the original 1973 London Cast, but for this Halloween I'm doing the best version (in my opinion).

1. Science Fiction/Double Feature: This track is sung by Jamie Donnelly, who I really wish I could find more shit with her voice. This led me to look it up, also considering I vaguely remembered her voice from somewhere. Then I saw she sings vocals, most likely backing vocals, on We Go Together and Summer Nights. So I obviously have heard her voice, though I could be imagining that I picked it out of the crowd. Whatever, that's not really the point so I should get to it. I love the hell out of this, and it's so much better I think, sung by a woman. Everything really is better if its done by women, with limited some exceptions. Some songs like....... I'm drawing some blanks. Regardless, if you want to do a song like this (lyrically) this is how to do it. Not Rocket *cough cough* Def Leppard. This also feels more like an intro and the lullaby this song really is. Also I think this has a very real feeling to it. It's not just listing things, it's kinda like this is my tribute to my loves. It's tastefully written in my opinion.
2. Damnit Janet: Sung Abigale Haness and B. Miller, who play the Sarandon and Bostwick parts. I don't really see the point in saying I like this over any other version, I might as well say it for every single track. It'll get too redundant. But this is a really great, catchy track that is also memorable and should be. That's such a fun refrain to say, and the song is great at painting the picture of these two "squares". This is a very upbeat fast number, and I'd love to play along with it. The backing vocals here really make it fun too. And the pianist's freakin fire fingers. Listen to those licks. Imagine that on Guitar, that'd be awesome. The vocals don't always do it for me, espically the review listen through, but that piano.
3. Over at the Frankenstein Place: This is another track with the same two people as last time. This is a very nice song, I can't quite pin down where I feel it's from..... maybe like Grease but still.  I do like the bass and this intro gets your attention. The vocals from Abbey are pretty great. B. does a pretty great part in his verse, and the backing vocals are nice too. Like the backing vocals remind me more Grease but the lead in the chorus.... I'm waiting for it to sing the first tracks last verse. That section that goes into like a refrain is kinda neat, and I like the grit to B.'s voice. I also dig those xylophone -esque chimes. I don't think this is as strong a song as the last two, but I still think it's better than a lot of songs, in general. I mean this is a song that took multiple listens to gather what the hell was going on, in terms of what I'm picking up on. That ending also reminds me of Summer Nights.
4. Sweet Transvestite: There shouldn't even be a comparison. The horns on this, and the emotion from Curry's vox... Damnit Janet! I mean the original [London Cast] version's superior in my opinion to that of the movie, but this might give that one a run for its money. But I love the arrangement, and though I know its supposed to be cheesy and not professional sounding, but this doesn't take away and I think only makes them stronger. The addition of the horns help to punctuate, I believe that's the right word, the guitars punch. The bite of the guitar here needs to be grit by way of In My Time Of Dying all-ah Zeppelin. And those horns help it get its grit. While there is a vocal performance I'd swap this with, or maybe it's a bass. This is the closest to perfect I've heard this song. 
5. Time Warp: I remember I never cared for this song, and year upon years upon years of hearing this on Halloween mixtapes and what not only dig that grave of never want to revisit it again.Hell this was originally written to make the play longer. But to be honest, I kinda dig this version. I really like that who xylophone, or percussion thing, that happens on the second time they say the "Lets do the Time Warp" in the choruses. I also dig the doo-wop piano stuff in the song. This is a fun diddy, and maybe it's the fresh take on the track.... Well to my ears, but I like this best. Also they don't fuck the song up in the whole section where Brad and Janet interject. Also who ever sings this intro, congrats. That's really sick sounding. Another thing worth mentioning, the music changes with each persons verse. There is a bit of a variation. While it still isn't my favorite, ti's much better. The only part that's ear worm candy to my heart and soul is the Quarter to Three sound alike with those saxophones.... Shit! Even that stupid tap dance part doesn't get on my nerves. Which is almost by definition unnecessary.
6. The Sword of Damoclese: This track is sung by Kim Milford. Also isn't Damoclese a Greek God? But is that a theremin (probably not, it doesn't really sound much like one). Kim does a solid vocal, but this sounds very much like Little Richard. At this point the whole rock n roll music is starting to loose it's steam. I mean it's basically the same style over and over and over and over. Damn it,  you would add in that doo-wop section. It's like pure ear heroin to me. Though, the music with the saxophone reminds me a bit of the Bruce Springsteen cover of Quarter to Three. Just a tad. There is also a bit of a boogie to it. I maybe wrong, but I want to boogie to it.
7. Charles Atlas Song: This like an underwritten version of Changes and Let it Be. There is lots of things in those song I find here. The only real saving grace is Curry and the organ, which sounds like Billy Preston is playing. And the piano also. It's very quick, maybe too quick.
8. Whatever Happened to Saturday Night: This intro is so All Shook Up. I love that this is sung by Meat Loaf, the reason is because this is before his solo debut (3 years) and this is totally a title I could see Jim Steinmann writing for Bat Out of Hell or maybe the follow up and sequels. Like whatever happened to drive thru.... Though if it were the 70's I think I'd be more like (what happened to the memories of my youth, or they don't make them like they used to). Like a grown up Bat Out of Hell. This is a pretty solid rock and roll number. I feel like this would fit on a juke box. But again, it's starting to wear a bit thin for a front to back listen. 
9. Charles Atlas Song (Reprise): For a reprise it's only 30 seconds shorter than the original. I mean I do love that organ and Tim Curry is always fun. But I can't say this is anything to write home about. I could listen to any other soul tracks before this and get much more soul entertainment. And re-listen-to-ability.... though Curry is great. The next track makes up for the last few missteps though, not wholly, but enough for me to get back into the mood for the rest of the album.
10. Toucha, Toucha, Touch Me: This version of the song is one of the best, or at least one of my favorite, arrangements of a song I think I've heard. The music from the movie isn't half bad, but Susan.... As much as I love you, and love the idea of you singing this to me, but as far as it sounding good.......... I really like the waltzy rhythm here, and her voice I think is the best of the 70's Cast Recordings (Yes I've heard them all). I like the grit to it, and it doesn't sound out of place, the other two sounded like they were either missing the mark, or..... Well...... Damnit, I hate to put down Susan for not really well singing..... It's like killing a small part of myself on the inside. 
11. Once in a While: While a nice change of pace, I can't get with this. It reminds me too much of Margaritaville. B. Miller takes the lead and Abbey is here too. But I mean, this song is just kind of boring and uneventful. I mean it might work in terms of the play and story, but it's just like a lame soft rock tune. Not that there aren't good ones, I'm talking about with the 80's neutered soft rock even more. Then it goes into a more RH/soft rock feel, but still.
12. Eddie's Teddy: Isn't Eddie Meatloaf....... So I imagine he is going to wear a tiny teddy on his wedding night, you know, while making poppop. Again we get another soulful track that I ain't buying into. And the worst part is it does back to the rock and roll feeling. At this point It's almost getting insufferable to listen to this. I think I'll only be able to listen to certain tracks, probably never again front to back.
13. Planet Shmanet Janet: I love the very 1950's feeling of this title. Like I feel like this would be an insult used back them (Shmanet) and Planet Janet could be like they are traveling space and they stumble upon a universe where they worship a goddess who looks like Janet (If it was SS I wouldn't put it past them) or they all look like Janet. Whatever it may be, this is a play that is a sort of tribute to those types of B-Movies. So it kinda relates. Also the rhythm here is different and I dig this. I can't quite pick what that guitar sounds like. But I love it. I love the whole like not song part about this. It's almost like like it's not a song. This is also a very solid track. I also do like the singing part too.
14. Planet Hot Dog: I don't have anything to say about this track. This is kind of a fucking stupid track. Like really fucking stupid. Not like WTF, more like No. I just.... I don't want to acknowledge it.
15. Rose Tint My World: This title baffles me a bit. It makes me try and imagine what that would be. Like is the Colour that Chicago is singing about a Rose Tint. Or is a Rose Tint something that isn't as innocent as the title suggests (I wouldn't put it past that). I liked this better as Haper Valley P.T.A. Yes the song shifts, but I think that at this point, front to back, I can't process what is going on. This album beat it out of me. I do hear what I like, but I don't know. This song probably changes up the most of any of the other songs. After going back I can process it, the song starts with a twang. It's still in tone with the other songs, just more of a country twang and the singer (Boni) has this very country feeling to the way she sings. It then goes into Kim singing and he does a great job here. I like him better here than on the Damoclese song. The song then goes into a bit of a, the only way I could describe it is the "Kiss Me, Come on and tease me like you do" section of The Who's 1975 classic Squeeze Box, but done in the Rocky Horror fashion. Then Abigail takes the mic and I love that backing piano to her part. And then the song slows down to a littler "cabaret" feeling number or "ballad" sung by Curry. It isn't that distant from the Atlas Song, but this works much better here in my opinion. And the high and his energy pays off much more, for me, here. And that almost angelic section, where I think it's B. Miller (I like to think it's Da Loaf). Then Curry's freaking rock and roll boogie by way of Great Balls of Fire. And then the backing vocals come in and it is complete. The guitar comes to complete this little diddy. And ends with a final little coda. This song keeps changing, I have to give it to them. Th
16. I'm Going Home: The three versions, actually all versions I've heard, of this are actually pretty. They aren't gorgeous, but they are very satisfying ending and just as satisfying a penultimate track. This also reminds me of like a song not on this soundtrack. The soul here feels more genuine.This is a pretty great penultimate song.
17. Super Heroes: While the film version is good, this version is more triumphant. Like a more joyous ending. The vocalist has much more power, and there is much more power in the song. And the lows are lower, and the highs are actually highs. I'm very glad this closes the set and not a reprise of SF/DF.  Though that choir type thing reminds me of a lesser effective version of the one used in Snow in San Alsemo.

Overall I have to give this a 7.5/10. I can't stand musicals, I'm serious. I don't like any of the Disney movie songs (except Bed Knobs, Poppins and Zippadee Do Da), I don't like any movie that is a musical, for the most part, unless it's Tommy, Let My People Come or Grease and really that's the only musicals have seen or heard I liked, with the exception of a few select songs here and there. This is a more professional version of the "low budget" version of the original. It's also faster and got some better [and some fucking awesome] arrangements too. While I love cheapness and low budget, maybe that's why the original also has a place in my heart, I gotta pick this. Now with that's said, I cant really say I like Rocky Horror. In fact I only want to watch the film to see Susan, dis you know she was supposed ti be nude during Touch Me but she or someone changed their mind (who cares who's fault, it is stll a disappointment). I think the worst part is that lots of the songs could be the same song give or take the singer and lyrics. Also there was a sequel from 1981 titled Shock Treatment. I'm not sure if I should review that or not. I do like some songs from that, not all, but who knows. Only time will tell and I will do Grease. I also plan my next musical review to be either Mary Poppins or Let My People Come....... Or the aforementioned (that's the right word?) Grease.

I think you should search Rocky Horror on Spotify. They have the Roxy Cast, London Cast, Sweedish Cast, Film Soundtrack and other versions too. But the only Cast recording I'vent heard anything off from the 70s is, I believe, the Mexican or Brazilian. Mainly because they are not on Spotify and I can't find a place to dowload the LP copies. But check them out and let me know what you think is your favorite upon reevaluation :)

Fresh Juice - Blowfly

While I want to save these reviews, by this artist, for one per year this month is special, well 2015 October at least. This is the first Blowfly release for Oops! Label. A label that would be his home from this album until 1988's Blowfly For President. This is also notable for being the first album not to be released on Weird World. This album is sadly overlooked in my opinion. It wasn't ever reissued on CD alone, and it's easily the best album of the 80s.

1. That's What Your Pussy's Made For: At 7 minutes this is a long track. Compared to his other 3-5 minute tracks, some albums even less. This is also a very educational song, and not in the way that his 1974 track Sesame Street is. No this is a relatively straight song, and yes in terms of serious. I wouldn't have pick up on it until I saw a review of the track. Someone mentioned this is a serious track, and I revisited it and damn! This is a lot deeper than just fuck you. Now obviously there is humor in this track, but the subject matter brought up, especially in the beginning of the track is kind of weird. It's kinda of a portrait of a girl who is destined to become a very sexually active girl. Not the kind that's like a mature, you're a woman make you're choices. It's more of a young girl who probably is confused and lost and that makes her feel good. And it's not necessarily because of her, but because of the unfortunate events of her surroundings and childhood. You know the sad thing is this song could very easily be about a real person that anyone could know. At the end of the day I think this song shows why sex education is an important part of growing up, and why it isn't cool to take advantage of kids. People are only more fucked up then they were in the 80's and I doubt it's getting any better, or it ever will..... And seriously, I may not be the smartest or deepest person, but this truly is worth checking out and thinking about. Musically it's pretty solid and very 80's new wave. It's like a perfect marriage of his 80's out put and his 70's funk. And it also have the stereotypical Fly everyone loves, but I wish the whole song told that girls story instead of the guys too. I think that's just another chance to make a gay joke. And it could have been, in a different time, a perfect chance for him to mention she gets AIDS or something. Although he did kinda do a version of that the followin year with Child Support with the Funky Party Band using his real name Clarence Reid.
2. Too Fat to Fuck: You could look at this one of two ways, Blow being Blow..... Or a song that's anti-obesity. But in reality it's just what the title says. Again the music here is great. I mean this isn't the funniest song of his, it's also not the best on this album, but it's still a solid track. It also have this disco vibe to it. Like I could picture, with different lyrics, being in Saturday Night Fever.
3. The First Black President: Easily one of my favorites from his Oops! era. Actually this might be one of my favorites. The playing here's on par with the Weird World releases. If this was done by a white person today he'd be crucified for how racist it is. I could only imagine South Park doing something the level of this songs "UnPC". I love this and it's hilarious, it's like the opposite of Obama. Obama is very diplomatic and acts very calm or "white". But for this song picture a hardcore gangster getting elected. Not a rapper like Kanye West or anyone how isn't probably that "tough" I'm talking about a guy who snorts coke, promises birth control in every purse and chitlins in every pot. Also one who gives his weed to Pope John Paul (but not by choice). I actually could imagine the events of this song happening in an episode of South Park. This song isn't the worst, the part 2 is more unPC but I love this one and it's following adventure of the First Black President. The backing track to this is phenomenal, it's so funky and reminiscent of Rap Dirty. The only bad part is he didn't continue this through the 80's. 
4. I've Got to Be Free: Oddly enough this doesn't even feel like its fits on this record. I mean it almost sees straight. It's a very romantic song, seriously. I mean if he took out the dick lines, this would be a love song. And I mean it's not like a complete rewrite, it's more of a few clean ups here and there. The only track I can compare this too, is like I Need Love by L.L. Cool Jay, but a tad dirtier. The music here is very 80's and cheesy now, but I mean I still dig the shit out of it. The only bad part is it does go a little long at 5 minutes, but it's still pretty solid.
5. Business Deal: I wonder what this track might about, P.S. I know I heard this record before but I'm gonna pretend I haven't. And in seriously the horns here are great. This almost sounds like it could fit on Disco. This really is catchy, and it really reminds me of Kurtis Blow. This song also reminds me of The Residents album Demons Dance Alone, but played on the horns. This is a very fun song, and it's pretty funny.
6. The Vampire That Are Miami: Tell me, does this get more Halloween than this. The classic tale of a Vampire who comes, eats woman's vaginas dry. Who other than Blowfly can clean up this mess and save Miami. Summoning The Incredible Fulk saves the day (blowfly alter ego of sorts - he transforms into it), and everyone's happy. The music here is very similar to Porno Freak, you could almost sing the song, but this is still a great track. This track is great and I love love love every second of it. Lots of his best tracks are story tracks though.
7. She's Bad: "insert Dolemite reference". This is more of a slow jam funk rap number. Also that bassist is awesome. I mean this is what I assume is Fly's take on a love song.
8. More Than One Pussy: Who doesn't want that. This melody reminds me vaguely of Just The Two of Us. This topic is insane, but you know I really like the sound of this song. I feel like this would offend someone, but then again who cares. I don't care if it offends someone. The point being, God created more than one woman so us men can have different women to do certain things with.

Overall I have to give this album a 8/10. This is like the other albums from the 80's. When it's great it's fricken great, when its not its just ok. There isn't a bad song on this thought. And it's so fun, if you were having a college party of something I'd suggest playing on this on Spotify if you knew everyone doesn't mind some cuss words and some profanities. The only album from the 80's I've yet to hear is Freak Party, but so far this is the best. Though I do like the On Tour '86 feeling of the original albums. Up next is hopefully another review. The only set in stone review is 31st's so lets see what happens.