Another masterpiece from one of the most talented and most overlooked bands of the century! This CD contrasts four hard-driving, in-your-face creations with four acoustic versions of Lillian favorites. If you like your rock loud and heavy, you don't want to miss the new songs, but...if you are a Axe follower from the old days, don't deprive yourself of the acoustic versions of some of their most-loved ballads!  The new songs have small moments of greatness. There are nuances of the Axe of old in there, and some excellent guitar work by Steve, and the boys are doing very good keeping it all together.  Steve Blaze is awesome in numerous ways. Derrick is an amazing singer, and an excellent successor to Ron Taylor. Even with the new line-up, the songs have a way of sticking with you, the lyrics taking you off to the deepest, and sometimes darkest reaches of Steve Blaze's mind. These guys are sounding more together than ever. "47 Ways To Die" is by far the best.   I cant say enough about this offering. Put on your headphones and crank it. There is so much going on that every listen opens up a whole new world.

Hmmm... The Maine, what can I say about these guys??? Not my cup of tea, but not bad. The Maine is an Indie/Pop/Alternative band from Phoenix, Arizona that mixes sugary sweet Rock & Roll with lyrics chocked full of teen angst. My little brother likes them, so I'm guessing they're okay with a proper listen. I trust his taste given the fact that I taught him everything he knows! 5 good looking white boys from Arizona  that can play instruments!!! Check out the Maine “Black and White“, in stores, on I-tunes or whatever. Maybe you will like them more than me!

When I was first told about this CD, I was told it was nothing but blues, but I beg to differ.  It combines blues, soul, jazz, and even a little rock in it.  The artist known as Gina DeLuca, has a vast array of talent that can make this metal comes first guy bow down and sing praise.  On her album, ‘Blue Eyed Soul’ she sings about life, music, and relationships.  There’s an array of wonderful instruments played on this album, but I think DeLuca’s strongest attribute is her voice.  She ranges from Billie Holliday, Norah Jones, and Amy Winehouse. Deluca definitely states where she comes from, from a musical standpoint.  On one particular song “Days Of Soul” she discusses what happened to the good music.  She also pays tribute to some of her musical heroes including James Brown, Billie Holliday, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin.  One particular track I truly enjoyed and respect her for is “Good Life Of A Bad Girl.”  She talks about how she was brought up to be a good girl, but decided to live her life her way, and be unapologetic about it.  One part she sings she loves to hang out with the boys, loves to play with girly toys, and have a beer, or three.  I highly recommend this CD if you’re into just having a rocking good ole time, or like hearing music that has something to say.  If you’re into all the above, then Gina DeLuca is for you!

The Psychedelic  Aliens, "Psycho African Beat" is a re-release from a late 60's, early 70's funk band. Researched and compiled by Frank Gossner of Voodoofunk.com, the music was rediscovered when he took a trip to Africa to hunt for new sounds. This CD is a compilation of 3 separate EP's that each consist of around 8 songs. The music itself is a combination of soul, garage rock and funk, but was based around African rhythms and melodies. When I put the CD in I immediately smiled. To me, a child of the 80's, it reminded me of maybe, Scooby-Doo background music, you know... kinda cartoonish. Another image it brought to mind was Austin Powers, YEEAAH BABY!!! I think it could be good background music because there are very few lyrics, and it's mostly instrumental. I think maybe I will RE-review it once I drop some acid, put in the disk and give it my drive test! "Psycho African Beat" is to be released October 26, 2010 complete with liner notes, vintage photos and "it tells a vivid story of a truly unique band at a special moment in time when aliens walked the Earth and helped shape the history of music" according to Frank Gossner. I'm just looking forward to listening to it again when I'm.......