ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 3, 1988 By Steve Newton I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I heard that Edgar Winter and Leon Russell were going to share the same stage, but I did know that I should definitely be there. I was aware that Winter was something of a wildman--prone to leaping about … Continue reading Edgar Winter and Leon Russell knock ’em down and drag ’em out in Vancouver
David Lee Roth shows off manly biceps, a giant surfboard, and Steve Vai on the Skyscraper Tour
kevin statham photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 27, 1988 By Steve Newton Whether you like David Lee Roth or not, there's one thing you've got to admit: the guy's a star. It's hard to take your eyes off him, and few did at the Pacific Coliseum last Saturday (May 21). Whether you're ogling his sexy bod, … Continue reading David Lee Roth shows off manly biceps, a giant surfboard, and Steve Vai on the Skyscraper Tour
Buddy Guy’s autobiography reflects the bittersweet beauty of the blues
By Steve Newton Like the blues itself, the life of Buddy Guy has been all about joy and pain, beauty and sadness. And in his autobiography, When I Left Home, the 81-year-old blues legend tells his tales of hardship and triumph with the same raw, truth-telling vibe you'll pick up from one of his searing guitar solos. … Continue reading Buddy Guy’s autobiography reflects the bittersweet beauty of the blues
Warren Haynes calls Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” one of the most haunting recordings ever
By Steve Newton Gov't Mule is one of my favourite bands, and not just because their original music is so damn fine. Once in a while they'll do a cover of an old blues tune that inspires me to search out previous versions, with wonderful results. Like back in 1998 when they recorded "John the … Continue reading Warren Haynes calls Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” one of the most haunting recordings ever
Album review: Jimmy Barnes, Freight Train Heart (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 3, 1988 By Steve Newton It looks like this transplanted Aussie, the former lead singer for Cold Chisel, has what it takes to make it big in the rock world. First off, he's got a super rock and roll voice--gritty and powerful, not unlike John Fogerty's. He's got great songs, as … Continue reading Album review: Jimmy Barnes, Freight Train Heart (1988)
Album review: Joe Satriani, Surfing with the Alien (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 3, 1988 By Steve Newton Boy, talk about a guitarist's wet dream! This Satriani guy comes up with some of the wildest, most innovative rock guitar sounds in many a day. He even makes Eddie Van Halen sound like a hacker! Okay, so maybe he's not that good. But if you want to … Continue reading Album review: Joe Satriani, Surfing with the Alien (1988)
Album review: Scorpions, Savage Amusement (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 20, 1988 By Steve Newton Well, it's about time. It's been over four years since Germany's top hard-rock act released its last studio album, Love at First Sting. You'd figure the Scorps were having a competition with Def Leppard to see who could hold out the longest. Fortunately, from the … Continue reading Album review: Scorpions, Savage Amusement (1988)
Album review: Tina Turner, Tina Live in Europe (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 20, 1988 By Steve Newton When you're arguably the world's best female rock vocalist, you make friends easily. Tina Turner does, and a lot of those friends show up on her new double-live album, recorded last year in Britain, West Germany, and Sweden. Ms. Turner sings duets with Bryan Adams on … Continue reading Album review: Tina Turner, Tina Live in Europe (1988)
Album review: Kings of the Sun, Kings of the Sun (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 20, 1988 By Steve Newton I'd never heard of these guys before snagging a copy of their debut album, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear plenty from them in the near future, because they're good. Very good. And you'll think so, too, if you crave the kind … Continue reading Album review: Kings of the Sun, Kings of the Sun (1988)
Album review: Megadeth, So Far, So Good…So What? (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 20, 1988 By Steve Newton Another great album title from the young metal dudes that brought you Peace Sells...But Who's Buying? Led by former Metallica member Dave Mustaine, these Yankee headbangers sure do make a racket, from the opening instrumental "Into the Lungs of Hell" to the anti-censorship "Hook … Continue reading Album review: Megadeth, So Far, So Good…So What? (1988)
Album review: Ted Nugent, If You Can’t Lick ‘Em…Lick ‘Em (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 6, 1988 By Steve Newton Ted Nugent used to rock. I mean really rock. The first time I heard "Cat Scratch Fever" I was blown away--and the tune even made it onto AM radio! His first couple of solo albums (after the break-up of the Amboy Dukes) were … Continue reading Album review: Ted Nugent, If You Can’t Lick ‘Em…Lick ‘Em (1988)
Album review: Kingdom Come, Kingdom Come (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 22, 1988 By Steve Newton I don't know about these guys. Displaying your respect for a classic rock band by showing its influence is one thing, but to make a deliberate attempt at being a clone is another. Not to worry, though, because Kingdom Come isn't capable of capturing the essence … Continue reading Album review: Kingdom Come, Kingdom Come (1988)
Album review: Robert Plant, Now and Zen (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON APRIL 22, 1988 By Steve Newton You know how some albums take a while to grow on you? Well, that's what happened with this new Plant LP. The first time I heard it I thought it was crummy, but now that I've listened to it a few times, I don't really think it's bad … Continue reading Album review: Robert Plant, Now and Zen (1988)