Record Reviews

CACTUS ~ TEMPLE OF BLUES CLEOPATRA 889466546327 (Barcode: 889466546327) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is an album attributed to the legendary American Rock band CactusFind albums by this artist, but is in fact a tribute to the band. Although the drummer Carmine AppiceFind albums by this artist, Cactus founding member, plays on all the tracks and produced the album, Cactus guitarist Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist plays on a couple of tracks, and the songs are associated with Cactus repertoire, that’s all that connects this album to Cactus. Does it disturb me? Not one bit! A bunch of excellent American rockers participate on this album, like vocalist Jim StapleyFind albums by this artist, guitarists Joe BonamassaFind albums by this artist, Ted NugentFind albums by this artist, Pat TraversFind albums by this artist and Fernando PerdomoFind albums by this artist, and many others, playing their butts off and spiritually the music is definitely close to the Cactus spirit. The album presents fourteen tracks and one bonus track, which is an alternate version of one of the songs. The music is loud and heavy, as appropriate for the occasion, the musicians can play and Stapley delivers excellent vocal parts, the familiar tunes sound, well… familiar and bring on fond memories. As far as I am concerned this album is a proper tribute, not just an attempt to “ride” on the band’s name / fame. This album will not replace any Cactus album in my collection (I have them all of course), but it can co-exist nicely on the shelf. Overall, this is a great Blues-Rock album, which brings fond memories of the legendary Cactus, one of the greatest American Rock bands ever. On top of the great songs, there is plenty of superb guitar solos, strong vocals and the music simply kicks butt, much due to Appice’s superb drumming, which is still absolutely convincing. Love every minute of this!

Updated: 30/08/2024Posted: 30/08/2024

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

MITCH RYDER ~ SOCKIN` IT TO YOU: THE COMPLETE DYNOVOICE / NEW VOICE RECORDINGS RPM 549 (Barcode: 5013929554924) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1966 - 1967 Released: 2020 This is a 3CD set reissue of the entire early recording legacy by the American vocalist Mitch RyderFind albums by this artist and his group The Detroit WheelsFind albums by this artist, who can be credited for inventing the White Soul genre, but sadly received only marginal recognition over the years. The set includes the first three albums Ryder recorded with his group: “Take A RideFind albums with this title”, “Breakout…!!!Find albums with this title” and “Sock It To MeFind albums with this title”, his solo album “What Now My LoveFind albums with this title” and the complete collection of recorded material that did not appear on these albums, including those released as 45s. Almost all the material was recorded in just two years (1966-1967) and was released on the DynovoiceFind albums on this label and New VoiceFind albums on this label labels owned by producer Bob CreweFind albums by this artist. Ryder was blessed with an incredibly gutsy / throaty voice and a great singing talent and his music was every bit as expressive as that performed by the Afro-American Rhythm And Blues performers, who enjoyed an artistic peak at the time. He was also a great performer on stage. In retrospect it is really interesting to compare his version of the songs written and performed by such great singers as James BrownFind albums by this artist, Sam CookeFind albums by this artist and others. But the bulk of his material was original and written by Crewe, and it stands the test of time brilliantly. Despite the fact that Ryder received relatively little recognition for his pioneering artistry, he influenced many American musicians of later generations, most notably Bruce SpringsteenFind albums by this artist, Ted NugentFind albums by this artist, Winona RyderFind albums by this artist and others. For music lovers not familiar with this material, this wonderfully remastered, well researched and excellently put together collection is a golden opportunity to close a gap in their education and visit a great document of music history. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 14/08/2021

CD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend