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.

[RJhog]

I actually like Along Came A Spider. I'm sort of the opposite of you in that I've never been an Alice fan, but this actually has me wanting to go back and pick up some of his older stuff. I think his voice still sounds great after all of these years (not that he is a great technical vocalist), but he still sounds strong.

[Wombat]

I'm a big Alice fan and also like some his later stuff as much as the classics - Billion Dollar Babies was my first album. I would recommend The Last Temptation as a starting point unless you really do want go to the vintage years - Killer, BDB, Nightmare etc.

[Scandal2000]

That's cool RJ. I am just the opposite, I will take Alice over KISS any day of the week. Just a matter of personal tastes.

[Wayne LaFoy]

I give the debut album from Chickenfoot a grade A, because it's a great kick butt release, for some classic rockers like Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony & Joe Satriani. Hagar has been in as just as many bands as Clapton & this one is one fine supergroup. I hate to say it, but Chickenfoot could possibly last, only one album & one tour, just like Blind Faith 40 years ago. From Soap On A Rope to Oh Yeah, it has that big rock sound, no doubt about it.

[RJhog]

I have another one for you. Journey's newest release, Revelation. First off, I think it's a good album. The band sounds great. Neal Schon is such a good guitar player, and I love the instumental track named "The Journey (Revelation)". But as usual, the big issue w/ Journey is the lead vocals. Arnel Pineda does a good job. I think he sounds like Steve Perry, but a junior version of Perry (that's not meant to be disrespectful). I would be very interested in how this album would have sounded with Perry. His voice is just so strong. The songwriting is good, not great. Without a doubt, the best track by far is "Where Did I Lose Your Love". It is outstanding. "Faith In The Heartland" is pretty good too.
I definitely think Journey can still turn out good music.

[Jon]

It's allright. Not the greatest, it's just kinda there. Maybe a couple songs are good (haven't listened to it for months), just remember that everything seemed to blend together after awhile.

Night Ranger's "Hole In The Sun" from a couple years ago started off great and then just lost it. Liked the first song and that was about it.

Asia's "Phoenix" from last year didn't impress me too much either.

And that's all from Mr Negative for now.

[RJhog]

I have "Phoenix" and plan on listening to it next week. I don't have Night Ranger's latest. I listened to the samples and didn't like it. Same with Chickenfoot, but I believe that will be a Father's Day present.

[rockertilldeath]

I would agree on the Asia. Bought the cd and was excited but when I listened to it I wanted to ask for my money back. It was very weak. I will give it a few more listens but I'm not holding my breath.

[Jon]

I listened to it a couple more times and the feeling didn't change. Kind of a shame, but I guess you can't expect their debut album all over again.

[RJhog]

I got the new Motley Crue disc "Saints Of Los Angeles" for Father's day. I'm not a huge Crue fan, but I do like quite a few of their songs. I did like the "Shout At The Devil" and "Theatre Of Pain" albums. I also liked a few songs from "Girls,Girls,Girls" and "Dr. Feelgood". I've been holding off on Saints because I didn't really like the 30 second samples on iTunes. I should have continued to hold off. I think that as far as how the band sounds, I can't complain. Vince Neil, in my opinion, is not a good vocalist. But he does pretty much sound the way he always has. Outside of the title track, I think the song writing is bad.........too much vulgarity (not that I'm opposed to it, but "This Ain't a Love Song (this is a f*&k song) is not cool). As far as I can remember, The Crue hasn't really been about vulgarity. I guess they felt like they had to change that for the 21st century. I don't know, I just don't like it. My son wants to listen to this cd, but that will not be happening.

[Jon]

I like their latest album...my favorite from them since the Corabi one and favorite Neil one since..um...."Shout At The Devil" I guess. Used to like them, but outgrew them or something.

[Gordon Williams]

Funny how we outgrow, or just get tired of some artists. Motley Crue is one for me, as well as Judas Priest. I listened to both bands so much during the 80's and 90's, that I dont listen to them that much anymore. And I no longer will run out and buy everything they release, like I used to. Its still music I like, I've just moved on to a lot of other artists, who are now in my own "heavy rotation".

"Classic" bands I still listen to a lot include UFO, Savatage, Kings' X, Extreme, Zeppelin, and The Beatles. But these days, I listen to "unknown" bands a lot more.