Album review: Theory of a Deadman, Gasoline (2005)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 7, 2005 By Steve Newton Sometimes you can get an impression of just how lame a record is by simply reading the song titles. If the artist or band under review can't even think of titles that haven't been used before, it's a sign of trouble. On Gasoline, … Continue reading Album review: Theory of a Deadman, Gasoline (2005)

Album review: Judas Priest, Angel of Retribution (2005)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 3, 2005 By Steve Newton Metalheads the world over have no doubt been pulling the metal-studded wristbands out of the attic in anticipation of the new Judas Priest CD, iron-lunged screamer Rob Halford's first recording with the core lineup since 1990's Painkiller. I for one have been searching around in the … Continue reading Album review: Judas Priest, Angel of Retribution (2005)

Album review: Neal Schon, I on U (2005)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, FEBRUARY 17, 2005 By Steve Newton Yeah, I know, everybody hates Journey. Even I lost interest in them after 1978's Infinity album. But don't take that much-maligned band's corporate-rock shenanigans in the '80s out on ex-Journey guitarist Neal Schon. Don't forget that he made a helluva lotta fine music with … Continue reading Album review: Neal Schon, I on U (2005)

Album review: Bryan Adams, Room Service (2004)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, SEPT. 30, 2004 By Steve Newton Dear Bryan: I just finished listening to your brand new CD, and, well...I know you're from North Van and everything, but listen, dude, it's time to quit writin' all those songs about girls. I hate to break it to you, but girls don't … Continue reading Album review: Bryan Adams, Room Service (2004)

Album review: Johnny Winter, I’m a Bluesman (2004)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, SEPT. 23, 2004 By Steve Newton The saddest thing I think I've ever seen on-stage was Johnny Winter's performance at the Commodore Ballroom a few years back. In his heyday, the albino blues-rocker was an absolutely amazing guitarist--easily up there with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and … Continue reading Album review: Johnny Winter, I’m a Bluesman (2004)

Album review: Velvet Revolver, Contraband (2004)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 24, 2004 By Steve Newton Every time I see that oft-shown video from last year's Guns N' Roses riot of a Vancouver cop smashing an innocent guy's teeth out, I can't believe it. It's not that I can't picture our boys in blue pulling those types of stunts now and again; … Continue reading Album review: Velvet Revolver, Contraband (2004)

Album review: Too Slim and the Taildraggers, Tales of Sin & Redemption (2004)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 27, 2004 By Steve Newton Blues-rock fans who yearn for the down 'n' dirty rock ZZ Top plied during its mid-'70s heyday should check out the eighth release from this Seattle-based trio. Led by singer, songwriter, and primo guitarist Tim "Too Slim" Langford, these veteran boogiemen go hog-wild … Continue reading Album review: Too Slim and the Taildraggers, Tales of Sin & Redemption (2004)

Album review: Harlequin, One False Move (1982)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 11, 1982 By Steve Newton When I first heard One False Move, I was about to write it off as just another pop schlock compilation in the Foreigner/Loverboy mold, but after a few listens songs like "Hard Road" and "It's A Woman You Need" started to grow on me. The bluesiness … Continue reading Album review: Harlequin, One False Move (1982)

Album review: Saga, In Transit (1982)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, AUG. 20, 1982 By Steve Newton This is a live, completely digital recording of songs performed earlier this year in Munich and Copenhagen. Though not a particular fan of keyboard-dominated, pompish rock, I must admit that Saga quite impresses on this latest effort. The band is very tight, the … Continue reading Album review: Saga, In Transit (1982)

Album review: Kiss, Creatures of the Night (1982)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JAN. 21, 1983 By Steve Newton Gather round kiddies, it's time to listen to another album from your favourite cartoon characters, Kiss. Hey kiddies, where are you going? I've got Kiss Army patches and splotches of real Gene Simmons blood! What? The music's lousy? Who cares about the music? … Continue reading Album review: Kiss, Creatures of the Night (1982)

Album review: Aerosmith, Rockin’ the Joint (2005)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JAN. 5, 2006 By Steve Newton The shrink-wrap sticker boasts that the new Aerosmith CD includes live versions, recorded at Las Vegas's Hard Rock Hotel, of "No More No More", "Seasons of Wither", and "Draw the Line". Now, if you're a fan of the quintet's earliest (i.e., best) work, … Continue reading Album review: Aerosmith, Rockin’ the Joint (2005)

Album review: Vivian Campbell, Two Sides of If (2005)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, FEB. 16, 2006 By Steve Newton When Vivian Campbell was a kid he went to see Rory Gallagher at Belfast's Ulster Hall, then rushed home to grab his guitar and imitate the underrated Irish guitar hero. Campbell's still copping those licks, though he doesn't get away with it in … Continue reading Album review: Vivian Campbell, Two Sides of If (2005)

Album review: Aldo Nova, Subject….Aldo Nova (1983)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 25, 1983 By Steve Newton Those who enjoyed Aldo Nova's popular debut album should be quite satisfied with his new release. The thick keyboard/guitar sound that made songs like "Fantasy" big hits last year figures strongly on Subject...Aldo Nova. Particularly impressive is Nova's energized version of Coney Hatch's "Hey Operator", on … Continue reading Album review: Aldo Nova, Subject….Aldo Nova (1983)