Led Zeppelin II

Origin:  UK
Year: 1969
Subgenre: Hard Rock, Classic Rock


Rating:  85  Essential To Any Collection !

The Players: 

Robert Plant   Vocals

Jimmy Page   Guitar

John Paul Jones  Bass, Keyboards

John Bonham   Drums

Led Zeppelin's second release in the space of a single year served to nail shut the decade of the 1960's. While growing up in the 1970's, II was a mandatory album in every car stereo, stirring up massive teenage spirit and excitement for heavy rock 'n' roll. The album has also sold more than 12 million units as well, cementing its position as one of the top financial successes of the genre. From the cool cover art, portraying the shaggy-haired band of rockers surrounded by German zeppelin aviators, to the rowdy rockers within, Led Zeppelin positioned itself as the reigning purveyors of the new kind of heavy music that was exploding in 1969-1970. II was literally filled to the brim with classic hard rock tunes. Whole Lotta Love's metallic riff is one of the most recognizable intros in rock history. One of my favorites, What Is And What Should Never Be, is an example of Zep at its best; this track is a perfect fusion of hard rock and exotic sounds. The Lemon Song, Living Loving Maid, and Ramble On are energetic rockers that typify the early Zeppelin sound, while heavier tunes like Heartbreaker and Bring It On Home kick the flood gates open.  Thank You is a perfectly placed mellow tune that gives the listener a well-deserved breather. The only (mild) disappointment is John Bonham's "drum solo" in the form of Moby Dick; the track starts off well enough with a nice heavy riff, but degenerates into a pretty boring soliloquy of percussion (Bonham is one of the greatest rock drummers and could have lit his solo on fire). Overall, in 1969, this was by far the heaviest album in the universe for its time. Led Zeppelin, with the release of this album, opened the door for bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Uriah Heep to rush through. Personally, I fed off of the energy of II for many years and continue to admire its historical significance and raw beauty.


Whole Lotta Love   92
What Is And What Should Never Be   95
The Lemon Song   79
Thank You   78
Heartbreaker  93
Living Loving Maid   79
Ramble On  82
Moby Dick  76
Bring It On Home   91

  
       

                  

Trouble Simple Mind Condition

Origin:  USA

Year:  2007

Subgenre: Heavy Metal

Rating:  9.5

The Players: 

Eric Wagner          Vocals

Bruce Franklin      Guitar

Rick Wartell          Guitar

Chuck Robinson    Bass

Jeff Olson    Drums, Piano, French Horn

I can't tell you how long this album's release had been anticipated by multitudes of old headbangers. It took so incredibly long to finish (12 years!) that most metal fans of this generation of the 21st century have no idea who Trouble is. Too bad, because this is one smokin' slab of iron! The band picked up right where they left off with Plastic Green Head. The tunes are ultra-heavy (yet very catchy) especially with respect to the incredibly thick guitar tones which have become a Trouble staple since the beginning. Eric Wagner's vocals are brilliant. In my opinion, he has proven that he is definitely in the upper echelon of current (and past) heavy rock vocalists. Like Ozzy of (very) old, Eric can sound almost unearthly at times. Highlights on this album include the opening track Goin' Home, the bouncy Pictures Of Life, the incredible Simple Mind Condition, and an awesome version of the Lucifer's Friend classic Ride The Sky. Although there have been mixed reviews of this album, I absolutely love it. Imagine a mix of the band's three albums from the 1990's and you have Simple Mind Condition. The only question is why it took so long to record. Oh well, it was worth the wait. 

Tracks: 

Goin' Home
Mindbender

Seven
Pictures Of Life
After The Rain
Trouble Maker
Arthur Brown's Whiskey Bar
Simple Mind Condition
Ride The Sky
If I Only Had A Reason
The Beginning Of Sorrows

Teaze: Teaze

Origin:  Canada

Year: 1977

Subgenre: Hard Rock

Rating:  8

The Players: 

Brian Danter    Bass and Vocals

Mark Bradac    Guitar

Chuck Price     Guitar

Mike Kozak     Drums

This long-lost hard rock band from the late 1970's hails from Canada, and its sound is also reminiscent of Moxy and heavy April Wine. Must be something in the water up there....hmmm. As soon as the needle hits the vinyl (yeah.....remember records?), the energy bubbles up as Rockin' With The Music jumps out of the turntable. For 1977, this is one heavy tune; if I didn't know any better, I'd also say that it is very similar to high quality NWOBHM, which was still a couple of years down the road. Actually, the entire  album is very consistent; each track is decidedly heavy. Only Open My Eyes starts out a bit mellow, but melts down into a halfway decent tune as the song develops. My favorites here are the aforementioned Rockin' With The Music, Come On Hold On, Boys Night Out, and Dirty Sweet Loving. Riffs abound everywhere in a smooth explosion of amplified guitars and catchy melodies. I am clueless as to why this band never made the big time. They were actually very popular in Japan, even more so there than their native Canada. I'll tell ya, I even hear some hints of early Riot and Starz here too. For a relatively unknown "gem," Teaze is your ticket. Seek and ye shall find. 

Tracks:

Rockin' With The Music
Flames Keep Growing
Come On Hold On
Believe In Rock 'n' Roll
Boys Night Out
Hot To Trot
Dirty Sweet Loving
Open My Eyes

Cloven Hoof: Cloven Hoof

Origin:  United Kingdom
Year:  1984
Subgenre:  NWOBHM

Rating:    7.5

The Players: 

David Potter         Vocals
Steve Rounds       Guitar
Lee Payne             Bass
Kevin Pountney    Drums

Cloven Hoof was formed in 1979 and hails from the West Midlands in England. Somewhat considered a NWOBHM classic, Cloven Hoof was the band's only LP during the NWOBHM. Combining standard horror-inspired lyrics with a galloping style akin to Iron Maiden, this debut album is energetic and heavy. No less a metal celebrity than Rob Halford touted the band and championed the band's initial radio broadcast in Phoenix, Arizona. This is definitely a solid band; David Potter's vocals are competent and full-bodied, while Steve Rounds' guitar playing is more than adequate. Song structure is more complicated and interesting than your average NWOBHM band (again, early Iron Maiden's musical style comes to mind). Standout tracks are the title track, The Gates of Gehenna, and Laying Down The Law.  Cloven Hoof is a hidden gem and definitely a NWOBHM collectible.  The only criticism that I have is that the album's recording is a bit thin and has an overabundance of treble. The album could use some remastering to build up the bottom end a bit. 

Tracks: 

Cloven Hoof
Nightstalker
March Of The Damned
Gates Of Gehenna
Crack The Whip
Laying Down The Law
Return Of The Passover