This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The follow-up to Anomaly is another classic is the Ace Frehley catalog. Many tracks hearken back to Ace's 70's KISS solo album. The guitar playing is outstanding and Ace's vocals are pretty much what you'd expect. He's never been the greatest singer and he knows it and doesn't care. They compliment the music.
Some folks have dogged the cover of Steve Miller's 'The Joker', but I like it. Your mileage may vary.
As for the bonus tracks, skip 'em. They are a waste of time. Have you ever heard a song and said "Hey, the tune's great. I only wish I had a shorter, edited version." No, of course you haven't. No one has. Ever. Adding 2 "radio edits" of the same songs and calling them "bonus tracks" is really lame. Not to mention putting them together at the end of the album so they repeat when the album starts over again.
I'd heartily recommend the album, but just get the standard edition and save a few shekels instead of putting out for the deluxe version.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The 3rd album with new singer Mark Tornillo and it's more of the same classic Accept we've come to expect. However, this time around, the songs aren't as immediately catchy or memorable as the 2 albums before it. The songs all kind of blend together and lack the hooks.
It's a good album and sits in well with Blood of the Nations and Stalingrad, but I think maybe the band is starting to wear themselves out. 3 albums and touring the world in 4 years is starting to take it's toll. They might need to take a break and go away for awhile.
I have not watched the DVD, so I have no opinion on that.
My Best Buy number: 0043316465
My Best Buy number: 0043316465
What's great about it: Another Good, Consistent Album of Classic Accept
What's not so great: It's a little too by-the-numbers
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
After the overblown disaster that was the Nostradamus album, Judas Priest listened to their heart (and more importantly the fans) and returned to their classic sound. It has all the best elements of their 70's, 80's and 90's albums.
This is an album that requires repeated listens. It might not grab you on the first spin (unlike Angel of Retribution), but it's worth the effort. Rob is starting to show signs of wear in his voice, but he still sings better than most vocalists half his age in the metal genre.
New guitarist Ritchie Faulkner fits in well with the band, although not having KK there still seems a little off to me.
The deluxe edition comes with 5 additional studio tracks, which some folks believe are better than some that showed up on the regular edition. It's in the ears of the beholder I suppose. It's worth picking up the deluxe edition for these tracks, but I'm glad they aren't part of the original track listing. Could make the album drone on for too long.
As it stands, this is another fine album in Priest's 40+ year career and if it happens to be the last one they release, they are going out on a high note.
My Best Buy number: 0043316465
What's great about it: They return to their classic sound
What's not so great: The production is a little flat
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
After a few dodgy releases with new lead vocalist Johnny Solinger, the band has finally got it together and released 2 stellar back-to-back eps. The music on here is heavy, fast and memorable.
The only minor bump in the road is the ballad. Not a bad song, but it kinda jacks-up the momentum of the album. Being only a 7 song ep, it's not necessary. Could have stayed hard n' heavy all the way through and skipped this one. It's a decent song though, so it gets a pass.
The bonus tracks (Queen and Aerosmith covers) both rock hard and are a welcome addition. Too bad the first ep didn't have a few of them as well. (The US release anyway. I believe the Japanese version had extra tracks).
The 2 negatives about this new release, neither which are really faults of the band, is that it's just too darn short. It's 5 originals and 2 covers which barely clock in at a half-hour. Get in and get out, all killer, no filler. Leave 'em wanting more, right? I guess I'll just keep hitting repeat.
Secondly is the dumb cardboard digipack, which ripped the first time I opened it taking out the cd. It's a small tear, but still. Give me a replaceable jewel case anyday.
My Best Buy number: 0043316465
What's great about it: Band is firing on all cylinders again!!
What's not so great: Stupid Cardboard Digipack, and Too Dang Short!
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Kix have done it again with another great album. It's all of the classic elements and sounds you've come to expect from this Maryland band. Sure, it probably isn't going to win over any new fans, but old timers like myself will find plenty to enjoy. It fits in perfectly with the rest of their discography.
The only downside is the obligatory power ballad. It's not really a bad song, (even though Steve's lisp is really prominent) but it just brings the momentum of an otherwise up-beat album to a grinding halt. Maybe if it were the last track? It just seems unnecessary, especially in this day & age. It's 2014, not 1988. The MTV we knew is gone. The era of the power ballad is over. Get rid of it.
This is the perfect summer time album, great for long road trips with the windows down and the volume up. Love it with your top down ;)
My Best Buy number: 0043316465
My Best Buy number: 0043316465
What's great about it: Another Classic Kix Release
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Anyone expecting this to sound like AC/DC is going to be very disappointed. This is very much a product of George Young, Harry Vanda and the late 60's. Angus and Malcolm just happen to appear on it because of their family connection. Lots of piano, female backing vocals and saxophone along with guitar.
That's not to say I'm not enjoying it. Quite the opposite. It's an interesting album. A little all over the place style-wise. I think George and Harry were looking for a sound and tried a little of everything to see what stuck. Some of it actually reminds me of early Alice Cooper. The music, not lyrics or vocals. Some other early 70's rock too. A little funk in there too. It's pretty cool and a neat snap-shot of an era where bands were free to experiment.
Just don't think it's a long lost AC/DC recording. Pretty far from it actually.
My Best Buy number: 0043316465
My Best Buy number: 0043316465
What's great about it: It's a cool snap-shot of an era
What's not so great: Angus & Malcolm's contributions are minimal