GRADES FOR CLASSIC ARTISTS' NEW RELEASES

[RJhog]

This discussion applies to any classic rock band or artist that have released new music since 2007. Basically, I was scanning my cd's the other day, and I noticed that I have probably 25-30 cd's that were released since 2007 by classic rock bands or solo artists. I started thinking, how does the new music compare to the music that was released early in the band's career? Usually, the musicianship of the band is as good or better than when they started (of course, most bands don't have the same lineup that they started with). The things that really change (in my opinion) are vocal ability and songwriting. For example, Tesla released "Forever More" in 2008. Their first album "Mechanical Resonance" was released in 1986. After listening to the new album, I think Tesla is just as good in every category as they were 23 years ago.
In fact, there are quite a few standout songs from the new album:
So What
Falling Apart (a very good ballad)
Breakin' Free
All Of Me (a kicking rocker)
Pvt. Ledbetter
In A Hole Again

All of the others are good as well. Please share any others that fall into this category and tell how you think the new music compares to the old music.

[Jon]

Whitesnake's latest is their best since "Slide It In". Sure he's older but sounds great and has a group of fantastic players behind him. Sorry, can't stand the self-titled from 87 (overplayed) and "Slip Of The Tongue" (just awful, in my opinion).

Others that come to mind are Cheap Trick, AC/DC, Queen, Loverboy, Rush, Kim Mitchell and Extreme that have released new stuff in the last couple years that are very solid albums (except maybe Loverboy, it was kinda "meh") and not embarassing at all. There are a bunch more that I can't think of right now, but I'll check out what I have and add some more. I think those listed above compare favorably to their older stuff, maybe not classic now, but who knows in 20 or so years when you're looking at their whole catalogue.

I think that made sense....

[Jon]

Add King's X to that list as well.

[RJhog]

I agree with you on Whitesnake. The songs are pretty well written, especially "Can You Hear The Wind Blow". That's a really good song. I do think Coverdale has lost a bit of range, especially on the slower songs.

[rockertilldeath]

Just saw Whitesnake in Detroit last night. It was kind of like "Can You Hear David Coverdale Blow?". His vocals were horrendous. I thought he was going to seriously hurt himself a couple of times. The band was great, Doug and Reb on guitars was a real treat. Enjoyed listening to them but felt kind of bad for David. He was trying but not even close. Of course Judas Priest were incredible. But that's not what this thread is about, now is it :-)

[RJhog]

I just finished listening to Winger's latest (Winger IV). This came out in 2006, while their first release came out in 1988. I know that's only 21 years ago, but that's still quite a long time. Anyway, I think Winger's ability has held up very well. Kip still sings great (of course, he's only in his late 40's), and the band plays very well. Great guitars. Song writing is pretty good. There are about 4 outstanding tracks:

Blue Suede Shoes
Four Leaf Clover
Living Just To Die
Short Flight To Mexico

and for some reason, I kinda like Generica. I don't think Winger ever got much respect, but I like their music. Their songwriting has definitely grown up. Maybe they will put out another album or two over the next 10 years, then we'll see how they are holding up while pushing 60.....

[Jon]

Totally agree on the grown up bit. Not going for the kids nowadays. I think it started with "Pull" since it was a bit harder-edged than their previous output. Heck, it was 13 years between the last 2 albums, wouldn't expect them to be talking about 17 year old girls anymore.

Nah, they never did get respect (maybe because of some of the lyrics), what wasn't really noticed was the musicianship, Kip Winger and Reb Beach are very talented.

[RJhog]

Speaking of "Pull", I think that is a great cd. "Blind Revolution Mad" and "Junkyard Dog" are excellent songs. They definitely showed they could rock it out on that cd. Great cd from top to bottom.

[Scandal2000]

I like the "Pull" album as well and Kip Winger has a couple of decent solo albums no one heard. Winger actually weren't that bad. They were decent players but when Beavis and Butthead decided to goof on them it somehow managed to hurt their credibility. I was more into the heavier bands at the time like Maiden, Priest, Dio, etc and I am a huge fan of the true pioneers like Alice Cooper, Sabbath, etc. It is hard to believe a cartoon could influence the buying public but it killed their career. Pull is a very solid album that was overlooked. I bought that one a few years ago and really like that album.

[Jon]

I have "Songs From The Ocean Floor" by Kip, very good album. Pretty mellow considering the Winger connection.

[RJhog]

Me too, Jon. I have "Songs From The Ocean Floor" as well as "This Conversation Seems Like A Dream". I haven't listen to much of the latter, but so far it is very mellow also. Almost like a jazz/blues/easy rock sound.

[shinyranker]

I caught Winger live in a tiny club in KC last year. They were killer! Get "Winger - Live" the DVD and CD.

[Scandal2000]

Let's see in the last few years:

Sebastain Bach-Angel Down. This is actually a very solid release. It isn't great, but there are some heavy, solid tunes. If you were a fan of Skid Row, consider this album.

Alice Cooper-Along Came A Spider-I am admitted Alice Cooper addict and I am not one of these that can't seem to look past the early Alice years (thru Welcome To My Nightmare) I think some of his best albums have been in the last fifteen years like The Last Temptation and Brutal Planet. However, this one just doesn't work for me. I like the concept but the production destroyed this album. There are a few decent songs and Vengenance is Mine is a great tune, but overall it just isn't that great of an album.