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.

Lovedrive - Scorpions

This is the sixth album by German Hard Rock band Scorpions. This is also the album where Michael came back, well at least he's credited as a guest so something like that. It is also the first to feature Matthias Jabbs and Herman Rarebell both who stuck around for a number of years (Jabbs is still in and Rarebell left was last on the 1995 Live Bites record). I decided to review this in honor the the 2015 50th Anniversary remasters that recently came out. This album is basically the beginning of their sound that would bring them the most success. Though, you could argue it appeared on earlier albums, this is when it was defined and this is basically how they'd sound for their 80's period. Also I'm using that 2015 remaster to do the review instead of my previous CD copies.

1. Loving You On A Sunday Morning: You know, this is a weird song. It's kind of fits, and makes Anybody Out There? fit also. I love this song, and how weird it is. I almost feel like this is left over, or was written with the same frame of mind, from Taken by Force. In fact, while its production and "sound" fits perfect here, the writing and musicality wouldn't be to uncomfortable on that other album. There is a psychedelia present that also sort of reminds me a tab of Lonesome Crow. Seriously, and I love the sharp guitars. Nice and loud and powerful. This is a pretty straight forward song, it's just this chorus.... damn I honestly feel if I added a few sounds, back ground sounds, this could be a trippy section. Also great solo from Jabbs and oh how by the end of the song is this chorus stuck in my head.
2. Another Piece of Meat: Ah, a phrase I use in my head when thinking about..... Well kind of to laugh. This is pretty fast paced and is just a straight rocker. There is this like wind thing that revs up before the track and it's pretty nice touch. This track makes me want to get out my Strat and just rip and shred along with the Sheckner brothers (both of who play on this tune). Plus Another solid chorus, so.... something this band is pretty great at making. Listen to Mikey shred, damn it's so tasty. 
3. Always Somewhere: A ballad, and damn is it powerful. This is one of those "best ever ballads" the group churned out even into their less rocking period. Seriously, these are some fucking amazing power ballads. I can barley do a review of this tune, it's so ingrained in my consciousness as one of those, tear jerkers/introspective tracks. Klaus and Rudolph really pull off one of the best songs by the band here. It's pretty gorgeous, to be completely straight. And that chorus, power ballad royalty. I know I said that, but I need to stress that.
4. Coast to Coast: Great song, that I love. And instrument that is pretty straight forward, but here we get another lead guitar song from Michael. There is just something about this melody that is so perfect, I mean this could have be just as powerful with lyrics, but they chose not to use any. Plus nice bass playing Francis, and I love that little "ah" that sounds like he just drank a Cold Sprite. I can only assume that sound was from Klaus.
5. Can't Get Enough: At this point I can't argue with you about that one. :) This is another rocker and damn does it have energy. This is up there with Another Piece of Meat and I love the almost shrieked refrain of the title of the track. Klaus you remind me why I'm proud to be German. This band fucking rocks. The freak out at the end sort of reminds me of the album Virgin Killer and maybe like Hell Cat, I could be remembering wrong but that's what came to mind.
6. Is There Anybody Out There?: This is a tad odd. This is the only time I think they ever did a reggae number. This is pretty reggae, and it's odd that they did it now (then). 1979 the only reggae that was existent was ska of Oingo Boingo and like The Police, in rock outside of actually reggae. And reggae was huge in Britain around 1973ish. I could be wrong, but I think it's an odd choice for them to do this, here. But that being said, it's one of their best songs they ever did. It's very simple, and at parts reminds me a tad of Taken by Force, but this is a powerful song. Like I feel like it could almost be a cover of a traditional song along the lines of a Malagueña Salerosa. Thematically that is, like a very sad tale of someone who can't love the person they want. Except here it's they are all alone and want love. Someone searching for love. But this is a really neat song that literally I never skip, even if it comes on by accident. I love this song to death.
7. Lovedrive: The title track is actually proabably the weakest tune on the album. Don't get me wrong, the chorus is up to snuff, but everything else seems like it's already been done. Also this kind of, in the choruses reminds me too much of Judas Priests' cover of the Joan Baez tune Diamonds And Rust. Although, solid solo in the tune. This is also the last track to feature lead from Mike.
8. Holiday: Closing we get one of the greatest closers of all time. While they tried to close on a ballad after this, and before, I kind of feel like this is the best one. Not best ballad, but best end. This also just like forces me to contemplate my decisions and my life up to this point. It's kind of weird. The first half is acoustic and very pretty, pleasent and almost like Born to Touch Your Feelings. Then it goes into a more rocking power chord section, with amazing backing harmonies. I can hear that gorgeous bass tone in the new 2015 version I never heard before. Damn that little Spanish fill, it is tasty. Matthas does a great job here soloing. I mean it really fits the mood and to the ending.... great. It works. Also if you want a sort of extended version, in the 2015 edition there's a 2 minute longer demo.

Overall I have to give this a 8/10. This, like every other Scorpion record is worth checking out. This is in their heyday. They have yet to make a bad record. But from 1972 to 1984 the lowest I'd have to give a record is like a 7 the highest is a 10. Every record also had a number of amazing songs on each album. While this isn't my favorite record, it's still an amazing record. These guys always get the short end of the stick to shitty bands from the 80s. I'll let you know a secret, these guys kick the shit out of most of their 80's contemporaries. Hands down, no argument, listen to this record and the ones before and maybe you'll be enlightened yourself. I'm serious, they didn't put out a bad record ever and their mediocre ones started in 1988 with Savage Amusement. 

Bomber - Motörhead

This is the third, and second released in 1979, album by British Heavy Metal band Motörhead. I don't have a ton of experience with Motörhead, but I do know some of their stuff. I've listened to about 90% of the 1980 release Ace Of Spades, and various other releases I've heard a decent amount off. For some reason I can't recall ever hearing anything off Bomber. My friend, Justin, was supposed to have this up for his 18th birthday, but we made a deal. Since I goofed about the whole understanding of the review I do Bomber today, and Phantom Antichrist tomorrow. I did So Far, So Good... So What last year. This album was produced by Jimmy Miller, look him up, he has a pretty neat discography for production. This includes the first three Traffic albums, Blind Faith's sole album, the five Stones albums between Beggars Banquet and Goat Head Soup and albums two & three for Motörhead. There are other's but lets get back to the review.

1. Dead Men Tell No Tales: This song starts out with a type of intro that I would recognize as Motörhead. This sounds like a classic Motörhead song. The first time through I don't really know what to say about it. I think the solo's distortion is pretty cool.
2. Lawman: I like this song a little more than the last. Maybe because it's kind of sinking in. I was reading about this song and it says that it's one of his more "ferocious" because it's "hitting hard at the police". I don't really know what that means but I think it doesn't sounds anymore aggressive, lyrically maybe, but not sound wise. And after looking at the lyrics, they are kind of aggressive. Upon second listen this song kind of has a march to it. I think it's a pretty decent song actually.
3. Sweet Revenge: I like the guitar in this song. I like the like scream "REVENGE" at the fade out. This is a pretty cool song. I am curious as to how they got that guitar sounds. Though I like the sound of this song it is kind of "wearing" my interest in the album down. This totally reminds me of Priest off Sad Wings Of Destiny.
4. Sharpshooter: Yes, an uptempo song. This song kind of reminds me of Iron Fist. Which might be my favorite Motörhead song. Either that or Mean Machine off 1986's Orgasmatron. The guitar is awesome, and I think that solo is pretty sick. This is what I needed. This kind of lifted my spirits in listening to this. I'm not dissing the album, but from the first three tracks it kind of wore me down, but this has gained my interest back.
5. Poison: The lyrics to this are kind of a "backlash" at his father for leaving his mother. That's from what I read. I think this is another Ok song.
6. Stone Dead Forever: Before I started this song I went and did a "favorite hits" of my own to kind of get more in the spirit to listen more intently. This is a pretty decent song. Better than those side 1 songs.
7. All The Aces: Does that include Spades? This song isn't really any different from any other songs. I think it's ok, but yeah.
8. Step Down: This also reminds me of '70s Priest. The guitar and whole entire "darkness" to it. Eddie's voice even reminds me a ton of Judas Priest. I could see this being a tribute or a cover of a song by them. This song UGH!
9. Talking Head: I doubt that this is a reference to the band, mainly because their first album came out in '77, but who knows. It's actually about TV. The beginning of this riff reminds me of Lonely Boy by The Black Keys. I did a review of the album that was on. I also own that CD. The bass in this song reminds me of that song. The guitar in it is also awesome.
10. Bomber: This is a pretty good way to end this album. Don't pussy out, make it mad! Go out with a bang! It's A Bama, It's A Bama, It's Obama?

Overall I have to give this a 8/10. The lyrics on this thing are pretty aggressive any "angry". That doesn't play any part in the score, but it's kind of neat that there was obvious passion that went into these lyrics. I like that the songs are no longer than, minus 1, about 4 minutes long. Part of what frustrates me is that the songs, you can't really understand Lemmy. It's frustrating to me. I have to look at the lyrics to understand what the hell, beside the title of the songs, he was saying. But because of songs like Talking Head and Sharpshooter, Talking Head, Step Down. Also the kind of Priest vibes I got from this helped me enjoy this. So I hope you like this review Justin. And look for tomorrows review, tomorrow. The 2nd side is much better, I think, than the first.

Bluejeans & Moonbeams - Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band

This is the overall ninth album by Captain Beefheart. His last album, Unconditionally Guaranteed from April '74, saw the leaving of his entire band. This album was the first with all new band. This album, to me at least, reminds me of The Stones. But I'll explain that more later. I'm not a Beefheart expert, but I do enjoy some of his music, and think that this album is a quick review. I've heard Trout Mask Replica, The Spotlight Kid and Shiny Beast in their entirety. I've heard some other's too, but those in full. Oh, yeah, sorry there hasn't been a review in forever, but I plan on doing them more often again.

1. Party Of Special Things To Do: This is the first song. It's kind of a song that I could see The White Stripes covering. They did, just to let you know. I think that this is a good way to start off the album. This song has a funky type of vibe to it. And It's defiantly more easy to listen to than Trout Mask or even the 1970 follow up Lick My Decals Off, Baby.
2. Same Old Blues: The harmony vocals on this album remind me a ton of The Stones. Some of the other songs, not so much this one, reminds me of Bob Seger on Stranger In Town or an album with the Silver Bullet Band. Note: this is also a J.J. Cale cover.
3. Observatory Crest: This is kind of relaxing to hear. It kind of reminds me of Hollywood Nights, because of the lyrics. I really like the way the guitar sounds. I really like this song a lot.
4. Pompadour Swamp: This song has kind of a reggae type of vibe to it. But I wouldn't call it a reggae song. It also kind of has a funky beat. For some reason I kind of imagine Kashmir by Zeppelin. It might just be me, I might just be crazy from not doing a review in over a month, but that's what I think kind of. Like during the verses.
5. Captain's Holiday: This song kind of brings back that ole blues, but not ''Avant-blues''. This is an instrumental, I think it's ok, but I don't really care for it. I might like it with more listens, but as of now, I don't really love it.
6. Rock 'N Roll's Evil Doll: I like the way the piano sounds, and the way the song kind of almost sounds like it could be an old school song. Not exactly, but it has a funky vibe to it. I really like this song. It's not my favorite but I still like it. Theses last 4 tracks are awesome. The distortion on the guitar is awesome.
7. Further Than We've Gone: This song kind of took me by surprise the first time I heard it. I could imagine a scene in a movie where people either make love or are falling in love. Kind of like the part in the 1969 ''James Bond'' movie ''On Her Majesty's Secret Service''. The part where it plays We Have All The Time In The World and Louis raspy vocals. I could kind of imagine making love to this song. This also kind of reminds me of Still The Same for what ever odd reason. Not musically, just ''memory'' wise. The solo is very pretty
8. Twist ah Luck: This song reminds me a little of Bob Seger. This song is pretty good. The harmony vocals on the track sound just like a Stones track. This actually could almost be a Stones song. But I like it more than I like them. Actually my favorite album is the infamous 1967 Their Satanic Majesties  Request. They do have other good songs though. But this is a really cool song.
9. Bluejeans & Moonbeams: I don't really know why so much, but I really like this song. I think this is a really good way to end this album. I don't know why Don pretty much disowned this and Unconditionally Guaranteed. I haven't heard all of the other, but I think this is a pretty sick album. I think the solo on this is really pretty and has a slide. I like it when slides are played like this. 

Overall I have to give this song a 8/10. This is an album that is considered part of the "Tragic Band". I don't know, I think it's a decent album. I like it and it's kind of a mellow album. It's much easier to listen to than anything pre-Trout Mask, minus Diddy Wah Diddy, and anything after this album. It's very relaxing to listen to. Can't wait to review Shiny Beast or Spotlight Kid next. The only album I don't really want to do is the boring 1971 Mirror Man.